I still remember the final buzzer of the 2017-2018 NBA playoffs like it was yesterday—the mix of exhaustion and exhilaration that defined one of the most unpredictable postseasons in recent memory. Having followed basketball religiously for over two decades, I’ve come to appreciate how certain moments don’t just decide championships; they reshape legacies, franchises, and sometimes even the league itself. This particular playoff run was packed with exactly that kind of drama, and looking back, it’s clear why it remains a topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike. It’s a bit like what Enriquez-Yabao mentioned about expanding successful ventures—whether you're talking about a driving range in Nuvali or a playoff-caliber team, when you find something that works in one context, you naturally want to replicate that success elsewhere. In the NBA, that often means adapting strategies, whether it’s a coach tweaking a defensive scheme or a star player elevating their game when it matters most.

Let’s start with LeBron James’s performance throughout the playoffs, which was nothing short of historic. I mean, the man averaged 34 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9 assists per game while carrying the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back all the way to the Finals. One moment that stands out vividly is his game-winning buzzer-beater in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. With just three seconds left, he caught an inbound pass, dribbled once, and launched a contested three-pointer that swished through the net as time expired. I remember watching that shot and thinking, "This is why he’s in the conversation for the greatest of all time." It wasn’t just the skill—it was the sheer will to win, something you can’t teach or replicate easily. Similarly, the Houston Rockets’ Chris Paul hitting a clutch three-pointer in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors showcased how a single play can shift momentum. Paul finished with 20 points that night, but that shot felt larger than the stat sheet, giving the Rockets a 3-2 series lead before his hamstring injury changed everything.

Then there was the coming-out party for the Boston Celtics’ young stars, particularly Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum’s dunk over LeBron in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals was iconic—a rookie fearlessly taking on the king, even if the Celtics fell short. I’ve always admired how coach Brad Stevens built that team, much like how a business expands strategically; as Enriquez-Yabao noted, "If we have one in the south, definitely we wanted to have one here in Central Luzon." In basketball terms, the Celtics were planting flags with young talent, ensuring they had depth and versatility across the board. Another unforgettable moment was Kevin Durant’s back-to-back three-pointers in Game 3 of the Finals, which essentially sealed the Warriors’ victory and his second Finals MVP. Durant averaged 28.8 points in that series, and those shots were a reminder of his unstoppable scoring ability when the pressure is highest.

But it wasn’t all about the superstars. Role players like the Cavaliers’ Kyle Korver hitting critical threes or the Warriors’ Shaun Livingston providing steady bench production showed how depth can make or break a playoff run. I recall Korver’s four three-pointers in Game 4 against the Raptors—each one felt like a dagger, and it highlighted how shooters can stretch defenses in ways that open up the game. On the flip side, the Rockets’ infamous 0-for-27 three-point shooting stretch in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals was a brutal collapse. As a fan, it was heartbreaking to watch; as an analyst, it underscored the importance of shot selection and mental toughness under pressure. Honestly, I think if Chris Paul had been healthy, we might be talking about a different champion altogether.

Defensive plays often get overlooked, but they were just as pivotal. Draymond Green’s steal and dunk in Game 1 of the Finals, where he read the passing lane perfectly, exemplified the Warriors’ switch-heavy defense that disrupted opponents all postseason. And let’s not forget the Raptors’ OG Anunoby’s game-tying three-pointer in Game 3 against the Cavaliers—a shot that forced overtime and gave Toronto a flicker of hope, even if they ultimately lost the series. These moments remind me that playoffs are a test of adaptability, much like expanding a business model; you need to adjust to new challenges, whether it’s a rival team’s strategy or market demands.

Reflecting on it all, the 2017-2018 playoffs were a masterclass in narrative twists and individual brilliance. From LeBron’s heroics to the Warriors’ clinical execution, each game-changing play added layers to the story. In my view, this season reinforced that basketball, at its core, is about seizing opportunities—much like how successful ventures grow by building on what works. As the finals wrapped up with the Warriors sweeping the Cavaliers, it felt like the end of an era in some ways, but also a testament to how dynasties are built one unforgettable moment at a time. If I had to pick a favorite, it’d be LeBron’s buzzer-beater against the Pacers—it had that raw, emotional punch that makes sports worth watching year after year.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.