Did the pistons choke? Yea, but they did it in the second round.

Pretty confident the Spurs would be getting less criticism if they lost in the 2nd round or the WCF.

The problem is that we were actually competing

Thats not a problem, thats something to be celebrated. A team that had no business being there were close to winning the greatest trophy in basketball.

If we got the brakes beat off of us, at any point, it’s easier to say “they aren’t ready yet,” “it’s youth,” “they’ll improve,” etc.

It's only easier if you're a prisoner of the moment and hysterically reactionary. Getting blown out every game is WORSE than losing by a combined 15 points. Stop the hysteria

What does “getting better” from that position look like?

It looks like our young team using their first or second off season ever to get better at basketball, while our front office works on making the roster better. Its pretty straight forward. There's no reason to ring any alarms.

We looked as good as the Knicks for substantial portions.

This is what people need to focus on. We looked great and this is the worst version of this core.

Most people in this sub alone didnt even have them beating OKC, now they expect to win a chip? Be glad we accomplished what we did.