NBA PLAYOFFS THREAD

[DAF86]

Spurs do have a true #1 guy they should build around. Their model should and is gonna be different. and as mentioned above by other posters, Celts mostly lucked into Jrue and Porzingis, the later one "thanks" to his injury history. You can't really plan on getting potential superstar but injury prone players on the cheap or other teams making bad trades in your favor like with Jrue.

And you have to pay everyone at some point, so that's not really sustainable. Spurs plan should be to build a perennial contender around Wemby, with the supporting cast eventually changing over the years.

So just because we have Wemby we should go after bad defenders instead of good ones, or bad shooters instead of guys that can hit a 3? I don't understand the point you are trying to make, tbh.

[Extra Stout]

So just because we have Wemby we should go after bad defenders instead of good ones, or bad shooters instead of guys that can hit a 3? I don't understand the point you are trying to make, tbh.
I think the point is that you have some different role players when your best player is a true #1 like Wemby as opposed to Tatum.

[DAF86]

I think the point is that you have some different role players when your best player is a true #1 like Wemby as opposed to Tatum.

Having a true #1 option shouldn't prevent you from aspiring to getting the most well rounded player possible, tbh.

[Extra Stout]

Having a true #1 option shouldn't prevent you from aspiring to getting the most well rounded player possible, tbh.
With different roster constructions you prioritize different complementary skills.

[DAF86]

With different roster constructions you prioritize different complementary skills.

What kind of roster construction would make you prioritize a Patty Mills over a Derrick White?

[Extra Stout]

What kind of roster construction would make you prioritize a Patty Mills over a Derrick White?
I don’t see where JPB said that the Spurs should prioritize Patty Mills over Derrick White. I saw where he said that the “perfect” roster around Wemby might be different from what Boston has built. For example, the Spurs might be better off prioritizing more shooting than another highly skilled big. Or, a role player who is better moving off the ball might be preferable to one who is better at putting the ball on the floor.

His second reason was that Boston got fortunate in getting to acquire Porzingis and Holiday and the Spurs may not be able to count on that serendipity in their plan.

The third reason is building a roster to win multiple championships is different from building a roster to win one. For the former, role players are going to have to shuffle in and out, and with salary cap limitations it’s going to be tough to maintain the kind of depth Boston has because so many guys are going to get paid.

[R. DeMurre]

Calling Boston's success in landing both Holiday and Porzingis "lucky" just feels reductive to me. These are impactful players and every team in the league had the potential to pursue them, but the Celtics grabbed both of them. To me, that shows an aggressiveness that's impressive. The "let's see what we have" approach of the Spurs has already fostered one negative result, with Keldon going from being seen as a 20ppg starter/scorer (who Draymond Green called a "future all star") to now being viewed as a bench player who doesn't have much of an impact. His trade value is easily much lower now than it was last summer. The fact that the Celts didn't exaggeratedly lean on things like "continuity" or "corporate knowledge" is a huge reason for their success.

[rascal]

Calling Boston's success in landing both Holiday and Porzingis "lucky" just feels reductive to me. These are impactful players and every team in the league had the potential to pursue them, but the Celtics grabbed both of them. To me, that shows an aggressiveness that's impressive. The "let's see what we have" approach of the Spurs has already fostered one negative result, with Keldon going from being seen as a 20ppg starter/scorer (who Draymond Green called a "future all star") to now being viewed as a bench player who doesn't have much of an impact. His trade value is easily much lower now than it was last summer. The fact that the Celts didn't exaggeratedly lean on things like "continuity" or "corporate knowledge" is a huge reason for their success.

Brad Stevens has made some great moves in Boston.

[BatManu20]

I don’t know man. People here will get up in arms about it but this Boston team might be the closest thing we’ve seen to the 2014 Spurs tbh. I’m not sure they have a single top 10 guy (Tatum probably sneaks in there but still), but they’re just so well-rounded and can win in a multitude of ways. Breath of fresh air compared to the super top heavy teams we usually see where there is clearly 1-2 guys that carry the load.

Trust me: I hate Boston as a sports city and would love for them to collapse and blow a 2-0 lead. I just really don’t see it happening, KP or not. Luka looks banged up and Kyrie is seriously struggling to score on guys like Jrue/Brown. With players as good as Luka/Kyrie I don’t doubt they can have a nuclear game even against this type of defense…maybe even two. But not 4 nuclear games out of the next 5.

I hope I’m wrong. Would love to see Luka win a chip and watch the Boston fanbase melt down after collapsing yet again :lol

Luka is definitely playing through some pain tbh. Luckily for him his game isn't predicated on athleticism, but it's still clearly effecting him. We'll see how Dallas looks tomorrow. I think they win Game 3 at home as Kyrie will almost certainly plays better and role players always play better at home. And then Game 4 will be more competitive and could go either way imo. You have to think Tatum will have at least one good performance in the next 2-3 games too. But Porzingis’ injury is nothing to scoff at tbh.

1800595061291491829

[BatManu20]

1800595256649687411

[R. DeMurre]

damn, Porzingis might be done... This adds a little bit of drama to the narrative.

[cd98]

Kawhi?

[timtonymanu]

Atlspur just had to keep her mouth shut. I knew KP was doomed the moment that thread was bumped.

[SpursFan86]

Video today shows KP walking today and (seemingly) in good spirits. Injury sounds crazy serious (Twitter cracking jokes about the diagnosis) but considering they’re listing him day-to-day it doesn’t seem like he’s out for series or anything. Guess we’ll see.

I still think Celtics can win 2 out of the next 5 even without KP, but if he really does miss the rest of the series it certainly makes things more interesting.

[TD 21]

Would love to see Luka win a chip

You had me until this line.



Calling Boston's success in landing both Holiday and Porzingis "lucky" just feels reductive to me. These are impactful players and every team in the league had the potential to pursue them, but the Celtics grabbed both of them. To me, that shows an aggressiveness that's impressive. The "let's see what we have" approach of the Spurs has already fostered one negative result, with Keldon going from being seen as a 20ppg starter/scorer (who Draymond Green called a "future all star") to now being viewed as a bench player who doesn't have much of an impact. His trade value is easily much lower now than it was last summer. The fact that the Celts didn't exaggeratedly lean on things like "continuity" or "corporate knowledge" is a huge reason for their success.

Right, because I'm sure the Celtics knew that the Bucks would pull a Lillard trade out of their ass (that not even the most connected insiders saw coming), which would make Holiday available.

You're being intentionally obtuse to push your agenda. You're smart enough to know that while it's technically true that anyone could have pursued them, like with every trade, most either don't have the need, the assets or both.

Definitely not defending the Spurs ultra conservative, rigid ways, but it's easy to be aggressive when you've been contenting for a championship for years, clearly weren't good enough and can get two malleable stars for relatively little.

[SpursFan86]

You had me until this line.

:lol

I just think he’s a great player. Sure he complains/whines like a bitch but in today’s league that’s pretty much everyone. It’s awesome seeing someone dominate the way he does while having nowhere near the athleticism as lot of these other guys (for the same reason, I enjoy watching Jokic have success too).

He’s been getting cooked on defense and the people trying to act like he’s on the same level as LeBron at age 25 are on crack, but he’s still top 3 in the league and on an insane trajectory given his age. I don’t have the same disdain as Dallas as most Spurs fans because I lived there for a while…don’t mind seeing them win as long as it’s not at the Spurs’ expense.

[R. DeMurre]

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by TD 21 (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11076476#post11076476)[/QUOTE] Right, because I'm sure the Celtics knew that the Bucks would pull a Lillard trade out of their ass (that not even the most connected insiders saw coming), which would make Holiday available.

You're being intentionally obtuse to push your agenda. You're smart enough to know that while it's technically true that anyone could have pursued them, like with every trade, most either don't have the need, the assets or both.

Definitely not defending the Spurs ultra conservative, rigid ways, but it's easy to be aggressive when you've been contenting for a championship for years, clearly weren't good enough and can get two malleable stars for relatively little.[/QUOTE]


No, I'm not saying Boston knew Milwaukee would make the Lillard trade. I'm saying once the Bucks did make the trade, Boston sprang into action and made the Jrue trade happen, which was smart. I'm not sure why that strikes you as obtuse or "pushing an agenda." I'm not even a Celtic fan, so there's no agenda to push. Sometimes it seems like you attribute 90% of all the actions in the NBA to luck. All of Boston's trade moves were just luck, Golden State, Milwaukee, Toronto, and the Lakers winning titles were all luck, etc... I think if you do enough preparation, you raise your chances at eventually winning, and it's not a mere throw of the dice that decides it.

[Ariel]

Right, because I'm sure the Celtics knew that the Bucks would pull a Lillard trade out of their ass (that not even the most connected insiders saw coming), which would make Holiday available.

You're being intentionally obtuse to push your agenda. You're smart enough to know that while it's technically true that anyone could have pursued them, like with every trade, most either don't have the need, the assets or both.

Definitely not defending the Spurs ultra conservative, rigid ways, but it's easy to be aggressive when you've been contenting for a championship for years, clearly weren't good enough and can get two malleable stars for relatively little.
Still, plenty of teams have the need, the assets and the opportunity, and miss it. It can't be understated just how well Boston went about adding good pieces around their core, not just Porzingis and Jrue, but also Derrick White, Al Horford, Sam Hauser, Malcom Brogdon (flipped for Jrue), etc.

[TD 21]

:lol

I just think he’s a great player. Sure he complains/whines like a bitch but in today’s league that’s pretty much everyone. It’s awesome seeing someone dominate the way he does while having nowhere near the athleticism as lot of these other guys (for the same reason, I enjoy watching Jokic have success too).

I've never seen anyone do so to the same extent.

Were you a fan of prime Harden? If not, then why not just say that it's nice to see a white guy play the glamor role at an elite level? It doesn't make you a racist to find that more relatable.


I'm saying once the Bucks did make the trade, Boston sprang into action and made the Jrue trade happen, which was smart.Sometimes it seems like you attribute 90% of all the actions in the NBA to luck. All of Boston's trade moves were just luck, Golden State, Milwaukee, Toronto, and the Lakers winning titles were all luck, etc... I think if you do enough preparation, you raise your chances at eventually winning, and it's not a mere throw of the dice that decides it.

Well yeah, it was a chance to not only replace, but upgrade Smart at a relatively small cost (Porzingis had already replaced and upgraded R. Williams, Holiday was also an upgrade on Brogdon and the picks were always going to be late).

Sure, it was "smart", but it took about as much brain power as rain being in the forecast, going for a walk and talking an umbrella just in case.

The job is mostly about luck (I like Stevens and all the significant moves he's made though), but I've never compared them or the rest to the Warriors and Craptors in that regard.



Still, plenty of teams have the need, the assets and the opportunity, and miss it. It can't be understated just how well Boston went about adding good pieces around their core, not just Porzingis and Jrue, but also Derrick White, Al Horford, Sam Hauser, Malcom Brogdon (flipped for Jrue), etc.

No, plenty of teams have difficult decisions to make based on a variety of factors or just can't get done what they want for the same reasons. They didn't have either problem.

I'm not taking away from them; it's not like they benefitted from things that destroyed the credibility of their success like the two aforementioned teams.

[CGD]

Man the NBA really needs to fix this finals scheduling. These playoffs have really fallen off after the second round, and these unnecessarily long gaps between games during the finals really sucks.

Add to that, that the league is putting a kabosh on any meaningful draft/trade talk to prioritize showcasing the finals, and you have depressed interest right now.

[SpursFan86]

I've never seen anyone do so to the same extent.

Were you a fan of prime Harden? If not, then why not just say that it's nice to see a white guy play the glamor role at an elite level? It doesn't make you a racist to find that more relatable.

James Harden was having close to a third of his ppg come from the FT line. Luka was at 20% this year…don’t think he’s close to Harden in terms of getting points off of cheap fouls.

That being said I’d probably have appreciated Harden a good amount more if his good years weren’t during the Spurs’ competing years :lol But sure, I can admit the relatability factor is there to an extent.

[Ef-man]

Man the NBA really needs to fix this finals scheduling. These playoffs have really fallen off after the second round, and these unnecessarily long gaps between games during the finals really sucks.

Add to that, that the league is putting a kabosh on any meaningful draft/trade talk to prioritize showcasing the finals, and you have depressed interest right now.

Players and coaches appreciate the extra time to recover and plan.

Sportscasters bs, fans bitch and/or wager before end of season; all is as it should be.

[JPB]

BOS and DAL are even in the series with Porzingis off the court.
BOS is + 25 with Porzingis on the court.

I believe he'll try to play even on one leg. But the docs probably wouldn't let him do.

[Strategic]

Without Porzingis defending the lane Mavs should be force feeding lobs to Gafford. Might make a difference

[Sugus]

DWHITE will be decisive in this game. The Big Balls Buffalo.

[LeBowen]

Time for Tatum to prove he can actually deliver when it matters.

[Strategic]

Dallas scrubs still scrubbin

[skin27]

Like i said this celtics team is like the 2014 spurs

[LeBowen]

Don't remember the last time someone played worse than Kleber in the finals.
Looks like a random fan who won a contest to be on the roster, embarrassingly bad.

Luka started chucking, not looking good for the Mavs.

[lefty]

lol Donutcic whining instead of running back on D
gave up 5 pts

[LeBowen]

Supposed best player in the league getting blocked twice in iso by Tillman.
On defense, he's as bad as Trae.
But he never stops complaining.

[skin27]

:lolmavs

[z0sa]

Doncic visibly frustrated. Mavs look like toast tbh

[Uriel]

The Celtics remind me of the 2014 Spurs. Lost painfully in the playoffs the year before, went on a mission this whole year to redeem themselves, earned the #1 overall seed, and blew through everyone in the playoffs.

[lefty]

:lol Donutcic
:lol fat
:lol will request a trade to San Antonio

[NASpurs]

Congrats to D White on his ring :lobt:

[z0sa]

Cooked

[LeBowen]

Floodgates are open.

G4 is on Friday, less rest, this is a sweep.

Well deserved ring for the Celtics, built the right way and they play amazing basketball.
I just wish we saw them up against Denver, would've been a way better matchup.

[skin27]

The Celtics remind me of the 2014 Spurs. Lost painfully in the playoffs the year before, went on a mission this whole year to redeem themselves, earned the #1 overall seed, and blew through everyone in the playoffs.

I said that buy no one believed me lol

[Obstructed_View]

11 assists. The Mavs have killed their role players with heroball. What a change from the rest of the playoffs.

[Sugus]

DWHITE :worthy:

[LeBowen]

I said that buy no one believed me lol

Not so much for me because there's no flair in the game.
Just precise execution and brutal punishment of opposition's mistakes.

They have noone that makes unexpected plays like Tony, Manu and Boris did.

[Obstructed_View]

Congrats to D White on his ring :lobt:
Glad to see him get what he's worked for. He's an easy kid to root for.

[davethedope]

One of the most embarrassing finals appearances ever probably

[timtonymanu]

We overrated the hell out of Dallas on here. Lol. I was calling them to ring.

[lefty20]

Typical Boston stuff. Get big lead and start playing inefficient iso chuck ball for no reason.

[skin27]

Not so much for me because there's no flair in the game.
Just precise execution and brutal punishment of opposition's mistakes.

They have noone that makes unexpected plays like Tony, Manu and Boris did.

But the stats are similar, top 10 in both offense and defense

[timtonymanu]

lol as I say this

[LeBowen]

Tatum trying to steal FMVP and giving Mavs a lifeline.

[skin27]

Mavs fighting back

[DAF86]

If the Celtics choke this game, it is over.

Mazula with the most retarded substitution pattern I have ever seen.

[Spurs Homer]

Not sure when the refs became celtic-refs

but the mavs have got nothing from the refs this entire series….

[Spurs Homer]

Would be great to see a competitive series - so hoping the mavs pull this one out

it would ruin it to see a team up 3-0

[z0sa]

2006 vibes, only reversed in the Mavs favor. Can they complete a comeback and make this a series?

[LeBowen]

Don't compare these Celtics to 2014 Spurs ever again.
They have noone to slow the game down and run a play when things get rough.

[Spurs Homer]

Refs fucked the mavs all series

[LeBowen]

Finally we get refs with balls.

Also, I never thought I'd miss Mark Jackson and JVG, but here we are.

[DAF86]

They are going to reverse the call, only so that Doncic doesn't leave the game.

[MultiTroll]

Brown being given the Kobme Bryant favoritism vs Doncic.

WTF?

[DAF86]

Finally we get refs with balls.

Also, I never thought I'd miss Mark Jackson and JVG, but here we are.

Watch them reverse the call.

[z0sa]

Refs fucked the mavs all series

Feel the same

[DAF86]

It is a defensive foul, but it is close enough not to eject the best player in the series.

[lefty20]

Easy blocking call, tbh

[DAF86]

Wow, surprised they actually mantained the call.

[lefty]

Fatty Acid :lol

[MultiTroll]

Compare Brown sliding his feet and sticking his leg out to draw the charge vs Doncic....

With the last two BULLSHIT blocking fouls called on Doncic to foul him out.

[Spurs Homer]

Never seen the nba shoot themselves in the foot like this

[DAF86]

Mavs are still puling this out, tbh.

[z0sa]

Luka wasnt sliding right leg, for the sake of a GG I want a reversal

[LeBowen]

Lmao this is hillarious.
Cuban can pull out his book of excuses from 2006.

Watch Celtics lose this.

[baseline bum]

JFC refs ruining the Finals

[DAF86]

All these are good calls, but I'm surprised they are actually calling them, tbh.

[timtonymanu]

D White :cry

[MultiTroll]

Lakers Warriors level of rigging now.
Blocking foul called on PJ Wa setting the screen while SET.

FFS.

[lefty]

D white !

[skin27]

Its amatter of hitting clutch shots

[lefty]

Lakers Warriors level of rigging now.
Blocking foul called on PJ Wa setting the screen while SET.

FFS.

Shoulder lean

good call

[MultiTroll]

Luka wasnt sliding right leg, for the sake of a GG I want a reversal
Announcers have been pathetic
Going with the rig.

[lefty]

All these are good calls, but I'm surprised they are actually calling them, tbh.

true

[LeBowen]

Lakers Warriors level of rigging now.
Blocking foul called on PJ Wa setting the screen while SET.

FFS.

Couldn't have happened to a more well-behved superstar, tbh.
He blatantly pushes off almost every single post-up while backing down defenders.

[lefty]

fucking Tatum

[LeBowen]

The fuck is Horford doing.

[skin27]

:lolmavs

[DAF86]

Brown might actually be better than Tatum, tbh. At least in "go get me a bucket" time.

[MultiTroll]

Hardaway Jr such a low effort pussy.

[LeBowen]

Brown might actually be better than Tatum, tbh. At least in "go get me a bucket" time.

He's got his flaws, but he's definitely done way more in these playoffs.
And is a way better defender.
Easy FMVP decision.

[z0sa]

Brown might actually be better than Tatum, tbh. At least in "go get me a bucket" time.

Brown is definitely better than Tatum in all aspects of the game except passing and pushing off while posting up, tbh.

[Spurs Homer]

Welp,
when i saw the celtics get every single call and were allowed to hack at will at home….
i figured the mavs were about to get some home cooking to prolong the series…

but the refs continued the fix

[LeBowen]

Tbh, it's amazing Luka managed to foul out while giving up like 30 easy points.

[spursgu]

Dallas is going to ring tbh. They'll beat the Celtics in 5 or 6 tbh. They're clicking on all cylinders right now and Luka is playing like the best basketball player in the world at the moment. Team with the best player almost always wins (those Warriors vs Cavs series were outliers). Tatum and Jaylen Brown are also both known to shrink in big games too, and Boston lives and dies by the 3. Mavs defense has also been insane in these playoffs. They feel like a team of destiny.


Porzingis' injury at the end of Game 2 looked significant. He could barely run and had to be pulled from the game. I know he said he's going to try to play through it, but if he's hobbled out there moving forward, this is a completely different series tbh. He's the difference in Boston winning or losing this series imo, especially with Tatum playing like dog-shit offensively. If he cant go, I think Dallas wins the next two at home to tie the series and then the momentum swings back in their favor.


Lol says the faggot who just wrote out an entire paragraph response to me :lol. It’s just basketball dumbass, don’t take it so seriously and let harmless posts like this trigger you so badly. And keep me out ya mentions from now on. Fuckin’ grays…

lol proceed with your bad takes.

[z0sa]

Refs should have reversed the Luka call. It was a 50/50, which is why they should have simply reversed and let the players decide the game.

Correct or not, Game 3 is going to be tainted by the whistle.

[spursgu]

I’m telling you guys this Mavs team was nothing special. The Celtics didn’t need KP to beat this sorry ass Mavs team. Dallas had their cute little moment but Celtics are winning it all.

[spursgu]

Gotta look through all the posts that picked the Mavs :lol

[Gibbz]

Kidd bangs a TO on a 20-2 home run after the worst Boston possession of the night--Luka adrenaline dumps and with shot legs picks up two lazy zero-IQ fouls. Also all the THJ/Maxi/Green minutes. This loss is largely on Kidd.

[Mikeanaro]

Lol fuck Mavs.

[Spurs Homer]

Fuck

now wemby has to win more titles to catch the celtics…

[rascal]

Gotta look through all the posts that picked the Mavs :lol

Thought the Mavs would take this game but not the series.

[Obstructed_View]

Gotta look through all the posts that picked the Mavs :lol
That's an utterly faggot move.

[scott]

I'm old enough to remember when some ST.com posters said Jaylen Brown overrated/wasn't worth his extension/wouldn't be worthy of trying to acquire and how Boston would be forced to blow it up when they couldn't deliver. Jaylen Brown's about to win Finals MVP in a pretty dominating Boston postseason run (they'll tie the Spurs and a myriad of other teams for 4th all time with only 2 losses in a playoff run if they can pull off this sweep).

[lefty]

Welp,
when i saw the celtics get every single call and were allowed to hack at will at home….
i figured the mavs were about to get some home cooking to prolong the series…

but the refs continued the fix

excellent officiating tbh

[Gibbz]

I'm old enough to remember when some ST.com posters said Jaylen Brown overrated/wasn't worth his extension/wouldn't be worthy of trying to acquire and how Boston would be forced to blow it up when they couldn't deliver. Jaylen Brown's about to win Finals MVP in a pretty dominating Boston postseason run (they'll tie the Spurs and a myriad of other teams for 4th all time with only 2 losses in a playoff run if they can pull off this sweep).

He has been incredible. Definitely the alpha on that team.

[SpursFan86]

I mean I still don’t believe Jaylen Brown is a super-max caliber guy, but…for the Celtics it’s worked out and it was the right move. They’ve clearly been on the cusp of being a title team for years now, so making a huge change and dealing Brown for picks was just too risky.

Build a team around Jaylen Brown as your clear-cut best player and it’s likely going nowhere :lol This Celtics team is just masterfully constructed. White/Jrue/Brown/Tatum/KP/Horford is a ridiculously good 6-man group.

[TD 21]

I'm old enough to remember when some ST.com posters said Jaylen Brown overrated/wasn't worth his extension/wouldn't be worthy of trying to acquire and how Boston would be forced to blow it up when they couldn't deliver. Jaylen Brown's about to win Finals MVP in a pretty dominating Boston postseason run (they'll tie the Spurs and a myriad of other teams for 4th all time with only 2 losses in a playoff run if they can pull off this sweep).

I'm old enough to remember when the Celtics didn't have Holiday and Porzingis on the cheap and didn't catch far more injury breaks than they incurred (still worthy champions because they're clearly the best team) . . . if you'd have told me that at the time, of course I'd have said retain Brown.

[z0sa]

I’m telling you guys this Mavs team was nothing special. The Celtics didn’t need KP to beat this sorry ass Mavs team. Dallas had their cute little moment but Celtics are winning it all.

They owned the WC, including the best defensive team.

That said, if they can't even prevent a sweep, they still underachieved.

BTW, I called Mavs in 6 if the games were close. No need to go hunting for my prediction :lol

[R. DeMurre]

D White getting a ring is cool.

[rascal]

They owned the WC, including the best defensive team.

That said, if they can't even prevent a sweep, they still underachieved.

BTW, I called Mavs in 6 if the games were close. No need to go hunting for my prediction :lol

That was a bad pick.

Look how deep Boston is compared to Dallas.

[CGD]

D White getting a ring is cool.

The ONLY thing that makes me happy about Celtics winning. Their fans are gonna be insufferable.

[daslicer]

The ONLY thing that makes me happy about Celtics winning. Their fans are gonna be insufferable.

I would say the best part of it is their fans being insufferable towards Laker fans. They are going to rub in the 18-17 advantage they have over them for as long as possible.

[Obstructed_View]

The ONLY thing that makes me happy about Celtics winning. Their fans are gonna be insufferable.

Given the alternative, I'll take it.

[r0drig0lac]

:lol same guys trashing doncic are the ones who wanted Trae. WTF?
the same guys that trashing prime harden are the ones that want doncic, it's normal

[MultiTroll]

This is a game and most likely series on the line game deciding call?

https://youtu.be/5crxbRfOiZg

[Pauleta14]

Where are all the Luka fans who dream of him in a Spur unifom??

Are you finally opening your eyes? :lol

For all his offensive talent, he is the worst superstar ever with James Harden. He's not only lazy on D, he's acting like a spoiled child, talking shit to refs and own teammates/coaches... smh

The fault is partly on Cuban/Mavs FO, they excused everthing for years and it's now too late to change him or show authority. They're fuked for a long term with him

[Pauleta14]

This is a game and most likely series on the line game deciding call?

https://youtu.be/5crxbRfOiZg

Luka fouling out wasn't the story + it kinda helped the mavs actually ^^

[Pauleta14]

They owned the WC, including the best defensive team.

That said, if they can't even prevent a sweep, they still underachieved.

BTW, I called Mavs in 6 if the games were close. No need to go hunting for my prediction :lol

Even the Spurs beat the Wolves this season

We forget that PO are a very different type of bb and that matchups change the whole picture.

Gobert is a massive handicap in the PO compared to RS and ANT's game is far from being half court/PO efficient yet

Those are the weakest POs and Finals I've watched in + 2 decades tbh

NBA is between two cycles/eras in the West (the East is weak as usual)

Spurs shouldn't waste time

[LeBowen]

I love the overrrecations. Every season is the weakest ever.
East would've been great for their standards if everyone was healthy.
West was solid enough, it's just that matchups favored Dallas.

As for Luka, while it's true that his sixth foul was something you don't call in the finals, even though it's a foul if we look at the rules, he committed four incredibly dumb fouls in the fourth quarter.
Considering how he berates the refs every single play, he deserved it. If he wasn't bitching all game long, Mavs would've won at least one game.

[JPB]

Could be Luka best shot at a ring as a mav. I don't see Kyrie puttiing another season without starting to mess in one way or another. They're lacking talent and depth with no real assets to upgrade on that part and a lack of picks in the future. They're in the finals most entirely thanks to the Luka-irving and once BOS focused on Irving letting Luka do his thing, it's was game, with no one in DAL able to step up.

Lively is nice but he's still a role player with limited offensive upside, a Tiago if you will. Useful but you still need the Manus, TPs, Nephews, Horries, Borises... Not over yet but I agree overall that was pretty mediocre POs wth BOS a tier above everyone else... MIN has a lot of flaws and still made the WCF. there's definitely a path to contend reasonably quickly with BOS who won't also be able to afford that roster very long.

[R. DeMurre]

Yeah, the day-to-day overreactions during the playoffs to whatever anecdotal evidence happened 30 seconds ago is pretty amusing. I actually liked the Kyrie redemption story this year, and am glad he seems to enjoy playing basketball again, but the narratives of "Kyrie is the most gifted player ever" were a bit silly. For me also, it shows how taken some are with flashy handles, which sometimes work against Kyrie as much as they work for him, resulting in way too many iso heavy possessions. D White and Jrue both have functional handles without the flash, and almost never stop ball movement.

[Obstructed_View]

I love the overrrecations. Every season is the weakest ever.
East would've been great for their standards if everyone was healthy.
West was solid enough, it's just that matchups favored Dallas.

As for Luka, while it's true that his sixth foul was something you don't call in the finals, even though it's a foul if we look at the rules, he committed four incredibly dumb fouls in the fourth quarter.
Considering how he berates the refs every single play, he deserved it. If he wasn't bitching all game long, Mavs would've won at least one game.
+1
Great player. Can't shut the fuck up to officials or fans. Commits dumb fouls and acts shocked when the refs who he drags for the entire game don't give him benefit of the doubt.

[LeBowen]

Warriors losing the play-in game.
Nephew getting injured again.
Jokic and Murray shitting on Lakers yet again.
Phoenix Sons, as per usual.
OKC and especially Chet, shitting the bed.
Amazing series between Wolves and Denver.

Embiid having another meltdown.
Fake tough guy Jimmy and Heat lost in the first round.
Karma for firing Bud catching up with the Bucks.
Knicks finally thinking they have a chance only to lose to arguably their biggest rivals.
Magic and Pacers had good showings.

Mainstream media overhyping crybaby Luka and deranged Kyrie only for them to get embarrassed by the Celtics.
Lakers fans in full meltdown mode because Celtics have more rings again.
Our boy Derrick won a ring.

Really enjoyable, at least for me.

[SouthernFryd]

+1
Great player. Can't shut the fuck up to officials or fans. Commits dumb fouls and acts shocked when the refs who he drags for the entire game don't give him benefit of the doubt.

Exactly. He shits on the refs ALL GAME LONG and seems to not have a clue how that comes back on him. He got obviously fouled several times and didn't get the call. Don't piss on the refs and they'll be less likely to piss on you.

Shoulda learned that a decade ago. Where's Kidd??

[R. DeMurre]

It's also easy to forget that Doncic is 25 and has been to two WCFs and one Finals. Joel Embiid is 30 and still hasn't gotten past the second round.

[LeBowen]

It's also easy to forget that Doncic is 25 and has been to two WCFs and one Finals. Joel Embiid is 30 and still hasn't gotten past the second round.

He needs someone to change his mentality. Not just when it comes to refs, but off-ball engagement on both ends off the floor.

While it's true Mavs supporting cast sucks, their gameplan just can't work against great teams with perimeter defenders.
Luka and Kyrie shot 55 times last night. Other 9 Mavs players shot 31 time.
You can't expect players to not touch the ball at all for several minutes and then hit important shots.
That's why Rockets went 0-27, that's why Mavs role players can't do shit right now.
Btw, THJ hasn't scored a point since May 18th. :lol

But I expect more of the same next season.
Mainstream media narrative will push Luka to win the MVP, he'll have a Harden-like season and then lose in the playoffs in exactly the same way.

[R. DeMurre]

Yeah, Doncic's supporting cast has height & athleticism, but I think he needs at least one guy with size that also has all around skills. A peak Batum or Kirilenko would do wonders for that team.

[Pero]

Holy shit, I thought game three was today! I'm reading comments and I'm like WTF are these people talking about. Somehow completely managed to miss any news about it. :lol

I thought the Mavs will lose the series after so many people here started saying they were going to win. Didn't expect them to possibly get swept though.

[Sugus]

Warriors losing the play-in game.
Nephew getting injured again.
Jokic and Murray shitting on Lakers yet again.
Phoenix Sons, as per usual.
OKC and especially Chet, shitting the bed.
Amazing series between Wolves and Denver.

Embiid having another meltdown.
Fake tough guy Jimmy and Heat lost in the first round.
Karma for firing Bud catching up with the Bucks.
Knicks finally thinking they have a chance only to lose to arguably their biggest rivals.
Magic and Pacers had good showings.

Mainstream media overhyping crybaby Luka and deranged Kyrie only for them to get embarrassed by the Celtics.
Lakers fans in full meltdown mode because Celtics have more rings again.
Our boy Derrick won a ring.

Really enjoyable, at least for me.

This tbh. Don't forget also the public embarrassment of the Lakers FO and team after the Jerry West saga. A great playoffs all around in terms of results.

Also, seeing how wide-open the playoffs were, and also thinking about how this Boston team can't last too long before they get way too expensive to keep together with JT & JB's supermaxes -- the Spurs FO gotta be salivating. It's gonna be Wemby Time before long.

[Sugus]

Can't see anybody with an ounce of nba knowledge watching the mavs play and think an untested eastern conference team has a remote chance.
Should be mavs in 5 but nba will protect lakers east and stretch it to 6.

:lol this is the only prediction worth bumping. Nothing beats the "arrogant and confidently incorrect" combination.

[Obstructed_View]

It's also easy to forget that Doncic is 25 and has been to two WCFs and one Finals. Joel Embiid is 30 and still hasn't gotten past the second round.
You're right. His whining and barking at fans does make that easy to forget, as his team has cratered around him on the biggest stage. It's a shame.

[timtonymanu]

:lol this is the only prediction worth bumping. Nothing beats the "arrogant and confidently incorrect" combination.

Originally people on here said that Denver/Minnesota was the real finals. Everyone was ready to crown Minny. I thought it was funny looking back.

[TD 21]

It's also easy to forget that Doncic is 25 and has been to two WCFs and one Finals. Joel Embiid is 30 and still hasn't gotten past the second round.

Which doesn't have anything to do with the criticism he's rightly receiving today.

It's also easy to forget Embiid has been chronically injured in the playoffs and never had a roster around him that fit until Simmons was traded.

I'm not an Embiid or 76ers fan, but I hope they can upgrade this off season and get one healthy prime Embiid run, to see the best team vs player contrast (along with Jokic) where they're weakest (considering Porzingis' lack of durability and girth and Horford's age).

[Sugus]

Originally people on here said that Denver/Minnesota was the real finals. Everyone was ready to crown Minny. I thought it was funny looking back.

For sure that was weird, and also all the confidence riding for the Mavs, here and elsewhere, after their series win. People forget or don't take into account the importance of matchups in basketball, and assumed Luka and the Mavs could plow through everyone as if it were a zero-sum game.

Honestly, looking at the Celtics this Finals it's impossible not to notice how much their core has grown from their series against the Warriors in '22. I was just telling my wife yesterday that the Celtics were playing now, like the Warriors did then. Everyone kept saying the Celtics weren't "battle tested" and it was such a puzzling argument - the J's have been tested more than almost any other player in these playoffs.

[SpursFan86]

Luka has been majorly disappointing in the Finals. Yes, he’s still young but I expected better out of him. He’s been atrocious on defense, has disappeared down the stretch in all 3 games, and has been incessantly whining in the worst possible situations. Acting like the refs screwed him over when he commits a stupid 6th foul that takes him out was the cherry on top.

[SpursDynasty85]

Luka has been majorly disappointing in the Finals. Yes, he’s still young but I expected better out of him. He’s been atrocious on defense, has disappeared down the stretch in all 3 games, and has been incessantly whining in the worst possible situations. Acting like the refs screwed him over when he commits a stupid 6th foul that takes him out was the cherry on top.

He's been on Knee injections apparently. No doubt his play style and maturity needs to be critiqued but also playing against this Celtics team on a bad knee is nearly impossible.

[SpursFan86]

He's been on Knee injections apparently. No doubt his play style and maturity needs to be critiqued but also playing against this Celtics team on a bad knee is nearly impossible.

Yeah, I mean you can excuse some of the defensive woes + poor 4th quarter play on injuries and him having to carry such a large load on offense against a very good defense…but if we’re going to throw him in MVP discussions and draw parallels to him and other all-time greats, at some point he just needs to perform better. And like you said that still doesn’t give him a pass for the attitude issues.

[Mugen]

:lol Mavs
:lol Fluke Run

[timtonymanu]

:lol Mavs
:lol Fluke Run

Still 5>1 after all. Time to run the West with Wemby, tbh.

[Mugen]

Still 5>1 after all. Time to run the West with Wemby, tbh.

West is wide open tbh.

Denver is gonna have to make some tough roster decisions soon that should make them worse.

The only other team I'm worried about it in theory is MethKC pushing all of their chips in for a star.

[lefty20]

West is wide open tbh.

Denver is gonna have to make some tough roster decisions soon that should make them worse.

The only other team I'm worried about it in theory is MethKC pushing all of their chips in for a star.

OKC with Lauri would run the West until extension for J-Dub/Chet force them to break things up.

[quentin_compson]

I find it pretty remarkable that the Mavs made the Finals while having to rely heavily on quite a number of pretty limited players (Gafford, Jones Jr., Green, Lively). Sure, them not having more versatile players has a lot to do with poor asset management in recent years, but still, kudos to them for making the finals with that team.
That being said, Boston really has meant business for the most part this season, both RS and playoffs. I think a lot of people still underestimate how good and versatile their defense is. Sure, the offense looks clunky or downright bad at times (see the 4th quarter of Game 3), but it is what it is when you don't have a really great playmaker/floor general in the vein of Doncic, LeBron, Jokic or even, say, Haliburton or Trae Young.

I find some of the criticism directed at Tatum too harsh. He is the main ballhandler and playmaker for the Celtics - a lot of the stuff that opens up for the others is because of that. His three point shooting has fallen off a cliff in these playoffs, but he still has gravity as a three level scorer. He is a very willing team player, ready to let others shine offensively and to do stuff like defend Dallas' centers and get switched onto Doncic after. Sure, he takes maybe two or three bad shots too many a game, especially given his bad shooting in this postseason.
The biggest surprise to me has been Jaylen Brown. I still don't think he is a supermax player in a vacuum with his somewhat iffy ballhandling and playmaking, but he has been very consistent these playoffs and Boston's most reliable scorer. Also, I understand that Boston had to pay him and didn't want to lose him in the first place.
Al Horford has been pretty damn great defending in space in the Finals.

Boston has managed to take away both the easy corner threes and lobs that were the Mav's bread and butter throughout the playoffs. Kyrie has had one good game, and the likes of Jones Jr., Green, Kleber and (to a lesser extent) PJ Washington don't even want to shoot most of the time. Defensively, the Mavs had been pretty good at protecting the rim and ignoring shaky shooters so far in the playoffs, but that doesn't work against the Celtics with all their shooting (which hasn't even been that amazing in the Finals).

As far as Doncic fouling out is concerned: To me, his sixth foul probably should have been a no call - but if a player goes down, refs always seem to feel obliged to blow the whistle. That being said, it was just a bad decision on his part to try and draw a charge in this situation. And he also had like two frustration fouls earlier. He just has to do better in that regard, as well as not being a traffic cone defensively.

[weeks]

:lol this is the only prediction worth bumping. Nothing beats the "arrogant and confidently incorrect" combination.

i don't mind people getting it called wrong, everyone makes a bad pick, just so long as they own it.
the celtics were the best team in the nba all year but i didn't expect them to go up 3-0 tbh

[MultiTroll]

He's been on Knee injections apparently. No doubt his play style and maturity needs to be critiqued but also playing against this Celtics team on a bad knee is nearly impossible.
There are Spurstalk posters who get knee injections and still make it up to the keyboard.

Stop making excuses for Doncic.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Tatum is trash but props to Brown, he’s carried them

[SpursDynasty85]

Tatum is trash but props to Brown, he’s carried them

Tatum is not trash. He’s not hitting buckets at a normal clip but he is doing everything else. This year’s Boston is very Spurs like. Just all about winning.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Tatum is not trash. He’s not hitting buckets at a normal clip but he is doing everything else. This year’s Boston is very Spurs like. Just all about winning.

Not at all, 36% shooting is horrific, 6th best +/- on the Celtics in these finals (a flawed stat at times but considering how much in control of this series Boston has been that’s not great). Even defensively Luka has had far more success against him than any other Celtic that guard him.

For FMVP he’d maybe be 4th. He’s definitely not a superstar and that’s okay, but thank god for Brown and Porzingis as Tatum’s horrible shot selection would’ve been put on blast even more so. Tatum has been painfully mediocre all playoffs. Brown was trash last ECF but has bounced back. Maybe Tatum will do the same next year. He’s been good before.

[gilmor2002]

Not at all, 36% shooting is horrific, 6th best +/- on the Celtics in these finals (a flawed stat at times but considering how much in control of this series Boston has been that’s not great). Even defensively Luka has had far more success against him than any other Celtic that guard him.

For FMVP he’d maybe be 4th. He’s definitely not a superstar and that’s okay, but thank god for Brown and Porzingis as Tatum’s horrible shot selection would’ve been put on blast even more so. Tatum has been painfully mediocre all playoffs. Brown was trash last ECF but has bounced back. Maybe Tatum will do the same next year. He’s been good before.

Doesnt matter Tatum is winning the FMVP; but this boston celtics team is all about winning the championship.

[heyheymymy]

Warriors losing the play-in game.
Nephew getting injured again.
Jokic and Murray shitting on Lakers yet again.
Phoenix Sons, as per usual.
OKC and especially Chet, shitting the bed.
Amazing series between Wolves and Denver.

Embiid having another meltdown.
Fake tough guy Jimmy and Heat lost in the first round.
Karma for firing Bud catching up with the Bucks.
Knicks finally thinking they have a chance only to lose to arguably their biggest rivals.
Magic and Pacers had good showings.

Mainstream media overhyping crybaby Luka and deranged Kyrie only for them to get embarrassed by the Celtics.
Lakers fans in full meltdown mode because Celtics have more rings again.
Our boy Derrick won a ring.

Really enjoyable, at least for me.

damn, when you list it all out like that... glorious playoffs

my highlight was watching the Magic and Timberwolves in postseason lol pretty refreshing.

[KingKev]

Overall a pretty feel good season and playoffs despite not being directly involved as Spurs fans.

Would have loved to have seen Minny in the finals though.

[SpursDynasty85]

Not at all, 36% shooting is horrific, 6th best +/- on the Celtics in these finals (a flawed stat at times but considering how much in control of this series Boston has been that’s not great). Even defensively Luka has had far more success against him than any other Celtic that guard him.

For FMVP he’d maybe be 4th. He’s definitely not a superstar and that’s okay, but thank god for Brown and Porzingis as Tatum’s horrible shot selection would’ve been put on blast even more so. Tatum has been painfully mediocre all playoffs. Brown was trash last ECF but has bounced back. Maybe Tatum will do the same next year. He’s been good before.

keying in one stat is silly. His defense, vision, rebounding has been great. Game 3, 12 assists. Game 4 31, 6, &, 6. Game 1 & 2 missed a lot of bunnies.

[LeBowen]

keying in one stat is silly. His defense, vision, rebounding has been great. Game 3, 12 assists. Game 4 31, 6, &, 6. Game 1 & 2 missed a lot of bunnies.

Tatum's problem is his shot selection.
Someone needs to get Kobe out of his head.

Whenever he gets the ball with not a lot of time left on the clock, it's pretty much guaranteed he'll make the worst possible decision.
Other than that, his finishing around the rim is still subpar. Was always his biggest issue.

[Pero]

Yeah, I mean you can excuse some of the defensive woes + poor 4th quarter play on injuries and him having to carry such a large load on offense against a very good defense…but if we’re going to throw him in MVP discussions and draw parallels to him and other all-time greats, at some point he just needs to perform better. And like you said that still doesn’t give him a pass for the attitude issues.

See this is what I just don't get. With all the faults that can be found in him, Luka still definitely had an MVP caliber regular season. Got his 5th all-nba first team selection. Then, even though it's his worst playoffs, still led team to the finals. A team basically assembled 4 months ago. At 25 years old. But it seems some people won't acknowledge him unless he averages 50/20/20/10/10 and threepeats. Maybe, just maybe, then he could be an MVP and we could draw parallels to all-time greats. The expectations are unreal.

[SpursDynasty85]

Tatum's problem is his shot selection.
Someone needs to get Kobe out of his head.

Whenever he gets the ball with not a lot of time left on the clock, it's pretty much guaranteed he'll make the worst possible decision.
Other than that, his finishing around the rim is still subpar. Was always his biggest issue.

Agree his shot selection is not the best sometimes especially the step back 3 pointers. He has a nice package of layups and drives in his bag as well. Whenever he is hitting his 3 pointer though he is unstoppable. He still keeps defenses honest and he is a lifetime 37.5% shooter 3-point shooter. A lot of nit picking just because Jaylen Brown has turned into a beast these playoffs. The way the team is set up, in most cases, Tatum is the one that has to sacrifice because he used to feast on the smaller guys when he played the 3, but now he is almost exclusively at the PF spot where he outsized but he holds his own on defense and rebounding and so far they have only lost 1 game in these whole playoffs. At this point, it's just nitpicking.

[Obstructed_View]

Yeah, I mean you can excuse some of the defensive woes + poor 4th quarter play on injuries and him having to carry such a large load on offense against a very good defense…but if we’re going to throw him in MVP discussions and draw parallels to him and other all-time greats, at some point he just needs to perform better. And like you said that still doesn’t give him a pass for the attitude issues.
Exactly this. You can't excuse staying upcourt to argue while your teammates are playing four on five.

[R. DeMurre]

In theory every team wants their Jordan, Duncan, or Lebron, but obviously those types aren't easy to come by. Jordan/Pippen won 6 rings, but a theoretical Pippen/Pippen type of team would have a good shot at winning rings too, especially with a supporting cast like White and Holiday.

[JPB]

In theory every team wants their Jordan, Duncan, or Lebron, but obviously those types aren't easy to come by. Jordan/Pippen won 6 rings, but a theoretical Pippen/Pippen type of team would have a good shot at winning rings too, especially with a supporting cast like White and Holiday.

I disagree with that. Pippen was Robin to Batman Jordan. Two Robins alone don't save the endangered ladies and orphans. You need a Batman. Pippen never had the alpha, killer instinct but thrived next to Jordan he was perfect alongside without the pressure of being THE guy. I'm not to sure he has the same career and becomes the player he did if he doesn't play with the Bulls and jordan. Bullying or not, Jordan indirectly made Pippen as the player he became.

[R. DeMurre]

I disagree with that. Pippen was Robin to Batman Jordan. Two Robins alone don't save the endangered ladies and orphans. You need a Batman. Pippen never had the alpha, killer instinct but thrived next to Jordan he was perfect alongside without the pressure of being THE guy. I'm not to sure he has the same career and becomes the player he did if he doesn't play with the Bulls and jordan. Bullying or not, Jordan indirectly made Pippen as the player he became.


Do you think Tatum has the Jordanesque killer instinct? Pippen led the Bulls to a 55 win season and a 7 game playoff series against the Knicks, who in turn lost the finals in a 7 game series. If Pippen had another Pippen level player I think they have a great shot at winning it all.

[LeBowen]

on that roster, i think that puts them over the top that year.

Do you think Tatum has the Jordanesque killer instinct? Pippen led the Bulls to a 55 win season and a 7 game playoff series against the Knicks, who in turn lost the finals in a 7 game series. If Pippen had another Pippen level player I think they have a great shot at winning it all.

What I'm about to write is somewhat of a hot take, but while we're at those Bulls, I think that Kukoc would be more valuable than Pippen in 2024 version of the game.
If only we could get a player like him. Would be a 6'10 point guard and definitely a better offensive player than Pippen.

[SpursFan86]

See this is what I just don't get. With all the faults that can be found in him, Luka still definitely had an MVP caliber regular season. Got his 5th all-nba first team selection. Then, even though it's his worst playoffs, still led team to the finals. A team basically assembled 4 months ago. At 25 years old. But it seems some people won't acknowledge him unless he averages 50/20/20/10/10 and threepeats. Maybe, just maybe, then he could be an MVP and we could draw parallels to all-time greats. The expectations are unreal.

I’m not saying that he shouldn’t be compared to all-time greats…in fact, it’s the opposite. Because I do think he’s on the trajectory to become an all-time great, I’m saying we have to hold him to a higher standard than just your run of the mill all-NBA guy.

If we’re comparing him to the all-time greats, his play in this Finals has been disappointing. He’s shrunk down the stretch of every game, he’s been putrid defensively, and his attitude has been awful at the detriment of his team.

[R. DeMurre]

Interesting Finals stat: Tatum and Brown are shooting 29.6% and 25% respectively on 3pt FG%s, on 47 total attempts. D White and Holiday are shooting 40.7% and 41.7%, on 39 attempts.

[Pero]

I’m not saying that he shouldn’t be compared to all-time greats…in fact, it’s the opposite. Because I do think he’s on the trajectory to become an all-time great, I’m saying we have to hold him to a higher standard than just your run of the mill all-NBA guy.
Ah I see.


If we’re comparing him to the all-time greats, his play in this Finals has been disappointing. He’s shrunk down the stretch of every game, he’s been putrid defensively, and his attitude has been awful at the detriment of his team.
Do not disagree, but think his play in the finals shouldn't negate the rest of the season. Of course if it'll happen multiple times it is a different matter.

[Ice009]

We overrated the hell out of Dallas on here. Lol. I was calling them to ring.

I picked the Celtics as I thought they were the superior team. I just thought they showed that throughout the regular season and now they're showing it in the playoffs. I don't know if their competition has been the best, but you can only play who you're given.

I will say, though, people trashing Tatum, sure he hasn't played incredible scoring wise, but he's been doing more than just trying to score the ball this series. I know it's different as he's considered a superstar by some (I'd say he's not quite a superstar), but he's playing similar to Manu IMO when his offense isn't working. He's been doing a lot of other things out there - playing defense, rebounding, passing the ball, leading. He hasn't been bad like some people have insinuated.

Jaylen Brown has been awesome this series, though, and also, D White, Jrue Holiday, Porzingis (in the short amount of time he was healthy) have been great too. Al Horford has been serviceable/solid as well. It's been a team effort from the Celtics. I won't say they're like the 2014 Spurs team play style wise, but playing as a team, yeah, they have that similarity where they're playing a total team game and not relying on one or two players to carry them. Almost everyone is making plays for them from game to game, and I think that is great basketball.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

keying in one stat is silly. His defense, vision, rebounding has been great. Game 3, 12 assists. Game 4 31, 6, &, 6. Game 1 & 2 missed a lot of bunnies.

His playoffs have been painfully mediocre. His defense has been massively overrated, Luka has had more success against him than any other Celtic. He has been pretty bad and the 4th best player for the Celtic which for his salary is insane. Brown carried them.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

In theory every team wants their Jordan, Duncan, or Lebron, but obviously those types aren't easy to come by. Jordan/Pippen won 6 rings, but a theoretical Pippen/Pippen type of team would have a good shot at winning rings too, especially with a supporting cast like White and Holiday.

Now yes, but not always. You need your closers. League has a lot more parity now but a Pippen/Pippen combo wasn't beating the Warriors or last year's Nuggets.

[ace3g]

If Lively hits corner 3s, Mavs win Game 4.

[z0sa]

Mavericks hitting corner threes and whaddaya know, they look like the team that owned the best defense in the L.

Also Luka playing much more inspired on defense and bitching relatively little.

[Uriel]

Watching Dante Exum, how did this guy go from being a top prospect and a top 5 overall pick to being a bench scrub? And what can we learn from that about how to evaluate the current crop of prospects?

[scott]

Luka definitely looks like the kind of MFer who screams at his mother when the hot pockets are the wrong flavor.

[benefactor]

Welp

[Fizziksman]

can never trust the Celtics. Such a choker team.

[scott]

This is the kind of first half deficit the 2000's Spurs would come back and win. So, I'm thankful this game at least reminded me of those times.

[z0sa]

Mavericks defense and shooting has been the difference. It's a role players' game, right now. I'm jumping ahead of myself here, but if the Mavericks D stays stifling, then they've got every shot to extend the series to at least 6. Just hypothetically speaking as I have no horse in this race, but no one's going to come back from 3-0. Can the Mavericks take enough consolation psychologically with something like a 2-4 finish to keep up this type of hustle? It may seem counter intuitive, but the way you come back mentally from losing 4-2 or 4-3 in the Finals is way different from 4-0 or even 4-1.

[lefty20]

Mavericks defense and shooting has been the difference. It's a role players' game, right now. I'm jumping ahead of myself here, but if the Mavericks D stays stifling, then they've got every shot to extend the series to at least 6. Just hypothetically speaking as I have no horse in this race, but no one's going to come back from 3-0. Can the Mavericks take enough consolation psychologically with something like a 2-4 finish to keep up this type of hustle? It may seem counter intuitive, but the way you come back mentally from losing 4-2 or 4-3 in the Finals is way different from 4-0 or even 4-1.

If Celtics don't finish this thing on Monday then its def going 7, tbh.

[Barfunk]

If Celtics don't finish this thing on Monday then its def going 7, tbh.

Agreed

[benefactor]

Imagine the Boston Red Sox being the first team in MLB history to come back from 3-0 and the Boston Celtics being the first team ever in NBA history to lose after being up 3-0.

Bananas coincidence lol

[Spurs Homer]

I thought this reporter would never stop asking dirk questions…

[Strategic]

Morris can’t get in the game in scrub time. Is he hurt

[z0sa]

The Mavericks made a key change that will likely be glossed over - but they immediately were posting Gafford and just in general, going at non-Irving/Luka matchups when the C's make switches that should be punished.. Luka and Kyrie both were straight up deferring to Gafford vs Tatum.. That may be a key adjustment that gets the Mavericks back in this series back in Boston. The role players seemed to feed off of that energy, at least at home. It'll be a big test for them to make it happen again in Boston.

[Ef-man]

Luka definitely looks like the kind of MFer who screams at his mother when the hot pockets are the wrong flavor.

:lol

[MultiTroll]

Luka definitely looks like the kind of MFer who screams at his mother when the hot pockets are the wrong flavor.

https://youtu.be/PCYArey8ykU

[MultiTroll]

If Boston had to lose a game, this was probably the way to do it.

I will pay money to see this go 7.

[Tyronn Lue]

Teams take nights off. This was the wrong night for Boston but they're back home for the big win.

[Arcadian]

Luka definitely looks like the kind of MFer who screams at his mother when the hot pockets are the wrong flavor.

He's a LuKaren

Always wants to speak with a manager :lol

[timtonymanu]

can never trust the Celtics. Such a choker team.

? It’s one game.

[timtonymanu]

I would panic if we haven’t already seen this same song 500 times before. Mavs were capable of at least winning one game, Boston closes this out in game 5. They’ve also proven they can win in the mavs building.

[John B]

Selling tickets and celebrating with Celtics fans at home is all it was. It’s over

[heyheymymy]

Tim Bontemps, ESPN Jun 17, 2024, 06:33 PM ET Share Like Like Open Extended Reactions LikeLaughInteresting 223 BOSTON --

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Kristaps Porzingis will play in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. "He's available," Mazzulla said.

"Expecting to see him play tonight." Mazzulla had said Porzingis was "not quite ready" after he was made active for Game 4 and that he would be available in only specific situations in that game. Ahead of Game 5, however, Mazzulla said Porzingis had progressed beyond that point and should be on the court. He added that Porzingis won't be on a minutes restriction.

[spurraider21]

i know they've made it this far so its hard to poo-poo it too much, but how sustainable is an offense built around one guy pounding the air out of the ball and then taking contested step back 3's?

[lefty20]

Js coming out bricking everything. Kyrie & Luka keeping up with them. Interesting start

[z0sa]

The Celtics are at home. They only need 45% effort/luck to win this.

Mavs play better or this is over early.

[spurraider21]

luka's game is much more interesting when he battles in the paint and midrange than when he's just launching contested step-backs

[timtonymanu]

JFC Tatum has been shit offensively most of this series

[spurraider21]

JFC Tatum has been shit offensively most of this series
if you can bait him into taking fadeaways, you will generally do well. its wild how easily he can settle for them

1802025943625551946

[Degoat]

Mavericks have so many guys that probably shouldn’t even be in the NBA it’s bad lol

[z0sa]

Mavs played well, then suddenly gave up a run and it's feeling already like the game is away from them. First 4 minutes of 2nd will likely decide the Finals

[spurraider21]

turns out a lineup where your biggest player is jayson tatum will give up a lot of layups and dunks

[z0sa]

Oh look, smallball is still cancer.

[spurraider21]

Oh look, smallball is still cancer.
this is about 2 steps beyond small ball lol

[LaMarcus Bryant]

:lol this is the only prediction worth bumping. Nothing beats the "arrogant and confidently incorrect" combination.
Lmfaoo
Man people would have made a shit ton betting 100% opposite of what I thought would happen this post season.

[lefty]

Horford looked up to TD and Manu

Go C’s

[lefty]

:wow Pritchard

[z0sa]

Mavs could have come back. Instead they have melted.

Starting to agree with the “WC is wide open” talk.

[LeBowen]

Mavs actually did well until the end of both quarters.

Fucking Pritchard, half court specialist, lmao.

Finally an impressive game by Tatum and scary defense by the Celtics.

[SpursFan86]

Most insufferable sports city gets another title…hate to see it tbh

[DAF86]

Pritchard entered the game specifically for that, how the fuck don't you have a guy on him? :lol

[timtonymanu]

Most insufferable sports city gets another title…hate to see it tbh

Another insufferable fanbase gets to complain (Lakers). Honestly better than the warriors winning again or even shit like nephew winning.

[z0sa]

Most insufferable sports city gets another title…hate to see it tbh

I'm not surprised at all that an at least slightly ailing NBA has Boston as the title-winner.

Problem is, they'd have attracted more old white dudes if they let Doncic get away with murder.

I'm hoping Wemby, like Duncan, is somewhat cross-generational fan-wise and at least invokes a sense of awe in casualfan.

[LeBowen]

I get it's not the Mavs gameplan, but Boston getting away with Tatum guarding bigs is just embarrassing.
What has this game become if two actual centers can't punish a forward like Tatum in the post?

This is over.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

What the fuck happened to Kyrie
Is it him blowing ass or they actually taking him away...

[Obstructed_View]

You go, "man, their defense is costing them", and then you look up and their offense is garbage and they can't secure a defensive rebound.

[lefty]

Pritchard entered the game specifically for that, how the fuck don't you have a guy on him? :lol

J Kidd sucks ass

[Mugen]

Payton Barea taking a fat shit on the Mavs title hopes tbh :lol

[z0sa]

Kyrie choooooker this series

[DAF86]

Tatum has the worst touch on layups I have ever seen for a fringe superstar player, tbh.

[MultiTroll]

Tatum has the worst touch on layups I have ever seen for a fringe superstar player, tbh.
Tatum and Brown in an all out Ball Hog contest to pursue the MeVP

[lefty20]

What the fuck happened to Kyrie
Is it him blowing ass or they actually taking him away...

Fucked around and found out that you dont mess with the Leprechauns.

[MultiTroll]

DWhite spend some of your millions on some tooth work. Beezus.

[LeBowen]

Fat chucker is 1-21 from 3pt in the last three games. :lmao

[lefty20]

Luka really can't make a three without a dude practically hanging in his jersey, preferably Gobert.

[MultiTroll]

Mavs chronic problem giving up long rebounds off Bostons clanked threes.

[DAF86]

DWhite spend some of your millions on some tooth work. Beezus.

They got fucked up on the first half of this game, tbh.

[z0sa]

:lol dwhite got curbstomped for a title. worth tbh

[SpursFan86]

Mavs could have easily clawed their way back into this if they weren’t playing like dog shit :lol Luka and Kyrie both playing horribly.

[DAF86]

Mavs could have easily clawed their way back into this if they weren’t playing like dog shit :lol Luka and Kyrie both playing horribly.

Fatso and flathearther outchoked the chokers, tbh.

[MultiTroll]

Hardaway is such a low effort pussy.

I watched him that entire play on the given up 3.
Stands around just hiding, waiting for the game to be over.

[timtonymanu]

:lol Mavs
:lol 1-2 in the finals
:lol it’s okay, little brother.

[lefty]

Dude holding up a poster courtside of Tatum holding Luka and Kyrie as babies :lmao

[z0sa]

Mavs just met a brick wall in the C’s. They underachieved only winning one after that run thru the West, tbh.

[rascal]

Most insufferable sports city gets another title…hate to see it tbh

Dallas was no match for Boston.

[rascal]

Most insufferable sports city gets another title…hate to see it tbh

Dallas doesn't even care about the Mavs. It's all Cowboys football there.

[Strategic]

i know they've made it this far so its hard to poo-poo it too much, but how sustainable is an offense built around one guy pounding the air out of the ball and then taking contested step back 3's? Sure makes an ugly game

[Spurs Homer]

Why couldnt these faggots do this when they had the warriors on the ropes?

[rascal]

Boston only went 7 deep into their team roster. Their starters played big minutes in the series.

[rascal]

Why couldnt these faggots do this when they had the warriors on the ropes?

Different team at that time, weaker team. They made the necessary changes this past summer.

[lefty]

:lol Udoka’s testosterone dropping to an all time low

[lefty20]

Mavs = Fucked

Lakers = Pissed

White = Champ

Tank you, come again!

[lefty]

Breen trolling the Lakers lol

[Spurs Homer]

Im envisioning wemby in the gym right now working out like clubber lang….saying, “fuck the celtics- fuck those paper champions!”

[Degoat]

Surprised Tatum didn’t get the finals MVP tbh

[Spurs Homer]

Someone take that mic away from lisa salters…

[Obstructed_View]

Derek White! :lobt:

[Pauleta14]

Happy for DWhite, Jrue and Horford

Dallas reaching the Finals speaks volume on today's NBA level. We're probably between 2 eras but man the level of elites players is disapointing.

Loads of great role players during those POs and Finals tho

[Dverde]

https://x.com/clutchpoints/status/1802906427096199231?s=46

[GAustex]

https://x.com/clutchpoints/status/1802906427096199231?s=46

That is hilarious

[ismael-robert]

Monostradomus get in here

[couchman]

I’ve never believed that Luka could lead a champion unless he started playing a more team oriented style but he almost proved me wrong. In the end the Celtics showed that you can shut down a team that depends too much on one guy.
Their team approach got it done with an absolutely stacked roster, especially 1-7.

[spursgu]

lol all the mavs in 5 picks

[Obstructed_View]

I’ve never believed that Luka could lead a champion unless he started playing a more team oriented style but he almost proved me wrong. In the end the Celtics showed that you can shut down a team that depends too much on one guy.
Their team approach got it done with an absolutely stacked roster, especially 1-7.
They beat Minny with great team play and step-up performances by the role players. Then they just stopped. Maybe that was masterful coaching by the Celtics but it looked like they fell apart. They only stepped up enough to avoid the sweep.

[Obstructed_View]

lol all the mavs in 5 picks
They looked fucking great against the Timberwolves.

[Mugen]

From being benched for Bryn F'n Forbes to NBA Champion. Happy for dat Forehead tbh.

[lefty20]

1802899487368597819

[timtonymanu]

From being benched for Bryn F'n Forbes to NBA Champion. Happy for dat Forehead tbh.

Goddamnit Pop.

[Mikeanaro]

Fuck Mavs, White now has a ring :lobt2: