2024 NBA Season

[Ayers]

Now on the other hand, the only thing that the Celtics can do right now is to pray that Jimmy Butler will be having a bad night because they can't stop him. I mean no one can stop him. Even Horford who stopped Embiid in Game 7 can't stop him as well. Playoff Jimmy Butler is now activated. It's good that Coach Spo didn't give much minutes to Duncan Robinson because he knows that the Celtics has a good defense, so most probably he will just be a liability inside the court, and he might not make those threes.

I've seen him have a rough night offensively but when that happens he focuses on distributing the ball to his teammates or defense. 6 steals is not a joke, and most of them are clean ones.
I am not a big fan of the Miami Heat but I am a fan of Jimmy Butler ever since I saw how he played in the bubble against the Lakers. That's where I witnessed Jimmy will do anything to win. He has the heart, he never stops playing wise, he plays both offense and defense and in that match, he was up against Lebron with an exhausted body.
He played that well without fans watching, what more with fans supporting him when they come back to Miami. I am not underestimating the Celtics but they must have an answer to that and Game 2 will be the best time to bring their confidence back.

I also expected the Celtics to win this game against the Miami Heat. But I have to say the Miami Heat was on another level in this game. The whole team was on their game. The team performance from the Miami Heat was unbelievable. That's why the Celtics have not been able to win this game. I don't know how things are going to turn out in the future for the Celtics. But it is certain that they have to perform better as a team. And I absolutely agree that they will have to bring back their confidence. Otherwise, it is going to be the same outcome next time as well. In this game, the result was really unexpected for me.

[Distinctin]

Butler is really unstoppable recently. He had another marvelous game against Boston Celtics in the first leg of the semi finals with 35 points. Tatum had a really decent game with 30 points maybe but it wasn't enough to prevent Miami Heat from winning the game. Even the odds were highly favouring Celtics for this one so congratulations to the people who still bet on Heat.

I was expecting many people to bet on Heat anyway because they have been one of the surprising teams of the playoffs considering their regular season performance. I'm not sure if they can win this series as well but even if they don't this effort deserves appreciation.

Jayson Tatum was only decent in the first half but when they were still on the up and up but when Miami Heat rallied in the second half, Tatum wasn't able to answer the shots made by the opposing team even Brown cannot handle it well and then there's Al Horford who was flexing way early only to finish the game by contributing 7 points to the team. That is just embarrassing which made Joe Mazzulla and he seriously got a point that how could they let that happen.

[FanEagle]

That is mainly because Celtics somehow managed to put their best players down for a rest on third quarter and Miami didn't. Celtics coach probably assumed that Miami would too, but they didn't and while Brown was resting, Heat took a great lead and then it wasn't that hard to finish the rest. I keep telling people that NBA head coaches are not as great as you think, sure some of them are, a few, like Pop is the best ever, but usually they are not.

Why are they there and not us? Because we didn't pick that life when we were young, look at their CV and you will realize they are there because they paid their due. But when you talk about talent, I am sure that there are a lot better armchair coaches that can do better job than what celtics coach did last night.

[wheelz1200]

That is mainly because Celtics somehow managed to put their best players down for a rest on third quarter and Miami didn't. Celtics coach probably assumed that Miami would too, but they didn't and while Brown was resting, Heat took a great lead and then it wasn't that hard to finish the rest. I keep telling people that NBA head coaches are not as great as you think, sure some of them are, a few, like Pop is the best ever, but usually they are not.

Why are they there and not us? Because we didn't pick that life when we were young, look at their CV and you will realize they are there because they paid their due. But when you talk about talent, I am sure that there are a lot better armchair coaches that can do better job than what celtics coach did last night.

I mean it's easy to say that but what happens when you just play your stars all game for 7 games and they play like crap, they will blame the coaches for not resting theor players.and in all reality jaylen and taytum played 39 and 41 minutes more than anyone on the heat besides Jimmy.  Denver rested Murray and Lakers came back.  No one blamed the Denver coach because they ended up winning.  They didn't lose because coach game them some bench time.  They lost cause they sucked in the second half.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Butler is really unstoppable recently. He had another marvelous game against Boston Celtics in the first leg of the semi finals with 35 points. Tatum had a really decent game with 30 points maybe but it wasn't enough to prevent Miami Heat from winning the game. Even the odds were highly favouring Celtics for this one so congratulations to the people who still bet on Heat.

I was expecting many people to bet on Heat anyway because they have been one of the surprising teams of the playoffs considering their regular season performance. I'm not sure if they can win this series as well but even if they don't this effort deserves appreciation.

Jayson Tatum was only decent in the first half but when they were still on the up and up but when Miami Heat rallied in the second half, Tatum wasn't able to answer the shots made by the opposing team even Brown cannot handle it well and then there's Al Horford who was flexing way early only to finish the game by contributing 7 points to the team. That is just embarrassing which made Joe Mazzulla and he seriously got a point that how could they let that happen.

I think the 3rd quarter was the crucial part of the game, Celtics missed a lot of shots and turn the turnovers was converted into points by the Heat. This is just one game though, Celtics will have to find way to score against the tough defense of Miami.

Even Joe Mazzulla called a timeout when surprisingly the Heat when on a run and build a 6 point lead, that was enough for them to control the game. So yes, those who bet on the underdog for sure is very happy to see the Heat winning big at Boston Garden.

[dwyane36]

Jayson Tatum was only decent in the first half but when they were still on the up and up but when Miami Heat rallied in the second half, Tatum wasn't able to answer the shots made by the opposing team even Brown cannot handle it well and then there's Al Horford who was flexing way early only to finish the game by contributing 7 points to the team. That is just embarrassing which made Joe Mazzulla and he seriously got a point that how could they let that happen.

Overall, the Heat had very good defense in the first game of the ECF, as Butler made 6 steals alone. So I think the Heat players just found an effective way to isolate Tatum, and that's the reason why he wasn't able to do anything in the second half. By the way, Tatum didn't throw the ball in the fourth quarter at all, excluding free throws.

[Jating]

If you are a Heat fan for sure that sweet odds will be in your favor, especially for those who are betting per game, while waiting for the
series each game wins will add decent profits to their bankroll.

Truly the game was exciting and the Miami Heat needed that win from Boston Celtics's homecourt because they will gonna have strong support from their fans there. The Celtics need to fix their roles and be constant in their intense play throughout the game to secure the win. The Heat has been in this situation before and they know how to compete and win some games which is the Celtics not aware of it and also right now the Heat is not gonna just give them an easy win until the last seconds of the game. These two teams know that if they can get through this round they will have a high chance to win the championship because their opponent is not GSW anymore.

I thought that this will be an easy blow out win by the Celtics but I was wrong. I think they have underestimated the Heat in game one, that's why the lousy play and all the taunts and other trash talking that back fire on them.

So we should give coach Spo his due in this game. And then the players themselves, specially Jimmy Butler who gave another playoff performance that is hard to forget. The ball is literally on the side of Celtics, and I will say that they are in a must win situation in game 2. They don't want to be down and then traveling to Heat homecourt wherein for sure the it's time for their fans to mock on them.

[blockman]

That is mainly because Celtics somehow managed to put their best players down for a rest on third quarter and Miami didn't. Celtics coach probably assumed that Miami would too, but they didn't and while Brown was resting, Heat took a great lead and then it wasn't that hard to finish the rest. I keep telling people that NBA head coaches are not as great as you think, sure some of them are, a few, like Pop is the best ever, but usually they are not.

That's a mistake that Joe did and with that throwing of the clipboard, he should show that he's chill to boost the morale of his players that this game is theirs. But having that reaction, that has caused a domino impact, and these players even at their greatest shapes, mentally they'll surely be affected.

Why are they there and not us? Because we didn't pick that life when we were young, look at their CV and you will realize they are there because they paid their due. But when you talk about talent, I am sure that there are a lot better armchair coaches that can do better job than what celtics coach did last night.

Yup, and that's why some of them were already kicked and we might see another one being fired after losing this conf. finals. And from the lowest of the coaching staff, there goes the discovery of some talents that they can do better than of the headcoaches.

[OgNasty]

At the end of the first half the Lakers have themselves a small lead. Other than LeBron’s dunk attempt going wrong on a fast break they’ve looked pretty good. You can see they’re hustling and putting a lot of energy into this one. The Nuggets are being outhustled out there and it shows. It remains to be seen if the Lakers will be able to keep up this effort in the second half.

[Viscore]

At the end of the first half the Lakers have themselves a small lead. Other than LeBron’s dunk attempt going wrong on a fast break they’ve looked pretty good. You can see they’re hustling and putting a lot of energy into this one. The Nuggets are being outhustled out there and it shows. It remains to be seen if the Lakers will be able to keep up this effort in the second half.

Murray has encountered significant struggles and it's crucial for him to rectify that in the second half. Without his contributions, the Nuggets might face the risk of losing. Furthermore, the Nuggets' three-point shooting has notably declined. They went from shooting 50% in the first game to a mere 25% now. They need to make several adjustments in the second half, considering that only Jokic performed well in the first half.

[ChiBitCTy]

Finally got home after a long week of traveling for work and tuned in to the game a bit ago (which I bet earlier) and enjoying seeing the Lakers being ahead, if even just a little bit.  Hopefully they are able to keep the lead, I just don't think Denver is as entertaining to watch as the Lakers on, and I'm on the Lebron train this year.

Has Ja pulled out any guns in the last 2 days?...been on the road and kinda out of the loop

[OgNasty]

Murray got hot in that fourth quarter and carried the Nuggets to a win. The Lakers just ran out of gas out there. They were all exhausted. Mostly LeBron though. The last 4 minutes he was walking up the floor and the last one down both ways each time. I would’ve called a timeout or sat him for a rest but instead they let him miss layups and do nothing on defense.

[Oasisman]

Murray got hot in that fourth quarter and carried the Nuggets to a win. The Lakers just ran out of gas out there. They were all exhausted. Mostly LeBron though. The last 4 minutes he was walking up the floor and the last one down both ways each time. I would’ve called a timeout or sat him for a rest but instead they let him miss layups and do nothing on defense.

I can definitely say, this one is on LeBron. He had so many missed opportunities which was crucial to this game. They could've win this game regardless if Davis had a rough shooting night. But just like everybody said, father time is inevitable and not even LeBron can get rid of it. Aside from that, I don't see any more reason for this Lakers lost. I mean they played well, they played good defense and offense as Hachimura and Reeves stepped up when Davis can't shoot. It was just Murray exploded in fourth that gave his teammates a momentum to pour on a couple more threes. The referees were awful in this game, bad calls are all even for both teams though.
Now, the Lakers is in a much tougher situation. Let's see if Ham and LeBron could still say they're still fine, because being down 0-2 doesn't sound fine to me LOL!

[TravelMug]

Finally got home after a long week of traveling for work and tuned in to the game a bit ago (which I bet earlier) and enjoying seeing the Lakers being ahead, if even just a little bit.  Hopefully they are able to keep the lead, I just don't think Denver is as entertaining to watch as the Lakers on, and I'm on the Lebron train this year.

Has Ja pulled out any guns in the last 2 days?...been on the road and kinda out of the loop

Yes, Ja Morant suspended by Grizzlies after another video with gun.

Murray got hot in that fourth quarter and carried the Nuggets to a win. The Lakers just ran out of gas out there. They were all exhausted. Mostly LeBron though. The last 4 minutes he was walking up the floor and the last one down both ways each time. I would’ve called a timeout or sat him for a rest but instead they let him miss layups and do nothing on defense.

It's really hard to beat them at home, now it's Murray time to shine, but Jokic had another triple double and they have a secret weapon in Bruce Brown who contributed 12 points and I think that is huge considering they are just like fielding 8 players in rotation. So we are going back to Crypto.com, I'm expecting the Lakers to make a comeback.

[Questat]

It's really hard to beat them at home, now it's Murray time to shine, but Jokic had another triple double and they have a secret weapon in Bruce Brown who contributed 12 points and I think that is huge considering they are just like fielding 8 players in rotation. So we are going back to Crypto.com, I'm expecting the Lakers to make a comeback.

The Lakers need to win Game 3; otherwise, they will be eliminated from the playoffs since the chances of a team advancing after going 3-0 down in a series are very low. The Lakers performed well in the first half, but they were unable to dominate the Nuggets, resulting in their eventual loss. I believe the Lakers' execution in the 4th quarter is problematic, as once again, similar to Game 1, it was the Nuggets who emerged victorious in that period.

[btc_angela]

Murray got hot in that fourth quarter and carried the Nuggets to a win. The Lakers just ran out of gas out there. They were all exhausted. Mostly LeBron though. The last 4 minutes he was walking up the floor and the last one down both ways each time. I would’ve called a timeout or sat him for a rest but instead they let him miss layups and do nothing on defense.

It was Murray shooting in the 4th quarter, but to be fair, everyone is tired in this game, I dunno, maybe it was just the intensity of this two teams that they gave everything specially in the last 4 minutes of the game. Murray hit the shot,  but you can visibly see his mouth very open as well and having a hard time guarding Dennis in the pick and roll.

I thought that James got injured when he tries to go for a block and they didn't call a timeout by Reaves hit a bank 3 so that is good enough for them. But then Dennis fouled Murray. And it really could have been big if James make that lay-up to cut the lead to 2.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

If we have learned one thing in this series it is this. Never count the Lakers out before it's actually over.

Sure, they lost both games. But in both they also have been down by double digits in the 4th quarter and bother times they came back to make it a 1 possession game.
Just the final punch to get over the hump was missing, Denver replied when they needed it the most.

AD with yet another showing that was expected. He had a big game in game 1, so he had to make a weak game now. That's how he rolls.

Lakers now with their back against the wall already. If they lose one at home you could say it's over. But like I said, neer count them out too early.

Schroeder must also get his shit together. Combined 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in over 60min of play in the first 2 games is just not enough for him.

[Yaunfitda]

If we have learned one thing in this series it is this. Never count the Lakers out before it's actually over.

Sure, they lost both games. But in both they also have been down by double digits in the 4th quarter and bother times they came back to make it a 1 possession game.
Just the final punch to get over the hump was missing, Denver replied when they needed it the most.

AD with yet another showing that was expected. He had a big game in game 1, so he had to make a weak game now. That's how he rolls.

Lakers now with their back against the wall already. If they lose one at home you could say it's over. But like I said, neer count them out too early.

Schroeder must also get his shit together. Combined 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in over 60min of play in the first 2 games is just not enough for him.

They could have stole one here, specially this game, they had a good lead in the second quarter, but it was not sustainable and they have been missing their outside shots.

If Davis could have hit that 3 in the corner or Lebron's layup, they could have a better chance. The only player that is consistent is Austin Reaves. So I will expect him to play in the next games with 20+ or more points. Schroeder so far has one of the worst game for the Lakers, he will just run circles and doesn't have the intention to score points as compare to the series against the Warriors wherein he is more aggressive driving and looking not to pass.

[Kelvinid]

If Davis could have hit that 3 in the corner or Lebron's layup, they could have a better chance. The only player that is consistent is Austin Reaves. So I will expect him to play in the next games with 20+ or more points. Schroeder so far has one of the worst game for the Lakers, he will just run circles and doesn't have the intention to score points as compare to the series against the Warriors wherein he is more aggressive driving and looking not to pass.

LeBron has really shown his age; he can no longer single-handedly carry this team, and he has to be cautious about being too aggressive when attacking the paint, as there is a higher risk of fatigue or potential injury. However, despite these challenges, the series is currently at 2-0, and it's not over yet. If the Lakers manage to win game 3, they still have a chance to turn things around and make a comeback.

[S A KHAIR]

If we have learned one thing in this series it is this. Never count the Lakers out before it's actually over.
Sure, they lost both games. But in both they also have been down by double digits in the 4th quarter and bother times they came back to make it a 1 possession game.
Just the final punch to get over the hump was missing, Denver replied when they needed it the most.
AD with yet another showing that was expected. He had a big game in game 1, so he had to make a weak game now. That's how he rolls.
Lakers now with their back against the wall already. If they lose one at home you could say it's over. But like I said, neer count them out too early.
Schroeder must also get his shit together. Combined 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in over 60min of play in the first 2 games is just not enough for him.

They could have stole one here, specially this game, they had a good lead in the second quarter, but it was not sustainable and they have been missing their outside shots.
If Davis could have hit that 3 in the corner or Lebron's layup, they could have a better chance. The only player that is consistent is Austin Reaves. So I will expect him to play in the next games with 20+ or more points. Schroeder so far has one of the worst game for the Lakers, he will just run circles and doesn't have the intention to score points as compare to the series against the Warriors wherein he is more aggressive driving and looking not to pass.

I understand that there is no reason to underestimate the Lakers. The performance has not been good from them in these 2 games. The Nuggets are ahead 2-0. But that does not mean that we can count the Lakers out. I actually expected better from Anthony Davis in this game. I understand it's not only his fault. The Lakers as a team did not work. Reaves and LeBron James have tried. A little more help from the others was surely going to get the job done.