2024-25 NBA Thread: Big weekend for Halliburtons (171 Viewers)

[sushinsky4tsar]

Hoping for a gentleman's sweep at this point. Good two year run, Wolves.

I'm already over it at this point. Game 1 was their opportunity. Kind of glad this WCF is against a team that won 68 games, easier to just shrug and say whatchya gonna do.

Before anybody says, bandwagon, series doesn't even start until someone leaves at home, I will politely ask if the teams that you cheer for have had a comparable 34-year run since the Twins won a World Series in 1991. No championships across the big four for more than three decades? Not even talking about that. I'm talking about the game or series just to get to the championship:

Twins 0-1, lost ALCS to Angels 2002
Vikings 0-4, Gary Anderson wide left in '99, 41-donut in East Rutherford '01, Favre across his body '10, Philly beatdown in '18
Wild 0-1, lost WCF to Anaheim in '03
Wolves 0-2, working on 0-3

0-for-8, soon to be 0-9

Break it down by the actual game count in those series:

Twins 1-4
Vikings 0-4
Wild 0-4
Wolves 3-8, now 3-10

4-22 .154

It should be noted that these numbers don't take into account:

• Twins 18-game playoff losing streak 2004-2023
• Eight opening round playoff losses for the Wild in ten years and counting
• Seven consecutive opening round playoff losses for the Wolves 1997-2003
• Vikings 0-4 Super Bowl record (pre-1991)

I am greatly appreciative of the Wolves for making back-to-back WCFs. Any other Minnesota team that has popped up and made it to the final four has been a one and done that falls back to earth the next season. But no, I don't see the Wolves "holding court" at home to make a series out of this.

 

[General Malaise]

Hoping for a gentleman's sweep at this point. Good two year run, Wolves.

I'm already over it at this point. Game 1 was their opportunity. Kind of glad this WCF is against a team that won 68 games, easier to just shrug and say whatchya gonna do.

Before anybody says, bandwagon, series doesn't even start until someone leaves at home, I will politely ask if the teams that you cheer for have had a comparable 34-year run since the Twins won a World Series in 1991. No championships across the big four for more than three decades? Not even talking about that. I'm talking about the game or series just to get to the championship:

Twins 0-1, lost ALCS to Angels 2002
Vikings 0-4, Gary Anderson wide left in '99, 41-donut in East Rutherford '01, Favre across his body '10, Philly beatdown in '18
Wild 0-1, lost WCF to Anaheim in '03
Wolves 0-2, working on 0-3

0-for-8, soon to be 0-9

Break it down by the actual game count in those series:

Twins 1-4
Vikings 0-4
Wild 0-4
Wolves 3-8, now 3-10

4-22 .154

It should be noted that these numbers don't take into account:

• Twins 18-game playoff losing streak 2004-2023
• Eight opening round playoff losses for the Wild in ten years and counting
• Seven consecutive opening round playoff losses for the Wolves 1997-2003
• Vikings 0-4 Super Bowl record (pre-1991)

I am greatly appreciative of the Wolves for making back-to-back WCFs. Any other Minnesota team that has popped up and made it to the final four has been a one and done that falls back to earth the next season. But no, I don't see the Wolves "holding court" at home to make a series out of this.

Somebody should start a thread about the dismal days of being a Minnesota sports' fan.

 

[msudaisy26]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

 

[Frostillicus]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

 

[Frostillicus]

Plus we got a guy coming in here specifically to trash our team and our best player! We've arrived!

 

[3 hour lunch]

Hoping for a gentleman's sweep at this point. Good two year run, Wolves.

I'm already over it at this point. Game 1 was their opportunity. Kind of glad this WCF is against a team that won 68 games, easier to just shrug and say whatchya gonna do.

Before anybody says, bandwagon, series doesn't even start until someone leaves at home, I will politely ask if the teams that you cheer for have had a comparable 34-year run since the Twins won a World Series in 1991. No championships across the big four for more than three decades? Not even talking about that. I'm talking about the game or series just to get to the championship:

Twins 0-1, lost ALCS to Angels 2002
Vikings 0-4, Gary Anderson wide left in '99, 41-donut in East Rutherford '01, Favre across his body '10, Philly beatdown in '18
Wild 0-1, lost WCF to Anaheim in '03
Wolves 0-2, working on 0-3

0-for-8, soon to be 0-9

Break it down by the actual game count in those series:

Twins 1-4
Vikings 0-4
Wild 0-4
Wolves 3-8, now 3-10

4-22 .154

It should be noted that these numbers don't take into account:

• Twins 18-game playoff losing streak 2004-2023
• Eight opening round playoff losses for the Wild in ten years and counting
• Seven consecutive opening round playoff losses for the Wolves 1997-2003
• Vikings 0-4 Super Bowl record (pre-1991)

I am greatly appreciative of the Wolves for making back-to-back WCFs. Any other Minnesota team that has popped up and made it to the final four has been a one and done that falls back to earth the next season. But no, I don't see the Wolves "holding court" at home to make a series out of this.

It’s funny because none of that history should matter as it relates to this year, but if you’ve lived through it, it just feels like it does and that winning is impossible. To not make the finals in 34 years in 4 sports is so mathematically improbable, but here we are. Maybe we’re suffocating our teams like Leafs fans….

 

[Mister CIA]

I'm here for the drought to end. Go Spurs Go!

 

[Kev4029]

I think the Thunder are going to go 16-3 in these playoffs.

 

[Capella]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

 

[msudaisy26]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

Better uniforms?

 

[Jayrod]

I think the Thunder are going to go 16-3 in these playoffs.

Probably not. Pacers can get 2 games and Minny wins at least 1.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

If there was any "just happy to be here" mentality last year, and it would be understandable, it's a shame. Last year really felt like the iron was hot and the opportunity was there to get to the final spotlight, if not actually win the thing. At this time last year I was thinking about the threat of Wemby, and how long is that going to take to become the team that makes us say, "what are you gonna do?" in a deep playoff matchup.

Maybe that threat still emerges, but a young team able to throttle down for 68 wins and name their score in the Memphis series and against the Nuggets in game 7 is every bit as terrifying. Not saying the West is going to be unwinnable for years to come, but not sure a team that goes 1-4 & 1-4 or 1-4 & 0-4 in back-to-backs has the makings of something that's going to crack the puzzle. Timberwolves might never have this much depth ever again at their disposal. Doing enough with what's left of the series to sell some glimpse of hope in a potential future matchup is probably as important as anything else that's likely to happen.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

Better uniforms?

The "Duke" / sailor / Stay Puft Marshmallow Man uniforms are terrible (both the white and blue). Doubling down on two tones of blue and completely punting on electric green as an accent was egregious. The dark unis worn in game 1 are much better.

 

[Gr00vus]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

How long is Gobert on the books?

 

[msudaisy26]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

How long is Gobert on the books?

27/28 season, but just because comes off the books doesn't mean they can use that money on free agents. It will depend what apron they are at etc.

 

[Gr00vus]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

How long is Gobert on the books?

27/28 season, but just because comes off the books doesn't mean they can use that money on free agents. It will depend what apron they are at etc.

He raises the floor, but he also fixes the ceiling. They need an upgrade from him in some way (use the resources more effectively, get a better starting C, something). OKC is basically playing him off the floor, they don't need to account for him when the Wolves have the ball. He hasn't contributed enough on D or on the boards to compensate.

 

[identikit]

I know there's wonks in here that will refute this, but Go-Burt has to go if they're going to advance past what we're seeing here.

He plays like one, and is a huge albatross around the team's neck

My

 

[identikit]

I remember, during last year's playoffs, ANT was teaching Go-Burt on how to set a pick correctly during a break.

The young upstart schooling the 10+ year veteran

Tells me that Gobert isn't serious about ever improving the skills he should already have.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Hoping for a gentleman's sweep at this point. Good two year run, Wolves.

I'm already over it at this point. Game 1 was their opportunity. Kind of glad this WCF is against a team that won 68 games, easier to just shrug and say whatchya gonna do.

Before anybody says, bandwagon, series doesn't even start until someone leaves at home, I will politely ask if the teams that you cheer for have had a comparable 34-year run since the Twins won a World Series in 1991. No championships across the big four for more than three decades? Not even talking about that. I'm talking about the game or series just to get to the championship:

Twins 0-1, lost ALCS to Angels 2002
Vikings 0-4, Gary Anderson wide left in '99, 41-donut in East Rutherford '01, Favre across his body '10, Philly beatdown in '18
Wild 0-1, lost WCF to Anaheim in '03
Wolves 0-2, working on 0-3

0-for-8, soon to be 0-9

Break it down by the actual game count in those series:

Twins 1-4
Vikings 0-4
Wild 0-4
Wolves 3-8, now 3-10

4-22 .154

It should be noted that these numbers don't take into account:

• Twins 18-game playoff losing streak 2004-2023
• Eight opening round playoff losses for the Wild in ten years and counting
• Seven consecutive opening round playoff losses for the Wolves 1997-2003
• Vikings 0-4 Super Bowl record (pre-1991)

I am greatly appreciative of the Wolves for making back-to-back WCFs. Any other Minnesota team that has popped up and made it to the final four has been a one and done that falls back to earth the next season. But no, I don't see the Wolves "holding court" at home to make a series out of this.

Somebody should start a thread about the dismal days of being a Minnesota sports' fan.

Oh wow, you were serious. Sorry, and good call. Usually don't stray over into the free-for-all.

 

[Frostillicus]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

Dillingham, Clark, and Shannon are a really interesting young group. Jaden shows flashes of adding consistent offense to his defense. Ant is the next Jordan. Some brilliant trade.

I dunno. Maybe PEDs.

 

[Frostillicus]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

Dillingham, Clark, and Shannon are a really interesting young group. Jaden shows flashes of adding consistent offense to his defense. Ant is the next Jordan. Some brilliant trade.

I dunno. Maybe PEDs.

You guys could really use those 4 first round picks you traded to get Gobert now, eh?

Maybe some egghead team will trade you 3 first rounders for him.

I dunno. Two conference finals is worth more to me than 4 picks in the 20s.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

Dillingham, Clark, and Shannon are a really interesting young group. Jaden shows flashes of adding consistent offense to his defense. Ant is the next Jordan. Some brilliant trade.

I dunno. Maybe PEDs.

You guys could really use those 4 first round picks you traded to get Gobert now, eh?

Maybe some egghead team will trade you 3 first rounders for him.

The thing is, they have more talent than they'll be able to retain anyway. We have yet to pay a pick that really hurts and while '25 is a deep class, they were able to luck into Detroit's #16(?) in the KAT trade.

I don't think '26 pick swap will be of any consequence. I don't think the '27 1st will be of consequence, but tbd. 2029 has a chance to hurt without knowing the future.

With all that said, Gobert was not the guy to go all-in on if you're trying to win a championship. It would also be wrong to say that he hasn't been a big part of getting the team to back-to-back conference finals. We'll see if that playoff experience that we're gaining ever pays off in any meaningful way.

 

[msudaisy26]

The Twolves need to try to thread the needle the next couple of years. They need to try do what Celtics with acquiring Derrick White. Find a cheap guy that will fit in with what they already have. It won't be easy.

 

[msudaisy26]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1926053266913099925

All NBA teams.

 

[Mister CIA]

The Twolves need to try to thread the needle the next couple of years. They need to try do what Celtics with acquiring Derrick White. Find a cheap guy that will fit in with what they already have. It won't be easy.

Not saying I'd do this, as I like Julian Champaignie, but his two years remaining at $3M/yr is a great contract for a guy that's about 70% Danny Green already, and still developing. Also, last year the Spurs shipped their second 1st round pick to Minnesota; Spurs have this years 14th. Now, throw in Devin Vassell's $27M deal (4 years remaining) into a three-way discussion and maybe Wolves can get relief from Randle.

I seem to have a lot of free time on my hands for internet GM'ing.

 

[msudaisy26]

Knicks look like they have a game one hangover.

 

[identikit]

Looked like Turner went into the locker room

 

[Yo Mama]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1926053266913099925

All NBA teams.

LeBron now has one more all-nba award than Magic and Bird combined.

 

[msudaisy26]

Has anyone ever committed more dumb fouls than KAT?

 

[identikit]

Offensive rebounds continue to kill the Pacers

 

[msudaisy26]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1926053266913099925

All NBA teams.

LeBron now has one more all-nba award than Magic and Bird combined.

I am in the camp that believes if the all time greats had the advancements that athletes today have they would have had longer careers.

Not to take anything away from Lebron he is still one of the greatest players ever and well ahead of Magic and Bird on that list. I just think some of these longevity records aren't quite as impressive because of the changes that have lengthen careers.

 

[identikit]

Has anyone ever committed more dumb fouls than KAT?

He only has one (dumb) foul tonight

So far

 

[msudaisy26]

Has anyone ever committed more dumb fouls than KAT?

He only has one (dumb) foul tonight

So far

I feel like he averages about two a game.

 

[Frostillicus]

I am not sure if this is a positive or not, but last year the T Wolves looked like they were just happy to be in the WCF. I don't think they were over matched by the Mavs, they just lacked experience.

This season they just look like they can't beat the Thunder.

So I guess that is some growth.

This how I look at it too. OKC isn't a team they're on the level of. And that's ok. OKC won 68 games, and most of those wins were by double-digits. Just watching the games you can see they are an elite team. This team has definitely grown since last year, and now the next Michael Jordan and Jaden (the next Scottie Pippen) have two years of Conference Finals games under their belts at a really young age - which was the reason for the Gobert trade as stated by Connelly - to get playoff reps.

The thing is, other than Ant ascending, which he will, how do the Wolves improve?

Dillingham, Clark, and Shannon are a really interesting young group. Jaden shows flashes of adding consistent offense to his defense. Ant is the next Jordan. Some brilliant trade.

I dunno. Maybe PEDs.

You guys could really use those 4 first round picks you traded to get Gobert now, eh?

Maybe some egghead team will trade you 3 first rounders for him.

I dunno. Two conference finals is worth more to me than 4 picks in the 20s.

Right, my point is I think you could have done that without trading for Gobert. I don't think he is the reason your team has made it this far.

In some matchups you can't even start the guy. Just being cheeky, I'm a Bulls fan and would give my left nut to be in your situation.

I haven't watched meaningful basketball in over a decade. God bless.

Definitely maybe. One thing to remember is it was supposed to be Ant, KAT, and Gobert. The new CBA is the reason they had to break that up.

 

[Frostillicus]

Has anyone ever committed more dumb fouls than KAT?

No. Trust me.

 

[identikit]

Worried about the excessive fouls and the poor defensive rebounding for the Pacers

 

[msudaisy26]

Worried about the excessive fouls and the poor defensive rebounding for the Pacers

I am very torn on this series. I like the Pacers and they are fun to watch, but I want this series to go seven and I could win a fair amount of money if we have a Knicks vs OKC final.

 

[identikit]

Worried about the excessive fouls and the poor defensive rebounding for the Pacers

I am very torn on this series. I like the Pacers and they are fun to watch, but I want this series to go seven and I could win a fair amount of money if we have a Knicks vs OKC final.

Hope you lose

No offense

 

[msudaisy26]

Worried about the excessive fouls and the poor defensive rebounding for the Pacers

I am very torn on this series. I like the Pacers and they are fun to watch, but I want this series to go seven and I could win a fair amount of money if we have a Knicks vs OKC final.

Hope you lose

No offense

I am going to win some money no matter what, but my highest return is with the Knicks vs Thunder.

 

[Capella]

Btw I would just like to mention Lebron got named to his 21st all-NBA team today. Ridiculous.

 

[mr. furley]

Has anyone ever committed more dumb fouls than KAT?

#2 can't possibly be close

 

[mr. furley]

right on time, KAT

 

[identikit]

Great game

 

[identikit]

Free throws

Oy

 

[msudaisy26]

Siakim is having a game.

 

[identikit]

Win the 4th, win the game

 

[identikit]

No let up, Pacers!

 

[Jayrod]

Pacers pushing the ball has been paying off a ton. Getting consistently easier buckets than the Knicks.

 

[Gr00vus]

Need to get Brunson back in now.

 

[identikit]

Free throws