The first round of the playoffs is living up to its hype this year. The New York Knicks have lit the torch, the Denver Nuggets are back to a familiar place, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have also finally won a series. With a few matchups left to go, the media attention on the conferences is at an all-time high. However, Paul Pierce believes there is one team in the West that is being slept on. In fact, the low national attention annoyed the Boston Celtics icon. 

Antony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves were put under the spotlight after they demolished the Phoenix Suns 4-0 in the first round. Anyhow, they are not the only team who swept their opponents. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by 25-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, gave the New Orleans Pelicans no chance in the first round. 

Pierce shared on the All the Smoke podcast about the OKC vs the Pelicans, “That really didn’t get no national attention. You know what’s crazy how people is forgetting. We talking about all the other teams but OKC is number one in the West and they ain’t just getting no press. They swept.”

This is not the first time Pierce has endorsed the young Thunder team. They have been truly phenomenal all season, and they are the youngest team ever in the NBA to win a playoff series. OKC did not even make it to the playoffs last season, but this year, they finished first in a tight Western Conference. Also, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged an impressive 27.3 points in the first round. Sadly, they have not been highlighted enough for their historic achievements in a single season. 

Pierce has given the Thunder their flowers, but he has a small doubt about them when it comes to surpassing the second round. 

Who does Paul Pierce have between the Mavericks and the Thunder? 

The Mavericks have finally defeated the Clippers 4-2 to advance to the conference semi-finals. Now the stage is set for the Thunder and the Mavericks, which will be one of the most competitive match-ups in the playoffs this season. Although Pierce loves the OKC unit, he might not bet on them when Luka Doncic is in the conversation. 

Pierce told in the above podcast, “If Dallas wins, I’m not sure OKC can get there. If I’m betting, I’m betting on Dallas. I’m betting Dallas cause they been in the playoffs every year. They got arguably the best player.” Also, Pierce believes the Thunder beat a “depleted” Pelicans. Zion Williamson was sidelined due to an injury, which was an advantage for Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. However, the Mavericks are healthy, and in good form, entering the Semi-Finals. We will wait and watch what’s about to happen. 

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