2024 NBA Season

[OgNasty]

^ Agreed that Ayton looks great. He’s been the surprise of the series. I didn’t think the Suns had a chance, but I’ve been encouraged by what I’ve seen from Ayton for the future. He looks ready to take the keys from Booker already. The Suns have a bright future if he can keep this growth going a few more years. As for this series though, what LeBron is chasing is bigger than the Suns franchise.

[Pamadar]

Chris Paul looks better as compare to game 2 and hitting his favorite fade away shots, so that's a good sign that he is improving, so good job from the Phoenix Suns trainers.

He did but not that much as he still have limited minutes, LeBron and Davis dominates them again, let see if that improvement will
help them in the next game, still long way for the Suns.

Ayton still doing good against AD and Drummond in game 3, Lakers just lead 3 in the halftime. Still anybody's ball game here until either one of them exploded in the third quarter. But I'm expecting a very tight race, both teams didn't shoot well, evident of the defense.

Lakers dominated them in the second half especially in the third period, 33-23 even they've tried to catch up in the last period
the lead is way far as clock running out for them. Grats Lakers Fans!

[Reid]

Lakers dominated them in the second half especially in the third period, 33-23 even they've tried to catch up in the last period
the lead is way far as clock running out for them. Grats Lakers Fans!

Without CP3's leadership inside the court, the Suns are not looking great.
+10 with him and -10 without. I don't think the Suns could make 1 more win if CP3 will be on the bench for a longer time than his minutes on the floor.
It's okay not to force and let the shoulder fully heal, but he will have to be at full throttle when he comes back.
I really hate to see it end up like this especially for CP3. (he's not getting any younger)
I'd love to see him in the Finals or just even in WCF against my supported team Denver Nuggets.

[Yaunfitda]

Yes, Lakers put on a show on the third quarter and blow away the game wide open.

AD and James are in the rhythm right now, Lebron just doing his thing, getting players involved in the first half and then takes over. So again it's their big 3, AD and Dennis, while Kuzma still struggles even at their own homecourt, but at least score 8 points. Drummond as well contributed with his big 11 boards to equal Ayton's rebounds.

[gagux123]

I think the Lakers will be able to beat the Suns without much effort (maybe 4x1).

I feel the performance of CP3 is not 100%, even with Booker and Ayton standing out, I don't know if they will be in the same level as LJ and AD, and i see, Schröder is standing out too, in the last game he scored 20 points.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I think the Lakers will be able to beat the Suns without much effort (maybe 4x1).

Could be, this is playoffs and we can see why Lakers becoming the favorite against the Suns eventhough they are the eight seed, and we have discussed that this might be the first time that we have seen a eight being the favorite.

I feel the performance of CP3 is not 100%, even with Booker and Ayton standing out, I don't know if they will be in the same level as LJ and AD, and i see, Schröder is standing out too, in the last game he scored 20 points.

Really a bad time for CP3 to get injured again, it seems that he was destined to be injured every playoffs. He bring his team to the next level, unfortunately, when playoff comes, he can't get away from this injuries. Possible 4-1 for the Lakers in this series.

[Botnake]

I think the Lakers will be able to beat the Suns without much effort (maybe 4x1).

I feel the performance of CP3 is not 100%, even with Booker and Ayton standing out, I don't know if they will be in the same level as LJ and AD, and i see, Schröder is standing out too, in the last game he scored 20 points.

That's what I'm seeing as well, Suns can't depend on the Lakers on the inside, Ayton is so small compared to the bigs of the Lakers who would dominate. Suns needs to play a fast pace game but they aren't doing it well, so we are seeing them struggling.

I lose my bet as I thought the Suns could somehow win the handicap, but that late surge was quite a big short.

[Jating]

I think the Lakers will be able to beat the Suns without much effort (maybe 4x1).

I feel the performance of CP3 is not 100%, even with Booker and Ayton standing out, I don't know if they will be in the same level as LJ and AD, and i see, Schröder is standing out too, in the last game he scored 20 points.

That's what I'm seeing as well, Suns can't depend on the Lakers on the inside, Ayton is so small compared to the bigs of the Lakers who would dominate. Suns needs to play a fast pace game but they aren't doing it well, so we are seeing them struggling.

I lose my bet as I thought the Suns could somehow win the handicap, but that late surge was quite a big short.

Ayton is big no doubt about it, but he has to take 2 big men, Drummond is a perfect match for him, but with AD around, will take a lot of energy and that's why they've been dominated by Lakers in the last two games.

And it seems that AD is on a different mission after the lost in game 1, and with James assist and his pass to Davis, will be hard for Suns to stop that.

[LogitechMouse]

If Milwaukee win again tonight and make it 3-0 I expect them to sweep Heat, but I think Heat will show some resistance this time. First game was pretty close but in second game they got destroyed. This is their last chance. I'd say this serie will finish 4-0 (if they lose tonight) or 4-2, either way Milwaukee will go to next round.
Other 2 games are different stories, much more balanced teams. Anything can happen in third games, Lakers and Blazers are closer to win though.

The Bucks are leading at the halftime 49-36, Butler is giving everything he got to win this game because they don't want to be sweep by the Bucks. Someone from Miami needs to step up and help Butler, Bam only 4 points, Nunn 2 points.

Hard to predict those two games, But Lakers seems to find their rhythm in Game 2, and Chris Paul is not 100%. While the Nuggets readjusted and put Gordon on Lillard. So let's see how the game will go.

Looks like that the Bucks will have their revenge as they defeated the Miami again with a huge lead. A complete blowout coming from them. Right now the Heat have little to no chance of winning the series unless they will make history. Looks like this series will end up in a complete sweep.

The difference that I'm seeing right now is the defenders. If you will see the roster of Miami last year at the bubble, they have good defenders like Crowder and Iguodala to use on Giannis and it has been effective to them. Now they don't have them thus, their defense decreased compare to last year. I see that they have still Iguodala but they aren't utilizing him and Herro hasn't have enough minutes right now. This will end up as a sweep most likely.

I think the Lakers will be able to beat the Suns without much effort (maybe 4x1).

I feel the performance of CP3 is not 100%, even with Booker and Ayton standing out, I don't know if they will be in the same level as LJ and AD, and i see, Schröder is standing out too, in the last game he scored 20 points.

Many have predicted it already that the Lakers will end up winning this series including me. A 4-1 might be possible if CP3 will not be 100% healthy in their next games.

Paul has been a the changer of this team but when the time comes that they need him like this playoffs, he isn't at his full potential. Well, its good to see Ayton and Booker have their first experience in the playoffs but I don't think that they will win this series or maybe of LBJ and AD will be injured (hope will not).

I still remember in Game 1 when AD said that its his fault for losing that game and said that he will step up his next games and well, he really did it in this past 2 games. Add Schroder and Drummond who are playing very good at this series.

[akirasendo17]

I think the Lakers will be able to beat the Suns without much effort (maybe 4x1).

Could be, this is playoffs and we can see why Lakers becoming the favorite against the Suns eventhough they are the eight seed, and we have discussed that this might be the first time that we have seen a eight being the favorite.

I feel the performance of CP3 is not 100%, even with Booker and Ayton standing out, I don't know if they will be in the same level as LJ and AD, and i see, Schröder is standing out too, in the last game he scored 20 points.

Really a bad time for CP3 to get injured again, it seems that he was destined to be injured every playoffs. He bring his team to the next level, unfortunately, when playoff comes, he can't get away from this injuries. Possible 4-1 for the Lakers in this series.

This only shows that the lakers are the powerhouse team in the west, we see it since AD return to the rooster and boost the team with LBJ return, it seems that they just study the game of the suns in the first games since in the last two games they can easily score, suns need to adjust because the lakers are eating them alive in this series, LeBron seems to know how to counter everything they throw at him maybe because of the playoff experience.

[JEFE92]

I think that until CP3 recovers fully, Booker and Ayton will not be able to pull the series out on their own. Obviously, 27 minutes on the court for him is not at all what you can expect. And in this case, the series could end 4-1 for Lakers. But I want Phoenix to tickle LeBron's nerves a little. 

[gagux123]

Thanks for your contributions, guys!!

Well, I always think that the playoffs separate men from boys.
Lakers have an excellent and experienced team, while the Suns, have a good team, but with a promising future ahead.
Look, I don't know, but I feel Chris Paul is not leading the Suns to victory, it seems to me, he is not in the old days.

The only way I think the Suns can beat the Lakers is if LeBron James or AD get injuried (I hope it doesn't happen)

[Natalim]

Today, we have a lot of exciting games.. Suns vs Lakers looks easy to predict, but I would not call it easy for the Lakers.

Call it another easy win by the Lakers, unless CP3 will come back fully healthy, which is unlikely.

With the Lakers' defense, we saw what happened in game 2, that's the Sun's home court and yet they struggle to score.
As the Suns will adjust, the Lakers will also adjust as they know where the offense is coming, Booker is quite limited so far, and Payne might not be as effective as he was in game 2.

The news came out that Chris Paul will play again and I hope it's for good.
It's not well last time as he cannot move well or even shoot the ball in good form.
I'd like to support the Suns on this. Show the Lakers they didn't make it to rank 2 just because of CP3 but because of their chemistry as a team.

I want to see Ayton put more effort inside even with Drummond and AD protecting it and put more numbers on that stat sheet. Don't let AD have a rhythm or it will be a bad ending.

Chris Paul looks better as compare to game 2 and hitting his favorite fade away shots, so that's a good sign that he is improving, so good job from the Phoenix Suns trainers.

Ayton still doing good against AD and Drummond in game 3, Lakers just lead 3 in the halftime. Still anybody's ball game here until either one of them exploded in the third quarter. But I'm expecting a very tight race, both teams didn't shoot well, evident of the defense.

But the story changed in the 2nd half especially in the 3rd quarter where the Lakers had a huge run.
CP3 only played 27 minutes and his contribution is not really enough to help the team to at least compete at a high level.

Seems like they are really frustrated as they can't break the defense of the Lakers.
it end up a low scoring game and when with that, it's always a Lakers game.

[Reid]

But the story changed in the 2nd half especially in the 3rd quarter where the Lakers had a huge run.
CP3 only played 27 minutes and his contribution is not really enough to help the team to at least compete at a high level.

Seems like they are really frustrated as they can't break the defense of the Lakers.
it end up a low scoring game and when with that, it's always a Lakers game.

Yeah, I watched the whole game. He suddenly misses those short-range shots which are his favorites and you can see him reacting to his shoulders after.
Then, he missed a free throw (93 percent in FT line) and shake his shoulder again.
That's all signs that it is getting stiff again and he cannot continue to play anymore so they sat him down.
Suns badly need a leader, someone who can calm them down whenever a storm comes. Ayton unable to catch a lot of pass and they are just losing the ball most of the time.
It's a sad reality and this is Booker's first playoffs game and he can't shoulder it all.

Later, Hawks will be at home against Knicks. I'll bet for overtime.

[yazher]

Thanks for your contributions, guys!!

Well, I always think that the playoffs separate men from boys.
Lakers have an excellent and experienced team, while the Suns, have a good team, but with a promising future ahead.
Look, I don't know, but I feel Chris Paul is not leading the Suns to victory, it seems to me, he is not in the old days.

The only way I think the Suns can beat the Lakers is if LeBron James or AD get injuried (I hope it doesn't happen)

Looks like Chris Paul need some weeks to recover that injured shoulder to regain back his skills and they can give Lakers their very best. Obviously that's not gonna happen, perhaps this is his fate when every time they are close to get a chance to compete to the NBA finals, he is prevented with some sort of injuries. Just like what happened when they were so close beating the GSW last 2018 if I'm not mistaken.

[Distinctin]

But the story changed in the 2nd half especially in the 3rd quarter where the Lakers had a huge run.
CP3 only played 27 minutes and his contribution is not really enough to help the team to at least compete at a high level.

Seems like they are really frustrated as they can't break the defense of the Lakers.
it end up a low scoring game and when with that, it's always a Lakers game.

Yeah, I watched the whole game. He suddenly misses those short-range shots which are his favorites and you can see him reacting to his shoulders after.
Then, he missed a free throw (93 percent in FT line) and shake his shoulder again.
That's all signs that it is getting stiff again and he cannot continue to play anymore so they sat him down.
Suns badly need a leader, someone who can calm them down whenever a storm comes. Ayton unable to catch a lot of pass and they are just losing the ball most of the time.
It's a sad reality and this is Booker's first playoffs game and he can't shoulder it all.

We will never see a 100% Paul in this series as he keeps using that shoulder, it will not heal easily though he can use something to minimize the pain or control it but Lakers defense will still hurt them.

Later, Hawks will be at home against Knicks. I'll bet for overtime.

Good luck mate, I like that too.

[dwminer1]

It's hard to say about the Lakers-Suns rivalry that these are beautiful games. Lots of missed shots, many turnovers on both sides. However, the teams' willingness to fight cannot be denied. This was also the case in the third game. The first half was even, but in the third quarter the Lakers gained a 10-point advantage and did not give it back to the end of the match. However, the fight for each ball lasted until the last whistle. Antonio Davis was unstoppable today by the Suns defenders. Lebron is also back in shape. It seems to me that the competition will end after the fifth game.

[carlisle1]

It's hard to say about the Lakers-Suns rivalry that these are beautiful games. Lots of missed shots, many turnovers on both sides. However, the teams' willingness to fight cannot be denied. This was also the case in the third game. The first half was even, but in the third quarter the Lakers gained a 10-point advantage and did not give it back to the end of the match. However, the fight for each ball lasted until the last whistle. Antonio Davis was unstoppable today by the Suns defenders. Lebron is also back in shape. It seems to me that the competition will end after the fifth game.

Lakers will pushed that to happened if Suns won't find ways to stop Davis, his dominance inside
really a pain in the ass since Dennis and LeBron are doing their shares outside.

Both teams are trying to win this game but at the end it's the Lakers who really dominate, CP3 have limited minutes
and Booker didn't produce that much to lift the suns,

While at the other end LeBron and Davis did not disappoint their fans.

[Japinat]

I think the best series in the first round of the playoffs is the Knicks vs Hawks.

Do you agree with that guys?

This is just my personal opinion, I just see that they evenly match although the Hawks steal one game on the road.
I also like how Rose is given more playing time and a big responsibility to lead the team.

[Questat]

I think the best series in the first round of the playoffs is the Knicks vs Hawks.

Do you agree with that guys?

This is just my personal opinion, I just see that they evenly match although the Hawks steal one game on the road.
I also like how Rose is given more playing time and a big responsibility to lead the team.

I would agree if Knicks will win at least 1 game on the road, if not, then there's a big possibility that the series will end in game 5. Well, game 1 was really close, game 2 was a good win as they rally to make it happen, so this Knicks team has a spirit to win as they do not give up easily.