2024-25 NBA Thread

[WilyWestbrook0]

Wow, the social media/Internet commentary I'm seeing on this game is something, lol. Lots of hate directed toward the Thunder's physical and aggressive defensive play style and SGA getting to the line a lot. I admit SGA did get some favorable calls for sure, but the FT differential between both teams was nonetheless just 5, not enough to change the outcome of the game. And I find it funny that a lot of people complain about OKC's aggressive defense when at the start of the season, everyone said they were sick of the NBA being a 3 point contest with no physicality on defense. Well now the Wolves chuck up 50 3 pointers and lose, and no one talks about that, but instead complain about a guy driving to the basket and a team playing physical defense. I guess some fans just always find something to complain about. I'm nonetheless still loving watching OKC rise to the challenge when even I was doubting them at times, and I'm fine with SGA being the D-Wade of the 2020s (I also recall criticism on all the FTs Wade got in his prime in the playoffs, although that was before the era of social media where anger and butthurt are amplified to the nth degree, so it didn't seem quite as over the top as it is now).

[WilyWestbrook0]

Took the league long enough, but they finally announced the MVP:

Sources: Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins NBA MVP - ESPN

[WilyWestbrook0]

Great start to the Knicks-Pacers game. Great shooting from both teams. Indiana's offense is pretty to watch under Carlisle; still looking great after the amazing Cavs series. If fans can't take the free throw and defensive grind-fest of the Thunder-Wolves series, they will certainly like the Knicks-Pacers better.

[pwaldo]

Wow, the social media/Internet commentary I'm seeing on this game is something, lol. Lots of hate directed toward the Thunder's physical and aggressive defensive play style and SGA getting to the line a lot. I admit SGA did get some favorable calls for sure, but the FT differential between both teams was nonetheless just 5, not enough to change the outcome of the game. And I find it funny that a lot of people complain about OKC's aggressive defense when at the start of the season, everyone said they were sick of the NBA being a 3 point contest with no physicality on defense. Well now the Wolves chuck up 50 3 pointers and lose, and no one talks about that, but instead complain about a guy driving to the basket and a team playing physical defense. I guess some fans just always find something to complain about. I'm nonetheless still loving watching OKC rise to the challenge when even I was doubting them at times, and I'm fine with SGA being the D-Wade of the 2020s (I also recall criticism on all the FTs Wade got in his prime in the playoffs, although that was before the era of social media where anger and butthurt are amplified to the nth degree, so it didn't seem quite as over the top as it is now).

People were saying this was because the Thunder are a small market and the league not liking that...but the Wolves are probably one of the few teams from a "smaller" market. Seems like they just prefer Edwards as the face of the league instead of SGA. Or they fear the Thunder beating the Knicks (who they want to win it all) and not the Wolves.

[WilyWestbrook0]

People were saying this was because the Thunder are a small market and the league not liking that...but the Wolves are probably one of the few teams from a "smaller" market. Seems like they just prefer Edwards as the face of the league instead of SGA. Or they fear the Thunder beating the Knicks (who they want to win it all) and not the Wolves.

I've read some talk about how the NBA MVPs have all been outside of the US the last seven years IIRC, so maybe there's a preference to have an American again like Ant (SGA is Canadian) be promoted. The Thunder do seem to have a much better shot at beating the Knicks than the Wolves do. Thunder swept the series against NYK and looked really dominant whereas Minny split the series with them.

[WilyWestbrook0]

Not over yet, Tyrese! Toe was on the line! Shouldn't have done the Reggie choke yet...

[WilyWestbrook0]

Pacers hold on after all! Couldn't have scripted that any better! Knicks had two shots with Brunson and KAT but missed both to end the OT and Bridges couldn't scramble to the loose ball fast enough! Wow what an EPIC game! Playoff CLASSIC! Really enjoyed that one as a neutral fan! The Pacers/Knicks rivalry is back, and it's fiery as ever!

[pwaldo]

I've read some talk about how the NBA MVPs have all been outside of the US the last seven years IIRC, so maybe there's a preference to have an American again like Ant (SGA is Canadian) be promoted. The Thunder do seem to have a much better shot at beating the Knicks than the Wolves do. Thunder swept the series against NYK and looked really dominant whereas Minny split the series with them.

He is basically the only foreign star leading a team left but nobody born in the US is going to win an NBA MVP anytime soon. You have Edwards, an injured Tatum or Flagg playing above his potential as the only guys who can realistically win one anymore soon. And that list is pathetic compared to the guys born outside the US who have already won or could potentially win one.

I called it years ago and the takeover in the NBA is almost complete. People are still in denial trying to say well yeah they have the top players but we have all the rest. Some quantity over quality cope but let's face it the Lebron, Durant, Harden, Westbrook, and Curry era of players is almost gone. When those guys all retire you have basically nothing. Unless something happens dramatically soon James Harden is going to be the trivia question as the last USA born player to win an MVP in the NBA.

[WilyWestbrook0]

He is basically the only foreign star leading a team left but nobody born in the US is going to win an NBA MVP anytime soon. You have Edwards, an injured Tatum or Flagg playing above his potential as the only guys who can realistically win one anymore soon. And that list is pathetic compared to the guys born outside the US who have already won or could potentially win one.

I called it years ago and the takeover in the NBA is almost complete. People are still in denial trying to say well yeah they have the top players but we have all the rest. Some quantity over quality cope but let's face it the Lebron, Durant, Harden, Westbrook, and Curry era of players is almost gone. When those guys all retire you have basically nothing. Unless something happens dramatically soon James Harden is going to be the trivia question as the last USA born player to win an MVP in the NBA.

I think you may be right. Canadian SGA is in his prime, and if the Thunder stay good, he could get another one or two. Then Wemby will start taking over if his health provides, and he's French/Congolese. If the Lakers build around Luka, he could get one too, another Euro like Jokic. American Flagg is super young so it will take him awhile if he's able to get there. If he does, he could very well be the first since Harden.

[WilyWestbrook0]

Thunder having a much less difficult time against Minny than the Jokic Machine of Denver. Just shows how great Jokic is and how much his passing creates for other players on his team. Thunder defense having such an easy time putting on the clamps against Minny because their offense is so much more predictable and easy to defend.