2025 NBA Season

[btc_angela]

I'm glad that we're getting some great matchups the first day back after all star break.  The matchup I'm most excited for is the Dallas Mavericks vs the Phoenix Suns.  Luka owned Booker in the post season a few years back and ever since then there has been bad blood between those two.  Luka had been spanking Booker each time they met, but Booker and the Suns got the best of the Mavericks the last time they met.  Tonight's game is on TNT and I'll probably try to catch at least the ending of it if possible.  This is my favorite rivalry in the NBA right now.  They genuinely dislike each other.

Yes, and most likely that's why they got Durant to really help Bookier in offense But Dallas also had Kyrie so definitely this is a great match up after the All Star. Both are competitive, but I think the Suns need to proved that they can take the Mavericks otherwise Luka will continue to dominate them. It's more on KD leading the Suns in this game.

Of course Booker will be there, him and Luka can go one on one if they like. But the key here is KD for me.

So far the odds are very close, Mavericks slight favorite to win in this game.

[OgNasty]

If you know that the best way to score is either up close, near the layup/dunk levels or three pointers then you do that, why do something like Kobe did? We all love Kobe and he was one of the greatest players to ever play this game and you would be right to put him at around top three of all time greats.

However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?

Kobe doesn't have an impressive FG% overall in his career, but that's just because he is taking most of the shots and leading his team. For me, it's more than that; it's not about the FG but what he had fully achieved during his NBA career.

This guy (my favorite next to MJ) won 5 championships, and that's the ultimate success of a player to fulfill his career. During his era, there wasn't much competition, which is why he really dominated. It was before the NBA turned into a soft league where everyone focuses more on their 3-point shooting.

Kobe definitely wanted to be the guy and that's why he basically forced Shaquille O'neal out of Los Angeles.  He wasn't scared to shoot the ball when being covered by 5 guys and everyone knew it.  It's the reason the Lakers struggled at times and I'd say the reason they lost to the Pistons in the Finals.  I think he had all Michael Jordan's skills and his work ethic, but he lacked the pure athleticism that Mike had which enabled him to rise up and get shots in any situation.  If Kobe would have had Jordan's vertical leap, he would have been as good or better than the goat himself. 

[Yogee]

I just watched part of the 2024 all-star mini-movie that NBA released. I could not finish the whole video but I can tell that they really know how to present it in a way that someone who never watched the whole thing would think it's actually that good hehe. Shameless.

I think the poll in the OP needs to be updated to something like which teams will qualify for the playoffs first.

[wheelz1200]

I just watched part of the 2024 all-star mini-movie that NBA released. I could not finish the whole video but I can tell that they really know how to present it in a way that someone who never watched the whole thing would think it's actually that good hehe. Shameless.

I think the poll in the OP needs to be updated to something like which teams will qualify for the playoffs first.

Agree poll is dated and maybe at this point start looking at finals champ.  Backend of the regular season incoming.  Big night out of the gate for the Knicks.  They lost 4 straight going into the break with toms of injuries.  They need to beat the sixers tonight and not start sliding into the 5/6/7 slots in the conference.

[JariKriting]

If you know that the best way to score is either up close, near the layup/dunk levels or three pointers then you do that, why do something like Kobe did? We all love Kobe and he was one of the greatest players to ever play this game and you would be right to put him at around top three of all time greats.

However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?

Kobe doesn't have an impressive FG% overall in his career, but that's just because he is taking most of the shots and leading his team. For me, it's more than that; it's not about the FG but what he had fully achieved during his NBA career.

This guy (my favorite next to MJ) won 5 championships, and that's the ultimate success of a player to fulfill his career. During his era, there wasn't much competition, which is why he really dominated. It was before the NBA turned into a soft league where everyone focuses more on their 3-point shooting.

Kobe definitely wanted to be the guy and that's why he basically forced Shaquille O'neal out of Los Angeles.  He wasn't scared to shoot the ball when being covered by 5 guys and everyone knew it.  It's the reason the Lakers struggled at times and I'd say the reason they lost to the Pistons in the Finals.  I think he had all Michael Jordan's skills and his work ethic, but he lacked the pure athleticism that Mike had which enabled him to rise up and get shots in any situation.  If Kobe would have had Jordan's vertical leap, he would have been as good or better than the goat himself. 

Actually everyone wants to be the leader of the number one person on the team who is relied on in the team and without competitors so that they can pressure the club to give a high salary contract. because even without Shaq, Kobe was also able to win the NBA.

[terrific]

A few days ago, Jack Vaughn has been fired by the Brooklyn Nets. This I guess is the new meta for the teams out there when their teams don't perform well.
While it is a big matter for their team to have a good coach, it's always been the resort of most teams when they're underperforming, to have a coach gets fired.

[danherbias07]

A few days ago, Jack Vaughn has been fired by the Brooklyn Nets. This I guess is the new meta for the teams out there when their teams don't perform well.
While it is a big matter for their team to have a good coach, it's always been the resort of most teams when they're underperforming, to have a coach gets fired.

Yeah, crappy team management.
The question here is: Is the Brooklyn Nets playing badly? No. Despite the frequent trades, player changes, and injuries, Jack Vaughn still found a way to put the Nets in the 11th rank of the East. He somehow made a way to make those newly acquired players play as a team. It's the management that is shitty for making this decision.
Plus, they don't really have a star or a leader in their roster. I mean who among those players will respect Ben Simmons as their leader? I don't think they will. He is young and definitely not the leader type. I doubt it will also be Bridges, Johnson, or even Thomas. That team doesn't have chemistry to start with, they are playing isolation games but they can still win games. It's not far from what is happening in the Washington Wizards team.
It's a management failure, fans know it, Brooklyn viewers know it, and they cannot just wash their hands after firing a head coach.
Now they are being blown out by the Raptors—the Raptors which is also restructuring their roster.

[OgNasty]

Great game from Luka Doncic tonight. He got the better of Devon Booker and nearly got himself a triple double but missed it by a single rebound. Still it was enough to get the W and put this rivalry back in the hands of the Mavericks. I really hope we get to see these two teams face off in the playoffs.

Kevin Durant also made the news confronting a fan that called him a bitch before the game.

[xzone]

I just watched part of the 2024 all-star mini-movie that NBA released. I could not finish the whole video but I can tell that they really know how to present it in a way that someone who never watched the whole thing would think it's actually that good hehe. Shameless.

I think the poll in the OP needs to be updated to something like which teams will qualify for the playoffs first.

They are very good at video editing. The music they use, the close-ups in the video, and the fun moments of the players are all beautifully featured in the video. But the quality of basketball, defensive levels, and missed shots are not included in these videos. It's fun when we see it in the video, but it's definitely not like that in reality

[LogitechMouse]

Great game from Luka Doncic tonight. He got the better of Devon Booker and nearly got himself a triple double but missed it by a single rebound. Still it was enough to get the W and put this rivalry back in the hands of the Mavericks. I really hope we get to see these two teams face off in the playoffs.

Kevin Durant also made the news confronting a fan that called him a bitch before the game.

He got the better of his son, Booker.

An almost triple-double stat with 41-9-11. Irving also helped him on offense scoring 29 points. Booker on the other hand got 35 points while KD got 23, but I will not focus on the stats. I just want to express my disappointment to the referees right now. I just saw a video on this game regarding a referee giving a technical on Luka just because he couldn't get the ball when he passed it to him. I mean it's just ridiculous how these referees are giving technical fouls to these players already, and yet they don't even know which are fouls, and which are not. We know already that we've seen controversial calls this season, and it seems like nothing is changing or being punished for these wrong calls.

As for the video of Durant confronting the fan, I guess it's good that he confronted both of them because they forgot how to respect the player. It's good that both of them didn't kicked out of the arena because of that. I just hope that incidents like that will not happen in the future again.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

He got the better of his son, Booker.

An almost triple-double stat with 41-9-11. Irving also helped him on offense scoring 29 points. Booker on the other hand got 35 points while KD got 23, but I will not focus on the stats. I just want to express my disappointment to the referees right now. I just saw a video on this game regarding a referee giving a technical on Luka just because he couldn't get the ball when he passed it to him. I mean it's just ridiculous how these referees are giving technical fouls to these players already, and yet they don't even know which are fouls, and which are not. We know already that we've seen controversial calls this season, and it seems like nothing is changing or being punished for these wrong calls.

As for the video of Durant confronting the fan, I guess it's good that he confronted both of them because they forgot how to respect the player. It's good that both of them didn't kicked out of the arena because of that. I just hope that incidents like that will not happen in the future again.
[/quote]

Dallas really looks more and more nasty.
Did you guys see the handles from Kyrie in this game? It's like watch the and1 mixtape at times!! So much time to watch and it feels like Kyrie and Luke are clicking more and more.
As I said several days ago after the trade, they will be a contender in the west with this lineup if they stay healthy. Some didn't believe me but with performances like that it will open their eyes.

If you have 2 allstar caliber point guards that can take over the game, have outside shooting and now also added inside players that can give you offensive rebounds and make your D strong, that's all you need to get deep into the playoffs.
I really have high hopes for them this year, they are definitely one of the top 3 fun teams to watch!!

[avp2306]

Great game from Luka Doncic tonight. He got the better of Devon Booker and nearly got himself a triple double but missed it by a single rebound. Still it was enough to get the W and put this rivalry back in the hands of the Mavericks. I really hope we get to see these two teams face off in the playoffs.

Kevin Durant also made the news confronting a fan that called him a bitch before the game.

I just want to express my disappointment to the referees right now. I just saw a video on this game regarding a referee giving a technical on Luka just because he couldn't get the ball when he passed it to him. I mean it's just ridiculous how these referees are giving technical fouls to these players already, and yet they don't even know which are fouls, and which are not. We know already that we've seen controversial calls this season, and it seems like nothing is changing or being punished for these wrong calls.

As for the video of Durant confronting the fan, I guess it's good that he confronted both of them because they forgot how to respect the player. It's good that both of them didn't kicked out of the arena because of that. I just hope that incidents like that will not happen in the future again.

It sounds that Luka throw the ball to the referee that's why the ref call a technical but I think this is fine since the ref can eject him on the game and glad it didn't happen. Some says its unprofessional act towards officials. Many people don't like to see that sequence but it already happen and complaining will not change anything. Maybe next time Luka should avoid doing that since NBA refs is so soft nowadays and they are killing the fun for some crazy decisions they call to a player.

I also understand why Durant confront that fan since sometimes they are to much for supporting their team and they forget the word respect. People just forget that they are their just to have fun and not to get in trouble with someone.

[OgNasty]

That stat line for Jokic was crazy tonight. He ended with 21 points, 19 rebounds, 15 assists, and shot 100% from the field. Thats got to be one of the best stat lines of the year, possibly up there with an all time efficient game. That dude is going to carry Denver to another title if the rest of the NBA isn’t careful.

[inthelongrun]

I'm glad that we're getting some great matchups the first day back after all star break.  The matchup I'm most excited for is the Dallas Mavericks vs the Phoenix Suns.  Luka owned Booker in the post season a few years back and ever since then there has been bad blood between those two.  Luka had been spanking Booker each time they met, but Booker and the Suns got the best of the Mavericks the last time they met.  Tonight's game is on TNT and I'll probably try to catch at least the ending of it if possible.  This is my favorite rivalry in the NBA right now.  They genuinely dislike each other.

Yes, and most likely that's why they got Durant to really help Bookier in offense But Dallas also had Kyrie so definitely this is a great match up after the All Star. Both are competitive, but I think the Suns need to proved that they can take the Mavericks otherwise Luka will continue to dominate them. It's more on KD leading the Suns in this game.

Of course Booker will be there, him and Luka can go one on one if they like. But the key here is KD for me.

So far the odds are very close, Mavericks slight favorite to win in this game.

And Luka owned Booker again as the Dallas Mavericks beat the visiting Suns. Booker should pay respect to his dad. Kyrie was able to help Luka this time while Bradley Beal was not there to help Booker and Durant. Durant made his own contribution but his threes were not making it most of the time.

Luka and Booker are creating another interesting rivalry. Both of their teams are also tied 6th place in the west. Dallas seems to be back as a serious contender in the top ranking since they're now 7-0 after the return of Kyrie.

[Heartilly]

Luka and Booker are creating another interesting rivalry. Both of their teams are also tied 6th place in the west. Dallas seems to be back as a serious contender in the top ranking since they're now 7-0 after the return of Kyrie.

The rivalry is already over between them. It's already concluded. Booker is nothing against Luka, my apology to those Booker fans here.

A rivalry is supposed to be equal and match but there are lots of times already where Luka eats Booker alive. That's not a rivalry anymore if the other party can't even bounce back and regain dominance over the other party. Regardless of who's their teammates in the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns since their first rivalry started, it's already clear that LUKA > BOOKER. No hate.

"Everybody acting tough when they up.”

[Dave1]

But now, centers are different, they are now shooting from the outside, making 3's. And it's probably the blame on the European's like Dirk early 2000's when they came and then shots from 3's and thus evolved as we have seen Jokic or even Embiid attempting to shoot from the outside.

Dirk has played almost his entire career at the power forward position rather than the center position. So, I don't think he should be blamed for the current generation of centers playing more outside the paint.
Honestly, I somehow think that the NBA will sooner or later come to the point where centers who can dominate the paint will be valued again rather than those who can shoot 3-pointers.

It's just for semantics mate, what I mean is that Dirk started the whole "big guy" shooting from the outside. We haven't seen that kind of players before, center or power forward who's shooting deep.

But now, every center, like Joel and Jokic or ever power forward like Giannis shooting from that region. I'm not sure about that, just look at the Warriors, they have a legit center in Looney, but it was Draymond who play that center position for them or at least guard the tallest player in the opposite team. There could still be centers in the league, but we might not see what Shaq did during his prime or even Dwight Howard who completely dominated the paint and then intimidate and block shots.

[TravelMug]

I'm glad that we're getting some great matchups the first day back after all star break.  The matchup I'm most excited for is the Dallas Mavericks vs the Phoenix Suns.  Luka owned Booker in the post season a few years back and ever since then there has been bad blood between those two.  Luka had been spanking Booker each time they met, but Booker and the Suns got the best of the Mavericks the last time they met.  Tonight's game is on TNT and I'll probably try to catch at least the ending of it if possible.  This is my favorite rivalry in the NBA right now.  They genuinely dislike each other.

Yes, and most likely that's why they got Durant to really help Bookier in offense But Dallas also had Kyrie so definitely this is a great match up after the All Star. Both are competitive, but I think the Suns need to proved that they can take the Mavericks otherwise Luka will continue to dominate them. It's more on KD leading the Suns in this game.

Of course Booker will be there, him and Luka can go one on one if they like. But the key here is KD for me.

So far the odds are very close, Mavericks slight favorite to win in this game.

It was still Booker who lead the team, KD help a lot, but the bench of the Mavericks put in a show with those 3 point show and Luka, dominated his favorite team the Phoenix Suns. Although it was really very close, and even if the Mavericks take that lead, Booker answered with the help of KD to make a comeback. But Luka though, he just look the game very easy for us basketball fans, nothing spectacular with his moves, but it was very effective and his basketball IQ is off the charts. The are one of the hottest teams right now and I think gonna be him and Jokic for the MVP this season.

[Yaunfitda]

How about the games between the Warriors and the Lakers, Curry point in a show with he wax hot in the 1st quarter and that no look pass for Wiggins for a dunk. No Lebron though, as he was rested. And obviously, the Warriors is being led by AD. But the Warriors had a lot of weapons here, Kuminga and Wiggins and Draymond anchoring their defense. All the Warriors that was fielded in this game score, with Trayce Jackson-Davis 17 points. The only downside in this game is that Klay Thompson continue to struggle with his shooting, just scoring 3 points in 28 minutes.

[btc_angela]

How about the games between the Warriors and the Lakers, Curry point in a show with he wax hot in the 1st quarter and that no look pass for Wiggins for a dunk. No Lebron though, as he was rested. And obviously, the Warriors is being led by AD. But the Warriors had a lot of weapons here, Kuminga and Wiggins and Draymond anchoring their defense. All the Warriors that was fielded in this game score, with Trayce Jackson-Davis 17 points. The only downside in this game is that Klay Thompson continue to struggle with his shooting, just scoring 3 points in 28 minutes.

No Lebron James, so it's a easy win for the Warriors, and even if Klay struggled, they played on their homecourt and so the second stringers are very comfortable like Jackson-Davis and Moses Moody.

And again, if Curry is shooting that hot in the first half, it's very hard to defeat the Warriors except for their early games wherein they choke after leading a comfortable lead. But not in this games as the Lakers starting unit has also struggled. So it's a good win for them. They are 2 games above .500 but still in the 10th place in the West behind the Lakers.

[dwyane36]

The only downside in this game is that Klay Thompson continue to struggle with his shooting, just scoring 3 points in 28 minutes.

Yep, it was indeed a disappointing performance by Thompson. Nevertheless, let me remind you that he scored 35 points in the previous game against the Jazz. So, I think he's not as bad as it may seem at first glance, although his role on the team has really become less important compared to what it used to be.