2020-2021 NBA Game Thread

HomeRunBaker

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I never bet on sports but a month or so ago I put $50 on Jokic to win MVP at +550. The 2 guys ahead of him were LeBron James (who the voters won't give another MVP award) and Joel Embiid who was currently on the DL.

I'm not a gambling man but if someone wants to hand me money for free...
Very nice. Although I think LeBron was a lock since it had become widespread that it was a travesty he hasn’t won the award in like a decade.

We were discussing ROY odds a while back by forgot which thread that was in.
 

Kliq

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The "travesty that LeBron hasn't won MVP in forever" myth is something pushed forward by LeBron-centric media members and repeated by people too stupid to understand what the MVP award is for.
 

HomeRunBaker

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The "travesty that LeBron hasn't won MVP in forever" myth is something pushed forward by LeBron-centric media members and repeated by people too stupid to understand what the MVP award is for.
Is it for the best player on a championship team? Well he’s won those without this award. Is it for the important player to any organization? That checks too. Best player in league? Been that many times too.

Ok since I’m too stupid to understand what the MVP is for I’ll allow you the opportunity to explain what it is for and why LeBron hasn’t won it in nearly a decade.
 

ifmanis5

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Woj and Shams report that Wiseman tore up his knee last night.

Woj:
Warriors center James Wiseman has suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee, sources tell ESPN. No timeline on a return yet.
Warriors are consulting with doctors over next couple of days, but there's certainly an expectation that Wiseman could miss the rest of the regular season, sources tell ESPN. For now, they're still working through a plan of action and timeline.
 

Euclis20

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Is it for the best player on a championship team? Well he’s won those without this award. Is it for the important player to any organization? That checks too. Best player in league? Been that many times too.

Ok since I’m too stupid to understand what the MVP is for I’ll allow you the opportunity to explain what it is for and why LeBron hasn’t won it in nearly a decade.
It's a regular season award for the best regular season performance (on a good team, although that part isn't really stated). LeBron has [rightfully] seen the regular season as nothing more than a tuneup since his days in Miami and has taken it relatively easy (obviously the correct move given that he's made it to the finals 9 times in the last 10 years).

LeBron last won the MVP in 2013. What year since did he deserve the award? 2015 is the only year in which he even has an argument that I can see. The only year he was truly robbed was 2011 when he was clearly better than Rose the whole year (he should've won 5 straight).
 

Sam Ray Not

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Woj and Shams report that Wiseman tore up his knee last night.

Woj:
Warriors center James Wiseman has suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee, sources tell ESPN. No timeline on a return yet.
Warriors are consulting with doctors over next couple of days, but there's certainly an expectation that Wiseman could miss the rest of the regular season, sources tell ESPN. For now, they're still working through a plan of action and timeline.
Fuuuck!!! Not the worst case scenario, thankfully, but still fucking sucks. Every time he’s started to look like he’s really figuring stuff out on both ends, some BS like this happens (covid, sprained hand, covid protocol again, now this).

Get well soon, JDub.
 

Kliq

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It's a regular season award for the best regular season performance (on a good team, although that part isn't really stated). LeBron has [rightfully] seen the regular season as nothing more than a tuneup since his days in Miami and has taken it relatively easy (obviously the correct move given that he's made it to the finals 9 times in the last 10 years).

LeBron last won the MVP in 2013. What year since did he deserve the award? 2015 is the only year in which he even has an argument that I can see. The only year he was truly robbed was 2011 when he was clearly better than Rose the whole year (he should've won 5 straight).
Yup, people who reflexively claim that LeBron should have won the MVP all of the past seasons simply because he has held onto the "best player in the NBA" mantle over that time period seem to be unable to understand that it is a regular season award.

Last season, which kind of launched this faux-controversy that has been pushed by LeBron/LA media members, is a perfect example. Giannis won the MVP because he had the best regular season, and he was better than LeBron by almost every statistical measure. He won the MVP. LeBron was better in the playoffs, which is why he won Finals MVP and the title.

The award is for the player who during the REGULAR SEASON is the best player, night-in-and-night-out. LeBron has been the NBA's best player during the last ten years, but as you point out, he has also wisely kind of punted on the regular season and the result is that he hasn't won an award that declares you the best regular season award. This season he tried very hard to win the award and he got hurt. Part of the reason for LeBron's success is that he has accepted that the regular season is relatively meaningless, and has avoided going 100% in favor of preserving himself for the postseason, which is what actually matters.
 

Cesar Crespo

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I’m still not that high on Trent Jr. overall, cos his passing and rebounding numbers are so desultory (career 2.8 reb and 1.7 ast per 36), but yeah, it’s tough to give up on a productive player that young (he just turned 22) with good size and elite 3 pt gunning potential.
He also never turns the ball over which suggests his handle is pretty good. And when I say he never turns the ball over, I mean he leads the entire NBA with a 5.7% TO rate. Makes one wonder why he doesn't drive more though.
 

HomeRunBaker

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He also never turns the ball over which suggests his handle is pretty good. And when I say he never turns the ball over, I mean he leads the entire NBA with a 5.7% TO rate. Makes one wonder why he doesn't drive more though.
In my time watching Trent in college and in Portland (less so in Tor as I haven’t watched much Raptors this year) I would call Trent a below average ball handler for his position. I may even mean to poor before elevating him to fair. One of his strengths may be that he doesn’t try and do things he isn’t capable of doing and he’s always been on teams where he hasn’t had to handle the ball much.
 

terrynever

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I guess Steph Curry is going to break Wilt’s franchise scoring record tonight. Had to look it up because Wilt’s insane prime seasons were with the Warriors franchise for six years before he got traded back to Philly and the 76ers, formerly the Syracuse Nats. As a Warrior, Wilt averaged 41.6 ppg and 25 rebounds per game. And 47 minutes per game for six seasons.
 

Sam Ray Not

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I guess Steph Curry is going to break Wilt’s franchise scoring record tonight. Had to look it up because Wilt’s insane prime seasons were with the Warriors franchise for six years before he got traded back to Philly and the 76ers, formerly the Syracuse Nats. As a Warrior, Wilt averaged 41.6 ppg and 25 rebounds per game. And 47 minutes per game for six seasons.
Needed 19 to break Wilt's record; dropped 21 in the first quarter, on 9 fga.
 

Sam Ray Not

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Godfuckingdammit. Nuggs were my replacement team in the West, too. Praying that was not as bad as it looked, but not optimistic.
 

radsoxfan

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Godfuckingdammit. Nuggs were my replacement team in the West, too. Praying that was not as bad as it looked, but not optimistic.
No bueno. Would be pretty surprised if that's not an ACL tear/season ender. Here is my impression from his upcoming MRI I will definitely not see.

1. Acute full thickness anterior crucial ligament tear.

2. Acute slightly impacted trabecular injuries at the posterior margin of the lateral tibial plateau and periphery of the lateral femoral condyle compatible with a recent anterior tibial translation event

3. Peripheral vertical tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus near the meniscocapsular junction

4. Moderate grade proximal medical collateral ligament sprain

5. Large knee joint effusion.
 

Smokey Joe

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No bueno. Would be pretty surprised if that's not an ACL tear/season ender. Here is my impression from his upcoming MRI I will definitely not see.

1. Acute full thickness anterior crucial ligament tear.

2. Acute slightly impacted trabecular injuries at the posterior margin of the lateral tibial plateau and periphery of the lateral femoral condyle compatible with a recent anterior tibial translation event

3. Peripheral vertical tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus near the meniscocapsular junction

4. Moderate grade proximal medical collateral ligament sprain

5. Large knee joint effusion.
You forgot to end with “clinical correlation is suggested”
 

HomeRunBaker

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No bueno. Would be pretty surprised if that's not an ACL tear/season ender. Here is my impression from his upcoming MRI I will definitely not see.

1. Acute full thickness anterior crucial ligament tear.

2. Acute slightly impacted trabecular injuries at the posterior margin of the lateral tibial plateau and periphery of the lateral femoral condyle compatible with a recent anterior tibial translation event

3. Peripheral vertical tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus near the meniscocapsular junction

4. Moderate grade proximal medical collateral ligament sprain

5. Large knee joint effusion.
Beat me to it. Came here to post same.

:D :D
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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HA! Some rads like to throw that in half their reports whenever they aren't sure about something.

Don't think there will be much doubt with this one unfortunately.
My friend who is an doctor texted same thing - looks a lot like ACL.

One of the broadcasts mentioned that that knee had been bothering him. Is it typical for these tears to be gradual? It feels like they are a result of discrete plays but I understand that a lot of injuries are a function of repetitive stress.
 

radsoxfan

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My friend who is an doctor texted same thing - looks a lot like ACL.

One of the broadcasts mentioned that that knee had been bothering him. Is it typical for these tears to be gradual? It feels like they are a result of discrete plays but I understand that a lot of injuries are a function of repetitive stress.
Occasionally you can have a partial tear that finally gives way. Much more commonly, it’s just one discrete play and a previously normal ACL snaps.

I thought I read Murray’s recent knee issues were to the other knee?
 

HomeRunBaker

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My friend who is an doctor texted same thing - looks a lot like ACL.

One of the broadcasts mentioned that that knee had been bothering him. Is it typical for these tears to be gradual? It feels like they are a result of discrete plays but I understand that a lot of injuries are a function of repetitive stress.
Murray recently missed some time with sore RIGHT knee.
 

Euclis20

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Occasionally you can have a partial tear that finally gives way. Much more commonly, it’s just one discrete play and a previously normal ACL snaps.

I thought I read Murray’s recent knee issues were to the other knee?
Yeah his right knee had been giving him problems, this injury was to his left. I don't feel like posting the video but you can see the sleeve on his right knee and he's clearly clutching the other one while on the ground.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Occasionally you can have a partial tear that finally gives way. Much more commonly, it’s just one discrete play and a previously normal ACL snaps.

I thought I read Murray’s recent knee issues were to the other knee?
I thought the broadcast mentioned that it was that leg but I may well have misheard. And thank you for the color. Either way it stinks because he and Jokic are so fun to watch play.
 

Sam Ray Not

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Steph scoring this month: 36, 37, 41, 32, 38, 53.

Total: 39.5 ppg in 36.1 mpg on .743 true shooting.

He’s at 30.4 ppg on the season now (on .655 ts), setting up a potentially fun battle for the scoring title down the stretch with Beal (31.0 ppg). What happens if he says fvck it some game and puts up 50 shots and 30 threes?

Edit:

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/statmuse/status/1381822724532658180
 
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Sam Ray Not

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Ugh. So awful for Murray; so awful for the Nuggets, who with the addition of Gordon were looking ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the West (recent wobbles v BOS and GS notwithstanding).

Radsoxfan nails it once again, sadly.
 

terrynever

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Nets and T’wolves rescheduled for 4 p.m. today. Brooklyn was going to rest key players anyway. They face Philly on Wednesday night, ESPN game, and both sides should have everyone ready, except George Hill for Philly, who is resting his “mallet thumb” for the playoffs.
Top seed don’t mean diddly this season. Being at full strength for the playoffs does.
 

HomeRunBaker

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How bad does your offense have to be for Lu Dort to have the green light for 31 FGA?

OKC has lost 10 of 11.
In those 10 they exceeded 103 points twice.
In those two game they exceeded 103, they lost 127-106 and 132-108.

We’re talking historically bad right now. That lineup? They aren’t even pretending that they are trying to compete.
 

HowBoutDemSox

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How bad does your offense have to be for Lu Dort to have the green light for 31 FGA?

OKC has lost 10 of 11.
In those 10 they exceeded 103 points twice.
In those two game they exceeded 103, they lost 127-106 and 132-108.

We’re talking historically bad right now. That lineup? They aren’t even pretending that they are trying to compete.
We now cut to Sam Presti for a reaction quote:
 
Nate McMillan COTY talk?
I don't think you can give Coach of the Year to someone who has coached as few games as McMillan has. On the other hand, looking at what Pierce got out of a healthier roster and what McMillan has gotten out of the guys he's had available...the contrast is pretty compelling.
A good win without Trea, Collins, Gallinari. Toronto was playing hard.
No Trae, Collins, Gallo...and also no Hunter, Reddish, Snell or Dunn. Toronto didn't have Lowry or Van Vleet, of course - but that's seven likely rotation players the Hawks were missing, and they still won pretty comfortably. Depth doesn't matter very much in the playoffs, but it certainly matters in the regular season, and you could easily argue that Atlanta has the best #8 to #15 in the league.
What are the odds they match a MAX offer for Collins this summer?
That's the real question, isn't it? I don't think Schlenk can let Collins walk for nothing - if that means offering him the max, so be it, but it could also involve a sign-and-trade. I'll be curious to see if anyone else offers Collins the max, though; I'm sure the Hawks are hoping his market doesn't fully develop and they'll be able to keep him for less than the max. (As he's an RFA, the Hawks still hold all the cards here.)

An Atlanta-Boston first-round series could be on the cards, couldn't it?
 

the moops

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On the other hand, looking at what Pierce got out of a healthier roster and what McMillan has gotten out of the guys he's had available...the contrast is pretty compelling.
I wouldn't say that Pierce had a healthier roster. He didn't have Hunter or Reddish for a month each. Gallinari also missed a month and was pretty terrible for 6 weeks after coming back. Bogdanovic missed amost 2 months as well.
 
I wouldn't say that Pierce had a healthier roster. He didn't have Hunter or Reddish for a month each. Gallinari also missed a month and was pretty terrible for 6 weeks after coming back. Bogdanovic missed amost 2 months as well.
But Reddish hasn't played a game for Nate, and Hunter only came back for two (ineffective) games before being sidelined again. Gallo and Bogdanovic have been big recently, but overall I'd say Nate has had worse cards to play with if only because Hunter was on fire at the start of the season and hasn't figured under McMillan at all yet.
 

benhogan

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I don't think you can give Coach of the Year to someone who has coached as few games as McMillan has. On the other hand, looking at what Pierce got out of a healthier roster and what McMillan has gotten out of the guys he's had available...the contrast is pretty compelling.

No Trae, Collins, Gallo...and also no Hunter, Reddish, Snell or Dunn. Toronto didn't have Lowry or Van Vleet, of course - but that's seven likely rotation players the Hawks were missing, and they still won pretty comfortably. Depth doesn't matter very much in the playoffs, but it certainly matters in the regular season, and you could easily argue that Atlanta has the best #8 to #15 in the league.

That's the real question, isn't it? I don't think Schlenk can let Collins walk for nothing - if that means offering him the max, so be it, but it could also involve a sign-and-trade. I'll be curious to see if anyone else offers Collins the max, though; I'm sure the Hawks are hoping his market doesn't fully develop and they'll be able to keep him for less than the max. (As he's an RFA, the Hawks still hold all the cards here.)

An Atlanta-Boston first-round series could be on the cards, couldn't it?
I can't imagine Collins not getting a MAX offer from someone. ex-Kawhi, he's probably the best UFA & RFA. Getting JC's prime, 25-28yr old seasons is a no-brainer. One of the Spurs, Dallas, Knicks & Charlotte should have an offer in by day 1

Looks like 4/5/6 will be a food fight between Boston, Atlanta and Miami.
 

Sam Ray Not

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How bad does your offense have to be for Lu Dort to have the green light for 31 FGA?

OKC has lost 10 of 11.
In those 10 they exceeded 103 points twice.
In those two game they exceeded 103, they lost 127-106 and 132-108.

We’re talking historically bad right now. That lineup? They aren’t even pretending that they are trying to compete.
Playing without Dort tonight — and making the 2021 Warriors look like a better version of the 2017 Warriors.

Curry 42 pts on 14-20 fg (11-16 from 3), 6 reb, 8 ast ... in 29 minutes
Draymond 12 pts, 10 reb, 16 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk
38 assists through 3 quarters
 
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