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Posts tagged as “Basketball”

Sabrina Ionescu and Nike announces Asia Tour

Sabrina Ionescu and Nike has announced the first Sabrina Ionescu Asia Tour. From Nike, “Ahead of Sabrina’s campaign to defend her first WNBA title, she’s embarking on her first Asia tour, visiting the Philippines and China to share this message of empowerment with young hoopers and further introduce herself to the global basketball community.”

Sabrina’s Asia tour kicks off in Manila, Philippines, a basketball country and love Nike kicks. She’ll be hosting youth clinics, launching a special Nike Sabrina 2 collaboration at the Nike Fort retail store in Bonifacio Global City, and showcase top Filipino talent at the iconic Araneta Coliseum.

Then in Guangzhou, China, Sabrina will join local athletes, run a girls’ basketball camp, and empower female players at a Nike Rise store, addressing barriers to proper sports gear. Her last stop will be in Hong Kong with its streetball culture, inspire students at local schools, and energize young athletes at the Nike All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Basketball Tournament.

Sabrina Ionescu is arguably the one of the biggest WNBA star and this Asia Tour will not only make her name bigger and more recognized amongst Filipino ballers but across Asia.

Lakers lost to the Jazz in Luka’s Second game (119 – 131)

On the second game of Luka Doncic in a Laker uniform, the Los Angeles Laker lost to the Utah Jazz (119 – 131).

The Jazz led by Forward Lauri Markkanen scoring 32 points with 5 rebounds and a season-high three steals, Markkanen also made 6 three-points. Jordan Clarkson added 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Center Walker Kessler also punished the Lakers, who are without a legitimate center by grabbing 8 rebounds with 2 steals and 6 blocks, to add to his 16 points.

It was a close game in the first half but the Jazz started to pull away at the end of the 3rd qtr and maintained a sizable lead throughout the 4th qtr. Rui Hachimura led the Lakers with 19 points, followed by Lebron James with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists, and Luka Doncic, playing his second game with just 16 points.

Dalton Knecht, who is playing back after his trade to the Hornets was rescinded, scored 10 points and Bronny James Jr. added 9 points but played mainly during garbage time.

Utah Jazz will host the LA Clippers this Thursday, while the Lakers will host the Charlotte Hornet on the 20th of Feb. after the All-Star break.

Kevin Durant scores 30,000 points

Kevin Durant just became the 8th player in NBA history to score 30,000 points. He will join LeBron James, (41,623) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643), Michael Jordan (32.292), Dirk Nowitzki (31,560) and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419) in achieving this feat.

KD made his 30,000th points by knocking down a pair of free throws in the third quarter, in their game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Kevin Durant, now 36 years old and his current points-per-game (26.9), may be in the position to over take Michael Jordan or even Kobe Bryant in the scoring ladder if he can manage play at the same level in the next 2 or 3 season.

Curry’s 38 points powers Warriors to beat the Milwaukee Bucks (125-111)

Golden State Warriors defeated the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks 125-111 in a tight game, at least in the first 3-qtr of the game.

Stephen Curry led Warriors with 38 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Jimmy Butler added 20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals, playing his second game as a Warrior. Draymond Green led the Warriors defense with 5 steals and a block, together with his 6 points.

For the Bucks, Damian Lillard had a game high of 38 points and 7 assists, followed by Kyle Kuzma, who had his best game as a Bucks with 21 points and 6 rebounds, on a 6-of-9 shotting. This will be the sixth straight game that the Bucks missed the services of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will be out until after the All-Star break due to a left calf strain.

The Warriors are 2-2 so far on their 7-game road trip, and they will visit the new-look Dallas this Wednesday, while the Bucks will be going to Minnesota this Wednesday as well.

Jimmy Butler scores 25 in Golden State debut to beat the Chicago Bulls (132 – 111)

Jimmy Butler immediately made an impact on his first game in a Warriors uniform, scoring 25 points and 4 assists, Steph Curry added a team high 34 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists, he also made 8 three-point shot. With a combined 59 points, Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry fueled the 25 point comeback of the Warriors and even built a 24 point lead in the 4th qtr to seal the win.

Jimmy Butler traded to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins and more

Even though Jimmy Butler said “he’s unwilling to sign an extension,” the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat have agreed to a multi-team trade that will send Jimmy Butler to the Warriors and the Miami Heat will get Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick.

Golden State will also trade Dennis Schröder to Utah, sending P.J. Tucker to Miami via the Jazz after a previous one-season stint, according to Charania. Lindy Waters III and Josh Richardson join Detroit via the Warriors and Heat, respectively, to finalize the deal.

Warriors win a close game against the Magic at Chase Center (104 – 99)

The Golden State Warriors secured a hard-fought victory against the Orlando Magic at Chase Center, winning 104-99. Its their last game at home before going on a 7-game road trip. It was an ugly game but the Warriors’s defense help them secure the win.

Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with a game-high 25 points, followed by Steph Curry with 24 points and 5 assists. Andrew Wiggins made key plays, while Draymond Green’s defensive presence was crucial in containing the Magic’s offense.

For the Magic, Franz Wagner lead the team in scoring with 21 points and 5 assists, Paolo Banchero contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds. The Magic made the game close and was position to win the game but the Magic struggled to contain Curry and couldn’t overcome the Warriors’ late-game execution.

This win is a crucial one for the Warriors as they start their 7-game road trip and solidify their position in the playoff race.

The Magic visit the retooled Kings on Wednesday, while the Warriors go to Utah on Wednesday, as well.

Kings’ De’Aaron Fox going to Spurs and Bulls’ Zach LaVine to the Kings

Another blockbuster trade involving Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and the Chicago Bulls, this was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The three-team trade will bring De’Aaron Fox going to Spurs, Bulls’ Zach LaVine to the Kings and Three Spurs will go to the Bulls.

Here’s a breakdown of the trade;

San Antonio Spurs get:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Jordan McLaughlin

Sacramento Kings get:

  • Zach LaVine
  • Sidy Cissoko
  • 2025 first-round pick (via Hornets)
  • 2027 first-round pick (via Spurs)
  • 2031 first-round pick (via Timberwolves)
  • 2025 second-round pick (via Nuggets)
  • 2028 second-round pick (via Bulls)
  • Their own 2028 second-round pick

Chicago Bulls get:

  • Zach Collins
  • Tre Jones
  • Kevin Huerter
  • Their own 2025 1st-round pick (via Spurs)

Source: NBA

NBA announces 2025 All-Star Game reserves

After announcing the 2025 All-Star Game starters, the NBA release the names for the reserves in this years All-Star Game.

NBA, “Seven players from each conference have been selected by the NBA’s head coaches as reserves for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The new four-team, three-game mini-tournament will air at 8 ET on TNT.

In selecting the All-Star Game reserves, each NBA head coach voted for seven players in his conference – two guards, three frontcourt players and two additional players at any position. The head coaches were not permitted to vote for players from their own team.”

Eastern Conference reserves:

  • Damian Lillard – Milwaukee Bucks
  • Darius Garland – Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
  • Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
  • Tyler Herro – Miami Heat
  • Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Pascal Siakam – Indiana Pacers

Western Conference reserves:

  • Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers
  • James Harden – LA Clippers
  • Jaren Jackson Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies
  • Alperen Sengun – Houston Rockets
  • Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Caitlin Clark declines NBA All-Star Invitation

It looks like Caitlin Clark has settled on making the WNBA her priority, since the Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has declined an invitation to participate in the NBA All-Star weekend’s highly anticipated 3-point shootout. Clark’s decision, as confirmed by her representatives at Excel Sports, underscores her commitment to the WNBA and her desire to make her 3-point contest debut at the WNBA All-Star game in Indianapolis this summer.

Kelsey Mitchell resigns with the Indiana Fever

It looks like Indiana will have it’s core player for this year as Kelsey Mitchell resigns with the Fever. This will be Mitchell’s 8th season with the franchise, who drafted her as the second overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft.

NBA announces All-Star Starters

We are just less than a month away from the NBA All-Star, as previously announced, the starters are composed of three frontcourt players and two guards from each conference have been named starters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Eastern Conference starters:

  • Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
  • Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
  • Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Western Conference starters:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
  • Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
  • Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
  • LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

This is how the starters are determined;

Fans accounted for 50% of the vote to determine the NBA All-Star Game starters, while current NBA players and a media panel accounted for 25% each.

The reserves for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be revealed by the end the month. Seven players will be named for each conference: two guards, three frontcourt players and two additional players at any position. NBA head coaches will select the reserves.

After the reserves are announced, the 24 NBA All-Star selections will be divided evenly into three eight-player teams.

Netflix releases the Official Trailer of “Court of Gold”

Witness the drama unfold in Court of Gold with an unfiltered look at Team USA, France, Serbia, and Canada as they compete for gold, highlighting the intense competition as international basketball has caught up to the U.S. For the first time ever, top men’s basketball medal contenders are granting behind-the-scenes access at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. See the drama and personal stakes in the quest to dethrone the U.S., showcasing these four countries’ battle for Olympic Gold.

I can definitely say that this documentary will put the drama behind every game and every team.

Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark watching Chiefs game, Together!

From ESPN;

From @NFL;

Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark watching Chiefs game in the same box!

Caitlin Clark a big Chiefs fans since childhood and a known Swiftie, now she’s watching a Chiefs Playoff game with Taylor Swift!

BTW. Kansas City Chiefs won the game!

Watch the First 2 Games of Unrivaled Basketball

It was the first day and first two games of Unrivaled Basketball. So far, it was more than I expected!

First game was between Mist against the Lunar Owls, the second game was between the Rose and Vinyl.

Below are the players for each team.

Mist

  • Jewell Loyd
  • Courtney Vandersloot
  • DiJonai Carrington
  • Rickea Jackson
  • Breanna Stewart
  • Aaliyah Edwards

Lunar Owls

  • Skylar Diggins-Smith
  • Courtney Williams
  • Allisha Gray
  • Cameron Brink
  • Napheesa Collier
  • Shakira Austin

Rose

  • Chelsea Gray
  • Brittney Sykes
  • Kahleah Copper
  • Lexie Hull
  • Angel Reese
  • Azurá Stevens

Vinyl

  • Arike Ogunbowale
  • Jordin Canada
  • Rhyne Howard
  • Rae Burrell
  • Aliyah Boston
  • Dearica Hamby

Kings overpowered the Warriors in a lopsided game (129 – 99)

After winning 2 in a row, the Warriors fell to the Kings, 129 – 99, Sunday evening. It was a dominant show of force by the Kings leading as much as 39 points. Seven Kings player scored in double digits points led by Malik Monk with 26 points and 12 assists, followed by Domantas Sabonis’ 22 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Kings PG De’Aaron Fox missed the game due to a bruised muscle he got from their last game against the
Memphis Grizlies.

Malik Monk even had a nasty monster jame late in the 3rd qtr with Kings enjoying a 24 points lead.

Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins are the two bright spots in the Warriors bench scoring 26 points and 18 points, respectively. The Kings will host the Miami Heat Tuesday night, then the Warriors will face the same Miami Heat for their last game of their 6 game homestand, Wednesday night.

Warriors wins 2 in a row and win without Steph Curry

After losing again to the Cavs, the Warriors manage to recover by winning their next two games;

against the the Philadelphia 76ers – 139-105;

Stephen Curry had 30 points and made all eight of his 3-point attempts, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Philadelphia 76ers 139-105 on Thursday night.

Golden State led 35-19 after the first quarter and extended a 16-point halftime lead to 25 at the end of the third quarter.

Curry had 24 points by the end of the third quarter after going 6 of 6 from 3-point range. He made consecutive 3-pointers early in the fourth to put the Warriors up by 30 and left the game as both coaches emptied their benches minutes later.

Jonathan Kuminga added 20 points off the bench.

And against the Memphis Grizzlies – 121-113;

Andrew Wiggins scored 24 points, Dennis Schroder added 17 and the undermanned Golden State Warriors held off the Memphis Grizzlies 121-113 on Saturday night in the latest testy matchup between the rivals.

Lindy Waters III scored 16 with four 3-pointers off the bench on a night the Warriors missed Stephen Curry along with fellow guards Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II.

The Warriors will have a 2 games homestand against the Kings this Monday and Miami on Wednesday, then it will be a 4 road games against Detroit, Indiana, Toronto and Minnesota. They can win at least 3 and at most 5 of their next 6 games.

Cavs routs Warriors by making 8 three-pointers in the third quarter (113 – 95)

This was supposed to be a revenge game by the Warriors after the Cavs gave them one of their worst loss early in the season but it looks like little has changes, since the Cavs gave the Warriors another beating.

Unlike the first game, it was a competitive first half with an 8-point lead by the Cavs at the start of the 3rd qtr. Then Cleveland went on a 20 to 5 run creating a 22-points lead and basically ending the game with still 7:43 mins time left in the 3rd.

Donovan Mitchell lead the Cavs in their 3rd qtr run making 5 three-points, he ended the game with 23 points and 4 assists. Darius Garland lead the team with 25 points and 8 assists. Jarrett Allen added 12 points and 9 rebounds, including a nasty dunk in the 4 mins mark of the 3rd qtr.

The Warriors struggled to find any rhythm in the third quarter, both offensively and defensively. Steph Curry was limited by the Cavaliers to just 11 points and was scoreless in the second quarter. Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 18 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Trayce Jackson-Davis with 16 points and 16 rebounds. The Warriors have lost 13 of their last 17 games, after starting the season 12-3. They are currently tied with the San Antonio Spurs for 9th/10th place.

Cleveland will visit the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night, while the Golden State will hosts Philadelphia this Thursday evening.

Today is Lebron James 40th Birthday!

In honor of LeBron’s 40th birthday, check out his top 40 career plays!

Depending on who you ask, he is considered one of the best to have ever played the game.

Warriors win over Suns behind Jonathan Kuminga’s 34 points

It was the Warriors’ second win in 8 games, including a heartbreaking loss on Christmas Day. Jonathan Kuminga powered the Warriors from the bench with 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. This is Kuminga’s second game scoring 34 points, his career high, which he set against the Clippers last Friday.

Stephen Curry added 22 points, making 4 shots from beyond the arc, with 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis both added 16 points, with Jackson-Davis grabbing 10 rebounds. Dennis Schroder, playing his 6th game as a Warriors scored 11 points, who have been struggling since being traded to Golden State.

On the Phoenix side, Kevin Durant lead the team with 31 points and 6 rebounds, Bradley Beal added 28 points and 5 rebounds. The Suns are missing the services of Devin Booker, who was out due to groin soreness.

Golden State will face Cleveland this Monday evening, while the Suns will host the Grizzlies on New Year’s eve.

NBA OG’s – LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant

Over the summer, the legendary trio of LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant teamed up for the first time, as members of the USA Basketball squad at the 2024 Olympics. During their Olympic run, they sat down in Lille, France for an exclusive conversation about how their careers have intertwined over the years, what they admire about each other’s games and their take on the next generation of NBA stars.

Arguably, 3 of Basketball’s Greatest Talents!

We may never see an NBA era like this!

Caitlin Clark named AP Female Athlete of the Year

After being honored as TIME’s Athlete of the Year, Indiana Fever and WNBA Superstar Caitlin Clark is named Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year, which was due to “her impact on and off the court.”

Doug Feinberg, reporting for AP;

A group of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members voted on the award. Clark received 35 votes, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles was second with 25 and boxer Imane Khelif was third, getting four votes.

Clark is only the fourth women’s basketball player to be honored as the female athlete of the year since it was first presented in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995) and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).

To think, this is just her 1st year in the WNBA!

I recommend that you read the entirety of the AP article, which explains why she got the award.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announces Candidates for the Class of 2025

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame just announced the candidates for the Class of 2025, these includes Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Dwight Howard, Doc Rivers and more.

You can find the complete list of eligible candidates from the official statement of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

A quick look at the list, here are notable names;

  • Carmelo Anthony – Top 10 in the NBA All Time Scoring Leader, 10× NBA All-Star, NBA scoring champion, NBA All-Rookie First Team, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic bronze medal and 3x Olympic Gold medal
  • Sue Bird – 4× WNBA champion, 13× WNBA All-Star, 5× All-WNBA First Team, 5× EuroLeague champion and 5x Olympic Gold medal
  • Maya Moore – 4× WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, WNBA MVP, 6× WNBA All-Star, 5× All-WNBA First Team, WNBA steals leader, WNBA scoring leader, WNBA Rookie of the Year and 2x Olympic Gold medal
  • Dwight Howard – NBA champion, 8× NBA All-Star, 5× All-NBA First Team, 3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team, NBA All-Defensive Second Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team, 5× NBA rebounding leader and 2× NBA blocks leader.
  • Doc Rivers – NBA champion, NBA Cup champion, NBA Coach of the Year and 4× NBA All-Star Game head coach
  • Lisa Bluder – 5× Big Ten tournament champion, 2× Big Ten regular season champion, 4× MVC tournament champion, 3× MVC regular season champion and 3× Big Ten Coach of the Year.
  • Marc Gasol – NBA champion, 3× NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Liga ACB champion and FIBA EuroCup winner.

Finalists will be selected on Feb. 14 in San Francisco at NBA All-Star weekend, and the enshrinement class will be revealed on April 5 in San Antonio at the men’s NCAA Final Four.

Iowa Hawkeyes to retire Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 jersey on Feb 2, 2025

University of Iowa Athletics Department has announced that they will retire the iconic No. 22 of Hawkeye women’s basketball legend, Caitlin Clark on Feb. 2, 2025, at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“I’m forever proud to be a Hawkeye and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball,” Clark said. “It means the world to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those that I’ve admired for so long.”

Clark will be in attendance and the Hawkeyes will face Juju Watkins and the USC Women’s basketball team. The game is will air on FOX and the Hawkeye Radio Network.