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After watching a 2 hr compilation of Steph’s 40+ point games from his career (including the playoffs), I wanted to count who he did it against the most out of pure interest only to find out the man added to his legend as a “Clipper killer” like LeBronto or MJ & Cleveland since Steph’s scored 40 or more against the LA Clippers eight times.

The second most is the New Orleans Pelicans, which he’s scored 40+ against them on seven different occasions, including once in the 2015 playoffs (with the famous corner three over Anthony Davis that should’ve absolutely been a four point play) and as recently as 2023-24.

The entire list I kept count on is as follows (the * represents when Steph Curry has scored at least 40 against that particular team in a playoff setting):

Los Angeles Clippers: 8 times

New Orleans Pelicans*: 7 times

Portland Trailblazers*: 5 times

Washington Wizards: 5 times

Sacramento Kings*: 4 times

Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 times

Memphis Grizzlies: 4 times

Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 times

Orlando Magic: 3 times

Boston Celtics*: 3 times

Dallas Mavericks: 3 times

Phoenix Suns: 3 times

Philadelphia 76ers: 2 times

San Antonio Spurs*: 2 times

Toronto Raptors*: 2 times

Houston Rockets*: 2 times

Miami Heat: 2 times

Los Angeles Lakers: 2 times

Atlanta Hawks: 2 times

Charlotte Hornets: 2 times

Chicago Bulls: 1 time

New York Knicks: 1 time

Minnesota Timberwolves: 1 time

Milwaukee Bucks: 1 time

Denver Nuggets: 1 time

Utah Jazz: 1 time

Indiana Pacers: 1 time

The only teams he hasn’t scored 40+ against are the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons, but the closest is 39 vs. the Nets in 2017-18 and 38 vs. the Pistons in 2015-16.

Link to the video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M7nsRxPiNIk

stat| Kyrie| Jaylen Brown| Lillard | Fox

• |- | - | - | -

BOX | 25.6/5/5 61% TS | 23.5/5.5/3.6 58% TS | 24.3/4.4/7 59% TS | 26.6/4.6/5.6 56.6% TS EPM | +4.5 | +2.9 | +4.6 | +4.6 RAPTOR | +5.7 | +3.2 | +2.7 | +3.5 ON/OFF| +6.35 ON -2.3 OFF| +8 ON +16 OFF | +6.6 ON -5.95 OFF | +3 ON -2 OFF

This is the previous regular season stats, the trend with the impact metrics are very similar in the post season for both Brown and Kyrie, Lillard doesnt really have enough data there and can't include Fox for obvious reasons

How many rings do you think they would have achieved ? I’d wager at least 7. But Kobe got two without Shaq and Shaq got 1 without Kobe. Do you think they would have ran and demolished the league , or ran up against some uphill battles ?

With both teams healthy, who are you taking in a 7 game series: The San Antonio Spurs or the Boston Celtics.

;

The ever injured Chris Paul and Kristaps Porzingis are fully healthy. Which team comes out on top in a 7 game series played on a neutral court?

I know he wanted to get stronger but I’m kinda curious as to why? His 2009 season was his peak athleticism and was like a bullet down the court. What did he struggle with that he felt the need to put on 25 more pounds? Was it too avoid injuries? I feel like a version of 2009 Bron with his current jumpshot would be the best player ever to exist.

I was reading this article for some reason and read this quote:

Yet obvious questions will require months, maybe years, to answer. For instance, Are the new Big Three too old to win a championship? That's a fair concern because no NBA team has ever won a title with its top three scorers all in their 30s. Ainge contends that their style of play and body types will enable Allen, 32, Garnett, 31, and Pierce, 30, to remain productive for the lengths of their contracts. Still, the Celtics will be trying to break new ground with old legs.

And was a bit fascinated by that stat. It makes sense when you consider most teams have their 3rd best player as the youngest. But It had literally never been done in NBA history until the Celtics did it in 2008, but since then we've seen 2 teams do it (Mavs and Spurs).

I had GPT do an analysis of top 3 scorers for champo

Year Team Top 3 Scorers Age

2008 Boston Celtics

• Paul Pierce 30
• Kevin Garnett 31
• Ray Allen 32

2009 LA Lakers

• Kobe Bryant 30
• Pau Gasol 28
• Lamar Odom 29

2010 LA Lakers

• Kobe Bryant 31
• Pau Gasol 29
• Ron Artest (Metta World Peace) 30

2011 Dallas Mavericks:

• Dirk Nowitzki 32
• Jason Terry 33
• Shawn Marion 33

2012 Miami Heat:

• LeBron James 27
• Dwyane Wade 30
• Chris Bosh 28

2013 Miami Heat:

• LeBron James 28
• Dwyane Wade 31
• Chris Bosh 29

2014 San Antonio Spurs:

• Tony Parker 31
• Tim Duncan 37
• Manu Ginóbili 36

2015 Golden State Warriors:

• Stephen Curry 27
• Klay Thompson 25
• Draymond Green 24

2016 Cleveland Cavaliers:

• LeBron James 31
• Kyrie Irving 24
• Kevin Love 27

2017 Golden State Warriors:

• Kevin Durant 28
• Stephen Curry 29
• Klay Thompson 27

2018 Golden State Warriors:

• Kevin Durant 29
• Stephen Curry 30
• Klay Thompson 28

2019 Toronto Raptors:

• Kawhi Leonard 27
• Kyle Lowry 33
• Pascal Siakam 25

2020 LA Lakers:

• LeBron James 35
• Anthony Davis 27
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 27

2021 Milwaukee Bucks:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo 26
• Khris Middleton 29
• Jrue Holiday 30

2022 Golden State Warriors:

• Stephen Curry 34
• Klay Thompson 32
• Andrew Wiggins 27

2023 Denver Nuggets:

• Nikola Jokić 28
• Jamal Murray 26
• Michael Porter Jr. 24

2024 Boston Celtics:

• Jayson Tatum 18
• Jaylen Brown 27
• Kristaps Porziņģis 28

It's also interesting to see both the 2011 Mavs and 2014 Spurs took down LeBron's Heat, even though Miami was the heavy favorite both times. The Mavs relied on Dirk and a veteran group to outplay the Heat, while the Spurs used some of the best ball movement we’ve ever seen to dismantle them. It’s tough to see that happening again in today’s NBA, where it’s all about young stars and athleticism, but those teams showed that experience and smart play can still beat pure talent. It’s rare, but not impossible.

Weirdly enough, with where the league is going, I don't see this happening again any time soon. Maybe if KD, Curry and LeBron join forces one more time?

If you’re in NY you could for some reason see Jayson Tatum discuss his children’s book

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jayson-tatum-and-sam-apple-celebrate-baby-dunks-a-lot-at-bn-union-square-tickets-946244742497?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&lang=en-us&locale=en_US&status=30&view=listing

Help me fill out a roster with all swaggtastic alternative types. I've got a Miami Heat Birdman at C cuz the neck tats and mohawk, Lance Stephenson at the 2. Who else? Maybe Metta World Peace at the 3 or 4? lol I want a team that will fill the seats everynight, resemble the And1 mixtape tour more than it should, and more volatile than a gas leak in a fireworks factory.
Edit: Here's what I'm going with so far based on your recommendations:

PG: Jason Williams ?

SG: Lance Stephenson

SF: Metta World Peace

PF: Dennis Rodman (team captain)

C: Birdman

1. Memphis Grizzlies

2. Phoenix Suns

3. Sacramento Kings

4. New Orleans Pelicans

These are 4 teams that either made roster upgrades or were not healthy that I think people are putting in a tier lower than other contenders

The Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Mavericks I feel like are the consensus contenders, and the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers are getting older and did not make significant roster upgrades.

The Grizzlies, Suns, Kings and Pelicans are sort of wildcards where they haven’t made the conference finals in the past 3 seasons, so who among them has the best case to make a deep playoff run? Which would be the most surprising?

I kind of loved the 2004-05 Memphis Grizzlies team which wasn't great but was coached by Hubie Brown, Lionel Hollins, and the majority by Mike Fratello. They had a young Pau Gasol, Battier, Mike Miller, James Posey and 6 other players averaging 20 mpg or higher. Just seemed like a great rotation of players who played within their capabilities and over performed well enough to get swept in the first round of the playoffs and flame out the following year. I remember watching a few games that year and just thought they all had sort of a jack of all-trades master-of-none and were good team players. Pau obviously went on and had an amazing career while the others this season and the next were just pretty decent players. Hell, they even had Brian Cardinal.

Anyone else have some good recollections of teams with that kind of talent?

How far would the following lineup get next year?

Derrick white Jaylen brown Anthony black Draymond green Stuart gray (who is currently 61 years old but also 7’ tall)

From January 28th, 2018 till March 30th, 2018, the James Harden-CP3 Rockets were on fire, winning 28 of their 29 games, going undefeated in March in the process.

Only bested by the record-setting Warriors and a Peak LeBron-lead Heat team, who went on to win the title that year.

It's a game to 11 and possession switches after every make.

I decided for who is in the top 16 players in the NBA, I used Ringer's list: https://nbarankings.theringer.com/. Is it accurate? No, not even close. But, it's at least somewhat decent for picking top 16. I also used the rankings to seed the tournament.

Round of 16

The matchups:

• Nikola Jokic (1) vs. Jaylen Brown (16)
• Luka Doncic (2) vs. Donovan Mitchell (15)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (3) vs. Kawhi Leonard (14)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4) vs. Devin Booker (13)
• Jayson Tatum (5) vs. LeBron James (12)
• Joel Embiid (6) vs. Jalen Brunson (11)
• Stephen Curry (7) vs. Anthony Davis (10)
• Anthony Edwards (8) vs. Kevin Durant (9)

Yes, I know how cringe Edwards at 8 is.

Game 1:

Jokic vs Brown

The game begins with Jokic winning the jump ball and attempting a shot in the low post, and drawing free throws. He drills both to go up 2-0. Jaylen Brown attempts a 3 pointer, misses it, grabs his own rebound, then chucks up another 3, which he misses again. This time Jokic gets the rebound, and scores in the post to go up 4-0. Brown promptly turns the ball over. Jokic shoots a 3, which doesn't go in, then rebounds the ball and puts it back up, but it doesn't go in. Brown shoots a 3, which doesn't fall, Jokic gets the rebound, and scores in the low post yet again to go up 6-0. Brown, shoots a mid ranger this time. which doesn't fall. Jokic then shoots a 3, which he bricks. Brown tries the Jokic method and shoots a low post shot, but it doesn't go it yet again. Jokic steals the ball from Brown and makes a bank shot off the glass to go up 8-0 and gets call, he makes it to go up 9-0. One basket away from Victory. Brown shoots a middie, which doesn't go in and he gets the offensive rebound, but then turns the ball over. Jokic tries a 3, but it doesn't fall. Brown tries a 3 and it goes it finally! Brown is on the board cutting the lead to 9-3. But is it too little too late? Jokic, unfortunately for Brown answers immediately for the 11-3 win with another low post shot.

Game 1 Result: 11-3 Jokic win

Game 2:

Doncic vs Mitchell

Luka wins the jump ball to start, and shoots a mid-ranger and draws a foul. In classic Luka fashion, he hits 1 of 2. 1-0 Luka Mitchell answers right back with a mid-ranger of his own to take a 2-1 lead. Doncic tries a low post shot, which is good and gets a foul. Luka then misses the free throw though, so only 2 points for a 3-2 Luka lead. But Luka gets the offensive rebound and puts up a low post shot, and draws the foul yet again from Mitchell. This time he drills both free throws to go up 5-2. Mitchell tries a 3, but it rims out. Luka tries a 3 of his own, but he bricks it. Mitchell tries a mid-ranger, and he drills it to make it 5-4 Doncic. Luka clanks a 3 and Luka rebounds it, but Mitchell hits it out of bounds and steals it on the inbound. Then, he makes a midrange shot again to go up 6-5. Luka promptly answers with a 3 though to take the lead back. 8-6 Doncic. Mitchell shoots a low-post shoot and makes it and get the call. He drills the free throw. All of a sudden, it's 9-8 Mitchell. But Luka's ball. Luka elevates for a shot at the rim, but it doesn't go in. Luka then steals the ball from Mitchell and tries a midrange shot and it goes in! 10-9 Doncic. Mitchell ball. Mitchell loses the ball out of bounds. Luka hits a midranger to win it!

Game 2 Result: 12-9 Doncic win

Game 2 Stats:

Donovan Mitchell: 4-5 FG 0-1 3P 1-1 FT 1 REB 2 TOV 1 STL 4 PF 9 Points

Luka Doncic: 4-7 FG 1-3 3P 3-5 FT 2 REB 1 TOV 1 STL 1 PF 12 Points

Game 3:

Giannis vs Kawhi

Giannis wins the jump ball and in a shocking start, tries a 3 and it goes in!. 3-0 Giannis to start the game. Kawhi attempts to answer with a mid-range shot and it goes in as well. 3-2 Giannis. Giannis goes for a low post shot and it goes in as well to make it a 5-2 game. Kawhi decides to go for a 3, but he bricks it. Giannis goes for a mid-range shot and that falls as well. Giannis on fire to take a 7-2 lead. But Kawhi won't go down without a fight, answering with a 3 pointer of his own to cut the lead to 2. Giannis is fouled on a drive, and he hits 1 of 2 to make it a 8-5 lead. Leonard tries another 3, Bang! That falls as well. Tie game! Giannis and Kawhi trade made low post shots to make it tied at 10 with everything on the line with Giannis ball. Giannis then easily makes a low post shot to win it 12-10.

Game 3 Result: 12-10 Giannis win

Game 3 Stats:

Kawhi Leonard: 4-5 FG 2-3 3P 4 PF 10 Points

Giannis Antetokounmpo: 5-5 FG 1-1 3P 1-2 FT 1 REB 12 Points

Game 4:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Devin Booker

Shai wins the jump ball and drives to the cup and lays it in for a 2-0 lead to begin. Booker answers immediately with a mid-range shot to make it tied at 2. SGA tries a 3 and it goes in for a 5-2 lead. Then, SGA steals the ball from Booker, tries a 3, but misses, then gets his own rebound and dunks over Booker. Booker gets a slam of his own to cut it to 7-4. Booker and SGA trade mid range shots to make it 9-6 with SGA ball and SGA with no hesitation slams it home for an 11-6 win.

Game 4 Result: 11-6 SGA win.

Game 4 Stats:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 5-6 FG 1-2 3P 1 REB 1 STL 11 PTS

Devin Booker: 3-3 FG 1 TOV 6 PTS

Game 5:

Joel Embiid vs Jalen Brunson

Joel Embiid wins the jump ball and tries a low post shot and gets fouled by Brunson. He hits both free throws to make it 2-0 Embiid. Brunson replies with a mid range shot. Embiid tries a mid-range fadeaway but gets fouled, he hits both free throws for a 4-2 lead. Brunson misses a 3 and Embiid tries a mid-range shot, but it doesn't go, Embiid gets the rebound and shoots another middie, but that doesn't fall either. Brunson responds with a game tying mid range shot to make it tied at 4. Embiid bricks a 3, and Brunson loses the ball out of bounds, and Embiid drills the 3 for a 7-4 lead and first made shot of the game. Brunson bricks a 3 on the ensuing possession and Embiid edges closer with a low post bucket for a 9-4 lead. Brunson hits a mid-range shot, but it's too little too late as Embiid makes a mid range shot to win it 11-6.

Game 5 Result: 11-6 Embiid Win.

Game 5 Stats:

Joel Embiid: 3-6 FT 1-2 3P 4-4 FT 3 REB 11 PTS

Jalen Brunson: 3-5 FG 0-2 3P 2 REB 1 TOV 6 PTS

Game 6:

Jayson Tatum vs Lebron James

Tatum wins the jump ball, attempts a 3 and is fouled and he makes every single free throw to make 3-0 Tatum. Lebron tries a 3 to answer, but the shot rims out. However, Lebron gets the ball right back on a steal, and drills the 3 to make it a tie game. Tatum then drives through contact for an and-1 for 3 points the old-fashioned way. 6-3 Tatum lead. Lebron tries his luck with another 3, but it's no good. Tatum misses a layup, then gets his own rebound, and tries again, but is fouled, he hits 1 of 2 to make it a 7-3 Tatum lead. Lebron, for whatever reason is really into shooting 3s today, and he misses yet another one. Tatum makes a mid-range shot for a 9-3 lead. Lebron then makes a tough layup and gets fouled, but he misses the free throw, so it's 9-5 Tatum with a chance for Tatum to advance to the quarterfinals. Tatum tries a low-post shot, gets fouled and makes both for a stunning 11-5 win over Lebron.

Game 6 Result: 11-5 Tatum win

Game 6 Stats:

Lebron James: 2-5 FG 1-4 3P 0-1 FT 1 STL 5 PTS

Jayson Tatum: 2-3 FG 7-8 FT 5 REB 1 TOV 11 PTS

Game 7:

Anthony Davis vs Stephen Curry

Anthony Davis wins the jump ball, and starts off with a low-post shot, which he hits. Curry answers with a 3 for a 3-2 Curry lead. Davis tries another low-post shot and makes it for a 4-3 lead. Curry misses the 3 and Davis takes advantage with a layup. Curry answers right back with a 3 for a tie game at 6. Davis makes another low-post shot for an 8-6 lead. Steph bricks the 3. Then, Davis slams it home for an 10-6 lead and the foul and the chance to win the game. He misses the free throw! Curry is still alive and drills a 3 to make it 10-9. Davis wins it with a mid-range shot. 12-9 Win for AD.

Game 7 Result: 12-9 Davis win

Game 7 Stats:

Anthony Davis: 6-6 FG 0-1 FT 12 PTS

Stephen Curry: 3-5 FG 3-5 3P 9 PTS

Game 8:

Anthony Edwards vs Kevin Durant

Edwards wins the jump ball, and gets a layup to get on the board immediately. Durant answers with the mid-range shot. Edwards misses the 3. Durant makes the low post shot and draws the foul shot, which he hits obviously. 5-2 Durant lead. Edwards answers with the 3. Durant misses a 3 of his own. Edwards drills another 3! All of a sudden it's 8-5 Edwards. Durant is fouled on the mid range shot and misses 1 of 2 for cut it to 8-6. Edwards commits a turnover. Durant misses the mid-range shot and gets his own rebound and attempts a low post shot which is good for an 8-8 tie. Durant knocks the ball out of bounds off Edwards. Then, he tries a low post shot and gets fouled, he promptly drills both free throws for the 10-8 lead. Edwards misses the low post shot. Durant misses the low post shot. Edwards drills the mid range shot to tie it at 10. Durant then makes the game winning low post shot.

Game 8 Result: 12-10 Durant win

Game 8 Stats:

Anthony Edwards: 4-6 FG 2-3 3P 2 TOV 10 PTS

Kevin Durant: 4-7 FG 0-1 3P 4-5 FT 1 STL 12 PTS

First round summary of results:

Game 1: Nikola Jokic vs. Jaylen Brown

• Result: Jokic wins 11-3

Game 2: Luka Doncic vs. Donovan Mitchell

• Result: Doncic wins 12-9

Game 3: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Kawhi Leonard

• Result: Giannis wins 12-10

Game 4: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Devin Booker

• Result: SGA wins 11-6

Game 5: Joel Embiid vs. Jalen Brunson

• Result: Embiid wins 11-6

Game 6: Jayson Tatum vs. LeBron James

• Result: Tatum wins 11-5

Game 7: Anthony Davis vs. Stephen Curry

• Result: Davis wins 12-9

Game 8: Anthony Edwards vs. Kevin Durant

• Result: Durant wins 12-10

Now, with the first round done and dusted, we have the following quarterfinals matchups:

• Nikola Jokic (1) vs. Kevin Durant (9)
• Luka Doncic (2) vs. Anthony Davis (10)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (3) vs. Joel Embiid (6)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4) vs. Jayson Tatum (5)

Game 9:

Nikola Jokic vs Kevin Durant

Jokic wins the jump ball and bricks a mid-range shot to start the game. Fun fact, this is the first game that didn't have points scored on the very first possession of the game. Durant makes a layup for a 2-0 lead. Jokic turns it over, then Durant loses the ball out of bounds. Jokic tries a 3 but misses. Durant grabs the rebound, but Jokic knocks the ball out of bounds on Durant, getting the ball back. Jokic tries a low-post shot but is fouled and makes the free throws. Durant answers with a mid range shot. Durant leads 4-2. Jokic, uncharacteristically tries a 3, which misses again. Durant tries to grab the rebounds, but it goes out of bounds. Jokic goes for a shot at the rim, and makes it! And the foul! Jokic makes the free throw for the 5-4 lead. The Slim reaper tries a 3, and it goes in. 7-5 KD lead. Jokic replies with a mid range shot. Durant turns it over, and Jokic takes advantage with a low post shot. 9-7 Jokic lead. Durant goes for a shot at the rim, and throws it down on Jokic! And the foul too! He makes it for the 10-9 Durant lead with Jokic ball. Jokic calmly makes a layup for the 11-10 win. The first 11-10 win of the tournament.

Game 9 Result: 11-10 Jokic win

Game 9 Stats:

Nikola Jokic: 4-7 FG 0-2 3P 3-3 FT 1 TOV 1 STL 11 PTS

Kevin Durant: 4-4 FG 1-1 3P 1-1 FT 3 TOV 10 PTS

Game 10:

Luka Doncic vs Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis wins the jump ball and tries a low post shot, but it rims out. After 8 games with first possession scores, we've now had back to back games with first possession misses. Luka tries a 3, and it goes in. Davis answers with a mid range shot. Then, he promptly gets a steal and makes another middie for a 4-3 lead. Luka tries a 3 and makes it! 6-4 Luka lead. Davis loses the ball out of bounds, Luka takes advantage with a midrange shot for a 8-4 lead. Davis attempts a mid range shot, and it goes in, and a foul! He cuts it to 8-7. Luka makes a low post shot to put him on the brink of victory at 10-7. Davis goes for a shot at the rim, and hits it to cut it to 10-9. Luka slams it home and draws the foul. But there's no need to shoot the free throw. Luka wins 12-9.

Game 10 Result: 12-9 Luka win

Game 10 Stats:

Luka Doncic: 5-5 FG 2-2 3P 1 TOV 12 PTS

Anthony Davis: 4-5 FG 1-1 FT 1 TOV 1 STL 9 PTS

Game 11:

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Joel Embiid

Giannis wins the jump ball, and tries a low post shot, but it's off the mark. 3 straight games with a first possession no score! Embiid tries a low post shot of his own, but that misses as well. Giannis throws it down on Embiid and draws the foul! He makes the free throw for a 3-0 lead. Embiid elevates for a shot at the rim, but the layup rolls out. Giannis slams it down on Embiid again! 5-0 Giannis lead. Embiid finally gets off the mark with a mid-range shot to cut it to 2-5. Giannis answers right back with a mid range shot. Embiid comes right back with another mid-range shot to make it 7-4 Giannis. Giannis tries to continue to streak of made midrange shots, but it doesn't fall. Embiid tries a 3, and makes it! 7-7 Tie all of a sudden. Giannis comes for yet another slam, but is fouled, he hits 1 of 2 for the 8-7 lead. Joel Embiid tries a mid range shot, but he bricks it. Giannis makes a mid-range shot to make it 10-7. Giannis is on the verge of being in the final 4. Embiid tries a 3, but it rims out. Giannis continues with the mid-range rampage, and tries another middie, and draws the foul. Giannis only needs to make 1 to advance immediately. And Giannis, cool as ice hits the first one to win 11-7. The curse of the 2nd round continues for Joel Embiid, even in simulations! Embiid also puts up either the worst or second worst shooting performance of the entire 1v1 tourney, depending on your opinion of Lebron's 2-5 from the field, and 1 for for from 3 performance in a stunning loss to Jayson Tatum.

Game 11 Result: 11-7 Giannis win

Game 11 Stats:

Giannis Antetokounmpo: 4-6 FG 3-4 FT 11 PTS

Joel Embiid: 3-7 FG 1-2 3P 7 PTS

Game 12:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Jayson Tatum

SGA wins the jump ball, and tries a 3, which goes in. Tatum replies with a 3 of his own. SGA tries a mid-range shot, but it's no good. Tatum tries a 3 as well, but that doesn't fall. Tatum gets the steal from SGA, and goes for a low post shot with he hits for a 5-3 lead. SGA tries a low post shot as well, but it doesn't fall. Tatum tries a mid-range shot, and gets fouled. He hits 1 of 2 for a 6-3 lead. SGA tries a low post shot, and gets fouled and makes both to cut it to 6-5. Tatum tries a 3, and hits it for a 9-5 lead. SGA tries a 3 of his own, and drills it to cut it to 9-8. Tatum goes for the dunk to win it, but is BLOCKED BY SGA! SGA goes for the go ahead middie, and butter! SGA goes up 10-9! Tatum goes for the game winner, a mid range shot and draws the foul. He drills the first free throw. Tie game at 10. And the second free throw... goes in as well! Tatum wins 11-10. The second 11-10 win in the tournament.

Game 12 Result: 11-10 Tatum win.

Game 12 Stats:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 3-5 FG 2-2 3P 2-2 FT 1 TOV 1 BLK 10 PTS

Jayson Tatum: 3-5 FG 2-3 3P 3-4 FT 1 STL 11 PTS

And with that game we have our final 4 players and they are:

Jayson Tatum

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Nikola Jokic

Luka Doncic

The matchups are:

• Nikola Jokic (1) vs. Jayson Tatum (5)
• Luka Doncic (2) vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo (3)

Game 13/Semifinal 1:

Nikola Jokic vs Jayson Tatum

Jokic wins the jump ball, and tries a low post shot, but he bricks it. He gets the offensive rebound, and makes the layup for the 2-0 lead. Jayson Tatum loses the ball out of bounds. Tatum then knocks the ball out of bounds on Jokic. Tatum makes a layup for a tie game at 2. Jokic tries a 3, and it goes in for a 5-2 lead. Tatum tries a mid range shot, makes it, and draws the foul. He makes the free throw to tie it at 5. Jokic tries a mid-range shot and makes it! 7-5 lead for Jokic. Tatum turns it over. Jokic tries a low post shot, it's no good. Tatum tries a 3, and makes it! 8-7 lead for Tatum. Jokic tries to reply with the mid-ranger and knocks it down for a 9-8 lead. Tatum answers right back with a mid range shot of his own! 10-9 Tatum lead with Jokic ball. Jokic tries a low post shot, but Tatum commits the shooting foul. Jokic steps to the line, and makes his first free throw to make it a tie game at 10. Then, he drills his second free throw as well to win it! Wow, Jokic wins 11-10! What a game!

Semifinal 1 Result: 11-10 Jokic win

Semifinal 1 Stats:

Nikola Jokic: 4-6 FG 1-1 3P 2-2 FT 1 TOV 11 PTS

Jayson Tatum: 4-4 FG 1-1 3P 2 TOV 1 STL 10 PTS

Jokic advances to the finals in a stunning game!

Jayson Tatum's final stats in the "tournament": 2-1 Record 9-12 FG 3-4 3P 11-13 FT 8 REB 3 TOV 32 PTS

Game 14/Semifinal 2:

Luka Doncic vs Giannis Antetokounmpo

Luka Doncic wins the jump ball, and tries a low post shot, which falls. Giannis tries a 3, and makes it! Doncic bricks a middie, and Giannis, in a shocking turn of events, tries another 3 and that falls as well. 6-2 lead Giannis and a stunning beginning to the game. Luka makes a mid-range shot to cut it to 6-4. Then, he gets a steal and throws it down on Giannis. Giannis turns it over again, and Luka makes another mid-range shot to take a 8-6 lead. 6-0 Luka run. Giannis tries a low post shot, but it doesn't fall. Luka tries a 3 for the win, and it goes in! 11-6 Luka win and a 9-0 run from Luka to end the game.

Semifinal 2 Result: 11-6 Luka Doncic win

Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2-3 FG 2-2 3P 1 REB 2 TOV 6 PTS

Luka Doncic: 5-6 FG 1-1 3P 1 REB 1 STL 11 PTS

Luka Doncic advances to the finals to play Jokic, after a 9-0 run after being down 6-2.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's final stats in the tourney: 2-1 Record 11-14 FG 3-3 3P(lol) 4-6 FT 6 REB 2 TOV 29 PTS

Onto the Grand Finale!

Game 15/The 1 v 1 Final:

Nikola Jokic vs Luka Doncic

Jokic wins the jump ball, and tries a low post shot to start the game, and it falls! 2-0 Jokic lead to begin the game. Luka tries to respond with a low post shot of his own, but is fouled and hits 1 of 2 free throws. Jokic goes for a mid-range shot, and that falls as well. 4-1 Jokic lead. Luka goes for a 3, to try to tie it, but it doesn't fall. He gets his own rebound, and goes for a low post shot, drawing the foul in the process. He hits both to make it a 4-3 Jokic lead. Jokic tries a low post shot, but it misses. He also gets his own rebound, and makes the layup. 6-3 Jokic lead. Luka answers right back with the slam, and the foul! He misses the free throw though, so it's still a Jokic lead, 6-5. Jokic grinds his way to the basket, and makes a layup, and gets the foul call. He makes the free throw as well, to go to the brink of the championship, 9-5. Doncic, in a do or die situation, drives and makes a layup and draws yet another foul! He makes the free throw. 9-8 Jokic lead with Jokic ball. Can he win it here? Jokic, anticlimactically turns the ball over out of bounds. Doncic goes for the 3... Bang! Luka Doncic from 3! Luka wins the championship! What a way to win it for Luka Doncic!

1 v 1 Championship final result: 11-9 Luka win, in a stunning comeback.

Luka came back from a 6-2 deficit to go on a 9-0 run against Giannis in the semifinal, then came back from a 9-5 deficit with a 6-0 run against Jokic to win the championship. Just brilliant stuff from Doncic.

Final Stats:

Nikola Jokic: 4-5 FG 1-1 FT 3 REB 1 TOV 9 PTS

Luka Doncic: 3-4 FG 1-2 3P 4-6 FT 1 REB 11 PTS

Random Fun Facts:

The Joel Embiid curse of the 2nd round apparently plagues him, even in simulations.

Shai-Gilgeous Alexander ended with the highest offensive rating of 188.

Huge credit to u/dumbmatter for making this possible with the GOAT game Basketball GM.

Results of every game:

Round of 16 Results:

1. Nikola Jokic (1) defeated Jaylen Brown (16) - 11-3
2. Luka Doncic (2) defeated Donovan Mitchell (15) - 12-9
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (3) defeated Kawhi Leonard (14) - 12-10
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4) defeated Devin Booker (13) - 11-6
5. Joel Embiid (6) defeated Jalen Brunson (11) - 11-6
6. Jayson Tatum (5) defeated LeBron James (12) - 11-5
7. Anthony Davis (10) defeated Stephen Curry (7) - 12-9
8. Kevin Durant (9) defeated Anthony Edwards (8) - 12-10

Quarterfinals Results:

1. Nikola Jokic (1) defeated Kevin Durant (9) - 11-10
2. Luka Doncic (2) defeated Anthony Davis (10) - 12-9
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (3) defeated Joel Embiid (6) - 11-7
4. Jayson Tatum (5) defeated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4) - 11-10

Semifinals Results:

Nikola Jokic (1) defeated Jayson Tatum (5) 11-10

Luka Doncic (2) defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo (3) 11-6

Final Result:

Luka Doncic (2) defeated Nikola Jokic (1) 11-9

Disclaimer: This is not a post about which is the strongest or most talented team. But teams with the best teamwork shown. The core that plays the best with each other.

Here is mine

1.Mid 2000s - Early 2010s Spurs - obviously, they are not the best/most talented team in history. Though, they have the GOAT PF in Timmy, and solid all star players in Manu and Tony. But aside from talent, they really invented the ball movement beautiful basketball. Even Role Players like Diaw and Bowen plays perfectly in their continuous ball movement style of basketball. Hats off to Coach Pop.

2. 2015-2016 Warriors - Yes, Pre KD Warriors. They are literally the ones who adapted Spurs ball movement system style. And added some flashy dunks, and freestyle spam of outside shooting. Steph and Klay shooting the lights out, with Draymond, Iggy, etc facilitating or screening for them.

3. 2008-2010 Celtics - Arguably the first Big 3 team in 21st century. Maybe Big 4 if you count Rondo. But the sudden formation of big 3 of Pierce, Ray Allen, and KG suddenly worked wonders. Their skillsets complement each other to the fullest that it allows for the "Big 3" formula to work.

4. 90s Bulls - I feel like 90s bulls is a little bit underrated when it comes to teamwork. Modern younger People thought it is just give the ball to MJ, and let him cook. Though, it might be a little true in some parts, especially in the clutch. For the whole game, MJ plays under a Triangle System. Scottie is a Point Forward/Defensive Specialist who facilitates well. Ron Harper is another lengthy defensive guard. Rodman is also an elite Big Man Defender/Inside Defender. And yes, MJ is also an elite defender. AND YES, I consider elite team defense as teamwork too. In, offense, MJ might take the most shots, but those are actually on the flow of the offense. And Ofc, Scottie, Harper, Rodman, Kukoc, etc have scoring opportunities too.

5. 80s Showtime Lakers - With Magic leading the showtime exciting fast paced fast break style of basketball the lakers did in 80s, it actually required a lot of teamwork. Kareem was still a monster inside but he was older. Still he made sure he can keep up with the uptempo style of Magic and his teammates. Worthy, Scott, Cooper, Etc knew where they should be in an attack. Sometimes, Magic doesn't even pass to the man, he pass it to the area where the player is suppoosed to be!!!. That's why he is considered by many as the best passer/playmaker of all time.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

These are teams who I highly considered:

80s Celtics of Bird, Mchale, and Parish

Early 2010s Heat of Lebron, Wade, Bosh

2004 Pistons (The Defensive Juggernaut)

1987-1990 Bad Boy Pistons of Zeke

Which teams do you think deserve honorable mentions?

I was curious about how much a possession involving a 3 pointer is worth so I went to Basketball reference and was just looking at the data. I don’t think the PPP calculation is as vanilla as points/possessions (as OBoards generate another shot). Does anybody have any insight on this? Really appreciate it if someone knows how to do this and throws some light on this.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_stats_totals.html

It's reasonable to assume George Mikan would have won at least one, if not several, MVP Awards in the league's first 9 seasons given the way he had dominated the league (5x All-NBA 1st Team, 3x WS leader, 3x PPG leader, 2x RPG leader).

Other early MVP candidates:

• Joe Fulks (Before 1955-56: 2x PPG leader)
• Bob Cousy (Before 1955-56: 5x All-Star, 4x All-NBA 1st Team, 3x APG leader; Ended up winning the league's 2nd MVP Award in 1956-57.)
• Neil Johnston (Before 1955-56: 3x All-Star, 3x All-NBA 1st Team, 2x PPG leader)
• Paul Arizin (ROY in 1950-51 and All-Star, All-NBA 1st Team and PPG leader in 1951-52)

That Mavs team in 2011 created one of the greatest championships runs with Dirk as the sole star of the team, beating the defending champs Lakers and both the rising OKC and Heat Big 3. But I’m wondering, if the GDP spurs weren’t upset by the newly formed Grit and Grind Grizzlies, can the Mavs still create the miracle?

I’ve noticed on the likes of twitter, instagram, tiktok and other social medias that fans, and haters, will often use the term “role player” as an insult.

I don’t really understand why as to play your role, to pull your weight, is an expectation and shows the qualities of a good teammate.

So that’s why I gotta ask, do you consider “role player” an insult? and if so, why?

Yes, Steph averages 91% from the line, 1.3% more than Dame, but Dame's takes 2.2 more per game (4.3 vs 6.5 attempts) for his career. And in recent years, Dame has been consistently averaging more than 90% from the line.

idk I feel like this isn't something that commonly acknowledged in NBA discourse.