{~}Official 2023/2024 NBA Thread - 2024 Summer League, USA Hoops
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No A.I.
Yeah, it's a role player draft
It might be good for a team like Memphis that's solid when healthy
10 takeaways from tonight in the NBA:
1) No Mitchell, no Allen, and now no LeVert. Gotta hand it to the Cavs. Playing without three of their top five leading scorers, they played their asses off ... for about three-and-a-half quarters. Took longer than expected but the Celtics finally put the Cavs outta their misery.
It’s been the season from hell for Cleveland. Mitchell and Mobley’s knees, Garland’s jaw, Allen’s hip. I mean, how much can one team withstand? We all know what’s next for Cleveland. A summer of drama, so if you’re not into it, might wanna go ahead and mute "Donovan Mitchell" now.
"I consider this season an improvement." - JB Bickerstaff
2) Still having a hard time believing what Marcus Morris just did. 25 points on 93.0 TS% in the year 2024. Most he’s scored in a game since March 2022. One point short of a playoff career-high and on ridiculously tough shots. The difficult shots shouldn’t be what’s surprising. His career has been full of 'em, for better or worse. It’s that he’s still capable of doing it despite the lack of playing time. Guess we should applaud the "stay ready" mentality. Just never gonna tell my kid to learn from Marcus Morris.
3) Think Ol' Man Horford (22 points, 15 rebounds, 4 stocks, +26) wanted a few extra days rest? Came into this game having missed 11 straight 3's. Today, he tied his career-high with six made 3's. Cavs were daring him to beat them with crazy deep drops. Only shot they had to win this game was 3-point variance and what better way to boost your odds than living with the guy who’s struggled most.
It wasn’t just the 3's. He was playing lockdown defense too, especially when guarding Garland in isolation. He was everywhere. It got the crowd louder than it’s been all postseason, which was needed after they were quiet as hell to start. Al was giving them life and they were giving it right back to him. Haven’t seen him full of that much charisma in a bit. Received standing ovations and MVP chants. So damn impressive considering he’s turning 38 in a few weeks.
Check out his postgame fit when you get the chance.
"Tonight, you saw his gift." - Joe Mazzulla on Al Horford
4) "Somebody’s got to step up, somebody’s got to make plays, somebody’s got to make others better. So just try to help DG in that regard & we can all do it together." - Max Strus this morning
Man, did he live up to his words. We got Point Strus tonight (12 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds). Evan Mobley stepped up as well. Finished with a playoff career-high 33 points on 63.0 TS%. Cavs have a lot to figure out this offseason but it’s been great to see Mobley’s offensive game open up some. Averaging 21.4 points and 9.4 boards in a playoff series against the C's is something to build on. We’re quick to forget that he’s still only 22 years old.
"I just got to stay in attack mode throughout the entire games -- I feel like my teammates have done a good job instilling that confidence -- Just build that confidence and just keep attacking, keep attacking." - Evan Mobley on what he’s learned this playoff run
5) Didn’t wanna leave out Jayson Tatum (25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals). This might have been his best game of the playoffs. Was in total command all night. Nothing was forced, the scoring was efficient, made all the right reads. Yeah, we can harp on his early-series shooting struggles but he’s been making a positive impact whether it’s with his defense or playmaking. Al was clearly the star of the show but they don’t win this game without Tatum.
Celtics beat the Cavs 113-98. Six conference finals in eight years. Wild stuff.
"Everybody wants to win until it’s really time to win. Then you have to nut up and do a lot of shit that you don’t want to do." - Joe Mazzulla
6) Daigneault actually did it. He benched Josh Giddey. Been begging for it since Game 2. First time in his 218-game career coming off the bench. Better late than never, I guess. Isaiah Joe (6 points, 2-8 3PT) draws the start for spacing purposes. Don’t think that sticks but that’s another discussion.
Giddey (11 points, 68.8 TS%) got a loud ovation when he first checked in. He wasn’t terrible. Took what was given but that’s been the problem, right? Dallas bigs leave him open and it ruins everything the Thunder try to do.
"It gave us a chance to get back into some normal attacks on offense ...Generate some flow to start the game ... It also gave Josh some 2nd unit minutes to playmake a little bit." - Mark Daigneault on benching Giddey
7) PJ Washington got into some foul trouble early. Totally cool cause Derrick Jones Jr. then took his superpowers. Scored 10 of the Mavs' 24 first-quarter points. Much like Dallas has done to Giddey, OKC has been daring Dallas' wings to shoot and DJJ was the one who came through today. His 19 points (7-9 FG, 3-5 3FG) are a new playoff career-high, surpassing his previous high of 17 on Monday.
Tim Hardaway Jr., on the other hand. Woof. Took some of the worst shot attempts you’ll ever see.
8) The Thunder led the league in 3PT% in the regular season at 38.9%. They’re shooting 29.1% since Game 1. They’re 17 of their last 67. Credit to Dallas cause this ain’t just OKC missing open looks. Mavs are funneling everything to the guys they want to shoot. Yeah, it doesn’t help when Chet Holmgren is shooting 1-of-5 or Isaiah Joe is shooting 2-of-8 but...
Lu Dort: 2-8
Cason Wallace: 1-5
Josh Giddey: 1-3
Jaylin Williams: 1-3
You’re winning the battle when those guys combine to attempt 19 3's.
"There’s no player, regardless of where they are in their career, that doesn’t struggle in the playoffs at different times throughout the course of a series ... Those guys are going to bounce back. They’re really good players that we have a ton of confidence in." - Mark Daigneault on JDub and Chet
9) Poor Shai, man. There’s only so much one can do. Ask Donovan Mitchell or Anthony Edwards. Scores a team-high 30 points on 60.9 TS% to go along with 8 assists. Got to all his spots, and generated open looks for all his teammates. We already brought up the team’s shooting struggles but just to put it in perspective...
SGA: 12-22 FG (54.5%)
Rest of Thunder: 25-65 (38.5%)
Thunder with SGA ON: -3
Thunder with SGA OFF: -9
This one ain’t on him.
"I felt like we played well offensively tonight. We got a lot of good looks we usually make." - SGA
10) Luka’s back ... well for now at least. For one night, we forgot about the injuries. That’s its own thing by the way. Did you hear that Greenberg report pregame?
"If this were the regular season Luka would’ve been shut down for a least 2 weeks. Luka has been getting 2-3 hours of intense therapy daily."
We shouldn’t be surprised but it’s still nuts to see. It’s been a rough postseason but tonight, he was incredible. And he was doing it with a smile on his face for much of the game rather than the constant complaining we’re used to. His playmaking was peak Luka. Had to rewind a couple of those passes he made. Goes 5-of-11 from 3 and gets his second straight trip-dub (31 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds).
Mavs beat the Thunder 104-92. Maybe OKC is too young? Game 6 is Saturday.
"When they chant Luka sucks, it gets me going." - Luka
When will these people ever learn?
1) No Mitchell, no Allen, and now no LeVert. Gotta hand it to the Cavs. Playing without three of their top five leading scorers, they played their asses off ... for about three-and-a-half quarters. Took longer than expected but the Celtics finally put the Cavs outta their misery.
It’s been the season from hell for Cleveland. Mitchell and Mobley’s knees, Garland’s jaw, Allen’s hip. I mean, how much can one team withstand? We all know what’s next for Cleveland. A summer of drama, so if you’re not into it, might wanna go ahead and mute "Donovan Mitchell" now.
"I consider this season an improvement." - JB Bickerstaff
2) Still having a hard time believing what Marcus Morris just did. 25 points on 93.0 TS% in the year 2024. Most he’s scored in a game since March 2022. One point short of a playoff career-high and on ridiculously tough shots. The difficult shots shouldn’t be what’s surprising. His career has been full of 'em, for better or worse. It’s that he’s still capable of doing it despite the lack of playing time. Guess we should applaud the "stay ready" mentality. Just never gonna tell my kid to learn from Marcus Morris.
3) Think Ol' Man Horford (22 points, 15 rebounds, 4 stocks, +26) wanted a few extra days rest? Came into this game having missed 11 straight 3's. Today, he tied his career-high with six made 3's. Cavs were daring him to beat them with crazy deep drops. Only shot they had to win this game was 3-point variance and what better way to boost your odds than living with the guy who’s struggled most.
It wasn’t just the 3's. He was playing lockdown defense too, especially when guarding Garland in isolation. He was everywhere. It got the crowd louder than it’s been all postseason, which was needed after they were quiet as hell to start. Al was giving them life and they were giving it right back to him. Haven’t seen him full of that much charisma in a bit. Received standing ovations and MVP chants. So damn impressive considering he’s turning 38 in a few weeks.
Check out his postgame fit when you get the chance.
"Tonight, you saw his gift." - Joe Mazzulla on Al Horford
4) "Somebody’s got to step up, somebody’s got to make plays, somebody’s got to make others better. So just try to help DG in that regard & we can all do it together." - Max Strus this morning
Man, did he live up to his words. We got Point Strus tonight (12 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds). Evan Mobley stepped up as well. Finished with a playoff career-high 33 points on 63.0 TS%. Cavs have a lot to figure out this offseason but it’s been great to see Mobley’s offensive game open up some. Averaging 21.4 points and 9.4 boards in a playoff series against the C's is something to build on. We’re quick to forget that he’s still only 22 years old.
"I just got to stay in attack mode throughout the entire games -- I feel like my teammates have done a good job instilling that confidence -- Just build that confidence and just keep attacking, keep attacking." - Evan Mobley on what he’s learned this playoff run
5) Didn’t wanna leave out Jayson Tatum (25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals). This might have been his best game of the playoffs. Was in total command all night. Nothing was forced, the scoring was efficient, made all the right reads. Yeah, we can harp on his early-series shooting struggles but he’s been making a positive impact whether it’s with his defense or playmaking. Al was clearly the star of the show but they don’t win this game without Tatum.
Celtics beat the Cavs 113-98. Six conference finals in eight years. Wild stuff.
"Everybody wants to win until it’s really time to win. Then you have to nut up and do a lot of shit that you don’t want to do." - Joe Mazzulla
6) Daigneault actually did it. He benched Josh Giddey. Been begging for it since Game 2. First time in his 218-game career coming off the bench. Better late than never, I guess. Isaiah Joe (6 points, 2-8 3PT) draws the start for spacing purposes. Don’t think that sticks but that’s another discussion.
Giddey (11 points, 68.8 TS%) got a loud ovation when he first checked in. He wasn’t terrible. Took what was given but that’s been the problem, right? Dallas bigs leave him open and it ruins everything the Thunder try to do.
"It gave us a chance to get back into some normal attacks on offense ...Generate some flow to start the game ... It also gave Josh some 2nd unit minutes to playmake a little bit." - Mark Daigneault on benching Giddey
7) PJ Washington got into some foul trouble early. Totally cool cause Derrick Jones Jr. then took his superpowers. Scored 10 of the Mavs' 24 first-quarter points. Much like Dallas has done to Giddey, OKC has been daring Dallas' wings to shoot and DJJ was the one who came through today. His 19 points (7-9 FG, 3-5 3FG) are a new playoff career-high, surpassing his previous high of 17 on Monday.
Tim Hardaway Jr., on the other hand. Woof. Took some of the worst shot attempts you’ll ever see.
8) The Thunder led the league in 3PT% in the regular season at 38.9%. They’re shooting 29.1% since Game 1. They’re 17 of their last 67. Credit to Dallas cause this ain’t just OKC missing open looks. Mavs are funneling everything to the guys they want to shoot. Yeah, it doesn’t help when Chet Holmgren is shooting 1-of-5 or Isaiah Joe is shooting 2-of-8 but...
Lu Dort: 2-8
Cason Wallace: 1-5
Josh Giddey: 1-3
Jaylin Williams: 1-3
You’re winning the battle when those guys combine to attempt 19 3's.
"There’s no player, regardless of where they are in their career, that doesn’t struggle in the playoffs at different times throughout the course of a series ... Those guys are going to bounce back. They’re really good players that we have a ton of confidence in." - Mark Daigneault on JDub and Chet
9) Poor Shai, man. There’s only so much one can do. Ask Donovan Mitchell or Anthony Edwards. Scores a team-high 30 points on 60.9 TS% to go along with 8 assists. Got to all his spots, and generated open looks for all his teammates. We already brought up the team’s shooting struggles but just to put it in perspective...
SGA: 12-22 FG (54.5%)
Rest of Thunder: 25-65 (38.5%)
Thunder with SGA ON: -3
Thunder with SGA OFF: -9
This one ain’t on him.
"I felt like we played well offensively tonight. We got a lot of good looks we usually make." - SGA
10) Luka’s back ... well for now at least. For one night, we forgot about the injuries. That’s its own thing by the way. Did you hear that Greenberg report pregame?
"If this were the regular season Luka would’ve been shut down for a least 2 weeks. Luka has been getting 2-3 hours of intense therapy daily."
We shouldn’t be surprised but it’s still nuts to see. It’s been a rough postseason but tonight, he was incredible. And he was doing it with a smile on his face for much of the game rather than the constant complaining we’re used to. His playmaking was peak Luka. Had to rewind a couple of those passes he made. Goes 5-of-11 from 3 and gets his second straight trip-dub (31 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds).
Mavs beat the Thunder 104-92. Maybe OKC is too young? Game 6 is Saturday.
"When they chant Luka sucks, it gets me going." - Luka
When will these people ever learn?
Hey. Can only play what is placed in front of you......we the A-side; so everything is going to look bad.
like Jay-Z said....
"Look, if I beat you, I'm brainless · But if you beat me, then you're famous........what's a Celtic to do"
there is no winning with you guys
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Joe got a job with the league and named an award after himself.
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SGA will be glad to hear this news ...
toronto.ctvnews.ca
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globalnews.ca
toronto.citynews.ca
www.thestar.com
Judge rules in favour of NBA star, nullifies purchase of $8M Burlington mansion once occupied by 'crypto king'
A judge has ruled in favour of NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in his lawsuit against a company that sold him a Burlington mansion previously occupied by self-proclaimed ‘crypto king’ Aiden Pleterski.
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‘Crypto King’ arrest: Ontario police fear more victims in ‘massive’ fraud case | Globalnews.ca
Durham Regional Police fear there are more victims involved in a 'massive' fraud case allegedly linked to Ontario's self-declared 'Crypto King.'
globalnews.ca
'Crypto King' solicited investments as recently as February: police
Officers held a press conference to share details on Project Swan, which detailed the investigation into Aiden Pleterski, the Crypto King.
toronto.citynews.ca
Private jets, exotic cars, luxury vacations: Inside the life of Ontario’s ‘Crypto King’
Court documents show Aiden Pleterski, 25, was arrested May 2 and charged with fraud over $5,000 and laundering the proceeds of crime.
With all due respect, I'd knock the 3 to the right outta the ballpark. That one to the left, I hope she finds what she is looking for.
You brought this on yourself Green Font. Remember all that New England shit? We didn't forget nigga. Celtics no different. BGOL ain't letting up on yo ass. Enjoy the fruits of your labor my boy!
I bet they are
Oh for sure. I figure the Kardashian looking one holding up the jersey is a model.
You messing with me? That IS Kim....ain't it
Oh, you’re right. I didn’t know.
Oh shit, Kim and Pete!!!! Were they messing with us???
Definitely ain't bringing home a woman that looks like his momma
No, and the owner basically took it back off the market.
I think he realized the team was good and the value was going to go up, but they didn't meet the time in which they had to come up with the money.
I've been wondering why he's been going to the games