2024 NBA Season

[wheelz1200]

The Pacers and Knicks game today doesn’t excite me too much. Without a proper superstar it’s almost like watching a college game to me… Plus, I don’t really like either team’s roster now, or their franchise historically. So I’ll probably take a day off from the NBA playoffs to chase some other hobbies. I’m secretly hoping for the Pacers to win though.

People need to put respect on JB's name. 

[OgNasty]

The Pacers and Knicks game today doesn’t excite me too much. Without a proper superstar it’s almost like watching a college game to me… Plus, I don’t really like either team’s roster now, or their franchise historically. So I’ll probably take a day off from the NBA playoffs to chase some other hobbies. I’m secretly hoping for the Pacers to win though.

People need to put respect on JB's name. 

LOL. He’s going to have to do more to reach star status.

Congrats to Jokic winning another MVP. Almost seems dumb at this point they keep giving them to him. I think Doncic did enough to earn an MVP this season and Shaq said to Jokic that he thought SGA was more deserving of the MVP…

[Japinat]

Worries for the Knicks: OG Anunoby. Left the game in the 4th quarter with a hamstring injury. He never went back. Will it take long before it heals or can he come back on Game 3? That will be a big loss for the Knicks considering most of the first quarter points today came from OG.

That's going to be big in the game 3 as they lost a lot of bigs, they don't have Randle, Robinson, and now OG. I should take the opportunity to back the Pacers in winning the series as they have a great odds now, and I like that they are back at home in game 3 as I believe tehy played really well in at home. And that game aslo, I thought Brunson got really injured, it would have big for the Knicks if he was, but good thing he came back and Knicks were able to surive.

[LogitechMouse]

Worries for the Knicks: OG Anunoby. Left the game in the 4th quarter with a hamstring injury. He never went back. Will it take long before it heals or can he come back on Game 3? That will be a big loss for the Knicks considering most of the first quarter points today came from OG.

That's going to be big in the game 3 as they lost a lot of bigs, they don't have Randle, Robinson, and now OG. I should take the opportunity to back the Pacers in winning the series as they have a great odds now, and I like that they are back at home in game 3 as I believe tehy played really well in at home. And that game aslo, I thought Brunson got really injured, it would have big for the Knicks if he was, but good thing he came back and Knicks were able to surive.

They don't have Randle, Robinson and OG in Game 3, but they still have Achiuwa, Hartenstein and McBride to at least help the team.
Hartenstein played his best game in this playoffs because he almost got a triple-double with 14-12-8. I mean who will thought that he will get 8 assists. It's like when McConnell carried the Pacers in their game against the Bucks where he's the main guy on their team at that moment.

Coach Thibs has 2 options coming into Game 3. He will put Hartenstein in the center which will be the case for most of the game, or he will play small ball with Achiuwa and Mcbride. I like how the Knicks are playing, but I don't like how Coach Thibs use his players. Just look at this. In the whole playoffs, Josh Hart only rested for 3 minutes and played the rest of the games. Both him and DiVincenzo played for more than 40+ minutes in the first 2 games against the Pacers. This kind of play isn't good for the player in the long run. Playing the whole game? I mean you have many players in your roster, and you don't have the balls to let them in just to give him a rest.

Anyway, I just hope that Coach Thibs will use his other players now that OG is out because of an injury. He mostly is using an 8-man rotation, and with OG out, he will be forced to use his other players in the next 2 games probably. Overall, 2 wins for the Knicks, 2 more to go.

[Viscore]

Speaking of McConnell , I think it was a bad decision by the coach to not let him play in the 4th. He had a good game defending Brunson and he is making shots  that's why the Pacers were able to come back when the Knicks had their rally. I think it's safe to say that Brunson is unstoppable, but the Pacers have to put players that are really contributing to the game in both offensive and defensive end, and McConnell is one of them.

Game 3 will be at Indiana, it's a must win for the home team or else their series chance is at risk.

[Oasisman]

Speaking of McConnell , I think it was a bad decision by the coach to not let him play in the 4th. He had a good game defending Brunson and he is making shots  that's why the Pacers were able to come back when the Knicks had their rally. I think it's safe to say that Brunson is unstoppable, but the Pacers have to put players that are really contributing to the game in both offensive and defensive end, and McConnell is one of them.

Game 3 will be at Indiana, it's a must win for the home team or else their series chance is at risk.

I think Rick Carlisle will going to have the same mistake he made when he was still coaching the Dallas Mavericks giving Jalen Brunson a very limited minutes hindering Jalen's full potential. Now, look at how Jalen were performing against his former coach and all throughout this whole playoffs run.
McConnell already made his impact to the team, yet it looks like It wasn't enough for Rick again. I remember Matthew Dellavedova with the Cavs before who made a good defensive impact, though he's guarding unstoppable PGs like Steph Curry, but he sure gave them a hard time when he was defending. I think McConnell will be the Pacers' X-factor.

[btc_angela]

Speaking of McConnell , I think it was a bad decision by the coach to not let him play in the 4th. He had a good game defending Brunson and he is making shots  that's why the Pacers were able to come back when the Knicks had their rally. I think it's safe to say that Brunson is unstoppable, but the Pacers have to put players that are really contributing to the game in both offensive and defensive end, and McConnell is one of them.

Game 3 will be at Indiana, it's a must win for the home team or else their series chance is at risk.

I think Rick Carlisle will going to have the same mistake he made when he was still coaching the Dallas Mavericks giving Jalen Brunson a very limited minutes hindering Jalen's full potential. Now, look at how Jalen were performing against his former coach and all throughout this whole playoffs run.
McConnell already made his impact to the team, yet it looks like It wasn't enough for Rick again. I remember Matthew Dellavedova with the Cavs before who made a good defensive impact, though he's guarding unstoppable PGs like Steph Curry, but he sure gave them a hard time when he was defending. I think McConnell will be the Pacers' X-factor.

I do agree, the second unit did it for the Pacers to get a good lead and McConnell is somewhat elated with his role and very animated as him and Brunson started to trash talk meaning the game very interesting.

But in the 4th quarter he did take him out and so the coach made another bad call here as he could let McConnell stay for a few minutes more and see how it goes for him. And you can see the frustrations in his face when he is in the bench and maybe thinking why the Carlisle take him out when he is doing good offensively and defensively.

[Fredomago]

Speaking of McConnell , I think it was a bad decision by the coach to not let him play in the 4th. He had a good game defending Brunson and he is making shots  that's why the Pacers were able to come back when the Knicks had their rally. I think it's safe to say that Brunson is unstoppable, but the Pacers have to put players that are really contributing to the game in both offensive and defensive end, and McConnell is one of them.

Game 3 will be at Indiana, it's a must win for the home team or else their series chance is at risk.

I think Rick Carlisle will going to have the same mistake he made when he was still coaching the Dallas Mavericks giving Jalen Brunson a very limited minutes hindering Jalen's full potential. Now, look at how Jalen were performing against his former coach and all throughout this whole playoffs run.
McConnell already made his impact to the team, yet it looks like It wasn't enough for Rick again. I remember Matthew Dellavedova with the Cavs before who made a good defensive impact, though he's guarding unstoppable PGs like Steph Curry, but he sure gave them a hard time when he was defending. I think McConnell will be the Pacers' X-factor.

He needs to see that, as Brunson will keep attacking them and without a good role player to play tight defense for sure Brunson will always take that shots, it's more on the adjustment side as they see how tough the NYK, they need to play together not just for the offense but more on their defense, playing at home might give them good inspiration to win a game, or better to tie it up and make it a raise to 3 games do-or-die series finals. Let see how Rick Carlisle will adjust to avoid a possible sweep.

[wheelz1200]

The Pacers and Knicks game today doesn’t excite me too much. Without a proper superstar it’s almost like watching a college game to me… Plus, I don’t really like either team’s roster now, or their franchise historically. So I’ll probably take a day off from the NBA playoffs to chase some other hobbies. I’m secretly hoping for the Pacers to win though.

People need to put respect on JB's name.  

LOL. He’s going to have to do more to reach star status.

Congrats to Jokic winning another MVP. Almost seems dumb at this point they keep giving them to him. I think Doncic did enough to earn an MVP this season and Shaq said to Jokic that he thought SGA was more deserving of the MVP…

Honestly how many games let alone playoff games does Devin Booker, lillard, etc win with a starting lineup of:

OG
Josh hart
Divo
Isiah hartenstein

Bench of deuce mcbride amd previous achuiwa

Dude is 4th in the league in scoring, second in points in the paint behind jokic and dude is 6'1, 1st in the playoffs.  Leads all playoff scorers in 4th quarter points, clutch points.  Left hurt for a quarter and a half last night comes back to drop 24 in the second half, dropped 21 points in the fourth alone in the first game.  Hate all you want but you might want to catch up.

I'd be interested in your take on what a star player is because if that's just an average dude in the NBA I'm missing something.

[Coin_trader]

He needs to see that, as Brunson will keep attacking them and without a good role player to play tight defense for sure Brunson will always take that shots,

Brunson is not the only player doing very well for Knicks. It’s always a team effort that makes them win as you can see on the stats board. Knicks will never beat Pacers twice in a row if they will show same performance in the first round which Brunson do most of the scoring.

it's more on the adjustment side as they see how tough the NYK, they need to play together not just for the offense but more on their defense, playing at home might give them good inspiration to win a game, or better to tie it up and make it a raise to 3 games do-or-die series finals. Let see how Rick Carlisle will adjust to avoid a possible sweep.

Knicks are doing this already. All of them is taking the and not only Brunson. I believe Brunson only step up when they are facing an opponent that focus on isolation which is not the case with Pacers since Haliburton is a great playmaker. Let’s see if they can keep up when the home court changed.

[Questat]

He needs to see that, as Brunson will keep attacking them and without a good role player to play tight defense for sure Brunson will always take that shots,

Brunson is not the only player doing very well for Knicks. It’s always a team effort that makes them win as you can see on the stats board. Knicks will never beat Pacers twice in a row if they will show same performance in the first round which Brunson do most of the scoring.

That's what I also saw, Brunson although he is the main man of the team but he trust his teammates, that's why they are successful. The pacers are good as well they are trusting each other but they lack the hunger the Knicks has because if we review the highlights, you can see how the knicks played hard, they dive just to get the ball, so they really deserve that big win.

it's more on the adjustment side as they see how tough the NYK, they need to play together not just for the offense but more on their defense, playing at home might give them good inspiration to win a game, or better to tie it up and make it a raise to 3 games do-or-die series finals. Let see how Rick Carlisle will adjust to avoid a possible sweep.

Knicks are doing this already. All of them is taking the and not only Brunson. I believe Brunson only step up when they are facing an opponent that focus on isolation which is not the case with Pacers since Haliburton is a great playmaker. Let’s see if they can keep up when the home court changed.

I'm seeing the series to be an interesting one, with that, I expect that the Pacers will be able to even the series by winning the two games on their homecourt. I think the Pacers are really good at home, as just like their series with the Bucks, they win all the home games, so I expect that it will happen with the Knicks.

[Dave1]

Speaking of McConnell , I think it was a bad decision by the coach to not let him play in the 4th. He had a good game defending Brunson and he is making shots  that's why the Pacers were able to come back when the Knicks had their rally. I think it's safe to say that Brunson is unstoppable, but the Pacers have to put players that are really contributing to the game in both offensive and defensive end, and McConnell is one of them.

Game 3 will be at Indiana, it's a must win for the home team or else their series chance is at risk.

I think Rick Carlisle will going to have the same mistake he made when he was still coaching the Dallas Mavericks giving Jalen Brunson a very limited minutes hindering Jalen's full potential. Now, look at how Jalen were performing against his former coach and all throughout this whole playoffs run.
McConnell already made his impact to the team, yet it looks like It wasn't enough for Rick again. I remember Matthew Dellavedova with the Cavs before who made a good defensive impact, though he's guarding unstoppable PGs like Steph Curry, but he sure gave them a hard time when he was defending. I think McConnell will be the Pacers' X-factor.

He needs to see that, as Brunson will keep attacking them and without a good role player to play tight defense for sure Brunson will always take that shots, it's more on the adjustment side as they see how tough the NYK, they need to play together not just for the offense but more on their defense, playing at home might give them good inspiration to win a game, or better to tie it up and make it a raise to 3 games do-or-die series finals. Let see how Rick Carlisle will adjust to avoid a possible sweep.

They are going back in their homecourt so for sure they are going to show toughness as they don't want a possible sweep. But at this point, they have given so much momentum on the Knicks as they have the confidence of winning the series.

Yeah, it was Brunson who lead the team as Julius Randle is out already and who knows he might not be back in New York uniform because the team now looks solid in both offense and defense and working very hard as a team. Because when Randle is playing its more on isolation on him and then outside 3 point shot.

[Yaunfitda]

I think this is another learning experience for the Mavs, not sure though why bettors favor OKC in game one as it is in their homecourt and if you look at the odds, they are the favorite and Mavs are like 2.x as underdog, so that is big enough to cover. And as we can see, the oddmakers are correct in their prediction as OKC is the number 1 seed in the West and yeah they proved that it's no accident, that they are real even though their core is very young team with SGA at the helm and Chet and the name sake Williams and Josh Giddey although is somewhat got hit in the mouth and just scored 2 points. So just imagine if he scores around his average in the next game, it will be a big lead to boot for the OKC. But we all know that Kyrie and Luka will have to do something in game two. Current odds at Stake is OKC at 1.52 and Mavs at 2.65.

OKC work hard on that win, they are playing with great chemistry but you know, adjustments will happen in game 2 and as Kyrie and Luka are more experienced that the leaders of the OKC Thunder, I think it's possible that we will see a 1-1 series score after game 2. That was a blowout win by the OKC, just like what they usually do at home, so even if the Thunder will win game 2, things will be different in game 3 and 4 as they will be traveling to Dallas which is not a familiar teritory for them.

Better for Mavs to find the right adjustment and possible to tie the series, it will be a tough one for them if OKC established that confidence travelling to their home court, I mean, even the Thunders are still composed of your stars but with that kind of chemistries and good combinations of both defense and offense it will be a tough job for Mavs beating this young team.

This is also what I'm thinking, even though we think that Luka and Kyrie will go back in this series, we can't deny that they are the number 1 team in the East and they have proven that it's no fluke in this second round against the more experience Luka. And SGA second in MVP voting? That could boost his confidence as well.

Though, experienced wise, I still believing that both Luka and Kyrie will not waste this opportunity to move forward for the finals they already in this stage so it will be a inspiration for them to push for more.

I agree, but they need someone to step up to be their 3 or 4 scorer, they need a spark from the bench to help them get over when the OKC are taking over the 3rd quarter and just cruising in the 4th. So we will see if there are adjustments made on their part or OKC is really that good and want to proved that they can advance with SGA leading them. And I'm seeing the fans chanting his name again as their MVP.

[Maslate]

I agree, but they need someone to step up to be their 3 or 4 scorer, they need a spark from the bench to help them get over when the OKC are taking over the 3rd quarter and just cruising in the 4th. So we will see if there are adjustments made on their part or OKC is really that good and want to proved that they can advance with SGA leading them. And I'm seeing the fans chanting his name again as their MVP.

The problem with Mavs in game 1 is their 3 point shooting is very bad, compared to the 3 point shooting of the OKC. If the Mavs will improve their 3 point shooting in game 2, then it's possible that they will be able to even the series.

What I saw in the game is that, they double Luka and Irving, so they need to pass the ball and there are lots of time that the shooter is open but could not make a shot ,that's something they really need to improve, provided the OKC will use the same strategy in game 2.

[dwyane36]

Yeah, it was Brunson who lead the team as Julius Randle is out already and who knows he might not be back in New York uniform because the team now looks solid in both offense and defense and working very hard as a team. Because when Randle is playing its more on isolation on him and then outside 3 point shot.

Brunson is really showing phenomenal results this playoffs, and it looks like this guy is in his prime right now. But why do you think Randle won't be back with the Knicks? He has at least one more season on his contract with the Knicks, and it seems to me that he can adapt to the new conditions, i.e., when Brunson is the team leader.

[stadus]

Yeah, it was Brunson who lead the team as Julius Randle is out already and who knows he might not be back in New York uniform because the team now looks solid in both offense and defense and working very hard as a team. Because when Randle is playing its more on isolation on him and then outside 3 point shot.

Brunson is really showing phenomenal results this playoffs, and it looks like this guy is in his prime right now. But why do you think Randle won't be back with the Knicks? He has at least one more season on his contract with the Knicks, and it seems to me that he can adapt to the new conditions, i.e., when Brunson is the team leader.

Better that way if Brunson will be the team leader as they are more effective. Let him handle the ball and make the right decision as he makes everyone play their best. Though he had a lot of attempts but if you look at his stats, his FG% are very impressive for a player who takes a lot of shot, Kobe wasn't even above 40% during his prime IIRC, Brunson here does really know his spots.

BTW, 61% FG percentage in game 2, pretty impressive, and in game 1, he was 53%.

Pacers better find a way to minimize the production of Brunson.

[wheelz1200]

Yeah, it was Brunson who lead the team as Julius Randle is out already and who knows he might not be back in New York uniform because the team now looks solid in both offense and defense and working very hard as a team. Because when Randle is playing its more on isolation on him and then outside 3 point shot.

Brunson is really showing phenomenal results this playoffs, and it looks like this guy is in his prime right now. But why do you think Randle won't be back with the Knicks? He has at least one more season on his contract with the Knicks, and it seems to me that he can adapt to the new conditions, i.e., when Brunson is the team leader.

Better that way if Brunson will be the team leader as they are more effective. Let him handle the ball and make the right decision as he makes everyone play their best. Though he had a lot of attempts but if you look at his stats, his FG% are very impressive for a player who takes a lot of shot, Kobe wasn't even above 40% during his prime IIRC, Brunson here does really know his spots.

BTW, 61% FG percentage in game 2, pretty impressive, and in game 1, he was 53%.

Pacers better find a way to minimize the production of Brunson.

Pacers won't limit him, they don't prioritize defense.  They just hope to outpace and outscore the other team.  Problem is now OG anunoby is out now.  Knicks without randle, OG, bogdanovich, mitch rovinson.  They are stretching theor bench and players like Charlie brown, yeah Charlie brown might have to play.  Brunson can only do so much.  No guard wants to see brunson on the other side right now.  Dude is getting whatever he wants.

[TravelMug]

As everyone expected the Boston Celtics got a dominant win over the Cavaliers. They're just too much better of a team. I was a bit surprised to see Dallas get beaten by so much by the Thunder. I’ve underestimated the Thunder along with everyone else all year, but I thought this would be as far as they go. If they get to round 3 I might have to start paying attention.

OKC just showed the entire NBA fans why they were No. 1 seed of their conference, it was no fluke! Yeah, I didn't anticipate such a terrific offense from Oklahoma City Thunder, and they also limited Doncic efficiency and Dallas to a joint lowest point scored for this playoffs. Luka hasn't at any point been 100% fit, and I really do hope he hasn't aggravated his injury because for Dallas to stand a chance here Luka Doncic is a must have for this series.

There could be fans here who think that OKC is just a fluke being the no. 1 seed and thought that Dallas are going to win their first game. They are all talking about how OKC's inexperience will be their downfall in this series. However, they've shown good defense, like what Dallas did to the Clippers and so it's like giving them a dose of their own medicine as they not even get to century mark and that is the attribute of a good defense all around, Luka way below his average with only 19 points although had 9 assists but still not enough. Series is still early, but the Mavs needs some adjustment as they need to limit SGA offensive.

Provably there is and its normal to think that Mavs has higher chance to win against OKC since they have Luka and Kyrie which is a huge threat for them offensively. But a lot of people got surprise  on game one and they show how solid their defense also their offense since they totally limit the scoring of Luka also make hard the life of Irving to contribute on scoring. They make these guys commit a lot of turn overs that's why they take the advantage on this series. I'm somehow excited to see the adjustment made by Mavs since they just need to make Irving and Luka heat up since if that will happen in game 2 maybe they can get their revenge and make this match up became more interesting. Gafford's performance is so amazing today and I'm impressed on his hustle on offense and defensive ends.

Yes, it quite a surprised, but looking that they are the number 1 in the West, then I guess we should be shock to see them winning against the number 5th seed in which they only have 2 superstars in Kyrie and Luka why the OKC team is built around their MVP, SGA. And as I check the record, then ended the regular season with 5th straight wins. And then sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans 4-0, that makes them 9-0 so far. So I do agree that they wanted to show specially those who write them off and saying that they are lucky to get the top seed. So we will see what kind of adjustments, specially the defense of the Mavs against the Clippers are superb, that is what area that they need to improved if they want to beat the streaking OKC team.

[LGD2Business]

Congratulations to Nikola Jokic, who was selected as the NBA regular season MVP. He received the MVP award for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons. Last season, there were people who said he should have taken it instead of Embiid, but this season, there are also those who said SGA or Doncic should have taken it instead of him. This kind of disagreement happens in most seasons. I think he deservedly won the award. I wouldn't object even if SGA won, because what he did in the Thunder is obvious. Doncic couldn't get it because the Mavericks were a little behind in the standings. Both of these players will receive the MVP award in the coming years I believe.

[Joca97]

Congratulations to Nikola Jokic, who was selected as the NBA regular season MVP. He received the MVP award for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons. Last season, there were people who said he should have taken it instead of Embiid, but this season, there are also those who said SGA or Doncic should have taken it instead of him. This kind of disagreement happens in most seasons. I think he deservedly won the award. I wouldn't object even if SGA won, because what he did in the Thunder is obvious. Doncic couldn't get it because the Mavericks were a little behind in the standings. Both of these players will receive the MVP award in the coming years I believe.

I think Nikola Jokic won the MVP because he didnt win it last year when he deserved it. This season he had again some really big numbers. Doncic had better numbers but didnt win due to Dallas being really low ranked in the league and that costed him the MVP. SGA played good and made some amazing results with Oklahoma but somehow i dont see him as the MVP with indivivdual quality. It was really high but not at the level of Jokic and Doncic.