Game Thread NBA Playoffs Thread - 2023 CHAMPIONSHIP! Nuggets vs Heat!

[Phatguysrule]

It’s on ABC. Don’t need any package.

I don't have an antenna for local channels (though I should). So it'll have to be streaming free or on one of my packages.

But it looks like it should be.

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[e_blazer]

Quick question for the Cronin fans.
Should Jody be interviewing Bob Meyers?

Why? Do you think he could help us get GP2 back?

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Definitely a valid opinion. Of course, injuries are a part of the game, and Miami has their fair share as well. I personally think that Bucks series goes the same way. Bucks got smoked in games 4 and 5 with Giannis. The team kind of had the bad luck of going through a period of poor play at the wrong time of year.

These are both subjective opinions though, so I guess that is it. Haha

They are subjective for sure. Just my opinion with no basis to substantiate it.

 

[theprunetang]

They are subjective for sure. Just my opinion with no basis to substantiate it.

And same for me really. Haha

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I love the game. And yes I will watch summer league games like a dork…..but this finals matchups just seems absolutely horrible. Maybe my viewing habits have changed. I actually didn’t watch much of the east this playoffs for the first time in forever.

Not sure how a true basketball fan can miss watching Jokic.

All those year of watching a selfish ball hog Kobe, but you don't want to watch the most skilled big man since Bill Walton?

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Nonetheless, it shows the line between losing and winning a title is thin. They were crushed by the Hawks in the first play in game.

I think the league has both way more parity than it used to plus currently no dominant teams.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I dont see how Miami is competitive in this series. Will be a Nuggets sweep most likely, maybe they have an off night and it goes 5.

Unlikely Jokic gets hurt in only 4 or 5 games but that's probably Miami most realistic chance.

The East was super weak this year. Phoenix or the Lakers probably beat Miami/ Boston/etc too.

 

[AldoTrapani]

Told ya about denver years ago

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Nonetheless, it shows the line between losing and winning a title is thin. They were crushed by the Hawks in the first play in game.

This is very true!

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Jimmy had a bum ankle too. And Giannis didn’t miss 3 games.

I think you are missing the point here but yes Butler missed a game due to an ankle injury and the Knicks took advantage of that immediately. Hats off to Butler for taking care of that injury during the three days he had off for it and getting back on the court.
I'm simply saying that I don't feel they would have got past the Bucks had Giannis been healthy and yes i consider it missing three games beings he only played 11 minutes in one of them. I also don't think they would have beat the Celtics had Tatum been healthy in Game 7. The very look of the play that he got injured on makes me think that. Instead of settling for a jumper he was being aggressive and drove to the hoop which is exactly what was beating the Heat.

As was stated in another post these things are completely subjective as there is no way to prove or disprove it. My overall point is more about "Make the Playoffs!" Even a 6-8 seed can make some noise even if everyone feels it will be a 4 game sweep as many assumed would happen to not only the Heat but also the Lakers. Pretty sure a number of people thought the lakers were done going against the Warriors. I can also find comments Sacramento beating the Warriors.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Why? Do you think he could help us get GP2 back?

It would be "Fairly" funny no?

 

[PDXFonz]

Heat in 5

 

[stampedehero]

Denver is gonna win. 4-2

 

[Fairly-Hard]

4-1 Gentleman's sweep. Denver.

 

[KingSpeed]

I dont see how Miami is competitive in this series. Will be a Nuggets sweep most likely, maybe they have an off night and it goes 5.

Unlikely Jokic gets hurt in only 4 or 5 games but that's probably Miami most realistic chance.

The East was super weak this year. Phoenix or the Lakers probably beat Miami/ Boston/etc too.

Actually, in the season, the Bucks, Sixers, and Celtics were the strongest teams in the league. Every West seriously struggled for a substantial stretch at some point in the season. Including the Nuggets.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Actually, in the season, the Bucks, Sixers, and Celtics were the strongest teams in the league. Every West seriously struggled for a substantial stretch at some point in the season. Including the Nuggets.

The west also beat up on each other more with stronger teams all the way from the top down to 6th and 7th seeds such as the Warriors/Lakers. Thats why the Nuggets had 53 wins as a #1 seed - one of the lowest marks ever.

Bucks were a very strong team and if healthy could've matched any western team. The 6ers/Celtics/Heat just don't have the talent to contend with Nuggets/Suns/Lakers if all these teams are playing well.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Crazy stat someone posted that the West hasn't had a non Cali/Texas team win the title since the Sonics in 1979 - 43 years ago. Here are the west teams that made the finals in the timespan but all lost - followed by the east champ;

2021 Phoenix Suns (Bucks)
2012 OKC Thunder (Heat)
1998 Utah Jazz (Bulls)
1997 Utah Jazz (Bulls)
1996 Seattle SuperSonics (Bulls)
1993 Phoenix Suns (Bulls)
1992 Portland TrailBlazers (Bulls)

So 7 west teams - but 5 of whom were sacrificial lambs against the Bulls. Bulls won every series 4-2. Suns lost 2-4 as well, and Thunder 1-4.

 

[KingSpeed]

The west also beat up on each other more with stronger teams all the way from the top down to 6th and 7th seeds such as the Warriors/Lakers. Thats why the Nuggets had 53 wins as a #1 seed - one of the lowest marks ever.

Bucks were a very strong team and if healthy could've matched any western team. The 6ers/Celtics/Heat just don't have the talent to contend with Nuggets/Suns/Lakers if all these teams are playing well.

I definitely disagree with that but we’ll never know.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[BigGameDamian]

 

[tlongII]

Going pretty much as expected so far.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[KingSpeed]

Going pretty much as expected so far.

Yep. Miami has taken Denver out of their game. If Miami makes their shots, they’ll sweep. I liked Heat in 7 before this game started but now I don’t see how Denver wins 3 games. Keep in mind, Miami beat Giannis/Lopez. They can beat Gordon.

 

[tlongII]

Yep. Miami has taken Denver out of their game. If Miami makes their shots, they’ll sweep. I liked Heat in 7 before this game started but now I don’t see how Denver wins 3 games. Keep in mind, Miami beat Giannis/Lopez. They can beat Gordon.

LOL! Denver is kicking their ass!

 

[DDolla]

Denver is soooo good. I’m soooo jealous

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I definitely disagree with that but we’ll never know.

Well I'd say if the Nuggets sweep the Heat it would be some evidence to my claims, but yeah most of these opinions on this site are impossible to prove or disprove.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Yep. Miami has taken Denver out of their game. If Miami makes their shots, they’ll sweep. I liked Heat in 7 before this game started but now I don’t see how Denver wins 3 games. Keep in mind, Miami beat Giannis/Lopez. They can beat Gordon.

You cant be serious LMAO

 

[AldoTrapani]

My team the nuggets! Told ya for years!

 

[KingSpeed]

You cant be serious LMAO

Miami will win the series. Once Herro comes back, it’s over. Gotta play Kevin Love too.