112 Comments

I don't hate on Embiid for his free throws as much as I do Harden, because he's at least bangin inside as a center to get (most of) them. But seriously, damn near 20 FTAs in a half for a single player is straight up disgusting basketball. I don't give a shit if every single one of them was well-earned, resulting from hard and undeniable fouls. That is gross. I'm glad they're losing by 20.

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well the one Sabrina posted below is an obvious charge, so only 18 are potentially earned.

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If it weren't for the nostalgia factor, I feel like we 100% would have a center on the roster instead of Andre right now. I'm just hoping he makes it worth it in the playoffs.

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Dubs know when the real games will begin; I think they're just keeping him on ice until the playoffs start. His tires are rated for 50K miles and he's currently at 45K. Hoping the warranty expires during the parade in June.

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Mar 11, 2022·edited Mar 11, 2022

Imagine a healthy 32 year old Bogut on roster.....damn

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We all know they are saving Andre for game 7 of the Finals.

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deletedMar 11, 2022·edited Mar 11, 2022
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You think Looney is on the roster for nostalgia?

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deletedMar 11, 2022·edited Mar 11, 2022
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Saying they should’ve had another big on the roster is fair (I wanted Chriss), but saying they didn’t because of nostalgia or sentimental reasons is a really poor take, IMO.

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Honestly with opj resting so much, we may not actually lose him

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Chase Money or Chase Rings?!

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I’m not sure he’s going to get starter money offers. He hasn’t done anything this season to make me believe he’s an everyday player. He’s looking to me like a Livingston-type guy who is great at the right price in the right place.

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Does this "Otto Porter Jr. - General Illness" designation seem odd to anyone else? He's been out since March 7th and they quickly ruled him out today too.

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I mean, doesn't seem that odd for someone to be sick for 4 days

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True, and Klay was out for 3 days too. I guess if he misses another game after this one it enters the "odd" range.

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And Klay came back too early...

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I feel like people are confusing "vibes" with "playing at home" a little bit lol. But yeah they can win this game if Looney is up for the challenge.

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They can win this game if Denver's "we're on the last game of a 4 games in 5 nights" legs kick in during the 3rd quarter. They rested some folks last night, but not Jokic... but he didn't have to bang with Sabonis. We can also win if 30 point Moody and 30 point Poole show up again, this time with reinforcements.

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So I guess the strategy is: let Jokic score as many points as he wants, but do not let him pass the ball to others.

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We win 105-102, Jokic sets new scoring record, NBA twitter decries that the Warriors don't have a big man and anoints Jokic as MVP, OG NBA twitter says Jokic couldn't crack a starting line up back in their day, and all is well with the world.

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I feel like one of the biggest wild cards that determine whether we win is Aggro Wiggins showing up or not.

Loon is generally up for the challenge, but might end up in foul trouble. Then it's Steph's turnovers, Klay's legs + shot selection, and are we in for a Poole Party that feel like open questions. I'm fairly confident Kuminga and Moody will be solid contributors, Bjeli will pass like Jokic and defend like Freedom, the Evil Twins might have a moment or two, etc.

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Someone needs to start slipping Wiggs some ANDRO 500,000 into his smoothies. And Beli's only job is to take Jokic out the night before and get him hammered.

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> Aggro Wiggins

We need Lvl 80 with red text Wiggins instead of grey text, npc Wiggins.

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At least we haven't seen too much of Comic Sans Wiggins. You can never unsee that.

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Mar 10, 2022Liked by punk basketball

Get ready for Freaky Friday. (The old switch body thing) If you could switch a pair of Warriors, who would you switch? If Draymond/Wiggs, imagine what Draymond would be if he had Wiggs body and skill set? Next, switch GP2 and Wiseman. If GP2 had Wiseman's body and skills, I'm not saying he would score much, but we would hold teams to 50 a night. If you switched Moody and Looney, no one would probably notice.

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If hand/eye coordination gets swapped as well then I think Curry in Kuminga's body is the obvious answer. If you make Curry 6'8 and super athletic he's literally unguardable.

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I think Curry would fall in love with, finally, being able to dunk, too much!!

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aka Durant

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Steph skills in Wiseman's body. Just park yourself anywhere between 20-30 feet from the basket and fire away... don't even need to dribble. On the off chance there's a double team that affects your shot, pass to who ever you want since nobody can interfere with your pass...

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This feels a lot like recreating Kevin Durant. He's not Steph, but he's the closest thing in a 7-foot body.

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Actually, Draymond and Kerr switching would make for the most entertaining movie. Draymond suddenly hitting 3s, Kerr trashing Rudy Gobert in post game pressers.

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Looney’s knowledge/decision-making in Wiseman’s body would be incredible.

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Draymond -> Wiseman, Steph -> Kuminga, Iguodala -> Wiggins

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Steph in Kuminga's body is literally the best player imaginable

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think this underrates how Steph's shooting is rooted in rare physical gifts (hand-eye coordination & balance)

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I mean, we're talking magic here, so I figured it's all up to interpretation -- I was thinking that hand eye coordination and balance (and shooting) are muscle memory, e.g. the brain knowing how to control the muscles precisely... I hear you though...

I guess to me it's a more fun exercise if you assume the skills come along, otherwise it's just kinda like, "imagine if Wiggins was angrier"

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/Keanu "Whoa" gif

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I'd switch Steph Curry with Steph Curry (butt pad edition).

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Wiseman’s experience and skills in Chiozza’s body?

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You are wrong for this 😂

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you could probably find that player commenting on this board

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That's me and I also have Klay's shot selection (Just kidding Klay love you)

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I was thinking the same thing but in Raymond Ridder's body.

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Nuggets stats:

Offense:

10 in points scored!! (111.2)

10 in points in paint!! (47.8)

13 in fastbreak points (12.8)

8 in offensive efficiency!!!!!!

3 in shooting % !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (47.6%)

16 in three point % (35.2%)

2 in two point % !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (56.7%)

23 in off. rebound % (21.4%)

3 in def. rebound % !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (78.5%)

6 in total rebound % !!!!!!!!! (51.1%)

15 in opponent blocks (4.8)

21 in opponent steals (7.9)

2 in assists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (27.4)

21 in turnovers (14.4)

Defense:

12 in points allowed (108.2)

22 in opponent points in paint (48.9)

14 in opponent fastbreak points (12.0)

15 in defensive efficiency

22 in opponent shooting % (46.5%)

6 in opponent three point % !!!!!!!!!! (33.9%)

27 in opponent two point % (54.7%)

29 in blocks (3.7)

17 in steals (7.4)

16 in opponent assists (24.6)

22 in opponent turnovers (13.2)

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Westbrook to the Bay confirmed! OK, so he'd have to waive the player option or get bought out... But I'd love to see Westbrook (after eating his humble pie this year) come to the bay and play within himself coming off the bench.

https://sports.yahoo.com/steph-curry-on-russell-westbrook-he-definitely-has-my-support-170230375.html

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I would literally never watch another game. The NBA would no longer exist in my eyes.

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y tho? when would you ever want him on the court over, say, GP2?

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Pass

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Hard pass

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C'mon... not up for the challenge?

We got Nick Young a ring, then we got Javale McGee a ring, then we got Andrew Wiggins an All Star Starter (and trying to get him a ring)...

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Please, no Nick Young shoutouts. I never liked his game, mindless gunner. Yeah sometimes they went in. But still. Never much liked his fashion sense either but that's a matter of taste.

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If we're looking at Laker scrubs I'd rather just take Bazemore back lol

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Pass on that too. Yuck.

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I would rather get someone young like Malik Monk or Stanley Johnson. But then we would have to get rid of Damion Lee.

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I agree, Bazemore isn't needed anymore. GP2 is a much better POA defender. I'm just saying I really don't want Russell Westbrook on the Warriors.

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How about Austin Reaves?

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Malik Monk seems prone to brain farts. Pass.

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Mar 10, 2022·edited Mar 10, 2022

Yeah, my interest is 100% contingent on him accepting:

1. He shouldn't be shooting

2. He'll be behind Steph & JP on the depth chart on a 5-10m role

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In other words, your interest is contingent on Russ not being Russ. Not likely.

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n't*

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LOL, yes

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author

I'm pretty dubious anyone is buying out that contract. Lakers gotta see a tank in their future at this point

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Mar 10, 2022·edited Mar 10, 2022

That all said, all of the stuff he's dealing with related to fan entitlement and toxicity is absolutely BS and unacceptable.

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omg the way even Magic was dragging him before the game the other day, and they kept showing him trying to be a good sport about it. Ugh.

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Mar 10, 2022·edited Mar 10, 2022

I've always disliked Russ for his on-court (and sometimes post-game interview) behavior and his unshakable faith that he's the best option when so often he is not. But I'm starting to feel bad for the guy.

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I'm not. Won't ever forget his interview with Durant beside him where he ridiculed Steph's defense or lack of defense, and OKC lost that game.

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author

ehh, I'll never forget how front and center he was on the "KD is a cupcake" thing. No love for shitty fans, and that is honestly a shame for him and his family, but it's not like dude is some bastion of tasteful basketball criticism

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I don't know what lakers fans and GM Lebron were expecting thoug, Russ this year has been pretty much the same guy that he has been for the last 4 years. His entire game is driving to the rim and dishing to an open shooter.

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Mar 10, 2022·edited Mar 10, 2022

I will say as a UCLA fan Russ has not always been my favorite player. He’s brash and sure of himself; doesn’t always handle things the right way. Even the whole Westbrick treatment is deserved.

But when you’re getting death threats by entitled Laker fans and keyboard warriors because of stupid shit Skip Bayless says behind a desk, that’s not ok.

While I’m on that subject, can we talk about how useless these sports debate shows are and how they do nothing but generate meaningless controversy and worthless outrage? There is no reason guys like Skip or Nick Wright should be on television or earn what they’re getting. Full stop.

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https://twitter.com/NBACouchside/status/1501809729626062850

Hmmmm...maybe the Warriors should sign Cauley-Stein after all lol

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Dwight did really well on him that playoff series so not surprised to see him at the top

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Interesting to see Rudy far down that list…

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I thought the same.

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I would like to see where Dray would be on that chart ...

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Me too. I was surprised that he (apparently) didn't make the minimum threshold.

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Kind of shows you that Enes Freedom's inability to land an NBA job doesn't have anything to do with politics no matter what Fox would have you believe.

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Mar 10, 2022Liked by punk basketball

Looney shows pretty well on that chart

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We should sign him just have to have an emergency center

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Honestly, I'm in!

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Mar 10, 2022·edited Mar 10, 2022

Assuming full health and 10-man playoff rotation, I’m still trying figure out what Kerr’s going to do.

If we assume Steph-Klay-Wiggins-Green-Looney continue to start, who are the other five?

Poole, OPJ, Kuminga, GP2 and Igoudala seems like the best guess, but if Moody keeps up his stellar play for the rest of the season, does he force himself into rotation, and if so, at whose expense? I have a tough time imaging Kerr having Moody and Kuminga out there together in minutes that matter.

I’d guess Lee, JTA, Wiseman and Bjelly would all be situational (as opposed to rotation) options.

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If OPJ can stay healthy. He misses a lot of games. Which also leads me to wonder whether he really will be priced out of our reach next season, even given his considerable ability.

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Mar 10, 2022·edited Mar 10, 2022

I'm not expecting Igoudala to play much in the playoffs. Even if he can get healthy, I'm not sure his production will warrant much time. I expect him to be on the floor when we don't have another effective playmaker or a spot start if someone is out with an injury. Insurance, basically.

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author

Slater had something today that talked about Wiseman and Poole running on the second unit with Andre there to help keep things in order.

Also sounds like there's some back and forth happening where Kerr is trying to temper expectations and the FO is pushing for Wiseman to play a larger role. Gonna be a wild final month of the regular season - especially if everyone comes back Monday

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The direct quote is that there is "unspoken pressure". If it is "unspoken", then it means it is inferred, not explicit, and therefore the opinion of the writer (since not citing any sources).

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Surely this is a contingency to get an easy bucket on the 2nd unit when we can’t score? Spam that PnR

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FO is probably super tired of getting slammed for not picking Ball... and Wiseman is probably looking good in practice. And Kerr recognizing that "we talkin' bout practice?!?! Not a game, not a game..."

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This Wiseman debut is exciting but could be hard to evaluate.

On the one hand, Wiseman hasn't played in 11 months and is coming back from the same injury that JJJ came back from last season and JJJ looked bad. Perhaps he will be rusty, poorly conditioned, etc. On the other hand, it's not a good sign if a big man doesn't dominate the G-League because the G-League is short on big man talent.

Neemias Queta is on Stockton which is good because he'll be a 250 pound 7 footer for Wiseman to go against. A team like College Park Skyhawks don't have a player over 6'8 220.

Here are some G-League numbers for 2021 draft class big men, all of these guys get more minutes than Wiseman will tonight I'm sure but I think it's useful for calibrating expectations:

-Kai Jones is averaging 16, 11, and 2.5 blocks

-Santi Aldama is averaging 21 and 9 with 3.5 assists

-Luka Garza is averaging 20 and 9

-Charles Bassey is averaging 13, 9, and 5 blocks

-Sandro Mamukelashvili is averaging 20 and 10

-Neemias Queta is averaging 16 and 8

-Day'Ron Sharpe in 2 games has 15, 10, and 2.5 blocks

-Isaiah Jackson in 2 games is averaging 25, 4, and 3 blocks

-Usman Garuba is averaging 9, 9, 2 steals, and 1.5 blocks.

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So, 35 and 15 for Wiseman in 20 minutes?

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Based on those other players numbers, that seems like it's what we need to see

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Warriors by double digits.

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Damn, I was hoping the gleague game would be on way earlier, it starts at 4am for me.

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Yikes. Though 4am is about the only free time I would have to watch either game.

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Let's hope we have some rollover from the Clipps game. We need it. Will we see a resurgence of the Splash Bros and not this current version which can't seem to find their perimeter baskets that used to be their trademark. If we've got Steph/Poole/Klay/Wiggs/Looney starting, wer're gonna be small and slower. Since OPJ is not aboard, I would go with Poole, Wiggs, JFK, Looney, along with Steph. Klay needs to come off the bench. Yes, I know, it's darn right heretical, but I've never been one to be mainstream.

ESPN has suspended their player in Asia and Russia. Is this punishment for Thailand being neutral about the UN vote backing sanctions? I can't watch the gleague game with Wiseman. Anyone know a workaround for this?

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It's gonna be tough, don't know of any illegal streams for G-League games.

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Mar 10, 2022·edited Mar 10, 2022

Hopefully someone will post a highlight package on YouTube that essentially shows all his minutes.

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author

I think the entire game will be on youtube, no?

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So, not live, but after the game is played they post it, correct?

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On NBCBay Area’s YouTube channel?

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I'm running dual screen all the time, at least when the nvidia card cooperates and is able to find both screens, so no problem. I will mentally superimpose Wiseman over Looney and Bjelica.

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Philadelphia Free Throwers

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Wasn’t that a song by Elton John?

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I gotta say, it might be their year. I don't like it, but Harden and Embiid seems pretty unstoppable to me.

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Oh I did.

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I love Philadelphia

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