}~~~> Official 2024/2025 NBA Thread<~~~{ (Jimmy Butler’s quest to play for every team in NBA)
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Props to Russ. Looks like he has found a home.
Ten Takeaways From 1/10/25
ONE) Mass Rest Warriors
Don’t wanna take anything away from Indiana. They’ve been unbelievable lately, winning five straight by double-digits. They’re halfway to where the Cavs are. Still, the Warriors were without Steph, Dray, Wiggins, Kuminga, Podz, and GPII. What’s there to learn from this? Pat Spencer had a career-high in the first quarter and finished with 17.
Three Pacers scored 20+ (Haliburton, Siakam, Mathurin). Haliburton and Siakam missed six combined shots (20-26 FG). Indiana’s been winning with defense and today was no different. The Warriors shot 14-of-36 from the paint (38.9%) and 10-of-38 from three (26.3%).
The Pacers beat the G League Warriors 108-96.
TWO) Paolo’s Back… For Real
It’s been 34 games but Paolo’s finally back. They played the Undertaker theme when introducing him in the starting lineup. Pretty cool. Mosley said he’d be on a minute restriction, he played 27. Looked almost too comfortable out there scoring 34 points on 66.9% TS. Also had 15 in the 4th but missed a game-tying free throw with 10 seconds left. There was no rust and no holding back. 46.8% usage in his first game back… whew. Cole Anthony (18 points, 7 rebounds, 35 minutes) somehow keeps his starting job even with Paolo back. Jett Howard left this game with a sprained ankle in the third quarter and did not return.
Milwaukee won this game in the paint, outsourcing Orlando 48-34. Giannis was a big part of that with his 41 points on 44.0% USG. He also passed Jamal Crawford to move up to 59th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list (19,452).
"The kid has been working his tail off to get back in. ... He's a star for a reason." - Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero's 34-point performance
“I feel alright, a little sore. I think I performed, you know, pretty good.” - Paolo Banchero on how he felt afterward
The Bucks beat the Magic 109-106.
THREE) Herb Done
The Pelicans announced today that Herb Jones has been diagnosed with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder. Same shoulder he hurt earlier this season. They say he’ll be out indefinitely but might as well say he’s done for the season. It’s highly unlikely he returns from this. Whatever the Grizzlies had last season, it’s been passed on down to New Orleans. They lose someone every week.
Pelicans who have lost at least 15 games because of injury:
Zion Williamson
Brandon Ingram
Dejounte Murray
Trey Murphy
Herb Jones
Jordan Hawkins
Jose Alvarado
If that wasn’t bad enough…
FOUR) Zion Suspended
You know it’s bad anytime a team has two announcements in one day. The Pelicans also announced that Zion Williamson has been suspended for one game for a violation of team policies.
What happened was that he was late for the team’s flight to Philly and this wasn’t the first time. He’s also been late for multiple practices this season so basically, they’ve given him a pass one too many times and they couldn’t take it anymore.
"There were several occasions that led up to this… He apologized for his mistake. He's taken accountability. Now we move forward." - Willie Green on Zion’s suspension
This kinda shit just isn’t excusable anymore. He’s 24 years old and has been in the league for six years. Just when you think his stock couldn’t drop any lower, this happens. He’s already been trying to shake off the poor conditioning label. Now this…
"I take full responsibility for this suspension. I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities. I have apologized to Mrs. Benson and my teammates and coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization." - Zion Williamson
FIVE) It Wasn’t All Bad
They had a game today against one of the other disappointing teams of the season, the 76ers. Joel Embiid missed his third straight game with a strained foot but Paul George returned from a one-game absence. PG missed Wednesday’s game because of left groin tightness. He struggled early and had foul trouble in the first half but got hot late. He scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth (37.9% USG). Wasn’t enough.
The Sixers had no answer for CJ McCollum. (38 points, 6-11 3PT). Jordan Hawkins started alongside Javonte Green because of injuries and suspension to Zion. Hawkins scored 21 points on 64.3% TS, needing a game like this more than ever. In his eight games before this, he averaged 6.0 PPG on 33.4% TS.
The Pelicans beat the 76ers 123-115. Oh yeah, Nick Nurse said Kyle Lowry is out indefinitely because of his hip injury. He said that Lowry’s starting some aggressive treatment, but it hasn’t quite worked yet.
SIX) Death By Sabonis
Doesn’t matter who you put in front of ‘em, the Christie Kings keep winning. Even without De’Aaron Fox, who missed his third straight game with a right glute contusion. Domantas Sabonis grabbed a career-high 28 rebounds in the win against Boston. His fifth 20-rebound game of the season. He’s the first Celtic opponent to have at least 23 points and 28 rebounds since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2/28/71). I think the Kings have themselves something special in Devin Carter. The rookie had 8 points and 3 rebounds in the 4th quarter alone.
The Celtics don’t look right. They’re now 8-7 in their last 15 games. This was also their second game this season having their top eight guys available. They’re 0-2 in those games and have lost each one by double-digits. Jaylen Brown (28 points, 5 assists) looked great early, getting to anywhere he wanted to, and Kristaps Porzingis had a double-double in 29 minutes. That was it though.
"They killed us on the glass, they wanted possessions more." - Joe Mazzulla
“It doesn’t look perfect, but we’re gonna get past it. We’re gonna be fine. We’ll figure it out, I’m telling you. I’m confident we’ll bounce back. We’re just having not the prettiest moment right now as a team.” - Kristaps Porzingis
The Kings beat the Celtics 114-97. They’ve won six straight.
SEVEN) Who Are the Knicks?
We need to ask the question, right? The Knicks might be 25-14 but against teams over .500, they’re 9-11. Against teams with a better record than them, they’re 0-5 with a -76 point differential. Are they just world-class bum slayers or?
Guess we shoulda known how the Thunder would come out after a loss. They embarrass the Knicks by 25. The Knicks shot 38.5% from the field, and 12.9% from three (4-31). This is the craziest part:
Mikal Bridges: 0 PTS, 0-9 FG, 0-7 3PT
OG Anunoby: 4 PTS, 2-8 FG, 0-5 3PT
If you wanna have a chuckle, just look for some Nets fan accounts and see what they say about Mikal. Knicks get booed off the court. The Knicks 3PT% over their last 10 games is 28.5%. You’re not gonna win in today's NBA shooting like that.
"I get it. Defensively a lot of miscues, a lack of communication, which is very boo-worthy. I'm not tripping. Just got to be better." - Mikal Bridges on the boos at MSG
Isaiah Joe’s 3PT% before today: 35.2%
Isaiah Joe’s 3PT% after today: 37.2%
He moved it up 2.0% for a reason. Joe (31 points) was on a heater, making 8-of-11 from three (career-high). The other Isaiah (Hartenstein) got his tribute video in his return to MSG. Nothing crazy for him (6 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists). Shai scores 39 points on 79.5% TS (15-21 FG). Wasn’t all great for OKC though. They lose rookie, Ajay Mitchell for at least 10 weeks after undergoing a procedure for a turn toe sprain. Sucks cause he was a real find for them, impressing from the jump.
"He's just continued to shoot the right ones. Hasn't pressed or gotten timid at all, and he continues to play a great floor game. I was happy for him tonight. That was an unbelievable performance." - Mark Daigneault on Isaiah Joe
The Thunder beat the Knicks 126-101.
EIGHT) Zach LaVine’s an All-Star
In Zach LaVine’s two all-star seasons, he averaged 25.8 PPG on 61.9% TS. This season, he’s averaging 23.6 PPG on 64.4% TS. The points might have dropped a tad but he’s shooting the ball better than ever and it sucks for Bulls fans who are praying for losses. Per 100 possessions, the Bulls are +7.4 points better with him on the court. In his two all-star seasons, they were +2.6 and -0.7. The reason I bring all this up is because LaVine (33 points, 72.5% TS) just scored 30+ points for the fifth straight game. Somebody, anybody… please pick up the phone already. Was also good to see Lonzo Ball knock some threes down (4-7 3PT). In the five games before this, he was shooting 23.8% 3PT. You still listening to Tweaker?
“He’s just a pure scorer. He really doesn’t have any weaknesses on the court.” - Lonzo Ball on Zach LaVine
The Bulls beat the Wizards 138-105.
NINE) Two in the Same Game… Again
I thought it was so crazy the first time Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook had triple-doubles in the same game, but to do it twice? That’s just… well, Michael Malone said it best:
“Watching history. This is the History Channel.”
They’re the first pair of teammates in NBA history to both record a triple-double in the same game MULTIPLE TIMES in a single season. Like, what is this?
Nikola Jokic
35 PTS
12 REB
15 AST
+33
Russell Westbrook
25 PTS
11 REB
10 AST
+21
Jokic now has 145 triple-doubles, and Westbrook has 202. Jamal Murray left the game at halftime with knee soreness. Julian Strawther (12 points, 31 minutes) started the second half.
"He's the gameplan.” - Jordi Fernandez on Nikola Jokic
The Nuggets beat the Nets 124-105.
TEN) PPD
Trust me, we’re all sick of the fires. I wake up every day waiting for this nightmare to end. My GFs family is packing up their cars and evacuating as I type. So it shouldn’t surprise you that the NBA has postponed Lakers vs Spurs and Clippers vs Hornets on Saturday. The good news I guess is that Kawhi Leonard wasn’t listed on the Clippers’ IR report so he’s available when needed.
ONE) Mass Rest Warriors
Don’t wanna take anything away from Indiana. They’ve been unbelievable lately, winning five straight by double-digits. They’re halfway to where the Cavs are. Still, the Warriors were without Steph, Dray, Wiggins, Kuminga, Podz, and GPII. What’s there to learn from this? Pat Spencer had a career-high in the first quarter and finished with 17.
Three Pacers scored 20+ (Haliburton, Siakam, Mathurin). Haliburton and Siakam missed six combined shots (20-26 FG). Indiana’s been winning with defense and today was no different. The Warriors shot 14-of-36 from the paint (38.9%) and 10-of-38 from three (26.3%).
The Pacers beat the G League Warriors 108-96.
TWO) Paolo’s Back… For Real
It’s been 34 games but Paolo’s finally back. They played the Undertaker theme when introducing him in the starting lineup. Pretty cool. Mosley said he’d be on a minute restriction, he played 27. Looked almost too comfortable out there scoring 34 points on 66.9% TS. Also had 15 in the 4th but missed a game-tying free throw with 10 seconds left. There was no rust and no holding back. 46.8% usage in his first game back… whew. Cole Anthony (18 points, 7 rebounds, 35 minutes) somehow keeps his starting job even with Paolo back. Jett Howard left this game with a sprained ankle in the third quarter and did not return.
Milwaukee won this game in the paint, outsourcing Orlando 48-34. Giannis was a big part of that with his 41 points on 44.0% USG. He also passed Jamal Crawford to move up to 59th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list (19,452).
"The kid has been working his tail off to get back in. ... He's a star for a reason." - Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero's 34-point performance
“I feel alright, a little sore. I think I performed, you know, pretty good.” - Paolo Banchero on how he felt afterward
The Bucks beat the Magic 109-106.
THREE) Herb Done
The Pelicans announced today that Herb Jones has been diagnosed with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder. Same shoulder he hurt earlier this season. They say he’ll be out indefinitely but might as well say he’s done for the season. It’s highly unlikely he returns from this. Whatever the Grizzlies had last season, it’s been passed on down to New Orleans. They lose someone every week.
Pelicans who have lost at least 15 games because of injury:
Zion Williamson
Brandon Ingram
Dejounte Murray
Trey Murphy
Herb Jones
Jordan Hawkins
Jose Alvarado
If that wasn’t bad enough…
FOUR) Zion Suspended
You know it’s bad anytime a team has two announcements in one day. The Pelicans also announced that Zion Williamson has been suspended for one game for a violation of team policies.
What happened was that he was late for the team’s flight to Philly and this wasn’t the first time. He’s also been late for multiple practices this season so basically, they’ve given him a pass one too many times and they couldn’t take it anymore.
"There were several occasions that led up to this… He apologized for his mistake. He's taken accountability. Now we move forward." - Willie Green on Zion’s suspension
This kinda shit just isn’t excusable anymore. He’s 24 years old and has been in the league for six years. Just when you think his stock couldn’t drop any lower, this happens. He’s already been trying to shake off the poor conditioning label. Now this…
"I take full responsibility for this suspension. I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities. I have apologized to Mrs. Benson and my teammates and coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization." - Zion Williamson
FIVE) It Wasn’t All Bad
They had a game today against one of the other disappointing teams of the season, the 76ers. Joel Embiid missed his third straight game with a strained foot but Paul George returned from a one-game absence. PG missed Wednesday’s game because of left groin tightness. He struggled early and had foul trouble in the first half but got hot late. He scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth (37.9% USG). Wasn’t enough.
The Sixers had no answer for CJ McCollum. (38 points, 6-11 3PT). Jordan Hawkins started alongside Javonte Green because of injuries and suspension to Zion. Hawkins scored 21 points on 64.3% TS, needing a game like this more than ever. In his eight games before this, he averaged 6.0 PPG on 33.4% TS.
The Pelicans beat the 76ers 123-115. Oh yeah, Nick Nurse said Kyle Lowry is out indefinitely because of his hip injury. He said that Lowry’s starting some aggressive treatment, but it hasn’t quite worked yet.
SIX) Death By Sabonis
Doesn’t matter who you put in front of ‘em, the Christie Kings keep winning. Even without De’Aaron Fox, who missed his third straight game with a right glute contusion. Domantas Sabonis grabbed a career-high 28 rebounds in the win against Boston. His fifth 20-rebound game of the season. He’s the first Celtic opponent to have at least 23 points and 28 rebounds since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2/28/71). I think the Kings have themselves something special in Devin Carter. The rookie had 8 points and 3 rebounds in the 4th quarter alone.
The Celtics don’t look right. They’re now 8-7 in their last 15 games. This was also their second game this season having their top eight guys available. They’re 0-2 in those games and have lost each one by double-digits. Jaylen Brown (28 points, 5 assists) looked great early, getting to anywhere he wanted to, and Kristaps Porzingis had a double-double in 29 minutes. That was it though.
"They killed us on the glass, they wanted possessions more." - Joe Mazzulla
“It doesn’t look perfect, but we’re gonna get past it. We’re gonna be fine. We’ll figure it out, I’m telling you. I’m confident we’ll bounce back. We’re just having not the prettiest moment right now as a team.” - Kristaps Porzingis
The Kings beat the Celtics 114-97. They’ve won six straight.
SEVEN) Who Are the Knicks?
We need to ask the question, right? The Knicks might be 25-14 but against teams over .500, they’re 9-11. Against teams with a better record than them, they’re 0-5 with a -76 point differential. Are they just world-class bum slayers or?
Guess we shoulda known how the Thunder would come out after a loss. They embarrass the Knicks by 25. The Knicks shot 38.5% from the field, and 12.9% from three (4-31). This is the craziest part:
Mikal Bridges: 0 PTS, 0-9 FG, 0-7 3PT
OG Anunoby: 4 PTS, 2-8 FG, 0-5 3PT
If you wanna have a chuckle, just look for some Nets fan accounts and see what they say about Mikal. Knicks get booed off the court. The Knicks 3PT% over their last 10 games is 28.5%. You’re not gonna win in today's NBA shooting like that.
"I get it. Defensively a lot of miscues, a lack of communication, which is very boo-worthy. I'm not tripping. Just got to be better." - Mikal Bridges on the boos at MSG
Isaiah Joe’s 3PT% before today: 35.2%
Isaiah Joe’s 3PT% after today: 37.2%
He moved it up 2.0% for a reason. Joe (31 points) was on a heater, making 8-of-11 from three (career-high). The other Isaiah (Hartenstein) got his tribute video in his return to MSG. Nothing crazy for him (6 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists). Shai scores 39 points on 79.5% TS (15-21 FG). Wasn’t all great for OKC though. They lose rookie, Ajay Mitchell for at least 10 weeks after undergoing a procedure for a turn toe sprain. Sucks cause he was a real find for them, impressing from the jump.
"He's just continued to shoot the right ones. Hasn't pressed or gotten timid at all, and he continues to play a great floor game. I was happy for him tonight. That was an unbelievable performance." - Mark Daigneault on Isaiah Joe
The Thunder beat the Knicks 126-101.
EIGHT) Zach LaVine’s an All-Star
In Zach LaVine’s two all-star seasons, he averaged 25.8 PPG on 61.9% TS. This season, he’s averaging 23.6 PPG on 64.4% TS. The points might have dropped a tad but he’s shooting the ball better than ever and it sucks for Bulls fans who are praying for losses. Per 100 possessions, the Bulls are +7.4 points better with him on the court. In his two all-star seasons, they were +2.6 and -0.7. The reason I bring all this up is because LaVine (33 points, 72.5% TS) just scored 30+ points for the fifth straight game. Somebody, anybody… please pick up the phone already. Was also good to see Lonzo Ball knock some threes down (4-7 3PT). In the five games before this, he was shooting 23.8% 3PT. You still listening to Tweaker?
“He’s just a pure scorer. He really doesn’t have any weaknesses on the court.” - Lonzo Ball on Zach LaVine
The Bulls beat the Wizards 138-105.
NINE) Two in the Same Game… Again
I thought it was so crazy the first time Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook had triple-doubles in the same game, but to do it twice? That’s just… well, Michael Malone said it best:
“Watching history. This is the History Channel.”
They’re the first pair of teammates in NBA history to both record a triple-double in the same game MULTIPLE TIMES in a single season. Like, what is this?
Nikola Jokic
35 PTS
12 REB
15 AST
+33
Russell Westbrook
25 PTS
11 REB
10 AST
+21
Jokic now has 145 triple-doubles, and Westbrook has 202. Jamal Murray left the game at halftime with knee soreness. Julian Strawther (12 points, 31 minutes) started the second half.
"He's the gameplan.” - Jordi Fernandez on Nikola Jokic
The Nuggets beat the Nets 124-105.
TEN) PPD
Trust me, we’re all sick of the fires. I wake up every day waiting for this nightmare to end. My GFs family is packing up their cars and evacuating as I type. So it shouldn’t surprise you that the NBA has postponed Lakers vs Spurs and Clippers vs Hornets on Saturday. The good news I guess is that Kawhi Leonard wasn’t listed on the Clippers’ IR report so he’s available when needed.
Jokic is 29 and had 25 triple-doubles last year.
Westbrook is 36.
He's going to be the NBA's all-time triple double leader if he plays 5 more years and is healthy.
He's the greatest offensive center of the modern era easily... right?
Not even close.
Who is and where does he rank?
Kareem, Dream, Dave, Shaq were all better offensive players at same age. And all also managed to have a defensive POY top5 finish in the same time while Jokic is the worst defensive big to win a MVP ive ever seen.
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I'm not so sure about Shaq.
He was unstoppable man. Not as skilled as Jok but absolutely better offensively. And Imagine if he didnt share the court with a teammate who took 20 FGA per game.. His numbers and usage would have been insane. Shaq was a force in his prime.
I’m not helping StephHow do y'all feel about this?
I’m not helping Steph
You're gonna cut off your nose to spite your face?!???
Seriously, do you think this is a good trade for the Pelicans (who I don't exactly remember as a chief rival of the Warriors over this past decade)?
Yeah, I saw Shaq-- I know he was, at times, unstoppable. But he was much less skilled and that's why I can't call him better. Plus he needed that teammate to lead down the stretch because Mr. Hack-A-Shaq couldn't hack it.
Sure, Shaq could have put up even better numbers on a worse team. But I think the Lakers win 3 titles or more if you put prime Jokic in the line-up in Shaq's place in 2000. I'm doubtful the Nuggets win a title at all if you put any version of Shaq in Jokic's place.
@M.H.C. curious for your thoughts on this... Also more generally in the Centers Mt Rushmore discussion:
2024 BGOL Centers Mt Rushmore
This thread is the third in a 2024/25 series revisiting Mt Rushmore selections, following the 2024 Shooting Guard Mt Rushmore and 2024 Point Guard Mt Rushmore. A position Mt Rushmore has been assessed every five years on BGOL beginning in 2014. In 2019, the 2014 BGOL Shooting Guard Mt Rushmore...
www.bgol.us
This is similar to the LeBron longevity bullshit when you consider the comparison in the context of how many games each duo played together.
Props to Bam & Butler but it ain't nearly the same thing.
Hardaway a bigger sambo tap dancing company man than you are. He also a snitch bitch too. "He was at cllub 112!!!"..
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Prime Shaq absolutely wins a title with Murray, Gordon, MPJ and KCP.
Hardaway a bigger sambo tap dancing company man that n you are. He also a snitch bitch too. "He was at cllub 112!!!"..
Hardaway a bigger sambo tap dancing company man that n you are. He also a snitch bitch too. "He was at cllub 112!!!"..
LOL @ RJD being a sambo
Who Is LiAngelo Ball? An Explainer Of The Athlete Behind Viral Track “Tweaker”
LiAngelo Ball, the man behind the viral track "Tweaker," has become the topic of discussion with the zeitgeist taking a liking to his new tune.
www.vibe.com
Wow according to this video DeAron Fox is the problem.
The Celtics defense looks pitiful, utterly lethargic showing.
Celtics had a lot of white boys out there that game. Looking like the 95 Bulls with all them sloth big men. That doesn't bode well for their repeat chances at all.
This fat nigga is pathetic
