Topic: 2019 NBA Pre-Season - page 249. (Read 902726 times)

It seems like they’re just trying things because they’re clueless about how to get players to actually care about the all star game (and the regular season). I think we’ll see more money being thrown at players or maybe some other type of incentives. This Steph vs Sabrina three point contest seems to me like filler, because they’re out of ideas.

Raptors are really doing something special, they managed to get a great win. I understand that it may not be all that easy for them to get into playoffs and that will most likely will end with something that will not be all that great so it should be something that would benefit them one way or another.

I am feeling like it is going to be a bad year for them, and they will just tank eventually. They are both trying to tank but also failing to tank at the same time, which will make them not get a good draft pick. Look at Spurs and Pistons, they are tanking like true kings, I have never seen a team tank this well since Sixers did it during the "process" period, and now these two teams are having an all time fight for the bottom place.

The NBA has been actively experimenting and changing the format of the All-Star Weekend for a few years now. I think this is due to the fact that fans are gradually losing interest in this event, and the NBA is trying to find the best way to get the audience interested again. Personally, I noticed that I started to get bored with All-Star Weekend after the 08/09 season. I don't know what the exact reason is. Maybe it's because the current All-Star lineups don't have charismatic players like Shaq.

I don’t give the Raptors a ton of respect due to them not having a major star player and now seemingly willing to trade the best player they have… However, you can’t deny their record and that they’ve overperformed with their roster. That makes them a bit dangerous every night to gamblers who might not be familiar with how well they’re playing.

As I expected, Utah lost against New York.
He could not show any resistance in the match. They closed the first half with a 57-49 defeat and the end of the match with a 118-103 defeat.
The most competitive match of the night was played between Boston and Indiana. Boston was ahead by 15 points in the first half, but Indiana showed great resistance in the 3rd period and took part in the match. The final period was neck and neck, but Indiana could not prevent the loss. The match score ended with 129-124.
As we know, the Los Angeles Lakers could not show their presence in the away match against the Atlanta Hawks and left the field with a 138-122 defeat.

Curry is one of the finest shooters in history, and he is presently the most dangerous 3 point shooter in the game, thus you must guard him at all times and avoid giving him an easy basket because if you don't, 3 points are almost certain. Curry missed a lot of shots in 2023, maybe because to trading players, which made it tough for him to adjust, but the most important thing is that he is progressively regaining his rhythm today. But, in my view, the Warriors are not as healthy as they were previously to win the series, and we must keep in mind that almost every team in the NBA continues to improve, so we don't know who will win the Cup.

Same. After the Siakam trade, I thought they would be like a lame team. But, they can still win games against teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat or some weak teams in the league. Still, their wins are so rare which is why we underestimated them, it's all in the statistics and their losing history.

Utah Jazz on the other hand is a young team. Expect inconsistency with them. And it's not like they had been playing with each other for 5 years or more. Their chemistry is not there yet so it's difficult to tell if they will win or not.

After 2 close games against the Sacramento Kings 134-133 and LA Lakers 145-144, the Golden State Warriors finally won this time. Sadly, I didn't take a bet because I doubted them and the Philadelphia 76ers is not a team you will bet against, so I don't regret not being able to back the Warriors.

That dude is crazy, 3-point shot transition play without any hesitation. A monster. 37 points, 8/13 in 3-point field goals, 12/17 overall field goals. Talk about high accuracy, Curry must've felt great when he woke up before the game.
Joel Embiid 14 points in 30 minutes? What happened? Out of bullets after the 70-pointer game?  He is hurt in the last 4 minutes of the game though, I hope he is okay.
But again, Jonathan Kuminga proving his value for the team. He had been stepping up every single game and he is becoming one of the league's most entertaining players to watch. I cannot wait for their next game to see him play again.

Toronto is a decent team before the trade, but in their last few games, it seems like they have already adjusted. However, going forward, they might continue to be the underdog and will continue to prove that their decision was right. If we look at their last 10 games, they only won 2 out of 10, so that would put them on the definition of a bad team, but winning on the road is huge, this team is very unpredictable now.

They are a streaky team, they could have a win streak and a losing streak, but it shows inconsistency why I like some of the key players to be in the trading block.

It was indeed a remarkable performance by Jokic, showcasing his dominance in the painted area, even against the formidable Brook Lopez. The challenge of stopping Jokic becomes even more apparent if they bench their best defensive players. Giannis' efforts, though commendable, were hindered by some untimely fouls. Kudos to Gordon for his stellar defensive play, particularly focusing on Giannis, and that crucial block in the final seconds before being fouled out added to the intensity. Peyton Watson's defensive contributions are vital for the Nuggets, addressing their defensive and bench power needs. A well-rounded defensive effort seems crucial for the Nuggets' success.


Counting the seconds for Giannis during free throws is an interesting tactic from Udoka, and it seems to have an impact, although the line between strategy and potential violation can be thin.

Shifting gears to the 3-point shot contest between Curry and Sabrina Ionescu, it was undoubtedly a thrilling matchup, and I share your agreement with its excitement, but there could also be a potential disagreement with some other fans, but I am OK with it,

As NBA fans, the traditional All-Star format holds a special place, and introducing new formats might face resistance. The nostalgia of the old era makes it challenging to embrace change fully, especially if there's not much fan hype around the new formats. Finding the right balance between tradition and innovation is key to the league's evolving dynamics.

Well, the trade rumors might possibly to happen the only question is what team will land him, in regard to the game against the Raptors,
another upset which they almost have it but lose that grasp in the final quarter.

Not good seeing them letting those leads and letting the game being dominated by the rally of their opponents but they can't control the
situation and things happened, just need that proper adjustments to avoid it to happen again.

I honestly didn't expect Bulls to lose last night but I must admit I've been underestimate Raptors so big that I had the impression they are one of the worst teams in NBA right now but clearly they are don't and I won't ignore them any longer.

I could also say this about Jazz but this team always had swings between great and bad games...

I'm not paying attention on it, was there really a violation? weird.. because I don't know. Well, what I have observe this season is that Giannis FT has improved, and not only that, his 3 point shooting as well. As we can see, he is improving every season, so eventually he'll maintain a good percentage in the FT for a big man.


I'm also not updated with the format of the upcoming all star, but I always look up the 3 point contest and is expecting that Curry will join again, maybe if Thompson could join that would be better too, splash brothers one more time please, before Thompson gets Free agent.

I also remember when they face the Rockets, Udoka is counting as well and it's almost 10 seconds for Giannis FT. I think his coach did a good job on him, but somewhat it did take him more time to relax that sometimes it's a borderline violation or maybe Giannis is doing it intentionally.

I do agree with the latest 3 point shot contest between Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.

The old format is good enough for us as NBA fans, I guess we are still very much in the old era of the All-Star that it's hard to see new format being introduce but then there's not much hype from the fans.

I was thinking it will be easy for them to win since they are back at home. I guess that was their first game back at home and they lose, not a good start. Raptors again showed that they still have the quality as a team despite trading one of their best players, so we can't underestimate them especially if we are betting.

I guess Zach Lavine has been sideline for a while, the team might not play him though to keep his value in the upcoming trade deadline so I'm not expecting to see him with Bulls uniform again.

Jokic was just too much for them, he is dominating the painted area even with one of the best block Brook Lopez is around, what more if they bench them, no one can stop Jokic anymore. Giannis tried but he always makes a bad decision to foul Jokic.
Also, thumbs up to Gordon for his great defensive play. He focused on Giannis and that big block at the last seconds of the game was a winner before he was fouled out.
Peyton Watson also did a great job on the defensive end. They need that because the Nuggets lacks defense and bench power.

Great game between the Bulls and the Raptors. Bulls take a good lead for much of the game. But the Raptors came back in the last quarter and leading. They have played a great defense specially against DeRozan, they doubling teaming him with big guys so DeRozan will have to pass.

It could be another hard breaking lost for the Bulls, they can't keep those lead while allowing their opponents to score easy basket. Zach Lavine didn't play though, but it seems that he will be traded before the deadline in February.

Yeah, Steph will stay with the Warriors and he's got locked in contract IIRC. So, with the trades going on soon, we may see some familiar names going out of the Dub nation.

Probably he's lying with that and even if I am at the peak of my career, I'd still want rings and will consider teammates that will help me out to get that and not with that team.

Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu 3-point challenge set for 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend
The competition will air during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on TNT after the Starry 3-Point Contest and before the AT&T Slam Dunk.
https://www.nba.com/news/2024-stephen-vs-sabrina-3-point-challenge

NBA try to do some interesting events but it doesn't look like a bright idea to me. Original 3-point contest is enough for me.

2024 Rising Stars rosters are announced.

NBA Rookies
Bilal Coulibaly (Guard | Washington Wizards)
Keyonte George (Guard | Utah Jazz)
Jordan Hawkins (Guard | New Orleans Pelicans)
Scoot Henderson (Guard | Portland Trail Blazers)
Chet Holmgren (Frontcourt | Oklahoma City Thunder)
Jaime Jaquez. Jr. (Frontcourt | Miami Heat)
Dereck Lively II (Frontcourt | Dallas Mavericks)
Brandon Miller (Frontcourt | Charlotte Hornets)
Brandin Podziemski (Guard | Golden State Warriors)
Cason Wallace (Guard | Oklahoma City Thunder)
Victor Wembanyama (Frontcourt | San Antonio Spurs)

NBA Sophomores
Paolo Banchero (Frontcourt | Orlando Magic)
Dyson Daniels (Guard | New Orleans Pelicans)
Jalen Duren (Frontcourt | Detroit Pistons)
Jaden Ivey (Guard | Detroit Pistons)
Walker Kessler (Frontcourt | Utah Jazz)
Bennedict Mathurin (Guard | Indiana Pacers)
Keegan Murray (Frontcourt | Sacramento Kings)
Shaedon Sharpe (Guard | Portland Trail Blazers)
Jabari Smith Jr. (Frontcourt | Houston Rockets)
Jalen Williams (Frontcourt | Oklahoma City Thunder)

NBA G League Players
Izan Almansa (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
Matas Buzelis (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
Ron Holland (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
Mac McClung (Guard | Osceola Magic)
Tyler Smith (Frontcourt | G League Ignite)
Oscar Tshiebwe (Frontcourt | Indiana Mad Ants)
Alondes Williams (Guard | Sioux Falls Skyforce)

https://www.nba.com/news/2024-nba-rising-stars

Is there a missing player you expect but didn't get picked? I don't see any from the list.
Wemby, Jaime Jaquez, Henderson from rookies, Banchero, Ivey, Kessler, Sharpe, Smith from sophomores and McClung from G League are exciting players. Overall I see it as below average. Rookie vs. Sophomore games used to have better players.
There will be a tournament with 4 teams from these player pool. I prefer traditional Rookie - Sophomore game.

These games are crazy important right now.  We aren't at the point of the season that these games don't mean anything.  They are 2 games away from second place in the east or 3 games out of the playin games right now.  I'd argue these games are much more important than the beginning of the season because you have time to change.  From now until march/April people are jockeying for home court in the playoffs or even just getting to the playoffs.  Too many times has the season come down to the last few games that determines playoff seedings to not take these games seriously.

They are professionals but something like this will happen regardless of how known and great they are. Mistakes do comes at unknown times and that's how it came for Giannis.

And what's important for that game is that whether there's the call for the long stay in the free throw, Nuggets still won at the end of that game.

Steph wants to be there if he's near his retirement to just be with his father and leave it there as a legacy for the same team. IMO, Hornets should start negotiating and have some friendly talks with Steph to remind him that they're always there for the Curry's.