2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West Semifinals: #1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #4 Denver Nuggets (Series tied 2-2)

[canada_dry]

If Steph scored 30+ in the 1st half and 0 in the 2nd half, would you view his performance differently?

YES.

Especially in a loss. Even moreso in a close loss

That's called not showing up when your team needed it.

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So you don't think how players play in the first 3 quarters affects the outcome. The game just inevitably ends up close no matter how anyone plays and then the play in last 5 minutes decides it?

That seems like a pretty good advantage for the player who does nothing for 3 quarters but his team just carries him to a close game anyway.

Of course it matters. But showing up when it matters most is critical.

That's like saying kyries shot in game 7 of the finals was the same and just as impactful as a 3 point shot kyrie made in the 2nd quarter of that game. They're both 3 points.

No. Just no.

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[SpurNani]

I think maybe Jokic is tired more so than playing bad? I mean grueling 7 game series in round 1 and now 4 games in 8 days.

Jokic is the only guy who gets this type of grace/excuses, it's hillarious.

Nobody gives a damn if he's tired, he's supposed to be a top 5 player of all time, according to his fans. He is crapping the bed right now. If he plays like 70% regular season version of himself , Denver gets past OKC and is the clear cut favorite to win the title. He needs to wake up.

[Narigo]

Whoever wins this series win the title imo

[bbms]

Convinced the winner of this series is going to win the nba title. Next 2-3 games are for the ring.

That’s kinda bold considering the best player remaining in the playoffs so far is playing in the other series in the same conference.

might still not be if he has to face okc defense

[Wolfgang630]

Of course only the nuggets would fail to go up 3-1 while everyone else handled their business.

[falcolombardi]

Of course only the nuggets would fail to go up 3-1 while everyone else handled their business.

I think is the other way around lol, okc is the one who choked and should be up 3-1 (and may come to regret it hard if they lose tonight)

[JM00n69]

I think maybe Jokic is tired more so than playing bad? I mean grueling 7 game series in round 1 and now 4 games in 8 days.

Jokic is the only guy who gets this type of grace/excuses, it's hillarious.

Nobody gives a damn if he's tired, he's supposed to be a top 5 player of all time, according to his fans. He is crapping the bed right now. If he plays like 70% regular season version of himself, Denver gets past OKC and is the clear cut favorite to win the title. He needs to wake up.

I don't think many people are making exuses for him. He doesn't look tired to me and I watch most of Denvers games. He has looked very lost on offense in his normally quick decision making and is playing very different than he normally does. It's where he catches and spots he gets to off ball are not where he normally goes. His decisions with the ball, look like he hesitates and has lost his confidence in himself. His usual quick takes to the basket, post moves and taking close/mid shots are not there. Theres been a clear delay before he makes his move to take it in or pass and it's allowing the defense time to react.

He admitted that Zu/Batum made him question his choices in the LAC series and it looks like his normal confidense has been affected last three games here.

[JM00n69]

I think maybe Jokic is tired more so than playing bad? I mean grueling 7 game series in round 1 and now 4 games in 8 days.

Jokic is the only guy who gets this type of grace/excuses, it's hillarious.

Nobody gives a damn if he's tired, he's supposed to be a top 5 player of all time, according to his fans. He is crapping the bed right now. If he plays like 70% regular season version of himself, Denver gets past OKC and is the clear cut favorite to win the title. He needs to wake up.

I don't think many people are making exuses for him. He doesn't look tired to me and I watch most of Denvers games. He has looked very lost on offense in his normally quick decision making and is playing very different than he normally does. It's where he catches and spots he gets to off ball are not where he normally goes. His decisions with the ball, look like he hesitates and has lost his confidence in himself. His usual quick takes to the basket, post moves and taking close/mid shots are not there. Theres been a clear delay before he makes his move to take it in or pass and it's allowing the defense time to react.

He admitted that Zu/Batum made him question his choices in the LAC series and it looks like his normal confidense has been affected last three games here.

[lethalizer]

Of course only the nuggets would fail to go up 3-1 while everyone else handled their business.

Looking at how this series has gone, that is a very interesting statement to make.

I'd argue OKC should have easily been 3-1 up now instead if they handled their own business. But they didn't, so it is what it is.

[stoo]

i have a solid feeling

[_AIJ_]

Convinced the winner of this series is going to win the nba title. Next 2-3 games are for the ring.

That’s kinda bold considering the best player remaining in the playoffs so far is playing in the other series in the same conference.

Julius Randle?

[bisme37]

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