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Golden State Warriors Defeat Clippers in Close Game (120-114)

December 2, 2023

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 120-114 on Thursday night. This was after the Warriors was eliminated by the Kings from a devastating loss.

After a close game in the 1st qtr, Warriors controlled all 3 quarters leading as much as 18 pts. It was a balance Warriors offense where 7 players in double figures and bench contributed big with Saric, Kuminga and Podziemski leading the bench with 13 pts, 17, pts and 13 pts, respectively.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, 7 rebs and 8 assists, while Klay Thompson added 22 points and 6 rebs. Draymond Green chipped in with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard had 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Paul George made 15 points and 10 assists.

The Warriors were without three of their major contributors: Chris Paul is sidelined by a nerve contusion in his lower left leg and sat out his first game of the season. Gary Payton II missed his fifth game due to a strained right calf. He will be re-evaluated in a week. MRI exams showed that neither player sustained structural damage. Andrew Wiggins slammed his right index finger in a car door earlier Thursday and was unable to play.

The win was the Warriors are now 9-10, while the Clippers fell to 8-10 with the loss.

Both teams will face again this Saturday evening in crypto.com arena.

Kings defeats Warriors, clinches In-Season tournament (124 – 123)

November 29, 2023

Kings advances to the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament with their win over the Golden State Warriors. It may be a tough loss to swallow to a lot of Warriors fans, since Golden State was enjoying a 24-point lead at the end of the 1st half. But since then, the Kings went on a 69 to 51 in the second half, scoring mostly inside the paint, specially in the 3rd qtr where the game grinded to a halt after both team went into penalty with still more than 5 mins remaining in the 3rd.

It didn’t help that the Warriors committed 18 turn overs, which the Kings capitalizes by scoring at least 19 points, most notably the two late turnovers by the Warriors; Monk hit a 3-pointer following a turnover by Stephen Curry and on the next possession, Draymond Green turned it over allowing Monk for a go-ahead 13-footer shot that gave the Kings the lead and steal the game.

Curry and Wiggins lead the Warriors with 29 points a piece, while Thompson had another great game with his 20 points and 9 rebs. Draymond Green back from a five-game suspension was a non-factor in the game, scoring 8 points, 6 rebs and just 3 assists.

Kings leading scorer is Deaaron Fox with 29 pts, 9 rebs and 7 assists, Huerter and Monk both scored 21 points.

Sacramento Kings swept their group for In-Season tournament with a 4-0 record and will host New Orleans next week in the quarterfinals. While the Warriors are eliminated from the contest.

Next for the Kings, will face the the Clippers on Wednesday night, while the Golden State Warriors will also host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

Dubs defeats Spurs to keep In-Season Tournament hopes Alive (118-112)

November 25, 2023

Golden State Warriors are still in the running for the first ever NBA In-Season Tournament, powered by Steph’s shooting brilliance.

It was a close game in the 1st half with Victor Wembanyama helping the Spurs with his 22 points, 9 rebs and 4 assists, but shot 1 of 6 from the three-point line. There was also a defensive sequence by 6-foot-2 guard Gary Payton II (GP2), when he blocks Spurs 7-foot-3 rookie Victor Wembanyama’s jump shot. This was GP2 first game after recovering from a foot injury.

Golden State started to break away from the Spurs at the end of the 3rd qtr and continue at the start of the 4th qtr, where they lead as much as 18 points, but the Spurs were able to make a run and cut the lead to just 4 points with still a whole minute left in the game. But the Spurs couldn’t complete the comeback since Curry and Thompson made all their free throws.

Warriors guard Steph Curry lead the team with 35 points and 6 assists, he’s 7 of 14 from beyond the arc. Curry got a lot of help from the team particularly from the bench; Saric, who played for just2 6 mins, is the second leading scorer with 20 pts, 7 rebs and 4 assists then add the two steals that he made. Klay Thompson also made significant contributions adding 15 points, 3 rebs and 6 assists.

Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 24 points and 22 pts by Keldon Johnson with 12 rebounds 4 assists. San Antonio finished 0-4 in the group play of the In-Season Tournament. While the Golden State Warriors are still in contention to advance to the knockout round of the In-Season Tournament, as they face the Sacramento Kings this Tuesday for the final game of Group C play.

Spurs will visit Denver this Sunday evening.
Warriors will face the Sacramento Kings this Tuesday.

Suns defeats Warriors behind Durant and Booker (123 – 115)

November 23, 2023

After winning their last game, Warriors got another loss from the Phoenix Suns lead by Kevin Durant, who scored a game high of 32 points with 8 rebs and 2 assists.

Warriors initially finished the 1 qtr with a 5 point lead but the Suns practically ended the game with a 37 – 16 run in the 2nd quarter. The Suns biggest lead was 23 points with just 7 mins remaining in the qtr. On the last 23 seconds of the 2nd qtr, Warriors received a total of 3 consecutive technical fouls from referee Scott Foster; a quick 2 by Chris Paul, after arguing about a foul he committed on Durant, this got Paul ejected from the game, then another technical foul on Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr for shouting at Foster after Paul’s ejection.

The Warriors tried to make a run in the 3rd qtr but ended up where they were in the 1st half, trailing by 16 points.

In the 4th Qtr, Warriors starter made another run but it made little to no difference, since all of the Warriors starters had a negative impact on the game. This is when things got interesting, with just 6 mins left in the game, Steve Kerr removed all his starters then put the Warriors’ bench; Saric, Kuminga, T. Jackson, C. Joseph and Brandin Podziemski. Warriors’ bench went on a 14 to 4 run, cutting the lead to a single digit on a Cory Joseph 8-foot pullup jump shot.

Golden State were able to cut the lead to just 6 points with enough time to steal the game but the Suns was able to hold on to their lead even after a Podziemski 3-point play that cut their lead to just 4 points. Steve Kerr later explained why he left the bench team remained and finished the game;

Aside from Durant, Booker had a double-double game with his 25 pts and 10 assists. Eric Gordon chipped-in 13 pts, 4 assists and 3 steals.

For the Warriors, this was Klay Thompson’s second game scoring a team high of 23 points but a liability no defence, while Curry who have been the bright spot for the Warriors was a non-factor in this game even though he had 16 points, he was 1-of-8 from the 3-point line and just 6-of-15 from the field.

The only Warriors take away from this game is that if needed their bench team can be a big help, specially when (and if) they reach the play-offs.

Warriors next game will be against the San Antonio Spurs, while the Suns will face the Memphis Grizzlies both games will be this Saturday, Nov. 25th.

Golden State Warriors Ends Losing Skid with a Win Over Rockets (121 – 116)

November 21, 2023
Golden State Warriors Ends Losing Skid with a Win Over Rockets (121 – 116)

The Golden State Warriors finally got their much needed win and stopped their 6-game losing streak with a hard-fought 121-116 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Chase Center. Stephen Curry, the league’s all-time leading 3-point shooter, led the Warriors with 32 points and five 3-pointers, extending his remarkable streak of making at least four 3-pointers in each of his first 13 games this season.

Klay Thompson, also finally broke out of his shoot slumped and had a big night for the Warriors, scoring 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc and 7-16 from the field. Aside from Thompson, the Warriors got a lot of help specially from their starters, Andrew Wiggins scoring 12 pts and 7 rebs, then Chris Paul with his 15 points and 12 assists and add the 18 points of Dario Saric. The starter’s performance, particular that of Thompson was a welcome sight for the team, who have been relying on Curry to carry the scoring load.

The Rockets were led by Center Alperen Sengun, who scored 30 points. However, even if all the starters scored 10 or more points, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Warriors’ balanced attack and 48.8% shooting from beyond the arc.

The Warriors led by as many as 14 points in the second half, but the Rockets fought back to make it a close game in the fourth quarter. Curry, however, hit a clutch 3-pointer with 2:09 remaining to give the Warriors a 13-point cushion to secure the win.

The Houston Rockets will the struggling Grizzlies at home this Wednesday, while the Warriors will visit the Kevin Durant and the Suns on the 22nd of Nov.

Warriors loss to Thunder even after Curry returns, 130-123 in OT

November 19, 2023

OKC gave the Warriors their 6th straight loss, even though the Golden State Warriors got the services of Steph Curry back after missing two games because of a right knee sprain. Curry got the much needed help with Wiggins scoring 31 pts.

It was a close game in the 1st half then in the 2nd half, the Warriors played their signature 3rd qtr game, leading as much as 18 points, then the Thunder ended the qtr with a 24-8 run, cutting the Warriors lead to just 2 points.

It was then a close game in the 4th qtr until Andrew Wiggins made 24-foot three point jumper to give the Warriors a 3-point lead and with just 3 secs left in the game. Then to tie the game rookie Chet Holmgren beat the clock with his 25-foot three point shot, that setup by Josh Giddey.

In the overtime, the Warrior only managed to score 6 points, while the Thunder made 10 points, all by Shai Gilgeous Alexander, who lead OKC by scoring 40 points, 7 rebs and 6 assists. Aside from SGA, Four OKC players also scored double-digits points, Chet Holmgren scored 36 pts, 10 rebs, 5 assts with 2 steal and 2 blocks, followed by Jalen Williams contributing 22 pts, 6 rebs and 3 assists.

Warriors will host the red hot Rockets this Monday, while the OKC will visit the Trailblazers this on Sunday evening.

Timberwolves defeat Warriors two in a row after 3 players got ejected early in the game

November 15, 2023

Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels both got 2 technical fouls after getting into a shoving match, resulting in Thompson’s jersey being ripped. While Warriors’s Draymond Green got ejected after head locking Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert, from the same incident.

Warriors leading scorer, Steph Curry did not play after experiencing right knee soreness and still waiting for the MRI results.

Even though the Warriors was playing without their 3 veterans, they still dominate the game leading as much as 12 points in the 3rd quarter and Timberwolves only took control of the game in the last 6 mins of the 4th quarter, where Warriors committed crucial turner and a 33 points, 11 rebs and 2 assists game from Karl Anthony Towns, scoring 11 points in the 4th qtr, including the 3-points at 1:09, to give Minnesota the lead and the win.

Golden State Warriors leading scorer is rookie Brandin Podziemski with 23 pts, 7 rebs and 5 assits. Dario Saric helped with 21 pts, 4 assists and 4 rebs.

Together with KAT, Timberwolves got plenty of help from Anthony Edwards with his 2 pts, 4 rebs, 4 assists and 3 steals, and 13 pts and 8 assists from Mike Conley.

This will be the last game between the Warriors and the Timberwolves this year and the next time they face will be on March 25th, by then we already have a clear picture of the playoffs matchups.

Timberwolves will be going to Phoenix on Thursday, while the Warriors will be facing OKC for a back-to-back game this Friday (Nov 17th) and on Sunday (Nov. 19th).

Stephen Curry and Jason Tatum named the NBA Players of the Week

November 8, 2023

After two weeks of basketball, NBA named Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Jason Tatum from Boston Celtics, as NBA Players of the Week of the 2023-24 season.

Stephen Curry

In their second week of the league, Stephen Curry helped the Warriors to a 3-1 week, where he averages of 30.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists. In just 7 games, Curry already made 40 3-pointers, the most in the league. Curry made his case of the player of the week after he torched the Pelicans with his 42-point, 5-assist, 5-rebound performance.

Jason Tatum

On the East side, Tatum powered the Celtics to be 3-0 this week. Stat-wise, the 25-year-old Celtic forward averages 30.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists over the first five games. Topping his performance with a 155-point win against the Pacers.

NBA announces that San Francisco Bay Area will host the 74th NBA All-Star 2025

November 8, 2023

Good news to all basketball fans in the Bay Area, since NBA has officially announced that the 74th NBA All-Star 2025 will be in San Francisco Bay Area at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. This will be the first time that the NBA All Star will be held at Chase Center, which opened in 2019.

NBA All-Star on-court events will tip off on Friday, Feb. 14 at Chase Center with NBA Rising Stars, an annual showcase for top rookies and second-year NBA players. On Feb. 15, the fourth NBA HBCU Classic Presented by AT&T will feature men’s basketball programs from two historically Black colleges and universities followed by State Farm All-Star Saturday Night which will feature the Kia Skills Challenge, the STARRY 3-Point Contest and AT&T Slam Dunk. NBA All-Star 2025 will culminate with the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 16.

You can watch the video below as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver make the announcement.

The 73th NBA All-Star 2025 will be in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo signs 3-years extension worth $186M

October 24, 2023

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has agreed on a three-year, $186 million contract extension with the team, announced on his social media accounts. The extension includes a player option for the 2027-2028 season. The deal will run through the duration of guard Damian Lillard’s contract and ends the possibility of him entering free agency in 2025. Bucks acquired Damian Lillard in a 3-team blockbuster trade this summer.

In a recent interview published on NY Times, Giannis said that we won’t sign any extension until he knows that the Bucks can continue to contend for a championship. This may have prompted the team to trade for Damian Lillard. Bucks as in a similar situation in 2020, where he signed a five-year, $228 million supermax extension, after the Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday from Pelicans. That same season, the Bucks became the NBA Champion, Giannis was named Finals MVP, after being awarded the regular season MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year award. Only two other player have ever won all 3 awards in the same season; Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.

NBA releases statement on Israel-Palestine conflict

October 10, 2023

In a very short message, NBA and NBPA issued a statement in support of Israel regarding its conflict with Palestine.

The NBA and NBPA mourn the horrific loss of life in Israel and condemn these acts of terrorism. We stand with the people of Israel and pray for peace for the entire region.

Israel declared war after “Gunmen from the Palestinian group Hamas rampaged through Israeli towns on Saturday, October 7, killing at least 250 Israelis and escaping with dozens of hostages in by far the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.”

To know the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict you can checkout the sources below;

Jrue Holiday traded to Boston Celtics

October 2, 2023

All-Star guard and NBA Champion Jrue Holiday has been traded to the Boston Celtics. The trade took place just less than a week after the Bucks sent Holiday to Portland that got them Daim Lillard.

In the trade, Portland TrailBlazers will receive Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, 2024 1st-round pick (via Warriors) and an 2029 unprotected 1st-round pick (via Celtics), while the Celtics will get Jrue Holiday.

The trade signals that the Blazers are indeed in rebuilding phase with a mix of youth and veteran, which will accelerate the development of the Blazer’s young core headed by Scoot Henderson, the third overall pick in this year’s draft.

Jrue Holiday on the Celtics will make the team a contender in the East, together with teh Bucks, he’e perfect with Brown and Tatum, since he is a two-way guard that can facilitate, create his own shot and can play off ball, and also his championship experience which will surely be a big help for the Boston Celtics in the Playoffs.

The projected starting lineup of the Boston Celtics will be;

  • Guard: Derrick White
  • Guard: Jrue Holiday
  • Forward: Jason Tatum
  • Forward: Jalen Brown
  • Center: Kristap Pozingis/Al Horford

Damian Lillard traded to Milwaukee Bucks as part of a 3-team deal

September 28, 2023

After months of waiting, we finally know where “Former Blazer” is headed, since the Portland Trailblazer traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, as part of a 3-team trade also involving Phoenix and Portland. Bucks already release an official statement regarding the trade.

In the trade,
Bucks will received;

  • Damian Lillard

Trail Blazers will received;

  • Jrue Holiday
  • Deandre Ayton
  • Toumani Camara
  • 2029 unprotected 1st round pick (from MIL)
  • Unprotected MIL swap rights in 2028 and 2030

Suns will received;

  • Jusuf Nurkic
  • Grayson Allen
  • Nassir Little
  • Keon Johnson

The trade will surely make Bucks the favorite to win it all this year and will give Giannis Antetokounmpo that much needed help in the Playoffs, it also give Deandre Ayton a new home after being unhappy with the Suns for the past couple of years. As for the Suns, it will give them the much needed body and supporting cast for Durant and Booker to contend in the West.

Source: NBA

Adidas unveil first signature shoes of Anthony Edwards, the AE1

September 25, 2023

After unveiling the logo, Adidas just introduced the first signature shoes of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards called the AE1. Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards, is one of the rising star in the NBA, and fresh off the FIBA World Cup 2023, the European Sports sportswear company has unveil Ant’s first signature shoes, which they aptly calling AE1. The shoe was unveiled on September 23, 2023, in Atlanta, Edwards’ hometown.

The AE1 is a performance basketball shoe that is designed to match Edwards’ playing style. The shoe features a lightweight and breathable knit upper with TPU overlays for added support. The AE1 is equipped with a BOOST cushioning system and directional herringbone blades throughout the tread to provide optimal performance on the court. The outsole features a herringbone traction pattern for optimal grip on the court.

The shoe itself boasts a unique grate-type/honeycomb design and will be available in Timberwolves-themed colorways, including a “Georgia Peach” colorway that pays homage to Edwards’ home state. The shoe also features Edwards’ signature logo, which is a combination of the letters “A” and “E” in a forward and backward motion.

The AE1 is scheduled to be released in December 2023. It is a highly anticipated shoe among basketball fans and sneakerheads alike, as Edwards is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. AE1 will retail for $120.

Golf: Warriors Steph Curry make a hole-in-one at American Century Golf Championship

July 16, 2023

GSW Star Steph Curry already cemented himself as the Greatest Shooter in Basketball and it looks like being a shooter is not only in the basketball court but also in the golf course.

At the American Century Golf Championship, Steph Curry made a hole-in-one on the par-three seventh hole at the American Century Championship on Saturday. It bounced once on the green and into the hold for the 4-time NBA Champ and tournament leader, he sprinted down the 152-yard hole in excitement after the shot.

The day before, Steph also made a difficult putt shot where the ball curve rolls across the green as it curves to the hole.

Curry later revealed that this is his second hole-in-one.

Fellow NBA star Lebron James reacted to Curry’s amazing shot.

Curry’s hole in one made him the leader of the tournament and could take home this year’s American Century Golf Championship.

Kai Sotto finally played in the 2023 NBA Summer League

July 15, 2023

After receiving a DNP in the first 3 games, Kai Sotto finally played his first game in the NBA Summer League against the Portland Trail Blazers.

In his first game in the NBA Summer League, 7’3″ Kai Sotto made the most of his 13 mins play time by scoring 6 pts, 4 rebs, 1 assists and 3 blocks.

Sotto entered the game at the start of the 2nd qtr, replacing Robert Baker. Even though he did not score, Sotto was active on the defense blocking a Shaedon Sharpe layup and a couple of defensive rebounds. Kai Sotto made his first-ever basket on a putback with less than a minute to go in the 3rd.

In the 4th, he made a 14-foot jumper an assist from Quinndary Weatherspoon and a 2-foot dunk from a Tyger Campbell assists. An assists to Quinndary Weatherspoon then blocked a 6-foot hook shot by Rayan Rupert. Orlando Magic ended the Summer League with a 0 – 4 standing. Orlando still have a consolation game on Sunday against the Boston Celtics and hopefully Kai Sotto will have a much better outing than this one.

Another DNP for Kai Sotto in a loss to the Indian Pacers (108 – 85)

July 11, 2023

It was another disappointment for Filipino fans who went to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning, Manila time, to see Kai Sotto in action. Instead, the 7-foot-3 Hiroshima Dragonflies center was benched once more in a loss to the Pacers.

The Orlando coaching staff once again gave priority to contracted players and draft picks though at the 2:22 mark in the 2nd qtr, fans can be heared chanting “We Want Sotto!” The game was decided in the middle of the second qtr, where the Pacers are enjoying a 17-pt lead.

Kai Sotto will have 2 more games for his NBA Summer League debut; July 12th facing the New York Knicks and on July 13th against the Portland Trail Blazers. Sotto was also a DNP in the first game against the Detroit Pistons.

NBA announces that there will be an In-Season Tournament this 2023-24 season

July 10, 2023

NBA just announced that they will be an In-Season Tournament this season. The tournament is structured similar to the FIBA Tournament where there will be a group competition and knockout rounds. The In-Season Tournament will start on Friday, Nov. 3 in NBA team markets and the Semifinals (Thursday, Dec. 7) and Championship (Saturday, Dec. 9) will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“We are excited to introduce the NBA In-Season Tournament as an opportunity to further enhance and innovate around our season structure,” said Joe Dumars, NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. “With the addition of this new marquee event on the NBA calendar, we are focused on providing players and teams with another competition to win, engaging fans in a different way and driving further interest in the early portion of the regular-season schedule.”

NBA also announced the groupings for the In-Season Tournament, there will be 3 Group for each conference that will have 5 teams for each groupings. NBA said that groupings are randomly drawn within their conference based on win-loss records from the 2022-23 regular season.

Eastern Conference

  • East A: Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons
  • East B: Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets
  • East C: Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic

Western Conference

  • West A: Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers
  • West B: Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets
  • West C: Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs

In the “Group Play“, each team will play four designated Group Play games – one game against each opponent in its group, with two games at home and two on the road – on “Tournament Nights,” which will take place every Tuesday and Friday from Nov. 3-28 (with the exception of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 7, when no games will be played).

The two teams with the best record in their respective groups will advance the the “Knockout Rounds” with the addition of two wild cards (the team from each conference with the best record in Group Play games that finished second in its group). The Knockout Rounds will consist of single-elimination games in the Quarterfinals (played in NBA team markets on Monday, Dec. 4 and Tuesday, Dec. 5) and Semifinals and Championship (played in Las Vegas on Dec. 7 and Dec. 9, respectively). The Knockout teams will compete for a prize pool and the new In-Season Tournament trophy, the NBA Cup.

Below is the In-Season Tournament prize pool will be allocated to the players on the teams that participate in the Knockout Rounds as follows:

  • Players on winning team of Championship: $500,000 each
  • Players on losing team of Championship: $200,000 each
  • Players on losing team of Semifinals: $100,000 each
  • Players on losing team of Quarterfinals: $50,000 each

At the end of the In-Season Tournament, there will be the Most Valuable Player of the In-Season Tournament and the All-Tournament Team. Selection will be based on the players’ performance in both Group Play and the Knockout Rounds.

The In-Season Tournament will count toward the regular-season standings except the Championship. Each team will continue to play 82 regular-season games in the 2023-24 season, including those games that are part of Group Play and the Knockout Rounds.

Here’s the video that NBA released explaining the In-Season Tournament;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT1Vk286308

Kai Sotto is a DNP in the Magic – Piston Game at the NBA Summer League

July 9, 2023

Filipino fans need to wait a bit longer for them to see Kai Sotto for his NBA Summer League debut, since he was a DNP “did not play – coach’s decision” in the Magic – Piston Game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sunday, Manila time.

Sotto is suiting up for the Orlando Magic but did not play against the Detroit Pistons, who fielded Ausar Thompson, a top 5 draft pick, with 2nd year Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey, as well as a former GSW Top 2 Pick James Wiseman.

Kai Sotto and the Orlando Magics have 3 more games for the NBA Summer League; on July 10th against the Indiana Pacers; July 12th facing the New York Knicks and on July 13th against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Kobe Bryant to be featured on the cover of NBA 2K24

July 9, 2023

Laker Legend and NBA HoF Kobe Bryant will be featured on the cover of two editions of NBA 2K24; NBA 2K24: Kobe Bryant Edition and NBA 2K24: Black Mamba Edition. This is not the first time that Kobe Bryant graced the cover of NBA2k, he was the cover athlete for NBA 2K10, NBA 2K17 (Legend Edition) and NBA 2K21 (Mamba Forever Edition).

Cover of NBA 2K24: Kobe Bryant Edition

Cover of NBA 2K24: Black Mamba Edition

Kobe Bryant is a 5-time NBA championships, was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. Bryant also led the NBA in scoring twice, and ranks fourth in league all-time regular season and postseason scoring. He was posthumously voted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Bryant’s name is often included in the GOAT debate with Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lebron James.

Both copies of the game are now available for pre-order and will be release September 8, 2023. NBA 2K24: Kobe Bryant Edition will retail for $69.99, while the NBA 2K24: Black Mamba Edition is priced at $99.99.

Source: NBA

Complete 2023 NBA Draft Results

June 24, 2023

NBA just concluded the 77th edition of NBA draft last Thursday, June 22, 2023, held in Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. As projected the top 3 are Victor Wembanyama was drafted first, then Brandon Miller followed by Scoot Henderson, they’re drafted by San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.

Here’s the complete draft results;

First Round

  1. Spurs draft Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92)

  2. Hornets draft Brandon Miller (Alabama)

  3. Blazers draft Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite)

  4. Rockets draft Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite)

  5. Pistons draft Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite)

  6. Magic draft Anthony Black (Arkansas)

  7. Pacers draft Bilal Coulibaly (Metropolitans 92) – Traded to Wizards

  8. Wizards draft Jarace Walker (Houston) – Traded to Pacers

  9. Jazz draft Taylor Hendricks (UCF)

  10. Mavericks draft Cason Wallace (Kentucky) – Traded to Thunder

  11. Magic draft Jett Howard (Michigan)

  12. Thunder draft Dereck Lively II (Duke) – Traded to Mavericks

  13. Raptors draft Gradey Dick (Kansas)

  14. Pelicans draft Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut)

  15. Hawks draft Kobe Bufkin (Michigan)

  16. Jazz draft Keyonte George (Baylor)

  17. Lakers draft Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana)

  18. Heat draft Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA)

  19. Warriors draft Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara)

  20. Rockets draft Cam Whitmore (Villanova)

  21. Nets draft Noah Clowney (Alabama)

  22. Nets draft Dariq Whitehead (Duke)

  23. Blazers draft Kris Murray (Iowa)

  24. Kings draft Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Marquette) – Traded to Mavericks

  25. Grizzlies draft Marcus Sasser (Houston) – Traded to Pistons

  26. Pacers draft Ben Sheppard (Belmont)

  27. Hornets draft Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas)

  28. Jazz draft Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State)

  29. Pacers draft Julian Strawther (Gonzaga) – Traded to Nuggets

  30. LA Clippers draft Kobe Brown (Missouri)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeXPv4cvBko

Second Round

  1. Pistons draft James Nnaji (FC Barcelona) – Reportedly traded to Hornets (via Celtics)

  2. Pacers draft Jalen Pickett (Penn State)– Traded to Nuggets

  3. Spurs draft Leonard Miller (G League Ignite) – Traded to Timberwolves

  4. Hornets draft Colby Jones (Xavier) – Reportedly traded to Kings

  5. Celtics draft Julian Phillips (Tennessee) – Traded to Bulls (via Wizards)

  6. Magic draft Andre Jackson Jr. (Connecticut) – Traded to Bucks

  7. Thunder draft Hunter Tyson (Clemson) – Traded to Nuggets

  8. Kings draft Jordan Walsh (Arkansas) – Traded to Celtics

  9. Hornets draft Mouhamed Gueye (Washington State) – Traded to Hawks (via Celtics)

  10. Nuggets draft Maxwell Lewis (Pepperdine) – Traded to Lakers (via Pacers)

  11. Hornets draft Amari Bailey (UCLA)

  12. Wizards draft Tristan Vukcevic (Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)

  13. Blazers draft Rayan Rupert (NZ Breakers)

  14. Spurs draft Sidy Cissoko (G League Ignite)

  15. Grizzlies draft Gregory Jackson II (South Carolina)

  16. Hawks draft Seth Lundy (Penn State)

  17. Lakers draft Mojave King (G League Ignite) – Traded to Pacers

  18. Clippers draft Jordan Miller (Miami)

  19. Cavaliers draft Emoni Bates (Eastern Michigan)

  20. Thunder draft Keyontae Johnson (Kansas State)

  21. Nets draft Jalen Wilson (Kansas)

  22. Suns draft Toumani Camara (Dayton)

  23. Timberwolves draft Jaylen Clark (UCLA)

  24. Kings draft Jalen Slawson (Furman)

  25. Pacers draft Isaiah Wong (Miami)

  26. Grizzlies draft Tarik Biberovic (Fenerbahce Beko)

  27. Wizards draft Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) – Traded to Warriors

  28. Bucks draft Chris Livingston (Kentucky)

Those that did not get drafted will be considered as undrafted players when teams sign them up.

Washington Superstar Bradley Beal headed to Phoenix Suns

June 19, 2023

Just barely into the offseason and just 3 days before the NBA Draft, we now have a blockbuster trade that will bring Wizard Superstar Bradley Beal going to Phoenix Suns, with guard Jordan Goodwin. Suns in turn will send Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks and pick swaps to Wizards.

The deal became possible after Beal waived his “no-trade” clause in his contract. This was reported by ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal will take a few of days to be finalized.

The trade will form another Durant-lead “Super team” with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, with Deandre Ayton as the Suns top players. The trade will definitely affect the depth of the team which was diminished when the Suns traded for Durant last season.

Source: NBA

NBA suspends Ja Morant for 25 games

June 17, 2023

NBA just announced that Ja Morant will be suspended for 25 games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. NBA added that Morant will “be required to meet certain conditions before he returns to play and will be ineligible to participate in any public league or team activities including preseason games.”

“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Friday. “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”

Here’s the official statement from NBA;

Last month, Morant was spotted with what seemed to be a gun on a friend’s Instagram page, which sparked the most recent NBA probe. In preparation for the NBA punishment, the Grizzlies had previously suspended Morant from team activities. Ja Morant on his part release a statement regarding his suspension;

At the same time, National Basketball Players Association find the suspension “excessive” with NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio’s statement on the suspension of Morant.

The Memphis Grizzlies also released their own statement, saying “We respect the league’s decision to suspend Ja Morant following this latest episode. Our standards as a league and team are clear, and we expect that all team personnel will adhere to them.”

It’s unclear how the suspension will affect the first 25 games of the Grizzlies, even though the team showed that they can hold on their own even without their star player.

Denver Nuggets are the 2023 NBA Champions, franchise’s first in the 47 years in the league

June 13, 2023

The Denver Nuggets just bagged their first NBA Championship after defeating the Miami Heat in a one of the lowest scoring game in the series (94-89).

In the first half, Miami was poised to take the series back home until Nikola Jokic carried the Nuggets with with 28 points and 16 rebounds. Jokic also took home the Bill Russell trophy as the NBA Finals MVP, which carry more weight than the 2021 and 2022 Regular Season MVP trophies.

Nuggets outlast the Heat in a game that’s more favorable to the style of Miami Heat, a low scoring, physical and close game, no team lead more than 2 points in the last 2 minutes of the game. It was in the closing minutes that made the difference; Bruce Brown got an offensive rebound and tip-in to give the Nuggets, then Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope capitalize on a Heat turnover and made two free throws each that sealed the title for Denver.

This is the first time in the franchise’s 47 years in the league and if they keep the core players, we may see the Nuggets making a deep run in every year, lead by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Denver Nuggets win Game 4 of the NBA Finals and One away to be the NBA Champions

June 10, 2023

Denver Nuggets are just one win away to be the NBA Champions as they defeat the resilient Miami Heat in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

We can call Game 4 as the Aaron Gordon Game, as he lead the Nuggets in scoring with 27 points with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Miami was able to limit Jokic to “just” 23 points, made 3 three-point shots, with 4 assists and grabbed 10 rebounds to help build a 13 point lead against the Heat entering the 4th quarter. Jokic got in foul trouble, committing his 5th foul when the Nuggets are up by 5 point and still 8:42 remaining in the game. Even though Jamal Murray was limited to just 15 point, he helped setup his teammates by dishing out 12 assists. Aside from Gordon, Bruce Brown was also a big factor off the bench, scoring 25 points with 4 rebs. Nuggets as a team shot 50% from the three-point line making 14 of their 28 shots.

Miami Heat are once again 1 – 3 in the NBA Finals and even with the odds against the team, Heat Leader Jimmy Butler is still positive that they can go back to Miami to at least have a chance to extend the series to a game 7. “Now we’re in a must-win situation, every single game — which we’re capable of.. It’s not impossible.” ,” Butler said in his postgame interview.

Miami Heat Head coach Erik Spoelstra echoed the same sentiments;

We have an incredibly competitive group. We’ve done everything the hard way and that’s the way it’s going to have to be done right now — again. And all we’re going to focus on is getting this thing back to the 305. Get this thing back to Miami. And things can shift very quickly.

Game 5 will be back Denver, Tuesday evening, where Jokic and Murray with the rest of the team have chance to end the series and celebrate in front of their home crowd.

Miami Heat evens series via late run in the 4th Quarter (111- 108)

June 5, 2023

The Miami Heat evens up the series from a come from behind run against the Denver Nuggets, the team also overcome a 41-point game by Nikola Jokic, who also grabbed 11 rebounds. Miami Heat manage to comeback from a 15-pt deficit in the first half and hang-on to a 3-pts lead in the closing seconds of the game. Miami also made 48% of their 3-points shot and in contrast to game 1, the team shot 18 out of 20 from the free-throw line.

Both Butler and Adebayo scored 21 points apiece while Gabe Vincent lead the Heat in scoring with 23 points, on a 4 of 6 from beyond the three-point line. Miami also got a big lift from Duncan Robinson, who scored all of his 10-points in the 4th, and Max Strus with 14 points. Aside from the free-throw. three points made also made the different in game 2, since Miami 17 of their 35 three points.

Denver on the other hand got a monster 41-points game from Nikola Jokic but only 4 assists, he is also -11 in the plus/minus column. It’s not just Jokic, Kentavious Caldwell Pope (-14), Michael Porter Jr. (-15) and Jamal Murray (-2) are also negative in the plus/minus.

This is the first home game for the Nuggets since March 30, and Nuggets coach Michael Malone blame it on effort when asked about the game in the post game interview;

Games 3 and 4 will be in Miami and where injured Heat guard Tyler Herro is expected to make a return.

Miami Heat advances to the NBA Finals after defeating Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference

May 30, 2023

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat will go to the NBA Finals after routing the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference. The Heat closeout the series after Boston even the series by winning 3 games in a row after losing the first 3 games to Miami. It was a historic game for both team; Miami Heat trying to avoid to be the first team to lose a series after being up 3 – 0 and become the first 8th seed to defeat a 1st seed in order to advance to the NBA Finals; while Boston is trying to complete their historic run to be the first NBA team to overcome a 0 – 3 deficit in the NBA Postseason.

Boston leading scorer Jason Tatum was a non-factor in Game 7, after twisting his ankle on the very first play of the game and limping through 42 minutes. Tatum scored 14 points with 11 rebounds, while Jalen Brown had 19-pts, 8 rebs and 5 assists and Derrick White, the hero of Game 6, was the second leading scorer for the Celtics with his 18-points.

Miami Heat lead by Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin with a combine 54 pts, Butler also have 7 rebs, 6 assists and steals, while Martin added 10 rebounds and made 4 of 6 three-pointers. Miami also received a big contribution from Bam Adebayo scoring 12 pots, 10 rebs and 1 block; Gabe Vincent scoring 10-points, Duncan Robinson adding 10-points. As a team Miami Heat made 50% of the three-points, while Boston, just like in Game 8 just make 21.4% of their three-points.

Aside from being a Conference Champs, Jimmy Butler was named East Conference MVP, who have been the leader of the team the whole season;

Miami Heat will face the Denver Nuggets who have been waiting for the winner of the series after sweeping the LA Lakers in the 2023 NBA Western Conference Finals.

Game 1 of the NBA finals will this 1st of June in Denver.

Boston Celtics forces Games 7 on White’s buzzer-beater tip-in (104-103)

May 28, 2023

The Boston Celtics are on the verge of making NBA history as they force a “winner-take-all” Game 7 against the Miami Heat after losing the first 3 games of the series.

Miami Heat are just 3 seconds away from their second trip to the NBA finals in 4 years, after Jimmy Butler made all 3 of his free-throw, but Derrick White had other plans instead as he beat the buzzer with a putback to force a Game 7 in the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference finals. Derrick White only scored 11 points on a 4 of 10, where 3 shots are from beyond the arc and his last and only field goal in the paint is the most important one. Jason Tatum once again lead the Boston Celtics, scoring 31 points with 12 rebs and 2 blocks. Jalen Brown has 26 points and Marcus Smart, whose shot is the one that White tipped-in, scored 21 points but -10 in the plus/minus department.

Despite the pressure that the team will face in Boston, Jimmy Butler is still confident that they will close the series in Boston. “We’ve got to go on the road and do something special.. “But we’ve got a special group.” Butler said in his postgame interview. Butler lead the Heat in scoring 24 points with 11 rebs and 8 assists, followed by Calen Martin’s 21 points, with 4 from the three-point line, and 15 rebs. Gabe Vincent, Bam Adebayo and Max Strus were also a big help in the game by scoring 15 pts, 11 pts and 10 points, respectively.

This was a game that Heat should have won, since Boston shot only 20% from beyond the arc, compare to the 46% from Miami. Game 7 will be in Boston, which could be a replay of last year’s East Conference Finals or we would be watching a totally different movie.

Boston Celtics routs Miami Heat to extend series to Game 6 (110 – 97)

May 27, 2023

In another shooting clinic, the Boston Celtics easily dispatch the Miami Heat at home to further extend the series to game 6 and putting more pressure to Jimmy Butler and company to close the series in Miami.

Four Boston players scored more than 20-pts with at least 1 three-points made. Derrick White lead the Celtics with 24-pts, making 6 of 8 three-points shot. Jason Tatum once again made sure that his teammates are in the game by dishing a team-high 11 assists, he also scored 21 pts and 8 rebs. Smart and Brown also chipped-in scoring 23 points and 21 points, respectively. As good as their offense, it was their defense that won the game for Boston. As a team the Boston Celtics made 13 steals, 37 rebounds and 4 blocks with just 9 turnover.

Jimmy Butler in his postgame interview said “We’re always going to stay positive, knowing that we can and we will win the series… We just have to close it out at home.” Butler scored 14 points with 5 rebs and 5 assist but was -24 in the plus/minus column. Miami’s leading scorer is Duncan Robinson with 18 points and 9 assists. Bam Adebayo added 16 points and eight rebounds but -15 in the plus/minus. Caleb Martin finished with 14 points, while Gabe Vincent sat out of the game due to an ankle injury.

Boston Celtics are two wins away in becoming the first NBA team to come back from a 0-3 deficit. Game 6 of Eastern Conference Finals will be at Miami this Saturday evening at the Kaseya Center.