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Post by nuraman00 on Apr 22, 2024 18:19:34 GMT -8
remember when Hartenstein hadn't yet assimilated himself into Thibodeau's vision when first arrived? Now he's coming up huge late and the toast of The Big Apple. Exciting finish...Sixers really blew a golden opportunity. Hartenstein must have gotten training from Master Splinter, to turn into Raphael, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.
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Post by nuraman00 on Apr 22, 2024 19:38:56 GMT -8
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets Denver won’t lose the series, but they will make it interesting. Denver in 6. Los Angeles Lakers Denver Denver Los Angeles Lakers Denver Denver
Game 2 isn't over, but I am likely 0-2 through the first two games of this series.
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Post by nuraman00 on Apr 23, 2024 17:56:58 GMT -8
Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Minnesota is too big. While both teams have older players, Kevin Durant is among one of several players who have struggled lately (Luka Doncic, De’Arron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton are a few others). Nurkic has never been able to be better than an average center. Minnesota in 5. Minnesota Timberwolves Minnesota Timberwolves Minnesota Timberwolves Phoenix Suns Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3 of this prediction will be the one to see if it happens.
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Post by nuraman00 on May 3, 2024 16:32:10 GMT -8
]The West was a bit weaker last year, but that'd still probably qualify as a good year for the East. Plus Denver was the best team in the league pretty clearly even if they didn't go all out in the regular season. As for the Suns, I continue to think they're better than what they've shown. I could be wrong on this one. They're still too talented for me to completely write them off in any series. And if they were in the East I'd have them ahead of everyone but Boston. Fair enough, thanks. For the sake of discussion, where would you put a healthy Philadelphia and Phoenix? Is one better than the other, or are they about the same? I am generally down on Philadelphia dating back a few years. However, this year, I think Tyreke Maxey helps them a lot, especially when compared to the struggles they've had in the past. However, if I look at last year's series against Boston, a slightly worse Maxey still averaged 20 ppg, and they still lost 3 games by at least 9 points. So, maybe they need more than this year's improved Maxey. I've also never liked how they keep trying to put low rebounding bigs in their frontcourt. You also may be right that Denver doesn't go all out in the regular season. If that's what they're doing, I don't think they've earned that. I think only older teams can do that. And Denver isn't an old team, yet, given the age of their starters. I am assuming Denver is trying, but maybe you are right in that they are not.
Now that Phoenix has lost in the playoffs, does that lower what you think of the West?
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Post by nuraman00 on May 3, 2024 16:34:08 GMT -8
You seem to have a lot of faith in OKC. I think they are this year's 2023 Memphis - a nice regular season team but incredibly weak playoff team. Memphis didn't have their starting center for the 2023 playoffs.
They were weak due to unexpected injury.
Thoughts?
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Post by hitnrun24 on May 3, 2024 17:40:00 GMT -8
Fair enough, thanks. For the sake of discussion, where would you put a healthy Philadelphia and Phoenix? Is one better than the other, or are they about the same? I am generally down on Philadelphia dating back a few years. However, this year, I think Tyreke Maxey helps them a lot, especially when compared to the struggles they've had in the past. However, if I look at last year's series against Boston, a slightly worse Maxey still averaged 20 ppg, and they still lost 3 games by at least 9 points. So, maybe they need more than this year's improved Maxey. I've also never liked how they keep trying to put low rebounding bigs in their frontcourt. You also may be right that Denver doesn't go all out in the regular season. If that's what they're doing, I don't think they've earned that. I think only older teams can do that. And Denver isn't an old team, yet, given the age of their starters. I am assuming Denver is trying, but maybe you are right in that they are not.
Now that Phoenix has lost in the playoffs, does that lower what you think of the West?
It doesn't. I think if you put Phx in place of Indiana they'd make it to the ECF. Lakers too.
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Post by nuraman00 on May 3, 2024 18:08:18 GMT -8
Now that Phoenix has lost in the playoffs, does that lower what you think of the West?
It doesn't. I think if you put Phx in place of Indiana they'd make it to the ECF. Lakers too. Fair enough.
Disagree, but that's why we have this platform.
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Post by nuraman00 on May 3, 2024 18:13:32 GMT -8
Now that Phoenix has lost in the playoffs, does that lower what you think of the West?
It doesn't. I think if you put Phx in place of Indiana they'd make it to the ECF. Lakers too. Speaking of the Lakers, kudos to LeBron for another great season and playoffs.
His FG% is amazing, especially for his age.
Back in 2018, I wanted him to go to Utah, because I thought it would be a cool narrative if he could get ANOTHER team that has never won a title, in Utah, their first. They seemingly had an easy going superstar in Mitchell, and a big man who was a 70% finisher and defensive player in Gobert.
Obviously I was thinking of only basketball reasons.
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