I don't buy this. Kanter made it a deal and talked about it but Aminu is very reserved and hardly ever talks about himself so I don't think he would volunteer that information like Kanter did.
So you think that reporters, when reporting on Kanter's religious fasting, knowing that another teammate was of the same religion, neglected to ask said teammate if they were also fasting? Neglected to even watch from afar to see whether he was or was not eating in the locker room? I mean, it's possible. But I think it's highly unlikely that they'd report on only one of two fasting Muslims playing in the Playoffs. Reporters love to report on all the obstacles a team faces during the Playoffs. And given Aminu's poor play, they'd love to bring up how his fasting may have played a role in his performance. Like I say - possible, but highly unlikely IMO.
No reporter said that Aminu wasn't fasting and was eating either. It wasn't reported on at all. As you said reporters love to report and nothing came out about Aminu fasting or not fasting when it was known he was a practicing muslim. No reporting was done on it, we just look at the no reporting about it in two very different ways.
Because reporting on eating (ie, everyone's normal, everyday routine) is the same as reporting on fasting during a period of time where peak physical performance is of supreme importance? We're clearly on separate sides here - you may be correct, but without verification I think it's highly unlikely.
Only one player changed my opinion of them during the play-offs. I am no longer convinced that a team with Dame as its best player can win a title. I would put Dame on par with Mo Lucas, Drexler, Pippen, McHale, Worthy, or Durant. Very good players, very valuable to their teams, but only won rings when they were the second best player on their team.
You make no changes outside of swapping Draymond Green for Evan Turner and POR is going to the finals this year. Dame would not be the 2nd best player on the team in that scenario.
You could also swap Kerr/Terry and I think the Kerr-lead Blazers have a better than 50/50 shot at beating this GSW team coached by Terry. Buuuuut, that ship has sailed.
Lillard did not shoot well against Denver either, at least compared to how he shot against OKC. His Effective Field Goal % against Denver was exactly the same as against Golden State, 47%.
The only thing they have in common is height and that they now love jumpers. BroLo has been an All Star in this league and has made a remarkable change in his game to adjust to modern bball. He is also an amazing defender around the rim.
I have a vague recollection of seeing Aminu in a video drinking coffee in the locker room before one of the games. Maybe an old clip?
Observing Ramadan is a personal decision, and I respect anyone who has the balls to do it. Is fasting worse than Fred Van Vleet's decision to "have lots of babies" and therefore get no sleep?
