Just hours after the world lost basketball and broadcasting legend Bill Walton, the Boston Celtics completed their first Eastern Conference Finals sweep since 1986, defeating the Indiana Pacers 105-102. The win moves the Celtics four victories away from securing their 18th title in franchise history.
Bill Walton, the Sixth Man of the Year on that 1986 Celtics team, was remembered fondly as the team advanced. On this historic, emotional day for one of the NBAâs original teams, Jaylen Brown was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, earning the Larry Bird Trophy.
Boston trailed 98-90 with 5:56 to play after a pair of buckets by former Celtic Aaron Nesmith. From that moment until the final buzzer, the Celtics executed with poise and determination, closing the game on a 15-4 run. Jayson Tatumâs five points and Brownâs two-way brilliance led the charge.
With the score tied at 102, Brown blocked Andrew Nembhardâs layup attempt. On the other end, Brown drove into the lane, collapsing the defense, and found Derrick White for an open corner three-pointer, putting Boston ahead for good.
Brown (29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 three-pointers) and Tatum (26 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists) combined for 55 points, leading the Celtics back to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years. Brown and Tatum each scored 25+ points in the same game for the 17th time in the Playoffs, tying Larry Bird and Kevin McHale for the most by any duo in franchise history. The Celtics improved to 14-3 in those games.
The Celtics swept the East Finals and reached the NBA Finals with two or fewer losses (12-2) for the first time since the 1986 squad (11-1).
Boston now looks ahead to the NBA Finals, carrying the spirit of their past legends as they chase their 18th championship.
Chart-topping rapper, producer, and XO artist NAV has confirmed the speculation surrounding his upcoming album. In a recently released trailer packed with teasers of featured artists, NAV unveiled the albumâs title, On My Way 2 Rexdale, paying homage to his roots in Torontoâs Rexdale neighborhood.
Rumors began swirling when NAV hinted at the title during his performance on Coachellaâs Sahara stage, sparking online debate about whether it was a single or a full album. The trailer puts the speculation to rest, confirming that On My Way 2 Rexdale is indeed a highly anticipated new album set for release this summer. The title, conceived by Future, as seen in the trailer, has fans eagerly awaiting its drop.
The Diddy and Yung Miami relationship was one of the more high profile affairs in recent Hip-Hop history. During their romance, the Caresha Please podcast emerged on Revolt and in an episode, Miami claimed to receive golden showers.
Now, she claiming that it was all for content and she is not the sexual toilet of anyone. âWait so you arenât our pee queen?â a fan asked on X. Evoking the response, âAbsolutely not!â
Addressing another fan she wrote, âI was playing! A nigga NEVER EVER PEEâD on me! I did that to promote my card game & it did exactly what I needed to do!!â
The Golden Shower fiasco took over the timeline and had Twitter users dub the Bad Boy mogul Pee Diddy.
On an episode of Caresha Please with guest star Trina, Yung Miami revealed that she likes golden showers. âI donât know, it just do something to me,â Miami said, leading many to believe that was a practice between her and Diddy.
In an interview with The Cut, Yung Miami provides a bit of clarification.
âI never said he was the one I did that with,â she said. âSex is a part of life. Iâm grown, and maybe I talk about it too much, but everybodyâs got their personal experiences. Some people get sh-tted on. Some people live life on the edge, some people boring as f-ck. I watch a lot of porn, b-tches get peed on. If we grown and we in the house just chilling and want to talk about sex, whatâs wrong with that?â
Akademiks is attempting to advise Diddy on getting past his sexual assault allegations, while he also has his own sexual assault allegations.
Speaking on his Off the Record podcast next to Lamar Odom, Ak suggested Diddy claims to be gay or bisexual.
âOne: he gotta come out and tell the whole world that he been gay or been bi or that he always identified as a woman,â Ak said. âSecond way is to say that he had mental health issues and heâs been seeking therapy. The last way is to say he apologizes but all his actions was because he was touched as a child.â
Well, all of that is pretty wild to say, you can hear it below.
DJ Akademiks is the subject of a lawsuit alleging he committed rape and defamation against a woman named Fauziya Abashe. He states he will take the industry down with him.
âLet me tell you this about everyone in the industry: if Ak ever goes down, yâall going down with me. âCause I hold no secrets for nobody,â Akademiks said. âCould it be that the exact next day I get hit up by a private investigator that works for Diddy alleging that maybe the same thing has happened in five other instances?â
In the sprawling story from Rolling Stone, Akademiks, born Livingston Allen, is accused of allowing Abashe to be raped by two men that were at his New Jersey home on July 16, 2022.
According to the report, Abashe did not know two women would be present. Those men are said to have drugged her and forced her with alcohol before assaulting and raping her on the pool deck.
Abashe states she lost consciousness during the incident, only to wake up at 4 a.m. on July 16, as Akademiks was raping her. Abashe states Akademiks was âpulling her hair, prying open her legs, and brutally raping her.â She also states she was penetrated anally and vaginally, while pleading for the entire ordeal to stop. She also states she was unable to âmove physically.â
The lawsuit details Abashe asked Akademiks about details, in which he showed her a trash can with two condom wrappers, alluding to the woman being taken to another room of the home where the rape continued. Akademiks also allegedly showed video camera footage of the pool deck, where Abashe states she was âlying there lifeless, which did not sit right with her.â
On July 17, Akademiks told Abashe to âget tested,â which led her to believe their encounter was unprotected. Abashe contacted the police and received a rape kit, revealing traces of Akademiksâ sperm. Also collected were images of bruises on her arm, back, legs, and buttocks.
Aiding in the investigation, Abashe participated in a recorded call with Akademiks where he recalled the two having sex and describing the vagina. Law enforcement received a warrant to investigate Akademiksâ home. Abase believes Ak disposed of any evidence.
Abashe did not press charges but decided to sue after allegations were brought forth at the end of 2023. In a social media stream, Akademiks stated, âShe was getting trained by my two mens on my pool deck.â Akademiks also stated she voluntarily engaged in an orgy but he never participated.
Akademiks did not reply to Rolling Stone with a comment.
Akademiks had his first stream of 2024 on Jan. 2. During the stream, Ak spoke about allegations levied against him by Abashae and revealed he was in full cooperation with the police.
âThis situation went to the cops over a year and a half ago,â Ak said. âMe and my lawyer were openly cooperative because, serious allegations. I donât care whoâs involved, I donât want weird shit happening around me.
âWe helped the police. âWhatever you need! You want a phone? You want passcodes? Letâs decrypt our DVR.â There is nothing they did not see.â
He added, âIt was officially ruled by the D.A. and the police that there was nothing there. There ainât no charges, there wonât be no charges and thereâs documentation.â
You can hear it all from Akademiks below.
DJ Akademiks trended on social media to close in 2023 after Abashae stated in an Instagram Live Ak and two of his friends allegedly committed the crime.
âFor you to pretend you didnât do anything? That I just went to your house, and Iâm some thot, like we didnât know each other for two years,â Abashae said. âYou tried to save yourself after your friends assaulted me. Whether or not you got drunk or not, I know that when you woke up, you were on top of me too. You raped me too.â
Additional claims online feature a woman stating that Akademiks engaged in communication with her until she was 18 before he attempted to have sex with her and a video surfacing with a woman screaming in the background.
Allegedly akademiks is linking & flying out underage girls & keeping in contact with girls to turn 18 to have sex with. This is a new story & their are multiple girls coming out about him making them drink to the point their unconscious & unresponsive so he can assault them pic.twitter.com/anE2QiChln
In a teaser video for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln on Mount Rushmore are covered with black blindfolds that collectively read âThe Truth Lies.â Publisher Activision announced this new game on Thursday.
This yearâs edition of Call of Duty marks a return to the globe-trotting Black Ops franchise for the first time since 2020âs Black Ops: Cold War. The announcement was inadvertently revealed hours earlier due to a full-page USA Today newspaper ad, which fans shared online before the official announcement.
A video titled âwake up (rushmore) #thetruthliesâ was released, depicting a squad vandalizing Mount Rushmore at night with the blindfolds.
No release date, details on different editions, or pricing information have been disclosed yet for what the publisher describes as a âdark new chapterâ in the franchise.
Activision has promised to reveal more at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on June 9 during an online Xbox Games Showcase, followed by a Black Ops 6 Direct broadcast.
Spotlighting one of the fastest-growing genres under Chicagoâs majestic skyline, Sueños Music Festival has no equal. On the second and final day of Sueños 2024, El Festival Latino showcased its unique ability to unite Chicagoâs diverse Latino community with excellent music and unfettered positivity, regardless of the weather.
Despite early morning storms causing a delay in opening the festival gates, organizers ensured the best of Latin music graced the Windy City. The lineup was reconfigured to accommodate as many artist performances as possible, drawing thousands of dedicated fans to enjoy quintessential Latin stars.
Colombian singer Maluma headlined the night with a captivating performance, inspiring swoons with his romantic jams. Raspy-voiced reggaetonero Mora also took the stage, cementing his rise to the genreâs elite.
Earlier in the day, Spanish singer-songwriter Bad Gyal displayed her inimitable stage presence, while Gabito Ballesteros brought class with a full Mariachi ensemble, including a guest appearance from teenage phenom Chino Pacas to perform their recent collaboration, âTunechi.â As a treat for longtime reggaeton fans, Sueños welcomed Jowell Y Randy, now entering their third decade as major hitmakers.
Ahead of the final performance by Peso Pluma, severe weather conditions forced an early end to the show for crowd safety. Peso Pluma took to Instagram to express his sympathy for not being able to perform due to the evacuation and encouraged fans, promising a return to the Windy City soon.
Through sun and showers, the tens of thousands of fans at Sueños embodied the joy, vibrance, and resilience of the Latino community. Vemos el año que viene, y para siempre, en Chicago!
Proudly produced by La Familia Presenta and C3 Presents, producers of Lollapalooza, Sueños Festival has become an institution in its home city and a premier showcase for Latin music and reggaeton in the United States. Every year, the festival ups its game, delivering a cultural experience that few events across the nation can match.
It looks like Bronny Jamesâ NBA draft prospects are heading upward, according to the newest rankings.Â
In ESPNâs latest NBA draft rankings, Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo just moved Bronny James up to No. 54 following his performance at the NBA Draft Combine. This places him in range for a late second-round pick in Juneâs draft, a significant jump from his rank of No. 98.
Recently at the combine, James impressed with a 40.5-inch vertical leap, shot 19-of-25 in the three-point drill, and performed well in scrimmages. As he approaches the May 29 deadline to either remain in the draft pool or return to college, his improved ranking strengthens his case for turning pro. What yaâll think? Does he have a shot at being drafted or nah?
Jamesâ freshman year at USC did not reflect typical NBA draft prospect statistics. And that is an understatement. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25 games, starting only six. The Trojans finished with a 15-18 record and missed the NCAA Tournament. Granted, he was a freshman, and unbelievable hype surrounds him for merely being the son of arguably the GOAT.
Jamesâ season was also impacted by a delayed start due to suffering cardiac arrest and undergoing a heart procedure before the season began. That in itself is unheard of to come back from a near-death experience. Consequently, he was eased into the lineup rather than given significant opportunities early on.
If James stays in the draft pool, he could potentially play alongside or against his father, 20-time All-Star LeBron James. Although LeBron has expressed a desire to play with his son in the NBA, ESPNâs Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this month that this is no longer his priority.
Regardless, Bronny Jamesâ NBA career could begin soon, with the 2024 NBA draft scheduled for June 26-27 in Brooklyn.
When Charles Barkley commented that WNBA players should stop giving Caitlin Clark a hard time, it sparked a significant conversation about gender bias and respect within womenâs basketball. However, Angel Reese, a rising star in the NCAA womenâs basketball scene, offered a poignant response that shed light on the importance of supporting and uplifting fellow athletes, regardless of gender.
Barkleyâs remarks, made during a televised broadcast, raised eyebrows and ignited criticism from fans and players alike. His suggestion that WNBA players should ease up on Clark, a standout player at the University of Iowa, implied a lack of respect for the competitive nature of womenâs basketball and perpetuated harmful stereotypes about female athletes.
In contrast, Angel Reese, a forward for the University of Maryland womenâs basketball team, offered a refreshing perspective. In a candid interview, Reese emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating all athletesâ talent and hard work, regardless of gender.
Reeseâs response exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect that defines the world of womenâs basketball. As a player who has faced her share of challenges and obstacles on the court, Reese understands the value of solidarity and support among fellow athletes.
Moreover, Reeseâs words carry weight not only because of her status as a rising star in womenâs basketball but also because of her commitment to using her platform to advocate for equality and inclusivity in sports. By speaking out against Barkleyâs comments, Reese reaffirmed her dedication to promoting a culture of respect and empowerment within the basketball community.
Reeseâs response also serves as a reminder of the broader societal issues at play, including the pervasive gender bias and double standards that continue to plague womenâs sports. As female athletes continue to push boundaries and defy expectations, it is crucial to challenge outdated attitudes and champion a more equitable and inclusive sports culture.
Ultimately, Angel Reeseâs empowering response to Charles Barkleyâs commentary underscores the resilience and determination of female athletes in the face of adversity. By standing up for what is right and speaking out against injustice, Reese exemplifies the transformative power of sports in driving positive social change.
As the conversation around gender equality in sports continues to evolve, Reeseâs voice serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future athletes. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women in sports is a testament to the enduring legacy of those who dare to challenge the status quo and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Basketball legend Bill Walton, who guided the UCLA Bruins to two national championships and later secured two NBA titles, has passed away at 71 following a long struggle with cancer.
Walton passed away on Monday, surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement released by his family via the NBA.
During his illustrious career, Walton was named the NBAâs MVP for the 1977-78 season and was honored as a member of the leagueâs 50th and 75th-anniversary teams. His college career was equally remarkable, earning him two championships at UCLA and three national Player of the Year awards under the legendary coach John Wooden.
âBill Walton was truly one of a kind,â NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement to ESPN. âWhat I will remember most about him was his zest for life.
âHe was a regular presence at league events â always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.
âAs a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him.â
In the vibrant tapestry of NBA history, few figures loom as large or leave as indelible a mark as Bill Walton. Renowned for his towering stature on the court and his unmatched basketball IQ, Waltonâs impact transcends mere statistics. He dominated the game during his prime and reshaped the way basketball was played and perceived.
Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, Walton immediately set the league ablaze with his exceptional skill set. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 11 inches, Walton possessed an innate ability to control the game from the center position. His deft passing, impeccable footwork, and uncanny court vision revolutionized the big manâs role, turning him into an offensive fulcrum and defensive stalwart.
Waltonâs zenith came in the 1976-77 season, when he led the Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship, a feat that solidified his status as one of the gameâs all-time greats. His virtuoso performance in the NBA Finals earned him the Finals MVP award, capping off a season marked by unparalleled excellence. However, injuries plagued Walton throughout his career, preventing him from reaching even greater heights.
Despite his injury, Waltonâs impact on the NBA extended far beyond his playing days. His basketball acumen and passion for the game led him to become a respected analyst and commentator, providing insightful commentary and analysis that enriched the viewing experience for fans worldwide. His eloquence and encyclopedic knowledge of the game endeared him to audiences and cemented his legacy as a basketball sage.
Moreover, Waltonâs advocacy for various social and environmental causes showcased his commitment to making a positive difference on and off the court. He used his platform to champion issues such as environmental conservation, social justice, and the importance of education, embodying the values of empathy and altruism.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, further solidifying his place among basketballâs legends. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Today, Bill Waltonâs influence continues to reverberate throughout the NBA landscape. His innovative playing style has inspired generations of big men to expand their skill sets and embrace versatility. His advocacy for social and environmental causes reminds us that athletes have a platform and a responsibility to effect positive change in society.
In the annals of NBA history, Bill Walton stands as a towering figure whose impact transcends the confines of the basketball court. His legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with basketball fans for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of his influence.
