2023-24 NBA (Playoffs!) Thread: “this team is really good” a terrified Minnesota fan mumbles to himself (50 Viewers)

[Major]

A team as good as Denver should not have jerseys this hideous. Jokic’s whole prime is going to be worn in gimmicky Mile High City and 5280 jerseys.

Why they ever left the classic Rocky Mountain skyline is beyond me: https://www.mitchellandness.com/swingman-jersey-denver-nuggets-1991-92-dikembe-mutombo-smjyac1

 

[scoobus]

A team as good as Denver should not have jerseys this hideous. Jokic’s whole prime is going to be worn in gimmicky Mile High City and 5280 jerseys.

Why they ever left the classic Rocky Mountain skyline is beyond me: https://www.mitchellandness.com/swingman-jersey-denver-nuggets-1991-92-dikembe-mutombo-smjyac1

The baby blues with gold trim are still the best looking to me.

 

[Kev4029]

A team as good as Denver should not have jerseys this hideous. Jokic’s whole prime is going to be worn in gimmicky Mile High City and 5280 jerseys.

My Nuggets podcast (DNVR) was saying exactly this in the Lakers-Nuggets previews.

 

[Kev4029]

I am not sure Jokic.would be able to dunk if he wasn't 7 feet tall, and that is awesome.

Reportedly had a 16" max vert or something after being drafted. That is probably below average for your average 19 year old that never played competitive basketball.

 

[Kev4029]

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

 

[Instinctive]

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

Just think if they had KCP and Caruso instead of Russell. Among all the other moves.

 

[MAC_32]

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

He's tried to do this at each of his stops. LA repeated the mistakes of Cleveland rd 1

 

[Jayrod]

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

He made his bed and can lie in it.

 

[Kev4029]

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

He's tried to do this at each of his stops. LA repeated the mistakes of Cleveland rd 1

In his first stop in Cle, I blame management 100% for how bad that team was. Otherwise, Management is in a tough spot - have LeBron dictating some of the personnel decisions was always worth have LeBron the player. In LA specifically, he probably isn't much worse at team management than the rest of the Lakers management.

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

Just think if they had KCP and Caruso instead of Russell. Among all the other moves.

Caruso is one of those dumb moves that seemingly had nothing to do with Lebron. That was strictly a money move for one of the most profitable franchises in all of professional sports.

 

[Capella]

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

Lebron the GM has often been at odds with Lebron the player.

 

[Capella]

Yea Bron and AD were awesome and the Lakers still have no chance. Supporting cast sucks.

I really hope Bron spends his last few years on a legit contender. I don’t know the cap situations but going to a place like the Knicks would be awesome. I assume he just wants to stay in LA.

The irony of it all is that he pushed management to do all the dumb **** that ruined the roster. Pull a KD and come to Denver.

He made his bed and can lie in it.

Lol he doesn’t have to lay in it. He’s a free agent in 8 weeks. He can do what he wants.

 

[Anarchy99]

Furthering my re-engineered standings for games with only playoff teams vs.playoff teams, here were the regular season scoring differentials. As expected, things look way different when the 30 point blowouts against bottom feeders are eliminated. Also, the bandwidth is pretty tight for teams in the middle here. I couldn't figure out a way to get net ratings, so point differential will have to do.

BOS +6.7
MIN +3.4
OKC +3.3
DEN +1.9
MIL +1.5
PHO +0.6
IND +0.2
LAL -0.6
LAC -0.9
NYK -0.9
PHI -1.5
NOP -2.0
ORL -2.4
MIA -2.4
CLE -2.8
DAL -4.5

 

[thecatch]

Just read Porter's other brother killed someone while driving intoxicated. What a family.

 

[Stoneworker]

Just read Porter's other brother killed someone while driving intoxicated. What a family.

MPJ is a great kid. Kudos for him showing resilience and maintaining focus last night given all his family issues. 19 pts, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks.

 

[Stoneworker]

MPJ post-game interview. Judge all you want.

 

[Kev4029]

Furthering my re-engineered standings for games with only playoff teams vs.playoff teams, here were the regular season scoring differentials. As expected, things look way different when the 30 point blowouts against bottom feeders are eliminated. Also, the bandwidth is pretty tight for teams in the middle here. I couldn't figure out a way to get net ratings, so point differential will have to do.

BOS +6.7
MIN +3.4
OKC +3.3
DEN +1.9
MIL +1.5
PHO +0.6
IND +0.2
LAL -0.6
LAC -0.9
NYK -0.9
PHI -1.5
NOP -2.0
ORL -2.4
MIA -2.4
CLE -2.8
DAL -4.5

The average NBA pace is 98.5 and everybody is between 102.7 and 95.2, so it's close enough.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

MIA +14 today...
Hmmmmm

-I know Butler is out but sometimes others can fill the void and at least keep it closer than 2 touchdowns.
Bos 112...Mia 99, that works

 

[Ministry of Pain]

MIA +14 today...
Hmmmmm

-I know Butler is out but sometimes others can fill the void and at least keep it closer than 2 touchdowns.
Bos 112...Mia 99, that works

14-0 Boston to open the game
Miami burns a timeout less than 2 minutes into the 1st

 

[msudaisy26]

MIA +14 today...
Hmmmmm

-I know Butler is out but sometimes others can fill the void and at least keep it closer than 2 touchdowns.
Bos 112...Mia 99, that works

That seems like a really good bet because the Celtics seem like a team that gets bored easily and will let teams make little runs.

 

[Jayrod]

I'm really enjoying the Mike Breen, Doris & JJ commentary team.

This is a great trio and glad they will be working the Finals.

 

[ShamrockPride]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

 

[Kev4029]

I'm really enjoying the Mike Breen, Doris & JJ commentary team.

This is a great trio and glad they will be working the Finals.

I think JJ is my favorite NBA personality going and it might not be close. He has a unique combination of eloquence, understanding, access (well liked former NBAer), and platform (ESPN). Plus, he seems like a dude that watches a **** ton of basketball.

Him, Zach Lowe, Nate Duncan (who I know is unliked by some), and Kevin Pelton seem to deliver the most informed and thoughtful takes and show very little coastal bias.

 

[identikit]

Looks like that +14 ain't gonna hold up

massacre-ish

 

[Kev4029]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

At least they know they can rely on Harden to pick up the playoff slack.

 

[Jayrod]

Looks like that +14 ain't gonna hold up

massacre-ish

I wouldn't give up on the combination of Celtic's malaise and Spoelstra getting his team to play hard just yet. Boston will still win, but they will probably be sleepwalking through the 4th.

 

[Instinctive]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

At least they know they can rely on Harden to pick up the playoff slack.

Let's hope!

 

[msudaisy26]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

He is such a fascinating player. He is so good when healthy and would be a top 5 player in the league if he could play 70 + games a year.

I am not sure if he is soft and can't play through injuries, if his falling out with the Spurrs caused him to lose all trust in medical staffs that if he doesn't feel 100 percent then he ain't playing or if he had a legit career shortening injury with the Spurs and now he is just managing his career to make as much money as possible.

 

[Kev4029]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

He is such a fascinating player. He is so good when healthy and would be a top 5 player in the league if he could play 70 + games a year.

I am not sure if he is soft and can't play through injuries, if his falling out with the Spurrs caused him to lose all trust in medical staffs that if he doesn't feel 100 percent then he ain't playing or if he had a legit career shortening injury with the Spurs and now he is just managing his career to make as much money as possible.

I suspect it's a combination of all of the above. He might also be one of those types of guys that doesn't really love basketball and he's not willing to risk his post-NBA health on a job.

 

[msudaisy26]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

He is such a fascinating player. He is so good when healthy and would be a top 5 player in the league if he could play 70 + games a year.

I am not sure if he is soft and can't play through injuries, if his falling out with the Spurrs caused him to lose all trust in medical staffs that if he doesn't feel 100 percent then he ain't playing or if he had a legit career shortening injury with the Spurs and now he is just managing his career to make as much money as possible.

I suspect it's a combination of all of the above. He might also be one of those types of guys that doesn't really love basketball and he's not willing to risk his post-NBA health on a job.

I am kind of with you on this. It is so odd that all his injuries seem to be knee related. Not ankle. I would love to find out what actually happened with him and the Spurs.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Looks like that +14 ain't gonna hold up

massacre-ish

Heat massacred in the Garden, good headline

 

[Instinctive]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

He is such a fascinating player. He is so good when healthy and would be a top 5 player in the league if he could play 70 + games a year.

I am not sure if he is soft and can't play through injuries, if his falling out with the Spurrs caused him to lose all trust in medical staffs that if he doesn't feel 100 percent then he ain't playing or if he had a legit career shortening injury with the Spurs and now he is just managing his career to make as much money as possible.

I suspect it's a combination of all of the above. He might also be one of those types of guys that doesn't really love basketball and he's not willing to risk his post-NBA health on a job.

I am kind of with you on this. It is so odd that all his injuries seem to be knee related. Not ankle. I would love to find out what actually happened with him and the Spurs.

So would the Spurs.

 

[msudaisy26]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

He is such a fascinating player. He is so good when healthy and would be a top 5 player in the league if he could play 70 + games a year.

I am not sure if he is soft and can't play through injuries, if his falling out with the Spurrs caused him to lose all trust in medical staffs that if he doesn't feel 100 percent then he ain't playing or if he had a legit career shortening injury with the Spurs and now he is just managing his career to make as much money as possible.

I suspect it's a combination of all of the above. He might also be one of those types of guys that doesn't really love basketball and he's not willing to risk his post-NBA health on a job.

I am kind of with you on this. It is so odd that all his injuries seem to be knee related. Not ankle. I would love to find out what actually happened with him and the Spurs.

So would the Spurs.

They know, they just aren't saying anything. Same with Kawhi

 

[identikit]

Looks like that +14 ain't gonna hold up

massacre-ish

I wouldn't give up on the combination of Celtic's malaise and Spoelstra getting his team to play hard just yet. Boston will still win, but they will probably be sleepwalking through the 4th.

LOL

Here it comes

 

[Jayrod]

Looks like that +14 ain't gonna hold up

massacre-ish

I wouldn't give up on the combination of Celtic's malaise and Spoelstra getting his team to play hard just yet. Boston will still win, but they will probably be sleepwalking through the 4th.

LOL

Here it comes

See.

I know this team. When they shoot great for 3 quarters, they get real lazy and the Heat are just the team to take advantage of it.

 

[Instinctive]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

He is such a fascinating player. He is so good when healthy and would be a top 5 player in the league if he could play 70 + games a year.

I am not sure if he is soft and can't play through injuries, if his falling out with the Spurrs caused him to lose all trust in medical staffs that if he doesn't feel 100 percent then he ain't playing or if he had a legit career shortening injury with the Spurs and now he is just managing his career to make as much money as possible.

I suspect it's a combination of all of the above. He might also be one of those types of guys that doesn't really love basketball and he's not willing to risk his post-NBA health on a job.

I am kind of with you on this. It is so odd that all his injuries seem to be knee related. Not ankle. I would love to find out what actually happened with him and the Spurs.

So would the Spurs.

They know, they just aren't saying anything. Same with Kawhi

Oh I didn't know you were there. Carry on.

 

[msudaisy26]

I see it's time for Kawhi's annual Playoff Vacation while his team gets their *** booted from the 1st round.

He is such a fascinating player. He is so good when healthy and would be a top 5 player in the league if he could play 70 + games a year.

I am not sure if he is soft and can't play through injuries, if his falling out with the Spurrs caused him to lose all trust in medical staffs that if he doesn't feel 100 percent then he ain't playing or if he had a legit career shortening injury with the Spurs and now he is just managing his career to make as much money as possible.

I suspect it's a combination of all of the above. He might also be one of those types of guys that doesn't really love basketball and he's not willing to risk his post-NBA health on a job.

I am kind of with you on this. It is so odd that all his injuries seem to be knee related. Not ankle. I would love to find out what actually happened with him and the Spurs.

So would the Spurs.

They know, they just aren't saying anything. Same with Kawhi

Oh I didn't know you were there. Carry on.

No, I am just not arrogant enough to think I have all the answers or believe that one side is completely innocent in the matter without proof.

 

[identikit]

OK

Let's have a good, close game here

 

[Jayrod]

OK

Let's have a good, close game here

No Kawhi hurts, but these are 2 teams with the talent to make the Finals. Hoping for 7 good games.

 

[Instinctive]

Rough first quarter so far.

 

[Jayrod]

OK

Let's have a good, close game here

I'm blaming you for this debacle.

 

[identikit]

Rough half

Oy

 

[Instinctive]

Looks like Illinois UConn. Even if you account for the ridiculous Harden foul baiting (somehow the only playoff game that crap has been called) it's still a 20 point game lol.

Beat off the dribble. Turning it over. Beat on the glass. Beat on intensity. Beat on running actual offensive motion.

Let's see the second half I guess but this is embarrassing.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Did the Mavs score a total of 8 points in the second quarter or is that a typo?

 

[mr. furley]

Did the Mavs score a total of 8 points in the second quarter or is that a typo?

that's correct. 8 pts in the 2nd quarter.

eta: followed by 34 in the 3rd quarter.

 

[Instinctive]

We've reached the point in the game where if both teams shot the same % from three as their season averages, Dallas would be up. We'll see how long the 4th quarter run lasts. Either it keeps up for the next 3-4 minutes and this is an awesome game, or I think it stops coming ATO and that's it.

 

[Instinctive]

Paul George with some outstanding shot making. Even with the extra curriculars here I think this one's over from that little spurt. Would take a lot of crazy stuff now to turn it.

 

[identikit]

OK

Let's have a good, close game here

OK...

Another try

 

[msudaisy26]

Other than the Knicks and 76ers these games have been very anticlimactic. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.

 

[General Malaise]

And to think we could have had THE Tyler Herro for washed up Dame. What could have been in Portland. :(

 

[Major]

Other than the Knicks and 76ers these games have been very anticlimactic. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.

Yep even for the seemingly evenly matched series'. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the teams who got blown out end up stomping their opponents in G2. Welcome to the bipolar NBA.