AZRaiderH8r

What a game! I don't care about this series, but wow, there is nothing better than an OT game in the playoffs.

I like Breen too. I know that I'm a homer, but the obvious Laker love from Jackson (by the way, dude got FAT) and Van Gundy is so annoying. I wish announcers could just call the game and not make themselves part of the narrative, although I did laugh at the "What happened to the game I love" comment after the flagrant call on DLo. I was watching with my son, and we were talking about Murray's struggles about midway through the third. I told him to just wait, Jamal is going to go off in the fourth. Holy hell! Dude had 23 in the fourth, Lakers had 24. That string of threes the Nuggets hit in the quarter was crazy. Another crazy stat: Jokic has 3 points in both four quarters combined in the series so far. The Nuggets are so deep and balanced, they're able to share the scoring and not have to rely on him to close out the games. That gives me hope that they can win this series, maybe even steal a game in LA. I don't have high hopes on that, but it's possible. Also, old man rant here, but the officials have got to do something about the flopping. I know that everyone does it, but that one by Lebron where he slid into the front row was the worst one I think I've ever seen. Jokic got payback on the next play by doing the same thing to get a call; I just really wish they would do something about it. Lastly, Rui is a beast. Dude is going to get paid...

I'm ashamed to say it, but the officiating was actually pretty good last night. Not nearly the discrepancy in free throws that I expected (I think it ended up 26 to 22). Nuggets were clicking for three quarters and then let the Lakers back in. It will be interesting to see the adjustments made for game 2. The Nuggets cannot keep allowing Jamal to switch over to Lebron, he'll get eaten up and will be in foul trouble again. Joker did Joker things again last night, it was a lot of fun to watch. Even my wife, who isn't a huge basketball fan, was amazed with some of the things he did. That three that he hit over AD was crazy, loved the looks the two of them exchanged. I think this is going to be a very entertaining series.

I think that is absolutely fair. Let's be honest, he's not exactly the "sexy" choice based on how he plays. Plus, he really dropped off the last few weeks of the season for the dreaded load management. Had he averaged the triple double, it would have been tough to not give it to him.

Agreed 100%. It's also been interesting seeing some on the national media suddenly take interest in Jokic, now that Embiid has been exposed for the soft fraud that he is.

I consider myself a very proud Yankee hater (which really works well with my wife, the Yankee fan), but I honestly kind of believe him here.

But, not sure if you've heard or not, it's the conference of champions! It's exhausting how often he says that.

Good for him, can't blame him at all. I hope that he has a great collegiate career. As others have said, and based on hopping between high schools, could be a transfer candidate in the future. Still impressed that our new staff made this even a possibility.

Just announce already so we can move on with our lives.

Feeling cautiously optimistic that the Nuggets can finally get it done, but the Lakers have been our nemesis for quite a while. Also, heck of a showing by the MVP this year. Embiid flat out disappeared to end that series, and then called out his teammates after the game? It can't be Harden and him alone? Dude, both of you shot under 28% in an elimination game. Weak sauce.

I like that idea about reviewing the flops. It's true, so many players do it, but it's become ridiculous. That and kicking the leg out on a three to draw contact, which they are trying to curb as well. I think they should implement something like the NHL has, with a penalty for embellishment. You get called for flopping, you get a foul too.

Loving this discussion, a lot more level headed than ones that I usually see, so well done @Guy Chamberlin @sho @admo! I personally feel that Steph is one of the best pure shooters in NBA history. I also love how much he moves without the ball; it's just crazy, and I've always wondered how many miles he runs during a given game. What I don't care for (and this is probably because I'm an old dude) is the flopping to draw fouls, his whole go to sleep schtick, and the binkie. There's no denying how great he is; I think that's what bugs me about it, is that all of the other antics just aren't necessary. I guess that's today's NBA though. Now get off my lawn you damn clouds!

Yep, I'm triggered big time. Mat Smith is such a CU homer, it's disgusting. I hate it every time he's on the air here, because he will always, and I mean always, find a way to slam the Huskers every time. This last time I heard him on, he was asked how many games he thinks CU can win this year. He landed on 7-8 with a bowl game, but then finished by saying "Hey, as long as we beat CSU and Nebraska, that's all I care about." What a douche nozzle.

Yep, it's a real pickle, that's for sure. Stupid Avs and Rangers...

Great game last night for the Nuggets. Jokic really stepped up when the rest of the team was struggling. I know that he won't win the MVP again (and hopefully this finally gets Joel to shut up, along with the obnoxious Philly fans), but wow, did he prove his worth or what? And I have decided that Devin Booker has the most punchable face in all of sports. Man, I cannot stand that d-bag. And how about Harden dropping 45 on the Celtics, in Boston? Rough couple of nights at the Garden.

Well, hockey is officially over in our house. Between the Avs and the Rangers not showing up last night, our family's teams are done. The problem is, I genuinely don't like the majority of the teams that are left, so I'm really torn. Seattle - nope, can't stand the city, their fans, or their teams Edmonton - F Kane Dallas - ugh, gross, but sure Vegas - oh hell no, they treat their players like garbage Devils - absolutely not, they beat my wife's Rangers, and I'm still pissed at them for leaving Denver in the early 80s Florida - sure, why not Canes - another team that I just can't stand their fans Toronto - maybe, because my son roots for him when his Sabres inevitably crap the bed So, I guess based on this expert analysis, I'm hoping for a Stars vs. Panthers or Leafs final, which I will likely not be watching. Thank goodness for the Nuggets!

I'll take Nuggets in six, Lakers in seven, Knicks in six, Boston in five (assuming that the new, soft MVP doesn't play).

Could not be more on the same page! I can't stand watching Joel play, and as an ASU guy, I want to support Harden, but I'm tired of him too. I'm nervous about the Suns series. I hate that team after living there for a long time (but my wife loves them, so that will be fun), and the thought of losing to Booker and CP3 nauseates me. Also, "attempted hostile nut action" had me rolling.

Very happy that the Nuggets advanced, despite playing some pretty lousy basketball at times. I will say that the inconsistent officiating has been very frustrating. I still don't understand how Joel wasn't suspended...

This fills me with so much joy!

Just when I think that Draymond could not be any more of a punk, he goes out and surprises me. Yes, I saw the ankle grab, but his reaction was over the top, like it usually is. And his antics and behavior after it happened just sealed the deal. I am really enjoying how GS fans are trying to justify this. If they happen to get swept by the Kings, my heart would grow three sizes that day.

I always tell anyone who will listen (and some who won't) that there is nothing better than playoff hockey. The first night was fantastic with two excellent games going into OT, and the visiting team winning both. I love this time of year!

I listen to quite a bit of sports talk radio, and there has been a lot more CU talk since Prime was hired. It's nauseating really, because they haven't accomplished anything yet, but a lot of the media feels like he's going to be the savior for the program. Denver is still a Broncos town, but the good season by the Avs following the cup and the Nuggets hopefully finally doing something this season have become frequent talking points. It also helps that their postseasons are during the NFL offseason too obviously.

I'm glad they are looking into this. The Knicks should be pissed.

I've soured quite a bit on Phil since the whole LIV thing, but with that being said, great to see two Sun Devils at the top!