2024 NBA Season

[dwyane36]

And I do agree that Kevin Love's acquisition is now paying off this playoff. Kevin is also a veteran now and you can see his ability to read the defense and that outlet pass, still Kevin's strength despite his age. So the Celtics shouldn't sleep against the Heat, because by the time they wake up, they might be down 3-1 and it's hard to comeback.

Kevin really had a couple of good performances in the first round against the Bucks, but his performance in the second round against the Knicks was pretty weak. Nevertheless, I guess Kevin still has enough energy and skills to be useful on the court. I mean, he should be more active, especially in the paint.
By the way, Kevin is only 34 years old, so he's not that old.

[Distinctin]

On that particular statement from Embiid, that's not the way an MVP should talk.

Just be a gentleman and never to point your finger to anyone, something that he needed to work on while taking the early vacation
after being eliminated, they've got that chance in game 6 almost winning that game if he just takes it over and force his way to make
some solid attacks. But things happened and nothing can be change now, do the hard work and keep trying to blend with your teammate
instead of saying something that is out of context.

He should just accept their loss and just move on. Although it's kind of hard to move on when they're almost there but fell short. They just have to come back stronger next season.
They're not the only team that has lost in this conference and the majority of them are already now having their own personal activities and for sure many are already focusing on their next season's performances.

He wasn't as effective in the playoffs. Unlike Jokic, whose performance even improves in the postseason, he didn't have the same impact. Honestly, I thought Jokic would win the regular season MVP, but it was Embiid who received the honor. Nonetheless, Jokic played exceptionally well. However, if Embiid cannot accept defeat in the playoffs, I don't believe he will grow as a player, and it will be challenging for him to win a championship.

I know that frustration is there, he should just be set and happy having and being the MVP for this season.

Maybe one step at a time for him, next stop is" FINALS MVP".

They are now on a blaming game and just like what Embiid said in the post-game conference,
“Can’t win alone. I can’t win alone. Me and James, we just can’t win alone. That’s why basketball is played five-on-five. So we just need everybody to just keep finding ways to get better and we’ll be fine.”
- https://nesn.com/2023/05/joel-embiid-throws-76ers-under-bus-after-game-7-loss-to-celtics/

I don't know where did he even get those words because even him as the alpha of the team, he also got his own fair share of mistakes and now he's throwing everyone under the bus. He must forget that he was crowned as the MVP and yet he doesn't behave like one, Philly's fans must be so upset with this one as they did not expect these very words to come out from Embiid's mouth.

[wheelz1200]

And I do agree that Kevin Love's acquisition is now paying off this playoff. Kevin is also a veteran now and you can see his ability to read the defense and that outlet pass, still Kevin's strength despite his age. So the Celtics shouldn't sleep against the Heat, because by the time they wake up, they might be down 3-1 and it's hard to comeback.

Kevin really had a couple of good performances in the first round against the Bucks, but his performance in the second round against the Knicks was pretty weak. Nevertheless, I guess Kevin still has enough energy and skills to be useful on the court. I mean, he should be more active, especially in the paint.
By the way, Kevin is only 34 years old, so he's not that old.

Even when his on court play isn't seller his presence alone gives the pickup merit.  You can't have all young guys with no experience.  It takes a lot to win in the playoffs.  It's a much different game than the regular season and guys like Kevin can keep his team in check.  I liked the pickup when they got him under the radar for sure.

[dunfida]

We are definitely going to see Lebrons legacy tested tonight, that is going to be something very very important. He is already considered the best player that ever played the game by some people, some still consider MJ, but it would be fair to say that %90+ of the whole world considered either one of them the best and the other second best. However, Lebron is 38 years old, he has AD with him, and the rest of the team is like rui and reaves and such, so not a great team to be fair, remove Lebron from that team and they would not make it to playoffs, with him, they barely made it in and they are at the conference finals now. If he goes to finals, even if he loses, I consider him at the top with some clear margin, MJ made the game loved more, but Lebron played it the best.

Did find out some article with this kind of never ending debate about Lebron and MJ being the GOAT.
Here's some link about statistics.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/michael-jordan-vs-lebron-james-goat-debate/sl8xdozy5u1m1s4t5m3npeqo1

As we can see in numbers specially on game time which Lebron does have more and some other stats too which we cant really be that so dumb on not to make some comparison.
Well, we do have our own favorites and there's no point on making up some comparison on whose the GOAT in between two.
2 hours from now we would be able to see if Lakers would be able to take Game 1 against Nuggets or not. 

[Baofeng]

And I do agree that Kevin Love's acquisition is now paying off this playoff. Kevin is also a veteran now and you can see his ability to read the defense and that outlet pass, still Kevin's strength despite his age. So the Celtics shouldn't sleep against the Heat, because by the time they wake up, they might be down 3-1 and it's hard to comeback.

Kevin really had a couple of good performances in the first round against the Bucks, but his performance in the second round against the Knicks was pretty weak. Nevertheless, I guess Kevin still has enough energy and skills to be useful on the court. I mean, he should be more active, especially in the paint.
By the way, Kevin is only 34 years old, so he's not that old.

Even when his on court play isn't seller his presence alone gives the pickup merit.  You can't have all young guys with no experience.  It takes a lot to win in the playoffs.  It's a much different game than the regular season and guys like Kevin can keep his team in check.  I liked the pickup when they got him under the radar for sure.

And it was just about right, the timing is perfect for Coach Spo to used Kevin Love in this playoff because he is really shining in this playoff, not the tangibles though like points or rebounds, but I think his guidance as well is very much appreciated by their young core teams. And make no mistakes about him, he can still deliver points if needed, but usually that task is given to Jimmy Butler and others. They just need to have Kevin in the floor, his presence is enough for the team to win close games or even blow their opponent early and never give them the chance. So congrats to coach Spo for making the right adjustment since game 1 against the Bucks and it's working as of this time.
Yeah, Nuggets vs Lakers in about one hour, I have the Nuggets winning game 1 though.

First time to try a fiat based gambling platform using mobile phone so this will be interesting for me, just ML though, have difficulty navigating but again, I have more options to bet on the go now.  

[danherbias07]

Stephen A Smith has reported just what I suspected about Suns coach Monty Williams… He said that DeAndre Ayton “Got Monty Williams fired.” After two straight years ending with Ayton seemingly not playing because of disagreements with the coach I think the GM probably wishes he’d handled the problem last year.

I don't what is better on the Suns' management decision.
a. If they trade Ayton.
b. If they fire Coach Monty.
Because I think Coach Monty has lots of value too, the Suns had been in the playoffs in his 4 years of service, or let's say 3 because I just considered their perfection in the bubble with that 8-0 Win run on the tail of the season but due to a tie-breaker or whatever reason (I forgot) they didn't make it to the playoffs. The next 3 years though were superb, it's injuries that made it difficult for their coach.

Ayton on the other hand is a big man that might be hard to replace. As I said before, it's difficult to find someone of that size who is as agile as him and have learned how to shoot perimeter shot. His value will definitely be considered and I do believe they picked that over their Coach.
I think I will agree with Stephen Smith here. Ayton may have not intended for him to be fired but due to their misunderstanding that reflected on the team's performance, it still got him fired.

[blockman]

I guess we need some laughs here, did you guys saw how Dwight's video making fun of inviting those that have been eliminated already like Julius Randle, Klay, Ayton, Poole and there are others. Well, it's actually funny how he's inviting them to play on T1 League in Taiwan. For the reference guys, I've seen it on this page on Facebook "Ballislife".
(https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1934885790213890)

[Ziskinberg]

I guess we need some laughs here, did you guys saw how Dwight's video making fun of inviting those that have been eliminated already like Julius Randle, Klay, Ayton, Poole and there are others. Well, it's actually funny how he's inviting them to play on T1 League in Taiwan. For the reference guys, I've seen it on this page on Facebook "Ballislife".
(https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1934885790213890)

That's hilarious! Despite the fact that the players he called his team got eliminated, they are still in a good position as they are part of the biggest basketball league in the world, the NBA. Dwight is happy playing outside of his home country, but the players who were eliminated will surely improve in the next season.

So this goes for Dwight, can he come back to the NBA?

[LogitechMouse]

Just like what I've expected that the Philly will be forced to have someone to take the blame and now they have joined the trend, sadly it turns out that it is Doc Rivers.

The Philadelphia 76ers dismissed coach Doc Rivers on Tuesday, the team announced.
~
As of now, there are 5 franchises in the league that got an open slot for head coach namely Bucks, Raptors, Pistons, Suns and then we have the 76ers who just joined the party, who knows there might be some additional in the following weeks.
This is quite unfortunate to see but I understand the Suns and Sixers situation because they have been going back and forth in the playoffs now with no benefits at all.

Like I said in my previous post, I will not be surprised if he will be the next one to get fired after what happened to Coach Bud, and Coach Monty Williams. I guess it's a good decision coming from the Sixers management knowing that Coach Choke Rivers already has 10 Game 7 losses (more than twice as the 2nd most which is Pat Riley with 5). Now the Sixers are in the list of teams who don't have a coach right now after the Bucks, and the Suns. The off-season is getting more, and more interesting aside from the trades that might happen at that time.

How many wants to put money on Miami heat? 

That is one big image you got there. Should've cut it down, it takes a while to load the whole thing.

I am putting my bet on Miami Heat on one of the first two games in Boston. Maybe Game 2. Then, I will bet the 2 more in Miami for the Heat. Game 5 will be forced by the Celtics for 2-3 and Game 6 is where I think it will end in favor of the Miami Heat. But that is just my prediction as I think the Heat are stronger with Adebayo and Butler combined and they have a deep bench too with good defensive rating. This will not just be a battle of coach's strategy and adjustments, but stamina will also be a huge factor to win the game.

Maybe he don't know that you can resize it thru setting it's width, and height.

Anyway, it's trilogy between the 2 teams. First match-up, Heat won in the Bubble. Second match-up, Celtics won by only a missed three-point. Now is the 3rd time they will face each other in 4 years. I wonder why the Heat only has 3% chance of winning against the Celtics after beating the Bucks who is the top favorites to win the title before the playoffs in 5 games? One thing also is that, these teams faced each other 2 times already in the playoffs, so they know the strengths, and weaknesses with each other already.

Nevertheless, I expect Butler to play like what he did against the Bucks. I expect the Playoff Butler to come up again. His performance might've went down during that series against the Knicks because of the injury that he got, but him, and other players like Bam, Lowry, and those undrafted players will help him for sure. Like you, I will also put my bet on the Heat here. I would want to see them make history as the 2nd 8th seeded team to clinch the NBA Finals in NBA history (1st is the Knicks back in 98-99). Heat in 6.

I guess we need some laughs here, did you guys saw how Dwight's video making fun of inviting those that have been eliminated already like Julius Randle, Klay, Ayton, Poole and there are others. Well, it's actually funny how he's inviting them to play on T1 League in Taiwan. For the reference guys, I've seen it on this page on Facebook "Ballislife".
(https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1934885790213890)

Howard's humor always, always make me laugh.

I'm pretty sure that this is just a random video, and he wasn't serious about it that's for sure. Just think about it. Do you think that anybody in one of the players he mentioned in that video would like to really go to Taiwan?

[boyptc]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

Do you think that anybody in one of the players he mentioned in that video would like to really go to Taiwan?

Who knows? Hehe..

Maybe a player that's already old and one who's no longer getting any offers. We don't know that there will be some of them but those that he has mentioned, they're still good with their current teams and offers.

[Questat]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

It's not over yet. We've seen big leads in the playoffs where the opposing team was able to come back and win the game. So, while I would like the Nuggets to win the series and every game, I cannot be too confident because the Lakers are also a strong team.

So far, we are witnessing what seems like a blowout game in favor of the Nuggets. If they manage to maintain a lead of at least 20 points, I would confidently say that game 1 belongs to the home team. Lakers fans, including my friends on social media, seem relatively silent at the moment.

[Yogee]

One sided so far and Nuggets showing us they really mean business.

All smiles for the Spurs franchise after winning the draft lottery. This is their third from what I read - they picked Robinson and Duncan in the previous two. It's safe to say they will pick another big man which is the most sought after  Wembanyama. Another addition that will make the West even more exciting.

[wheelz1200]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

It's not over yet. We've seen big leads in the playoffs where the opposing team was able to come back and win the game. So, while I would like the Nuggets to win the series and every game, I cannot be too confident because the Lakers are also a strong team.

So far, we are witnessing what seems like a blowout game in favor of the Nuggets. If they manage to maintain a lead of at least 20 points, I would confidently say that game 1 belongs to the home team. Lakers fans, including my friends on social media, seem relatively silent at the moment.

It's pretty much over.  Lakers have no answer they will need a day off to adjust.  I mean it's jokic but the Lakers guard play has no answer for Murray and Bruce brown.  Reaves is a decent player but he is punching above the belt here.  And they need to figure out how they can stop jokic without running AD down.  This gonna be a tough matchup for the lakers.

[Fundamentals Of]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

It's not over yet. We've seen big leads in the playoffs where the opposing team was able to come back and win the game. So, while I would like the Nuggets to win the series and every game, I cannot be too confident because the Lakers are also a strong team.

So far, we are witnessing what seems like a blowout game in favor of the Nuggets. If they manage to maintain a lead of at least 20 points, I would confidently say that game 1 belongs to the home team. Lakers fans, including my friends on social media, seem relatively silent at the moment.

It's pretty much over.  Lakers have no answer they will need a day off to adjust.  I mean it's jokic but the Lakers guard play has no answer for Murray and Bruce brown.  Reaves is a decent player but he is punching above the belt here.  And they need to figure out how they can stop jokic without running AD down.  This gonna be a tough matchup for the lakers.

This doesn't seem to be just an issue of how the Lakers answer to the performance of the Nuggets. It seems this is also an issue of defense. The Lakers' defense is quite off. Murray, Porter Jr, Caldwell-Pope, and the rest of the Nuggets gang are having open, smooth, and easy shots.

But in fairness to the Lakers, this is just game 1. What they can actually do can't be underestimated. They can even win this series.

[Kelvinid]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

It's not over yet. We've seen big leads in the playoffs where the opposing team was able to come back and win the game. So, while I would like the Nuggets to win the series and every game, I cannot be too confident because the Lakers are also a strong team.

So far, we are witnessing what seems like a blowout game in favor of the Nuggets. If they manage to maintain a lead of at least 20 points, I would confidently say that game 1 belongs to the home team. Lakers fans, including my friends on social media, seem relatively silent at the moment.

It's pretty much over.  Lakers have no answer they will need a day off to adjust.  I mean it's jokic but the Lakers guard play has no answer for Murray and Bruce brown.  Reaves is a decent player but he is punching above the belt here.  And they need to figure out how they can stop jokic without running AD down.  This gonna be a tough matchup for the lakers.

Perhaps the Lakers are just overrated. The style of play the Nuggets are exhibiting is quite similar to that of the Boston Celtics, with excellent ball movement. However, the Nuggets possess an added threat as Jokic can dominate in the paint, and they have several skilled 3-point shooters who are confident in their shooting abilities.

Honestly, I believe this series may not even reach Game 5. It's possible that the Nuggets could win in 6 games at most, or even potentially sweep the series 4-0.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

It's not over yet. We've seen big leads in the playoffs where the opposing team was able to come back and win the game. So, while I would like the Nuggets to win the series and every game, I cannot be too confident because the Lakers are also a strong team.

So far, we are witnessing what seems like a blowout game in favor of the Nuggets. If they manage to maintain a lead of at least 20 points, I would confidently say that game 1 belongs to the home team. Lakers fans, including my friends on social media, seem relatively silent at the moment.

It's pretty much over.  Lakers have no answer they will need a day off to adjust.  I mean it's jokic but the Lakers guard play has no answer for Murray and Bruce brown.  Reaves is a decent player but he is punching above the belt here.  And they need to figure out how they can stop jokic without running AD down.  This gonna be a tough matchup for the lakers.

Perhaps the Lakers are just overrated. The style of play the Nuggets are exhibiting is quite similar to that of the Boston Celtics, with excellent ball movement. However, the Nuggets possess an added threat as Jokic can dominate in the paint, and they have several skilled 3-point shooters who are confident in their shooting abilities.

Honestly, I believe this series may not even reach Game 5. It's possible that the Nuggets could win in 6 games at most, or even potentially sweep the series 4-0.

Nah, I wouldn't go that far. Nuggets surely are strong at home but once the series has shifted to LK we might see a totally different game.
Of course I think the Nuggets will advance but it won't be as easy as it looks today. Game is also not over yet, 12 points in 6 minutes are an ok lead but nothing to feel safe.

Jokic once again is a beast today with a big time triple double.This man is something special!

The Lakers though are playing a solid second half, they just slept at the beginning.
If they get together a solid start as well we would have seen a different game today.

Edit: 2min later it's a 1 possession game. 

[Yaunfitda]

That will do it, the Nuggets survived a scare because they lead 20+ points in the 4th quarter, but the Lakers make a huge comeback in the last 5 minutes of the game.

But they just fell short though, Reaves has back to back 3's, but there is a critical steal by Murray from James.

Fortunately, Jokic missed one of the FT, so it didn't covered the initial handicap for bettors at -6.5 as the score is 132-126.

Jokic, another triple double, while AD has double double.

[btc_angela]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

It's not over yet. We've seen big leads in the playoffs where the opposing team was able to come back and win the game. So, while I would like the Nuggets to win the series and every game, I cannot be too confident because the Lakers are also a strong team.

So far, we are witnessing what seems like a blowout game in favor of the Nuggets. If they manage to maintain a lead of at least 20 points, I would confidently say that game 1 belongs to the home team. Lakers fans, including my friends on social media, seem relatively silent at the moment.

It's pretty much over.  Lakers have no answer they will need a day off to adjust.  I mean it's jokic but the Lakers guard play has no answer for Murray and Bruce brown.  Reaves is a decent player but he is punching above the belt here.  And they need to figure out how they can stop jokic without running AD down.  This gonna be a tough matchup for the lakers.

Perhaps the Lakers are just overrated. The style of play the Nuggets are exhibiting is quite similar to that of the Boston Celtics, with excellent ball movement. However, the Nuggets possess an added threat as Jokic can dominate in the paint, and they have several skilled 3-point shooters who are confident in their shooting abilities.

Honestly, I believe this series may not even reach Game 5. It's possible that the Nuggets could win in 6 games at most, or even potentially sweep the series 4-0.

Nah, I wouldn't go that far. Nuggets surely are strong at home but once the series has shifted to LK we might see a totally different game.
Of course I think the Nuggets will advance but it won't be as easy as it looks today. Game is also not over yet, 12 points in 6 minutes are an ok lead but nothing to feel safe.

Jokic once again is a beast today with a big time triple double.This man is something special!

The Lakers though are playing a solid second half, they just slept at the beginning.
If they get together a solid start as well we would have seen a different game today.

Edit: 2min later it's a 1 possession game.  

Yeah, Jokic went on a beast mode again, but there are some critical errors for him in the last 3 minutes, his shot was block and then his pass was intercepted. Good thing is that they have built a comfortable lead early and Lakers trying to make a comeback but it's hard when you have Jokic and Murray playing like that.

In any case, Lakers already see how the game is, and I expect them to make some adjustments. They put Rui against Jokic and that is not effective. Although hey also have Murray on James which brought Murray 5 fouls in the game. They should have Gordon on those critical stretch, and then their missed FT.

Blame Bruce Brown, he should have taken the lay up to put the lead into 7 points to cover the spread,  . But he just passed it to Jokic, and then the Lakers foul him, hitting 1 out of 2.

[Viscore]

Fortunately, Jokic missed one of the FT, so it didn't covered the initial handicap for bettors at -6.5 as the score is 132-126.

That was the reason why the Nuggets' spread bet didn't win. I would jokingly guess that maybe Jokic bet against his team, LOL.

Nevertheless, if you are simply a pure fan, you would have certainly enjoyed the game. It was a dominant performance by the Nuggets in the first half, but the Lakers are a team that knows how to come back. Overall, it was an entertaining game.

[Fundamentals Of]

What a start for the Lakers and Nuggets first quarter. Jokic making nearly a double-double. They've got 37-25 and that's in favor of the Nuggets.

It seems that everyone who's saying that this first game will be taken by Nuggets are correct. But we'll see, the match hasn't ended yet.

Well, the 2nd quarter has started.

It's not over yet. We've seen big leads in the playoffs where the opposing team was able to come back and win the game. So, while I would like the Nuggets to win the series and every game, I cannot be too confident because the Lakers are also a strong team.

So far, we are witnessing what seems like a blowout game in favor of the Nuggets. If they manage to maintain a lead of at least 20 points, I would confidently say that game 1 belongs to the home team. Lakers fans, including my friends on social media, seem relatively silent at the moment.

It's pretty much over.  Lakers have no answer they will need a day off to adjust.  I mean it's jokic but the Lakers guard play has no answer for Murray and Bruce brown.  Reaves is a decent player but he is punching above the belt here.  And they need to figure out how they can stop jokic without running AD down.  This gonna be a tough matchup for the lakers.

Perhaps the Lakers are just overrated. The style of play the Nuggets are exhibiting is quite similar to that of the Boston Celtics, with excellent ball movement. However, the Nuggets possess an added threat as Jokic can dominate in the paint, and they have several skilled 3-point shooters who are confident in their shooting abilities.

Honestly, I believe this series may not even reach Game 5. It's possible that the Nuggets could win in 6 games at most, or even potentially sweep the series 4-0.

Lol!

The Nuggets are good but you can't say the Lakers are overrated. They can play nice basketball. In fact, it can even be said that they're underrated right now. Look at the odds of this game. Denver is somewhere at 1.50 but the game has only a 3-point different less than two minutes into it. The Lakers could have taken this game away. Also if I can remember it right, the Lakers had almost a 3.0 odds against the Warriors in the series.

A 4-0 is simply impossible. I could give you better odds for that if you will make a bet.