team of hatred. Actually had to do a search, I'd forgotten Gone but forgotten https://bbs.clutchfans.net/threads/holiday-poll-dumb-list-or-team-of-hatred.318114/
This ain’t the ECF. He deserved it then. This is a coronation for Nikola Jokic as the top player in basketball. And he deserves it. Awesome.
James Butler with only 1 FGA in the 4th quarter of an important playoff game. Brace yourselves. It’s the first sign of the apocalypse.
Btw where were the legendary players / coaches like Issel, Bickerstaff, Deke, Karl, McDyess, Stith, Ellis, Pack?!
I expected Denver to take the 1st 2 at home. Its what happens in Miami that will determine if the Heat have any chance at all.
I thought the customary finals schedule was a game every other day except for changing locations. But, the next game is not until Sunday. Is this a change or have I just forgotten the plan?
While Jokic deserves all the accolades he gets, let's also not forget how dominant Jamal Murray has been in these playoffs. Currently averaging 27.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 stocks on 48.0/39.8/92.5% shooting. Dude is playing like a superstar in his own right--huge increase over his regular season averages. I don't know if I believe there is a clutch gene where a guy steps his game up in the playoffs, but if there is, Murray clearly has it.
I'm not sure I'd say that Murray is playing like a superstar--I don't think he could effectively carry the Nuggets, even with a (lesser) co-star. However, he does give the Nuggets a tough-shot-maker, which can help the Nuggets survive the non-Jokic minutes, when their offense grinds its gears. That's a pretty critical component.
He's 7th in PER during the playoffs (ahead of LeBron, Tatum, KD), tied for 8th with Jimmy in points per game. If he's not playing like a superstar, he's damn close. Anyway, my overall point was he's been incredible, however you want to describe it
2 franchises that have never selected the 1st Overall Pick in a Draft. https://www.dunkest.com/en/nba/news/140196/nba-draft-teams-most-first-round-picks#:~:text=The Cavs are the team,players drafted into the NBA.
Shows how it's not strictly necessary. Hard to argue against KD and even Russ/Harden despite their flaws, Wade, Jokic, Stockton, Malone, etc as being good enough to be worthy of a #1 pick, given how often #1 picks don't even turn out to be All-NBA players.