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Ryen RussilloRyen Russillo

The Denver Nuggets are the fourth-best championship contender when healthy

I think Denver's the fourth team when Denver has Aaron Gordon and this version of Jamal Murray. Even with a diminished bench, it's like you can't rule, especially, you know, you look at the depth, the extra days off depth isn't as big of an issue.

The Nuggets made a competitive showing, losing to the Thunder in 7 games in the second round. They were a strong team but didn't ultimately contend for the championship. 'Fourth-best' is subjective.

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Loss
Take Slip·Feb 17, 2025
#PMT-2025-0217-11149
Big CatBig Cat

The United States is currently the best hockey country in the world

Guess what? We're the best fucking country in the world in hockey... until Canada, until Canada to be on Thursday. We right now as of the second we're still the best hockey country in the world. We got the cup. They're not getting it back.

The US lost to Canada 2-3 in overtime in the Four Nations Face-Off final on February 20, 2025. Connor McDavid scored the OT winner. The USA was not the best hockey country after that loss.
Win
Take Slip·Feb 17, 2025
#PMT-2025-0217-11150
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Canada won't get the Stanley Cup back from the United States

We got the Stanley Cup. They're not getting it back.

The Stanley Cup remained with a US team - the Florida Panthers won in 2025 for the second straight year. No Canadian team won the Cup.
Void
Take Slip·Feb 17, 2025
#PMT-2025-0217-11151
Big CatBig Cat

The NHL's Four Nations tournament completely outclassed the NBA All-Star weekend

The NHL absolutely bodied the NBA in terms of getting it right and what they did, what they've done with the Four Nations Tournament instead of the All-Star game versus everything that's been going on for the NBA All-Star game. It's not even close.

Subjective comparison of entertainment value and player effort.

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Ryen RussilloRyen Russillo

The Milwaukee Bucks should not play Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season

I don't even think Milwaukee would want Giannis to come back and play... They should want to do whatever they can with this pick 'cause they don't have many of 'em. And Giannis probably shouldn't even wanna play and risk health and risk this contract extension that he can get before next fall. So the tanking is gonna get egregious.

Depends on if Giannis plays and if the Bucks achieve a better long-term outcome by sitting him.
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Ryen RussilloRyen Russillo

The Clippers made a smart pivot trading James Harden for Darius Garland

I like what the Clippers did... I don't think Darius Garland is this bad. He's a two-time all star. He's 26 years old... when he was right, he was terrific. And Harden... fourth trade request in six years. So the Clippers very quickly on the fly... you'll look at the Garland thing and go, man, they were able to land a player like that for Harden.

The success of the Garland/Clippers pairing would determine this.
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Ryen RussilloRyen Russillo

The Knicks' usage of Karl-Anthony Towns is becoming a real issue

The Knicks, as much fun as they are... the imperfections with them. The cat [KAT] stuff here... He's now sixth in minutes in the fourth quarter for the Knicks... since January 1st. So you're seeing his minutes decline... Mitchell Robinson's so good... I wonder if [Thibodeau] like bails on Kat in specific matchups? 'Cause he's already starting to do it in the regular season.

Minutes played in the playoffs will confirm this trend.