The physicality in these NBA Playoffs is palpable, and most teams are sensing the shift. Some, like the Oklahoma City Thunder, even seem satisfied by it.

Alexander and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs as favorites to win the NBA championship, and they have done nothing to dissuade the betting public so far after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies.

Regardless of referee trends, Daigneault said all the Thunder want is a consistent whistle. If they're going to rack up the foul count and lengthen NBA games, call it both ways. If they're going to hold their whistle in their lip and let the players decide the outcome, maintain that through 48 games.

Four straight wins in the playoffs are an impressive feat on their own. But when you throw in OKC's poor outside shooting, it makes it even more admirable. Despite averaging 120 points in their series,

The Oklahoma City Thunder saw Chet Holmgren step up in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and he dished on the playoff physicality and his personal shot diet.