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TOP‘Two times…’ Kyrie Irving names Boston Celtics star whom he wanted to fight during 2024 NBA Finals
Kyrie Irving expressed significant frustration specifically with Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard during the 2024 NBA Finals while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Irving revealed this during a stream with former Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown. Irving cited Pritchard making incredible half-court shots on two separate occasions during the series, particularly impactful shots occurring just before halftime. These shots deeply rattled Irving, to the point where he humorously admitted, "I thought about swinging" at Pritchard. He emphasized the thought crossed his mind multiple times, questioning "How did that half-court shot happen two times?" However, Irving clarified these comments were made in jest and he simultaneously gave Pritchard credit, referring to him as "PP" and offering a "shoutout". Despite the contentious nature of his departure from the Celtics years earlier (where he initially promised to re-sign but instead joined the Brooklyn Nets), Irving also reflected fondly on his time in Boston during the stream. He described his initial arrival as "so exciting," highlighting family connections to the city, including his father attending school nearby and his mother graduating from Boston University, making it feel like the right place at the time.
Views 3940Likes 1595
TOPHIGHLIGHTS: PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 – San Miguel vs TNT
During Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, San Miguel player Jericho Cruz accidentally hit TNT's Simon Enciso early in the fourth quarter. The two players shared a sportsmanlike moment afterwards, with Cruz dapping up Enciso. A midweek crowd was present to watch Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. TNT player Poy Erram aggravated an injury to his right leg late in the third quarter. He required assistance and was escorted to the locker room, creating a concerning situation for TNT. At the time of his injury, with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter, TNT was trailing the San Miguel Beermen, 65-69.
Views 3967Likes 2497
EuroCup Women Regular Season seeds announced
The EuroCup Women Regular Season draw is set for Wednesday, July 23, in Munich, Germany, starting at 11:00 CET, where 48 participating clubs will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each. Clubs have been seeded ahead of the draw based on their three-year rankings in European club competitions, with top seeds including the 2024-25 champions Villeneuve d'Ascq LM, last season's runners-up BAXI Ferrol, and the five losing clubs from the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers. A key restriction applies to the draw, limiting each group to a maximum of one club from the same country to ensure geographic diversity, with clubs from various nations such as France, Spain, Turkey, and others listed across multiple qualifier pairings.
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Jalen Green risks upsetting Suns' fans with comments on Houston Rockets
The Phoenix Suns have undergone significant roster changes with at least nine new players added this offseason, potentially including more moves. The acquisition of Jalen Green from the Houston Rockets in the Kevin Durant trade is a key development, though questions remain about how his skills will fit alongside Devin Booker, particularly given their overlapping roles. A recent secret workout involving Green added further intrigue. Green expressed sadness about leaving Houston, calling it "home" where he started his NBA career and built connections, acknowledging the trade was a business decision. While not explicitly stating regret, the report suggests he felt "blind-sided" by the move. Optimistically, this could motivate Green to have his best season yet with Phoenix, though integrating him with Booker presents a challenge. Green emphasized a lesson learned in Houston: becoming a great player requires being an excellent defender, not just a scorer – a sentiment welcomed by Suns fans. However, concerns exist that if Houston becomes a contender led by Durant, Green might look back and wish he was still there. His trade value around the league was reportedly lower than Phoenix anticipated before acquiring him. The Suns prioritize players committed to Phoenix, exemplified by Devin Booker's lucrative extension and positive statements from other recent additions like rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro. Green's comments expressing attachment to Houston stand in contrast to this desired mindset. The report stresses that for both Green and the Suns to succeed, he needs to focus forward, not dwell on Houston. His potential to become an All-Star depends on this forward-looking attitude, as lingering thoughts could negatively impact the team's positive momentum.
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New Report on Warriors' Failed Offer for Bradley Beal
The Golden State Warriors remain the only NBA team without any offseason moves, causing fan concern following their second-round playoff exit. While they acquired Jimmy Butler at February's trade deadline, many believe they need further roster improvements to compete for a championship. On Wednesday, the Warriors missed an opportunity to sign Bradley Beal. The Phoenix Suns agreed to a contract buyout with the three-time All-Star, who plans to join the LA Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option after clearing waivers. Despite being linked to Beal before his buyout, the Warriors front office reportedly hesitated financially. League sources revealed Golden State was unwilling to offer Beal more than a minimum contract, unlike the Milwaukee Bucks who made a strong push. The Miami Heat were also limited to a minimum offer after acquiring Norman Powell. While avoiding overpaying for an aging star coming off a mediocre season might seem prudent, analysts note the Warriors might need to take risks on potential difference-makers. Beal's Clippers deal at $11 million over two years represents the type of contract many hoped Golden State could have offered.
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Ron Holland Could Star for Pistons This Year
The Detroit Pistons selected Ron Holland with the No. 5 pick in last year's draft, taking a gamble on a player who was sliding. The team envisioned him as a key part of their future, though he saw limited opportunity in his rookie season. Holland is showcasing significant potential during this year's NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Despite being a second-year player competing against mostly lesser competition, he has been one of the league's standout performers, which is beneficial for his development. His recent performance included a 22-point game against the Timberwolves, where he shot 50% from the field and made 9 of 10 free throws. He also contributed six rebounds, two assists, and six steals. Minor drawbacks were his 1-for-4 shooting from three-point range and seven turnovers, though his overall improvement is noted. Holland has excelled in his other Summer League games as well, posting 15 points and three steals against the Rockets, and a dominant 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four combined steals and blocks (stocks) in his opener against the Knicks. The Pistons, who improved last season, anticipate further progress this year. Holland is projected to be a major contributor, potentially emerging as an athletic, two-way co-star alongside Cade Cunningham. While other young players like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thomson are also candidates, Holland, who was once considered the potential No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, may possess the highest upside of the group. It is uncertain if Holland will play further in the Summer League, but he has already gained valuable experience from his participation.
Views 2872Likes 1629
Former Virginia Tech forward continues to force tough decisions on Philadelphia 76ers
For the second consecutive NBA Summer League, former Virginia Tech player Keve Aluma is playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in Las Vegas, aiming to secure a spot with either the NBA team or their G League affiliate. Through three games, he has been performing well and contributed to the 76ers securing their first Summer League win on Tuesday night. In the 74-58 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Thomas and Mack Center, Aluma delivered another strong performance off the bench. Playing 15 minutes, he scored 12 points, contributing to four Sixers players reaching double figures. He also grabbed five rebounds and shot 50% from the field (4-of-8), making two of his three-point attempts. This marked Aluma's second double-figure scoring game in Las Vegas this summer. He previously scored 12 points in a July 10th loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played 20 minutes and also shot 50% from the floor (5-of-10) while adding three rebounds. Aluma and the 76ers are scheduled to play the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Philadelphia's Summer League roster includes other promising young ACC talents such as former Syracuse player Juda Mintz, Hunter Sallis from Wake Forest, and second-round draft pick Johni Broome from Auburn. Looking ahead, Virginia Tech is expected to have representation in next year's NBA Summer League, with incoming freshman Neoklis Avdalas and senior Tobi Lawal likely to draw NBA Draft interest. Should Lawal go undrafted, he is anticipated to sign with a Summer League team to showcase his abilities.
Views 5152Likes 3295
USA beats China 122-57 in FIBA U19 World Cup as Maddyn Greenway dishes out nine assists
The USA U19 basketball team defeated China 122-57 in the FIBA U19 World Cup Round of 16, extending their undefeated tournament record to 4-0. This victory followed their 3-0 group stage performance, which included a 114-40 win over Israel. The game was relatively close after the first quarter, with the USA holding only a 10-point lead. However, the USA asserted dominance with an explosive 40-point second quarter, setting the tone for the remainder of the lopsided contest. Despite struggling with her shooting (1-5 from the field for 4 points), USA point guard Maddyn Greenway contributed significantly by dishing out a team-high nine assists during her 20 minutes of play. Sienna Betts led the USA scoring with 21 points against China. She was supported by Saniyah Hall (19 points) and Jazzy Davidson (18 points). The USA team will next face France in the Quarterfinals on Friday.
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Everything the Lakers Have Done was Done for Nikola Jokic
For at least three years, an unconfirmed but widely accepted belief has circulated within the NBA that Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić intend to play together eventually. Though neither player has publicly confirmed this due to contractual constraints, their well-documented friendship and increasing hints about a future partnership lend credibility to the speculation. This context helps explain the Los Angeles Lakers' apparent lack of urgency in the 2025 offseason. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka openly prioritized targeting the 2027 free agency period, a strategy met with skepticism given LeBron James' limited remaining prime years and Dončić's current superstar availability. However, this aligns with Jokić's impending free agency in 2027. Notably, Denver Nuggets President Josh Kroenke recently acknowledged Jokić might eventually leave the team, and Jokić himself declined a contract extension offer from Denver. While Jokić could still sign an extension in 2026, the Lakers are operating on the widespread rumor of the duo's desire to unite. Pairing Dončić with a 32-year-old Jokić in 2027 may be debatable, but it remains a tangible strategy. A Dončić trade to Denver was never feasible due to the Nuggets' salary cap limitations and lack of trade assets, evidenced by their recent cap-driven moves. Jokić's decision to delay contract talks—officially to maximize future earnings—creates a pathway for a 2027 departure. Kroenke's public admission of this possibility, however remote, underscores its legitimacy. With Jokić's Denver tenure closer to its potential end than its beginning, his choice not to secure his future now leaves the 2027 free agency window strategically significant for teams like the Lakers.
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Michigan basketball: Dusty May and staff working hard to eliminate one major wart
Michigan basketball achieved significant success in the 2024-25 season under first-year head coach Dusty May, transforming from an 8-24 record to Big Ten Tournament champions and a Sweet 16 appearance. However, a persistent problem throughout the season was the team's high turnover rate, which frustrated fans and the coaching staff alike. Coach May and his staff implemented numerous drills and strategies to address the turnover issue during the season, but were unable to find a consistent solution. May noted the problem lacked a common theme, with different players responsible in different games. After the season, May assigned staff members to conduct a detailed analysis, categorizing turnovers into specific types (e.g., poor decision-making, defensive pressure, practice situations) to identify the root causes. He expressed frustration at the lack of definitive answers during the season, acknowledging that opponents ("the enemy") also contribute to forced errors. May revealed this offseason analysis is a deliberate mission, drawing parallels to a similar successful project he undertook at FAU where they identified concrete solutions. He emphasized that last season's turnovers often seemed random and unexplainable (e.g., dribbling off a foot), occurring even when the team played well. The staff exhausted various approaches to fix the problem, including punitive running drills inspired by Bob Knight and incentive-based systems, but none provided a lasting fix.
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Cavs star Donovan Mitchell’s 2-word reaction to big claim about Coco Jones
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has proposed to recording artist Coco Jones. Jones announced their engagement on Instagram Friday, sharing a sweet photo taken after Mitchell's sunset proposal at a resort. The announcement post quickly received congratulatory messages from numerous athletes and celebrities, including Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, Chicago Sky's Angel Reese, singer Ciara, and rapper Lady London. Fans expressed excitement about this next step in their relationship, which reportedly began two years ago; one fan's tweet praising Jones' appearance prompted a brief "I swear" response from Mitchell. Mitchell, 28, and Jones, 27, had largely kept their romance private before the engagement. Earlier this year, the Grammy Award-winning Jones emphasized valuing her privacy on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast, stating she uses music to tell her stories but keeps some personal aspects private to protect herself, her family, and loved ones. The coming months will be busy for Mitchell, coinciding with the new NBA season, as he helps his fiancée with wedding preparations. The article suggests Mitchell will likely play "even more inspired basketball" in the upcoming campaign as the Cavaliers aim to recover from their previous playoff exit. Paolo Mariano is an Associate Editor at Cavs Nation and ClutchPoints.
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Marques Johnson breaks down his instant impressions of Milwaukee Bucks talent Bogoljub Markovic
The Milwaukee Bucks hold a 1-2 record in the NBA Summer League, providing significant playing time to their young players. Guard Jamaree Bouyea has performed impressively, capturing the attention of coach Doc Rivers for potential backcourt contributions. Another focus is second-round draft pick (47th overall in 2025) Bogoljub Markovic. While showcasing good performances, a former Bucks player expressed reservations. The former player, Johnson, commented that Markovic did "some OK things, some good things," but also things needing work, which is expected for a young player. Johnson acknowledged Markovic's talent and "tremendous upside" but suggested it might be better for the rookie to gain more seasoning if the Bucks don't urgently need him this season. Markovic scored 0 points in his first Summer League game but improved to 5 and 14 points in the subsequent two games. The article also notes broader team context. Despite the Bucks president addressing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, uncertainty about the star's future lingers. The team made significant roster moves by signing Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard, but the roster is still considered too light to be a championship contender. Bradley Beal, linked to the Bucks previously, is mentioned as a potential target as his time in Phoenix ends. The Bucks are actively trying to build a competitive roster around Antetokounmpo as he desired.
Views 5474Likes 2555
Mercury forward Satou Sabally calls league’s initial CBA proposal ‘a slap in the face’
The WNBA players union and league officials are preparing for their first in-person collective bargaining agreement negotiations since December, scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis ahead of All-Star weekend. Both sides have exchanged initial proposals but remain significantly apart in early discussions. Phoenix Mercury forward and union representative Satou Sabally characterized the league's proposal as "a slap in the face." Key negotiation points include demands for increased salaries, revenue sharing, and expanded roster sizes. The current CBA expires after this season, with nearly all non-rookie scale players becoming free agents seeking substantial pay raises. Union president Nneka Ogwumike expressed optimism that the face-to-face meeting with the full players' executive council would facilitate progress, noting in-person discussions often prove more efficient than remote communications. The negotiations occur amid unprecedented WNBA growth, including rising attendance, viewership, and a new $2.2 billion media rights deal starting next season. The league also plans expansion to 18 teams by 2030, with each new franchise paying a $250 million entry fee. Ogwumike criticized the league's resistance to sharing expansion fee revenue with players, stating: "It doesn't make a lot of sense." She revealed the union submitted its proposal in February but didn't receive the league's counter until last month—a delay she found surprising, suggesting the league misunderstood the players' initial offer. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged at April's draft that the union's proposal lacked comprehensiveness but projected confidence in reaching a "transformational" agreement, emphasizing such negotiations "take time."
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Who the f*** is Moose? Inside our Malik Beasley investigation
The author describes the Malik Beasley gambling investigation story as the "craziest, most perplexing mystery" encountered in their NBA reporting career. A central question driving their investigation for the podcast "Pablo Torre Finds Out" was uncovering the identity of "Moose," hinting at a double meaning behind asterisks used in the narrative. ESPN's Shams Charania broke bombshell news on the eve of NBA free agency, revealing Malik Beasley was under federal investigation for allegedly gambling on his own games and prop bets. The report stunned the NBA community, including the author who wrote an immediate analysis that became their most-read piece of the year, indicating intense public interest. The Detroit Pistons were reportedly "blindsided" by the investigation despite preparing a $42 million contract offer for Beasley. No team or insider publicly anticipated the scandal—except for one cryptic social media post five months earlier. On January 30th, an obscure Twitter account predicted Beasley would face federal investigation, after which the account holder vanished, leaving the "Beasley Prophecy" as the only warning. This mysterious prediction led the reporting team—Pablo Torre, Amin Elhassan, and the author—to pursue what they termed a "Moose hunt" to uncover both the source of the prophecy and the significance behind the name "Moose."
Views 5765Likes 3778
Kelsey Plum took a risk — is it paying off?
Kelsey Plum made a significant decision to leave the Las Vegas Aces, where she had achieved considerable success including two WNBA championships, three All-Star selections, and a Sixth Player of the Year award, to join the Los Angeles Sparks via a three-team trade in the offseason. The Sparks, coming off a league-worst 8-12 season and missing out on the top draft pick, traded the No. 2 pick (which became Dominique Malonga) to acquire Plum, signaling a shift away from rebuilding. Plum's time with the Sparks has been a mix of highs and lows. While she is averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game, her shooting efficiency has declined significantly compared to her 2023 championship season with the Aces (down from 47.5% FG and 38.9% 3PT to 39.1% FG and 35% 3PT). She is also attempting more shots (15.1 FGA per game) and committing more turnovers (3.3 per game), reflecting her new role as the primary offensive focus instead of playing alongside stars like A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. Despite the challenges, the Sparks have shown improvement (7-14 record so far) compared to last year's 8 wins, even with significant injuries like Cameron Brink (ACL, yet to debut) and Rae Burrell missing most of the season. Plum has delivered key performances in their wins, including a 37-point opening game and a recent 23-point game in a victory over the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Aces, whom Plum left, have struggled, holding a 10-11 record. Her replacement, Jewell Loyd (acquired in the same trade), has not matched Plum's previous production, averaging 10.1 points on 37.9% shooting. The article concludes that while the ultimate success of Plum's move is still uncertain, she is now the undisputed leader ("head of the snake") of the Sparks for the first time in her career. The Sparks show potential for improvement with Brink's impending return and players like Azurá Stevens and Rickea Jackson finding their rhythm, but their success hinges significantly on Plum's performance.
Views 3953Likes 3660
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Receives Buzzworthy Kevin Garnett Take
The Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by trading Luka Dončić before last year's deadline and selected former Duke star Cooper Flagg. Flagg is anticipated to accelerate the franchise's transition from the Dončić era, possessing comparable elite potential despite Dončić's established NBA stardom. Entering his rookie season, Flagg faces significant expectations for immediate impact. Analysts have drawn parallels between his playing style and NBA legends, including Kevin Garnett, Larry Bird, and Kawhi Leonard, though differences in skill sets are noted. If Flagg approaches their caliber, Dallas would solidify its new franchise cornerstone. NBA analyst Chris Broussard recently claimed on "First Things First" that Flagg will surpass Garnett offensively, citing a superior scoring arsenal. Broussard emphasized, "I think he'll be a better scorer than Kevin Garnett... His offensive package is way better." Garnett averaged 17.8 points per game during his career. Flagg validated his hype at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four before losing to Houston. Across 37 games, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.
Views 4395Likes 4133
Basketballer almost killed in one-punch attack returns to NBL
Harry Froling has signed with the Illawarra Hawks as an injury replacement player in the National Basketball League (NBL). This return follows his recovery from a devastating one-punch assault in 2023, which caused life-threatening bleeding on the brain. Froling is set to join the team for pre-season training and will take to the court at the start of the 2025-26 season, reflecting on his past by stating he lived life "in the fast lane" the first time around.
Views 4762Likes 3540
LeBron James Adds Fuel To Cavs Rumors On Monday
LeBron James has fueled speculation about a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Los Angeles Lakers star recently exercised his $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but his agent, Rich Paul, emphasized that LeBron's future with the Lakers isn't guaranteed. Paul stated LeBron prioritizes competing for championships and wants to evaluate options that maximize his remaining career, noting the Lakers are supportive but focused on long-term building. Amid this uncertainty, rumors circulated about a Cavaliers reunion. On Monday, Cleveland announced contract extensions for president Koby Altman through 2029-30 and other front-office personnel, including Brandon Weems—LeBron’s childhood friend. LeBron amplified these rumors by publicly celebrating Weems' promotion on social media, tweeting: "YESSIR!!! Congratulations to my brother B.Weems!! Super proud of u man," accompanied by celebratory emojis.
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It's painfully obvious who the Bucks should use their final roster spot on
The Milwaukee Bucks have addressed their point guard situation with the pending acquisition of Cole Anthony and now have one final roster spot to fill. The article strongly advocates for the Bucks to sign free agent Caleb Houstan to fill this spot. The author argues that Houstan is the ideal fit for the Bucks' need for a "3-and-D" small forward with size, a role previously intended for Kyle Kuzma. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, Houstan provides the size and positional versatility the Bucks currently lack. His shooting efficiency is highlighted, noting he shot 40% from three-point range on 2.8 attempts per game, demonstrating the ability to space the floor effectively without forcing shots, which is crucial for Giannis Antetokounmpo's driving lanes. Beyond his size and shooting, Houstan's defensive impact is emphasized. While not elite, his perimeter defense is deemed serviceable; matchup data shows he held opposing guards to 45.8% shooting. His physical tools allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, from shooting guards to power forwards in small-ball lineups, filling a defensive versatility gap the Bucks have had since PJ Tucker's prime. The financial aspect is presented as highly favorable, suggesting Houstan would likely be available for a minimum contract, offering maximum value. This contrasts with other available wings who might demand more money or lack his defensive impact. Signing Houstan is portrayed as low-risk, high-reward. The timing is described as perfect for both sides. Houstan, at just 22 years old, could contribute immediately on a contender while learning from veterans, and the Bucks would gain a young player with developmental upside. Milwaukee's immediate need and clear role definition mean Houstan would be a legitimate rotation player from day one, not buried on the bench. The article concludes that signing Houstan represents a simple, effective solution for the Bucks' final roster spot.
Views 5167Likes 723
Sources: Mavs shutting down Flagg for summer
The Dallas Mavericks have decided to end Cooper Flagg's participation in the NBA summer league for the remainder of the Las Vegas session after just two games, as confirmed by sources to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. This decision follows Flagg's performance on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, where the No. 1 draft pick scored 31 points while shooting 10-for-21 from the floor. This marked a significant improvement over his summer league debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, where he managed only 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting. After the Mavericks' 76-69 loss to the Spurs, Flagg commented on adjusting to the new environment, stating the team wanted him to be aggressive. He felt he achieved that better in the second game by drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, which helped him settle in, though he noted he missed several free throws. Mavericks summer league coach Josh Broghamer praised Flagg, saying he "just continues to make the right plays" and specifically highlighted the 6-foot-9 rookie's work "off the ball" during Saturday's game. The Mavericks' choice to shut down Flagg was initially reported on Sunday by veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein.
Views 5839Likes 1658
Mystics vs. Storm Prediction, Odds, Best WNBA Prop Bets for Sunday, July 13
The Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics are both competing for WNBA playoff spots. The Storm have won seven of their last ten games, moving them to fourth place in the standings before Sunday's game. The Mystics, holding a 10-10 record and tied with several teams, have won six of their last ten games heading into their matchup against the Storm. Despite Seattle's strong form, a recent loss to the Connecticut Sun is noted as a potential concern against Washington's young, defensive team. Given the Mystics' poor road record (only three wins this season), the Storm are 6.5-point favorites. A betting analysis focuses on a player prop for Mystics' Shakira Austin, specifically whether she will score over or under 14.5 points. Austin averages 12.4 points per game and has only exceeded 14.5 points in six of her 17 appearances this season. Despite recovering from an early-season injury, the analysis predicts she will not reach this mark against the Storm's defense, ranked third in the league for scoring defense. Reasons cited include Austin's limited minutes (only one game over 30 minutes), her reliance on scoring in the paint rather than from three-point range, and the presence of Storm defenders Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor. The expectation is that Austin will finish under 14.5 points. The betting recommendation is to fade the Washington Mystics' team total. Although the Mystics have won six of their last ten to stay in playoff contention, the analysis argues against them offensively facing the Storm defense on Sunday. Statistical trends point towards a low-scoring game, leading the bettor to specifically target the Mystics' team total as their best wager for the matchup.
Views 5821Likes 5804
Atlanta Dream coach sends warning to Caitlin Clark and the Fever
The Indiana Fever, despite high expectations following Caitlin Clark's drafting in 2024 and championship hype in her second season (2025), are struggling for consistency. They currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, barely holding onto the final playoff spot. This downturn, partly attributed to Clark's injury problems, has created an opportunity for teams like the Atlanta Dream to climb the standings. Under first-year head coach Karl Smesko, the Dream boast a 12-7 record entering a crucial Friday night game against the Fever in Indianapolis. Smesko has declared his team "really good" and emphasized they are still improving, but stressed the urgency of getting better with only half the season remaining. He wants consistent effort focused on their game plan and putting pressure on opponents for the entire game, regardless of the score. Smesko, transitioning from 22 years coaching college basketball, has overseen dramatic improvement in Atlanta. Led by All-Star Allisha Gray, the Dream possess the league's third-best offense and fifth-best defense. Implementing a style emphasizing 3-point attempts, Atlanta has scored at least 90 points in eight of their 19 games. However, Smesko seeks more consistent execution throughout entire games. The Fever have lost two of their three meetings with the Dream this season, including a 77-58 defeat on June 10th when Clark was absent due to injury. With Clark now back from her groin injury, Indiana hopes to counter Atlanta on Friday. Achieving this will require a strong defensive performance to contain Atlanta's key players: Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brittney Griner.
Views 5362Likes 3870
‘Craziest Experience of My Life’ -- 3-Time NBA All-Star Tells Wild Story of Flying Private on Billionaire’s AAU Team at Age-11
The story of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle flying on a private jet for AAU basketball games at age 11 has resurfaced, highlighting extreme investments in youth sports amid ongoing scrutiny of team valuations. This follows a recent New York Times examination of youth sports economics. Randle detailed the experience during a November 2024 appearance on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, where hosts referenced his childhood team's private air travel. He clarified that the luxury stemmed not from team prowess but from billionaire Ken Troutt founding the Texas Titans AAU squad for his sons, with Randle joining as a teammate. The Texas Titans, established by Excel Communications founder Troutt, gained notoriety for operating "like an NBA team" according to former Spurs player Avery Johnson, whose son also played for them. Troutt’s investment covered all expenses—including using the Dallas Mavericks' private plane—eliminating costs for players and families. Randle emphasized this support’s profound impact, noting his single mother struggled with typical AAU fees. The fully funded travel, hotels, and parental accommodations allowed him to "dominate" his age group unburdened, calling it "the craziest experience" of his life. The article concludes by contextualizing Randle’s current NBA performance, citing his 18.7-point average and seven rebounds per game for Minnesota last season. He and Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Luka Dončić's Manager Reveals How Doncic Really Feels About Playing With LeBron James on Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Dončić's manager, Lara Beth Seager, disclosed to ESPN that Dončić holds immense respect for LeBron James, describing him as loving the experience of playing alongside the NBA's all-time leading scorer and considering it an honor to be his teammate, while learning significantly from him. During the previous season, the Los Angeles Lakers posted a 15-8 record when both Dončić and James were active, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a five-game series. Dončić is slated to earn $45.9 million next season and becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension with the Lakers starting August 2. Alternatively, he could opt for a shorter extension to reach 10 years of service by 2028, positioning himself for a larger five-year maximum contract at 35% of the salary cap to maximize future earnings. James will make $52.6 million in the final year of his contract, but the Lakers have not offered an extension to the 40-year-old icon, aiming to conserve salary cap space to build around the 26-year-old Dončić. This has created tension, with some NBA insiders speculating that James might request a trade this offseason for the first time in his career due to misalignment with the team. While Dončić is confirmed to remain with the Lakers next season, James' return is uncertain. NBA insider Shams Charania highlighted a potential conflict, noting the Lakers' futuristic focus on Dončić may clash with James' immediate championship ambitions, which could lead to challenging discussions in the next two months to resolve their differing priorities.
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Suns 'Comfortable' Keeping Key Big Man Despite Trade Rumors: Report
The Phoenix Suns, seeking major changes after missing the playoffs, have been active this offseason. Key moves include trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the draft rights to Khaman Maluach, and five second-round picks. They also acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets during the 2025 NBA Draft and drafted Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea. These additions, particularly Williams and Maluach, significantly upgraded the Suns' frontcourt, which was problematic last season. However, this influx of big men has created uncertainty about Nick Richards' role for the upcoming season, leading to reported trade interest from multiple NBA teams. Despite the trade rumors, the Suns are reportedly comfortable keeping Richards. According to a report by Forbes' Evan Sidery, Phoenix views the 27-year-old center on an expiring $5 million contract as valuable insurance. This decision is influenced by concerns about Mark Williams' injury history and rookie Khaman Maluach's inexperience.
Views 3412Likes 3391
Alex Caruso Makes Honest Statement About Warriors Star Steph Curry
Alex Caruso, recognized as one of the NBA's premier defenders, recently helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to the 2025 NBA Championship victory over the Indiana Pacers. In a candid interview with Dan Patrick, Caruso discussed the challenge of defending Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. He emphasized that Curry remains exceptionally dangerous even after giving up the ball, explaining that Curry's off-ball movement and strong connection with teammate Draymond Green make the Warriors' offense particularly difficult to defend. Despite being 37 years old, Steph Curry delivered outstanding individual performance during the 2024-25 season. He averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game across 70 contests, shooting 44.8% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. A significant milestone was reached as Curry tied Michael Jordan with 11 All-NBA selections. In his first season with the Thunder, Alex Caruso averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in 54 appearances, shooting 44.6% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. Caruso achieved a unique NBA Finals record by becoming the first player in league history to score two 20-point games in the Finals after having zero such games during the regular season.
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Lil Wayne Goes Wild Over Kyrie Irving's $125 ANTA Sneakers
Kyrie Irving's lifestyle sneaker line with ANTA is gaining significant attention, highlighted by legendary rapper Lil Wayne posting a reaction video expressing admiration for the shoes and a desire to collaborate. Irving specifically gifted Lil Wayne the ANTA Hélà Style "Roots" in Brown. These casual shoes, designed exclusively for Irving, blend heritage, love, and versatility for everyday style, balancing elegance and impact. They are affordably priced at $125 and available for purchase in adult sizes on ANTA.com. Simultaneously, Irving's performance line is launching a new colorway. His second signature basketball shoe, the ANTA KAI 2, will be released in the "Sun" colorway on Friday, July 11, at Noon EST. Inspired by the orange glow of sunlight, the first light of the sun, and the pull of the moon, this design reflects Irving's philosophy of balance between humanity and nature. The performance basketball shoes are also priced at $125 and will be available on the ANTA website and at FEATURE. In celebration of the NBA Summer League, ANTA and FEATURE will host an exclusive event at the Encore in Las Vegas. This gifting suite, located in a three-bedroom duplex, will preview the ANTA KAI 2 "SUN". The elevated space will feature premium displays, immersive storytelling, and curated interactions for athletes, influencers, and media.
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