Thee Jazz Fan
Well-Known Member
Who would win in a seven game playoff series?
Team A
C: Nikola Jokic / Zach Edey
PF: Kristaps Porzingis / Kyle Filipowski
SF: Matas Buzelis / Shaedon Sharpe
SG: Kawhi Leonard / Jaden Ivey
PG: James Harden / Stephon Castle
Vs.
Team J
C - Domantas Sabonis // Ivica Zubac
PF - Amen Thompson // Cameron Johnson
SF - Kevin Durrant // Aaron Nesmith
SG - Austin Reaves // Dylan Harper
PG - Jaylen Brunson // D’Angelo Russell
Team A writeup.
—————————-
So this team is filled with talented all skilled players with length advantage, and most importantly all team first players.
Starting with Nikola Jokic who can pass, make 3s and score all over the floor. James Harden at the point dropping dimes. One of the best 2way players in Kawhi Leonard. Porzingis and Buzelis rounding out a very talented starting lineup with formidable length.
Off the bench are young and hungry players led by ROY Stephon Castle. Ivey and Sharpe are dynamic scorers off the bench and the 2 way, 3 point shooting twin towers of Edey and Filp are tantalising to see play together.
This will will have an advantage at every position and the X-factors of Jokic, Kawhi and Harden will carry the torch for this talented lineup.
Team J Writeup
—————————
Starting Five:
• PG: Jaylen Brunson
• SG: Austin Reaves
• SF: Kevin Durant
• PF: Amen Thompson
• C: Domantas Sabonis
Bench Rotation:
• D’Angelo Russell (PG/SG)
• Dylan Harper (SG)
• Aaron Nesmith (SF/SG)
• Cameron Johnson (PF/SF)
• Ivica Zubac (C)
2024/25 Season Stats:
Brunson-
PTS- 26.0 AST- 7.3 FG%- 48.8 3PT%-39.3
Reaves-
PTS- 20.2 AST- 5.8 REB- 4.5
FG%- 46.0 3PT%- 37.7
Durrant-
PTS- 26.6 AST- 4.2 REB- 6.0
BLK- 1.2 FG%- 52.7 3PT%- 43.0
Thompson-
PTS- 14.1 AST- 3.8 REB- 8.2
BLK- 1.3 STL- 1.4 FG%- 55.7
Sabonis-
PTS- 19.1 AST- 6.0 FG%- 59.0 3PT%- 41.7 REB- 13.9 (league leader)
Russell-
MIN- 24.7 PTS/48- 25.1 REB- 2.8
AST- 5.1 STL-1.0
Harper-
#2 overall draft pick 2025
College stats: PTS- 19.4 REB- 4.6 AST- 4.0
Nesmith-
PPG/48- 23.1 FG%- 50.7 3PT%- 43.1
Johnson-
PTS- 18.8 REB- 4.3 AST- 3.4
FG%- 47.5 3PT%- 39.0
Zubac-
PTS- 16.8 REB-12.6 AST- 2.7
FG%- 62.8 BLK- 1.1
⸻
1. Elite Offensive Versatility
This roster would be a nightmare to guard.
• KD as the Ultimate Hub: Kevin Durant remains one of the most unguardable scorers ever. In 2025, he’s still elite at shot creation from all three levels. Having him at SF lets him exploit mismatches constantly — too tall for most wings, too skilled for most bigs.
• Sabonis at Center: Sabonis gives them a Jokic-lite offensive engine. He’s a triple-double threat every night, elite passer out of the high post, and a bruising screener. His DHO (dribble handoff) game with Reaves, Brunson, or Durant would create endless open looks.
• Brunson as the Floor General: Brunson is one of the most efficient pick-and-roll scorers and decision-makers in the league. Pairing him with Sabonis forces defenses into pick-your-poison situations — blitz Brunson, and Sabonis kills you as a passer; drop coverage, and Brunson hits floaters all day.
• Secondary Playmaking Everywhere: Reaves and Amen Thompson add playmaking depth — this team wouldn’t get stagnant because everyone can create for others.
This offense would likely lead the league in assists per game, effective FG%, and points per possession.
⸻
2. Elite Shooting & Spacing
• KD, Reaves, Brunson, Cam Johnson, Russell are all knockdown shooters from deep.
• Sabonis’ passing + shooting gravity opens backdoor cuts and corner threes.
• Aaron Nesmith brings high-energy 3&D shooting off the bench.
This creates maximum floor spacing, making it nearly impossible to pack the paint against them.
⸻
3. Defensive Matchup Nightmares
• Amen Thompson (6’7”, elite athleticism) is a defensive ace who can guard 1–4. He allows KD to conserve energy by taking the tougher perimeter assignment.
• Reaves is a smart, tough defender who fights through screens and rarely makes mistakes.
• Sabonis + Zubac = 48 minutes of elite rebounding — they’d dominate the glass, limiting second-chance points.
• Switchability: KD, Amen, Cam Johnson, Nesmith — all can comfortably switch across multiple positions, making them hard to exploit in pick-and-rolls.
This team wouldn’t just score — they’d lock you down when it matters.
⸻
4. Bench Depth & Staggering
Most NBA contenders fall off when their stars sit. Not here:
• D’Angelo Russell runs the second unit as a primary creator and shooter.
• Dylan Harper (rookie) adds youthful energy and secondary scoring.
• Cam Johnson keeps spacing elite with his corner 3s.
• Zubac brings rim protection and physicality when Sabonis rests.
This means 48 minutes of competent playmaking and shooting, no weak lineups, and very little drop-off.
⸻
5. Clutch Time Killer
Close game? Good luck.
• Brunson and Durant are both top-tier clutch scorers who thrive in isolation.
• Reaves and Cam Johnson space the floor, punishing help defense.
• Sabonis sets massive screens and makes the right reads every time.
This group could play 5-out, with KD as the closer, and there’d be no easy coverage for defenses.
⸻
6. Intangibles & Culture
This roster is made up of:
• High-IQ players (Brunson, Reaves, KD, Sabonis).
• Competitors with playoff experience (KD, Sabonis, Brunson, Russell).
• Young, hungry defenders (Amen Thompson, Dylan Harper).
They’d likely have one of the highest assist-to-turnover ratios in the league and play beautiful, unselfish basketball.
⸻
Bottom Line:
This team would be an offensive juggernaut, a switchable defensive unit, and have zero weak minutes thanks to their deep bench. In the 2025 NBA, they’d easily win the championship-basically a combination of the 2014 Spurs’ ball movement, the 2023 Nuggets’ playmaking big man offense, and KD’s individual scoring brilliance.
Coaching Blueprint: How This Team Would Dominate
⸻
1. Offensive Scheme
Primary Identity: Motion + Mismatch Hunting
This team would blend free-flowing motion with structured sets to get the right guy the right look — similar to the Warriors’ spacing, Kings’ dribble handoff game, and Mavericks’ clutch isolation.
⸻
Key Offensive Sets
A. High Post Hub (Sabonis Initiator)
• Start Sabonis at the elbow or top of the key.
• Brunson/Reaves run off staggered screens from KD + Amen.
• If defense switches? Hit KD on a mismatch in the mid-post.
• If defense overplays? Sabonis can fake the DHO and attack downhill.
This creates constant movement, forcing help defense and generating open shots.
⸻
B. Spain Pick-and-Roll (Brunson + KD)
• Brunson runs PnR with Sabonis.
• KD sets the backscreen on Sabonis’ man, then pops out for a 3.
• Defense must choose: tag the roll, switch onto KD, or leave Brunson free.
This is brutal to guard — every option is elite.
⸻
C. 5-Out “Clutch” Set
Late game, go small:
• Brunson (PG), Reaves (SG), KD (SF), Cam Johnson (PF), Sabonis (C).
• Everyone spaces to the perimeter except Brunson, who calls for a high screen.
• Brunson can attack drop coverage or kick to elite shooters.
• KD becomes a secondary isolation option if the defense loads up on Brunson.
No help can come without giving up a wide-open 3.
⸻
D. Second Unit Creation
When KD or Brunson sits:
• D’Angelo Russell runs spread pick-and-roll with Zubac as the screener.
• Cam Johnson spots up in the corner.
• Dylan Harper slashes and cuts off ball, using his athleticism to get layups.
This keeps scoring and playmaking steady with no dead possessions.
⸻
⸻
2. Defensive Scheme
Primary Identity: Switch + Rebound
This team would thrive defensively by using length, switchability, and rebounding to eliminate second chances.
⸻
Key Defensive Principles
A. Switch Everything 1-4
• Brunson may need some help vs elite scorers, but Amen, KD, Reaves, Cam Johnson, Nesmith can switch all wing screens seamlessly.
• This forces isolation-heavy offense from opponents, slowing them down and playing into KD/Amen’s length.
⸻
B. Drop Coverage + Show-and-Recover with Sabonis
• Sabonis plays deep drop coverage in PnR (like Brook Lopez in Milwaukee).
• Amen fights over screens to keep the ball in front.
• KD rotates as the “low man” to help at the rim.
If Zubac is in, run an even deeper drop to force midrange jumpers.
⸻
C. Transition Defense Emphasis
• Amen Thompson’s athleticism allows him to pick up the opposing ball handler full court.
• KD and Reaves are excellent at identifying matchups in transition and getting back.
• This team would be top-5 in limiting fast-break points.
⸻
D. Defensive Playmaking
• Amen + Reaves play the passing lanes aggressively.
• KD provides weak-side shot blocking.
• Sabonis and Zubac secure defensive rebounds to start immediate fast breaks.
This allows them to turn defense into offense and get easy transition buckets.
⸻
⸻
3. Rotation Patterns
First Quarter
• Start Brunson / Reaves / KD / Amen / Sabonis.
• Run motion-heavy offense early to wear down defenses.
Mid First / Early Second
• Stagger KD + Brunson.
• Russell enters with Zubac, Cam Johnson, Harper.
• Let Russell run PnR-heavy offense while KD spots up or posts smaller defenders.
Closing Lineup
• Brunson / Reaves / KD / Cam Johnson / Sabonis.
• If defense is an issue, sub Amen for Reaves.
• If more shooting is needed, play Russell instead of Amen.
This closing group can play 5-out or invert the offense through Sabonis.
⸻
⸻
4. Why This Works
• Constant Offensive Pressure: No lineup without playmaking or shooting.
• Defensive Versatility: Switchable wings + strong rebounding bigs = no weak points.
• Clutch Reliability: Two elite closers (Brunson & KD) and perfect spacing around them.
• Bench Stability: Russell and Zubac prevent big drop-offs when stars rest.
This is basically a championship-level system on paper — they’d combine the Nuggets’ offensive synergy with the Celtics’ wing depth and defensive versatility
Team A
C: Nikola Jokic / Zach Edey
PF: Kristaps Porzingis / Kyle Filipowski
SF: Matas Buzelis / Shaedon Sharpe
SG: Kawhi Leonard / Jaden Ivey
PG: James Harden / Stephon Castle
Vs.
Team J
C - Domantas Sabonis // Ivica Zubac
PF - Amen Thompson // Cameron Johnson
SF - Kevin Durrant // Aaron Nesmith
SG - Austin Reaves // Dylan Harper
PG - Jaylen Brunson // D’Angelo Russell
Team A writeup.
—————————-
So this team is filled with talented all skilled players with length advantage, and most importantly all team first players.
Starting with Nikola Jokic who can pass, make 3s and score all over the floor. James Harden at the point dropping dimes. One of the best 2way players in Kawhi Leonard. Porzingis and Buzelis rounding out a very talented starting lineup with formidable length.
Off the bench are young and hungry players led by ROY Stephon Castle. Ivey and Sharpe are dynamic scorers off the bench and the 2 way, 3 point shooting twin towers of Edey and Filp are tantalising to see play together.
This will will have an advantage at every position and the X-factors of Jokic, Kawhi and Harden will carry the torch for this talented lineup.
Team J Writeup
—————————
Starting Five:
• PG: Jaylen Brunson
• SG: Austin Reaves
• SF: Kevin Durant
• PF: Amen Thompson
• C: Domantas Sabonis
Bench Rotation:
• D’Angelo Russell (PG/SG)
• Dylan Harper (SG)
• Aaron Nesmith (SF/SG)
• Cameron Johnson (PF/SF)
• Ivica Zubac (C)
2024/25 Season Stats:
Brunson-
PTS- 26.0 AST- 7.3 FG%- 48.8 3PT%-39.3
Reaves-
PTS- 20.2 AST- 5.8 REB- 4.5
FG%- 46.0 3PT%- 37.7
Durrant-
PTS- 26.6 AST- 4.2 REB- 6.0
BLK- 1.2 FG%- 52.7 3PT%- 43.0
Thompson-
PTS- 14.1 AST- 3.8 REB- 8.2
BLK- 1.3 STL- 1.4 FG%- 55.7
Sabonis-
PTS- 19.1 AST- 6.0 FG%- 59.0 3PT%- 41.7 REB- 13.9 (league leader)
Russell-
MIN- 24.7 PTS/48- 25.1 REB- 2.8
AST- 5.1 STL-1.0
Harper-
#2 overall draft pick 2025
College stats: PTS- 19.4 REB- 4.6 AST- 4.0
Nesmith-
PPG/48- 23.1 FG%- 50.7 3PT%- 43.1
Johnson-
PTS- 18.8 REB- 4.3 AST- 3.4
FG%- 47.5 3PT%- 39.0
Zubac-
PTS- 16.8 REB-12.6 AST- 2.7
FG%- 62.8 BLK- 1.1
⸻
1. Elite Offensive Versatility
This roster would be a nightmare to guard.
• KD as the Ultimate Hub: Kevin Durant remains one of the most unguardable scorers ever. In 2025, he’s still elite at shot creation from all three levels. Having him at SF lets him exploit mismatches constantly — too tall for most wings, too skilled for most bigs.
• Sabonis at Center: Sabonis gives them a Jokic-lite offensive engine. He’s a triple-double threat every night, elite passer out of the high post, and a bruising screener. His DHO (dribble handoff) game with Reaves, Brunson, or Durant would create endless open looks.
• Brunson as the Floor General: Brunson is one of the most efficient pick-and-roll scorers and decision-makers in the league. Pairing him with Sabonis forces defenses into pick-your-poison situations — blitz Brunson, and Sabonis kills you as a passer; drop coverage, and Brunson hits floaters all day.
• Secondary Playmaking Everywhere: Reaves and Amen Thompson add playmaking depth — this team wouldn’t get stagnant because everyone can create for others.
This offense would likely lead the league in assists per game, effective FG%, and points per possession.
⸻
2. Elite Shooting & Spacing
• KD, Reaves, Brunson, Cam Johnson, Russell are all knockdown shooters from deep.
• Sabonis’ passing + shooting gravity opens backdoor cuts and corner threes.
• Aaron Nesmith brings high-energy 3&D shooting off the bench.
This creates maximum floor spacing, making it nearly impossible to pack the paint against them.
⸻
3. Defensive Matchup Nightmares
• Amen Thompson (6’7”, elite athleticism) is a defensive ace who can guard 1–4. He allows KD to conserve energy by taking the tougher perimeter assignment.
• Reaves is a smart, tough defender who fights through screens and rarely makes mistakes.
• Sabonis + Zubac = 48 minutes of elite rebounding — they’d dominate the glass, limiting second-chance points.
• Switchability: KD, Amen, Cam Johnson, Nesmith — all can comfortably switch across multiple positions, making them hard to exploit in pick-and-rolls.
This team wouldn’t just score — they’d lock you down when it matters.
⸻
4. Bench Depth & Staggering
Most NBA contenders fall off when their stars sit. Not here:
• D’Angelo Russell runs the second unit as a primary creator and shooter.
• Dylan Harper (rookie) adds youthful energy and secondary scoring.
• Cam Johnson keeps spacing elite with his corner 3s.
• Zubac brings rim protection and physicality when Sabonis rests.
This means 48 minutes of competent playmaking and shooting, no weak lineups, and very little drop-off.
⸻
5. Clutch Time Killer
Close game? Good luck.
• Brunson and Durant are both top-tier clutch scorers who thrive in isolation.
• Reaves and Cam Johnson space the floor, punishing help defense.
• Sabonis sets massive screens and makes the right reads every time.
This group could play 5-out, with KD as the closer, and there’d be no easy coverage for defenses.
⸻
6. Intangibles & Culture
This roster is made up of:
• High-IQ players (Brunson, Reaves, KD, Sabonis).
• Competitors with playoff experience (KD, Sabonis, Brunson, Russell).
• Young, hungry defenders (Amen Thompson, Dylan Harper).
They’d likely have one of the highest assist-to-turnover ratios in the league and play beautiful, unselfish basketball.
⸻
Bottom Line:
This team would be an offensive juggernaut, a switchable defensive unit, and have zero weak minutes thanks to their deep bench. In the 2025 NBA, they’d easily win the championship-basically a combination of the 2014 Spurs’ ball movement, the 2023 Nuggets’ playmaking big man offense, and KD’s individual scoring brilliance.
Coaching Blueprint: How This Team Would Dominate
⸻
1. Offensive Scheme
Primary Identity: Motion + Mismatch Hunting
This team would blend free-flowing motion with structured sets to get the right guy the right look — similar to the Warriors’ spacing, Kings’ dribble handoff game, and Mavericks’ clutch isolation.
⸻
Key Offensive Sets
A. High Post Hub (Sabonis Initiator)
• Start Sabonis at the elbow or top of the key.
• Brunson/Reaves run off staggered screens from KD + Amen.
• If defense switches? Hit KD on a mismatch in the mid-post.
• If defense overplays? Sabonis can fake the DHO and attack downhill.
This creates constant movement, forcing help defense and generating open shots.
⸻
B. Spain Pick-and-Roll (Brunson + KD)
• Brunson runs PnR with Sabonis.
• KD sets the backscreen on Sabonis’ man, then pops out for a 3.
• Defense must choose: tag the roll, switch onto KD, or leave Brunson free.
This is brutal to guard — every option is elite.
⸻
C. 5-Out “Clutch” Set
Late game, go small:
• Brunson (PG), Reaves (SG), KD (SF), Cam Johnson (PF), Sabonis (C).
• Everyone spaces to the perimeter except Brunson, who calls for a high screen.
• Brunson can attack drop coverage or kick to elite shooters.
• KD becomes a secondary isolation option if the defense loads up on Brunson.
No help can come without giving up a wide-open 3.
⸻
D. Second Unit Creation
When KD or Brunson sits:
• D’Angelo Russell runs spread pick-and-roll with Zubac as the screener.
• Cam Johnson spots up in the corner.
• Dylan Harper slashes and cuts off ball, using his athleticism to get layups.
This keeps scoring and playmaking steady with no dead possessions.
⸻
⸻
2. Defensive Scheme
Primary Identity: Switch + Rebound
This team would thrive defensively by using length, switchability, and rebounding to eliminate second chances.
⸻
Key Defensive Principles
A. Switch Everything 1-4
• Brunson may need some help vs elite scorers, but Amen, KD, Reaves, Cam Johnson, Nesmith can switch all wing screens seamlessly.
• This forces isolation-heavy offense from opponents, slowing them down and playing into KD/Amen’s length.
⸻
B. Drop Coverage + Show-and-Recover with Sabonis
• Sabonis plays deep drop coverage in PnR (like Brook Lopez in Milwaukee).
• Amen fights over screens to keep the ball in front.
• KD rotates as the “low man” to help at the rim.
If Zubac is in, run an even deeper drop to force midrange jumpers.
⸻
C. Transition Defense Emphasis
• Amen Thompson’s athleticism allows him to pick up the opposing ball handler full court.
• KD and Reaves are excellent at identifying matchups in transition and getting back.
• This team would be top-5 in limiting fast-break points.
⸻
D. Defensive Playmaking
• Amen + Reaves play the passing lanes aggressively.
• KD provides weak-side shot blocking.
• Sabonis and Zubac secure defensive rebounds to start immediate fast breaks.
This allows them to turn defense into offense and get easy transition buckets.
⸻
⸻
3. Rotation Patterns
First Quarter
• Start Brunson / Reaves / KD / Amen / Sabonis.
• Run motion-heavy offense early to wear down defenses.
Mid First / Early Second
• Stagger KD + Brunson.
• Russell enters with Zubac, Cam Johnson, Harper.
• Let Russell run PnR-heavy offense while KD spots up or posts smaller defenders.
Closing Lineup
• Brunson / Reaves / KD / Cam Johnson / Sabonis.
• If defense is an issue, sub Amen for Reaves.
• If more shooting is needed, play Russell instead of Amen.
This closing group can play 5-out or invert the offense through Sabonis.
⸻
⸻
4. Why This Works
• Constant Offensive Pressure: No lineup without playmaking or shooting.
• Defensive Versatility: Switchable wings + strong rebounding bigs = no weak points.
• Clutch Reliability: Two elite closers (Brunson & KD) and perfect spacing around them.
• Bench Stability: Russell and Zubac prevent big drop-offs when stars rest.
This is basically a championship-level system on paper — they’d combine the Nuggets’ offensive synergy with the Celtics’ wing depth and defensive versatility