2024 NBA Season

[fuguebtc]

I absolutely agree. At this moment it is all about risk versus reward. All they have to think about is that is it actually worth taking the risk. It is a big risk, to be honest. They will risk the team not having good chemistry. At least not at the best of what they can do. Herro is a good player. The thing is whatever they do they will have to decide fast. Because otherwise an already behind and the final will slip away from them. I also think that he should be playing, but if he is not doing good, then he should be taken off.

Stop speculating about his return as it was already reported that he's been ruled out in game 4.
Tyler Herro (hand) ruled out for Game 4

So it's the same lineup that played in Game 3. The Heat just need to make a big adjustment in how they play to have a chance for a win. There's a reason why they are just a slight underdog. If people really thought they would be dominated again, the spread would not be +3.5 only; it should be higher than that. But regardless, this is the NBA Finals, and every game is very important, especially for the team that is behind in the series.

True. And whichever team is behind is obviously more motivated to win in the next game. In this case, it is the Miami Heat. I am honestly not sure if they will actually be able to achieve a win in the next game. But we all know that they have to otherwise it will be just a little too much for them to do.

It is already confirmed that Tyler Herro will not play so there is no need to discuss about that matter any longer. 

Also I have reasonable doubt he would actually be able to help. Playing the finals is a lot of pressure and coming of an injury being thrown back in the mix and having to deliver right away is tough on that stage.

Also you never know how the injury is reacting on the action, so it is much better to play it safe and keep him on the sideline.
Jamal Murray also has a minor injury in his left hand now, this might become a small chance for Miami.

Edit: Natalim was faster with the Herro update. 

Things are not the best for Miami Heat right now. They are certainly in need of a big performance in the fourth game. There has to be some individual brilliance for them to win. The team will also have to perform really well. Murray's injury is going to be making the Miami Heat team a little happy.

[wheelz1200]

Everybody knows this is the last chance for Heat. If they lose this one I believe the series will be over in Game 5.
When Jokić and Murray play this good Heat need to do something extraordinary both on defense and offense. Hopefully we'll watch a good game tonight.

I agree, the Nuggets will not wait until the next game anymore just to win the whole series because Game 5 will be on their homecourt at Denver, and it is the perfect place to enjoy their first championship trophy. The Heat did a good run until they faced the Nuggets and unfortunately, this will be the Heat's final and last chance as I don't think too that they can still win it back and force another game to extend the series.

If they will lose again at home, the chance that it might be the last game for them in their home court.

Nuggets will do everything not to give Heat another chance to force and extend the series
as winning their first title would be sweeter in front of their own crowd.

Though, anything can happen after this game 4, we really can't dictate the conclusion but instead
we can only speculate and vocally provide our opinions if how we wanted to see the finals.

I can feel that the Miami Heat's luck is just coming to an end. They already achieved a lot despite their current roster of underdogs. They can probably shutdown or slow down Jamal Murray later but there is no solution to stop this prime Nikola Jokic. Double-teaming Jokic will also open opportunities to the other Denver sharp shooters knowing how good the Serb is when it comes to capitalizing situations. The best way for Miami is to keep their defense high but at the same time, they need to shoot well. Miami had more attempts in game 3 which could have translated to victory if only they shoot well. My take is Denver will win later and then close the series in game 5 at home. 

Meanwhile, things are also getting interesting as free agency is coming up. Chris Paul is expected to get waived by Phoenix but there's also the chance that he will be traded.

I agree they just met a team that is just flat better than them talent wise that they won't be able to overcome by sheer grit.  Lots left to go on this series but it doesn't look good.  There is no way they can go down 3-1 in this series if they want a chance so game 4 might end up being played out like a game 7 game.  Should be a low scoring grind it out game.

[livingfree]

So many trade scenarios being tossed around all the sudden. Usually this would wait until after the Finals. I guess without a major superstar in this year’s Finals people are going a little crazy.

This is what I like during the finals, more trade rumors and more changes to each and every team plus the draft.

I’m reading that DeAndre Ayton is as good as gone out of Phoenix and they’re trying to get Damian Lillard or Draymond Green and Jordan Poole in return. Phoenix sounds like they’ll be the first team making big moves.

IIRC, they were also like this before this ending season was about to start. But things are always interesting during the beginning and while this finals is true that don't have much of a crowd superstar, the attention of the crowd goes with these contracts, roster changes, waives, etc.

[Sims25]

Denver is definitely the play tonight. Miami got lucky to win one game but they won't win another. Nuggets -3 to the bank.

[harizen]

Also Adebayo shouldn’t be switch when guarding Jokic. This is their weakness since they letting mismatch on Jokic during switch.

To be honest, there's no one from the Miami Heat that can slow down Nikola Jokic. He needs to be contained, at least, always with the help defense.

Jokic is consistent in his numbers since Game 1 and even with the Nuggets' Game 2 loss, he was still unstoppable at that game, whoever was assigned to put some defense on him. Aside from that, that switch you are referring to will always be bound to happen and Adebayo can't just focus on Jokic most of the time. That will make him exhausted as he's also providing good numbers in offense. It's hard to defend Jokic in a post-up.

Might be the only way for Miami Heat to have an edge against the Denver Nuggets is, if Jokic won't get support much from his teammates.

The question is, will that really happen for the Nuggets?

[carlisle1]

Also Adebayo shouldn’t be switch when guarding Jokic. This is their weakness since they letting mismatch on Jokic during switch.

To be honest, there's no one from the Miami Heat that can slow down Nikola Jokic. He needs to be contained, at least, always with the help defense.

Jokic is consistent in his numbers since Game 1 and even with the Nuggets' Game 2 loss, he was still unstoppable at that game, whoever was assigned to put some defense on him. Aside from that, that switch you are referring to will always be bound to happen and Adebayo can't just focus on Jokic most of the time. That will make him exhausted as he's also providing good numbers in offense. It's hard to defend Jokic in a post-up.

Might be the only way for Miami Heat to have an edge against the Denver Nuggets is, if Jokic won't get support much from his teammates.

The question is, will that really happen for the Nuggets?

That's another thing for the Heat's defense as aside from Jokic, everyone else inside the floor is capable of producing good numbers
even they'll manage to defend or slow Jokic a little, Murray and the gang can cover.

Though if Miami will play the same way, they did last game 2, where they manage to have good shooting percentages, that's the only thing that
I know to even these series.

Everyone needs to bring decent numbers from both defense and offense to try winning game 4.

[Harkorede]

Everybody knows this is the last chance for Heat. If they lose this one I believe the series will be over in Game 5.
When Jokić and Murray play this good Heat need to do something extraordinary both on defense and offense. Hopefully we'll watch a good game tonight.

The first quarter just ended with Jimmy Butler's 3 pointer buzz beater gave the Heat a first quarter 1-point lead, now into the 2nd Quarter without Jokic on Denver Nuggets bench, this might not be good for the Nuggets, if Jokic is unable to return into the game, and would put the Heat in drivers seat and dictate the game, without Jokic, I strongly doubt the Nuggets stands a chances tonight.

EDIT: The Joker has returned.

[Yaunfitda]

Denver is definitely the play tonight. Miami got lucky to win one game but they won't win another. Nuggets -3 to the bank.

I wouldn't totally say that Miami got lucky in game 2. I mean they have reach the finals already and defeating the #1 and #2 teams and #5 seed in the East. Because if we say that they got lucky means that they are not a good team. But they proved otherwise and remain the underdog throughout the playoffs and yet here they are in the finals and have another chance to win.

Although I would say it might be the most difficult series for them as it seems that Jokic and Murray are unstoppable and putting numbers during the height of the Lakers run, similar to what Shaq and Kobe are getting in the playoffs.

[Yamifoud]

Denver is definitely the play tonight. Miami got lucky to win one game but they won't win another. Nuggets -3 to the bank.

I wouldn't totally say that Miami got lucky in game 2. I mean they have reach the finals already and defeating the #1 and #2 teams and #5 seed in the East. Because if we say that they got lucky means that they are not a good team. But they proved otherwise and remain the underdog throughout the playoffs and yet here they are in the finals and have another chance to win.

Although I would say it might be the most difficult series for them as it seems that Jokic and Murray are unstoppable and putting numbers during the height of the Lakers run, similar to what Shaq and Kobe are getting in the playoffs.

Being lucky is an understatement because they beat the Bucks and the Celtics in the series. That's a hell of a job, so the Heat really deserve respect. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if they'll be able to tie the series tonight, as they are playing well compared to game 3. That means they have adjusted from their mistakes in game 3. Let's just watch the game and react after it's over.

[OgNasty]

3 quarters down and it’s not looking good for the Miami Heat. Unless they get some sort of miracle in the fourth quarter it looks like they’re in an impossible situation to win this year’s Finals. I am expecting to see them really pour some effort into this quarter and trying to make a comeback. If they give up and get blown out here for the next 12 minutes then this series is as good as over.

[Balmain]

My favorite thing about the Denver Nuggets team is that the game is not based only on Jokic and Murray. In the last quarter, even though Jokic took a little time, they were quite comfortable, they played a good defense and made mistakes to Miami Heat. Bruce Brown came from the bench and got a good score, he was going to the basket very easily, he was amazing today. For Gordon, of course, we can call it a career magic.

Thus, the champion of the NBA season became the Denver Nuggets 3-1. In one game, Denver finishes completely and declares the championship. It's a really special team and every players has done their duty well this season

[Strongkored]

My favorite thing about the Denver Nuggets team is that the game is not based only on Jokic and Murray. In the last quarter, even though Jokic took a little time, they were quite comfortable, they played a good defense and made mistakes to Miami Heat. Bruce Brown came from the bench and got a good score, he was going to the basket very easily, he was amazing today. For Gordon, of course, we can call it a career magic.

Thus, the champion of the NBA season became the Denver Nuggets 3-1. In one game, Denver finishes completely and declares the championship. It's a really special team and every players has done their duty well this season

Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon did what they were supposed to do and it was very well done.
There were no more surprises like in the second game, so this is also what will happen in game five where Denver dominates the whole match to make it 4-1 and finish well in this final.
Only being able to win one game is not bad at all for Miami because even that was not predicted they would be able to do when facing a team with extraordinary statistics, getting to the finals is already an extraordinary achievement for Miami.

[Dave1]

3 quarters down and it’s not looking good for the Miami Heat. Unless they get some sort of miracle in the fourth quarter it looks like they’re in an impossible situation to win this year’s Finals. I am expecting to see them really pour some effort into this quarter and trying to make a comeback. If they give up and get blown out here for the next 12 minutes then this series is as good as over.

Yes, it was in the 3rd quarter that they blew the Miami Heat. And after that it was very easy for them, Jokic can take his rest.

Max Struss and Gabe Vincent, - another bad performance.

I think the Nuggets are going to take the championship in their next game. Going to be huge for the franchise as this is going to be their first time and Jokic being the finals MVP.

[btc_angela]

My favorite thing about the Denver Nuggets team is that the game is not based only on Jokic and Murray. In the last quarter, even though Jokic took a little time, they were quite comfortable, they played a good defense and made mistakes to Miami Heat. Bruce Brown came from the bench and got a good score, he was going to the basket very easily, he was amazing today. For Gordon, of course, we can call it a career magic.

Thus, the champion of the NBA season became the Denver Nuggets 3-1. In one game, Denver finishes completely and declares the championship. It's a really special team and every players has done their duty well this season

Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon did what they were supposed to do and it was very well done.
There were no more surprises like in the second game, so this is also what will happen in game five where Denver dominates the whole match to make it 4-1 and finish well in this final.
Only being able to win one game is not bad at all for Miami because even that was not predicted they would be able to do when facing a team with extraordinary statistics, getting to the finals is already an extraordinary achievement for Miami.

If I'm not mistaken, yes prediction is 4-1 against the Heat. But it was a surprised win by the Heat in game 2 at Nuggets homecourt and we thought that the complexion of the game is going to change in their favor.

But Nuggets come back strong in the last 2 games to win and now back in the driver seat with huge road win. It's time for the Heat to make a comeback, they lead the Boston Celtics 3-0 and then allow them to make 3 wins in a row though. Now they are in the same predicament but I doubt that they can do it against a big and strong and fast Nuggets team.

[tabas]

I think many doesn't see how Gordon has always been effective to the Nuggets whenever he's in. He's such an underrated guy and I've been noticing that and his athleticism makes him great inside and the same goes for KCP.

Max Struss and Gabe Vincent, - another bad performance.

When they're not effective and had a worse performance, this is what's gonna get them.

I think the Nuggets are going to take the championship in their next game. Going to be huge for the franchise as this is going to be their first time and Jokic being the finals MVP.

Yup, a history made and also Jokic is making history after history. What a such good and tough guy, this is like the new meta in the NBA, the drafting for the next season is gonna be interesting and I guess many will take potential centers.

[Ziskinberg]

Yup, a history made and also Jokic is making history after history. What a such good and tough guy, this is like the new meta in the NBA, the drafting for the next season is gonna be interesting and I guess many will take potential centers.

The number one draft pick acquired by the Spurs is a center, Victor Wembanyama. While he may not be as good as Jokic at the moment, this guy has tremendous potential. With some added muscle and continued development, he has the potential to become highly competitive. All he needs to do is stay healthy, similar to Jokic, so that one day they can face each other with equal skills, probably better.

[danherbias07]

3-1 Nuggets.
Lebron James and his crew back in Cleveland Cavaliers were the only ones who came back from that deficit against the Golden State Warriors. One of the most unforgettable Finals series in the league and it sure is written in history books about how impressive they are in those games.
Can the Miami Heat do the same? I'll leave that question.

The Miami Heat's plan worked out pretty well, putting Nikola Jokic in foul trouble and dominating the game. They were successful in the first plan as Jokic gets his 5th foul and was benched for like 7 minutes, the other plan "to dominate" was half successful. They did cut the lead to 5 points but they were supposed to continue the run, but Jamal Murray hit a devastating three from his favorite play.
Then, there's KCP who stepped up his defense, from stealing the ball from Butler to defending Bam Adebayo in the paint to make him miss the shot. I say he did great at the crucial moments even though he is known to be a threat at the 3-point line only.
But of all that happened, I am more impressed with Gordon. Adebayo and Butler should stop daring him (Gordon) and Jokic at shooting those threes, they can definitely make it.

Speaking of Gordon, it's literally blood and sweat win for him.

I don't know if that is his blood though. Or, is it just Gatorade?  

[casperBGD]

congrats to Denver, two wins on the road, and they are now really close to get first title, Jokic was good, but Gordon took the stage last night and gave all
it is probably due to Heat trying to stop Jokic and Murray, and someone else rised to score their points

from 1:3 to 4:3 is possible, but not for this Miami, they can win one more and that is it, probably not even that

[avp2306]

3-1 Nuggets.
Lebron James and his crew back in Cleveland Cavaliers were the only ones who came back from that deficit against the Golden State Warriors. One of the most unforgettable Finals series in the league and it sure is written in history books about how impressive they are in those games.
Can the Miami Heat do the same? I'll leave that question.

What happen to other team might not replicate to other since if you look at the match up you can determine that Heat doesn't yave match with current Nuggets rooster. Although they give a good fight but they also come up short especially on third or last quarter so I guess we can see Denver will finish this on game 5 since they also have home court advantage on that game. I believe this is the time where Nuggets will get their first ever championship.

[Oasisman]

Can the Miami Heat do the same? I'll leave that question.

I highly doubt it. Even if the Heat are shooting the lights out, the Nuggets could always retaliate back hit their own. The only Heat win was even a close one though, if Murray hit that 3 pt shot the Nuggets could've won it in the overtime and could've completed another sweep today lol.
The Heat were even forced to start Kevin Love to keep up with the size discrepancy. Since the beginning of this finals series, majority of the NBA fans were expecting the Nuggets to win it all this year.
The Heat have come a long way, I hope they will get Lillard next season so they can have a higher chances of getting a shot for redemption.