Game 72: Bucks at Nuggets - 3/26/25 - 8:00 - FDSWI/WMLW

[MickeyDavis]

The first matchup last month was probably the best game of the year. Everyone played for both teams (sans Portis), Jokic with a Triple Double, Giannis with 26/19/7, Kuzma 16/9/5, Lopez 22/4/3, just a fun game and a Bucks win.

Jokic is expected back after missing a few games.

We need to punt this one. Giannis and Brook need to sit. Giannis has been playing his ass off and with the playoffs looming now is the time he winds down. Brook played 41 against the Suns. His old man game isn't as hard on him but we can't FAFO.

Lillard played 35, 34, 37, 34, 36, 29 and 38 minutes and bam, calf injury that we have no idea how serious it is. Giannis has played 37, 34, 29, 38, 35, 34 minutes the past few games. He needs to sit.

As usual, please keep all posts in this thread on this game only. Thanks.

[Wonka]

The Dame calf injury is starting to become a source of anxiety. Seems like it's been lingering for a while, and we are only now just finding out about it. Hopefully, he can get back in a few games. This last push could turn into a real issue without him...and that's coming from someone who has started to sour on his overall impact a bit. We are going to need Kuzma to find his defensive/rebounding gear again if he has any hopes of meaningful contribution. This would be a great game for him to get back on track. His body language has been terrible the last few outings. I know I beat the drum on him a lot, but we need him to at least show up with some pride.

[chonestown]

Christ, the committee puts us in Denver after having just played on Monday, anyway, it all comes down to draw.

[pifhluk23]

Sit Dame and Giannis, I'll say it in every game thread until Doc wakes up. 6th > 4th. Giannis has plenty of games to get his 64 (1 for IST) and he's been playing injured.

[paulpressey25]

The Simmons/Russilo pod two days ago had a segment on which player needed to win a title more for their legacy, Giannis or Jokic.

Was a decent discussion on the fact that if neither of those guys had won a chip, the media would be all over them as chokers, etc, and then they go into the Barkley/Malone bin.

Where I disagreed with their takes was when they came to MVP. For whatever reason the media has moved on from considering Giannis for MVP even though he's basically the same player the past six-years. Simmons of course claimed Tatum should be above Giannis in this year's MVP voting.

Conversation acknowledged that Giannis is in the top 20 all-time category, in the Hakeem/Shaq zone. But for whatever reason, they claim Jokic is knocking on the door of top ten of all time if he got another title or two.

TL;DR - Giannis might as well be a retired player in the eyes of the national media.

[Ron Swanson]

The Simmons/Russilo pod two days ago had a segment on which player needed to win a title more for their legacy, Giannis or Jokic.

Was a decent discussion on the fact that if neither of those guys had won a chip, the media would be all over them as chokers, etc, and then they go into the Barkley/Malone bin.

Where I disagreed with their takes was when they came to MVP. For whatever reason the media has moved on from considering Giannis for MVP even though he's basically the same player the past six-years. Simmons of course claimed Tatum should be above Giannis in this year's MVP voting.

Conversation acknowledged that Giannis is in the top 20 all-time category, in the Hakeem/Shaq zone. But for whatever reason, they claim Jokic is knocking on the door of top ten of all time if he got another title or two.

TL;DR - Giannis might as well be a retired player in the eyes of the national media.

Well, Doc is certainly doing his best to take years off of Giannis' career.

[blazza18]

The Bucks have fired as many coaches as they have won playoff series since the title (did maths in head hope that’s right) and Giannis hasn’t played or been limited. Gotta earn back the respect imo.

[MickeyDavis]

Jokic is listed as doubtful. The Bucks initial injury report should be out soon.

[MickeyDavis]

Sit him

Read on Twitter

[stillgotgame]

I think Giannis is fine with a day off between games. It’s the 5 games in 7 nights that concerns me.
Let Dame sit til the last weekend of the season. More Rollins and KPJ time can only be good for them and us come playoff time.

[Plossum]

With the Dame news it might be time to accept our fate at the sixth seed and start resting guys for the Knicks series.

[MickeyDavis]

We all know Giannis' late season injury history, he had calf issues earlier this season and now he has a foot sprain. Playing him this game is dumb. The playoffs start in 24 days. Don't **** around with him.

[blazza18]

Giannis needs 6 games (someone can correct me if the game he fouled out against Washington counts or not) to qualify for all nba then I imagine we shut him down until the playoffs.

[GoldenAntlers]

Giannis needs 6 games (someone can correct me if the game he fouled out against Washington counts or not) to qualify for all nba then I imagine we shut him down until the playoffs.

I hope they don't force march him through that.

[ReasonablySober]

Giannis is out.

[Ron Swanson]

Kuzma balling out and upping his offseason trade value is all I'm watching for at this point. A man can dream.

[MickeyDavis]

Giannis is out.

Good news

[chonestown]

Must-broadcast teevee.

Kevin Jr vs Michael Jr at the Porterhouse.

75% chance Aaron Gordon listens to Michael Franti on the reg.

Mamu still wearing the same draws he had on during his channeling the spirit game. My guy, that's not sanitary!

[Dick Tate]

Launch 60 threes

[ShootingtheJ]

This would have been Bobby's time to shine.