MANY superstars have changed teams this season including Paul George (Philadelphia 76ers), Klay Thompson (Dallas Mavericks), Mikal Bridges (New York Knicks) and DeMar DeRozan (Sacramento Kings). These breakups have been mostly under disappointing circumstances so there is some bad blood between these stars and their former teams.
Meanwhile, many teams have reloaded to increase their chances of contending and chase the 2024 champions Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, old and new rivalries are simmering which makes for numerous must-watch games. Here are the best revenge games this season:
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors (November 13) – After helping establish a dynasty that led to six Finals appearances and four NBA titles, Thompson felt "disrespected" in his contract talks with his former team. The Warriors felt that Thompson wasn't worth a large contract and so he bolted to the reigning Western Conference champions Dallas Mavericks. I am sure that Thompson can't wait to return to Chase Center and show the Warriors he has enough juice left in the tank.
Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Clippers (November 7) – Like Thompson, Paul George felt disrespected when the Clippers refused to give him the same three-year, $150-million contract as his fellow superstar Kawhi Leonard. George will return home to play in the brand-new Intuit Dome which features several technological innovations. He hopes to shade his former team and their swanky home with a convincing win.
Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls (January 13) – DeMar DeRozan spent the last three seasons of his career with the Bulls where he averaged 25.5 points per game, more than his previous two teams, while shooting nearly 50 percent. During his tenure, however, he failed to reach the playoffs twice and lost once in the first round. Still, he is a superstar that the Bulls let go for only one bench player and two second-round picks. DeRozan has an axe to grind.
Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks (January 26) – The Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks four to one in the 2024 NBA Finals and the latter has something to prove with their reloaded roster featuring Klay Thompson. Thompson allows more spacing against a stifling Celtics defense. Look for Luka Doncic and the new-look Mavs to avenge their embarrassing series loss.
Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves (November 2) – The young Timberwolves took down the defending champions in a stunning Game 7 that saw them come back from 20 points down on the road. The Timberwolves are an exciting team to watch with the outspoken and exciting Anthony Edwards while the Nuggets have the best player in the world in Nikola Jokic. Regardless, this is an entertaining matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers (January 1) – Giannis Antetokounmpo have something to prove versus the Pacers who handed them their second straight first round playoff exit. Giannis didn't play in the series due to injuries and Damian Lillard also got hurt which doomed the Bucks. Giannis would like to send a message that his team is still in the thick of running the Eastern Conference.
raffyrledesma@yahoo.com
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