Ric examines the dramatic changes Clippers coach Ty Lue made to his starting lineup and playing rotation through the course of the team's successful seven-game series against the Dallas Mavericks and how it may have prepared them for their next series against the Utah Jazz.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the elements that led to the defending champion Lakers being eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the first round, a possible connection between injuries and inefficient play and takes a close look at an overlooked statistic that reflects a profound change in what was once valued in the NBA.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses a potential name for the Boston Celtics' opening that is not on the oddsmaker's list and breaks down why he disagrees with the Warriors' Draymond Green that the Mavericks won Game 5 by limiting Paul George's offensive involvement. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines how Lebron James approached Game 5 vs. the Phoenix Suns without fellow All-Star Anthony Davis to still produce a respectable stat line despite losing 115-85. Also discussed: the one player that could make the Portland Trail Blazers true title contenders.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the uneasy place the 76ers find themselves with Joel Embiid suffering yet another knee injury and a look at what The Process did and didn't accomplish. Also: Kyrie Irving and his contentious relationship with Boston Celtics' fans.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the play of the Knicks' Julius Randle and RJ Barrett in their series against the Atlanta Hawks, why it's been so hard for them to replicate their regular-season performances and whether or not their left-handedness is a contributing factor. Also discussed: Why the Lakers and Clippers both find themselves in series now tied 2-2.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric revises his view of Devin Booker after his series-opening performance against the Lakers as a legit playoff performer and breaks down the parts of his game still missing. Also discussed: Anthony Davis' leg kick and the superlative showing in the East so far not just by one team (Nets) but several.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the similarities between the Warriors keeping Steph Curry in the fold with the decision the 49ers once upon a time had to make on Joe Montana. Also discussed: the divergent paths of Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook and what the Philadelphia 76ers are doing compared to the Brooklyn Nets. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric applauds the Nets making a statement, examines the subplots contained in the Lakers tying their series with the Suns and vents about the Clippers casually slipping into a 2-0 hole against the Mavericks.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the Game 2s between the Heat-Bucks and Blazers-Nuggets and which teams are better built for the allowance of more physical play in the postseason. Also examined: how serious to take Donavan Mitchell being "incensed" that the Jazz medical staff did not allow him to play in Game 1.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.