2024 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Finals: #3 Minnesota Timberwolves vs #5 Dallas Mavericks (DAL leads 3-0)

[Mr B]

Luka downgraded to questionable? With a 2 game cushion, is there any sliver of a thought of possibly resting him?

Not likely. Been questionable like everygame and still played

He was listed as probable the first two games. He's now listed as questionable. That tells me the knee's getting worse. At this rate they aren't beating Boston if they get there. But yeah if he rests a Minny W gives them momentum. Catch 22.

There’s absolutely no reason for the Mavs to be thinking about Boston. They need to focus on winning tonight’s game and that’s it. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

[dygaction]

I don’t know about that, Luka has absolutely cooked McDaniels in this series.

It's actually interesting when you look at the numbers, because he's really not playing much better than he did last series.

FG%: .449 vs. .447
3P%: .381 vs. .391
FTA: 6.3 vs. 7.0

So what's the difference? He's upped his shooting volume (24.5 FGA vs. 19.0 FGA) and he's making his free throws (.737 vs. .929)

Crazy, I was based on my memory of 1/8 and 2/9 games vs OKC but had no idea it averaged back to .391 3p% in that series.

[bisme37]

Here's a screenshot of the original poll if you're into that sort of thing...

[MrGoat]

I'm afraid of Luka reverting to heavy complain mode back at home. He tends to play better on the road because he's so distracted with trash talking the opposing fans that he has less time for the refs. They really want a win here, though. They need all the rest they can get and you don't want to leave Minnesota an opening

[dygaction]

I'm afraid of Luka reverting to heavy complain mode back at home. He tends to play better on the road because he's so distracted with trash talking the opposing fans that he has less time for the refs. They really want a win here, though. They need all the rest they can get and you don't want to leave Minnesota an opening

Hopefully not. They have sent Tony Brothers who will not be afraid to be the centre of attention by handling Luka a T.

[Nate505]

Here's a screenshot of the original poll if you're into that sort of thing...

Sheesh, what kind of idiot picked the Wolves in 5

[Exp0sed]

Read on Twitter

Ant going for 63

Geez Ant. Just go out and play. Why state what you're going to do?

yeah, that's dumb

[HeatRing2012]

the NBA decided to go with Tony Brothers in game 3, after the Mavs took the commanding 2-0 lead.

maybe I should put my money on the Wolves for this one. whenever the NBA wants to extend the series, they send Tony Brothers.

[socal74]

Read on Twitter

Ant going for 63

Geez Ant. Just go out and play. Why state what you're going to do?

This kid (Ant) is dumber than a box of rocks.

[JustBuzzin]

This has nothing to do with the game, but what is up with Texas weather this year?

Floods, massive tornadoes. That state has been hammered with bad weather and it seems like there is no letting up.

Prayers to the people of Texas it's been a rough year.

[Mk0]

The TNT Alt Cast looks awful. Lefkoe, Chris Haynes, Bomani Jones and Vince Carter. As much as I like Vince he isn't one to carry a broadcast and there is some serious baggage there.

[Chuck Everett]

I like the Mavs in this one. If Towns doesn't show up, the Wolves have no chance.

[SOA]

Kenny is so damn right regarding that last play. It's funny how much sh*t Gobert has to endure from the media but you put KAJ, Shaq, Jokic, or any other great center and they would be in the blender on it.

The three that would have been an exception (IMO) would have been Wilt, a yound David Robinson, and Hakeem. Threy would have enough quickness to recover on the stepback and probably block it. Hell, Wilt would block KAJ's skyhook.

But it's a tall ask for a center to be able to guard a ball handling SF 30 feet from the hoop.

[MrBigShot]

Do or die for Ant. Time to find out if crowning him the face of the league was premature, or if he'll shake off the slump and continue his 06 Wade impression.

[___Rand___]

I like the Mavs in this one. If Towns doesn't show up, the Wolves have no chance.

It'll be interesting to see if Wolves can punch hard first. They didn't come out with fire in game 2. They weren't that aggressive. KAT hasn't shown up in first 2 games. I sometimes wonder if Twolves have a let down after beating Denver. They haven't played with the same intensity since Denver series.

[Domejandro]

The TNT is so braindead. Minnesota is winning the Rudy Gobert minutes.

[Chuck Everett]

I like the Mavs in this one. If Towns doesn't show up, the Wolves have no chance.

It'll be interesting to see if Wolves can punch hard first. They didn't come out with fire in game 2. They weren't that aggressive. KAT hasn't shown up in first 2 games. I sometimes wonder if Twolves have a let down after beating Denver. They haven't played with the same intensity since Denver series.

Ant can score 50, I don't think it's gonna matter if KAT is a basket case. Even if they lose because the Mav role guys go nuts, just try to bring your A-game. People handle him with kid gloves, but this is what they pay him for.

[Nate505]

Oh joy, another broadcast with the walking and breathing hemorrhoid Draymond Green.

[Nate505]

The TNT is so braindead. Minnesota is winning the Rudy Gobert minutes.

If only there was someone with a brain on the broadcast to challenge them.

Maybe there would have been 10 years ago, but Draymond and Shaq have poisoned the broadcast with their idiocy.

[jym85]