NFT: Bucks vs. Suns NBA Finals

Suns in 7.

no super teams. 2 young stars, 1 aging all time great with a chance to finally win a ring, some good interior players, and 2 good coaches.

I’m rooting for 7 games and don’t think I care who wins.

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This will be a quick series.

In comment 15299152 Dennis From Madison said:

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This will be a quick series.

I wish I could get someone to take that bet. I m surprised by that prediction.

So we can start with offseason rumors/moves

In comment 15299152 Dennis From Madison said:

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This will be a quick series.

Not if Giannis plays. How much you willing to bet on that.

I’m wondering if they have him sit game 1 and 2 giving him another weeks rest.

In comment 15299136 gtt350 said:

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The NBA playoffs just drag on FAR too long across 2 months

Looking forward to this series with former Laker legend Chris Paul and future Laker legend Giannis Antetokounmpo.

I saw in the box score that he played but was wondering if his performance was affected by his injury. If you saw the game, did it happen that way?

In comment 15299177 BrettNYG10 said:

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Looking forward to this series with former Laker legend Chris Paul and future Laker legend Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Lol. East Coast Lakers fans

shots were off and his floater didn't float....no D...look very average.

In comment 15299177 BrettNYG10 said:

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Looking forward to this series with former Laker legend Chris Paul and future Laker legend Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Chris Paul was a Laker?

In comment 15299204 Doubledeuce22 said:

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In comment 15299177 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Looking forward to this series with former Laker legend Chris Paul and future Laker legend Giannis Antetokounmpo. Chris Paul was a Laker?

Until David Stern rigged it.

In comment 15299192 BigBlueShock said:

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In comment 15299177 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Looking forward to this series with former Laker legend Chris Paul and future Laker legend Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lol. East Coast Lakers fans

Lol. Fans of a team that will never see a championship in their lifetime.

Kinda amazing how well known Chris Paul is to the general public; I think he's #2 behind LBJ. Those State Farm ads are so well known & that even people who don't follow basketball @ all-like my sister-know who he is.

In comment 15299206 BrettNYG10 said:

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In comment 15299192 BigBlueShock said: Quote: In comment 15299177 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Looking forward to this series with former Laker legend Chris Paul and future Laker legend Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lol. East Coast Lakers fans Lol. Fans of a team that will never see a championship in their lifetime.

At least we are true fans and not pathetic bandwagon jumpers that decide to root for a team because it wins a lot.

Lakers fans are insufferable; I still have friends who tell me Kobe is the GOAT.

I grew up a Bulls fan and “having 6 titles” was fun to talk about as a teenager but I don’t even identify with those teams. I started getting hugely into the NBA in the late 90s early 2000s when they largely stunk.

Lakers fans my age and younger talking about titles is hilarious.

The NBA has to be so pissed that they get such a ratings drag. No LeBron, no Lakers/Celtics, no superteams, etc.

Not gonna be good for ratings at all. NBA has been lucky lately with attractive matchups but this is gonna be a rough one.

Hopefully it's only a one year blip and next year they can get one of the Sixers/Celtics/Nets in the finals and the Lakers should be back next year.

In comment 15299229 Walnut said:

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The NBA has to be so pissed that they get such a ratings drag. No LeBron, no Lakers/Celtics, no superteams, etc. Not gonna be good for ratings at all. NBA has been lucky lately with attractive matchups but this is gonna be a rough one. Hopefully it's only a one year blip and next year they can get one of the Sixers/Celtics/Nets in the finals and the Lakers should be back next year.

I believe the postseason ratings have been better than expected, but I could be wrong. I, for one, am excited for this Finals.

In comment 15299229 Walnut said:

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The NBA has to be so pissed that they get such a ratings drag. No LeBron, no Lakers/Celtics, no superteams, etc. Not gonna be good for ratings at all. NBA has been lucky lately with attractive matchups but this is gonna be a rough one. Hopefully it's only a one year blip and next year they can get one of the Sixers/Celtics/Nets in the finals and the Lakers should be back next year.

Serious question, why do you care what’s good for their ratings? They are making out well regardless. The NBA needs smaller market teams to shine in order to get more people to care, and it’s also 2 teams that play team basketball (good for the nba as well especially when you factor in what the league will look like in a few years with many of the big stars retired/not good anymore).

The NBA should seize this opportunity.

UConn, I agree that I like this from NBA perspective. It's fresh blood, two teams that haven't won in eons (or ever in terms of Phoenix), & some good plotlines...can CP3 FINALLY get a ring & cement himself as an all time great? Can the Greek Freak put his stamp on the league going forward? Is Booker becoming a superstar?

Also, I laugh when people categorize Phoenix as a 'small market'. I believe it's like the 5th or 6th biggest city in the nation.

and the NBA can’t get any bigger in the main markets anyway - their biggest growth opportunity domestically is expanding the non-tier 1 markets. The non Chicago Midwest and southwest are really good places to grow.

In comment 15299338 UConn4523 said:

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and the NBA can’t get any bigger in the main markets anyway - their biggest growth opportunity domestically is expanding the non-tier 1 markets. The non Chicago Midwest and southwest are really good places to grow.

Agreed. For example, Memphis & NOLA...got Morant & Zion in both places respectively. It'd be great for NBA if those two teams took off in the next couple of years. And yes, NBA will always need major markets to be good-NY, LA, & Chicago-but having good mid tier markets will do wonders for the game. I actually think that Denver, if Murray doesn't get injured, might have won it all.

In comment 15299233 UConn4523 said:

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In comment 15299229 Walnut said: Quote: The NBA has to be so pissed that they get such a ratings drag. No LeBron, no Lakers/Celtics, no superteams, etc. Not gonna be good for ratings at all. NBA has been lucky lately with attractive matchups but this is gonna be a rough one. Hopefully it's only a one year blip and next year they can get one of the Sixers/Celtics/Nets in the finals and the Lakers should be back next year. Serious question, why do you care what’s good for their ratings? They are making out well regardless. The NBA needs smaller market teams to shine in order to get more people to care, and it’s also 2 teams that play team basketball (good for the nba as well especially when you factor in what the league will look like in a few years with many of the big stars retired/not good anymore). The NBA should seize this opportunity.

BBI has all kinds, it’s what makes it great. But for the life of me I just cannot fathom why a random fan would be concerned about television ratings. I mean, wtf? It’s one of the strangest tales I’ve seen on here. And that’s saying something.

I don't get it myself. Again-and don't quote me on this-I thought I saw an article on The Athletic that the ratings were doing well this postseason so there's that. I personally don't give AF about the ratings. The NBA is clearly a pretty popular sport & it's not going anywhere anytime soon so it's going to be on TV somewhere, Haha.

I don’t get it either. It would be different if the league was dying but it’s the complete opposite. I’m sick of mercenaries ruining the league, I want 2021 to become the norm (unlikely I know but I can wish).

Was on plenty of NBA threads stating my disgust for the league but how bad I want to like basketball again. Well, I’ve watched more of the 2022 nba playoffs than I’ve done in probably a decade. It’s so much more interesting right now and I genuinely feel good for the players that made it to the finals.

*

Who are you rooting for? I'm rooting for Suns. I'd love for CP3 to get a ring.

In comment 15299374 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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Who are you rooting for? I'm rooting for Suns. I'd love for CP3 to get a ring.

I’m pretty indifferent other than wanting 7 games but probably would lean Suns if I had to. Chris Paul should have a ring before he hangs them up.

That said Giannis winning without jumping ship is a great consolation prize.

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Over 38 rule - ( New Window )

In comment 15299495 adamg said:

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. Over 38 rule - ( New Window )

I hope it means he just extends in Phoenix - would be gross seeing him team up somewhere.

Middleton 5 years 177 million but it looks like they got the last laugh.
He carried them to the finals

I thought they’d let him rest and come back at home but I guess not. Hope he does well and doesn’t hurt it more.

In comment 15299514 larryflower37 said:

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Middleton 5 years 177 million but it looks like they got the last laugh. He carried them to the finals

people killed the Bucks the first time they paid him back in 2015 when they gave him 5/70.

a cool quarter bill, haha

I would love for the day the NBA moves the Finals up to a reasonable hour for those living on the East Coast. 9:15 PM tip...I got alarm clock going off @ 5:15.

In comment 15300352 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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I would love for the day the NBA moves the Finals up to a reasonable hour for those living on the East Coast. 9:15 PM tip...I got alarm clock going off @ 5:15.

Yeah, the 9 PM starts are just brutal.

In comment 15299332 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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Also, I laugh when people categorize Phoenix as a 'small market'. I believe it's like the 5th or 6th biggest city in the nation.

Looked it up to confirm and wow how did I not know this>

You wouldn't be surprised. It's not NYC but it's pretty damned huge.

His shooting is an obvious flaw but that dude has heart. I hope he gets one. His superstar hustle is impressive.

But everything is pointing CP3 and the Suns way.

If they can pull this off, I’ll be really interested in Booker’s career. Dropped. 70 and won a ring at what age? He could be a “smart” Kyrie, no disrespect to Kyries crazy ass. Booker will feel comfortable in the clutch. Let’s see if CP3 don’t have a BS injury in him here.

I'm very curious about how badly they Sarver this team up after this season.

they are a lot of fun to watch. The crowd is great too.

I know Ayton was a #1 pick but he is a wonderful player. Knows his role on this team and plays it flawlessly

In comment 15301894 santacruzom said:

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I'm very curious about how badly they Sarver this team up after this season.

They have a big bill looming- Bridges, Ayton, Johnson, Payne and CP3 contract.

At this point he's almost forced to pay CP3 but you never know with Sarver. One of the cheapest owners in the league. I think the real question is if CP3 can get 3 years or more. Will the Suns do that or another team like the Knicks?

If the Knicks have any shot at Paul, I would be all over that.

I have fallen asleep before half of both games. I know I sound like a broken record, but 915 starts is a bitch for us on the East Coast with regular job schedules.

or this series will go south for them quick

In comment 15303516 dpinzow said:

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or this series will go south for them quick

Phoenix isnt going to lose at home. It will probably be 2-2, but i dont give Bucks much chance to win in the valley regardless of what happens in Milwaukee

In comment 15303517 MookGiants said:

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In comment 15303516 dpinzow said: Quote: or this series will go south for them quick Phoenix isnt going to lose at home. It will probably be 2-2, but i dont give Bucks much chance to win in the valley regardless of what happens in Milwaukee

Milwaukee beat an almost unstoppable Kevin Durant in Brooklyn in a seventh game. If one of Giannis's running mates, Middleton or Holiday, has a big game, they can win in Phoenix