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Congratulations are in order for the Liberty on winning their first title in franchise history! We will delve into their dramatic Game 5 after completing our previews for the NBA season.
Pacific Division Preview
Are five playoff teams based here?
As we approach the opening night of the 2024-25 season tomorrow, we are taking a closer look at each division and major individual awards. This represents our final division preview! We’ve reviewed all individual awards, except for MVP, which we’ll address today. For every team, I’ll provide a bold prediction along with insights on the over/under set by BetMGM. Five 🥶 emojis indicate job security on the hot seat meter, while five 🔥 suggests it’s time to update that résumé. Now, let’s preview the Pacific!
Best-case scenario: In a miraculous turn, Kawhi’s knee fully heals, Harden regains his 2019 form, and the Clippers’ new depth proves to surpass Paul George’s contributions, allowing them to reach at least the second round of the playoffs.
Worst-case scenario: What we’re witnessing at the season’s start! Kawhi remains perpetually injured, Harden plays decently, and LA finishes in the lottery, resulting in a pick swap with OKC.
Confidence in the Clippers: 💪💪
Best-case scenario: The regular-season impact of Budenholzer elevates them to a top-two seed in the West, with their star power pushing them deep into the playoffs.
Worst-case scenario: A repeat of last season’s mediocrity. A lackluster season for a solid team leading to a short playoff run and no flexibility for roster changes.
Confidence in the Suns: 💪💪💪💪
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Best-case scenario: They manage to avoid the Nuggets, elevate their offense with improved 3-point shooting under JJ Redick, and the LeBron-AD duo leads them past the second round.
Worst-case scenario: If LeBron and AD fail to maintain their health from last season, Redick may struggle to unify the team’s efforts, resulting in a first-round playoff exit.
Confidence in the Lakers: 💪💪💪💪
Best-case scenario: If DeRozan fits in seamlessly, the team becomes a powerhouse in the fourth quarter, and their defensive improvements bring them into the top six.
Worst-case scenario: Defensive issues arise, the integration of DeRozan proves challenging, and the Kings begin to question Mike Brown’s competency as a coach.
Confidence in the Kings: 💪💪💪💪
Best-case scenario: If Green remains undisciplined, the new players fit in effortlessly, Kuminga experiences significant growth, and Curry continues to deliver Olympic-caliber performances, the team is bound for at least the second round.
Worst-case scenario: If Green cannot stay healthy, Hield fails to fill Klay’s shoes, and Steve Kerr struggles to develop Kuminga and Moses Moody, they risk elimination in the Play-In tournament.
Confidence in the Warriors: 💪💪💪💪
Awards Predictions
Who will take home MVP honors this season?
“[Insert favorite player here] should have been the MVP!” This sentiment permeates internet fandom along with reactions to MVP voting outcomes. Thunder fans believe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was robbed last year, while Mavericks fans and Slovenians claim Luka Dončić deserved the MVP title. Jayson Tatum voiced his disbelief at not winning it. The ongoing MVP discourse is both frustrating and profoundly encouraging for the NBA.
We can anticipate densely populated MVP races for the foreseeable future. Perhaps 20-year-old Victor Wembanyama will eventually shift the narrative, making MVP voting a routine conclusion. Yet, with so many deserving stars in the league, it’s likely that at least three candidates will always emerge each season. Is it possible this year’s winner will hail from the USA? That hasn’t happened since Harden clinched the title in 2017-18. Here’s a look at BetMGM’s favorites for this upcoming season’s Most Valuable Player award.
Favorite: Luka Dončić (+350)
Threats: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+400), Nikola Jokić (+475), Giannis Antetokounmpo (+850), Anthony Edwards (+1200), Jalen Brunson (+1400), Jayson Tatum (+1500)
Darkhorse: Zion Williamson (+8000)
My prediction: SGA. The OKC team is likely to achieve 60 wins, and he…
Finals Controversy
The Liberty notch first WNBA title 🗽🏆
The New York Liberty triumphed over their opponents in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, clinching a 67-62 victory in overtime. This marked a historic moment, as it was the best WNBA Finals in the league’s existence and one of the finest basketball finals overall. Breanna Stewart continued to perform at an exceptional level, while the Liberty’s role players—specifically Jonquel Jones (finals MVP), Nyara Sabally, and Leonie Feibich—provided crucial support to the star duo of Stewie and Sabrina Ionescu, who collectively struggled with a 5 of 34 shooting performance.
Instead of reveling in the Liberty’s first championship after a 28-year drought, viewers lacking a New York affiliation found themselves questioning how the league and the referees managed to overlook evident biases in their officiating. The refereeing was subpar, seemingly favoring the coach who complained the most in a postgame interview. However, it was a particular play near the end that shifted the discourse from “poor officiating” to outright accusations of rigging.
In a clear instance of travel, Stewie benefited from a controversial foul call. Every replay angle confirmed the absence of contact. The Lynx lodged a challenge, and the referees went for a review. Ultimately, the crew chief ruled that Alanna Smith was not in legal guarding position, a claim that is difficult to justify, yet the call remained unchanged. After two successful free throws, Kayla McBride had a chance to secure the win with a wide-open three-pointer but ultimately missed. Despite the Liberty’s overtime victory, there was significant backlash. When I mentioned that people were expressing their grievances online, I wasn’t referring to random voices in Mankato, Minnesota.
LeBron James: “I’m sorry but that wasn’t a foul! Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a close battled tested game.” He included a facepalm emoji.
Damian Lillard: “Refs called this game like they knew the assignment in the 2nd half boy. Great game .”
Isaiah Thomas: “They lowkey cheated for NY but I get it lol.”
As the broadcast moved to celebrate the Liberty’s accomplishment and the trophy presentation commenced, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was seen wearing a dress adorned with New York City buildings. One of my friends, a Lynx supporter named Brennan, remarked in our group chat, “Unless she was planning to emerge wrapped in lutefisk if we won, this doesn’t seem fair.” It certainly resembled a scenario straight from a Vince McMahon storyline. The optics were questionable when considering the overall context.
Following the game, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve stated, “I know all the headlines will be ‘Reeve cries foul.’ Bring it on. Right? Bring it on. Because this shit was stolen from us. Bring it on.”
however, if McBride had made that three-pointer, perhaps none of this controversy would have arisen.
While non-Liberty fans may raise valid concerns, it won’t diminish this historic moment. Many argue that the NBA’s ascent in the ’80s was fueled by the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan’s entrance into the league, and the alleged lottery manipulations that allowed New York to acquire Patrick Ewing. Perhaps this finals controversy marks the moment the WNBA officially found its stride?
This season has been regarded as the finest in WNBA history—a true beginning of something exciting and unique for a league that has discovered a new trajectory in recent times. Regardless of the outcome, it deserved a more authentic resolution. But that’s the nature of sports.
Bounce Passes
Here’s everything you need to know from the preseason.
Are dynasties beneficial for the NBA? Does everyone agree?
Marcus Thompson provides an excellent analysis of how star players continue to influence young NBA talents.
What insights are scouts sharing about Wizards rookie Bub Carrington? Josh Robbins has the latest information.
The Warriors have finalized a contract extension with Moses Moody worth three years and $39 million. That’s definitely a bargain.
Most-clicked in Friday’s newsletter: Hall of Famer Rick Barry, now 80 years old, can still outplay you and your loved ones in pickleball.
(Top photo: Jordan Johnson / Getty Images )
The Bounce Newsletter: NBA Season Previews, MVP Predictions, and WNBA Finals Controversy
Introduction to The Bounce Newsletter
The Bounce Newsletter is your go-to source for all things basketball, featuring in-depth NBA season previews, insightful MVP predictions, and analysis on the latest controversies in the WNBA Finals. With a dedicated team of basketball enthusiasts and experts, The Bounce ensures that you stay updated on the latest trends and stories in the world of basketball. This article dives deep into what you can expect from The Bounce, making it a must-read for fans everywhere.
NBA Season Previews
As the NBA season approaches, fans are eager to understand how their favorite teams will perform. The Bounce Newsletter provides comprehensive season previews that cover:
- Team Analysis: Detailed breakdowns of each NBA team, including key player performances, coaching strategies, and potential weaknesses.
- Player Movements: Insights into trades, drafts, and free-agent signings that could impact the season.
- Predictions: Expert opinions on win-loss records, playoff projections, and championship contenders.
Key Factors in NBA Season Previews
When analyzing an NBA season, several factors play a critical role:
- Injury Reports: Injuries can drastically affect a team’s performance. The Bounce keeps you updated on injury statuses for key players.
- Player Development: Young players stepping up can change the dynamics of a team, something that The Bounce highlights in their previews.
- Coaching Changes: New coaching philosophies and strategies can reshape a team’s identity. The Bounce analyzes how these changes could influence outcomes.
MVP Predictions
Who will take home the coveted MVP award this season? The Bounce Newsletter offers expert predictions backed by stats, player performance, and overall impact on the game. Here’s what to expect in MVP discussions:
- Statistical Analysis: The Bounce delves into advanced stats like PER (Player Efficiency Rating), win shares, and player impact metrics to identify potential MVPs.
- Player Profiles: Highlights of standout players, including their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them MVP-worthy.
- Historical Context: Examining past MVP winners to project who might follow in their footsteps.
Top MVP Candidates for the Upcoming Season
| Player | Team | Last Season’s Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 29.9 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 5.8 APG |
| Luka Dončić | Dallas Mavericks | 27.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG |
| Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 33.0 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG |
WNBA Finals Controversy
The WNBA Finals have recently been marred by controversy, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike. The Bounce Newsletter provides a critical look at these issues, discussing:
- Officiating Decisions: Analyzing controversial calls and their implications on the game’s outcome.
- Player Reactions: How players are responding to the controversies, including interviews and social media statements.
- Historical Comparisons: Placing current controversies in context with past WNBA Finals.
Recent Controversies in the WNBA Finals
Some incidents that have stirred debate include:
- Questionable Fouls: A recent game featured a series of fouls that left fans and analysts questioning the consistency of officiating.
- Injuries and Player Health: Discussions around player safety and how injuries are managed during high-stakes games.
- Media Coverage: Critiques regarding how the media portrays WNBA controversies compared to the NBA.
Benefits of Subscribing to The Bounce Newsletter
Staying informed about basketball has never been more accessible, thanks to The Bounce. Here are some benefits of subscribing:
- Exclusive Content: Gain access to behind-the-scenes insights, interviews with players, and expert analyses.
- Timely Updates: Receive real-time updates on games, scores, and injuries straight to your inbox.
- Community Engagement: Join a like-minded community of basketball fans to discuss theories and insights.
Practical Tips for Basketball Fans
As the season unfolds, basketball fans can maximize their experience by:
- Engaging with The Bounce: Participate in discussions and polls to express your views on predictions and controversies.
- Utilizing Social Media: Follow The Bounce on social platforms to keep up with real-time analysis and highlights.
- Attending Games: If possible, attending live games can provide a thrilling experience that connects you deeper with the sport.
Case Studies: Impact of MVP Performance on Team Success
Examining past seasons reveals a clear link between MVP performances and team success. Here are a few notable examples:
| Player | Season | Team Success |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 2015-2016 | 73 Wins, NBA Championship |
| LeBron James | 2011-2012 | 66 Wins, NBA Championship |
| Kevin Durant | 2013-2014 | 59 Wins, First Round Exit |
First-Hand Experience: What It’s Like to Follow The Bounce
As a dedicated basketball fan and subscriber of The Bounce Newsletter, I can personally attest to the value it provides. Each week, I look forward to:
- Diving Deep into Analysis: The analytical approach helps me understand player performances on a new level.
- Engaging with Community Insights: Sharing opinions and predictions with fellow fans enhances the overall experience of following the sport.
- Staying Ahead of the Curve: With timely updates, I am always prepared for discussions during games and among friends.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a casual viewer, The Bounce Newsletter is an invaluable resource. From in-depth NBA season previews and MVP predictions to insightful commentary on WNBA Finals controversies, The Bounce keeps you informed and engaged with the world of basketball.
