2024 NBA Season

[xzone]

Jokic has had so many assists in the first period that I would have been surprised if he hadn't made a triple-double in this game
It was what I thought and he played a legendary game, an incredible performance with 14 assists and 10 rebounds. We can say that he is the player who most deserves to be MVP, he ensures that everything goes well in his team. The captain of the ship is at the helm and looks like he will bring the championship

[carlisle1]

Lucky are those who took the -10.5. You just received the exact amount to win your bets so congratulations to you all.
In my case, I took the -8.5 Nuggets, so it's also a winner.

The Miami Heat is not playing well when it comes to offense, Caleb Martin seems to be off night and that broke his consistent double digits in points in the Celtics series. Maybe in Game 2, he will be different. Gabe Vincent and Haywood Highsmith are the only ones who I think are confident enough to do some damage against the Nuggets. Bam's stats, should be normal, that's his average during the season. Something big is missing, Jimmy Butler. He is the one who creates a lot of free throws for the team but today they only shot 2/2 at the stripe. That means no one is putting a body against the Nuggets when it comes to offense and that should be Butler.
They are not aggressive enough and the Nuggets took advantage of that. The Heat are actually lucky the three-pointers of the Nuggets are not sinking in or else it could've been a big blowout.

But that made the game thrilling as the Nuggets allowed the Heat to make a good run in the 4th quarter. It was indeed a comfortable win for those who bet on the Nuggets, as the line was -9 and easily covered. However, bettors who placed props bets on Caleb Martin may have lost their money, as they were expecting him to perform consistently. Unfortunately, in this game, we didn't see the same Hero who excelled in Game 7 of the ECF.

Even though the Denver Nuggets commits more turnovers, it never became a factor for the opposite team as an advantage because it is just evident that they are struggling towards them. Although we can say that the Heat are already expecting it and might done some observations while remaining to be competitive, their stats are just different compared to the home team and what more if the Nuggets poured more energy in the fourth quarter, maybe we have witnessed a much bigger gap in their scores.

Even Nuggets commits more mistakes but they convert a lot and that's matter, Miami is unable to match those solid attacks from Denver
even they really try to counter but Nuggets are really dominating them.

Murray and Jokic are just exchanging their attacks and most of them are good conversions. If your core stars are doing the damage, everyone is
also doing their shares and there's nothing from the Heat they can't answer, but good thing they are really avoiding big runs.

Time out after timeouts to find something to keep them in the play and not to end with huge gaps.

[Japinat]

It's pretty much evident that the Nuggets got too much time of rest that which made their performance fall a bit instead of being aggressive all the way, but even with that situation, the Miami Heat are still having a hard time making their shots as one factor suggests that they are still exhausted and heavily worn out after having a full 7-game series with the Boston Celtics. Even Butler is having a hard time too, we can agree that he wasn't performing the way he used to be because we can clearly see that he is having some troubles when shooting the ball.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Seems like the SUNS have found a new coach:

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/suns-hire-recent-nba-champion-next-head-coach-report

Frank Vogel is a good fit. He knows how to handle several superstars, as he has shown at the Lakers.
I was wondering already why he wasn't in the conversation at other teams but glad he found a new home. I like his coaching style and after getting sacked by Lebron he definitely deserves a new opportunity.

That leaves 3 teams without a coach now, Detroit, Milwaukee and the Raptors.

Wonder if Doc Rivers will get hired somewhere. Maybe Detroit or the Raptors, I doubt a team like the Bucks who actually have a championship team and want to win will sign a coach that is actually not winning when it counts. 

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

When Strus keeps on shooting outside, I guess that's the game of Coach Spo that everyone should just keep on shooting as they can't get inside because of Jokic.

I also see that Jimmy and Bam can't do a thing inside because of the tight defense of the Nuggets. But if I were Spo at the beginning of the game when Strus' threes weren't making a thing, I'll have him go outside and replaced by someone who's got a good shooting.

But who's that when most of them were out of luck trying to get a three.

Yes, as even Robinson is not converting those shots, I believe that they are trying outside since the presence of Jokic is really feeling felt.

Same with how you see Heat is really having a hard time making a good shot. Even Butler has a bad
shooting percentage.

Big factor for the Nuggets is the hot hands of the core players from the beginning of the game, Murray, Jokic
and Gordon have a good start and they manage to maintain till the end of the game.

The bright lights got to them.  Happens in the finals with the world watching.  Jimmy looked lost and Miami couldn't hit a shot.  Spoelstra should have pivoted and had them force the issue.  They let Denver play free.  I imagine game 2 they will try to bang the paint and get to the line more.

I think that will be their strategy throughout the series, let the Nuggets pay if they will have a good shooting night, just like what they did on game 7 against the Celtics.

They are unstoppable in the outside, almost everyone of they have a good shooting percentage. It's that in this game, nothing has falling on their end. And with the tight defense and the Jokic doing damage in the assists departed, the Heat can't do anything about this game. So I guess that will be the same game plan in the next game, try to shoot until someone gets hot.

[Jating]

Seems like the SUNS have found a new coach:

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/suns-hire-recent-nba-champion-next-head-coach-report

Frank Vogel is a good fit. He knows how to handle several superstars, as he has shown at the Lakers.
I was wondering already why he wasn't in the conversation at other teams but glad he found a new home. I like his coaching style and after getting sacked by Lebron he definitely deserves a new opportunity.

That leaves 3 teams without a coach now, Detroit, Milwaukee and the Raptors.

Wonder if Doc Rivers will get hired somewhere. Maybe Detroit or the Raptors, I doubt a team like the Bucks who actually have a championship team and want to win will sign a coach that is actually not winning when it counts. 

We will have to see how Frank Vogel will fit on the Suns roster. What he had to bring though is that he has the championship experience, specially handling stars. So he might bring a fresh set of mindset amongst the Suns team as they are in a disarray with so much drama as well. For sure, maybe Ayton is willing to stay for at least a year.

As for the game 1 result, I'm sure majority is not surprised on how dominant the Nuggets inside and outside. Aaron Gordon seems to be enjoying his first finals appearance and wanted to make the best out of this experience.

[wheelz1200]

Seems like the SUNS have found a new coach:

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/suns-hire-recent-nba-champion-next-head-coach-report

Frank Vogel is a good fit. He knows how to handle several superstars, as he has shown at the Lakers.
I was wondering already why he wasn't in the conversation at other teams but glad he found a new home. I like his coaching style and after getting sacked by Lebron he definitely deserves a new opportunity.

That leaves 3 teams without a coach now, Detroit, Milwaukee and the Raptors.

Wonder if Doc Rivers will get hired somewhere. Maybe Detroit or the Raptors, I doubt a team like the Bucks who actually have a championship team and want to win will sign a coach that is actually not winning when it counts. 

We will have to see how Frank Vogel will fit on the Suns roster. What he had to bring though is that he has the championship experience, specially handling stars. So he might bring a fresh set of mindset amongst the Suns team as they are in a disarray with so much drama as well. For sure, maybe Ayton is willing to stay for at least a year.

As for the game 1 result, I'm sure majority is not surprised on how dominant the Nuggets inside and outside. Aaron Gordon seems to be enjoying his first finals appearance and wanted to make the best out of this experience.

Surprise hire.  It's a veteran team so I'm guessing they were looking for a coach who is open in terms of playing style.  Probably a right fit.  Too many times teams pick a coach who implements a system with players who don't want to play it.  Phil Jackson and the triangle with the Knicks was a good example of system and wrong team. 

[dwyane36]

Needless to say, Heat needs to keep shooting and answer back on Nuggets aggression so that Jokic wouldn’t have time to rest. They should tire out Jokic if they want to win this series.

If the Heat players keep shooting like they did in Game 1, they won't have a chance to win the Finals series. Just look at their stats. Strus missed all 10 of his shots, Martin scored only 1 of 7, and Robinson scored 1 of 6. If these players had scored at least half of their shots, the outcome of the first game might have been different. So it seems to me that the Heat needs to think not only about stopping Jokic but also about not screwing up on offense once again.

[blockman]

If the Heat players keep shooting like they did in Game 1, they won't have a chance to win the Finals series. Just look at their stats. Strus missed all 10 of his shots, Martin scored only 1 of 7, and Robinson scored 1 of 6.

They do that again and they're done. They should be strict if someone doesn't have golden hands on their particular games, he should be out and must be replaced by someone who's potentially better.

If these players had scored at least half of their shots, the outcome of the first game might have been different. So it seems to me that the Heat needs to think not only about stopping Jokic but also about not screwing up on offense once again.

I agree, I am counting on how many of those missed, and if they can get in then that's a lot of points for them. But yeah, sometimes you get bad times and those misses weren't for them for game 1. Maybe in game 2 something might change with their shooting.

[Slow death]

game 1 was simply a game with an expected outcome, the bookmakers also already gave the Nuggets as the favorite and the odd itself already showed that this would be a game in which the Nuggets would win without having too many difficulties, the game data are very clear about the dominance of the Nuggets, in the first period the Nuggets won by a difference of 9 points, in the second period when one could expect some reaction from the Heat, there was not, they lost by a difference of 8 points, in the third period again the heat lost again, but this time they lost by a small difference of points, they were only 4 points apart and already in the fourth quarter heat recovered and they won by a difference of 10 points

even with this heat victory in the fourth quarter it is not convincing that in game 2 they will be able to obtain a better result which in this case would be a victory, on the contrary I see the Nuggets coming into game 2 with more determination to crush the heat and so I will follow the bookmakers who are giving the Nuggets as the most likely winner in game 2 and with that odd of @1.25 it is something very difficult to see any surprises, so I think that the Nuggets will win this game, no I see the heat managing to stop the Nuggets

[goinmerry]

From what I noticed on Miami Heat's Game 1 performance, they allowed the Nuggets to have several clear shots "from the inside".

What does this mean? The Miami Heat's defense is focused on the perimeter area whereas the Nuggets are also deadly but with that, they lessen their rim protection. It's noticeable from the start of the game that there are lots of unexpected easy dishes from Nikola Jokic to his teammates on the paint for an easy bucket. Heat players are mostly on the perimeter area not realizing that Nuggets won't have to push for outside shooting where they can even attack the rim.
 
Aaron Gordon was also muscling his way to the rim, even against anyone. If they can't stop Gordon inside the rim, what's more against Jokic and aside from that, thinking of how to stop those Nuggets perimeter shooters. I have noticed too in some part of the game that Lowry even try to guard Jokic lol.

Miami Heat knows the adjustment they will have to do next game but the problem is how they will able to properly execute it.

[Baofeng]

From what I noticed on Miami Heat's Game 1 performance, they allowed the Nuggets to have several clear shots "from the inside".

What does this mean? The Miami Heat's defense is focused on the perimeter area whereas the Nuggets are also deadly but with that, they lessen their rim protection. It's noticeable from the start of the game that there are lots of unexpected easy dishes from Nikola Jokic to his teammates on the paint for an easy bucket. Heat players are mostly on the perimeter area not realizing that Nuggets won't have to push for outside shooting where they can even attack the rim.
 
Aaron Gordon was also muscling his way to the rim, even against anyone. If they can't stop Gordon inside the rim, what's more against Jokic and aside from that, thinking of how to stop those Nuggets perimeter shooters. I have noticed too in some part of the game that Lowry even try to guard Jokic lol.

Miami Heat knows the adjustment they will have to do next game but the problem is how they will able to properly execute it.

Yep, that's how the first game ended, Aaron Gordon has all the mismatch in that game and it seems he is enjoying every bit of it against his smaller defender. Not only Lowry but even Jimmy Butler try to guard Jokic, and the double team was kinda late as Jokic using his court vision was able to spot the open man for a good 3 point shot percentage.

That's why it's a total shock for the Heat in game 1, they didn't expect this kind of game from the Nuggets. Maybe because they are used on the East kind of play. But Denver has so many offensive weapons in this game that it seems the Heat lost the game in the first 3 quarters already. So hopefully knowing how good coach Spo on making adjustments, we will see what is their game plan next.

[Shamm]

From what I noticed on Miami Heat's Game 1 performance, they allowed the Nuggets to have several clear shots "from the inside".

What does this mean? The Miami Heat's defense is focused on the perimeter area whereas the Nuggets are also deadly but with that, they lessen their rim protection. It's noticeable from the start of the game that there are lots of unexpected easy dishes from Nikola Jokic to his teammates on the paint for an easy bucket. Heat players are mostly on the perimeter area not realizing that Nuggets won't have to push for outside shooting where they can even attack the rim.
 
Aaron Gordon was also muscling his way to the rim, even against anyone. If they can't stop Gordon inside the rim, what's more against Jokic and aside from that, thinking of how to stop those Nuggets perimeter shooters. I have noticed too in some part of the game that Lowry even try to guard Jokic lol.

Miami Heat knows the adjustment they will have to do next game but the problem is how they will able to properly execute it.

Yep, that's how the first game ended, Aaron Gordon has all the mismatch in that game and it seems he is enjoying every bit of it against his smaller defender. Not only Lowry but even Jimmy Butler try to guard Jokic, and the double team was kinda late as Jokic using his court vision was able to spot the open man for a good 3 point shot percentage.

That's why it's a total shock for the Heat in game 1, they didn't expect this kind of game from the Nuggets. Maybe because they are used on the East kind of play. But Denver has so many offensive weapons in this game that it seems the Heat lost the game in the first 3 quarters already. So hopefully knowing how good coach Spo on making adjustments, we will see what is their game plan next.

Miami heat must have a good adjustment for game 2 in order to win the game cause one thing for sure Denver nuggets will run once again to claim the next victory. But the thing should Miami do is that they need to stop the perimeter shot by the Denver nuggets cause what we saw last game 1 Denver nuggets have a good perimeter shot and actually jokic Miami must take an action about him he is strong inside the basket.

[Oasisman]

And just like that, Denver took game 1 at home with full control over the Heat. The size differential was very obvious and just like everyone thought Denver is gonna win the championship this year. I don't know how the Heat are gonna fight back against a team who has been playing at a very high level this year. I'm kinda skeptical what will happen in game 3, because that will most likely gonna determine who wins this series if the Nuggets takes game 2 again. That was an easy win for the Nuggets to be honest. Adebayo can't stop Jokic.
I'm starting to think that this Denver Nuggets team is going to be the new NBA dynasty.

It's just Game 1, so let's not overreact because this is a Game 7 series. Both teams will make a lot of adjustments.

It's not overreacting, it's the fact of what we've seen in game 1 and don't get me wrong I have heard about these "adjustments" already since the Lakers was overwhelmed with how strong the Nuggets is. We all even thought the Lakers have figured out how to beat Nuggets by putting a clamp on Jokic, we thought  Rui was the Laker's x factor in defeating the Nuggets but everyone is wrong. Jokic is just a very good basketball player with a high IQ. I'm not under estimating coach Spo and the Heat, I am just appreciating how monstrous Jokic and Murray and the whole Denver squad this year. Also, the Nuggets may not have to make "A LOT" of adjustments because the Heat simply cannot stop Jokic. Again, that's a fact, not overreacting.

[danherbias07]

A bit of good news away from the Finals.

https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-name-monty-williams-as-head-coach

The Detroit Pistons announced today an agreement with Monty Williams to join the organization as Head Coach. Williams, who will be formally introduced at a news conference in Detroit next week, has already initiated the transition and begun scheduling player meetings and staff development.

Coach Monty changed how the Suns were looked at and he made it a playoff contender or better, a championship-caliber since his run there. What can he do in Detroit Pistons? That we will see in the next season with the young roster that needs some good coaching staff. Detroit might try to build a team that revolves around Cade Cunningham and I think it's a good thing. With James Wiseman as their big man and great wingmen like Ivey and Hayes, their future might be bright indeed.

If you are asking what happened with Coach Dwane Casey, here is the report.

Dwane Casey is out as head coach of the Detroit Pistons, he announced after Sunday's season-ending loss to the Chicago Bulls. He will move into a front office role with the Pistons, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/dwane-casey-out-as-head-coach-of-pistons-will-move-into-front-office-role-per-report/
It's all on Coach Monty now, I wish he could also make the Pistons as great as the Suns when he took care of them, just fewer locker room issues will probably do it right.

Frank Vogel seems to be the top candidate for the Phoenix Suns.

[yahoo62278]

I watch a sports show daily called TheHerd on FS1. They posted an interesting stat about Denver and Miami. Since the bubble year, Denver is 13-2 vs Miami. Jimmy Butler and Bam are going to really have to play hard to have a shot in this series.

I also like the fact that Monty Williams picked up a job within a month. Very good coach IMO. I don't know if it was his coaching or players egos in Phoenix.

[EFS]

Before the first game I was expecting Nuggets in 5 or 6 but after watching the game I believe they have a fairly good chance to sweep Heat. Even getting this far has been a huge success for Heat but as you can see in first game undrafted wonders couldn't handle the pressure of Finals. I'd still say Heat will get at least one game just because Jimmy Butler, but don't expect more from them.

[tusandii]

I also like the fact that Monty Williams picked up a job within a month. Very good coach IMO. I don't know if it was his coaching or players egos in Phoenix.

I don't know what the management of the Phoenix Suns want because they have fired a great coach like Monty Williams while he was in charge the Phoenix Suns have always performed quite well in every NBA event.
But now Monty Williams has signed a new contract with the Detroit Pistons and is the most expensive coaching contract in history.
I'm sure Monty Williams can do quite well and turn the Detroit Pistons into an even greater team.
It looks like later if the Detroit Pistons can develop properly under the tutelage of Monty Williams then Phoenix will surely regret what he did for the dismissal of Monty Williams.

[Viscore]

I also like the fact that Monty Williams picked up a job within a month. Very good coach IMO. I don't know if it was his coaching or players egos in Phoenix.

I don't know what the management of the Phoenix Suns want because they have fired a great coach like Monty Williams while he was in charge the Phoenix Suns have always performed quite well in every NBA event.
But now Monty Williams has signed a new contract with the Detroit Pistons and is the most expensive coaching contract in history.
I'm sure Monty Williams can do quite well and turn the Detroit Pistons into an even greater team.
It looks like later if the Detroit Pistons can develop properly under the tutelage of Monty Williams then Phoenix will surely regret what he did for the dismissal of Monty Williams.

The management fired him because they lost in the playoffs. They were even dominated in the last game of the series, losing by 30 points against the Nuggets. That level of performance is not competitive. The main goal of a team like the Suns, who have superstars, is to win a championship. Unfortunately, it didn't happen under his watch, so the management will have to try something new.

Given that Coach Monty Williams is great it's not surprising he was hired by a new team.

[Yaunfitda]

I also like the fact that Monty Williams picked up a job within a month. Very good coach IMO. I don't know if it was his coaching or players egos in Phoenix.

I don't know what the management of the Phoenix Suns want because they have fired a great coach like Monty Williams while he was in charge the Phoenix Suns have always performed quite well in every NBA event.
But now Monty Williams has signed a new contract with the Detroit Pistons and is the most expensive coaching contract in history.
I'm sure Monty Williams can do quite well and turn the Detroit Pistons into an even greater team.
It looks like later if the Detroit Pistons can develop properly under the tutelage of Monty Williams then Phoenix will surely regret what he did for the dismissal of Monty Williams.

That's how it is though, the first casualties will be the coach because they are the face of the team and every moved the coach make really affects the team itself. Just like in this case, they have taken the risk to get Durant in return of their good players going into the Nets. And this might not set good with some of their players though, in my opinion.

And it's good to see Monty finding a new home, I think he will rebuild Detroit Pistons, it has the potential to be great, young players, just needed someone that could mentor them and bring the best of each players. For sure the future is bring for the Pistons now.