NBA Season 2024-25

[Phantom255x]

Saw a ridiculous stat.

This will be the first Western Conference Finals in 29 years to not feature a team from either California or Texas.   The last one was Sonics-Jazz in '96.

I saw that too. It's insane. Kind of also like how in the NFL, the AFCCG featured Flacco, Peyton Manning, Big Ben and Brady for a ton of years in a row (I think 20+). Sadly time just flies. Lot of changes happening now, almost like a "changing of the old guard to the new". Lebron will also retire in a year or two. End of eras.

[Roy H.]

Saw a ridiculous stat.

This will be the first Western Conference Finals in 29 years to not feature a team from either California or Texas.   The last one was Sonics-Jazz in '96.

I saw that too. It's insane. Kind of also like how in the NFL, the AFCCG featured Flacco, Peyton Manning, Big Ben and Brady for a ton of years in a row (I think 20+). Sadly time just flies. Lot of changes happening now, almost like a "changing of the old guard to the new". Lebron will also retire in a year or two. End of eras.

It's a neat stat, but it's also accounting for 7 out of 15 teams.

It's roughly like asking, when is the last ECF that didn't involve a team from the Atlantic or Central divisions?  California and Texas are just big states.

[Phantom255x]

Saw a ridiculous stat.

This will be the first Western Conference Finals in 29 years to not feature a team from either California or Texas.   The last one was Sonics-Jazz in '96.

I saw that too. It's insane. Kind of also like how in the NFL, the AFCCG featured Flacco, Peyton Manning, Big Ben and Brady for a ton of years in a row (I think 20+). Sadly time just flies. Lot of changes happening now, almost like a "changing of the old guard to the new". Lebron will also retire in a year or two. End of eras.

It's a neat stat, but it's also accounting for 7 out of 15 teams.

It's roughly like asking, when is the last ECF that didn't involve a team from the Atlantic or Central divisions?  California and Texas are just big states.

Right, but the NFL in theory should have more parity given the cap space restrictions and the lack of many dynasties. It's basically been the same 4 QBs, and really I'd say 2 of them (Manning and Brady) for many years in a row. It's kind of like now with Josh Allen and Mahomes, sprinkled in with Burrow and Lamar, but they have a ways to go as well.

[Who]

Good sign. Ant shooting well to start the game.

[Who]

It it amazing how much my perception of Jaden McDaniels changes depending on his offense. He is such a frustrating player when he is passive offensively. And when he can't make outside shots. He turns himself into a one-way player.

But when he is aggressive and driving. Get some easy scores at the rim. Some short to midrange jumpers. Hitting his outside shot at an acceptable clip. What a difference it makes to his game.

[jpotter33]

The amount of contact they allow OKC on defense is criminal.

[Who]

Minnesota making a lot of 3s.

I am a bit worried about that. About what will happen to them when those 3s stop falling at this clip. What is it? 2 for Ant, 2 for Randle, 1 for McDaniels, 1 for DiVincenzo. At high accuracy. Lot of dependence on the 3 so early in the game.

Not getting easy high percentage shots closer to the basket or even good percentage short to midrange jumpers. Heavy reliance on the outside shot to beat that OKC defense.

[Who]

I Joe getting the nod over A Wiggins this series. A reversal of the last round. A Wiggins preferred for his defense. Played very well. I Joe getting the first look this series. Better offensive player.

[jpotter33]

Randle!

[Who]

I don't understand playing Kenrich Williams ahead of Jaylin Williams or not bringing back in Hartenstein.

Is it because they want Kenrich Williams defensively on Naz Reid? Is their best perimeter defender of the three of them. Even if he is their best perimeter defender, is the best overall player of the three of them?

[Who]

Looks like Wolves coach doesn't want Gobert on the floor when Hartenstein isn't there. Letting OKC disrupt usual substitution patterns in order to get the matchups he wants.

Also looks like OKC coach has similar idea. Doesn't have much trust in Hartenstein without Gobert there to play against.

[Who]

DiVincenzo 1-7 FGA
NAW 1-8 FGA

2-15 FGA from their two main perimeter bench guys.

[jpotter33]

SGA?s game is so overly reliant on generating free throws.

Dude is just out there throwing his body around trying to get to the line. The basketball gods can?t reward this nonsense, which is particularly egregious given how rough their defense is on the other side of the floor.

[Goldstar88]

SGA?s game is so overly reliant on generating free throws.

Dude is just out there throwing his body around trying to get to the line. The basketball gods can?t reward this nonsense, which is particularly egregious given how rough their defense is on the other side of the floor.

The Wolves physicality is really bothering him. McDaniels and Ant are doing a great job.

[Who]

SGA 2-13 FGA 7-9 FTA.

11pts 4ast 2stl. 2 turnovers.