The 2024 NBA playoffs thread

[Mulli]

He’s only 22 too. He’s only going to get better. This guy could own the league in the couple years.

I don't watch the NBA enough I guess. Why so.many easy drives to the basket for layups?

 

[Lorenzo]

@Lorenzo

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Interesting. They’ve faced each other a couple times in the past. The best series was in 2011 in the WCF and neither side had noteworthy road crowds. Both crowds were hyped in that series. But it is a very short drive and as hoop head pointed out a lot of people from dfw travel there to hit up the casino resorts. That’s something that has gained a lot of steam in the last 10-15 years.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

Nah, the move from Seattle was rich dude flat out stealing a team from a city, he bought them with the sole intention of moving them, made completely absurd demands upon the city that were designed to be rejected and then left for a lesser market and lesser arena.

And the only reason it was allowed to take place was because the Bennett and David Stern were long time chums. He also flat out lied to Stern and the league repeatedly.

I don't blame the fans in OKC but it was revolting and Bennett is a scum bag.

The Pelicans (the Hornets at the time) should have been the franchise to end up in OKC. New Orleans has never supported that team and the arena is and was an absolute dump.

Wow. Okay, I understand Bennett bought the team with the intention of moving them.

But there were about a million chances for the Sonics to stay in SEA before it got to that point. Just like when the Cardinals moved from STL, and the bottom line is that SEA just wasn't that interested in keeping the team there.

Here's an article from longtime SEA sports columnist Art Theil that supports this:

Thiel: Stern took his Seattle business personally - Sportspress Northwest

David Stern is seen elsewhere as a savior of the NBA, but Seattle need not apologize for seeing the former commissioner as a petty tyrant who took business too personally.

www.sportspressnw.com

And calling Bennett a scumbag is too harsh. It's not like he committed any crimes or anything. He's an opportunist for sure. Maybe a little unscrupulous. A little slimy like a lot rich guys. But a scumbag? Nah. More of a shrewd entrepreneur who was trying to pump up his plucky little home town.

Anyway, it's all water under the bridge now Phrazbit! The team has a good home now. The franchise is in a good place so everything seems to have worked out for the best.

Hope you are doing good and looking forward to the upcoming renaissance season for the Cardinals!

 

[Crimson Warrior]

Nope.

They were absolutely stolen.

Clay Bennett and the rest of that ownership group are trash bags

I wish nothing but the worst that that crap organization.

I just wish Kidd could actually coach a little so I would have more faith in the Mavs

Wow. wow wow wow.

I have such a high opinion of you MigratingOsprey, but this post is very disappointing. Still so bitter 15 years after the fact.

Still, I can try to understand what it must have felt like for the Sonic fans that were passionate about their team. The whole thing must have been a slow motion nightmare.

But sometimes a relationship just isn't working anymore. Sure one side "cheats" and that initiates the divorce, but the cheating was just symptom of the overall dysfunction of the relationship.

Look I really didn't want to reopen old wounds. Can't we just agree that the team has a good home now, with all the fan and community support in the world? Can you see that some might have the perspective that everything worked out for the best for the franchise?

Anyway, hope you're otherwise well and that seahawks have a healthy 2024. Hope you're excited for the upcoming football season.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

But there were about a million chances for the Sonics to stay in SEA before it got to that point. Just like when the Cardinals moved from STL, and the bottom line is that SEA just wasn't that interested in keeping the team there.

BS - Art Theil is a contrarian clown and not to be taken serious

Stern wanted more and more public money, credited all over a stadium that he called state of the art less than a decade prior after they put $70M of public funds into it

And calling Bennett a scumbag is too harsh.

No.

Finding it karmic when his POS co-owner wrapped his car into a column is harsh - calling Bennett a scumbag is simply truth

Just as scummy as Stern making him the chair of the relocation committee

Anyway, it's all water under the bridge now Phrazbit! The team has a good home now.

It isn't and OKC is a crap market.

Can only help Presti retires - he's too good for them

 

[MigratingOsprey]

But sometimes a relationship just isn't working anymore. Sure one side "cheats" and that initiates the divorce, but the cheating was just symptom of the overall dysfunction of the relationship.

Look I really didn't want to reopen old wounds. Can't we just agree that the team has a good home now, with all the fan and community support in the world? Can you see that some might have the perspective that everything worked out for the best for the franchise?

Anyway, hope you're otherwise well and that seahawks have a healthy 2024. Hope you're excited for the upcoming football season.

Not an issue of "not working"

Just pure Stern tactics and him playing chums with a POS like Bennett, who lied, cheated and stole

You really don't have much understanding of the circumstance, which is understandable - it was straight trash though and the little gamesmanship and justifications are completely hallow

Schultz isn't without blame for selling to Bennett - intent was clear

OKC isn't a good place, definitely not better than Seattle for the Sonics

Smaller market, larger more competitive nearby markets, smaller corporate base and the minute they aren't a front runner attendance drops off a cliff - 28th in 2022, 30th in 2023 and 23rd this year because it took a while for people to realize they were good

 

[MigratingOsprey]

For clarity, it's nothing personal, but when you have a team you've put a lot of time, energy and emotion to and they get ripped from you - it doesn't go away

I didn't expect anyone in OKC to care, just understand there are a large number of people that are always going to hold it against the team - always

I pretty much cut off the NBA for over a decade, ended up cutting way back on college as well

Guys like Ant still pull me in and get my attention, my son is also getting into basketball, so that brings me back as well...... He knows better than to mention OKC though....

 

[Yuma]

Anthony Edwards’ dominance continues as T-Wolves take Game 1 from Nuggets​

Ant Man Beats Denver!

DENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored a playoff career-high 43 points, Naz Reid had 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets 106-99 in Game 1 of the second-round series Saturday night.

Edwards was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 25 points, and Reid took over in the fourth quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points despite dealing with foul trouble.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

For clarity, it's nothing personal, but when you have a team you've put a lot of time, energy and emotion to and they get ripped from you - it doesn't go away

I didn't expect anyone in OKC to care, just understand there are a large number of people that are always going to hold it against the team - always

I pretty much cut off the NBA for over a decade, ended up cutting way back on college as well

Guys like Ant still pull me in and get my attention, my son is also getting into basketball, so that brings me back as well...... He knows better than to mention OKC though....

I mean I do care about the well being of my fellow human beings of course, and I regret that you're still angry. I mentioned that I appreciate your posts and I want you to feel like this board is worthy of you stopping by, so let's just leave it there.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

Anthony Edwards’ dominance continues as T-Wolves take Game 1 from Nuggets​

Ant Man Beats Denver!

Remarkable player.

My in-laws are from MN and we were talking real playoff potential earlier in the year.

I didn't really trust a lot of their core to be playoff guys you could trust - neither did they, but Edwards was the wild card. There was belief he could really be that guy, but you just don't know until it starts

He very much looks the guy that can keep everyone together and carry them forward, which is remarkable given his age, experience, etc

 

[Phrazbit]

For clarity, it's nothing personal, but when you have a team you've put a lot of time, energy and emotion to and they get ripped from you - it doesn't go away

I didn't expect anyone in OKC to care, just understand there are a large number of people that are always going to hold it against the team - always

I pretty much cut off the NBA for over a decade, ended up cutting way back on college as well

Guys like Ant still pull me in and get my attention, my son is also getting into basketball, so that brings me back as well...... He knows better than to mention OKC though....

If someone had bought the Suns and moved them in a similar style to how Bennett absconded with the franchise I would want nothing but the absolute worst for them for eternity.

Nothing against the people of Oklahoma but I would feel the exact way you do. My favorite team would forever be whatever team the relocated bastardized "Suns" were playing against.

 

[Russ Smith]

Edwards improved 3 point shot makes him virtually unstoppable.

Murray is not 100% and it was obvious yesterday.

The big issue I see with Denver is last year they had good vets on the bench, Green and Bowen in particular, this year those spots are 2nd year or rookies. Talented guys like Braun and Peyton Watson, but young. They're not as good and it was apparent last night with Murray not healthy.

Jokic was bothered by all the help but I think the main issue was the usual passes that lead to easy shots were leading to missed shots. 9 assists but 7 TO's, I think he got a bit careless because he was frustrated at guys missing shots.

 

[leclerc]

I find myself rooting for the Knicks. Much easier when Jalen Brunson is not on the Mavs, and when Julius Randle does not play. They kinda remind me of the Suns a couple of years ago, with Brunson, Divincenzo, and Hart as good to very good wing players (CP3, Booker, Bridges), plus OG Anunoby as more of a bruiser and shooter (Crowder), and Hartlestein as an athletic big (Ayton).

 

[Yuma]

I find myself rooting for the Knicks. Much easier when Jalen Brunson is not on the Mavs, and when Julius Randle does not play. They kinda remind me of the Suns a couple of years ago, with Brunson, Divincenzo, and Hart as good to very good wing players (CP3, Booker, Bridges), plus OG Anunoby as more of a bruiser and shooter (Crowder), and Hartlestein as an athletic big (Ayton).

The playoffs are dead to me know the Suns are not in it! I only half joke.

 

[Lorenzo]

DAL vs. OKC should be a great series!

DAL good on both sides of the ball, is a 50 win team, and is playing well late in the season!

This series could easily go seven games, but I'll say the Thunder in six!

I have no idea about this series. we can't go based off of the reg season. Dal had doncic and irving both in the lineup once and they blew out OKC in that game. I woudn't use that as an argument for dallas either because that game came before their trades and I don't know what OKC was doing at that time. I know the national media expects OKC to win and I wouldn't argue against that either. This is a big series for both teams, I think dallas can win it with the way both doncic and Irving are playing right now.

I doubt this is even necessary. I imagine Thunder fans are far more pumped about this series than Mavs fans. Plus, it's not the NBA Finals, so how many Mavs fans really want to pony up and travel for games 1 and 2?

Maybe what they saw happen to Philly with the Knicks fans spooked them. Again, no reason to worry when you compare Knicks and Mavs fan bases

one horse town pumped yes. but dallas fans in general are probably at their best while supporting the stars and mavs. there are a lot of OK people that root for dallas teams, probably still loyal mavs fans living there as well from the days before they didn't have a team. Mavs fans have every reason to be pumped with having two legit top 10 players going right now. Not many are talking about how great Irving is playing. He is a legit all time great closer.

I agree the knicks fans spooked OKC, but I wonder if they had other intel about mavs fans traveling north. Traveling from OKC to DAL is very different than Philly/NY. there are no trains. just stagecoaches. it could work both ways I guess. OKC could overrun the AAC.

 

[Lorenzo]

I thought the Wolves would be strong in this series but didn't really think they would win game 1. If Denver loses game 2..... They won't be able to stop them.

I thought that they had a chance to win the series, but Denver are in big trouble if Murray is limited and can't match the play of Edwards. Jokic is going to have to flex that mvp stripe.

 

[Ronin]

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[leclerc]

The playoffs are dead to me know the Suns are not in it! I only half joke.

I usually feel that way, but I found out I can still get some enjoyment from playoffs basketball. Knicks - Sixers was fun to watch. Embiid should get stricter punishment for all the crap he pulls. Will be fun to watch the eastern conference, especially when I don't have to watch the Greek Freak run people over. I also have hope for Wolves vs Nuggets. That should be a good series. Not going to watch the Mavs. I don't feel like watching Luka complain to the refs for two hours * the number of games they are still in it. He's a good player though. Imagine if he worked on his body this summer and slimmed down a bit.

 

[leclerc]

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Those numbers Ant are putting up looks like what Devin did last playoffs. What did he have this year? Not much!

 

[GatorAZ]

Edwards improved 3 point shot makes him virtually unstoppable.

Murray is not 100% and it was obvious yesterday.

The big issue I see with Denver is last year they had good vets on the bench, Green and Bowen in particular, this year those spots are 2nd year or rookies. Talented guys like Braun and Peyton Watson, but young. They're not as good and it was apparent last night with Murray not healthy.

Jokic was bothered by all the help but I think the main issue was the usual passes that lead to easy shots were leading to missed shots. 9 assists but 7 TO's, I think he got a bit careless because he was frustrated at guys missing shots.

Edwards is like if young Wade had a more reliable jumper. If he develops into a consistent north-of-40% 3P-shooter he’s the best guard/wing in the league going forward.

 

[Hoop Head]

I find myself rooting for the Knicks. Much easier when Jalen Brunson is not on the Mavs, and when Julius Randle does not play. They kinda remind me of the Suns a couple of years ago, with Brunson, Divincenzo, and Hart as good to very good wing players (CP3, Booker, Bridges), plus OG Anunoby as more of a bruiser and shooter (Crowder), and Hartlestein as an athletic big (Ayton).

I find myself rooting for the Knicks. Shame they have so many injuries but they could be a legit contender next year if they bring everyone back healthy. Bogdonovich, Mitchell Robinson, and Randle are all out. Throw those 3 in and they have depth across the board. Arguably the deepest team in the league.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

I have no idea about this series. we can't go based off of the reg season. Dal had doncic and irving both in the lineup once and they blew out OKC in that game. I woudn't use that as an argument for dallas either because that game came before their trades and I don't know what OKC was doing at that time. I know the national media expects OKC to win and I wouldn't argue against that either. This is a big series for both teams, I think dallas can win it with the way both doncic and Irving are playing right now.

one horse town pumped yes. but dallas fans in general are probably at their best while supporting the stars and mavs. there are a lot of OK people that root for dallas teams, probably still loyal mavs fans living there as well from the days before they didn't have a team. Mavs fans have every reason to be pumped with having two legit top 10 players going right now. Not many are talking about how great Irving is playing. He is a legit all time great closer.

I agree the knicks fans spooked OKC, but I wonder if they had other intel about mavs fans traveling north. Traveling from OKC to DAL is very different than Philly/NY. there are no trains. just stagecoaches. it could work both ways I guess. OKC could overrun the AAC.

Great post Lorenzo! Agree that it's anybody's series, and it's going super exciting and nerve racking too! Probably all close games!

Can I ask how deep DAL goes in their rotation?

Because OKC can go eight or nine deep if it needs to.

 

[Lorenzo]

Nope.

They were absolutely stolen.

Clay Bennett and the rest of that ownership group are trash bags

I wish nothing but the worst that that crap organization.

I just wish Kidd could actually coach a little so I would have more faith in the Mavs

Kidd is polarizing. I can't say I know how good of a coach that he is, I guess we will see in this series. he can be very hands off at times and leaves it to the players to figure out a lot of things. many fans don't like that and wanted him fired mid season right around the time they made their trades. I have to give him credit for getting doncic to play more defense and also doncic getting the ball out of his hands quicker in the backcourt. that was something that kidd was masterful with in his game and I've noticed a difference with doncic's game mimicking kidd's in that regard. Kidd actually said these were points of emphasis before the season started and I've noticed the difference.

 

[Ronin]

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[Lorenzo]

Great post Lorenzo! Agree that it's anybody's series, and it's going super exciting and nerve racking too! Probably all close games!

Can I ask how deep DAL goes in their rotation?

Because OKC can go eight or nine deep if it needs to.

dallas was at a solid 9 during the clippers series. they withstood hardaway jr's injury from game 2 while still rotating 9 players not counting garbage time. but they lost Maxi Kleber in game 6 to a severe injury. they will miss Kleber especially for his interior defense and ability to hit open 3's. he is not replaceable. the other players farther down the rotation can score, but don't have his size and ability to rebound and defend multiple positions like Kleber does. Kleber may have been their most versatile defender and he really shined with the mavericks new players because he no longer had to follow the opposing team's top scorer all of the time.