2024 NBA Season

[TravelMug]

We've seen great players when their backs is against the wall, they responded with big games and so we have seen it from ANT, who scored 29 points and then KAT with a big 25 points. So at least they keep their hopes alive and doesn't want to be swept by the Mavs. And this sums up everything for the Mavs,

“This one hurts. We were expecting to be happy at the end of the game.

Now we’re pissed off.”

- Gafford

So let's give the Wolves at least a fighting chance in the next game. For sure this is going to be massive and fans showing up in their support for the Wolves to force this series a big longer.

There's nothing more to lose on the Wolves so they're giving it all. The primary mission was to avoid getting swept. And so they did it. I was still thinking that Dallas will once again overpower Minnesota in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter but the Wolves held on. KAT burying that huge three and Edwards' jump shot sealed the game. Dallas did a late scare but luck was also not on their side. Luka had a bad night in terms of his FG. And once again, Dallas losses every time Luka shoots below 40%.

Luka though try to make it close, with a 4 point play but he missed the FT so the Mavs losses this game. In the post game interview, ANT says to someone, that he will be back here, talking about  AA Center. So it means that they will try to win the next game at Minnesota and then go back again in Dallas for game 6.

So let's see how it is in game 5, the Wolves are riding in a momentum win, and they just needed that to bring their confidence and obviously to stay alive int this series. Boston though could be scouting the game and see what play this teams are running.

[Dave1]

I was expecting Dallas to finish the series last night, but it didn't happen, the series is now 3-1.
Minnesota played well last night and won, Dallas was bad and lost, they didn't play as I expected.
The next game will be played in Minnesota, Minnesota can win the game with the support of the fans, but I hope this does not happen.

Losing Dereck Lively made a huge impact on that defeat. There was Kleber returning but he made little impact on his return. Luka's low FG percentage though always affects the team. Based on my observation, Luka is always the heart and soul of this team. He plays below 40% FG and they'll lose right away even if Kyrie plays good. So it is important for Luka to perform at this best in this next game especially that it is happening in Minnesota. The presence of Lively is also a huge factor because they need every good big man of the team to stop and match Minnesota's twin towers and Reid.

Lol, there was a meme wherein they are calling Kleber because it seems that Maxi is lost when he came back and play again. But yeah, Lively is a big part of the core now of Dallas and him not playing really contributed to their lost, and if I'm not mistaken, he is average double digit in the playoff series and then his hustle, rebounds are solely missed.

I do agree that Luka is their franchise player and if he is shooting good, everyone in the team is also doing better. But if he has a bad shooting night, the team itself suffers, with the likes of PJ Washington and Kyrie who is a great shooter in the last 5 minutes are missing their shots. It's like Luka woes trickle down to the team as well.

[Questat]

I was expecting Dallas to finish the series last night, but it didn't happen, the series is now 3-1.
Minnesota played well last night and won, Dallas was bad and lost, they didn't play as I expected.
The next game will be played in Minnesota, Minnesota can win the game with the support of the fans, but I hope this does not happen.

Losing Dereck Lively made a huge impact on that defeat. There was Kleber returning but he made little impact on his return. Luka's low FG percentage though always affects the team. Based on my observation, Luka is always the heart and soul of this team. He plays below 40% FG and they'll lose right away even if Kyrie plays good. So it is important for Luka to perform at this best in this next game especially that it is happening in Minnesota. The presence of Lively is also a huge factor because they need every good big man of the team to stop and match Minnesota's twin towers and Reid.

Lol, there was a meme wherein they are calling Kleber because it seems that Maxi is lost when he came back and play again. But yeah, Lively is a big part of the core now of Dallas and him not playing really contributed to their lost, and if I'm not mistaken, he is average double digit in the playoff series and then his hustle, rebounds are solely missed.

I do agree that Luka is their franchise player and if he is shooting good, everyone in the team is also doing better. But if he has a bad shooting night, the team itself suffers, with the likes of PJ Washington and Kyrie who is a great shooter in the last 5 minutes are missing their shots. It's like Luka woes trickle down to the team as well.

Be positive now on Lively as he is upgraded to questionable in game 5.

Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Questionable for Game 5

Lively (neck) is questionable for Thursday's Game 5 against Minnesota.

Lively missed Game 4 due to his sprained neck, but he does appear to be trending in a positive direction. We should get another update following Thursday's morning shootaround, but if Lively is able to return, Daniel Gafford's minutes would dip and Dwight Powell could fall out of the rotation entirely.

Update like this is big, and there's a big chance that he will play. I think he was just fine in game 4 but they didn't push him to play to give more rest, but after what happened, Dallas can't afford to still sit him and watch the team loss.

I guess at this point I'm taking mavs +5, because if Lively will indeed play, that will move to +3.5 at least.
https://www.oddsshark.com/nba/odds

[livingfree]

... either to try and win a championship somewhere else or to pressure LA into drafting Bronny.

I think this is more likely than the other speculations. Bronny needs to be in the NBA and that is already a big fulfillment for Lebron as a father, getting bigger contract is not much of a fulfillment as he is getting that in most of his seasons since he is a superstar, and becoming a champion once again, I think that would come if it's not too late for him but getting his son in the NBA playing with him, that's a bigger deal for him.

Bronny hasn't proved anything yet to get a huge contract. But I agree that if Bronny gets to the NBA and whichever team drafts him, that's already a big achievement for Lebron as a father.

Wait a minute, are the photos that I've seen that there is a $900M rumored potential deal for Bronny and his pops somewhere in Saudi and its league?

Because if that is for real, me as Lebron or Bronny, I'd leave my NBA dream and will take that money which I'll only get to work for 4 years.

[ultrloa]

... either to try and win a championship somewhere else or to pressure LA into drafting Bronny.

I think this is more likely than the other speculations. Bronny needs to be in the NBA and that is already a big fulfillment for Lebron as a father, getting bigger contract is not much of a fulfillment as he is getting that in most of his seasons since he is a superstar, and becoming a champion once again, I think that would come if it's not too late for him but getting his son in the NBA playing with him, that's a bigger deal for him.

Bronny hasn't proved anything yet to get a huge contract. But I agree that if Bronny gets to the NBA and whichever team drafts him, that's already a big achievement for Lebron as a father.

Wait a minute, are the photos that I've seen that there is a $900M rumored potential deal for Bronny and his pops somewhere in Saudi and its league?

Because if that is for real, me as Lebron or Bronny, I'd leave my NBA dream and will take that money which I'll only get to work for 4 years.

He's not NBA ready yet and out of scope by most of the scouts he didn't provide much good performance to impress the scout, but I believe that Bronny will get drafted since he's marketing value for a team is so high and there's possible great package if they draft him since possible they can also get Lebron. For sure teams would like to have that since they can earn a lot of money on this history to be created. But I believe Lakers will try to get Bronny since they still need Lebron and the maybe he might be convince to stay long in Lakers if they make the father and son duo to happen.

But $900M dollars is just a rumor and for sure if there's really a standing offer like that for sure Bronny will get that since that's big money already to easily get and he don't need to spend a lot of his time on NBA because on other country he can easily get a lot of money.

[Maslate]

... either to try and win a championship somewhere else or to pressure LA into drafting Bronny.

I think this is more likely than the other speculations. Bronny needs to be in the NBA and that is already a big fulfillment for Lebron as a father, getting bigger contract is not much of a fulfillment as he is getting that in most of his seasons since he is a superstar, and becoming a champion once again, I think that would come if it's not too late for him but getting his son in the NBA playing with him, that's a bigger deal for him.

Bronny hasn't proved anything yet to get a huge contract. But I agree that if Bronny gets to the NBA and whichever team drafts him, that's already a big achievement for Lebron as a father.

Wait a minute, are the photos that I've seen that there is a $900M rumored potential deal for Bronny and his pops somewhere in Saudi and its league?

Because if that is for real, me as Lebron or Bronny, I'd leave my NBA dream and will take that money which I'll only get to work for 4 years.

Saudi again? Well, I guess it's possible although I didn't believe on that rumor.

There's a news I read that "Saudi Arabia Reportedly Offers $1.1 Billion for Kylian Mbappe".
https://frontofficesports.com/saudi-arabia-reportedly-offers-1-1-billion-for-kylian-mbappe/

So they are really capable of paying big money for a player, alhough it's not basketball though but I think a popular player like Lebron can be paid for that, and of course he can bring Bronny as the package of that contract.

On the other hand, I think it's easy for Lebron to get his son drafted because of Giannis can influence the team owner to sign his brother, how much more Lebron who is already a hall of famer.

[Fredomago]

Be positive now on Lively as he is upgraded to questionable in game 5.

Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Questionable for Game 5

Lively (neck) is questionable for Thursday's Game 5 against Minnesota.

Lively missed Game 4 due to his sprained neck, but he does appear to be trending in a positive direction. We should get another update following Thursday's morning shootaround, but if Lively is able to return, Daniel Gafford's minutes would dip and Dwight Powell could fall out of the rotation entirely.

Update like this is big, and there's a big chance that he will play. I think he was just fine in game 4 but they didn't push him to play to give more rest, but after what happened, Dallas can't afford to still sit him and watch the team loss.

I guess at this point I'm taking mavs +5, because if Lively will indeed play, that will move to +3.5 at least.
https://www.oddsshark.com/nba/odds

I also see that Mavs will play him as they will try to finish this series, we all know what he's adding inside with his presence they can have possible 2nd chance points and his presence will not allow the twin towers of Wolves to dominate inside, plus, Luka and Kyrie as we know them they love bringing the ball inside if there's an open opportunities.

With the handicap I guess there are gamblers who will take that opening offer from the bookies, especially for those risk takers as they can take the ML believing that Mavs will push for this one to win and move forward to the finals.

[danherbias07]

Who do you guys think will win Game 5 between the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Dallas Mavericks?

According to stats, the Timberwolves always win twice in the playoffs.
They swept the Suns first, and then won two consecutive games in the homecourt of the Nuggets, then won again twice in games 6 and 7. So using that history, many basketball analysts think they can win this one at their homecourt and it will go to Game 6 where it will be decided by the Mavs if they can win the game or not. Because if not, they will be in big trouble in Game 7.

But I am against that kind of analysis. I think the Mavericks can win Game 5. Two best closers in the league and they are enjoying playing on the road against the massive fans of the Wolves.

What's your take?

[btc_angela]

Who do you guys think will win Game 5 between the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Dallas Mavericks?

According to stats, the Timberwolves always win twice in the playoffs.
They swept the Suns first, and then won two consecutive games in the homecourt of the Nuggets, then won again twice in games 6 and 7. So using that history, many basketball analysts think they can win this one at their homecourt and it will go to Game 6 where it will be decided by the Mavs if they can win the game or not. Because if not, they will be in big trouble in Game 7.

But I am against that kind of analysis. I think the Mavericks can win Game 5. Two best closers in the league and they are enjoying playing on the road against the massive fans of the Wolves.

What's your take?

Still very unpredictable, it seems that the Wolves has the momentum right now going into game 5 at their own home court. ANT and Towns shows in game 4 so we should be expecting that they will also come balling in the next game.

On the other hand, we have seen Luka as well bouncing after a bad game and everyone was disappointed on how game 4 turn out.

So very hard to see, and it might be better if we would do live betting and see how the game is unfolding.

[bitgolden]

I feel like Bronny would only be drafted because he is the son of Lebron rumours are 100% true, but also I feel like we have seen quite similar stories with other players so it shouldn't be really that much of a big deal. Most of the time it is not really "son", because I am not sure if we have seen father and son played at the same time, but we have seen brothers. The most famous one is Thansis, do you really think that he deserves to be in the NBA? But Bucks gave him a contract just to make Giannis happy, if he wasn't given that contract and some other team did, they feared that Giannis would leave to that team instead.

This is why I believe that Bronny situation isn't that unheard of, plus if he is given some NBA training, he could be a decent bench player for a few years at least, not a star or anything, but an 8th man on a team somewhere.

[xLays]

Who do you guys think will win Game 5 between the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Dallas Mavericks?

According to stats, the Timberwolves always win twice in the playoffs.
They swept the Suns first, and then won two consecutive games in the homecourt of the Nuggets, then won again twice in games 6 and 7. So using that history, many basketball analysts think they can win this one at their homecourt and it will go to Game 6 where it will be decided by the Mavs if they can win the game or not. Because if not, they will be in big trouble in Game 7.

But I am against that kind of analysis. I think the Mavericks can win Game 5. Two best closers in the league and they are enjoying playing on the road against the massive fans of the Wolves.

What's your take?

I still haven't lost my hope for the Timberwolves will win this series. As Nas Reid said, 'If anyone can win four straight in this scenario, I think it's us.' I believe in what he said and it can really happen eventhough no one has done it yet in NBA history. If they manage to come back in this series, I think they will win the NBA finals against the Celtics. If the Mavs win this series I think its easy to Celtics to win the NBA finals unlike if they wer playing against Timberwolves.

[Finestream]

... either to try and win a championship somewhere else or to pressure LA into drafting Bronny.

I think this is more likely than the other speculations. Bronny needs to be in the NBA and that is already a big fulfillment for Lebron as a father, getting bigger contract is not much of a fulfillment as he is getting that in most of his seasons since he is a superstar, and becoming a champion once again, I think that would come if it's not too late for him but getting his son in the NBA playing with him, that's a bigger deal for him.

Bronny hasn't proved anything yet to get a huge contract. But I agree that if Bronny gets to the NBA and whichever team drafts him, that's already a big achievement for Lebron as a father.

Wait a minute, are the photos that I've seen that there is a $900M rumored potential deal for Bronny and his pops somewhere in Saudi and its league?

Because if that is for real, me as Lebron or Bronny, I'd leave my NBA dream and will take that money which I'll only get to work for 4 years.

I think there's also a risk for the legacy of Lebron if he'll do that. I mean, he is very popular in the NBA and even regarded as the king, so safe to say that he is one of the best players of all time in the NBA but just for the greed of money he will leave the league to play in an unknown league in Saudi. Though the amount is very tempting, but it doesn't have a positive effect on his legacy.

[Wapfika]

I think there's also a risk for the legacy of Lebron if he'll do that. I mean, he is very popular in the NBA and even regarded as the king, so safe to say that he is one of the best players of all time in the NBA but just for the greed of money he will leave the league to play in an unknown league in Saudi. Though the amount is very tempting, but it doesn't have a positive effect on his legacy.

He is already near out of his prime and he already has many records set on NBA. He is also barely carrying a team just like before since NBA already has young generation talent that surpasses him. I think only his popularity is what makes him still in the league but performance wise he is not the same.

Accepting the deal wont hurt his reputation since he is already well known. I will agree if he accept this deal during his prime because it will only show that he aims for money. This offer is very nice assuming it’s real since he will give his son a good starter for his career since Bronny is struggling to land on any NBA team. They can use this minor league as stepping stone to show his real talent that NBA don’t give him a chance.

[MK-74]

Game 5 of the Minnesota-Dallas series will be played tonight. It's going to be a fun and competitive game.
If Minnesota loses, it will be their last game, if Dallas wins, they will go to the finals and play Boston.

[livingfree]

Bronny hasn't proved anything yet to get a huge contract. But I agree that if Bronny gets to the NBA and whichever team drafts him, that's already a big achievement for Lebron as a father.

Wait a minute, are the photos that I've seen that there is a $900M rumored potential deal for Bronny and his pops somewhere in Saudi and its league?

Because if that is for real, me as Lebron or Bronny, I'd leave my NBA dream and will take that money which I'll only get to work for 4 years.

He's not NBA ready yet and out of scope by most of the scouts he didn't provide much good performance to impress the scout, but I believe that Bronny will get drafted since he's marketing value for a team is so high and there's possible great package if they draft him since possible they can also get Lebron. For sure teams would like to have that since they can earn a lot of money on this history to be created. But I believe Lakers will try to get Bronny since they still need Lebron and the maybe he might be convince to stay long in Lakers if they make the father and son duo to happen.

If no one will take him in the NBA team then I'd have much more respect about it that they are only looking for good prospects. But I don't think that there will be no time that will take him.

That is because if it's about potential, they'd take him and there are development programs for each team and if they don't think that he's not yet an NBA ready, that only means that just by taking him to the program will be enough for that first team who'd take him.

As much as it is about a father's love and Lebron said that he'd go whoever takes Bronny, I hope that he isn't putting much pressure to his kid and to any team that wants him.

But $900M dollars is just a rumor and for sure if there's really a standing offer like that for sure Bronny will get that since that's big money already to easily get and he don't need to spend a lot of his time on NBA because on other country he can easily get a lot of money.

That's true and this is what an actual marketing if that true tends to be true.

Saudi again? Well, I guess it's possible although I didn't believe on that rumor.

There's a news I read that "Saudi Arabia Reportedly Offers $1.1 Billion for Kylian Mbappe".
https://frontofficesports.com/saudi-arabia-reportedly-offers-1-1-billion-for-kylian-mbappe/

So they are really capable of paying big money for a player, alhough it's not basketball though but I think a popular player like Lebron can be paid for that, and of course he can bring Bronny as the package of that contract.

I think there was news before that James Harden was also offered with much bigger contract in Saudi too, I don't know.

On the other hand, I think it's easy for Lebron to get his son drafted because of Giannis can influence the team owner to sign his brother, how much more Lebron who is already a hall of famer.

While this is true but Thanasis was drafted by a different team. So, if it's about drafting, there is a possibility that Bronny might be.

[dwyane36]

I still haven't lost my hope for the Timberwolves will win this series. As Nas Reid said, 'If anyone can win four straight in this scenario, I think it's us.' I believe in what he said and it can really happen eventhough no one has done it yet in NBA history. If they manage to come back in this series, I think they will win the NBA finals against the Celtics. If the Mavs win this series I think its easy to Celtics to win the NBA finals unlike if they wer playing against Timberwolves.

You're wrong to say that no one has done this before. The last time it was in 2020 when the Nuggets were able to recover from a 1-3 deficit twice in that playoff run. And there have only been 13 times in the NBA history where teams have won a series despite a 1-3 deficit.
Anyway, tonight we'll see if the Wolves can extend this series by one more game or not.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

I still haven't lost my hope for the Timberwolves will win this series. As Nas Reid said, 'If anyone can win four straight in this scenario, I think it's us.' I believe in what he said and it can really happen eventhough no one has done it yet in NBA history. If they manage to come back in this series, I think they will win the NBA finals against the Celtics. If the Mavs win this series I think its easy to Celtics to win the NBA finals unlike if they wer playing against Timberwolves.

You're wrong to say that no one has done this before. The last time it was in 2020 when the Nuggets were able to recover from a 1-3 deficit twice in that playoff run. And there have only been 13 times in the NBA history where teams have won a series despite a 1-3 deficit.
Anyway, tonight we'll see if the Wolves can extend this series by one more game or not.

Nope, you are wrong. Because the T'wolfes (if they had) didn't come back from a 1:3 deficit, they were down 0:3 and a come back from that has never happened in history of the NBA playoffs.

But anyway, being down 40:69 at halftime it's fair to assume all the history chasing is a lost cause now. 

[danherbias07]

Sorry Timberwolves fans. That's a wrap.

Luka Doncic started way too much. The Wolves' defense was not too aggressive in the first quarter and I think Luka felt that so he attacked nonstop.
Kyrie Irving too cannot be stopped he played so well in the last 3 quarters. Both gained 36 points in the process.

The problem is the Timberwolves relaxed. They won 1, they won't be swept, that's what they said but after that, you cannot see the resiliency in their game. KAT was attacking, that's good and he is trying to replicate his Game 4 performance but he was defended well.

Congratulations to the Mavericks. NBA Finals. First for Luka and 4th for Kyrie.


I caught the 2.58x at 30 minutes before the game started.

[LogitechMouse]

Well, the Mavericks ended it on the road like what I predicted as they won in Game 5 against the Wolves 124-103.
17-1 run to end the 1st quarter followed by a 17-4 run to end the 2nd quarter. If you know that you're opposing team makes runs like this, the chances of them winning is very high.

One of the most defensive teams in the league has lost to the Mavericks in the worst way possible. I mean in the first 4 games, those are very close ones, but in this one, as soon as the Mavericks got that 16-point lead in the first quarter, they didn't look back all throughout the game already. Doncic even outscored the whole Wolves team in the first quarter as he had 20 points as to the Wolves' 19. In the 2nd quarter, both Doncic and Irving outscored the whole Wolves again 42-40. They simply can't stop the duo which both got 36 points each in this game. Just for context, Irving is now 15-0 in close-out games. He never lost on a single one, and it's an NBA record.

Now it will be the Celtics and Mavericks in the NBA Finals? I got a wrong prediction because I thought that the Wolves will win in this one, but still, I'll predict that the Mavericks will win on this one in 7 games.

[Natalim]

I caught the 2.58x at 30 minutes before the game started.

Nice way to end the series, that's with a big win.

Well, at the very beginning, it's already seen how Dallas have dominated the home team, Luka can't miss and scored 20 points in the first quarter alone, that's insane mate. Luka and Irving did a great job, they shared the ball well, Luka took care of the business in the first half, and he let Kyrie carry them in the 2nd half. now, we can say that they are the best backcourt dou in the NBA, and the Celtics have to make sure they play good defense against this great team.

Lively was back (though not 100%), that's enough to support the team and they have a big win.

I like how healthy Dallas now as they have a complete big man.

Kleber, Powell, Lively, and Gafford... they are a key to dominate the Celtics in the paint this series.