Time To Panic? I Think So

[gouki88]

Have people watched Holiday this season? He's been huge for them in the games Giannis is out, and he seems to have improved on defense, which is saying something because he was always a very solid defender. There was also a stretch during this season where it seemed he was hitting every clutch bucket lol.

Even though I still think Jaylen is marginally better, it's not a big margin. I do think 2023 Jaylen though is way better than Middleton, but that's also because Middleton still seems to be ramping up and might just be a bit hampered with all his knee issues/injuries.

I think when comparing the Bucks and Celtics, Moranis has it mostly right. A lot though does depend on health too. Is Middleton 100%? Is Timelord healthy? In theory our bench should be better than theirs BUT they haven't looked like it, and it also seems like Mazzulla is hurting them by not defining their roles and playing them randomly each game.

If I had to rank the Top-6 between both teams, I'd go Giannis, Tatum, Jaylen, Holiday, Timelord (if healthy), Lopez. Then I'd say the next 2 guys, or 3 of the next 4 are Celtics with White, Brogdon in that mix. I don't really think the Bucks have a Brogdon/White in their bench which is our sneaky weapon.

He has been regarded as at worst the second best guard defender in the league for several seasons, with many rating him over Smart. "Very solid" seems wrong.

[Roy H.]

Have people watched Holiday this season? He's been huge for them in the games Giannis is out, and he seems to have improved on defense, which is saying something because he was always a very solid defender. There was also a stretch during this season where it seemed he was hitting every clutch bucket lol.

Even though I still think Jaylen is marginally better, it's not a big margin. I do think 2023 Jaylen though is way better than Middleton, but that's also because Middleton still seems to be ramping up and might just be a bit hampered with all his knee issues/injuries.

I think when comparing the Bucks and Celtics, Moranis has it mostly right. A lot though does depend on health too. Is Middleton 100%? Is Timelord healthy? In theory our bench should be better than theirs BUT they haven't looked like it, and it also seems like Mazzulla is hurting them by not defining their roles and playing them randomly each game.

If I had to rank the Top-6 between both teams, I'd go Giannis, Tatum, Jaylen, Holiday, Timelord (if healthy), Lopez. Then I'd say the next 2 guys, or 3 of the next 4 are Celtics with White, Brogdon in that mix. I don't really think the Bucks have a Brogdon/White in their bench which is our sneaky weapon.

He has been regarded as at worst the second best guard defender in the league for several seasons, with many rating him over Smart. "Very solid" seems wrong.

I’m pretty biased — I love the guy — but yeah, there isn’t a better defensive guard in the league.

[Kernewek]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrN64hnaAAArmIm?format=jpg&name=900x900

This is top tier and people shouldn't skip over it:

[Phantom255x]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrN64hnaAAArmIm?format=jpg&name=900x900

This is top tier and people shouldn't skip over it:

I've had a good day today. Now I'm sure this team will ruin the night though 

[gouki88]

Have people watched Holiday this season? He's been huge for them in the games Giannis is out, and he seems to have improved on defense, which is saying something because he was always a very solid defender. There was also a stretch during this season where it seemed he was hitting every clutch bucket lol.

Even though I still think Jaylen is marginally better, it's not a big margin. I do think 2023 Jaylen though is way better than Middleton, but that's also because Middleton still seems to be ramping up and might just be a bit hampered with all his knee issues/injuries.

I think when comparing the Bucks and Celtics, Moranis has it mostly right. A lot though does depend on health too. Is Middleton 100%? Is Timelord healthy? In theory our bench should be better than theirs BUT they haven't looked like it, and it also seems like Mazzulla is hurting them by not defining their roles and playing them randomly each game.

If I had to rank the Top-6 between both teams, I'd go Giannis, Tatum, Jaylen, Holiday, Timelord (if healthy), Lopez. Then I'd say the next 2 guys, or 3 of the next 4 are Celtics with White, Brogdon in that mix. I don't really think the Bucks have a Brogdon/White in their bench which is our sneaky weapon.

He has been regarded as at worst the second best guard defender in the league for several seasons, with many rating him over Smart. "Very solid" seems wrong.

I’m pretty biased — I love the guy — but yeah, there isn’t a better defensive guard in the league.

Yeah, this season there isn't competition really. There are a few good role player guards on D, like Caruso and Dennis Smith Jr (impressed by his turnaround!), and there's some good young bigger guys like Herb and Lu Dort, but Jrue is on his own whilst Smart stinks it up

[Phantom255x]

Have people watched Holiday this season? He's been huge for them in the games Giannis is out, and he seems to have improved on defense, which is saying something because he was always a very solid defender. There was also a stretch during this season where it seemed he was hitting every clutch bucket lol.

Even though I still think Jaylen is marginally better, it's not a big margin. I do think 2023 Jaylen though is way better than Middleton, but that's also because Middleton still seems to be ramping up and might just be a bit hampered with all his knee issues/injuries.

I think when comparing the Bucks and Celtics, Moranis has it mostly right. A lot though does depend on health too. Is Middleton 100%? Is Timelord healthy? In theory our bench should be better than theirs BUT they haven't looked like it, and it also seems like Mazzulla is hurting them by not defining their roles and playing them randomly each game.

If I had to rank the Top-6 between both teams, I'd go Giannis, Tatum, Jaylen, Holiday, Timelord (if healthy), Lopez. Then I'd say the next 2 guys, or 3 of the next 4 are Celtics with White, Brogdon in that mix. I don't really think the Bucks have a Brogdon/White in their bench which is our sneaky weapon.

He has been regarded as at worst the second best guard defender in the league for several seasons, with many rating him over Smart. "Very solid" seems wrong.

How about "very very solid" 

[gouki88]

Have people watched Holiday this season? He's been huge for them in the games Giannis is out, and he seems to have improved on defense, which is saying something because he was always a very solid defender. There was also a stretch during this season where it seemed he was hitting every clutch bucket lol.

Even though I still think Jaylen is marginally better, it's not a big margin. I do think 2023 Jaylen though is way better than Middleton, but that's also because Middleton still seems to be ramping up and might just be a bit hampered with all his knee issues/injuries.

I think when comparing the Bucks and Celtics, Moranis has it mostly right. A lot though does depend on health too. Is Middleton 100%? Is Timelord healthy? In theory our bench should be better than theirs BUT they haven't looked like it, and it also seems like Mazzulla is hurting them by not defining their roles and playing them randomly each game.

If I had to rank the Top-6 between both teams, I'd go Giannis, Tatum, Jaylen, Holiday, Timelord (if healthy), Lopez. Then I'd say the next 2 guys, or 3 of the next 4 are Celtics with White, Brogdon in that mix. I don't really think the Bucks have a Brogdon/White in their bench which is our sneaky weapon.

He has been regarded as at worst the second best guard defender in the league for several seasons, with many rating him over Smart. "Very solid" seems wrong.

How about "very very solid" 

Will settle for rock solid

[Phantom255x]

Have people watched Holiday this season? He's been huge for them in the games Giannis is out, and he seems to have improved on defense, which is saying something because he was always a very solid defender. There was also a stretch during this season where it seemed he was hitting every clutch bucket lol.

Even though I still think Jaylen is marginally better, it's not a big margin. I do think 2023 Jaylen though is way better than Middleton, but that's also because Middleton still seems to be ramping up and might just be a bit hampered with all his knee issues/injuries.

I think when comparing the Bucks and Celtics, Moranis has it mostly right. A lot though does depend on health too. Is Middleton 100%? Is Timelord healthy? In theory our bench should be better than theirs BUT they haven't looked like it, and it also seems like Mazzulla is hurting them by not defining their roles and playing them randomly each game.

If I had to rank the Top-6 between both teams, I'd go Giannis, Tatum, Jaylen, Holiday, Timelord (if healthy), Lopez. Then I'd say the next 2 guys, or 3 of the next 4 are Celtics with White, Brogdon in that mix. I don't really think the Bucks have a Brogdon/White in their bench which is our sneaky weapon.

He has been regarded as at worst the second best guard defender in the league for several seasons, with many rating him over Smart. "Very solid" seems wrong.

How about "very very solid" 

Will settle for rock solid

You're the mod. We'll roll with it 

[ozgod]

Denver appear to be having the same problem. Oh the drudgery of trying to end the regular season 

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was critical of his team's effort following Tuesday night's 125-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors, saying that being in first place for so long has made them complacent.

The slumping Nuggets (46-23), who have lost four straight but maintain a four-game lead in the Western Conference, are winless since a March 6 home victory over the Raptors.

"Right now we're just in chill mode, and you can't be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season," Malone said. "We've got to try to find a way to get our swagger back."

"Maybe we've gotten a little soft with success," Malone said. "We've been on cruise control for so long, No. 1 in the West since like December 15. I just told our players we've gotten away from who we are."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35861978/michael-malone-slump-nuggets-cruise-control

A little bit of adversity for the Cs to teach them some humility and give them a sense of their own mortality before the playoffs might not be a bad thing. Just as long as they can dig themselves out of it that is 

[Moranis]

Denver appear to be having the same problem. Oh the drudgery of trying to end the regular season 

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was critical of his team's effort following Tuesday night's 125-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors, saying that being in first place for so long has made them complacent.

The slumping Nuggets (46-23), who have lost four straight but maintain a four-game lead in the Western Conference, are winless since a March 6 home victory over the Raptors.

"Right now we're just in chill mode, and you can't be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season," Malone said. "We've got to try to find a way to get our swagger back."

"Maybe we've gotten a little soft with success," Malone said. "We've been on cruise control for so long, No. 1 in the West since like December 15. I just told our players we've gotten away from who we are."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35861978/michael-malone-slump-nuggets-cruise-control

A little bit of adversity for the Cs to teach them some humility and give them a sense of their own mortality before the playoffs might not be a bad thing. Just as long as they can dig themselves out of it that is 

Or maybe teams are ramping up and actually exerting the effort to exploit Jokic defensively more now.

[gouki88]

Denver appear to be having the same problem. Oh the drudgery of trying to end the regular season 

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was critical of his team's effort following Tuesday night's 125-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors, saying that being in first place for so long has made them complacent.

The slumping Nuggets (46-23), who have lost four straight but maintain a four-game lead in the Western Conference, are winless since a March 6 home victory over the Raptors.

"Right now we're just in chill mode, and you can't be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season," Malone said. "We've got to try to find a way to get our swagger back."

"Maybe we've gotten a little soft with success," Malone said. "We've been on cruise control for so long, No. 1 in the West since like December 15. I just told our players we've gotten away from who we are."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35861978/michael-malone-slump-nuggets-cruise-control

A little bit of adversity for the Cs to teach them some humility and give them a sense of their own mortality before the playoffs might not be a bad thing. Just as long as they can dig themselves out of it that is 

Or maybe teams are ramping up and actually exerting the effort to exploit Jokic defensively more now.

Why would they only start doing that at the end of the season, especially when some of these teams are actively tanking? Illogical explanation given this has been something teams have sought to do against Jokic for 5 years

[celticsclay]

Denver appear to be having the same problem. Oh the drudgery of trying to end the regular season 

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was critical of his team's effort following Tuesday night's 125-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors, saying that being in first place for so long has made them complacent.

The slumping Nuggets (46-23), who have lost four straight but maintain a four-game lead in the Western Conference, are winless since a March 6 home victory over the Raptors.

"Right now we're just in chill mode, and you can't be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season," Malone said. "We've got to try to find a way to get our swagger back."

"Maybe we've gotten a little soft with success," Malone said. "We've been on cruise control for so long, No. 1 in the West since like December 15. I just told our players we've gotten away from who we are."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35861978/michael-malone-slump-nuggets-cruise-control

A little bit of adversity for the Cs to teach them some humility and give them a sense of their own mortality before the playoffs might not be a bad thing. Just as long as they can dig themselves out of it that is 

Or maybe teams are ramping up and actually exerting the effort to exploit Jokic defensively more now.

This is a head scratcher. They have lost to the nets, spurs, bulls and raptors during these stretch. The only things these teams are ramping up is the jets on their planes to go Cancun. Your point would make a little sense if it was like the clippers, warrios, suns etc. but with who they have played just have to hope you were being a bit tongue in cheek.

[celticsclay]

Denver appear to be having the same problem. Oh the drudgery of trying to end the regular season 

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was critical of his team's effort following Tuesday night's 125-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors, saying that being in first place for so long has made them complacent.

The slumping Nuggets (46-23), who have lost four straight but maintain a four-game lead in the Western Conference, are winless since a March 6 home victory over the Raptors.

"Right now we're just in chill mode, and you can't be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season," Malone said. "We've got to try to find a way to get our swagger back."

"Maybe we've gotten a little soft with success," Malone said. "We've been on cruise control for so long, No. 1 in the West since like December 15. I just told our players we've gotten away from who we are."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35861978/michael-malone-slump-nuggets-cruise-control

A little bit of adversity for the Cs to teach them some humility and give them a sense of their own mortality before the playoffs might not be a bad thing. Just as long as they can dig themselves out of it that is 

Or maybe teams are ramping up and actually exerting the effort to exploit Jokic defensively more now.

Why would they only start doing that at the end of the season, especially when some of these teams are actively tanking? Illogical explanation given this has been something teams have sought to do against Jokic for 5 years

Edit: you beat me to do it. This was a swing and a miss on an off the wall strategy of bashing jokic. I will give credit for the creativity of the spurs ramping up their defense at this point of the season.

[gouki88]

Denver appear to be having the same problem. Oh the drudgery of trying to end the regular season 

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was critical of his team's effort following Tuesday night's 125-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors, saying that being in first place for so long has made them complacent.

The slumping Nuggets (46-23), who have lost four straight but maintain a four-game lead in the Western Conference, are winless since a March 6 home victory over the Raptors.

"Right now we're just in chill mode, and you can't be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season," Malone said. "We've got to try to find a way to get our swagger back."

"Maybe we've gotten a little soft with success," Malone said. "We've been on cruise control for so long, No. 1 in the West since like December 15. I just told our players we've gotten away from who we are."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35861978/michael-malone-slump-nuggets-cruise-control

A little bit of adversity for the Cs to teach them some humility and give them a sense of their own mortality before the playoffs might not be a bad thing. Just as long as they can dig themselves out of it that is 

Or maybe teams are ramping up and actually exerting the effort to exploit Jokic defensively more now.

Why would they only start doing that at the end of the season, especially when some of these teams are actively tanking? Illogical explanation given this has been something teams have sought to do against Jokic for 5 years

Edit: you beat me to do it. This was a swing and a miss on an off the wall strategy of bashing jokic. I will give credit for the creativity of the spurs ramping up their defense at this point of the season.

It is quite curious. The Spurs, in a 3 way race for the best odds at who looks like a generational talent in Wembenyama, decide to go all out against the #1 Nuggets, because... ?

[Celtics2021]

Denver appear to be having the same problem. Oh the drudgery of trying to end the regular season 

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was critical of his team's effort following Tuesday night's 125-110 loss to the Toronto Raptors, saying that being in first place for so long has made them complacent.

The slumping Nuggets (46-23), who have lost four straight but maintain a four-game lead in the Western Conference, are winless since a March 6 home victory over the Raptors.

"Right now we're just in chill mode, and you can't be in chill mode with 13 games to go in the season," Malone said. "We've got to try to find a way to get our swagger back."

"Maybe we've gotten a little soft with success," Malone said. "We've been on cruise control for so long, No. 1 in the West since like December 15. I just told our players we've gotten away from who we are."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35861978/michael-malone-slump-nuggets-cruise-control

A little bit of adversity for the Cs to teach them some humility and give them a sense of their own mortality before the playoffs might not be a bad thing. Just as long as they can dig themselves out of it that is 

Or maybe teams are ramping up and actually exerting the effort to exploit Jokic defensively more now.

Why would they only start doing that at the end of the season, especially when some of these teams are actively tanking? Illogical explanation given this has been something teams have sought to do against Jokic for 5 years

Edit: you beat me to do it. This was a swing and a miss on an off the wall strategy of bashing jokic. I will give credit for the creativity of the spurs ramping up their defense at this point of the season.

It is quite curious. The Spurs, in a 3 way race for the best odds at who looks like a generational talent in Wembenyama, decide to go all out against the #1 Nuggets, because... ?

Because the bottom 3 teams all have the same odds for the #1 pick.  The Spurs are 4 games off of Charlotte of #4, so trying to win a game or two won’t hurt them.  Same thing with Houston.