2024 Playoffs- 3rd Round: Minnesota Timberwolves - Dallas Mavericks- MAVS WIN 4-1!

[KillerLeft]

The Siakam trade was another great fit trade, but to be honest the biggest reason Indy is still in the playoffs is NY completely disintegrated before their eyes.

I agree, kind of, but you're only looking at the one series. I don't think many people had IND getting past the FIRST round.  I'm not really thinking about how these teams got past their specific opponents, comparatively, my thought is more about adding someone at the deadline and that actually resulting in a real, live improved team down the stretch of that season. This is so rare (according to my anecdotal observations) that I had almost become conditioned to expect disappointment in the playoffs every time the Mavs make a deadline deal. 

Have you looked at the kind of post season Siakam is having? They are featuring him, and he's delivering. I almost can't remember a fit happening so seamlessly, even in a trade over the summer, let alone the deadline. 

Washington is helping already probably because (to your point) there was a gaping DFS hole left on this team from the Kyrie trade and I suppose it makes sense that they have PJ trying to fill it. Thank goodness he was up to it! But, I think he has more to offer than what we're seeing now, and I think he'll be even better here next season. I hope Gafford is better next year, too.

The Dinwiddie point is a good one, as is your point about circumstances.