2022-23 NBA Thread

[4everwarriors]

GSW has no size.

Size no matta, hey?

[MuggsyB]

GSW has no size.

There is only one series that isn't over. GS looks terrible and can't score in the paint. 

[MU82]

LeBron played like a maniac in the third quarter.

[MuggsyB]

LeBron played like a maniac in the third quarter.

Boston is 96.7% to make the Finals.  Imo Denver/Boston is the best match-up. 

[MuggsyB]

Darvin Ham deserves a lot of credit. 

[MuggsyB]

It's not just that GS has no size, Draymond and Poole have been really bad.  Looney has to be right physically for them to have even a remote chance.  The bottom line is if Anthony Davis plays just solid GS really doesn't have an answer.  Draymond is completely useless right now and a total non-factor. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Size no matta, hey?

It does.  They just tell you otherwise so you don't feel bad.

[MU82]

It's not just that GS has no size, Draymond and Poole have been really bad.  Looney has to be right physically for them to have even a remote chance.  The bottom line is if Anthony Davis plays just solid GS really doesn't have an answer.  Draymond is completely useless right now and a total non-factor.

Lakers-Nuggets would be a fun WCF. Davis vs. Jokic will be real interesting, as each obviously has many, many strengths but also a couple of things that can be taken advantage of. Also, Gordon won't be someone LeBron can just run over.

[MuggsyB]

Lakers-Nuggets would be a fun WCF. Davis vs. Jokic will be real interesting, as each obviously has many, many strengths but also a couple of things that can be taken advantage of. Also, Gordon won't be someone LeBron can just run over.

Lebron is still really, really, good but truthfully he hasn't had to be great in these first two series.  If he gets enough rest he could go off in the next round or the Finals.  That said I'm going with Denver/Boston.  Murray will have to give him consistent help but Jokic is so skilled offensively.   In the end I think Boston has too much and in particular are deeper and better defensively than the remaining teams.  Denver would be a more competitive match-up imo despite the Lakers/Celtics history.  Why?  Because Jokic is an enormous problem.  He's a big dude with quite a bit of power and weight not to mention a pinpoint passer.   I think he's a much harder match-up than Davis for the Celtics. 

[MU82]

Has anyone seen James Harden? If so, please ask him to report to the Wells Fargo Center for today's game. Thanks.

[Skatastrophy]

I was wrong about the Knicks. They're done and will likely lose in 5. 

I think it's Thibs. Seems like Spo has clogged the lane, and the Knicks don't know what to do about it. It's worked 3 games in a row.

[pbiflyer]

Love watching Jimmy destroying the Knicks.

As you can see it’s hard to win without your best player. You saw it with the Heat and Jimmy last game. Now you’re seeing it with the Knicks and Scott Foster. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Just think how good Miami would be if Jimmy wasn’t so overrated.

[wadesworld]

Just saw this stat and will add what I said during the series, Bryn freaking Forbes outscored Jimmy Butler in the 2021 series:

Total possessions where Giannis guarded Jimmy Butler in the last 3 Bucks-Heat series

2020 -- 19 (Heat in 5)
2021 -- 113 (Bucks in 4)
2023 -- 17 (Heat in 5)

[MuggsyB]

I think it's Thibs. Seems like Spo has clogged the lane, and the Knicks don't know what to do about it. It's worked 3 games in a row.

This isn't breaking news but Spo is an outstanding coach.  You can just look at what he did in Game 2 vs Game 3 defensively.  When he didn't have Jimmy in G2 he zoned at least 1/2 the game if not more.  Then Butler cones back abd he barely zoned the entire game.  The guy coached circles around Budenholzer and is doing the same to Thibs.  Now obviously Milwaukee has way more talent than NY but this Heat team isn't particularly talented imo.  Jimmy has been incredible and Bam is an elite defender but they really don't hard much else.  Vincent and Struss should not be outplaying backcourts with Holiday and Brunson.   

[forgetful]

Man, NBA officiating is maddening, and bewildering.

[tower912]

Blatant push off.   Call more offensive fouls!

[MU82]

Man, NBA officiating is maddening, and bewildering.

Killing the Sixers. Awful.

[MuggsyB]

I'm very glad Philly won that  game because that was beyond horrendous officiating. 

[MU82]

Even those horrible refs couldn’t call that shot good and give the game to Boston. They tried though.

[MuggsyB]

Even those horrible refs couldn’t call that shot good and give the game to Boston. They tried though.

The charge on Embiid with Smart was a complete joke (and they reviewed it) and if you're not gonna call that clear shove off by Tatum you have no business officiating at any level. 

[wadesworld]

Blatant push off.   Call more offensive fouls!

The one time it’s actually a charge and not some guy sliding over and flying it goes uncalled. Mainly because Maxey didn’t embellish and fly 15 feet backwards, and instead tried to recover and contest. And of course Tatum flops to the ground lol.

The charge call on Embiid where Smart took it in the side and flopped is such a joke.

[MuggsyB]

Mazzulla, even with those gifts by the refs, might want to call a time-out instead of "trusting his players" as well?

[Pakuni]

Not a stellar showing for Mark Jones today, either.

[MuggsyB]

Not a stellar showing for Mark Jones today, either.

Or Doris Burke.  It's not necessary to give some analysis, and frankly repeat that analysis, every possession down the stretch.  You're on TV not radio for starters.