I checked the box score end of third and didn’t get how mans were losing. Then I saw the mavs bench. nothing.
It was also cool to see a team down by double digits late fight their way back instead of forcing 3s every possession.
My expectation going into this was that the Bucks would put the Nets through the wringer, with much better team defense and much better scoring than the Celtics had and putting the Nets to the fire. When Harden went out I figured that was the series doen and dusted.
And then the Nets started playing with intensity and playing team defense and Blake Griffin looks like one of the better players at the 5 in the playoffs.
My question is, where was this fire and intensity and grit and team first play with previous stops for most of these guys?
These guys all quit on their teams and to varying degrees fucked things up for the team they were on by not giving a shit and forcing their way out.
And they come to Brooklyn and suddenly they remember simple fundamental Basketball basics instead of playing with an ego too big to handle.
Fuck all these guys. Seriously. I'd even be happier with the Sixers winning the title, and I can't stand the Sixers.
I was hoping the Bucks would shut this team up, but it looks like the Nets are here to stay. I was too optimistic when I predicted Bucks in the ECF. That game was embarrassing.
Jokic wins MVP. Well deserved. Averaging nearly a triple double as a Center is amazing.
Just not sure the Nuggest can get anywhere this year without Murray/Someone besides Jokic.
This Utah game is the best I've seen in a while, but the amount of 3s the Clippers are getting is nuts. Not even easy 3s or complicated passes, just casual step back or walk up to the line 3s.
It's not often that the game ends with a clutch rejection. What a rollercoaster game for Utah, I was sure the Clippers had it.
Also, I guess Utah allows max capacity at their stadium? That crowd was wild. It's no wonder players say it's hard to play there.
As far as I can tell, this second round has had all max capacity stadiums. Also the commentators are there live, and the audio isn't messed with so you hear the full crowd noise.
Rudy Gobert wins Defensive Player of the Year. Not too surprising.
Tom Thibodeau wins Coach of the Year. Some predicted it, but Monty Williams and Quin Snyder were more expected.
What the hell am I watching? This is the worst NBA game I've ever seen in my life, playoffs OR regular season...
Okay...so the Bucks finally learned that Giannis is not Steph Curry and that the ball goes into the basket, but here is a summary of the first half.
1st quarter: 30-11 Bucks on extremely cold shooting from the Nets
2nd quarter: Bucks score only 3 points in the first 8 or so minutes of the quarter, before finally sort of figuring things out. Meanwhile the Nets start to warm back up and close the gap. We enter half-time at 45-42 Bucks.
For those keeping track, that means both teams swapped spots in the most bizarre exchange ever.
1st quarter: 30-11 Bucks
2nd quarter: 31-15 Nets
I hadn't paid much attention to Mitchell, sadly...the NBA media bias is real. Now that the Jazz are the #1 seed in the West though? I've been paying attention and my answer so far is yes. He's young, not in his prime, and already an absolute beast and joy to watch. I don't know what kind of numbers/performances he needs to reach superstar status in your eyes but he is clearly making a strong case. "Good player" is a joke. He's an insane player.
He's a really good player who steps it up in the playoffs. Most "really good players" don't show up for the playoffs at all. Superstar status is another thing altogether. I think the term is over used. Hes a deserving allstar, and anyone would want him on their team. As for him carrying a franchise (superstar status to me), its hard to tell, Utah is a teams team, he can step it up when guys are off, but he isn't carrying the franchise on his back, if that makes sense. He isn't the same tier as Curry, D Wade, LeBron... he's in that next tier down with Kawhi, Kyrie, etc...
These series are getting interesting. Clippers have been alive in both games despite losing so it’s no surprise to see them run away with one. Nuggets with Murray would’ve been a great series but they can’t compete with the suns without him. Bucks probably done too but at least they showed something.
If both Harden and Kyrie can’t go, does Brooklyn win another game?