Around the NBA (and other Sports), 2023-24, Part 3

[NYCelticsfan136]

Minnesota is very good.

And I don't want to look ahead too much..can't take it for granted that we get to NBA finals..and Minnesota isn't a lock to make it there either.

*but* just saying that if we do meet them in the finals, a big advantage we'll have is NBA finals experience.

None of Minnesota's 8 rotation players have played in a single NBA finals game.

Our 8 rotation players? 7 of them have played in the NBA finals before. Hauser only played garbage time mins though so 6 of our guys have played rotation mins in the NBA finals before.

Plus we'd have home court..

We have a long way to go but i feel Minnesota assuming they keep playing like this they should beat anyone remaining.

[soxfan2003]

Murray is normally a fringe all-star but at times he looks like a top 15-20 player but unfortunately for MN right now he looks awful (3-18 last night and doesn't make up for it with defense). But if Murray doesn't start playing like a fringe all-star, the series will be over soon. Jokic can't be going 5 for 13 and making bad passes either.

The Celtics for sure have more athletic ball handlers than Denver and spread the floor better with or without KP but beating MN in possible matchup if the refs let them play like they have done more often in recent years will make it tough. MN last night played tougher defense than the Heat and Warrior defenses that gave the Celtics headaches. From what I can gather, MN doesn't have a player like Draymond Green that goes over the line/intimidates refs but they are defending a bit more like it was the 90's. Celtics ability to spam 3's and spread them out is likely the key to beating them if the two teams play in the finals.

[keevsnick1]

I don't normally like the injury excuse, but Murray is very clearly not right. Dude has no explosion, especially from a standstill. He look's like 34 year old James harden trying to push off on drives. Just can't get any separation. It shows up on defense too, he starts chasing his guy, his man switches direction, and Murray looks stuck in mud.

The Nuggets are a much easier team to defend to if Murray is going to be a complete non factor, just not enough ball handling. Still, credit to Min, best defense in the league clearly.

I would love to se them play OKC. Multiple perimeter threats in Shai and Williams. A big to stretch the floor and try to pull Gobert away. That would be a fun chess match.

That’s an excuse. He had no problem scoring big and being clutch against the lakers even after the injury. He was just bothered by the length and pesky defense being thrown at him. Doubled even by bigger guys. He was just frustrated.

All of that is true. He's also very clearly not 100% physically. Both can be true.

Anyway with Minnesota playing like this I think they've moved into 1st place in my "teams I would fear in a series vs Boston" rankings."

[lon3lytoaster]

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I'd be surprised if they keep reffing games like they did in Denver last night. Although I'd love it.

I do like watching actual basketball games and not slightly more important all star games, yes.

[Celts17Pride]

Would be classic if Pacers can pull out a win in Game 2 with Reggie Miller back at MSG

[zoyathedestroya]

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[zoyathedestroya]

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[KamikazeK]

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I see we've reached peak playoff season when a single game means a team is going to win it all.

[bisme37]

Wolves skyrocketing up the betting odds for good reason.

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[Darthlukey]

Gobert just won his 4th DPoTY!

[Parliament10]

Gobert just won his 4th DPoTY!

That's amazing.
What's the record?

[BK_2020]

Mavs too small

[Smart2Nesmith43]

Gobert just won his 4th DPoTY!

That's amazing.
What's the record?

4, shared with Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo.

[playa-hater]

Gobert just won his 4th DPoTY!

And yet it seems like the Wolves are just as good on defense without him..

[playa-hater]

Gobert just won his 4th DPoTY!

That's amazing.
What's the record?

Did they even have this award during the Bill Russell days??

[Shak_Celts]

i want to apologize to luka, excellent defense in round 1. still, it's jt for me all day and twice on sunday!

[playa-hater]

I don't know how much impact he will have but I am very happy to see gordon hayward on the court in the playoffs..

[playa-hater]

OKC Plays so hard and they play for each other which is fun to watch. But they are so young and inexperience.D I just don't know what to make of them.

[KamikazeK]

OKC Plays so hard and they play for each other which is fun to watch. But they are so young and inexperience.D I just don't know what to make of them.

Annihilated by the wolves in the WCF most likely. Might get a game or two.

[Shak_Celts]

I don't know how much impact he will have but I am very happy to see gordon hayward on the court in the playoffs..

he's just out there.