2024 NBA Season

[AHOYBRAUSE]

This means a 2-1 lead for Nuggets in the series of course which is an important advantage. Because Nuggets can use their upcoming court advantage really effectively. But even though Heat are a surprising team in this round they are still very dangerous. Nuggets need to continue to fight with all they have. Murray's help is crucial for the team as Jokic by himself has to carry the team otherwise.

Home court advantage isn't as important anymore because both teams have shown the ability to win on the road. With the series at 2-1, it will be tied if the Miami Heat can secure a victory in game 4, and I believe they will find a way to make it happen. Otherwise, there's a possibility that their journey will come to an end in game 5 on the Nuggets' home court. In this game, the Heat showcased their character, but they were simply outworked and outsmarted by the Nuggets. Similar to how the Nuggets made major adjustments after their loss in game 2, I'm confident that the Heat will also make significant adjustments to improve their performance.

Home court is as crucial as always.
Yes Denver lost game 2 at home, but they had the game under control and only lost because if a terrible 4th quarter.

Also, this was Denver's only home loss in the post season, so they own their home court!

Don't forget, Denver is called the mile high city.
A lot of NBA players stated they hate to play in Denver because of the high altitude. You can get gasses real quick if you are not used to these kind of conditions. So that gives Denver an extra edge at home.

What adjustments can Miami do? The only thing the can do is hit their shots. They shot bad in game 1 and 3, so they lost in convincing fashion. They shot well in game 2 and got a super close win. However you twist it, Denver will be (just as in game 3) the favourite to win game 4. And I think they will take a 3:1 lead back to Denver to close out the series at home.

[1715019791]

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[klidex]

Let's see about that because it seems to me that the Lakers got their own plan to improve their roster next season. Even the rumored Dallas trade will not be happen because the Lakers front office already said that they are not interested about the offer, unless the Mavericks are willing to let go Luka in exchange for Lebron.

This season the Lakers have played well even though they didn't get maximum results but at least they have been better than the previous season.
It seems you are right that the Lakers will not be interested in the Dallas trade offer and I did read an update on this one rumor.
Luka is such a great player that it would be impossible for the Mavericks to just let him go.
If this exchange happened then he would lose quite a bit of power to his team.

[Jating]

Let's see about that because it seems to me that the Lakers got their own plan to improve their roster next season. Even the rumored Dallas trade will not be happen because the Lakers front office already said that they are not interested about the offer, unless the Mavericks are willing to let go Luka in exchange for Lebron.

This season the Lakers have played well even though they didn't get maximum results but at least they have been better than the previous season.
It seems you are right that the Lakers will not be interested in the Dallas trade offer and I did read an update on this one rumor.
Luka is such a great player that it would be impossible for the Mavericks to just let him go.
If this exchange happened then he would lose quite a bit of power to his team.

Or the Lakers is willing to let go of Lebron, I guess the contention is that we have seen Lebron and Kyrie do their handshake when they were still teammates and maybe that's where the rumour started. So it's interesting to see Kyrie being traded by the Dallas team in exchange of several players from the Lakers. However, it's more complicated now that we have heard that the Phoenix Suns is willing to let go of CP3 and so Lakers might be the first time that CP3 wanted to go because of Lebron. But we will see, for sure there will be other teams too willing to sacrifice and get the services of CP3 even though he is old.

[bitgolden]

We all have said that this match was going to be very important for both teams and both teams will also be very interested to win this match. But Nuggets got the advantage here.

Jokić and Murray absolutely dominated the match for the Nuggets. Jokić was very hard to stop for the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat will certainly need to rethink their strategy. They will also have to remember that they have to defend both Murray and Jokic. They cannot just defend Jokic and not care about Murray. And in the last match, we also did not see any defensive excellency from the Miami Heat as well.

I mean Miami got one at Denver too, so not like it is a 2-0 or 3-0 game, it is 2-1 only right now and the next game is at Miami as well. So we could potentially see another tie at 2-2 as well. If that were to happen I am pretty sure that it may go to 7 games as well. It would be a proof that teams are good enough to tie each other and not really dominate one over the other.

I hope that I will be right, I am going to bet the next game won by Miami and I think the one after that will be Denver, those are my two next bets, I do not know if it will happen or not, maybe I will be wrong but that is how it looks so far. I am pretty sure that people will not be certain what's going to happen until it happens so we just need to bet with our gut feeling on this case.

[Japinat]

Anyone see this news?

The Phoenix Suns plan to waive veteran guard Chris Paul, according to a report from Bleacher Report/TNT’s Chris Haynes.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that a trade could also be on the table, along with potentially waving and re-signing the 12-time All-Star this offseason.

https://www.nba.com/news/chris-paul-free-agency-phoenix-suns

Ok, so after the firing of their coach, it seems the new owner is making a big chances on the player side as they waived CP3 already and obviously, wanted to clear some space so that they can get a new player. And if they trade him, might be interesting which team and what will be the trading package. Who knows, maybe he can play with Lebron? What's your thoughts?

100%.  I don't know what lebrons future us but he has always wanted a true point guard and one with cp3s caliber.  Would be good for LeBron so he doesn't have to be the point forward anymore either to save on his wear and tear.  I can see cp3 in a Lakers uniform on a vet minimum contract.  At this point he knows his window is all but closed it cant be about money at this point.

I was just reading about this and I’m a bit surprised. Not that the Suns are getting rid of Chris Paul, he’s far from what he used to be and a terrible mentor because he’s a poor sport, but that they’re dumping him for nothing instead of a sign and trade. That basically means they couldn’t find anyone willing to offer anything for him. That surprises me a little. He’s free to play with Bron now though.

Or the Phoenix Suns just have another plan which is why they chose to rid Chris Paul instead of trading him to get a possible good player in return that could somehow be a good asset for the franchise. But I guess that you are right too because before publishing the news, I think it's safe to assume that they have already tried that scenario but nothing came back.

[freedomgo]

Let's see about that because it seems to me that the Lakers got their own plan to improve their roster next season. Even the rumored Dallas trade will not be happen because the Lakers front office already said that they are not interested about the offer, unless the Mavericks are willing to let go Luka in exchange for Lebron.

This season the Lakers have played well even though they didn't get maximum results but at least they have been better than the previous season.
It seems you are right that the Lakers will not be interested in the Dallas trade offer and I did read an update on this one rumor.
Luka is such a great player that it would be impossible for the Mavericks to just let him go.
If this exchange happened then he would lose quite a bit of power to his team.

Trading Luka just to get Lebron James is almost close to impossible even if we say that Lakers is adding another good player just to get the trade. The Dallas Mavericks already made an expensive mistake in getting Kyrie Irving and it will get more expensive if they will push this through because I know that LeBron is a one of a kind but the thing is, he is getting old and he is not really expected to do the heavy lifting in the team because of his situation. It's a wise thing to do for the Mavericks to forget about that trade and just see other options.

[dwyane36]

That's sad news because they did really waive CP3. Well, who knows if his era is about to end but that's not what I am hearing from the rumors and the one that I'm hearing is about the Lakers eyeing him. It's possible that he gets to play with Lebron if ever he'll stay in the Lakers. I know that teams won't let it pass that if there's an opportunity to take CP3, they'll take him. He's able to help the Suns to get to where they've landed this season and that's commendable to him, he'll sure find another home.

Paul and James both have guaranteed contracts for next season. So my guess is that James will most likely stay with the Lakers, but Paul's situation isn't so clear-cut. I mean, Paul is quite an expensive asset for any team since his salary should be $30.8 million for next season. So if the Lakers really want to get Paul, it won't be an easy task for them because they have nothing to offer the Suns in such a deal.

[OgNasty]

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. 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.

[ChiBitCTy]

That Jokic game was even more impressive than I thought. The numbers were crazy, ya, but I didn’t realize this was the first 30/20/10 game in NBA Finals history. To do it against a defensive specialist like Bam too… Crazy. Jokic is really showing that he should have won the MVP. I hate that the voters always give guys the MVP before they deserve it and then snub them later when they do deserve it because they already got one (or two).

That's just how it works when it comes to MVP.  The year Derrick Rose won the MVP I was sure as shit happy, but he didn't truly deserve it, Lebron did. But, I believe Lebron had won at least the one right before it, if not the two before his..so they simply wanted to give it to the young gun who came out guns a blazing saying "why can't I be mvp".  It was the best story line for the NBA and they are always going to lean best story over who truly deserves it.  IMO anyhow.

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. 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.

You wouldn't call Jokic a major superstar?  I'm not so sure you can leave Butler off that list too after this season.  He was already right there, but this may have put him in to that conversation.

[Yaunfitda]

Anyone see this news?

The Phoenix Suns plan to waive veteran guard Chris Paul, according to a report from Bleacher Report/TNT’s Chris Haynes.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that a trade could also be on the table, along with potentially waving and re-signing the 12-time All-Star this offseason.

https://www.nba.com/news/chris-paul-free-agency-phoenix-suns

Ok, so after the firing of their coach, it seems the new owner is making a big chances on the player side as they waived CP3 already and obviously, wanted to clear some space so that they can get a new player. And if they trade him, might be interesting which team and what will be the trading package. Who knows, maybe he can play with Lebron? What's your thoughts?

They might just need the cap space because Kevin Durant is expensive and they have Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton who are also being paid well.
Chances with Lebron? I don't think a team will agree with that. Two veterans in one team mean you will use a slow pace type of game which is not the norm in today's NBA. Even Jokic is trying to do fast breaks on his own.
Wherever CP3 will go is a big question. I have no idea what team needed a veteran point guard to increase their chance for playoffs, or not because for the last few years, CP3 is damaged by a lot of injuries, and worst, the timing of the injuries is mostly in the playoffs.

Great win for the Denver Nuggets tonight. The revenge was successful and just like I thought, that face of Jokic after Game 2 says it all. He will come back stronger and he inputs another triple-double together with Jamal Murray. A very entertaining game and I wish Coach Spo has some answers on Game 4. What's his next move?

I just thought though that it will be Ayton who might be in the trading block as we have seen his performance on the playoffs and he was outmuscled in any way by Jokic. And then him not getting the max rookie max contract from the previous owner of the Suns. But since Monty is gone already, (I think him and Ayton might have some problems) it might make sense that they will have to let go of their leader in CP3, who is getting older and perhaps become more a liability in a gruelling 80 plus games.

Knowing coach Spo who is the master of adjustments, for sure he might have to do another magic in game 4 to tie the series at least and not let the Nuggets takes a huge 3-1 lead.

[Yamifoud]

Knowing coach Spo who is the master of adjustments, for sure he might have to do another magic in game 4 to tie the series at least and not let the Nuggets takes a huge 3-1 lead.

I expect a strong performance from the team because I have no doubt in their abilities, especially after their victory in game 2. Although they had a disappointing game in game 3, it doesn't necessarily mean they will have a similar performance in game 4. Therefore, right from the beginning, I'll be betting on the Heat to win, specifically by placing a bet on them to win the first half. If, by any chance, they happen to lose, I might consider doubling down on a live bet with the Heat moneyline.

[Captain Corporate]

I think it wasn't an "obvious" game, I think Miami could have won this if Denver ended up with just a few more misses. People see the difference and they think that's how it was played, but a few shots missing here, causes a bit of lack of confidence there, and Miami hitting couple shots making a player hot and get some more etc and suddenly you look at exactly the reverse in scoring. When the game is so closely played, even the big difference could be tricky and it could all change within a single quarter. This is why I wouldn't say that Denver was dominant as much as people think they were and I do not regret my bet at all. This time around I bet they will do better and I think its going to be a lot more fighting involved, Miami will not give up so easily which was their trouble, I bet they will do nicely.

[danherbias07]

I just thought though that it will be Ayton who might be in the trading block as we have seen his performance on the playoffs and he was outmuscled in any way by Jokic. And then him not getting the max rookie max contract from the previous owner of the Suns. But since Monty is gone already, (I think him and Ayton might have some problems) it might make sense that they will have to let go of their leader in CP3, who is getting older and perhaps become more a liability in a gruelling 80 plus games.

Yeah, I thought so too but that's under exploration for now. Phoenix Suns new head coach Frank Vogel though has a different view, he is expecting DeAndre Ayton to have an important key role in their roster. They are still strong but a playmaker should always be available if they want Ayton to be more effective on the offensive end.
Without CP3, I doubt he can make shots on his own unless it's an open perimeter jump, but his post up game is not that good. The assists made by CP3 though is what made him look better. On my list he is one of the top centers in the league but he needs a pair and I doubt Booker will suddenly become a passer. Don't expect anything from KD too.  
Let's see what Frank Vogel can do to change that, perhaps he has a big plan already written especially for him.

Knowing coach Spo who is the master of adjustments, for sure he might have to do another magic in game 4 to tie the series at least and not let the Nuggets takes a huge 3-1 lead.

Another magic indeed.
I like how he started Kevin Love on Game 2, then, used Robinson to make more space for everyone. It worked big time, and perhaps he should look at the Game 2 tape again and see for himself what he did right that suddenly went wrong in Game 3.
Jimmy Butler should also be a provider for his team. In game 2 he had 9 assists while in Game 3 he only had 4. IMO, they didn't play as hard as the previous one.

[LogitechMouse]

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. 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.

NO MAJOR SUPERSTAR IN THIS YEAR'S FINALS? Wait wait wait!!! Am I reading it right? Or do I need an eye glass to read it thrice?
Jokic? Not a major superstar? Butler? Not an all-star this season yes, but look at his performance during the whole playoffs. Murray? He really is an underrated assassin who can lift up his team if needed? Aren't they superstars in their own teams? I guess you typed it wrong, and you don't mean it at all.

Anyway, the Suns like I said in my previous posts are making a huge roster change, and they will build around KD, and Booker. They waived CP3 already, they will be trading Ayton for a better center, or they might develop Landale. I expect more changes in the Suns team in this upcoming off-season. They have a new coach in Frank Vogel who specializes in defense, so I expect more defensive players that are coming.

Knowing coach Spo who is the master of adjustments, for sure he might have to do another magic in game 4 to tie the series at least and not let the Nuggets takes a huge 3-1 lead.

I expect a strong performance from the team because I have no doubt in their abilities, especially after their victory in game 2. Although they had a disappointing game in game 3, it doesn't necessarily mean they will have a similar performance in game 4. Therefore, right from the beginning, I'll be betting on the Heat to win, specifically by placing a bet on them to win the first half. If, by any chance, they happen to lose, I might consider doubling down on a live bet with the Heat moneyline.

They need to do something except for the Zone that they did in Game 2 that's why they won in the 4th quarter thus, winning the game BY 3 POINTS.

They have one of the best coaches right now in the league, so I expect many adjustments for this Heat team. They don't want to end up their home stint with 2 losses, or they will be out. Doubling down on Heat money line? That would be a good idea if the Heat have somebody that can stop either Jokic or Murray at the start of the game. Without that, I don't think that's a good idea. TBH, I will stick with Nuggets in 5, and it's a bold guess for me, but I might bet on the Nuggets in this one.

[Distinctin]

Another magic indeed.
I like how he started Kevin Love on Game 2, then, used Robinson to make more space for everyone. It worked big time, and perhaps he should look at the Game 2 tape again and see for himself what he did right that suddenly went wrong in Game 3.
Jimmy Butler should also be a provider for his team. In game 2 he had 9 assists while in Game 3 he only had 4. IMO, they didn't play as hard as the previous one.

The problem with the Heat in Game 3 is their 3-point shooting. They can't find clean shots because the Nuggets are easy to rotate on defense. That's the kind of adjustment the Nuggets made, and I'm pretty sure the Heat will not follow the same play they had in Game 3. The Heat will probably surprise the Nuggets in Game 4. However, in case the Heat lose, I'm not expecting a blowout loss like what happened in Game 3.

On the other hand, is it time to bring back Tyler Herro?

[Kelvinid]

=snip=
On the other hand, is it time to bring back Tyler Herro?

That's a big question now, and it's likely the big surprise the Heat could provide if they bring back Tyler Herro. However, the question still remains: is he 100% healthy and capable of contributing his usual numbers before the injury? If he returns but struggles to make an adjustment, he may become a burden for the team, and it's more likely that the Heat will lose again.

[Distinctin]

=snip=
On the other hand, is it time to bring back Tyler Herro?

That's a big question now, and it's likely the big surprise the Heat could provide if they bring back Tyler Herro. However, the question still remains: is he 100% healthy and capable of contributing his usual numbers before the injury? If he returns but struggles to make an adjustment, he may become a burden for the team, and it's more likely that the Heat will lose again.

I'm sure Coach Spoelstra will not allow him to become a burden to the team. If he does return, it doesn't necessarily mean he will stay longer if he is not delivering as expected. I would even be surprised if he gains plenty of minutes like he used to. It's the chemistry that matters now, and inserting Herro into the lineup is always a big risk. But, you know, as long as they know how to manage that risk, it's going to work.

[btc_angela]

=snip=
On the other hand, is it time to bring back Tyler Herro?

That's a big question now, and it's likely the big surprise the Heat could provide if they bring back Tyler Herro. However, the question still remains: is he 100% healthy and capable of contributing his usual numbers before the injury? If he returns but struggles to make an adjustment, he may become a burden for the team, and it's more likely that the Heat will lose again.

I'm sure Coach Spoelstra will not allow him to become a burden to the team. If he does return, it doesn't necessarily mean he will stay longer if he is not delivering as expected. I would even be surprised if he gains plenty of minutes like he used to. It's the chemistry that matters now, and inserting Herro into the lineup is always a big risk. But, you know, as long as they know how to manage that risk, it's going to work.

Yes, it's going to be a big decision for coach Spo whether to insert Herro in the line up again, because as we have seen already, they starting line up is very effective already or at least his rotation that sometimes Kyle Lowry will start or Kevin Love.

And now that Herro is healthy as reported and maybe he wants to help the team. But then again, he may disrupt what the new members is already used to. But this is the finals so every bit of help is needed specially that they've lost the last game. So it's going to be a big decision for coach Spo whether to do it or not.

[fuguebtc]

=snip=
On the other hand, is it time to bring back Tyler Herro?

That's a big question now, and it's likely the big surprise the Heat could provide if they bring back Tyler Herro. However, the question still remains: is he 100% healthy and capable of contributing his usual numbers before the injury? If he returns but struggles to make an adjustment, he may become a burden for the team, and it's more likely that the Heat will lose again.

I'm sure Coach Spoelstra will not allow him to become a burden to the team. If he does return, it doesn't necessarily mean he will stay longer if he is not delivering as expected. I would even be surprised if he gains plenty of minutes like he used to. It's the chemistry that matters now, and inserting Herro into the lineup is always a big risk. But, you know, as long as they know how to manage that risk, it's going to work.

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.

[Natalim]

=snip=
On the other hand, is it time to bring back Tyler Herro?

That's a big question now, and it's likely the big surprise the Heat could provide if they bring back Tyler Herro. However, the question still remains: is he 100% healthy and capable of contributing his usual numbers before the injury? If he returns but struggles to make an adjustment, he may become a burden for the team, and it's more likely that the Heat will lose again.

I'm sure Coach Spoelstra will not allow him to become a burden to the team. If he does return, it doesn't necessarily mean he will stay longer if he is not delivering as expected. I would even be surprised if he gains plenty of minutes like he used to. It's the chemistry that matters now, and inserting Herro into the lineup is always a big risk. But, you know, as long as they know how to manage that risk, it's going to work.

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.