2024 NBA Season and Playoffs

[Who]

I tuned in a few mins late. I did not even realize Conley wasn't playing. That explains that weird big lineup with Ant and J McDaniels in the backcourt together. Why Slow Mo was playing SF minutes. Why Monte Morris is getting the extended run here.

Conley is a big loss for Minnesota.

[jpotter33]

Man, Gobert has not been good.

Also, will Ant get the same smoke that JT has got for not putting up huge numbers when the defense has loaded up on him and focused on stopping him? Ant is only 1-7 with 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists thus far with the extra defensive attention clearly stifling him. At least JT was contributing in other ways.

[Who]

Jokic 19min = 19pts 7-10 FGA 8ast 2stl 1blk

Freak

[Who]

J Murray = 2-8 FGA 4pts 1ast
MPJ = 1-6 FGA 3pts but 5reb 2blk

A Gordon = 6pts 4reb 2ast
C Braun = 7pts 1stl 2blk
KCP = 7pts

Jokic carrying the Nuggets with 19pts and 8ast. The hustle guys are bringing it to give him some support. His 2nd and 3rd leading scorers are MIA thus far though. Why DEN hasn't built a strong lead despite Minny's struggles.

[Who]

Ant is spending so much energy drawing help defenders and moving the ball. Getting everyone else involved. Too much PG duties. He doesn't have the same freedom to attack. To be selfish. Put himself first. Score first, pass second. Instead he is pass first, score second. Looks like he is struggling to find the balance in his offense without Conley around.

NAW and Monte Morris need to do more PG duties. Let Ant be free to attack. To be more aggressive looking for his own offense.

[Who]

I wonder if Minny should go with McLaughlin instead of M Morris. At least McLaughlin isn't afraid to shoot a 3.

Their offense is struggling from both (1) a lack of spacing from M Morris and Slow Mo both being reluctant to shoot from the outside (2) a lack of secondary playmaking from the weakside. Someone who will attack the defense hard off the dribble and create after Ant draws the initial double. They are too tentative taking the ball to the rim. M Morris, NAW, Slow Mo, Jaden McDaniels. Towns is probably the most aggressive. There needs to be more secondary ball-handling and attacking open space from the weakside from the perimeter players.

Ant can't be the only perimeter player who is willing to drive the ball. Especially when the other guys are not even willing to shoot the 3 either. You cannot not shoot the 3 + not drive. You gotta do one of them. Otherwise you are just destroying the offense.

Jaden McDaniels needs to step up too. He can score some. He can drive the ball. He needs to do it. He is their best driver with Conley out. He is their 4th best scorer with Conley out. He needs to step up.

[Who]

2 off reb in one possession for A Gordon.

He now has 5 offensive rebounds. 3 defensive boards. 10pts 8reb 2ast.

[Who]

Gobert gets so down whenever Jokic scores on him.

You can't let yourself get rattled. Keep it together.

[Who]

Jokic now has 25pts and 13ast on 10-14 FGA in 26min.

[CelticSooner]

Minnesota had a chance there but they are so focused on trying to limit Murray and nothing else. Their offense is so bad if Edwards isn't breaking down the defense.

[Who]

Denver got this. Minnesota are falling apart.

[mr. dee]

Minny already in panic mode

[jpotter33]

Good Lord. Jokic is unbelievable.

[jpotter33]

Minnesota had a chance there but they are so focused on trying to limit Murray and nothing else. Their offense is so bad if Edwards isn't breaking down the defense.

I'm surprised it took Denver this long to employ this.

It's not like Boston where if you put too much focus on Tatum the rest of the elite offensive talent with kill you. Rather, Minny is similar to years past with the Celtics in that if you double and overextend on Ant to take him away, there's a good chance the others won't make up the rest of the offense and burn you. Just not enough offensive talent.

[jpotter33]

Goodness. Jokic making the 4-Time DPOY look like a ragdoll out there and scoring at will on him.