Great game from Luka Doncic tonight. He got the better of Devon Booker and nearly got himself a triple double but missed it by a single rebound. Still it was enough to get the W and put this rivalry back in the hands of the Mavericks. I really hope we get to see these two teams face off in the playoffs.
Kevin Durant also made the news confronting a fan that called him a bitch before the game.
Topic: 2019 NBA Pre-Season - page 312. (Read 921455 times)
A few days ago, Jack Vaughn has been fired by the Brooklyn Nets. This I guess is the new meta for the teams out there when their teams don't perform well.
While it is a big matter for their team to have a good coach, it's always been the resort of most teams when they're underperforming, to have a coach gets fired.
Yeah, crappy team management. While it is a big matter for their team to have a good coach, it's always been the resort of most teams when they're underperforming, to have a coach gets fired.
The question here is: Is the Brooklyn Nets playing badly? No. Despite the frequent trades, player changes, and injuries, Jack Vaughn still found a way to put the Nets in the 11th rank of the East. He somehow made a way to make those newly acquired players play as a team. It's the management that is shitty for making this decision.
Plus, they don't really have a star or a leader in their roster. I mean who among those players will respect Ben Simmons as their leader? I don't think they will. He is young and definitely not the leader type. I doubt it will also be Bridges, Johnson, or even Thomas. That team doesn't have chemistry to start with, they are playing isolation games but they can still win games. It's not far from what is happening in the Washington Wizards team.
It's a management failure, fans know it, Brooklyn viewers know it, and they cannot just wash their hands after firing a head coach.
Now they are being blown out by the Raptors—the Raptors which is also restructuring their roster.
A few days ago, Jack Vaughn has been fired by the Brooklyn Nets. This I guess is the new meta for the teams out there when their teams don't perform well.
While it is a big matter for their team to have a good coach, it's always been the resort of most teams when they're underperforming, to have a coach gets fired.
While it is a big matter for their team to have a good coach, it's always been the resort of most teams when they're underperforming, to have a coach gets fired.
If you know that the best way to score is either up close, near the layup/dunk levels or three pointers then you do that, why do something like Kobe did? We all love Kobe and he was one of the greatest players to ever play this game and you would be right to put him at around top three of all time greats.
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
Kobe doesn't have an impressive FG% overall in his career, but that's just because he is taking most of the shots and leading his team. For me, it's more than that; it's not about the FG but what he had fully achieved during his NBA career.
This guy (my favorite next to MJ) won 5 championships, and that's the ultimate success of a player to fulfill his career. During his era, there wasn't much competition, which is why he really dominated. It was before the NBA turned into a soft league where everyone focuses more on their 3-point shooting.
Kobe definitely wanted to be the guy and that's why he basically forced Shaquille O'neal out of Los Angeles. He wasn't scared to shoot the ball when being covered by 5 guys and everyone knew it. It's the reason the Lakers struggled at times and I'd say the reason they lost to the Pistons in the Finals. I think he had all Michael Jordan's skills and his work ethic, but he lacked the pure athleticism that Mike had which enabled him to rise up and get shots in any situation. If Kobe would have had Jordan's vertical leap, he would have been as good or better than the goat himself.
Actually everyone wants to be the leader of the number one person on the team who is relied on in the team and without competitors so that they can pressure the club to give a high salary contract. because even without Shaq, Kobe was also able to win the NBA.
I just watched part of the 2024 all-star mini-movie that NBA released. I could not finish the whole video but I can tell that they really know how to present it in a way that someone who never watched the whole thing would think it's actually that good hehe. Shameless.
I think the poll in the OP needs to be updated to something like which teams will qualify for the playoffs first.
I think the poll in the OP needs to be updated to something like which teams will qualify for the playoffs first.
Agree poll is dated and maybe at this point start looking at finals champ. Backend of the regular season incoming. Big night out of the gate for the Knicks. They lost 4 straight going into the break with toms of injuries. They need to beat the sixers tonight and not start sliding into the 5/6/7 slots in the conference.
I just watched part of the 2024 all-star mini-movie that NBA released. I could not finish the whole video but I can tell that they really know how to present it in a way that someone who never watched the whole thing would think it's actually that good hehe. Shameless.
I think the poll in the OP needs to be updated to something like which teams will qualify for the playoffs first.
I think the poll in the OP needs to be updated to something like which teams will qualify for the playoffs first.
If you know that the best way to score is either up close, near the layup/dunk levels or three pointers then you do that, why do something like Kobe did? We all love Kobe and he was one of the greatest players to ever play this game and you would be right to put him at around top three of all time greats.
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
Kobe doesn't have an impressive FG% overall in his career, but that's just because he is taking most of the shots and leading his team. For me, it's more than that; it's not about the FG but what he had fully achieved during his NBA career.
This guy (my favorite next to MJ) won 5 championships, and that's the ultimate success of a player to fulfill his career. During his era, there wasn't much competition, which is why he really dominated. It was before the NBA turned into a soft league where everyone focuses more on their 3-point shooting.
Kobe definitely wanted to be the guy and that's why he basically forced Shaquille O'neal out of Los Angeles. He wasn't scared to shoot the ball when being covered by 5 guys and everyone knew it. It's the reason the Lakers struggled at times and I'd say the reason they lost to the Pistons in the Finals. I think he had all Michael Jordan's skills and his work ethic, but he lacked the pure athleticism that Mike had which enabled him to rise up and get shots in any situation. If Kobe would have had Jordan's vertical leap, he would have been as good or better than the goat himself.
I'm glad that we're getting some great matchups the first day back after all star break. The matchup I'm most excited for is the Dallas Mavericks vs the Phoenix Suns. Luka owned Booker in the post season a few years back and ever since then there has been bad blood between those two. Luka had been spanking Booker each time they met, but Booker and the Suns got the best of the Mavericks the last time they met. Tonight's game is on TNT and I'll probably try to catch at least the ending of it if possible. This is my favorite rivalry in the NBA right now. They genuinely dislike each other.
Yes, and most likely that's why they got Durant to really help Bookier in offense But Dallas also had Kyrie so definitely this is a great match up after the All Star. Both are competitive, but I think the Suns need to proved that they can take the Mavericks otherwise Luka will continue to dominate them. It's more on KD leading the Suns in this game.
Of course Booker will be there, him and Luka can go one on one if they like. But the key here is KD for me.
So far the odds are very close, Mavericks slight favorite to win in this game.
If you know that the best way to score is either up close, near the layup/dunk levels or three pointers then you do that, why do something like Kobe did? We all love Kobe and he was one of the greatest players to ever play this game and you would be right to put him at around top three of all time greats.
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
Kobe doesn't have an impressive FG% overall in his career, but that's just because he is taking most of the shots and leading his team. For me, it's more than that; it's not about the FG but what he had fully achieved during his NBA career.
This guy (my favorite next to MJ) won 5 championships, and that's the ultimate success of a player to fulfill his career. During his era, there wasn't much competition, which is why he really dominated. It was before the NBA turned into a soft league where everyone focuses more on their 3-point shooting.
Offense has improved a lot as well, it is not just about people not having tough defense anymore, not even about the big guys not having a place anymore, it's offense being more in tune. If you know that the best way to score is either up close, near the layup/dunk levels or three pointers then you do that, why do something like Kobe did? We all love Kobe and he was one of the greatest players to ever play this game and you would be right to put him at around top three of all time greats.
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
However, that dude missed so many shots as well, there is a reason why he did though, because he played ISO at midrange almost all his career, we now know that is not a good shot. So all in all, efficient and successful quick shooting teams have more chance to win, so why get a huge Shaq guy like guy?
I'm glad that we're getting some great matchups the first day back after all star break. The matchup I'm most excited for is the Dallas Mavericks vs the Phoenix Suns. Luka owned Booker in the post season a few years back and ever since then there has been bad blood between those two. Luka had been spanking Booker each time they met, but Booker and the Suns got the best of the Mavericks the last time they met. Tonight's game is on TNT and I'll probably try to catch at least the ending of it if possible.
Suns are facing a different Mavericks team now, since the addition of Washington and Gafford, they can't lose anymore. Currently on a 6 winning streak, the longest in the West, tied with the Celtics in overall. I think I can't bet against the Mavericks especially at home where they now have 3 consecutive wins. Quote
This is my favorite rivalry in the NBA right now. They genuinely dislike each other.
We can't miss the fun, Luka's famous statement that really Broke Booker and company that time, "Everybody acts tough when they're up", that was after game 5 and in game 6 and 7, it's all Luka. So Booker better be humble. 
I'm glad that we're getting some great matchups the first day back after all star break. The matchup I'm most excited for is the Dallas Mavericks vs the Phoenix Suns. Luka owned Booker in the post season a few years back and ever since then there has been bad blood between those two. Luka had been spanking Booker each time they met, but Booker and the Suns got the best of the Mavericks the last time they met. Tonight's game is on TNT and I'll probably try to catch at least the ending of it if possible. This is my favorite rivalry in the NBA right now. They genuinely dislike each other.
^^ If Joel stays healthy this season for sure he can win back-to-back MVP awards like Joker did. But since he's injured and missing so many games, he's not totally eligible to win the MVP award this year. Injury also is the reason why Joel Embiid didn't won his rookie year rookie of the year award. But even with his injuries Joel Embiid can still carry his team when he comes back this season. And surely they will make playoffs thid year. But maybe in the 5th to 8th seed. Sixer struggled without Joel Embiid.
His return is still uncertain as to when, and since he has been out for a while now, he'll not anymore qualify for the MVP competition. I think the top 3 for me are SGA, Jokic, and Luka. These three are very consistent, but the one that really has a huge impact this season is SGA. Not because of his statistics alone but with how he turned his team to become the number 1 team.
^^ If Joel stays healthy this season for sure he can win back-to-back MVP awards like Joker did. But since he's injured and missing so many games, he's not totally eligible to win the MVP award this year. Injury also is the reason why Joel Embiid didn't won his rookie year rookie of the year award. But even with his injuries Joel Embiid can still carry his team when he comes back this season. And surely they will make playoffs thid year. But maybe in the 5th to 8th seed. Sixer struggled without Joel Embiid.
Best of luck in your beat, the 76ers are struggling as of late because the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid is injured. So not sure how you come up that they are doing good lately. They are 3-7 in their last games.
Although they have build a solid run prior to Joel getting injured and that's why they sit on the 5th place. But I don't think that they can maintain that position if Joel is not going to play in the second half of the season.
Shit, I just forgot about that injury.
Well, it is definitely true. If he is not back quickly, the team is going to suffer.
Even though I think everyone saw that tweet.
But I think he is not going to actually recover that quickly.
I mean he might be ready to play.
But he will probably not be 100% fit.
But probably the biggest attraction is going to be the Lakers versus Warriors game on the 23rd February. I don't think anyone is going to miss that game.
By the way, I find it a little interesting that in the last match, the Warriors were able to win even though Stephen Curry did not score a lot of points but the match before that I think he got 40+ but they still ended up losing that game.
Curry doesn't need to score that high when his teammates are stepping up. If I recall correctly, that was a back-to-back game for them, so he might be a little tired after playing so hard in the game against the Clippers. Unfortunately, they melted down in the 4th quarter and lost to the Leonard-less Clippers.
The last time they played the Lakers, the game went to OT, and they lost by only 1 point. The line was -1.5 for the Warriors at that time; this time, it's -4.5. Obviously, bookies see their significant improvement, making them a high favorite. However, the Lakers have improved since signing Dinwiddie, so maybe it will be a close game again. I'm hoping the Warriors will avenge their previous loss though.
Yes, it is true that Stephen Curry does not need to go that big if his teammates are doing a good job.
But the thing is most of the time we say him doing the bulk of the job because his teammates in general do not contribute in every other match.
It is actually him that at the end of the day has to carry his team.
Can his team play well in a few matches? Of course but that's not the story every day.
I also miss the real trash talk. Now you are staring down your opponent and get a tech for it, when you complain about it you get another one and you are gone.
All these soft refs have ruined the game unfortunately.
Which is why a lot of fans are telling the whole NBA to get soft. Yeah, they are also a culprit of that softness. They kept on changing the rules, while the players kept on finding holes. All these soft refs have ruined the game unfortunately.
Malone and Rodman before keep on being physical under the rim and yet the referees still see it as a normal contact, if it will happen now I guess they will be thrown out instantly.
The physicality is gone, if there is one, I think Jokic and Davis are the only ones left who still do the post-up games and be physical under the rim.
As a fan of defense, it's actually frustrating to see lesser players who are good at defending their opponents. I think Wemby will be the one who will revive it in his era. I hope he won't stick with those three-pointers. He should try to be like Tim Duncan who will dominate the paint and perimeters on both ends of the floor.
Chet Holmgren too. I mean, look at this stat.
Focus on the steals and blocks. Damn!
But now, centers are different, they are now shooting from the outside, making 3's. And it's probably the blame on the European's like Dirk early 2000's when they came and then shots from 3's and thus evolved as we have seen Jokic or even Embiid attempting to shoot from the outside.
Dirk has played almost his entire career at the power forward position rather than the center position. So, I don't think he should be blamed for the current generation of centers playing more outside the paint.
Honestly, I somehow think that the NBA will sooner or later come to the point where centers who can dominate the paint will be valued again rather than those who can shoot 3-pointers.
For now it became a trend since they see how effective those centers shooting on rainbow line and teams looking at it as big help since they can rotate the ball well if there big man can able to shoot in that area. Dirk should not be blame regarding on how the game evolve since this is just another basketball evolution happened. And many players now want to shoot outside since it became a trend that's why those traditional centers has been out and get lesser demands on the teams. If there's another new generation big man will be drafted and play like classic dominant Shaq style then maybe we can see the want of team for getting their bigs will be changed again.
Two more days until the return of NBA basketball. I think I’m going through withdrawals. There haven’t been many moves as far as signing players either. Hopefully the players return refreshed and healthy to make a run into the postseason. I expected the Warriors to make some signings or something. Weird there aren’t more free agents finding homes.
Looks like most of the teams in the NBA don't need any additions to their rosters and they just gonna fix their rotations instead of adding more players to disrupt their chemistry, especially those star players. So far, the teams that we expect to reach the playoff tree are doing good and they also dominate the league this season like the Boston Celtics, I wonder if they could keep that up and make some more wins until the end of the season games. Also, they are expected to reach the NBA finals this year since the Bucks are likely to be choked because they chose an incompetent coach instead of adding more role players to help them win more games.
In the case of Bucks, yeah, Giannis will be tested here specially in the playoffs, it's obvious that they are not the same team anymore. I mean they have added Dame, and it's good, but the chemistry is still in question right now. There are games that they look solid and championship team, but most of the time, they were defeated by a low caliber team.
And then they changes coaches in the middle of the season, and this could really help them in a bad way if they don't know how to keep on winning under coach Rivers. And assuming they reach the playoff, we all know that coach Rivers have history of choking.
Rivers has been getting hit pretty hard in the media this week. Especially after the JJ Redick comments. Add that to Dame leaving Giannis off his starting 5 if he could pick anyone and you have a recipe for some trouble brewing behind the scenes in Milwaukee. They have the talent to go all the way, but the chemistry needs work.
Yes, and I think we should expect it because of their poor showing under him. Just like when media criticize Harden as well when he joined the Clippers, everyone is on the offensive but now it's very different as they started to win games.
So let's see how Doc Rivers will respond in the second half of the season. Perhaps if he can rise to the occasion all his critics will be quiet including JJ Redick's attack on him. Although again, he has history of choking but hopefully Giannis or Bucks will not be the next player to suffer the fate like the Sixers or Clippers before under Rivers.
But now, centers are different, they are now shooting from the outside, making 3's. And it's probably the blame on the European's like Dirk early 2000's when they came and then shots from 3's and thus evolved as we have seen Jokic or even Embiid attempting to shoot from the outside.
Dirk has played almost his entire career at the power forward position rather than the center position. So, I don't think he should be blamed for the current generation of centers playing more outside the paint.
Honestly, I somehow think that the NBA will sooner or later come to the point where centers who can dominate the paint will be valued again rather than those who can shoot 3-pointers.
I agree with everyone and I am missing those good old ASG games as well, but the game is not the same, so the result will not be the same either. You can keep saying that NBA had better defense as much as you want, but the reality is that it didn't, it didn't had that much of a great defense, it had some defensive rules that allowed harder defense to be made, but that also resulted with a lot more injuries as well. These days, defense is still being done, I guarantee you that any defensive player of the year in the past 10 years, could be taken on the year they won it, and put in the 90's and would be one of the best there too. We are just seeing entertainment, nothing more. If you want "real" games that is played tough, you can wait until the finals, that should be fine.
It's not even close. You can't even hand check now. The one rule I do like that they put in was sliding underneath a jump shooter after he shoots. Countless ankles have gotten mangled from that dirty play. But in general I think most of these tricky tack fouls have changed the game too much. Last big man I liked to watch was shaq. Dude straight mangled people in the paint lol.
They still occasionally hand check and refs are too stupid and can't decide if they want to blow the whistle or not, haha.
I miss the good old days when big trucks like Shaq, the mailman or David Robinson would power their way into the lane. Now it's all about looking fancy and shooting 3s.
I also miss the real trash talk. Now you are staring down your opponent and get a tech for it, when you complain about it you get another one and you are gone.
All these soft refs have ruined the game unfortunately.
I think there's still a lot of trash talking inside and outside the court. But this is a different era now, just a few of those kind of plays in the big men position. Maybe we can see Giannis bulldozing himself in the middle, but he is a freak. I mean he could be also the one that change the game as we haven't seen this kind of player, big, tall, and can run. David Robinson could have been doing this already, but when we see it done during their era, everyone was excited.
But now, centers are different, they are now shooting from the outside, making 3's. And it's probably the blame on the European's like Dirk early 2000's when they came and then shots from 3's and thus evolved as we have seen Jokic or even Embiid attempting to shoot from the outside.
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