2024 NBA Season

[Botnake]

What Suns need is a good ball movement, their defense is just alright but if they can't move the ball well, they'll have a problem with their offense.
Look at game 4, Booker did everything to win but they still fall short because they were not getting good contribution from his teammates.

If Suns will get at least double-digit scores from Bridges, Paul, and Crowder, I think they'll increase their chance.

Just like how Bucks lose their 2 early games, Giannis is doing everything but his teammates didn't jive well and produce good numbers for the team, Booker tried to carry Suns in game 4 but like what you observed there's none from his teammates to back him up.

This coming game 5, Suns needs to bring back the teamworks that send them to this finals, they need to work together to win the game.

Double digits from their first line and also let Ayton to contribute not only for his rebounds but also with his offense.

I guess we won't be able to see the same scenario that happened in game 1 and 2 because the Bucks had already adjusted. I have a feeling that it will be a close game and though I still believe the Suns will win but I will not be surprised if the Bucks will be victorious this time. CP3 is now on the verge of his career again that he would feel the championship will slip into him, so it's a very exciting game.

[Harkorede]

What Suns need is a good ball movement, their defense is just alright but if they can't move the ball well, they'll have a problem with their offense.
Look at game 4, Booker did everything to win but they still fall short because they were not getting good contribution from his teammates.

If Suns will get at least double-digit scores from Bridges, Paul, and Crowder, I think they'll increase their chance.

Just like how Bucks lose their 2 early games, Giannis is doing everything but his teammates didn't jive well and produce good numbers for the team, Booker tried to carry Suns in game 4 but like what you observed there's none from his teammates to back him up.

This coming game 5, Suns needs to bring back the teamworks that send them to this finals, they need to work together to win the game.

Double digits from their first line and also let Ayton to contribute not only for his rebounds but also with his offense.

I guess we won't be able to see the same scenario that happened in game 1 and 2 because the Bucks had already adjusted. I have a feeling that it will be a close game and though I still believe the Suns will win but I will not be surprised if the Bucks will be victorious this time. CP3 is now on the verge of his career again that he would feel the championship will slip into him, so it's a very exciting game.

I really don't believe the Bucks has adjusted properly because they've won both Game 3 and 4, They Suns seemed to have been caught off their guard in game 3 but the 4th game was a completely different game as it was almost Suns winning it, and I'm convinced they'd have won the game if it were to be in the Suns home court.

I'm rooting for the Bucks as well, but this will be have to be their biggest test, and they'll have to do it the hard way if they're to win the finals.

[stomachgrowls]

What Suns need is a good ball movement, their defense is just alright but if they can't move the ball well, they'll have a problem with their offense.
Look at game 4, Booker did everything to win but they still fall short because they were not getting good contribution from his teammates.

If Suns will get at least double-digit scores from Bridges, Paul, and Crowder, I think they'll increase their chance.

Just like how Bucks lose their 2 early games, Giannis is doing everything but his teammates didn't jive well and produce good numbers for the team, Booker tried to carry Suns in game 4 but like what you observed there's none from his teammates to back him up.

This coming game 5, Suns needs to bring back the teamworks that send them to this finals, they need to work together to win the game.

Double digits from their first line and also let Ayton to contribute not only for his rebounds but also with his offense.

I guess we won't be able to see the same scenario that happened in game 1 and 2 because the Bucks had already adjusted. I have a feeling that it will be a close game and though I still believe the Suns will win but I will not be surprised if the Bucks will be victorious this time. CP3 is now on the verge of his career again that he would feel the championship will slip into him, so it's a very exciting game.

I really don't believe the Bucks has adjusted properly because they've won both Game 3 and 4, They Suns seemed to have been caught off their guard in game 3 but the 4th game was a completely different game as it was almost Suns winning it, and I'm convinced they'd have won the game if it were to be in the Suns home court.

I'm rooting for the Bucks as well, but this will be have to be their biggest test, and they'll have to do it the hard way if they're to win the finals.

Both teams are really doing their best and you can really see the lacking every game and i disagree that bucks hadnt adjusted because winning 2 consecutive does imply that they are already on the rhythm

and its true that Suns do really need more ball rotation and shouldnt really be a 1 man-game on where trying out to carry the same.Teamwork is a must and should really have contribution.

They should make out adjustments too because if they do let that momentum for bucks then this would be closed out and i wasnt expecting for Bucks to be likely the champion. hehe

[Russlenat]

This is what I'm talking about the last time, where the bucks need to push the tempo on their side, if you will look in the lineup they are the bigger team, the suns, and taking advantage of those is a huge boost to them, but if you look at what the weakness of the bucks is, is when they have the lead, they started to get loose a little bit, which they have done with the nets, remember the suns have paul, who understand every situation, they won't make the same mistake in game 4, it will be their downfall if ever.

That's part of the game, sometimes you make mistakes and clearly CP3 and Booker both make costly mistakes that allow the Bucks to come back and even win the game. Booker was the first to make a big mistake when he fouled PJ Tucker that sent him to the bench with 5 fouls, and that was taken advantage of by the Bucks as they will not have to deal with Booker's offense while the Suns are looking for production.

Those silly fouls and careless handling of the ball made them lose, so like I said, it's CP3's and Booker's fault why they blow their chance for a 3-1 lead.

[gagux123]

Well, I didn't see the last game, I saw the highlights... Giannis Antetokounmpo was a monster, that block in Ayton was incredible! From the last playoffs Antetokounmpo's improvement was huge!
Middleton and Booker played really well, and it helped the team a lot!

Guys, after these games, do you still think the Bucks have a good chance of beating the Suns in the NBA Finals?

[Yamifoud]

Guys, after these games, do you still think the Bucks have a good chance of beating the Suns in the NBA Finals?

We don't know yet if Suns would really win though, and even if they will not win, they still have one home court where they can win and take this series to game 7, so I would say the Bucks has every chance to win as they already beat the Suns in this series. Probably the chance of winning is 55% suns and 45% bucks.

[Baofeng]

What Suns need is a good ball movement, their defense is just alright but if they can't move the ball well, they'll have a problem with their offense.
Look at game 4, Booker did everything to win but they still fall short because they were not getting good contribution from his teammates.

If Suns will get at least double-digit scores from Bridges, Paul, and Crowder, I think they'll increase their chance.

Just like how Bucks lose their 2 early games, Giannis is doing everything but his teammates didn't jive well and produce good numbers for the team, Booker tried to carry Suns in game 4 but like what you observed there's none from his teammates to back him up.

This coming game 5, Suns needs to bring back the teamworks that send them to this finals, they need to work together to win the game.

Double digits from their first line and also let Ayton to contribute not only for his rebounds but also with his offense.

I guess we won't be able to see the same scenario that happened in game 1 and 2 because the Bucks had already adjusted. I have a feeling that it will be a close game and though I still believe the Suns will win but I will not be surprised if the Bucks will be victorious this time. CP3 is now on the verge of his career again that he would feel the championship will slip into him, so it's a very exciting game.

I really don't believe the Bucks has adjusted properly because they've won both Game 3 and 4, They Suns seemed to have been caught off their guard in game 3 but the 4th game was a completely different game as it was almost Suns winning it, and I'm convinced they'd have won the game if it were to be in the Suns home court.

I'm rooting for the Bucks as well, but this will be have to be their biggest test, and they'll have to do it the hard way if they're to win the finals.

The same thing can be said in games 1 and 2, the Bucks could have at least won 1 game, if not for Giannis missed free throws and allowing the Suns to build any early lead and them trying to close the gap and chase them.

And so as the series progress, something has to give, whether maintain the home court and hold or a win by the road team. So the next game will be critical and it's really hard to predict who will win, except that if we follow the home court advantage it might hold true again and see Phoenix winning game 5.

But since we have seen how good Giannis in this series, not just offensively, but his defense (that block), it might came down to wire to wire finish again.

[goinmerry]

Guys, after these games, do you still think the Bucks have a good chance of beating the Suns in the NBA Finals?

Why such a question? Suns is a beatable team. On the other hand, Bucks too.

Disregarding the individual overall rating of both team's rosters, they are both equal in terms of game performance. There are nights that some key players of both teams are not in their usual shape that's why the game is unpredictable.

When Phoenix Suns 2-0 = Suns in 4
Now that Bucks 2-2 = Suns in 7 or Bucks in 6, 7

Some people judge the outcome already after Games 1 and 2. Bucks was now able to even the series and that thinking was now changed. That's how unpredictable the series is.

[nelson4lov]

Well, I didn't see the last game, I saw the highlights... Giannis Antetokounmpo was a monster, that block in Ayton was incredible! From the last playoffs Antetokounmpo's improvement was huge!
Middleton and Booker played really well, and it helped the team a lot!

Guys, after these games, do you still think the Bucks have a good chance of beating the Suns in the NBA Finals?

Considering Bucks got themselves back in the finals with the two games played at Fiserv Forum for game 3 and 4, I think it's safe to say that they have a good chance at winning the NBA finals. In prior games - including the Eastern Semis and finals where they knocked out Nets and Hawks respectively. The interesting thing is that, in those series, they came from behind to win and they did something similar already with Suns. I know Suns is a different team but in my opinion, Bucks has the same equal chance as Suns to win the finals. For one, Giannis has been giving his all to their recent games. If he doesn't get injured for the remainder of the finals, they might actually win it.

[ILuckyGuyI]

It looks like people who are thinking that Suns will manage to win the title are in the majority. But I still think that Bucks can really make it to the title. It'll be really hard for them to do it though. But it's not impossible and I'm sure they are aware of it. I hope that Giannis continues to carry his team and plays a big role on winning the series.

[agustina2]

Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday are still silent in the series.

What if they will return on the good performance status like what they did against the Brooklyn Nets.

Phoenix Suns are just comfortable because of their Game 1 and 2 wins. They know they can't stop Giannis so they focused more on it not knowing other Bucks will step up. Game 4, Phoenix Suns was carried alone by Booker meaning the defense of Bucks to his teammates is working.

[harizen]

A lot of talk today that Dame is going to be requesting a trade.

In a recent interview with him, he clarified that "He is not requesting a trade".

However, he also mentioned this;

Not made a decision about his future in Portland*
He does not believe the Blazers, as constructed, can contend for an NBA Championship*
He does not believe that Portland’s recent coaching change alone is enough to bridge the gap*
There is a sense of urgency to improve that situation now, greater than there was before*

If we will analyze this, I think even the Portland will do something some improvement on their roster, maybe to look for some big fish teammates for Dame in the off-season, Dame will now quit with his loyalty with the team that he literally carrying every playoff.

He should do it now. I even mentioned it way back here. His talent is wasted in a franchise that fails to surround him with good backup players every season.

[danherbias07]

He should do it now. I even mentioned it way back here. His talent is wasted in a franchise that fails to surround him with good backup players every season.

That Portland Trail Blazers franchise had wasted too many great players. From Rasheed Wallace to Brandon Roy to Aldridge and now it may be Dame they will be wasting.
CJ is a good wing man for him or they can even put him at 6th man to substitute for Dame whenever he rest but what about the other chess pieces.
The deal with Melo is okay for an addition in their offensive line but where is their defensive rank? 29th.
It's one of the most important key to win a game and they are low on that because they filled their bench with offensive specialists.

[gagux123]

Why such a question? Suns is a beatable team. On the other hand, Bucks too.

Disregarding the individual overall rating of both team's rosters, they are both equal in terms of game performance. There are nights that some key players of both teams are not in their usual shape that's why the game is unpredictable.

When Phoenix Suns 2-0 = Suns in 4
Now that Bucks 2-2 = Suns in 7 or Bucks in 6, 7

Some people judge the outcome already after Games 1 and 2. Bucks was now able to even the series and that thinking was now changed. That's how unpredictable the series is.

Considering Bucks got themselves back in the finals with the two games played at Fiserv Forum for game 3 and 4, I think it's safe to say that they have a good chance at winning the NBA finals. In prior games - including the Eastern Semis and finals where they knocked out Nets and Hawks respectively. The interesting thing is that, in those series, they came from behind to win and they did something similar already with Suns. I know Suns is a different team but in my opinion, Bucks has the same equal chance as Suns to win the finals. For one, Giannis has been giving his all to their recent games. If he doesn't get injured for the remainder of the finals, they might actually win it.

Well, I thought the Suns would reach the finals as the favorite to win the title. But after a few games (Suns vs Bucks) we saw Milwaukee also has a chance of being champion!

I believe this series goes to game 7, because the teams are in the same level.
I just thought what I think is extremely important is, more experienced players (CP3 for example) will be of great help for the Suns, as it makes a difference in the team. CP3 is a good leader and is sure to guide Phoenix to victory!

I'm very anxious to the next games of these NBA finals!

[akirasendo17]

The suns are in trouble if they can't contain Giannis and Middleton, this two players are eating them alive in the last two games, paul and Ayton can't do anything, even blocking Ayton shot this shows that they are the far better team in 2 games of the series, the coach needs to adjust, on how they are going to protect the rim and the three-point area, pat also joins the party with Lopez and holiday.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday are still silent in the series.

Jrue Holiday has a good game in game 3, being the third option, 21 points and help Giannis.

What if they will return on the good performance status like what they did against the Brooklyn Nets.

The key here is consistency, Lopez is like average 10 points per game, I think that is good enough. As long as he can score in double figures, it's already a big plus for the Bucks. He doesn't need to score more as Giannis is already back in the team.

Phoenix Suns are just comfortable because of their Game 1 and 2 wins. They know they can't stop Giannis so they focused more on it not knowing other Bucks will step up. Game 4, Phoenix Suns was carried alone by Booker meaning the defense of Bucks to his teammates is working.

Or probably they have underestimate the Bucks at that point and think that they can swept them, not the series is tied and questioning themselves if they can win the finals.

[LogitechMouse]

Actually Booker could have fouled out in the game. A lot of non calls specially in the last 4 minutes of the game. Obviously, CP3 worst game in the playoffs I would say, a combine 15 turnovers for him, not good stats if you are in the finals and trying to win your first. The good thing is that it's over now, they are going to Phoenix so confidence is very high for the Suns to win again after 2 losses at Fiserv.

Yes, and the referee didn't call the foul even with that amount of contact. He knew it would put Booker on the bench.
It was an obvious miss that almost looked like it was bias but refs tend to cover it by calling a foul even without one.

If Booker will be fouled out then I think that the whole Suns management will protest with how the referees call fouls unto them.
Small bumps = fouls while on the other hand, things like that didn't happen. If only Booker didn't have any foul trouble I think that the Suns might snatch Game 4 and his scoring output might be more than 40 or it might go at 50. Well, that is the only thing that we can say by now. "IF ONLY".

The suns are in trouble if they can't contain Giannis and Middleton, this two players are eating them alive in the last two games, paul and Ayton can't do anything, even blocking Ayton shot this shows that they are the far better team in 2 games of the series, the coach needs to adjust, on how they are going to protect the rim and the three-point area, pat also joins the party with Lopez and holiday.

We got ourselves a good series with what happened in the last 4 games.

When the series hasn't start yet, the Suns are the ones who picked as champions and I also picked them but with what happened its really hard to predict who will be the champion. I agree with what you said that they must stop the "Batman and Robin" of the Bucks or if Middleton has a bad night again (hope not) then the Suns might win Game 5. For sure adjustments will be made by the Suns especially in the interior defense.

[danherbias07]

Lots of rumors circling around. Be careful about what you follow. Damian Lillard mostly is in that picture with a Lakers jersey and their all fakes.

"I woke up to those reports," Lillard said after a practice session with Team USA in Las Vegas. "You know a lot of people reaching out to me. But it's not true. I'll start off the rip and say it's not true. I said the last time I spoke to you guys that a lot of things are being said and it hasn't come from me. Number one, it's not true. And secondly I'll also say that I haven't made any firm decision on what my future will be. So there's really no need for anybody else to speak for me or report this or report that."

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/damian-lillard-says-trade-request-rumors-not-true-expects-to-be-in-a-trail-blazers-uniform-next-season/
Why Lakers? 
This guy has so much money already from rapping, commercials and his own salary from playing. I don't think he really needs a high income but he want a championship so bad. Lakers cannot provide that anymore. Lebron is getting older and is more prone to injuries. AD had the same issues but still young.
Here is Dame's contract if the Blazers will extend it.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/damian-lillard-10814/
If it's me I'll take it, I need that money. 

[Juggy777]

Lots of rumors circling around. Be careful about what you follow. Damian Lillard mostly is in that picture with a Lakers jersey and their all fakes.

"I woke up to those reports," Lillard said after a practice session with Team USA in Las Vegas. "You know a lot of people reaching out to me. But it's not true. I'll start off the rip and say it's not true. I said the last time I spoke to you guys that a lot of things are being said and it hasn't come from me. Number one, it's not true. And secondly I'll also say that I haven't made any firm decision on what my future will be. So there's really no need for anybody else to speak for me or report this or report that."

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/damian-lillard-says-trade-request-rumors-not-true-expects-to-be-in-a-trail-blazers-uniform-next-season/
Why Lakers? 
This guy has so much money already from rapping, commercials and his own salary from playing. I don't think he really needs a high income but he want a championship so bad. Lakers cannot provide that anymore. Lebron is getting older and is more prone to injuries. AD had the same issues but still young.
Here is Dame's contract if the Blazers will extend it.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/damian-lillard-10814/
If it's me I'll take it, I need that money. 

@danherbias07 we live in covid times where’s there no such thing as too much money, and considering his lifestyle maybe it’s all about money but once again we’re just speculating. Furthermore his response could be a stunt to get a better contract, and maybe he’s not happy at the current offer because if you see his words he’s unsure where his future lies which means he’s keen for a transfer for the right contract (good money).

[Jating]

^^ He already confirmed that he is not leaving the Blazers.

What they need is to surround him with good and talented role players, him and CJ is a good 1-2. Norman Powell is also a good addition, but after that, most of the teams are really not performing as expected.

Lakers or GSW? Not sure if either could be a good destination for Dame, unless he is willing to cut his salary just to be on a team that has a higher chance of going into the NBA finals next season.