Topic: 2019 NBA Pre-Season - page 754. (Read 918227 times)
The Los Angeles Lakers keep holding on at the number 10 spot and they really needed the win tonight thankfully they were able to easily beat Orlando Magic with the huge performance from Austin Reaves. Now that they are close to ending the season games, they should really work harder in the remaining games in order to secure that spot, or they might have a chance to increase their rank which will gonna help them to skip playing the play-in tournament.
Grizzlies destroyed them last night. The best player for Warriors was Kuminga, that tells us something's wrong. I don't think Warriors can go far enough even if they get a spot in play-off.
They can't shoot threes, that's what went wrong. All are either brick or it will just reach the front of the rim. Curry even had a lucky shot bunking a three-point shot in the corner, that's just impossible to happen, so yes there's some part luck there. It's an off night for most of them and it's actually disappointing to watch, it's an eyesore. 
The saddest part is, they are forcing to shoot but little did they know all their attacks in the paint are better and that kept them in a close game until the 3rd quarter.
Just a thought though and I'm not sure about this, maybe they are waiting the Kings to take their place because if they finish 1st, they might face the Pelicans or Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Although that's still subject to change because the standings that we've seen today are not yet final.
We are not different in this speculation. I was thinking about the strategies most teams make if they find it will be difficult to defeat the matching opponent they will face in the playoffs. But yes, it is subject to change and we will know what could happen in the play-in tournament. So, it may just be our conspiracy theory.
There's a plus in battling with the 8th seed. They are exhausted after playing 2 games in the tourney so there's a high chance it can be an instant win.
In fairness to Golden State Warriors though, this team is already proven to always show "big changes" once playoffs come.
Disregarding how bad they are and not well-performing in a season, that all will be erased once playoffs come and every team will start at a 0-0 standing.
I will still treat them as a big deal in the Western Conference once playoffs come. Prior to that though, they need to make the playoffs first, and looking at the current competition in the West, too tight that almost 9 teams are all possible to be in the play-in tournament.
Disregarding how bad they are and not well-performing in a season, that all will be erased once playoffs come and every team will start at a 0-0 standing.
I will still treat them as a big deal in the Western Conference once playoffs come. Prior to that though, they need to make the playoffs first, and looking at the current competition in the West, too tight that almost 9 teams are all possible to be in the play-in tournament.
Grizzlies destroyed them last night. The best player for Warriors was Kuminga, that tells us something's wrong. I don't think Warriors can go far enough even if they get a spot in play-off.
I've just watched Pistons game and they were very close to win the game. The experience difference was the big factor in last minutes and Heat made a 10-0 run and won the game. Huge win for Heat though. They may pass Nets and steal the sixth spot if Nets keep losing games.
Experience really matter on important on crucial games but that will not come always as basketball always change. Warrior current rooster has to many discrepancy and maybe this will result for their big lose if they can't fill this, also the absence of Wiggins in the rooster is a big gap to fill since we already see how important he is in the rotation so if he cannot go back on Playoffs maybe this will be though for them.
If they are complete with GP2 added in the rooster maybe they had a chance but we cannot say it will be easy for them to win a championship because we know how teams prepared also to win this season.
If they are complete with GP2 added in the rooster maybe they had a chance but we cannot say it will be easy for them to win a championship because we know how teams prepared also to win this season.
In fairness to Golden State Warriors though, this team is already proven to always show "big changes" once playoffs come.
Disregarding how bad they are and not well-performing in a season, that all will be erased once playoffs come and every team will start at a 0-0 standing.
I will still treat them as a big deal in the Western Conference once playoffs come. Prior to that though, they need to make the playoffs first, and looking at the current competition in the West, too tight that almost 9 teams are all possible to be in the play-in tournament.
They didn't start strong, but ended the regular season strong. And you are right, they were able to carry the momentum, as they were so dominant in the playoffs, except against Memphis, which was their biggest challenge at that time. Morant was just injured, things could have been better if he wasn't.
If the GSW can manage to climb to the finals again, it would be easy for them to win it because of their experience if their opponent will not gonna know what they will gonna do about how fast the GSW can adapt to the atmosphere of an NBA finals game. I hope they will be against the Bucks because that's the only team that can give them real trouble and the only team that will gonna give them problems. The rest of the team in the East will be an easy pawn for them. if they can get pass at their first games in the western conference easily, that would be a total disaster for the rest teams in the west because GSW knows exactly what to do to win the series.
Experience really matter on important on crucial games but that will not come always as basketball always change. Warrior current rooster has to many discrepancy and maybe this will result for their big lose if they can't fill this, also the absence of Wiggins in the rooster is a big gap to fill since we already see how important he is in the rotation so if he cannot go back on Playoffs maybe this will be though for them.
If they are complete with GP2 added in the rooster maybe they had a chance but we cannot say it will be easy for them to win a championship because we know how teams prepared also to win this season.
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If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
It's good to see Brunson back with the team after a few games of him being out.If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
TBH, the Knicks are one of the most improved teams this season. From being at the bottom to now at the 5th spot. They are on a 3 game winning streak and 7-3 on their last 10 games. Their last 10 games will be a balanced one because 5 games will be on their home, and 5 on the road. The Knicks currently have one of the best road records right now in the league with 22-14 win-loss record, so them playing on the road isn't a problem unlike the Warriors who are struggling so much on the road. If there's a problem with the Knicks right now, it's Randle's shot selection and his shot attempts where the volume is too high, and he don't know how to adjust when he isn't having a good night.
Anyway, teams must watch out the Knicks team, and I hope that they will not get eliminated on the first round immediately.
Yeah, it was a deja vu, I mean like 2 seasons ago if my memory serves me right, Knicks had a good run and mostly they are the underdogs and I made a good money out of them during the regular seasons because they have that last one kick in the final minutes to close out their opponents wherein home court or away from them. But last season was different though, they struggled, but with the acquisition of Brunson, the team is now in tune, Randle have that confident again to shot although sometimes he tries to become Steph hehehe. Kings though for me as the breakout team for this season, everyone is jiving, Fox and Sabonis are deadly, and they are now on the second spot in the West.
They didn't start strong, but ended the regular season strong. And you are right, they were able to carry the momentum, as they were so dominant in the playoffs, except against Memphis, which was their biggest challenge at that time. Morant was just injured, things could have been better if he wasn't.
If the GSW can manage to climb to the finals again, it would be easy for them to win it because of their experience if their opponent will not gonna know what they will gonna do about how fast the GSW can adapt to the atmosphere of an NBA finals game. I hope they will be against the Bucks because that's the only team that can give them real trouble and the only team that will gonna give them problems. The rest of the team in the East will be an easy pawn for them. if they can get pass at their first games in the western conference easily, that would be a total disaster for the rest teams in the west because GSW knows exactly what to do to win the series.
Wow that's a strong statement. I think golden state has a lot for work to do before they can say they would easily win the championship lol. They aren't the same team on the road as they've been on the past and losing Wiggins is a huge loss for them, he was crucial last year to their run.
Not just Wiggins though, the second unit of the Warriors is very different from last year. They have Bjelica who can give them quality minutes while Looney and Green take a rest, this center can run and shoot from the outside. Otto Porter can also give them offense and play good defense, same as Juan Toscano Anderson and D. Lee. GPII is back with them but he is not playing though.
Just let them be mate hehe, I understand your frustrations about Lebron and how he dictates some fate in the league. I mean, we cannot really blame him because he is surely one of the greats and has been dominating the league especially in his return on the Cavaliers. But look at him now, he sure still look great for being close to a senile man but things have changed, even if he wanted to win, it's already evident that he cannot do some lifting anymore and the team will not reach far if this is how they perform.
LeBron, when he was young, also couldn't pull the whole team because the Cavs roster was pretty mediocre back then. As an example, LeBron gave it his all on the court during the playoffs of the 07/08 season, but he could not oppose anything to the Celtics' big trio. The same thing happened during the playoffs of the 06/07 and 08/09 seasons. I mean, it doesn't matter how talented and great a player is because no one alone can win the title for a weak team.
Another example would be Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal team and also, Neymar for the brazilian football team.
I clearly remember those seasons from 06 until approximately 09.
LeBron James did miracles for the Cavs, but unfortunately he was stopped by the big trio of the Celtics at that time.
They didn't start strong, but ended the regular season strong. And you are right, they were able to carry the momentum, as they were so dominant in the playoffs, except against Memphis, which was their biggest challenge at that time. Morant was just injured, things could have been better if he wasn't.
If the GSW can manage to climb to the finals again, it would be easy for them to win it because of their experience if their opponent will not gonna know what they will gonna do about how fast the GSW can adapt to the atmosphere of an NBA finals game. I hope they will be against the Bucks because that's the only team that can give them real trouble and the only team that will gonna give them problems. The rest of the team in the East will be an easy pawn for them. if they can get pass at their first games in the western conference easily, that would be a total disaster for the rest teams in the west because GSW knows exactly what to do to win the series.
Wow that's a strong statement. I think golden state has a lot for work to do before they can say they would easily win the championship lol. They aren't the same team on the road as they've been on the past and losing Wiggins is a huge loss for them, he was crucial last year to their run.
They didn't start strong, but ended the regular season strong. And you are right, they were able to carry the momentum, as they were so dominant in the playoffs, except against Memphis, which was their biggest challenge at that time. Morant was just injured, things could have been better if he wasn't.
If the GSW can manage to climb to the finals again, it would be easy for them to win it because of their experience if their opponent will not gonna know what they will gonna do about how fast the GSW can adapt to the atmosphere of an NBA finals game. I hope they will be against the Bucks because that's the only team that can give them real trouble and the only team that will gonna give them problems. The rest of the team in the East will be an easy pawn for them. if they can get pass at their first games in the western conference easily, that would be a total disaster for the rest teams in the west because GSW knows exactly what to do to win the series.
Whoa! Hold your horses right there mate, you're probably going too fast that you skipped some facts and ended up underestimating the other teams in the league. Don't forget that aside from the Bucks of the Eastern Conference, there are the Boston Celtics who are looking for a chance to bounce back from what happened last season as for me, that was a close game, it's just that the Celtics lack enough experience as that was their first appearance in the playoffs as a team and reached the conference finals, and then the Finals whom they faced the Warriors.
And then we have some teams in the West too, you will probably say that the Grizzlies will be an easy pawn for the Warriors but don't also forget that the Grizzlies improved compared last season, so therefore, it will be a tougher team this time and then there's the Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. For short, it's too early for that kind of discussion mate.
Just let them be mate hehe, I understand your frustrations about Lebron and how he dictates some fate in the league. I mean, we cannot really blame him because he is surely one of the greats and has been dominating the league especially in his return on the Cavaliers. But look at him now, he sure still look great for being close to a senile man but things have changed, even if he wanted to win, it's already evident that he cannot do some lifting anymore and the team will not reach far if this is how they perform.
LeBron, when he was young, also couldn't pull the whole team because the Cavs roster was pretty mediocre back then. As an example, LeBron gave it his all on the court during the playoffs of the 07/08 season, but he could not oppose anything to the Celtics' big trio. The same thing happened during the playoffs of the 06/07 and 08/09 seasons. I mean, it doesn't matter how talented and great a player is because no one alone can win the title for a weak team.
I think @Distinctin referred to the Cavaliers when Lebron came back for them after his time with the Miami Heat, that specific time when they had a back-to-back championship in 16/17 and 17/18. Young Lebron in the 07/08 season cannot lift the whole squad to bring them always to a W, well, he managed most of the time but when the playoffs began, he burned-out because he was doing all the offensive and defensive while his seniors are just averaging less than 10 PPG.
After winning 1 to break the 4 losing streak, Denver Nuggets are back to lose more. 
I don't even understand what is happening. The stats are okay, Murray is back to his normal shooting accuracy and attacking the paint. Maybe it's the lack of defense that they are missing. They are known to score over 120+ per game and they have a record to win it whenever it goes over 120. But vice versa to their losing record when they gave scores like 110+ they will absolutely lose. They may be safe for the playoffs but giving away games will put them in number 2 as the Kings are not stopping to win each game.
I don't even understand what is happening. The stats are okay, Murray is back to his normal shooting accuracy and attacking the paint. Maybe it's the lack of defense that they are missing. They are known to score over 120+ per game and they have a record to win it whenever it goes over 120. But vice versa to their losing record when they gave scores like 110+ they will absolutely lose. They may be safe for the playoffs but giving away games will put them in number 2 as the Kings are not stopping to win each game.Yes, that's indeed confusing to think because even if their stats are still impressive and then the whole squad is healthy, they are still losing the game even if it's really winnable for them. I just don't get it why and I started to think that maybe they did it for a reason because if we look on their recent games where they had a winnable games, they are not letting the other team bury them in scores, they don't want to win but they don't a large gap.
Just a thought though and I'm not sure about this, maybe they are waiting the Kings to take their place because if they finish 1st, they might face the Pelicans or Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Although that's still subject to change because the standings that we've seen today are not yet final.
Just let them be mate hehe, I understand your frustrations about Lebron and how he dictates some fate in the league. I mean, we cannot really blame him because he is surely one of the greats and has been dominating the league especially in his return on the Cavaliers. But look at him now, he sure still look great for being close to a senile man but things have changed, even if he wanted to win, it's already evident that he cannot do some lifting anymore and the team will not reach far if this is how they perform.
LeBron, when he was young, also couldn't pull the whole team because the Cavs roster was pretty mediocre back then. As an example, LeBron gave it his all on the court during the playoffs of the 07/08 season, but he could not oppose anything to the Celtics' big trio. The same thing happened during the playoffs of the 06/07 and 08/09 seasons. I mean, it doesn't matter how talented and great a player is because no one alone can win the title for a weak team.
Although it was frustrating to see the Denver Nuggets lose but I am glad to see the New York Knicks defeating the number 1 seed in the Western Conference.
And I love how the ball was shared. 20 points for Randle, 21 for RJ, and 24 for Brunson. And all who played long minutes have an assist in their stats. (only Obi Toppin didn't get 1 in 12 minutes of playtime)
If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
And I love how the ball was shared. 20 points for Randle, 21 for RJ, and 24 for Brunson. And all who played long minutes have an assist in their stats. (only Obi Toppin didn't get 1 in 12 minutes of playtime)
If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
Honestly, I did not feel frustrated. I felt like it was a good match between these two.
Now of course the current performance of the Denver Nuggets makes it hard for themselves to do well in the remaining matches.
However, it is going to be good to see them trying to pass this challenge.
Remember it's only valuable when it's hard to achieve.
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If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
It's good to see Brunson back with the team after a few games of him being out.If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
TBH, the Knicks are one of the most improved teams this season. From being at the bottom to now at the 5th spot. They are on a 3 game winning streak and 7-3 on their last 10 games. Their last 10 games will be a balanced one because 5 games will be on their home, and 5 on the road. The Knicks currently have one of the best road records right now in the league with 22-14 win-loss record, so them playing on the road isn't a problem unlike the Warriors who are struggling so much on the road. If there's a problem with the Knicks right now, it's Randle's shot selection and his shot attempts where the volume is too high, and he don't know how to adjust when he isn't having a good night.
Anyway, teams must watch out the Knicks team, and I hope that they will not get eliminated on the first round immediately.
Although it was frustrating to see the Denver Nuggets lose but I am glad to see the New York Knicks defeating the number 1 seed in the Western Conference.
And I love how the ball was shared. 20 points for Randle, 21 for RJ, and 24 for Brunson. And all who played long minutes have an assist in their stats. (only Obi Toppin didn't get 1 in 12 minutes of playtime)
If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
And I love how the ball was shared. 20 points for Randle, 21 for RJ, and 24 for Brunson. And all who played long minutes have an assist in their stats. (only Obi Toppin didn't get 1 in 12 minutes of playtime)
If they keep this up, they might get a chance for another long winning streak. They have 3 now and their next opponent will be the Timberwolves who is an offensive team. We will see how they will answer back on their offensive barrage.
They didn't start strong, but ended the regular season strong. And you are right, they were able to carry the momentum, as they were so dominant in the playoffs, except against Memphis, which was their biggest challenge at that time. Morant was just injured, things could have been better if he wasn't.
If the GSW can manage to climb to the finals again, it would be easy for them to win it because of their experience if their opponent will not gonna know what they will gonna do about how fast the GSW can adapt to the atmosphere of an NBA finals game. I hope they will be against the Bucks because that's the only team that can give them real trouble and the only team that will gonna give them problems. The rest of the team in the East will be an easy pawn for them. if they can get pass at their first games in the western conference easily, that would be a total disaster for the rest teams in the west because GSW knows exactly what to do to win the series.
And if we talk about the MVP race, Kia MVP Ladder: Joel Embiid overtakes Nikola Jokic for No. 1 spot.
1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Well, that 4 game losing streak by the Nuggets really affected Jokic's MVP race.1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
On the other hand, Embiid deserves it as well as he is performing very well in their last games. It will be a close duel between these 2 Centers on who will be the MVP now that we only have few games left on the regular season. I'd want to see Jokic making history though as the 4th NBA player in history to have 3 consecutive MVP titles.
If we compare the individual stats of these two players, we can see that they both perform at their best on the court. Embiid averages more points per game, and he's clearly a good scorer, while Jokic is a more universal center as he grabs more rebounds and has more assists per game. In fact, both are equally deserving of the award, although I'd rather see Embiid as the MVP of this season.
Scoring wise it's Joel as he is the league leader, they are almost the same as far as rebounds goes, with 10 a piece, but what separates Jokic is of course, his skills to pass the ball.
Same here I wanted Joel Embiid to win the MVP for this season, he is doing everything for his team, last year, he just got injured but a healthy Joel? Philly will have a good chance for the title. Although it's tough as there are a lot of teams in the East that is also capable, like Giannis Milwaukee and last year runner up the Boston Celtics.
Well, it seems that Joel Embiid is serious this time to take back what is rightfully his and if we can remember what he said few weeks after this season commenced, he said that he will not let Nikola Jokic be the MVP this season again and that is indeed what is happening right now as Embiid is on the #1 spot for the MVP race. He could've got the MVP title last season but that injury he had paved a way for Jokic to be the back-to-back regular season MVP.
Injuries are really taking a toll one the NBA as we get closer to the end of the season. I should be getting excited about the Los Angeles Lakers playing the Dallas Mavericks tonight, but I’m not sure if any of the superstars are going to be on the floor. Luka maybe will put on a show but I would’ve loved to have seen Kyrie and LeBron face off again on their latest teams.
What a beauty this ending was.
Our guy Maxi Kleber with 3 clutch free throws 15sec before the end to make it a 1 point game and then after a Lakers turnover Maxi's first NBA game winner buzzer 3 pointer.
He is a force on the defensive end but his shooting from 3 is definitely worth mentioning as well.
Thanks AD for the "great" foul on Maxi shooting a 3, amazing.
GO MAVS.
It was basically how the Lakers team has been for the last couple of years. They just aren't that good and I hope they don't make a full series playoff because they will get smacked around and be boring. Was funny because as I was watching that broken play and was thinking to myself the Lakers are gonna screw this up and bam. 3 at the buzzer lol.
I think that will change when LeBron comes back. This is by far the best Lakers team without LeBron James. I mean, they are winning games and slowly rising in the ranking. I'm thinking that if LeBron comes back, they'll be even better. Maybe they are not too entertaining too watch, but playoffs will be a different story. It's about experience and the quality of players on a team. With a healthy AD and LeBron, I'm sure they'll be competitive, but I'm not sure if they'll win a championship together again.
Heartbreaking loss for sure, but it made for exciting basketball. The Lakers are watching their playoff hopes fade away as this is the second close loss in a row for them. They had better start winning some games, or LeBron will be back too late for any chance of him carrying them back to the finals. At this point, I’m not sure if they’ll make the playoffs or not.
I'd just like to see teams take back control of the league. Not let players dictate what and how things happen. Let's get back to coaches actually coaching and players sticking to contracts.
Just let them be mate hehe, I understand your frustrations about Lebron and how he dictates some fate in the league. I mean, we cannot really blame him because he is surely one of the greats and has been dominating the league especially in his return on the Cavaliers. But look at him now, he sure still look great for being close to a senile man but things have changed, even if he wanted to win, it's already evident that he cannot do some lifting anymore and the team will not reach far if this is how they perform.
They might participate in the play-in or even the playoffs, but that's it. No more further than that because the other teams that are also participating are much more stronger and much more balanced compared to the roster of the Los Angeles Lakers.
I think it's going to be close with Memphis as the Grizzlies are on a winning streak right now. So maybe the Nuggets will maintain the top spot, but it doesn't good to look at when they are not winning.
And this might be a similar case with the Suns a couple of season ago when they are on the top of the West but eventually lost.
So regardless, they have to win because entering the playoff they have to build the momentum.
And this might be a similar case with the Suns a couple of season ago when they are on the top of the West but eventually lost.
So regardless, they have to win because entering the playoff they have to build the momentum.
Now that the season is almost ending, a team that is at the top experiencing more losses does not look good to me. Momentum is very important when it comes to the playoffs. So if Denver continues losing games, it might not help them. We might be surprised if they are out in the first round. As per the latest standings, they are number 1, but they are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
The season is almost done and ready to move to the next round,
well it's true that team should bring the winning culture moving to the next round. And from those stats, Denver is not doing well though there might be a lot of adjustments to improve and to continue their chase in winning the ring.
Still too early though for that but looking forward to seeing them playing solid and start again with their usual routine.
After winning 1 to break the 4 losing streak, Denver Nuggets are back to lose more. I don't even understand what is happening. The stats are okay, Murray is back to his normal shooting accuracy and attacking the paint. Maybe it's the lack of defense that they are missing. They are known to score over 120+ per game and they have a record to win it whenever it goes over 120. But vice versa to their losing record when they gave scores like 110+ they will absolutely lose. They may be safe for the playoffs but giving away games will put them in number 2 as the Kings are not stopping to win each game.
The same for me... I don't even understand what is happening. The stats are okay, Murray is back to his normal shooting accuracy and attacking the paint. Maybe it's the lack of defense that they are missing. They are known to score over 120+ per game and they have a record to win it whenever it goes over 120. But vice versa to their losing record when they gave scores like 110+ they will absolutely lose. They may be safe for the playoffs but giving away games will put them in number 2 as the Kings are not stopping to win each game.But anyway, oddly enough, the Nuggets and Knicks performed similarly statistically.
I believe that unforeseen things happen and I was a little bit surprised with that Nuggets loss.
But I have no doubt that by the end of the regular season the Nuggets will improve and will be able to distance themselves even more from the kings, who are in second place in the western conference.
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