Shaquille O’Neal shared some advice for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown during NBATV’s pregame coverage of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. In doing so, he reflected on his relationship as a teammate with Kobe Bryant during their Los Angeles Lakers’ title runs. He admitted that he was never the best player on the team and had to accept being the second option for them to succeed.
“In my Laker runs, I wasn’t the best player on the team,” O’Neal admitted. “I knew that, but I knew I was the most dominant. So, I knew my role. I knew what I had to do. I wasn’t worried about these useless titles. So if those two young gentlemen are worried about useless titles … it will definitely affect them tonight. … Not only affect this game, but they will lose the series.”
Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O’Neal Celebrate NBA Championship Victory
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers holds the Larry O’Brian trophy as teammate Shaquille O’Neal (L) hold the MVP trophy after winning the NBA Championship against Indiana Pacers 19 June, 2000, after game six of the NBA Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The Lakers won the game 116-111 to take the NBA title 4-2 in the best-of-seven series. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read AFP/AFP via Getty Images)
O’Neal’s advice comes after Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd labeled Brown the Boston Celtics’ best player, last week. “Jaylen’s their best player,” he said after the Game 1 loss. “He did everything, and that’s what your best player does. Just understanding how to play both sides — defense and offense at a high rate — he’s been doing that the whole playoffs.”
Shaq Shares Advice For The Celtics
“In my Lakers’ runs, I wasn’t the best player on the team, I knew that… If these two young gentleman are worried about useless titles…not only will it effect this game, but they will lose the series.” @SHAQ on Jason Kidd’s recent comments about the The Jays pic.twitter.com/uKZEuV52eG
Despite their success together, O’Neal and Bryant’s relationship on the court eventually deteriorated and the iconic big man left for the Miami Heat. Years later they mended their relationship before Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020. Be on the lookout for further updates on the NBA Playoffs on HotNewHipHop.
The NBA Finals tip off tonight with the Dallas Mavericks facing the Boston Celtics in Game 1 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. This year’s Finals are noteworthy as a new champion will be crowned for the sixth consecutive season.
The Boston Celtics, who ended the regular season with the league’s best record at 64-18, are on a mission to claim their 18th title, breaking their tie with the Lakers for the most in NBA history. Boston’s powerhouse duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been exceptional this postseason, averaging 26.0 and 25.0 points per game, respectively.
In contrast, the Dallas Mavericks are led by head coach Jason Kidd, who aims to secure the Mavericks’ second NBA title. Kidd, who was instrumental in the Mavs’ first championship as a player 13 years ago, now seeks to replicate that success from the bench. As a No. 5 seed, Dallas is striving to become the first team of its rank to win the championship. Their star players, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, have been equally impressive, averaging 28.8 and 22.8 points per game, respectively.
Adding a unique twist to this Finals matchup is the duel between Jordan Brand signature athletes, a first in NBA history. Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic, both representing the Jordan Brand, will face off on basketball’s biggest stage. Tatum signed with Jordan Brand in June 2019, welcomed by Michael Jordan at the “House of Jumpman” event in Paris.
“I’m excited about just bringing my creativity over and telling them stories. Any chance I get I like to shed light on St. Louis, where I’m from,” Tatum said at his signing. “Kind of give my background and give kids hope that it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you love it or you work hard enough then you can achieve whatever. It’s crazy.
“Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine being in the position I’m in now. Signing with Jordan, here in Paris, it’s just not something I really thought about when I was growing up in St. Louis. Like, I’m gonna go to Paris, I’m gonna sign with Jordan, I didn’t think that was a reality.”
Six months later, Luka Doncic also joined the Jordan Brand family. Their signings marked a new era for Jordan Brand, starting with the Air Jordan 34, 35, 36, and for Tatum, the 37.
“It is exciting to join such a talented roster and being given the privilege of defining the next generation of the Jordan Brand,” Luke commented. “Michael Jordan was a hero of mine growing up, so being able to represent this iconic brand, especially as a kid from Slovenia, is an honor.”
Jordan added, “Luka is a phenomenal player, and at such a young age. He’s demonstrating skill it takes many guys years to develop. It will be incredible to watch him continue to advance in the league. We are excited to welcome him to the Jordan Brand family. He rounds out a roster of incredible new talent united to represent Jordan Brand for the next generation.”
Now, five years later, both Tatum and Doncic have their own signature lines with Jordan Brand. They have transitioned from being the “next-up” to the “now,” and will compete head-to-head in the NBA Finals, further solidifying their legacies.
Fans can expect an electrifying series as these two top-tier athletes, alongside their formidable teams, battle for the championship. The stage is set for an unforgettable Finals, where history and legacy are at stake.
This morning, Gatorade announced an exciting collaboration with New York-based sportswear designer Eric Emanuel to celebrate the return of their iconic “Is It In You?” tagline. The partnership features a limited edition Drop, available exclusively through Gatorade’s membership platform, Gatorade iD.
Starting Tuesday, June 11, at 10 a.m. ET, fans can purchase the limited-edition Gatorade x Eric Emanuel collection. The collaboration includes two unique collections: a t-shirt paired with a bottle and shorts with a towel, all designed in a cool blue colorway.
Emanuel, widely recognized for his signature sportswear collections and dubbed the “King of Shorts” for his popular mesh basketball shorts, has designed this collection to symbolize a new era for Gatorade. The Gatorade-colored sweat design on the apparel serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication athletes put into their craft.
The collaboration aims to help athletes express their inner drive and IT factor, much like Emanuel’s focus on being the best in the game. His designs are known for drawing long lines every Friday when new shorts are released, reflecting his IT factor and commitment to excellence.
The collection drop on Gatorade iD is set to be a sought-after release. It celebrates both the iconic sports drink’s legacy and Emanuel’s cutting-edge design ethos. For more details and to access the collection, visit the Gatorade iD platform.
Gatorade, the world’s leading sports drink, has announced the return of its iconic tagline, “Is It In You?”, with the largest campaign in the brand’s history. The tagline, first made famous in the 1990s and early 2000s featuring Michael Jordan, reintroduces the concept of “IT” – the inner drive that fuels greatness – with a contemporary twist for today’s athletes.
The campaign aims to address modern pressures and distractions that young athletes face. New data from Gatorade reveals that 53% of Gen Z athletes who quit sports cite external factors like social pressures and unrealistic expectations. To combat this, Gatorade is leveraging its elite athlete roster to help relaunch “Is It In You?” and inspire athletes to focus on their inner drive.
“As the brand that has been on the sidelines fueling athletes for decades, we’re committed to not only helping them stay in the game but also celebrating their unique ‘IT’,” said Gatorade Chief Brand Officer, Anuj Bhasin. “The return of ‘Is It In You?’, our biggest campaign of all time, is about acknowledging how much the sports landscape has changed, while reminding athletes that one thing hasn’t – the inner drive that fuels you – and that’s what matters most.”
“With ‘Is It In You?’ in the ‘90s, we inspired a generation,” said Michael Jordan, Gatorade’s longest standing athlete partner, six-time NBA Champion, five-time NBA MVP and 14-time NBA All-Star. “The return of ‘Is It In You?’ is another chapter in greatness for Gatorade, a brand that has fueled champions for decades and relentlessly serves athletes on and off the field.”
The campaign kicked off with a powerful 60-second film, “IT Hasn’t Changed,” narrated by Michael Jordan. The film features stories from Gatorade athletes such as Josh Allen, Caitlin Clark, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Jayson Tatum, A’ja Wilson, and DJ Lagway, who have overcome obstacles by tapping into their personal “IT”. The film debuted during the NBA Western Conference Finals Game 4.
Throughout the summer, the campaign will include a colored sweat takeover on social media, custom filters on Snapchat and Instagram, and billboards nationwide. Fans can follow Gatorade’s social media for more updates.
This campaign follows a strong first half for Gatorade, which continues to lead the sports drink market and expand into new areas such as equipment, beverage enhancers, and enhanced water, making it the most complete portfolio of athletic solutions available.
The NBA finals are finally upon us. The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Boston Celtics on Thursday in what should be a fascinating series of basketball, featuring two teams that have had very different roads to the final. Through 82 games, the Boston Celtics ran through the league during the regular season, finishing with an impressive 64 wins under their belt. Dallas is a different story. The Mavs were a middling team with two superstars, but their fortunes changed with a fantastic trade deadline that brought in the likes of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. They finished the season with one of the best records after the All-Star break.
The two teams’ playoff journeys have also been vastly different. The Celtics cruised through the East to the Finals, facing overmatched competition. Add to the fact that several injuries of star players on the teams they were facing, like the Cavaliers and the Pacers, and you have a smooth run to the finals. On the other hand, the Mavericks have had a tough journey in the West, facing three 50-win teams in a row while dealing with several injuries of their own. The star-studded Finals matchup will feature several matchups and storylines. Kyrie is returning to Boston, and Porzingis is returning to Dallas. Will Jayson Tatum get his first title before Luka Doncic? The drama will undoubtedly be matched by the level of basketball that fans will be treated to. Who will come out on top? Let’s look at the matchups.
Kyrie Irving is returning to Boston after five years after his big move. Irving landed in Boston in 2017 after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won a championship with LeBron James. He forced his way out of Boston in 2019. The Kyrie that was present then isn’t the same Kyrie that is in Dallas. He clearly wanted to venture out on his own and be the premier veteran on a team that could lead them to a championship. He was not up to the task in Boston or his next stop in Brooklyn, but this version of Kyrie seems to have learned from his mistakes and has stepped up as a leader. Nevertheless, Irving will not receive a warm welcome in Boston.
The Boston fans will heckle Irving like they have heckled a few other players. There is a lot of bad blood there between Irving and the fans. It’s no wonder Irving rarely plays in Boston anymore. Kyrie infamously stepped on the Celtics logo as a sign of disrespect; he has flipped off fans and astonishingly tried to cleanse the Boston arena with sage. The Kyrie return is probably the top of the list for drama in the Finals. It is unlikely the noise affects Kyrie Irving in Boston, but if he struggles early, Boston’s fans will feed into it and take it up a notch. Also of note will be his ex-teammate’s reception to him. Let’s see how the dap-ups before game 1 go between Kyrie, Jayson, and Jaylen.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are considered two of the best closers in the NBA. We saw their proficiency against the Timberwolves in late-game situations. Their shot-making ability and clutch play are both a big factor in the Finals. Luka is his own beast whose okay performances still see him dropping 30-point triple-doubles. The variety of defenders he has seen in the playoffs has been challenging, and Boston possesses great defenders to throw at him. Nevertheless, Luka has gone off on just about any defender that’s ever guarded him. Kyrie, on the other hand, might be pushed to be more of a facilitator, with the likes of the Celtic’s Jrue Holiday and Derrick White hounding him. Kyrie will look to be aggressive if Boston forces the ball out of Doncic’s hands.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are as dynamic a duo as you have in the league. They both can fill it up and are good defenders. As a duo, they don’t complement each other at times, but their success in these playoffs is due to Tatum and the Brown’s offensive onslaught. The Mavericks have some range and versatile defenders to throw at them, but big numbers should be expected, no matter the matchups. This is the chance for Tatum and Brown to finally get over the hump and win an NBA title after years of falling short. When they are in attack mode, it’s something to behold but when they and their teammates continue to settle for 3-pointers, they get in trouble. Have they learned from their Finals failure against the Golden State Warriors two seasons ago? We will see.
Kristaps Porzingis is now expected to return in game one of the NBA Finals. After sustaining a non-contact calf injury during Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat, Porzingis has not appeared in a game since April 29. In that time, the Celtics defeated the Heat 4-1, went on to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, and won the Eastern Conference Finals by sweeping the Indiana Pacers. Porzingis is the key that unlocked Boston’s powerhouse offense, which dominated the league. He is a knockdown 3-point shooter who can protect the rim like few players. He offers the Celtics a big advantage that can exploit mismatches and stretch the floor, which makes it much easier for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to attack.
Kristaps is also set to face his former team. His tenure with Luka Doncic and the Mavs was riddled with injury issues and a lack of chemistry between himself and Luka. The environment in Dallas will be particularly antagonistic towards the Latvian international. Dallas has some serious size with Daniel Gafford and rookie Dereck Lively II, but they will have to adjust to guarding Porzingis, who is a legit perimeter threat. His presence means Dallas will have to make some tough decisions defensively in the series. A big reason Dallas was so successful against the Wolves was because of the play of their bigs. Porzingis being healthy makes the 4 and 5 matchups something to keep an eye on.
Who Will Win The NBA Finals? Our Official Prediction
Indianapolis, IN – May 27: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, hugs forward Oshae Brissett after winning Game 4 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Our pick for the 2024 NBA champion is the Boston Celtics. They have been dominant like few teams have been in NBA history. The Dallas Mavericks are not a very deep team, and most of the responsibility will be shouldered by Luka and Kyrie. Boston will be able to rely on guys like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday to take the load off of their stars, and that will be the difference. Porzingis being healthy seals the deal. The Boston Celtics win the series in six hard-fought games, and Jayson Tatum takes home the Finals MVP Award.
Gatorade, the world’s leading sports drink, has announced the return of its iconic tagline, “Is It In You?”, with the largest campaign in the brand’s history. The tagline, first made famous in the 1990s and early 2000s featuring Michael Jordan, reintroduces the concept of “IT” – the inner drive that fuels greatness – with a contemporary twist for today’s athletes.
The campaign aims to address modern pressures and distractions that young athletes face. New data from Gatorade reveals that 53% of Gen Z athletes who quit sports cite external factors like social pressures and unrealistic expectations. To combat this, Gatorade is leveraging its elite athlete roster to help relaunch “Is It In You?” and inspire athletes to focus on their inner drive.
“As the brand that has been on the sidelines fueling athletes for decades, we’re committed to not only helping them stay in the game but also celebrating their unique ‘IT’,” said Gatorade Chief Brand Officer, Anuj Bhasin. “The return of ‘Is It In You?’, our biggest campaign of all time, is about acknowledging how much the sports landscape has changed, while reminding athletes that one thing hasn’t – the inner drive that fuels you – and that’s what matters most.”
“With ‘Is It In You?’ in the ‘90s, we inspired a generation,” said Michael Jordan, Gatorade’s longest standing athlete partner, six-time NBA Champion, five-time NBA MVP and 14-time NBA All-Star. “The return of ‘Is It In You?’ is another chapter in greatness for Gatorade, a brand that has fueled champions for decades and relentlessly serves athletes on and off the field.”
The campaign kicked off with a powerful 60-second film, “IT Hasn’t Changed,” narrated by Michael Jordan. The film features stories from Gatorade athletes such as Josh Allen, Caitlin Clark, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Jayson Tatum, A’ja Wilson, and DJ Lagway, who have overcome obstacles by tapping into their personal “IT”. The film debuted during the NBA Western Conference Finals Game 4.
Throughout the summer, the campaign will include a colored sweat takeover on social media, custom filters on Snapchat and Instagram, and billboards nationwide. Fans can follow Gatorade’s social media for more updates.
This campaign follows a strong first half for Gatorade, which continues to lead the sports drink market and expand into new areas such as equipment, beverage enhancers, and enhanced water, making it the most complete portfolio of athletic solutions available.
Two days after a thrilling last-second comeback in Game 1, Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics dominated Game 2, securing a 126-110 victory and a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals as the series shifts to Indianapolis.
Brown matched his playoff career-high with 40 points, spearheading Boston’s offensive charge. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White each contributed 23 points, with Tatum scoring 11 in the decisive fourth quarter and White sinking four three-pointers. Jrue Holiday added a double-double with 15 points and ten assists, ensuring a well-rounded team performance.
Tatum’s scoring in this playoff run has been remarkable, marking his fifth playoff with over 300 points. In reaching this milestone, he joins Celtics legends Larry Bird (six times), Kevin McHale, Sam Jones, and John Havlicek (five times each). Brown is just three points shy of joining this elite group.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 10 points for the Pacers and provided eight assists before exiting the game with 3:44 left in the third quarter due to injury.
The series moves to Indianapolis, where the Pacers will host Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday. The Pacers boast a perfect 6-0 record at home this postseason, while the Celtics remain unbeaten on the road with a 4-0 record.
Jaylen Brown’s clutch performance pushed the Boston Celtics into overtime, where Jayson Tatum took over to secure a 133-128 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Tatum scored 10 of his game-high 36 points in the extra frame, while Jrue Holiday added 28 points and Brown contributed 26. This marked the first time in Celtics history that three players scored 25+ points in an ECF game.
Indiana had a chance to win in regulation, but Tyrese Haliburton’s 27-foot fadeaway missed the mark. Haliburton, who had already nailed a 35-footer at the half and a 28-foot banked three at the third-quarter buzzer, couldn’t replicate his earlier heroics. Despite the miss, he finished with 25 points and ten assists.
The Pacers mounted an impressive rally, erasing a 13-point deficit with 3:23 left in the third quarter. Haliburton’s banked three capped a 14-2 run, giving Indy momentum as they took the lead early in the fourth and held a five-point advantage late. Pascal Siakam added 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. In comparison, Myles Turner had 23 points and ten rebounds, making it only the third time in the Pacers’ playoff history that three players recorded double-doubles.
After a Game 7 win in New York, Indiana sought consecutive road victories. Haliburton joined Trae Young and Jrue Holiday as the only players with 25+ points and 10+ assists in their conference finals debut since 2021.
Game 2 is set for Thursday, with the Celtics aiming to build on their momentum.
The Jordan Tatum 2 is Jayson Tatum’s latest signature sneaker. The upcoming “Bleached Blue Void” colorway is set to make waves. It features a striking blue upper, making a bold statement on and off the court. Green and pink details add vibrant accents, enhancing the shoe’s dynamic design. Crafted for performance, the Jordan Tatum 2 provides excellent support and comfort. The shoe’s construction includes advanced materials for durability and breathability. These features ensure optimal performance during intense games and workouts. The sleek design also makes it a stylish choice for casual wear. Overall, the “Bleached Blue Void” colorway showcases Jayson Tatum’s unique style.
The combination of blue, green, and pink creates a visually appealing sneaker. The signature Jordan branding is prominently displayed, adding to its iconic appeal. Anticipation for this release is high among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans. The Jordan Tatum 2 “Bleached Blue Void” is expected to be a popular addition to sneaker collections. Whether you’re a dedicated player or a fashion-forward individual, this sneaker offers something special. Overall, the Jordan Tatum 2 “Bleached Blue Void” represents a perfect blend of style and functionality. It’s a testament to Jayson Tatum’s influence in the sneaker world.
The sneakers showcase a blue rubber sole. Also, the uppers of the sneakers are comprised of a blue splotchy material, and the sides feature a combination of green and pink. Further, the midsole features a pink Jumpman and the tongue features the JT logo in pink as well. Finally, the heels have the 0 and Jumpman in green.
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Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Jordan Tatum 2 “Bleached Blue Void” will be released on May 30th. Also, the sneaker will have a retail price of $125 when it is released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
Behind a combined 60 points from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics defeated the shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers 109-102 to secure a 3-1 series lead. Tatum posted 33 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Brown contributed 27 points, eight rebounds, and shot 60% from the field. This marks the second straight game where both stars scored 25+ points and the 15th time they have done so as playoff teammates.
The Celtics showcased their resilience by bouncing back from a Game 2 loss at home, sweeping the next two road games for the second consecutive series.
Jrue Holiday filled the stat sheet with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, four three-pointers, three steals, and one block in 43 minutes, further bolstering Boston’s performance.
The Cavaliers, missing their leading playoff scorer Donovan Mitchell due to a calf strain, and with LeBron James watching from courtside, struggled to match Boston’s firepower. Darius Garland shook off a scoreless first quarter to finish with 30 points, while Caris LeVert and Evan Mobley added 19 points each.
Despite their efforts, Cleveland couldn’t overcome Mitchell’s absence, allowing the Celtics to take control of the series.
The teams will face off again in Game 5, with Boston looking to close out the series and Cleveland aiming to extend it.
The Jordan Tatum 3, Jayson Tatum’s signature sneaker, is making waves with its highly anticipated “Floral” colorway. As the first images of the Jordan Tatum 3 are unveiled, sneaker enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement. This unique iteration showcases a captivating blend of white, black, and green hues, accentuated by a mesmerizing floral wavy pattern adorning the uppers. Designed to reflect Jayson Tatum’s dynamic style both on and off the court, the Jordan Tatum 3 “Floral” edition exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication.
Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this signature sneaker offers the perfect blend of comfort, support, and durability. Whether you’re hitting the court or stepping out in the streets, the Jordan Tatum 3 “Floral” colorway ensures you do so in style. As anticipation builds for the release of the Jordan Tatum 3 “Floral” edition, sneakerheads eagerly await the opportunity to add this unique pair to their collection. With its eye-catching design and Jayson Tatum’s seal of approval, the Jordan Tatum 3 is poised to become a must-have sneaker for fans of both basketball and streetwear fashion.
The sneakers feature a black rubber sole and a black midsole, with hints of white and green. The uppers of the sneakers are comprised of a white base, with a wavy floral pattern throughout. The pattern is lined with black and green, creating a colorful sneaker. Also, a black Jumpman is on the sides and Jayson Tatum’s logo is on the tongues, in white.
Kicks On Fire reports that the Jordan Tatum 3 “Floral” will be released in October. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $125 when they drop. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
