Eric Koreen
@ekoreen.bsky.social
Writing Raptors/NBA opinion at The Athletic, and organizing NBA opinion content. Invented the #HotTake.
I'm not that good at breathing in
I'm not that good at breathing in
Pinned
Eric Koreen
@ekoreen.bsky.social
· Dec 12
It is, I fear, time for my 10 Favourite Songs of 2024, Except That It's 20 Songs, And Elon Doesn't Get This Most Valuable Content
I missed the possibility that the Raps could play the Magic, but with ORL winning, Magic are #1 seed, Raps are #2 seed. Raps will face Knicks if they hold on versus Milwaukee, or Miami if Bucks win.
So, Raps fans, re NBA Cup
• If ORL beats DET, Raps end up as EC seed #2, and host winner of Group C (in order of likelihood: NYK if they beat MIL, MIA if not)
• If DET beats ORL, Raps end up as EC seed #1, and host wild card, top non-group winner (in approximate order of likelihood: CLE, MIA, MIL)
• If ORL beats DET, Raps end up as EC seed #2, and host winner of Group C (in order of likelihood: NYK if they beat MIL, MIA if not)
• If DET beats ORL, Raps end up as EC seed #1, and host wild card, top non-group winner (in approximate order of likelihood: CLE, MIA, MIL)
November 29, 2025 at 3:10 AM
I missed the possibility that the Raps could play the Magic, but with ORL winning, Magic are #1 seed, Raps are #2 seed. Raps will face Knicks if they hold on versus Milwaukee, or Miami if Bucks win.
So, Raps fans, re NBA Cup
• If ORL beats DET, Raps end up as EC seed #2, and host winner of Group C (in order of likelihood: NYK if they beat MIL, MIA if not)
• If DET beats ORL, Raps end up as EC seed #1, and host wild card, top non-group winner (in approximate order of likelihood: CLE, MIA, MIL)
• If ORL beats DET, Raps end up as EC seed #2, and host winner of Group C (in order of likelihood: NYK if they beat MIL, MIA if not)
• If DET beats ORL, Raps end up as EC seed #1, and host wild card, top non-group winner (in approximate order of likelihood: CLE, MIA, MIL)
November 29, 2025 at 12:23 AM
So, Raps fans, re NBA Cup
• If ORL beats DET, Raps end up as EC seed #2, and host winner of Group C (in order of likelihood: NYK if they beat MIL, MIA if not)
• If DET beats ORL, Raps end up as EC seed #1, and host wild card, top non-group winner (in approximate order of likelihood: CLE, MIA, MIL)
• If ORL beats DET, Raps end up as EC seed #2, and host winner of Group C (in order of likelihood: NYK if they beat MIL, MIA if not)
• If DET beats ORL, Raps end up as EC seed #1, and host wild card, top non-group winner (in approximate order of likelihood: CLE, MIA, MIL)
I understand pretty well how annoying this particular Eagles team must be to their fans. But if any other fan base was leaving en masse and booing with the team down two touchdowns, 8-3 and coming off a Super Bowl, we'd be talking about how bad those fans were.
November 28, 2025 at 10:43 PM
I understand pretty well how annoying this particular Eagles team must be to their fans. But if any other fan base was leaving en masse and booing with the team down two touchdowns, 8-3 and coming off a Super Bowl, we'd be talking about how bad those fans were.
Eagles told Hurts to fumble it as proof the play can be officiated fairly, meaning it won't get banned in the offseason. Playing the long game.
November 28, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Eagles told Hurts to fumble it as proof the play can be officiated fairly, meaning it won't get banned in the offseason. Playing the long game.
The Eagles are the worst team that will probably somehow win the Super Bowl.
November 28, 2025 at 9:46 PM
The Eagles are the worst team that will probably somehow win the Super Bowl.
Barrett, Mogbo and the two-ways are out tomorrow for Raps.
November 28, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Barrett, Mogbo and the two-ways are out tomorrow for Raps.
We just need an ongoing series of #ThunderFacts
Games this season in which their opponent shot < 50% in the paint...
1. Oklahoma City: 11
2. Boston: 6
2. Detroit: 6
2. Minnesota: 6
2 teams - Sacramento & Utah - have yet to hold an opponent below 50% in the paint.
1. Oklahoma City: 11
2. Boston: 6
2. Detroit: 6
2. Minnesota: 6
2 teams - Sacramento & Utah - have yet to hold an opponent below 50% in the paint.
November 28, 2025 at 6:27 PM
We just need an ongoing series of #ThunderFacts
Scottie Barnes: "Our chemistry on this team is the best that I’ve been around in my five years in the league. It keeps growing every single day. There’s a lot of laughing, a lot of great moments, making memories on and off the floor. We really enjoy each others’ presence."
November 28, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Scottie Barnes: "Our chemistry on this team is the best that I’ve been around in my five years in the league. It keeps growing every single day. There’s a lot of laughing, a lot of great moments, making memories on and off the floor. We really enjoy each others’ presence."
Darko said Gradey Dick practiced today and should be good to go for tomorrow in Charlotte.
November 28, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Darko said Gradey Dick practiced today and should be good to go for tomorrow in Charlotte.
Raps finish first if Orlando loses to Detroit and second if they win.
As for who they might play, read this.
As for who they might play, read this.
NBA Cup enthusiasts: Here's all you need to know about tonight's potential outcomes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
Cup Geekery: All of Friday's NBA Cup scenarios
www.nytimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Raps finish first if Orlando loses to Detroit and second if they win.
As for who they might play, read this.
As for who they might play, read this.
Reposted by Eric Koreen
As Brandon Ingram went at Pascal Siakam in the waning seconds on Wednesday night, I was reminded of two important NBA lessons: 1. Things can change quickly: 2. Don't let a bad context blind you of what a skilled player can do.
Brandon Ingram’s game winner over Pascal Siakam shows how quickly NBA changes
Thanks to Ingram, the Toronto Raptors — winners of nine in a row — cannot find a way to lose.
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:44 AM
As Brandon Ingram went at Pascal Siakam in the waning seconds on Wednesday night, I was reminded of two important NBA lessons: 1. Things can change quickly: 2. Don't let a bad context blind you of what a skilled player can do.
As Brandon Ingram went at Pascal Siakam in the waning seconds on Wednesday night, I was reminded of two important NBA lessons: 1. Things can change quickly: 2. Don't let a bad context blind you of what a skilled player can do.
Brandon Ingram’s game winner over Pascal Siakam shows how quickly NBA changes
Thanks to Ingram, the Toronto Raptors — winners of nine in a row — cannot find a way to lose.
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:44 AM
As Brandon Ingram went at Pascal Siakam in the waning seconds on Wednesday night, I was reminded of two important NBA lessons: 1. Things can change quickly: 2. Don't let a bad context blind you of what a skilled player can do.
Reposted by Eric Koreen
Raptors had a 41.7 eFG% tonight, the lowest in a win by any team this season.
November 27, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Raptors had a 41.7 eFG% tonight, the lowest in a win by any team this season.
"I said, 'That's why I'm here.' That's the cleanest I can say." - Ingram about what he said after shot.
November 27, 2025 at 3:31 AM
"I said, 'That's why I'm here.' That's the cleanest I can say." - Ingram about what he said after shot.
BI did it again, as the Raptors found yet another way to win.
Brandon Ingram’s game-winner, hot hand secure Raptors’ 9th straight win
Thanks to Brandon Ingram, the Toronto Raptors — winners of nine in a row — cannot find a way to lose.
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:30 AM
BI did it again, as the Raptors found yet another way to win.
Darko on whether goals change after hot start: "Absolutely not. ... We're serious people. We're not going to just change the target in the middle."
November 27, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Darko on whether goals change after hot start: "Absolutely not. ... We're serious people. We're not going to just change the target in the middle."
Darko says they kept Gradey Dick out as a precaution. He's feeling OK. They'll continue to evaluate.
November 27, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Darko says they kept Gradey Dick out as a precaution. He's feeling OK. They'll continue to evaluate.
"Big luxury. That's why he's getting paid what he's getting paid." - Darko on having Ingram
November 27, 2025 at 3:17 AM
"Big luxury. That's why he's getting paid what he's getting paid." - Darko on having Ingram
Darko said he considered a timeout, but then realized the ball was in BI's hands, and he put his hands in his pockets.
November 27, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Darko said he considered a timeout, but then realized the ball was in BI's hands, and he put his hands in his pockets.
'Topes win! 97-95. Ingram with 26, Barnes with 24 and 10, that's nine in a row.
Raps go 4-0 in Cup group play.
Raps go 4-0 in Cup group play.
November 27, 2025 at 2:59 AM
'Topes win! 97-95. Ingram with 26, Barnes with 24 and 10, that's nine in a row.
Raps go 4-0 in Cup group play.
Raps go 4-0 in Cup group play.
Darko let's em play instead of calling a timeout, Ingram breaks tie with middy, Raps up 97-95 with 0.6 left.
November 27, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Darko let's em play instead of calling a timeout, Ingram breaks tie with middy, Raps up 97-95 with 0.6 left.
The Raps are challenging a loose-ball foul up 1 with 3:50 to go, and these rarely can be overturned.
November 27, 2025 at 2:50 AM
The Raps are challenging a loose-ball foul up 1 with 3:50 to go, and these rarely can be overturned.
I don't love how easily the Raps have been switching tonight. Mathurin is on one, and the Pacers have the lead.
November 27, 2025 at 2:41 AM
I don't love how easily the Raps have been switching tonight. Mathurin is on one, and the Pacers have the lead.
Sure, the Raptors went 1 for 9 from 3 in the first quarter. But I'd be more concerned that they've generated just 15 looks in the 2.25 quarters since then.
November 27, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Sure, the Raptors went 1 for 9 from 3 in the first quarter. But I'd be more concerned that they've generated just 15 looks in the 2.25 quarters since then.
The Pistons lost and Jamal Shead is having a bad night? One more bizarre thing and I'm heading for the bunker.
November 27, 2025 at 2:34 AM
The Pistons lost and Jamal Shead is having a bad night? One more bizarre thing and I'm heading for the bunker.