Official 2024 NBA Playoffs Thread

[Thread]

Sad the way Thibodeau has completely run Josh Hart into the ground and now the Knicks are dead in the water


he runs every player into the ground... His peak is to be an assistant.

If those 2 didn't grant permission for Thibs to go to the crop Thibs a never had went to the said crop. Every American male Black/White wants that crop as a test. "Will it bring something out from deep inside me, honey (his wife) that ain't been farmed already? I want that ring, for us both and the children."

"Then do it, I'll be here win or lose, live or die. You won't have to look twice. Ever. It's my religion."

[Thread]

Exactly, its a forgone conclusion that Boston will be in the finals.

And MSM will wait till it's imminent for Boston and then they'll open up the (18) ledger. Just as sure as the turnin' of the earth.

And I'll be impotent to bitch. I wanted them Celtics in the Finals lurch just in case the Suns came East in June.

I'd have to take it like a trouper.

[Ef-man]

Sad the way Thibodeau has completely run Josh Hart into the ground and now the Knicks are dead in the water

The idiot never works on developing bench rotation during regular season and then wonders why he has a piss poor rotation later in season.

Also, fuck him for overplaying Derrick Rose in Chicago.

[Robz4000]

Retarded waste of a challenge by Kidd. Gotta go the rest of the game without one now.

[Tyronn Lue]

How do you foul the 3pt shooter instead of making him make it? Jesus.

[baseline bum]

WCF gonna be epic whoever wins tomorrow night

[Tyronn Lue]

WCF gonna be epic whoever wins tomorrow night
Unlike the ECF

[baseline bum]

Unlike the ECF

ROFL that's going to be as bad as Spurs-Jazz 07 with the Knicks beat to shit and Haliburton looking nothing like his pre-hamstring injury form.

[baseline bum]

Gotta say so far the WC playoffs have been every bit as awesome as I had been anticipating coming into them.

[GAustex]

Last play Luka got lucky cause he waited to long

[Raven]

well well well, look at that..

[bdictjames]

Anybody else get flashes of Manu fouling Dirk, when seeing Shai's late-game foul of PJ Washington?

[FrostKing]

All Euro Final in the West?

[Tyronn Lue]

Anybody else get flashes of Manu fouling Dirk, when seeing Shai's late-game foul of PJ Washington?Not Dirk, but Harden.
Guys that play hard like Shai does have a hard time not playing every play hard. Manu on Harden could have fouled in a similar fashion, but he got all ball. Harden could easily just missed but Manu went at that like he had to block it.

[GAustex]

All Euro Final in the West?

Something something about counting chickens when there are only eggs

[FrostKing]

Something something about counting chickens when there are only eggs
Gobert is my cop out :lol

[GAustex]

Gobert is my cop out :lol

Touché

[lefty]

WCF gonna be epic whoever wins tomorrow night

And it’s on TNT this year

Phew

[Raven]

I went with dallas to win it all, but i can see minnesota as being an awful matchup given their frontcourt would get destroyed, but anyone else i think dallas got this.

[Tyronn Lue]

Did Haliburton just take like 5 steps before that 3? :lol

[Robz4000]

Pacers taking the Knicks behind the woodshed tbh.

[baseline bum]

Starks once again being a douche and walking out on the floor.

[Robz4000]

Starks once again being a douche and walking out on the floor.

Is he the guy in the blue shirt who walked out and grabbed the ball?

[Tyronn Lue]

Starks once again being a douche and walking out on the floor.
Guess the grocery store where he works is closed today.

[baseline bum]

Is he the guy in the blue shirt who walked out and grabbed the ball?

Yeah he did the same shit in Game 5

[Robz4000]

Yeah he did the same shit in Game 5

:lol det privilege

[Tyronn Lue]

If Doris gets any more wet talking about Mahomes during NBA games, she'll slide out of the booth.

[Tyronn Lue]

Bobby Bacala!

[Obstructed_View]

If Doris gets any more wet talking about Mahomes during NBA games, she'll slide out of the booth.
My brain just vomited in my skull.

[Robz4000]

Welp, Pacers choking.

[Raven]

how do you allow 70 points in a game 7 lol

[Robz4000]

Brunson fractured his hand.

[Brazil]

I probably have better handles than divincenzo tbh :lol

[Brazil]

Also :lol Knicks

[Tyronn Lue]

:lol see avatar

[Obstructed_View]

Screamin A Smith's feed is full of lolling Cowboys fans.

[lefty]

Also :lol Knicks

https://twitter.com/knicksmuse/status/1792334574371950986

[Tyronn Lue]

Denver has turned this game into a FT shooting contest. Boring.

[Robz4000]

Feels like Denver should be up more tbh. Minny has to be happy for it to be this close with Edwards being a no-show thus far.

[skin27]

:lolface of the NBA

[Raven]

edwards is getting his go to school moment.. alexander-walker also isn't cutting it.

[Robz4000]

Gotta give KAT credit, he's showing up huge when his team needs him most.

[skin27]

Her comes the wolves

[Tyronn Lue]

If Denver had a bench they'd be dangerous.

[Tyronn Lue]

:lolface of the NBA
Haven't you learned about premature ejaculation?

[skin27]

Haven't you learned about premature ejaculation?

Kat carried him in this game tbh

[ffadicted]

It aint about how you start...

[Robz4000]

Game.

[FrostKing]

Wow Murray not even attempting shots?

What's wrong with him.

[Tyronn Lue]

Refs fucking the Wolves but they are still winning. Outscored by what 25 since the half?

[Robz4000]

Mike Malone has to take the heat for this collapse. Absolutely terrible coaching that whole second half.

[Robz4000]

Denver straight quit.

[Tyronn Lue]

Denver straight quit.
I saw that too, actually in the 2nd.

[FrostKing]

Nuggets had no guards down the stretch. So weird.

[timtonymanu]

It’s hard to say who’s gonna win it all this year, except I don’t think Indiana can win. Gonna be interesting.

[baseline bum]

Can't wait for this WCF god damn

[Thread]

You couldn't a dragged a straight pin outta that Nugget ass with a 20 mule team.

[Robz4000]

WCF gonna be fun. Difference will be Minny's bigs being able to shoot freethrows imo.

[Robz4000]

T'Pups over Mavs in 6
Celtics over Pacers in 6

[Raven]

Amazing series

[TD 21]

Celtics over Pacers in 5
Timberwolves over Mavericks in 7


Mike Malone has to take the heat for this collapse. Absolutely terrible coaching that whole second half.

As a white coach who plays the media game, that has about as much chance of happening as Towns (or Gobert) receiving credit.

No, the story of this one from the BSPN hype machine will be that their new Captain America, while struggling with his shot, somehow inspired his team through his leadership, work ethic and whatever other nonsense they can conjure that they'll pretend was reminiscent of Jordan/Bryant (they'll find a way to work golden boy in somewhere too).

[scanry]

Jokic looked gassed and Murray wasn't playing any D

[FrostKing]

Jokic was playing PG & C down the stretch. What was that? Murray let him down.

He drained atleast 3-3's that were game over if brick status. Nuggets had no guards down the stretch. That was puzzling. No screens to open players up?


They ran outta gas and Wolves just would - not - miss - down the stretch. Especially at the line. Each one demoralized the defending Champs.

[Thread]

Jokic was playing PG & C down the stretch. What was that? Murray let him down.

He drained atleast 3-3's that were game over if brick status. Nuggets had no guards down the stretch. That was puzzling. No screens to open players up?


They ran outta gas and Wolves just would - not - miss - down the stretch. Especially at the line. Each one demoralized the defending Champs.

Miller and the announcing crew were pretty downcast...they wanted MN., to compete and keep it close, but no way did they want them to come thru that door. They wanted Dallas & Denver. It was like somebody died, or, lost money.

[Brazil]

MIN and CELTS are favorite but those POs are quite unpredictable anyway.. not sure who to root for.. would not mind a Celts win, anything that can upset the Lakers is awesome

[Thread]

MIN and CELTS are favorite but those POs are quite unpredictable anyway.. not sure who to root for.. would not mind a Celts win, anything that can upset the Lakers is awesome

I was sated punishing you after you left South Florida after prematurely selling your shit.

[Brazil]

I was sated punishing you after you left South Florida after prematurely selling your shit.

I am not selling anything I just know that 17+1 > 17

[Thread]

I am not selling anything I just know that 17+1 > 17

I tally 'em, I don't qualify 'em, ever. It's my religion.

[Spurminator]

Dallas made Rudy Gobert a non-factor in the playoffs 2 years ago and typically has a good game plan against centers. I like their chances to make Edwards work for every inch, but they might also take their lumps from him and try to keep the supporting cast at bay. Naz Reid always gives Dallas trouble. I'm thinking Mavs in 7.

[FrostKing]

https://i.ibb.co/Bg6bNxM/IMG-20240520-WA0002.jpg

[MultiTroll]

How the F does Denver only score 14 points in the 3rd quarter?
37 for the 2nd half.


Mike Malone has to take the heat for this collapse. Absolutely terrible coaching that whole second half.


Denver straight quit.

[Thread]

How the F does Denver only score 14 points in the 3rd quarter?
37 for the 2nd half.

Those booty holes got tight. You couldn't a dragged a straight pin outta those Denver booty holes with a 20-mule team.

But wasn't the grace from both teams immediate post game a kind sight? And it was genuine.

[GAustex]

Denver was tired and TPups straight up dogged them on D
Minny took it

[Thread]

Celtics over Pacers in 5
Timberwolves over Mavericks in 7



As a white coach who plays the media game, that has about as much chance of happening as Towns (or Gobert) receiving credit.

No, the story of this one from the BSPN hype machine will be that their new Captain America, while struggling with his shot, somehow inspired his team through his leadership, work ethic and whatever other nonsense they can conjure that they'll pretend was reminiscent of Jordan/Bryant (they'll find a way to work golden boy in somewhere too).

TD, his finest hour in an otherwise inauspicious posting career.

TD

[Thread]

Denver was tired and TPups straight up dogged them on D
Minny took it

Indeed, + the officiating backed away and just watched it with us.

Bless their hearts.

And afterward the grace shown twixt the teams is a lesson for all combatants wherever they dwell. It is possible, last night was living proof.

[scanry]

Celtics over Pacers in 5
Timberwolves over Mavericks in 7



As a white coach who plays the media game, that has about as much chance of happening as Towns (or Gobert) receiving credit.

No, the story of this one from the BSPN hype machine will be that their new Captain America, while struggling with his shot, somehow inspired his team through his leadership, work ethic and whatever other nonsense they can conjure that they'll pretend was reminiscent of Jordan/Bryant (they'll find a way to work golden boy in somewhere too).

Yup. ESPN wants their MJ in Ant Edwards. You gotta respect Ant for his confidence though. Luka and Ant will be fun

[MultiTroll]

Denver was tired and TPups straight up dogged them on D
Still tryna hear why Denver was tired and MN wasn't.

Same thing in Game 6. 6 you could maybe excuse as a road game and once they got behind said Phucket, let's rest up for Game 7 at Mile High.

[TD 21]

TD, his finest hour in an otherwise inauspicious posting career.

TD

:lmao You senile old fool, I'm the greatest poster in the history of the board.

[GAustex]

Still tryna hear why Denver was tired and MN wasn't.

Same thing in Game 6. 6 you could maybe excuse as a road game and once they got behind said Phucket, let's rest up for Game 7 at Mile High.

Nugs bench was nothing at least for playoffs. Real problem was no rest for Joker. Murray I think was hobbled but not sure about that. Minny was deeper and dogged Nugs at the end.
Minny took it and Nugs had no answer

[FrostKing]

Minnesota has to close the deal and finally reach Finals. Losing WCF would be worse than losing Game7

[Thread]

Minnesota has to close the deal and finally reach Finals. Losing WCF would be worse than losing Game7

Thing of it is Dallas too is stale and about at the end of their 1 & done rope. They see a door to the Finals that is openable.

[Tyronn Lue]

How many times are the officials going to allow Ant to be molested going to the rim without a call? The fouls are egregious, hacks across both arms and no whistle. I hope they stop that shit in the WCF. Call the game right, assholes.

[Tyronn Lue]

Minnesota has to close the deal and finally reach Finals. Losing WCF would be worse than losing Game7
Disagree. It's always better to get to the higher level. No one gives a shit about small forum legacy.

[Neo.]

Minnesota has to close the deal and finally reach Finals. Losing WCF would be worse than losing Game7

another stupid take from frostking

shocker

[FrostKing]

Defeating the defending Champs and immediately losing the following round (not Finale) screams got lost in the moment

[JamStone]

But Dallas is a better balanced team than Minnesota. I’m going Dallas because of that.

Sure, Ant is that guy. And on paper and in the regular season, the Wolves defense is elite. But they still have issues because they feature a two big man line-up. And Dallas’ bigs aren’t the type Rudy matches up well against. They’re not halfcourt, low post bangers. They are athletic, high flying, run the court type bigs that catch lobs from Luka and Kyrie when Rudy shows high and helps weakside. Minnesota can’t hide Rudy on anyone, especially if Derrick Jones is hitting threes.

The Dallas bigs will make Rudy run in transition and they’ll finish over the top when he tries to help. And the other role guys all shoot threes. In fact, this might be a series Kleber could make a difference too. This would be a good series for Minnesota to use more small ball line-ups with McDaniels / Slo Mo at the 4.

Minnesota can win. But I actually think Dallas should win.

[lebomb]

But Dallas is a better balanced team than Minnesota. I’m going Dallas because of that.

Sure, Ant is that guy. And on paper and in the regular season, the Wolves defense is elite. But they still have issues because they feature a two big man line-up. And Dallas’ bigs aren’t the type Rudy matches up well against. They’re not halfcourt, low post bangers. They are athletic, high flying, run the court type bigs that catch lobs from Luka and Kyrie when Rudy shows high and helps weakside. Minnesota can’t hide Rudy on anyone, especially if Derrick Jones is hitting threes.

The Dallas bigs will make Rudy run in transition and they’ll finish over the top when he tries to help. And the other role guys all shoot threes. In fact, this might be a series Kleber could make a difference too. This would be a good series for Minnesota to use more small ball line-ups with McDaniels / Slo Mo at the 4.

Minnesota can win. But I actually think Dallas should win.


I disagree...........the front line will be a problem for Dallas. The Mavs do not have a Joker and you see what they did to the Nuggets.

[Raven]

But Dallas is a better balanced team than Minnesota. I’m going Dallas because of that.

Sure, Ant is that guy. And on paper and in the regular season, the Wolves defense is elite. But they still have issues because they feature a two big man line-up. And Dallas’ bigs aren’t the type Rudy matches up well against. They’re not halfcourt, low post bangers. They are athletic, high flying, run the court type bigs that catch lobs from Luka and Kyrie when Rudy shows high and helps weakside. Minnesota can’t hide Rudy on anyone, especially if Derrick Jones is hitting threes.

The Dallas bigs will make Rudy run in transition and they’ll finish over the top when he tries to help. And the other role guys all shoot threes. In fact, this might be a series Kleber could make a difference too. This would be a good series for Minnesota to use more small ball line-ups with McDaniels / Slo Mo at the 4.

Minnesota can win. But I actually think Dallas should win.

on the flipside, all rudy has to do is stop the lobs, which is very well capable of, and dallas turns to a 3 point chucking team.

[Pero]

In fact, this might be a series Kleber could make a difference too.
He's injured.

[chubbs]

on the flipside, all rudy has to do is stop the lobs, which is very well capable of, and dallas turns to a 3 point chucking team.

if rudy drops back for the lobs, luka and kyrie will have easy middies all day long. if on ball defenders are over aggressive due to rudy covering the lobs, luka will get his defenders in foul trouble super fast. not a good idea.

their best bet is to do what the clips and okc did, and drop the corner defenders in the paint to protect the lobs, and just hope that the mavs role players miss a bunch of open 3s. hasnt worked so far, but i think in terms of percentages/odds, its the best bet. much better than letting luka and kyrie get hot in midrange, then start hitting step backs all game long.

[lefty]

their best bet is to do what the clips and okc did, and drop the corner defenders in the paint to protect the lobs, and just hope that the mavs role players miss a bunch of open 3s. hasnt worked so far, but i think in terms of percentages/odds, its the best bet. much better than letting luka and kyrie get hot in midrange, then start hitting step backs all game long.
yep

[Tyronn Lue]

lol this East game just got some blood. Welcome to the playoffs.

[FrostKing]

Mark Price McConnell

[GAustex]

Cs yakking up a hairball

[lefty]

Mavs and Wolves licking their chops

[FrostKing]

Mavs and Wolves licking their chops
Don't make me call MJ

[lefty]

Choke job :lmao

[Tyronn Lue]

Boneheaded plays late. How many times in a row did they turn the ball over because they cannot inbound? They had a timeout I think.

[Tyronn Lue]

Cs yakking up a hairball
It's the East, two teams shooting the ball well, 140 point games and low IQ moments.

[D-Wade]

Wow. Tatum bailed out again.

[FrostKing]

Haliburton down the stretch. Horrific.

[Spurminator]

I disagree...........the front line will be a problem for Dallas. The Mavs do not have a Joker and you see what they did to the Nuggets.

The entire Denver offense revolves around Joker. Front line defense isn't as much of a weapon vs. Dallas. They can win without their bigs having huge games.

[lefty]

living upto the hype so far

[Robz4000]

Gobert has no business playing this many minutes tbh.

[baseline bum]

How are the Mavs basically freezing Irving out this quarter? Ant wanted no part of guarding him, should have been getting Kyrie the ball every possession.

[FrostKing]

Choke?

[lefty]

WE STAAAAAAACKED

[GAustex]

TPups got that weak mind

[Tyronn Lue]

Go Dallas Go. Great series.

[baseline bum]

Wish I would have put money on Dallas since they were +1700 to win the title coming into the playoffs :pctoss

[Spurminator]

Looks like Anthony Edwards needs to get in better shape.

[Robz4000]

Looks like Anthony Edwards needs to get in better shape.

Said they were tired in the post-game interview. Everyone is tired at this point tbh.

[Spurminator]

Wish I would have put money on Dallas since they were +1700 to win the title coming into the playoffs :pctoss

They were +3500 on March 16. I have $200 on them. :cheer

[Spurminator]

Said they were tired in the post-game interview. Everyone is tired at this point tbh.

Allegedly-fat Luka didn't look tired.

[Raven]

edwards and towns seemed to never get the ball in their favourite spots. Edwards especially has been awful on d, getting torched by irving and outplayed by donut while also getting destroyed by donut when handling the ball. They both shot the 3ball well, but that was it. Dallas is a weird matchup for them, I expect the gameplan to change a lot by game 2.

[Robz4000]

Didn't think Gobert would be as much of a liability as he looked in Game 1 tbh.

[Neo.]

edwards and towns seemed to never get the ball in their favourite spots. Edwards especially has been awful on d, getting torched by irving and outplayed by donut while also getting destroyed by donut when handling the ball. They both shot the 3ball well, but that was it. Dallas is a weird matchup for them, I expect the gameplan to change a lot by game 2.

Mavs collapsed on edwards every time he drove, and basically dared the wolves to hit 3s all game. he's not very good at handling doubles and traps at this time.

unless they get Conley more involved in running the offense, their half court scoring will be almost purely dependent on hitting 3s and getting offensive rebound. not a good thing when Luka and Kyrie are both scoring so easily.

[Thanos]

Didn't think Gobert would be as much of a liability as he looked in Game 1 tbh.
Rudy plays drop coverage. Luka destroys drop coverage.

That’s really all there is to it. Luka’s been wrecking Gobert since he was a rookie. Minnesota has to come up with a different strategy to prevent this. Or just live with it and hope your stars beat their stars.

[ambchang]

Oh man. What a game. Irving stepped up big time. Doncic had an average (by his crazy standards) game and the Mavs won. Can’t wait to see the game 2 chess match

[MultiTroll]

Bickerstaff has Mitchell and Allen out but still gets run.

[lefty]

Carlisle taking a good nap

[Thread]

Oh man. What a game. Irving stepped up big time. Doncic had an average (by his crazy standards) game and the Mavs won. Can’t wait to see the game 2 chess match

Where the Hell have you been, amb?

[lefty]

https://x.com/904Dawg/status/1793831914618622296

[ambchang]

Where the Hell have you been, amb?

Been here all along, checking every few days, or maybe even more frequent.

[Thread]

Been here all along, checking every few days, or maybe even more frequent.

Don't be sneakin' around, that ain't your way.

[timtonymanu]

lol Tatum going to the finals only to lose again

[Robz4000]

Break out the brooms tbh.

:lmao Gobert
:lmao Ant
:lmao "Baby Jordan"

[baseline bum]

Had Dallas winning the series but never figured they'd take the first two in Minnesota, jesus

[lefty]

Pups blowing a big lead

:lol tbh

[FrostKing]

Luka

/series

[D-Wade]

Wow ANT was awful again.

[Robz4000]

Had Dallas winning the series but never figured they'd take the first two in Minnesota, jesus

Just an absolute masterclass by Dallas' bigs tbh. Finch has also been completely clueless; Gobert has no business playing the amount of minutes he is.

[lefty]

LMAO Chuck silenced those Wolves fans

[timtonymanu]

Didn't think Gobert would be as much of a liability as he looked in Game 1 tbh.

Lol DPOY. Wemby would have blocked that shot.

[ambchang]

Don't be sneakin' around, that ain't your way.

There’s nothing to post about. Like what is there to talk about for me? I’m surprised the Mavs are up 2-0 on the wolves (both very close games) but the Mavs defence had been carrying them really well.

[baseline bum]

Lol DPOY. Wemby would have blocked that shot.

Don't know about that but he wouldn't be unplayable on a last possession like Gobert was.

[FrostKing]

https://i.ibb.co/dKFKpBk/1200x628.png

Sexy Finals

[Raven]

again kat and ant ended up mostly being passive, they made very little adjustments. Also they keep getting murdered on those alleys. Maybe they should play Naz as a sf? So far, nobody has shown the capability to contest Doncic, which is a bad sign.

[Mark Celibate]

Luka is "Roy Hibberting" Gobert out of the league tbh

Second time he's made Gobert unplayable in a playoff series. Gives you nothing on offense, can't guard the switch, and they're still getting lob after lob. It's humiliating for him, but he probably shouldn't see the floor again this series tbh. Gonna have to go smaller

[Robz4000]

Luka is "Roy Hibberting" Gobert out of the league tbh

Second time he's made Gobert unplayable in a playoff series. Gives you nothing on offense, can't guard the switch, and they're still getting lob after lob. It's humiliating for him, but he probably shouldn't see the floor again this series tbh. Gonna have to go smaller

If Finch understands that/is willing to make that decision Minny still has a shot. Doubt he does though tbh.

[Neo.]

Luka is "Roy Hibberting" Gobert out of the league tbh

Second time he's made Gobert unplayable in a playoff series. Gives you nothing on offense, can't guard the switch, and they're still getting lob after lob. It's humiliating for him, but he probably shouldn't see the floor again this series tbh. Gonna have to go smaller

idk if he's unplayable this series. the defense gets really bad when you sub him out for naz reid, he basically has to shoot like he did tonight to make up for his crappy rebounding and paint defense. naz shot well in g1 but was a major negative still. he was on fire tonight and barely broke even.

I really feel the one who's borderline unplayable is kat. reid is definitely better suited for this series than him.

[Thread]

Wow ANT was awful again.

And the further the game went on the more scrunched over he became. That's a bad sign of fright from a player.

[Thread]

If Finch understands that/is willing to make that decision Minny still has a shot. Doubt he does though tbh.

Look at Rob; talkin' sports, basketball. The old Rob.

Rob

[Thread]

https://i.ibb.co/dKFKpBk/1200x628.png

Sexy Finals

I'll need Dallas desperately. I hope they won't fail me.

[Thread]

There’s nothing to post about. Like what is there to talk about for me? I’m surprised the Mavs are up 2-0 on the wolves (both very close games) but the Mavs defence had been carrying them really well.

I miss ya when you ain't putting in your 2 cents. It's always cogent materiel, amb.

amb

[Spurminator]

Love watching the Mavs expose the most overrated defensive big man in the history of the NBA.

LMAO four DPOYs. That award is as useless as a Grammy.

[lefty]

Love watching the Mavs expose the most overrated defensive big man in the history of the NBA.

LMAO four DPOYs. That award is as useless as a Grammy.
Gobert is a top defensive player

Nobody can stop Lula 1 on 1, except Wemby I guess

[ambchang]

I miss ya when you ain't putting in your 2 cents. It's always cogent materiel, amb.

amb

C’mon. Cubs. The entire point of a forum is for randos and weirdos putting in our two cents. I don’t think wolves can’t guard doncic or Irving. I actually think they did better than most teams, what’s surprising is how well the Mavs are guarding ant and KAT at the same time. The wolves have to get a whole lot more creative in switching for doncic on ant and either get doncic in trouble or get ant going.

[Spurminator]

Gobert is a top defensive player

Nobody can stop Lula 1 on 1, except Wemby I guess

I'm not talking about one play. The Mavs are absolutely destroying them in the paint. They made him a non-factor in the playoffs 2 years ago.

[lefty]

I'm not talking about one play. The Mavs are absolutely destroying them in the paint. They made him a non-factor in the playoffs 2 years ago.
ah ok
true true

[Thread]

C’mon. Cubs. The entire point of a forum is for randos and weirdos putting in our two cents. I don’t think wolves can’t guard doncic or Irving. I actually think they did better than most teams, what’s surprising is how well the Mavs are guarding ant and KAT at the same time. The wolves have to get a whole lot more creative in switching for doncic on ant and either get doncic in trouble or get ant going.

See!?! ambs, the voice of reason & moderation in troubled times.

ambs

[timtonymanu]

Celtics struggling to beat the Pacers without Hali. Just give Dallas the title already.

[Thread]

Celtics struggling to beat the Pacers without Hali. Just give Dallas the title already.

...I'm down with that sentiment.

[MultiTroll]

I like the miniature Beautiful Game that Indy has going on right now.

[GAustex]

The year of the Leprechaun

[scanry]

...I'm down with that sentiment.

Celts may well be hanging #18

[Robz4000]

Let's just fast forward to the Finals tbh.

[chubbs]

I'm not talking about one play. The Mavs are absolutely destroying them in the paint. They made him a non-factor in the playoffs 2 years ago.

hes still an excellent paint defender. luka just has an ability to manipulate defenses at a level never seen before. its not like every team is finding a way to do to him what luka does. hes the only one.

and as soon as rudy goes out of the game, kyrie is attacking like crazy. naz reid and kat are both just awful paint defenders.

[lefty]

Carliste with 2 choke jobs, his team could be up 2-1

[TD 21]

luka just has an ability to manipulate defenses at a level never seen before.

:lmao Even within' the confines of this era and the way the game is played, there's James, Paul, Harden, Jokic, etc.

[Thread]

Carliste with 2 choke jobs, his team could be up 2-1

If Dallas is serious this time and not portending then I should be able to block these fucks from 18. If it's the same old horseshit out of Dallas, stumblin'/ bumbolin', whinin' about the officiating, I'm doomed.

It'll be Irving that will turn it, not Don. The problem will be that the Celtics know this and are going to go after him like the last pork chop on the plate.

But Irv has actually done it and has still been cast down since doing it, so, he has a chip on his shoulder, a hatred deep in his soul to do it again. "I'll show these White fucks."

"Show me."

[GAustex]

Anyone but the Mavs

[Raven]

:lmao Even within' the confines of this era and the way the game is played, there's James, Paul, Harden, Jokic, etc.

i'm not sure which of these names is more laughable... i would understand if you said ginobili, but those that you mentioned are all A to B players, they impose their will, doncic isn't, he is completely reactive. He gets a screen or two, watches switches, defensive movements and goes from there, he never knows what he is going to do, the "only" time lebron is reactive is when he takes triples and they always suck.

[Thread]

i'm not sure which of these names is more laughable... i would understand if you said ginobili, but those that you mentioned are all A to B players, they impose their will, doncic isn't, he is completely reactive. He gets a screen or two, watches switches, defensive movements and goes from there, he never knows what he is going to do, the "only" time lebron is reactive is when he takes triples and they always suck.

He's mighty cold-blooded though. But he's got to finish a June, and soon. They won't go after him like they did Daddy prior to the century turning there, but they'll still climb his ladder more than gently, him being White and all.

Make it next month's June...

"Prove it." like "Shane" did...-Shane-... '53

It never grows old 70 years on...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U42siP-GW0g

[TD 21]

i'm not sure which of these names is more laughable... i would understand if you said ginobili, but those that you mentioned are all A to B players, they impose their will, doncic isn't, he is completely reactive. He gets a screen or two, watches switches, defensive movements and goes from there, he never knows what he is going to do, the "only" time lebron is reactive is when he takes triples and they always suck.

:lmao Doncic's closest comps are James and Harden, who both played "target ball" in p-n-r and had every read/manipulation down to a science before he was even in the league.

[chubbs]

:lmao Even within' the confines of this era and the way the game is played, there's James, Paul, Harden, Jokic, etc.

lebron does it in a completely different way, mostly focused on his ability to power to the rim. hes arguably the goat, but offensively he is not nearly as skilled/versatile as luka. thats not even a debate. generally, solid defensive bigs has always been one of the keys to beating lebron, because his midrange and deep shot has generally been fairly average. good enough to win, but not elite.

cp3 does it until defenses tighten up in the playoffs. many people resort to calling him a choker. maybe true, but i think its more due to his small size. smaller guys will always have disadvantages at consistently scoring against elite defenses that key in on them. lukas size makes him a whole different animal

harden is the closest stylistically, but he definitely seems to be mentally weak. that, and he has always been too reliant on fouls, which less of are called in the playoffs. inconsistent midrange shot as well.

joker is a center. not the same type of player at all, nor the same way of manipulating defenses. we were talking about making guys like gobert a non-factor. joker doesnt do that, if anything he makes him indispensable.

would love to hear the "etc" players you speak of, since the 4 you named clearly don't do what luka does at the level he does it.

[chubbs]

:lmao Doncic's closest comps are James and Harden, who both played "target ball" in p-n-r and had every read/manipulation down to a science before he was even in the league.

for a guy who likes to shamelessly self promote as some basketball mind, you clearly dont know what you're talking about :rollin

[TD 21]

for a guy who likes to shamelessly self promote as some basketball mind, you clearly dont know what you're talking about :rollin

:lmao At being unable to take a joke and not realizing the similarities because you're blinded by them being a different color.

[chubbs]

:lmao At being unable to take a joke and not realizing the similarities because you're blinded by them being a different color.

:lol why is everything about color and race with you?

i actually acknowledged many of the similarities. but noted that there are key differences. and the obvious fact that luka has taken things that they all do, but up to another level. in the playoffs, im not sure ive ever seen a guard who has abused an elite defensive center so badly that he either loses PT, or that the masses are calling for his benching. lukas done it twice to rudy. not to mention he also played zubac and ayton both completely off the floor (zubac lost his starting role bc of luka), and abused draymond to the point golden states only option was to put wiggins on him and send a double/trap every time he started to dribble.

[TD 21]

:lol why is everything about color and race with you?

i actually acknowledged many of the similarities. but noted that there are key differences. and the obvious fact that luka has taken things that they all do, but up to another level. in the playoffs, im not sure ive ever seen a guard who has abused an elite defensive center so badly that he either loses PT, or that the masses are calling for his benching. lukas done it twice to rudy. not to mention he also played zubac and ayton both completely off the floor (zubac lost his starting role bc of luka), and abused draymond to the point golden states only option was to put wiggins on him and send a double/trap every time he started to dribble.

Somehow I didn't see your more detailed explanation. Anyway, no Puka hasn't taken anything James did up another level other than the step back 3-point shooting (more a product of the era they came up in than anything else), which is obviously more Harden like.

All relied on physical strength to bully defenders, but only James combined it with superior athleticism obviously. In the end, they all played "target" ball in the p-n-r to aplomb, with the league catering rules to players like them because they were an easier sell to the masses.

Gobert is maybe the biggest punching bag in the league and somehow most people still don't comprehend that there's different areas of defense. His strength or at least greatest one lies in weakside rim protection, deterring/suppressing shots at the rim and disrupting opposing offenses if there's a non ball handling shooter to play off of. Obviously, he doesn't have the greatest lateral quickness or base strength.

[chubbs]

Somehow I didn't see your more detailed explanation. Anyway, no Puka hasn't taken anything James did up another level other than the step back 3-point shooting (more a product of the era they came up in than anything else), which is obviously more Harden like.

luka uses varied pace, floaters, midrange shots, footwork and misdirection to a much higher and better degree than lebron or harden ever did. ive already said harden and luka are most similar, but lebron is not very similar at all, he primarily would suck defenses in by bulling his way to the rim. he started using a slower pace more as he got older, but it wasnt as effective as luka bc he never had a strong midrange game.


All relied on physical strength to bully defenders, but only James combined it with superior athleticism obviously. In the end, they all played "target" ball in the p-n-r to aplomb

yet luka somehow does it better with significantly less athleticism than either of them. why? imo its because hes much more skilled than lebron, and is bigger and has more game sense and skill (particularly footwork and midrange shooting) than harden.


with the league catering rules to players like them because they were an easier sell to the masses.

which is what has happened basically the entirety of the league, although im not sure what rules were changed to cater to lebron, harden or luka. the two most significant rule changes (allowing zone defense while limiting blatant hand checking) happened before any of them hit their stride. and sorry but hand checking isnt going to help much on PnR. in fact, allowing zone defenses gives teams far more options to defend it.


Gobert is maybe the biggest punching bag in the league and somehow most people still don't comprehend that there's different areas of defense. His strength or at least greatest one lies in weakside rim protection, deterring/suppressing shots at the rim and disrupting opposing offenses if there's a non ball handling shooter to play off of. Obviously, he doesn't have the greatest lateral quickness or base strength.

.. ok?

[Mark Celibate]

If Dallas is serious this time and not portending then I should be able to block these fucks from 18. If it's the same old horseshit out of Dallas, stumblin'/ bumbolin', whinin' about the officiating, I'm doomed.

It'll be Irving that will turn it, not Don. The problem will be that the Celtics know this and are going to go after him like the last pork chop on the plate.

But Irv has actually done it and has still been cast down since doing it, so, he has a chip on his shoulder, a hatred deep in his soul to do it again. "I'll show these White fucks."

"Show me."


The good news is that Dallas has the two best closers left in the field. You pretty much have to blow them out or have a comfortable lead with 4 minutes left. Otherwise that Timberwolf/Celtic a$$ going to get so tight you wouldn't be able to fit a pushpin up that bunghole.

[TD 21]

luka uses varied pace, floaters, midrange shots, footwork and misdirection to a much higher and better degree than lebron or harden ever did. ive already said harden and luka are most similar, but lebron is not very similar at all, he primarily would suck defenses in by bulling his way to the rim. he started using a slower pace more as he got older, but it wasnt as effective as luka bc he never had a strong midrange game.



yet luka somehow does it better with significantly less athleticism than either of them. why? imo its because hes much more skilled than lebron, and is bigger and has more game sense and skill (particularly footwork and midrange shooting) than harden.



which is what has happened basically the entirety of the league, although im not sure what rules were changed to cater to lebron, harden or luka. the two most significant rule changes (allowing zone defense while limiting blatant hand checking) happened before any of them hit their stride. and sorry but hand checking isnt going to help much on PnR. in fact, allowing zone defenses gives teams far more options to defend it.



.. ok?

Some of that is not true (varied pace, footwork, misdirection) and in the end it's the same tactic played to equal effect.

Puka doesn't have significantly less athleticism than Harden nor does he have more "game sense" than the latter. This is the epitome of stereotypical, racial bias analysis.

They lessened the contact/physicality even more so that players like them could thrive even more.

I'm saying, Gobert's impact is of course lessened defensively (though not to the extent you or the masses make seem) with someone like Puka because it doesn't play to his strength.

[Mark Celibate]

:lol it's obvious Minny made no adjustments whatsoever, it's like a replay of Games 1 and 2 thus far. The only real difference is Ant trying to ooga booga his way to the rim more, which will just tire him out quicker IMHO

[Robz4000]

:lol it's obvious Minny made no adjustments whatsoever, it's like a replay of Games 1 and 2 thus far. The only real difference is Ant trying to ooga booga his way to the rim more, which will just tire him out quicker IMHO

Yep. As long as Dallas plays average this is a wrap tbh.

[Raven]

minnesota with the anticlutch coaching job

[Mark Celibate]

:lol Tony Brothers an obvious affirmative action hire tbh imho

[Fat Brandon Bass]

rofl Kuck Anthony Towns

[Robz4000]

:lol Minny imploding

[timtonymanu]

Towns has always been a small time loser. Butler warned us all when he was in Minny. Twolves need to dump that loser or else Edwards bolts.

[Tyronn Lue]

What happened to Lively?

[Raven]

minne players looked frustrated whenever they had to guard donut, they look already beaten.

[Raven]

What happened to Lively?

got castrated by kat

[Robz4000]

Towns has always been a small time loser. Butler warned us all when he was in Minny. Twolves need to dump that loser or else Edwards bolts.

Edwards is showing some loser traits this series too tbh.

[Mark Celibate]

Tbh the Minny role players have been pretty solid to above average this series…it’s the two “stars” who are choking like fagg0ts. Atleast Edwards is playing with a high motor this game knowing this is pretty much it if they lose. He’s just making chimp brained decisions when they trap him imho

[lefty]

:lol it's obvious Minny made no adjustments whatsoever, it's like a replay of Games 1 and 2 thus far. The only real difference is Ant trying to ooga booga his way to the rim more, which will just tire him out quicker IMHO

Chris coach in a Pinch and Mike Sorry are clueless tbh

[Robz4000]

:wow Ant

[timtonymanu]

Edwards is showing some loser traits this series too tbh.

Towns has been doing it much longer though

[Mark Celibate]

Powell bringing the veteran savvy goods tbh imho

[Robz4000]

How does Doncic not get T'd up for that shit?

[Thread]

I'm as nervous as a queer at a weiner roast.

[Fat Brandon Bass]

:lol Chokewards

[Robz4000]

:lmao I can't believe they put Gobert back in

[Mark Celibate]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

What a collapse

[baseline bum]

Refs refusing to call a sixth foul on Jaden McDaniels three straight possessions and Dallas still skullfucking Minnesota the last two minutes anyways.

[Robz4000]

Minny is in cap hell from here on out too.

[timtonymanu]

Gonna be happy for Mavs fan on here if they can win it all again. All trolling aside.

[baseline bum]

What happened to Lively?

Took a knee to the back of the head from KAT and was on the ground for a few minutes.

[baseline bum]

Gonna be happy for Mavs fan on here if they can win it all again. All trolling aside.

Can't believe the way people were sleeping on them coming into the playoffs. Doncic is who he has always been but Irving is playing the best basketball I have ever seen out of him and they finally have good role players around Luka.

[Mark Celibate]

Both teams are almost perfectly even the first 46 minutes or so...it legit is just coming down to Ant/Kat completely shrinking and Luka/Kyrie stepping up the final 2.

[Robz4000]

Gonna be happy for Mavs fan on here if they can win it all again. All trolling aside.

Same. Only reason I'll be unhappy is because my dream of Luka coming to the Spurs will be over.

[Neo.]

Some of that is not true (varied pace, footwork, misdirection) and in the end it's the same tactic played to equal effect.

Puka doesn't have significantly less athleticism than Harden nor does he have more "game sense" than the latter. This is the epitome of stereotypical, racial bias analysis.

They lessened the contact/physicality even more so that players like them could thrive even more.

I'm saying, Gobert's impact is of course lessened defensively (though not to the extent you or the masses make seem) with someone like Puka because it doesn't play to his strength.

you clearly dont watch basketball:lmao

[Thread]

Gonna be happy for Mavs fan on here if they can win it all again. All trolling aside.

Amen.

[Thread]

Same. Only reason I'll be unhappy is because my dream of Luka coming to the Spurs will be over.

It was either him or Ayton here in Phoenix. Fuck me if he'd a come here. I woulda never heard the end of it.

[Thread]

Can't believe the way people were sleeping on them coming into the playoffs. Doncic is who he has always been but Irving is playing the best basketball I have ever seen out of him and they finally have good role players around Luka.

Yep, he's on a mission to prove every man, woman and child who ever doubted from the time he started to walk.

[timtonymanu]

Same. Only reason I'll be unhappy is because my dream of Luka coming to the Spurs will be over.

Luka vs wemby will be the Duncan/Dirk matchup of this generation. PATFO needs to surround Wemby with the right players though.

[Robz4000]

Luka vs wemby will be the Duncan/Dirk matchup of this generation. PATFO needs to surround Wemby with the right players though.

:lol hopefully Wemby isn't Dirk

[MultiTroll]

Same. Only reason I'll be unhappy is because my dream of Luka coming to the Spurs will be over.
I wouldn't say "over".
2024 Dallas could be a one and done.
Injuries, while not hoping them on anyone, could befall Kyrie or even -gasp- Doncic himself and lead to 2025 or 2026 Mavs Meltdown.

Remember the '11 team that did a solid ass waxing of MVP Pau, Odom, and that Almond headed cross dresser that was a pretty good role player at times....
Ended up into nothing. Of course Cuban did the moronic move of not reupping that defensive and rebounding anchor big.

So stull can still happen.

Scott or someone posted how in the past 6 years it's been different teams in the Finals other then the Soft Serve Celtics allowing that shameful giveaway to the Golden Phaggots.

[Tyronn Lue]

Sucks for Lively. Dude is fun to watch, lots of energy and seems to be better suited than his NBA experience would normally suggest. Glad Gafford got some redemption for his earlier miscues. Ant just looks like he could have his Shaq moment at any time, where he realizes he's the only one stopping himself. A couple times think he had an open lane coming down hill and deferred just the same. He needs to take over if he wants to talk that much game.

A sweep would be really unexpected. What's the Vegas odds at the beginning of the series?

[Arcadian]

Must be interesting for Jason Kidd to be coaching the Mavericks to the Finals after being their last point guard in the Finals.

[Thread]

I wouldn't say "over".
2024 Dallas could be a one and done.
Injuries, while not hoping them on anyone, could befall Kyrie or even -gasp- Doncic himself and lead to 2025 or 2026 Mavs Meltdown.

Remember the '11 team that did a solid ass waxing of MVP Pau, Odom, and that Almond headed cross dresser that was a pretty good role player at times....
Ended up into nothing. Of course Cuban did the moronic move of not reupping that defensive and rebounding anchor big.

So stull can still happen.

Scott or someone posted how in the past 6 years it's been different teams in the Finals other then the Soft Serve Celtics allowing that shameful giveaway to the Golden Phaggots.

Sure, the one that accomplished 3 doubles and that triple as the century passed. Absolutely.

You got nary double, nary.

[Chris Fall]

Offensively, Harden might be the closest comparison for Luka. But Luka is better, he is more versatile, more multiple. Harden was dribble, dribble, dribble, step back or pump fake and take it all the way to the rim for a lay-up or lob/drop off. Luka can do that but also kill you in the midrange, back you down, fade-away. It's Harden plus like Carmelo midrange and in the midpost. Maybe he'll miss his shots. But there really isn't a defense he can't counter with his skill set.

In the past, you could say he dominated the ball too much, like Harden would. Now, he willingly gives it up when doubled, especially bc he trusts PJ and now DJJ hitting shots. It's not just sharing it with Kyrie. And his game is better for it. He can pick and choose when to be aggressive and wait for the fourth quarter to really dominate the action.

[Thread]

Must be interesting for Jason Kidd to be coaching the Mavericks to the Finals after being their last point guard in the Finals.

They ran him offin' here for throwing a french fry at his wife.

[Thread]

Sucks for Lively. Dude is fun to watch, lots of energy and seems to be better suited than his NBA experience would normally suggest. Glad Gafford got some redemption for his earlier miscues. Ant just looks like he could have his Shaq moment at any time, where he realizes he's the only one stopping himself. A couple times think he had an open lane coming down hill and deferred just the same. He needs to take over if he wants to talk that much game.

A sweep would be really unexpected. What's the Vegas odds at the beginning of the series?

That Ant fellow hunches more the tighter the game moves along.

[Thread]

I wouldn't say "over".
2024 Dallas could be a one and done.
Injuries, while not hoping them on anyone, could befall Kyrie or even -gasp- Doncic himself and lead to 2025 or 2026 Mavs Meltdown.

Remember the '11 team that did a solid ass waxing of MVP Pau, Odom, and that Almond headed cross dresser that was a pretty good role player at times....
Ended up into nothing. Of course Cuban did the moronic move of not reupping that defensive and rebounding anchor big.

So stull can still happen.

Scott or someone posted how in the past 6 years it's been different teams in the Finals other then the Soft Serve Celtics allowing that shameful giveaway to the Golden Phaggots.

...thank Christ.

[Brazil]

Give the ring already to the Mavs tbh...

[Thread]

Give the ring already to the Mavs tbh...

Don't count your chickens before they're hatched, fart-face.

[lefty]

Give the ring already to the Mavs tbh...
As long as Luka is healthy (and Lively)

He has been playing hurt

[daslicer]

Offensively, Harden might be the closest comparison for Luka. But Luka is better, he is more versatile, more multiple. Harden was dribble, dribble, dribble, step back or pump fake and take it all the way to the rim for a lay-up or lob/drop off. Luka can do that but also kill you in the midrange, back you down, fade-away. It's Harden plus like Carmelo midrange and in the midpost. Maybe he'll miss his shots. But there really isn't a defense he can't counter with his skill set.

In the past, you could say he dominated the ball too much, like Harden would. Now, he willingly gives it up when doubled, especially bc he trusts PJ and now DJJ hitting shots. It's not just sharing it with Kyrie. And his game is better for it. He can pick and choose when to be aggressive and wait for the fourth quarter to really dominate the action.

Luka's body type along with mid-range and post-up game reminds me of Paul Pierce. He has a great ground game like Pierce did but unlike Pierce he has great ball handling skills, passing that make him difficult to guard.

[Raven]

Luka's body type along with mid-range and post-up game reminds me of Paul Pierce. He has a great ground game like Pierce did but unlike Pierce he has great ball handling skills, passing that make him difficult to guard.

That's a far better comparison of the others heard so far.

[GAustex]

Good for Derrick White
Clutch shot
Class act
My reason for Go Celts
FTM or Wolves lol

[Thread]

Luka's body type along with mid-range and post-up game reminds me of Paul Pierce. He has a great ground game like Pierce did but unlike Pierce he has great ball handling skills, passing that make him difficult to guard.

Though it was Pierce who let Artest yahoo him back in '10 on that eventual 3 in Los Angeles...like he was gonna drive. Look at the tape, it's over on the YouTube.

Paul Pierce indeed.

[Raven]

Though it was Pierce who let Artest yahoo him back in '10 on that eventual 3 in Los Angeles...like he was gonna drive. Look at the tape, it's over on the YouTube.

Paul Pierce indeed.

I was wondering, do you remember anything about the disney title?

[Thread]

I was wondering, do you remember anything about the disney title?

I don't do disney, ever. It's my religion.

[lefty]

Porzingis may be 100% healthy for the Finals

Their defense has benne much better with him in the lineup

It's gonna be interesting to see how Joe manages his return

[Brazil]

As long as Luka is healthy (and Lively)

He has been playing hurt

Luka seems healthy enough tbh... a final against Tatum is a guaranteed ring for the mavs

[lefty]

Luka seems healthy enough tbh... a final against Tatum is a guaranteed ring for the mavs
:lol

Poringus should be back and Jrue is a big time player tbh, should make up for Titum's (not a mistype) shortcomings

[chubbs]

very curious to see how boston plans to defend the dallas PnR. KP seems to be their only chance to defend it without dropping corner defenders into the paint. but the thought of luka getting KP on switches is hilarious.

[Donald Sterling.]

Looks like Lively is back and ready to fortify Luka.

[D-Wade]

Jeezus he's already ended the Pups

[Tyronn Lue]

I see that Jordanesque player, he's lighter skinned than I thought.

[Mark Celibate]

Need to send Morris in to goon it up in return for all those cheap shots to Lively tbh make him useful if he's not going to play IMO

[clambake]

White T-shirts being shed

[GAustex]

FTM

[ambchang]

Didn’t see this coming at all. I thought the wolves would wax the Mavs winning in 6 or less. Man. Luka is something

[velik_m]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M26ciNrgOHE

Pretty good analysis.

[Thread]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M26ciNrgOHE

Pretty good analysis.

I didn't know you gave a rat's ass for NBA, little v? Ya little shit, you.