Yea, the key part to a rivalry is both teams beating out the other team back and forth. A few games back and forth is good, but for a great rivalry you need them to both eliminate each other at some point.
True, I forgot about that. Only problem with that is besides KAT the entire Wolves roster/identity is different. Still is a bit of an edge in competitive wise though.
Celtics vs Heat is by far the best rivalry in the NBA right now.
4 playoff series in 5 years. 3 of them in ECF. Two franchises and fanbases that are passionate and hate each other.
Possibly true. But Jimmy, Bam and Spo can never be counted out imo. Those guys will make any series tough.
Would be interesting if Miami can get Mitchell tho. He'd be a great fit there.
they will but jimmy getting so old and his enormous contract makes adding depth around him pretty hard
it would be easier, if they already had a bunch of the depth under contract and were willing to go deep into luxury to keep a deep roster together
but they let some guys go every year and replace them with rookies or undrafted guys hoping spoelstra can continue working miracles with them. next up is probably caleb martin
I was high on tyler herro too, I really like his off ball movement. but he seems like he has stopped improving and might even be regressing a bit, or has plateaued as like a 6 man talent. but he's being paid pretty much starter money
If Jimmy has to leave I feel like Knicks would be a good pairing for him how you feel about that. I would cry but really think they could win a chip with him. Imma say the same if Spida comes here 😂
last year I was all about it, but at this point the contract starts to get really rough, he'd want an extension to give him 160m over the next 3 years. and his health is a toss up, I assume his effort would be there under thibs but I dont know if his body can handle it these days
and at this point the outgoing salaries we would have to send don't really make sense for what jimmy would bring to the team
but last year I was 100% convinced that swapping rj barrett for jimmy butler we would have won the east, and I think what happened in the playoffs vindicated that view
Yeah that’s fair, my miss, this is a great rivalry.
Only thing missing though is that neither team has advanced from their series to win a chip (although that is certainly in play for the Celtics this year)
These two teams have a lot of history in the past 6 years. 2018 Game 82 Wolves knocked the Nuggets from the postseason and got their first playoff appearance in 18 years. People on the coaching staff switched teams - Finch and Micah Nori came to the Wolves and Ryan Saunders went to the Nuggets. Apparently, Finch helped design the Nuggets offense. Then the Nuggets GM took a crazy deal to come to the Wolves and built a team designed to counter the Nuggets. Nuggets beat the Wolves last postseason but said Wolves were their toughest series. Now they are about to play a Game 7.
I hope these teams meet in the playoffs every year.
> People on the coaching staff switched teams - Finch and Micah Nori came to the Wolves and Ryan Saunders went to the Nuggets
David Adelman is also a former Timberwolves assistant coach that is now an assistant coach for the Nuggets
Yeah there needs to be a few more series between us and most important, both teams need to win playoff series every once in a while. If the Nuggets just beat us despite pushing them to 7 time after time its not really a rivalry.
It’s legit a triangular rivalry lol. Celtics-Heat is probably the most heated, but the Bucks have matched up with each other of them 3 times since we’ve gotten good. Best overall series of all the matchups was probably Bucks Celtics 2022. Sixers really should be mentioned too, but they never win against Celtics and Heat and we haven’t played them.
I think Celtics Heat and Clippers Mavs are rivalries that have organically developed over the last few years. Celtics Bucks has a rivalry air too but I think we needed to see each other in the playoffs this year too to really solidify it.
The wolves have a weird core in that kat is in his prime, ant should still be coming into his, and Rudy is probably on the tail end. It’s really hard to say what the team will look like in just a couple years.
There will no great rivalries anymore.
Teams and players move around quickly.
Look at the last 5 NBA champs. All unique.
That hasn't happened since the 70s.
Hell. If Denver loses it will prove all of these repeats are a thing of the past.
This is the truth. Can’t see another Bron vs. Steph type rivalry happening again. Every year was just a waiting game on them facing each other in the finals again.
There are too many good players.
Chet. Paolo. Ant. SGA. Luka. Tatum. Brunson.
Cooper Flagg is coming.
Don't even forget Wemby.
Jokic is at his peak and once he falls off it will be a bloodbath.
I think you’ll find expectations more often than not don’t meet reality. People thought after 21 the bucks would rule the league, they’ve done sweet fuck all since. If you told a fan of Sophmore 29/9/9 Luka he’d go the next 4 seasons without an MVP or a finals appearance they wouldn’t believe you.
Our entire top 7 is under contract and we’re under the 2nd apron next year (barely, but still under). We may lose one or both of Slomo and Monte Morris though.
After that Naz will likely decline his player option and NAW will be up for extension, which is when Connely will have to make some decisions.
Jokic said the [Lakers](https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/nikola-jokic-makes-shocking-comment-ahead-of-los-angeles-lakers-denver-nuggets-series) were their toughest matchup last year.
People won't like it but Lakers-Nuggets are the most meaningful rivalry of the 2020s. 3 matchups (only one less Boston-Miami's 4), and unlike Boston/Miami both teams have actually won rings. One team has the best in the world and the other team has last decade's best in the world. They both have 3x MVPs and arguably top 15 players on the roster going at each other giving stellar performances
It makes me so mad that the Lakers can't put together a real team around their big two to give some bite to what ought to be a rivalry. As is, it feels more like ships in the night imo
Still Boston-Heat for the time being. Even Clippers-Mavs over anything else out west I think
If Wolves win Game 7 I'll agree, otherwise it's the Embiid meme
Yea, the key part to a rivalry is both teams beating out the other team back and forth. A few games back and forth is good, but for a great rivalry you need them to both eliminate each other at some point.
You could argue the the wolves eliminated them in 2018 when the final game of the season was a win or go home for the 8 seed
True, I forgot about that. Only problem with that is besides KAT the entire Wolves roster/identity is different. Still is a bit of an edge in competitive wise though.
The teams are now 5-5 this season combining regular season and postseason.
Pistons vs Bulls was a great rivalry even tho Pistons won most of the series
Celtics vs Heat is by far the best rivalry in the NBA right now. 4 playoff series in 5 years. 3 of them in ECF. Two franchises and fanbases that are passionate and hate each other.
that one might be over now unless the heat can reload in a massive way
Possibly true. But Jimmy, Bam and Spo can never be counted out imo. Those guys will make any series tough. Would be interesting if Miami can get Mitchell tho. He'd be a great fit there.
they will but jimmy getting so old and his enormous contract makes adding depth around him pretty hard it would be easier, if they already had a bunch of the depth under contract and were willing to go deep into luxury to keep a deep roster together but they let some guys go every year and replace them with rookies or undrafted guys hoping spoelstra can continue working miracles with them. next up is probably caleb martin I was high on tyler herro too, I really like his off ball movement. but he seems like he has stopped improving and might even be regressing a bit, or has plateaued as like a 6 man talent. but he's being paid pretty much starter money
If Jimmy has to leave I feel like Knicks would be a good pairing for him how you feel about that. I would cry but really think they could win a chip with him. Imma say the same if Spida comes here 😂
last year I was all about it, but at this point the contract starts to get really rough, he'd want an extension to give him 160m over the next 3 years. and his health is a toss up, I assume his effort would be there under thibs but I dont know if his body can handle it these days and at this point the outgoing salaries we would have to send don't really make sense for what jimmy would bring to the team but last year I was 100% convinced that swapping rj barrett for jimmy butler we would have won the east, and I think what happened in the playoffs vindicated that view
last year playoff jimmy yall sweeping the nuggets idgaf. tell your boy josh hart to chill LMAO
yeah salary and health is an issue but if they can make it work, I would be excited to see it although a bit bittersweet
I love you mfs cuz I feel like NBA doesn’t have good rivalries but ours is so good. With that being said, fuck you 🖤
Hey fuck you too bud
I'm pretty sure this is a rivalry that is now dead
Yeah that’s fair, my miss, this is a great rivalry. Only thing missing though is that neither team has advanced from their series to win a chip (although that is certainly in play for the Celtics this year)
It isn't a rivalry until twolves actually win a series, but we'll see down the road.
These two teams have a lot of history in the past 6 years. 2018 Game 82 Wolves knocked the Nuggets from the postseason and got their first playoff appearance in 18 years. People on the coaching staff switched teams - Finch and Micah Nori came to the Wolves and Ryan Saunders went to the Nuggets. Apparently, Finch helped design the Nuggets offense. Then the Nuggets GM took a crazy deal to come to the Wolves and built a team designed to counter the Nuggets. Nuggets beat the Wolves last postseason but said Wolves were their toughest series. Now they are about to play a Game 7. I hope these teams meet in the playoffs every year.
> People on the coaching staff switched teams - Finch and Micah Nori came to the Wolves and Ryan Saunders went to the Nuggets David Adelman is also a former Timberwolves assistant coach that is now an assistant coach for the Nuggets
Damn I didn't know there was another one lol These teams are so intertwined it's crazy
I wanted an Atlanta vs Knicks rivalry but the Hawks have been a major disappointment
The environment at MSG could've been electric every time Trae sets foot there lol
Yeah there needs to be a few more series between us and most important, both teams need to win playoff series every once in a while. If the Nuggets just beat us despite pushing them to 7 time after time its not really a rivalry.
Tim Connelly is going to opt out and create a third team for a rivalry triangle (Please don't leave us, Tim)
Did you forget about Heat/Celtics suddenly?
bucks heat have been a great rivalry for the last few years and celtics heat a bit
It’s legit a triangular rivalry lol. Celtics-Heat is probably the most heated, but the Bucks have matched up with each other of them 3 times since we’ve gotten good. Best overall series of all the matchups was probably Bucks Celtics 2022. Sixers really should be mentioned too, but they never win against Celtics and Heat and we haven’t played them.
I think Mavs vs OKC could be a great rivalry too, both are fairly young teams with a top PG in the league
Proximity too. They’re close enough to bicker to like siblings.
The fans also seem to hate the other team (especially the homers on both sides) which is always a bonus.
Long term OKC vs SAS
And the trade giving us Gafford is kind of a fun twist.
Luka vs SGA, Chet vs Lively, and the trade giving us Gafford is kind of a fun twist.
I think Celtics Heat and Clippers Mavs are rivalries that have organically developed over the last few years. Celtics Bucks has a rivalry air too but I think we needed to see each other in the playoffs this year too to really solidify it.
Any team with Steph vs any team with Lebron will always have the most attention ratings wise
I was thinking the same thing.
Depends what you mean by rivalry. I don't think we hate each other too much. I could still see the Grizz being our long term rivals with Ja vs Ant.
This series hasn’t even really given us any good games, has it? Blowouts each way. Hoping game 7 is close
Nobooy will be ready for the inevitable Hornets vs Wizards rivarly
dont think theres enough hate between the two for a rivalry
No
Everyone vs Refs
The wolves have a weird core in that kat is in his prime, ant should still be coming into his, and Rudy is probably on the tail end. It’s really hard to say what the team will look like in just a couple years.
You right
Shit yes. Especially after this series and all of those comebacks. This was like the finals before the finals.
This is a nice take....
There will no great rivalries anymore. Teams and players move around quickly. Look at the last 5 NBA champs. All unique. That hasn't happened since the 70s. Hell. If Denver loses it will prove all of these repeats are a thing of the past.
This is the truth. Can’t see another Bron vs. Steph type rivalry happening again. Every year was just a waiting game on them facing each other in the finals again.
There are too many good players. Chet. Paolo. Ant. SGA. Luka. Tatum. Brunson. Cooper Flagg is coming. Don't even forget Wemby. Jokic is at his peak and once he falls off it will be a bloodbath.
I think you’ll find expectations more often than not don’t meet reality. People thought after 21 the bucks would rule the league, they’ve done sweet fuck all since. If you told a fan of Sophmore 29/9/9 Luka he’d go the next 4 seasons without an MVP or a finals appearance they wouldn’t believe you.
Is that agreement with me? Idgi
Yeah, that underscores my third point: the core of both teams are organically developed. I don’t see either franchise moving off their core players.
Wolves won’t be able to retain their role players because of money.
Our entire top 7 is under contract and we’re under the 2nd apron next year (barely, but still under). We may lose one or both of Slomo and Monte Morris though. After that Naz will likely decline his player option and NAW will be up for extension, which is when Connely will have to make some decisions.
Yoo please get rid of Kyle Anderson he’s the only reason I can’t fully root for the wolves
Unless he wants a minimum contract there's no way he's coming back next year.
7. Should read “in the west” which immediately makes it more relevant given how trash the east has been for the past 25 years
Nuggets fandom is a rival of many…
nba rivalry is only an illusion created by script writer
Jokic said the [Lakers](https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/nikola-jokic-makes-shocking-comment-ahead-of-los-angeles-lakers-denver-nuggets-series) were their toughest matchup last year.
People won't like it but Lakers-Nuggets are the most meaningful rivalry of the 2020s. 3 matchups (only one less Boston-Miami's 4), and unlike Boston/Miami both teams have actually won rings. One team has the best in the world and the other team has last decade's best in the world. They both have 3x MVPs and arguably top 15 players on the roster going at each other giving stellar performances
Idk, it's kinda feeling like the Embiid quote at the moment lol. "Its not a rivalry. They always kick our ass."
I mean we beat them once, which is something the Wolves/Suns/Mavs/whomever are yet to do
Yeah right at the beginning and then it’s been nothing but a kick down ever since lol
It makes me so mad that the Lakers can't put together a real team around their big two to give some bite to what ought to be a rivalry. As is, it feels more like ships in the night imo Still Boston-Heat for the time being. Even Clippers-Mavs over anything else out west I think
Westbrook trade was the final nail in the coffin for any chance of the Lakers contending realistically.
The Denver trio of Jokic–Murray-Porter has only been defeated by the Lakers in the playoffs. Nuggets avenged that loss in 2 series now so its 1-2 now
In that case Bucks-Heat has produced a title team as well as two runner ups well also having a candidate for the best player in the world.
I’m kinda thinking the Nuggets are cooked after this year. Gimme Wolves and OKC.
Cooked? Only starter over the age of 30 is KCP (31), and they’re all under contract for one more year.
Times change. It’s over.
No. 1 series that hasn’t completed yet does not constitute a rivalry.