Ric looks at the results of Game 1s played over the weekend in each of the eight playoff series and what we should and shouldn't take away from the results, including upsets by the Grizzlies, Blazers, Mavericks and Suns. Also: a brief ode to the toughness and leadership of Suns point guard Chris Paul.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the Memphis Grizzlies' overtime play-in win that ended the Golden State Warriors and star guard Steph Curry's season and why Ja Morant is set up for success far better than New Orleans Pelicans' All-Star Zion Williamson.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the obstacles today's men and women face covering the league and how the Wizards turned the tables on the Indiana Pacers in their play-in game to advance to face the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric takes a close look at the theatrics and desultory performances by the superstars in the Lakers' 103-100 win over the Warriors in their play-in game and what it means for the two teams' playoff fortunes going forward.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric looks at the results of the first play-in games and explains how the ultra-competitive Hornets owner Michael Jordan views his franchise, as well as how ultra-energy guy Russell Westbrook's fatal flaw hurt the Wizards against the Celtics.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses Tim Duncan's Hall of Fame induction speech and examines the clamor for Warriors guard Steph Curry as this year's MVP. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines the Oklahoma City Thunder's complete and unapologetic commitment to losing for the last two months and why the league has not said a word about one of the most overt tanking jobs in NBA history.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric examines how the pandemic could affect the way selected media cast their votes for the NBA's regular season awards and the various methods teams have tried to influence his vote.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses why the current Golden State Warriors' stars, Steph Curry and Draymond Green, are uniquely suited to lead the band of unknown and unsung players around them.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric offers a few takeaways from the Lakers' overtime win against the Knicks and explains why Russell Westbrook surpassing Oscar Robertson's career record for triple-doubles hasn't garnered him more respect.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.