Hearsky
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Not sure they earned it. The lowest number of wins by a Western Conference #1 seed since 78-79 in a full 82 game season.
2023 NBA Playoffs Discussion Thread
- Thread starter ONE LOVE
- Start date
Eh.
They were miles ahead of everybody else for the #1 seed, and coasted hard over the last month because of it (went 7-10).
The West this season also only had two terrible teams and 13 solid ones, which dragged everybody's records down a bit.
Hearsky
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That is not a different situation from teams in others years. I didn't even mention half the league was actively trying to lose, including many of those "solid" teams. They are clearly the best team in the West this year, but below average historically, in my opinion.
David Stern
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I don’t think that they’re better than what they’ve basically been for the past 5 seasons when healthy - the rest of the west is just significantly worse than it’s been in a very long time
Handlogten's Heros
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I’m crazy impressed with the Nuggets top to bottom. Having an unselfish superstar who only cares about winning I think has rubbed off so much on Gordon (not selfish per se but willing to do all the extra stuff without complaint or ego) and Porter Jr.
Specifically with MPJ who had to fight through the back and was weird and immature at times. As a player he’s become a dependable defender and is willing to be a spot up third option. That growth isn’t all on Jokic obvi… but it’s super cool to see him thrive as he could have been another gunner only concerned about his shots.
I hate myself right now gushing about these Nuggets… gonna go slit my wrists and do push-ups in salt water… what have I become?
Specifically with MPJ who had to fight through the back and was weird and immature at times. As a player he’s become a dependable defender and is willing to be a spot up third option. That growth isn’t all on Jokic obvi… but it’s super cool to see him thrive as he could have been another gunner only concerned about his shots.
I hate myself right now gushing about these Nuggets… gonna go slit my wrists and do push-ups in salt water… what have I become?
To paraphrase, there but for the incompetence of DL and Snyder, go the Jazz. Hard to see such a comparable team to us figure it out when we just... couldn't. Hurts.
But I'm happy for them really. I'm just happy to see a different team win another ring. And if it's the nuggets, it's the nuggets. We are Apollo Creed in Rocky 3 or whatever it was when he agreed to train Rocky. If you can't beat them at least begrudgingly support them while they beat someone else.
Handlogten's Heros
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It also really reflects Jokic and Murray’s style of leadership versus Don and Rudy.
And when you aren't both top-5 players, you really have to have the leadership/chemistry/locker room stuff in your bag. If Rudy and Donovan genuinely had that then I think the Jazz might've snuck into a couple of finals (alongside not having such a disastrous 2020 offseason). To be clear, neither Rudy nor Donovan are good leaders.
Handlogten's Heros
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And most guys would follow in lockstep. Rudy wears on guys and Don is more concerned about NBA First Team than winning.
Eddie Zero
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Heat probably don't have enough, but that is what I have thought in every series and they are still standing.
I got Heat in 6 unless Bam gets hurt, and yeah I know its a longshot.
FrenchJazzFa
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Oups this one hurt. As it's so true.... Don and Rudy are not leader at all.
Chargers Jazz Angels
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Go heat
We’re witnessing a special talent though you’ve gotta admit…
If he wins this and maybe another, he could end up being greater than Dirk..
And that’s a heck of an achievement.