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Topic: 2019 NBA Pre-Season - page 305. (Read 914668 times)

legendary
Activity: 3038
Merit: 1169
January 31, 2024, 07:24:03 AM

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.

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.


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.

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.
hero member
Activity: 2744
Merit: 541
Campaign Management?"Hhampuz" is the Man
January 31, 2024, 07:15:57 AM
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.

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.
legendary
Activity: 3388
Merit: 1205
January 31, 2024, 07:10:12 AM
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...
hero member
Activity: 3178
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Live with peace and enjoy life!
January 31, 2024, 06:24:04 AM
Funny seeing Giannis get called for a free throw violation for taking longer than 10 seconds to shoot. Joker was counting at the refs… Giannis really needs to switch that up before it gives him problems in a big game.

........

This Giannis 10 sec free throws violation has happened many times. It's Giannis free throw routine. For me Giannis doesn't do anything special before shooting free throws; he just looks at the rim and relax for 10 seconds. Free throws have been problem to Giannis throughout his entire career, but I'm sure he can still improve just continuous practice and adjustments could help improve his free throw performance over time.
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'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 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'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.
hero member
Activity: 2870
Merit: 594
January 31, 2024, 05:40:01 AM
Funny seeing Giannis get called for a free throw violation for taking longer than 10 seconds to shoot. Joker was counting at the refs… Giannis really needs to switch that up before it gives him problems in a big game.

........

This Giannis 10 sec free throws violation has happened many times. It's Giannis free throw routine. For me Giannis doesn't do anything special before shooting free throws; he just looks at the rim and relax for 10 seconds. Free throws have been problem to Giannis throughout his entire career, but I'm sure he can still improve just continuous practice and adjustments could help improve his free throw performance over time.
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.
hero member
Activity: 3052
Merit: 606
January 31, 2024, 01:52:46 AM
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.
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.

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.
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.
hero member
Activity: 3052
Merit: 651
January 31, 2024, 01:42:34 AM
Unfortunately the Bucks lost the game against the Nuggets, but as I have predicted, it's a very close match and it can still either go either in the last minutes. Bucks lead early and then Nuggets coming back strong, and in the last minute of the 3rd quarter they take a good lead with Murray's play. But then the Bucks make their own comeback, take a lead in the 4th. Nuggets though led by Jokic, another triple double trying to score and make a good separation. And when we thought that the Nuggets is going to win, the Bucks again, with 3's, Giannis hitting, to cut the lead to 2. But the Nuggets was able to play good defense and then score and it was the last straw by the Bucks as they lost this very close game.
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.
hero member
Activity: 1414
Merit: 542
January 30, 2024, 10:10:37 PM
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.
hero member
Activity: 3024
Merit: 680
★Bitvest.io★ Play Plinko or Invest!
January 30, 2024, 06:30:02 PM
It is coming, the Golden State Warriors are looking for trades or any offers for Wiggins, CP3 and even Klay.

The first two are fine since Wiggins are really looking for a transfer and CP3 didn't stayed there for long. But for Klay? Okay, there is nothing he can do with it as it's always been Steph that they're eyeing for.

But we've seen some comments when Steph said if he's gonna be transferred, he'd like to do it with the Hornets.

Anyone could be traded, only Steph is safe with the Warriors. Wiggins name have been popping up in the last couple of months, Klay was reported didn't sign for the extension when he was offered so he might want to test the trade. Even Draymond is also being considered to be traded as well.

And we are nearing the trade deadline this February, so I wouldn't be surprised if any of those name are not going to be a Warrior mid February. If it involved their big 3 then the Golden State Warriors era are over and they will have to rebuilt around Curry next season, but it's going to be very tough.
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.

I can't imagine anyone wanting out for Charlotte.  They are continually a terrible franchise and can't seem to figure out.  Not that I'm for guys front running but why would you want the other side of your career be with a team that can't stay out of the lottery.  That's gotta be a lie.
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.
legendary
Activity: 2982
Merit: 1485
January 30, 2024, 05:21:10 PM
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.
legendary
Activity: 3780
Merit: 1418
January 30, 2024, 05:14:48 PM
A big winning streak at the middle of the season is a hard thing to achieve. Teams played roughly 48 or so games, so it's even over the half way limit, and that means teams will just be making sure that they are keeping their position and nothing more. So grinding hard to get that many wins, is not an easy thing to do at this point. Some teams are already tanking, some teams already guaranteed their playoff spot, so the only ones left fighting are the ones who are trying to get in and a little bit out.

I think it is lucky for Knicks, because having a big win streak at the start of the season is the hardest part, getting it now, and just 7 win nothing more is really not seen as that important for most teams and they will get knocked off during playoffs anyway.

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.
hero member
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January 30, 2024, 05:11:24 PM
Giannis is a great player and it was a little surprising for me to see him making a mistake like that. I think professional players are not supposed to make those kinds of mistakes. But it's fine as long as he can fix it quickly and his team does not suffer a lot because of it. But I agree that it was definitely a little funny.
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.

It's just like a curse and no players at their right mind want to go there.
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.
legendary
Activity: 3080
Merit: 2330
January 30, 2024, 04:51:22 PM
How about Ben Simmons returning to the court yesterday and putting up some good numbers.  Nothing too spectacular in any given area, but he hit his field goals and nearly had a triple double.  That has got to be positive for expectations.  I was getting ready to think he was going to be out of the league, but it looks like if he can stay healthy he may actually be able to stick around a few more years.  I don't think he'll ever return to the all star player he was before, but you never know.  Maybe injuries have been bothering him more than people think over the last couple of years.

That was a pretty good performance, considering Simmons missed a lot of games this regular season. However, I still think his future career in the NBA is doomed anyway due to his mental health and that incident with the 76ers. By the way, his current contract will expire after the 24/25 season, and I wouldn't be surprised if he leaves the NBA after that.
donator
Activity: 4760
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January 30, 2024, 03:02:39 PM
How about Ben Simmons returning to the court yesterday and putting up some good numbers.  Nothing too spectacular in any given area, but he hit his field goals and nearly had a triple double.  That has got to be positive for expectations.  I was getting ready to think he was going to be out of the league, but it looks like if he can stay healthy he may actually be able to stick around a few more years.  I don't think he'll ever return to the all star player he was before, but you never know.  Maybe injuries have been bothering him more than people think over the last couple of years.
legendary
Activity: 3066
Merit: 1129
January 30, 2024, 02:44:44 PM
A big winning streak at the middle of the season is a hard thing to achieve. Teams played roughly 48 or so games, so it's even over the half way limit, and that means teams will just be making sure that they are keeping their position and nothing more. So grinding hard to get that many wins, is not an easy thing to do at this point. Some teams are already tanking, some teams already guaranteed their playoff spot, so the only ones left fighting are the ones who are trying to get in and a little bit out.

I think it is lucky for Knicks, because having a big win streak at the start of the season is the hardest part, getting it now, and just 7 win nothing more is really not seen as that important for most teams and they will get knocked off during playoffs anyway.
legendary
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January 30, 2024, 01:02:26 PM
Funny seeing Giannis get called for a free throw violation for taking longer than 10 seconds to shoot. Joker was counting at the refs… Giannis really needs to switch that up before it gives him problems in a big game.

Bummed to see the Rockets win yesterday. I think that might be my least favorite team in the NBA.

Giannis is a great player and it was a little surprising for me to see him making a mistake like that. I think professional players are not supposed to make those kinds of mistakes. But it's fine as long as he can fix it quickly and his team does not suffer a lot because of it. But I agree that it was definitely a little funny.

I was also surprised to see the Rockets win against the Lakers. I didn't expect this result from them, to be honest. I expected the Lakers to win this game. But Lakers had a bad performance in this game.
sr. member
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January 30, 2024, 12:28:52 PM
Funny seeing Giannis get called for a free throw violation for taking longer than 10 seconds to shoot. Joker was counting at the refs… Giannis really needs to switch that up before it gives him problems in a big game.

........

This Giannis 10 sec free throws violation has happened many times. It's Giannis free throw routine. For me Giannis doesn't do anything special before shooting free throws; he just looks at the rim and relax for 10 seconds. Free throws have been problem to Giannis throughout his entire career, but I'm sure he can still improve just continuous practice and adjustments could help improve his free throw performance over time.
donator
Activity: 4760
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Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform
January 30, 2024, 11:34:57 AM
Funny seeing Giannis get called for a free throw violation for taking longer than 10 seconds to shoot. Joker was counting at the refs… Giannis really needs to switch that up before it gives him problems in a big game.

Bummed to see the Rockets win yesterday. I think that might be my least favorite team in the NBA.
hero member
Activity: 2268
Merit: 588
You own the pen
January 30, 2024, 09:46:30 AM

I can't imagine anyone wanting out for Charlotte.  They are continually a terrible franchise and can't seem to figure out.  Not that I'm for guys front running but why would you want the other side of your career be with a team that can't stay out of the lottery.  That's gotta be a lie.

It seems like that's the same reason for Michael Jordan to give up and no matter what he did with that team, it didn't get to taste An NBA final game just for one time. It's just like a curse and no players at their right mind want to go there. But for a risk-taker player who want to be quickly recognize, it will be the best team for him cause he can easily showcase his skills but he needs to exert all effort to win games constantly in order to preserved his popularity if he doesn't want to be like Linsanity.
sr. member
Activity: 1554
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January 30, 2024, 09:45:39 AM
[....]But for Klay? Okay, there is nothing he can do with it as it's always been Steph that they're eyeing for.
It's not that there's nothing he could do to change their mind. That would not have been the case if Klay was still playing like his usual self. Steph have done it so why can't he? I don't blame the management for wanting to trade him and let Steph be the last remaining of their Golden era.

I guess the Golden State Warriors are not really serious in letting go of Klay. There might be some testing of the waters as to the trade value of their veteran player, but I don't think they will easily just let another team have Klay. Klay and Steph are more or less the central figures of the team. And if we take a look at the most recent games of Thompson, they are not bad. He's still playing well, usually contributing above 20 points for the team. Paul, Wiggins, and Green could leave anytime though.

I do think they are serious. Klay is not a big help at the moment, even if he is scoring 18ppg. He is still earns 43 million this season and for this money you could expect more. They offered him 48 million for 2 years and he declined, that's just insane!
The problemclearly  is Klay's mindset. If he seriously believes the Warriors should give him another max contract he can't be helped. This is not pre injury Klay. He is older, he is slower, he misses more shots, and he often forces bad shots in situations where another pass is needed.

He thinks his value is so high, that's just wrong.
Obviously he is an icon in the bay but if he doesn't move away from thinking he deserves this then I think a trade is the only way to go.
48 for 2 is a present to him and he still thinks it's not enough. Not a good look in my opinion.
I guess he's looking for some security or a contract that he could use for retirement so I can see why he refuses a short contract like that. If the Warriors could give him a similar contract to Draymond's then I think Klay would find it more acceptable. His trade value could drop sharply after two more years and he knows that a four-year $100M contract is better than a two-year $48M at his age.
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