LeBron James misses Kyrie Irving. During the recent episode of his Mind the Game podcast with seemingly new Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Redick, King James spoke about how much he misses the Dallas Mavericks point guard.
“I’m so f—ing happy and so proud to watch him continue his growth,” James said. “I’m so f—ing mad at the same time that I’m not his running mate anymore.”
James and Irving won one of the most entertaining NBA Finals ever, overcoming the 73-win Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals, coming back from a 3-1 deficit. Irving now plays for the Dallas Mavericks who will take on the Boston Celtics in this year’s Finals.
You can hear it all below.
“I’m so f*cking mad that I am not his running mate anymore… He’s the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen.”
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving isn’t just making headlines for his handles and shooting prowess; he’s also innovating in the sneaker deal space. Recently, Irving signed his father, Drederick Irving, to a signature athlete deal with his ANTA KAI shoe line, marking an unprecedented move in professional sports. This groundbreaking deal is the first of its kind, where a player has signed a family member to their own signature shoe line. Drederick Irving, a former college basketball player, will have his own sneakers under the ANTA KAI umbrella.
This gesture highlights Kyrie’s appreciation for his father’s influence on his basketball journey. The announcement comes just before the NBA Finals matchup between the Mavericks and Celtics, adding another layer of significance for Irving, who will face his former team. Drederick Irving, who played at Boston University from 1984 to 1988, was a skilled scorer, averaging over 15 points per game. His achievements undoubtedly inspired young Kyrie to pursue basketball. Kyrie’s innovative deal follows his 2023 signing with Chinese sportswear brand ANTA after ending a previous partnership with Nike.
The ANTA KAI 1, his first signature shoe with the brand, has been well-received, often featuring designs that reference Kyrie’s Native American heritage. This deal not only celebrates Kyrie’s family’s impact on his career but also strategically benefits ANTA by generating significant buzz around the brand. The collaboration showcases a unique blend of personal history and professional strategy. Details about Drederick Irving’s shoe design and release date are yet to be revealed, but the anticipation is high.
We’re not sure when ANTA will release a sneaker with Kyrie Irving’s father, but stay tuned for more updates. 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.
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.
LeBron James is currently on a nice vacation from the grind of the NBA Season. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the NBA Finals will begin. This year’s finals are between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. Overall, it is a Finals that not many people saw coming. Although the Celtics were certainly expected to go far, no one really thought the Dallas Mavericks would have what it takes to win. After all, they didn’t even make the postseason back in 2023.
However, Kyrie Irving has upped his game to a whole new level. He has hit a career resurgence, and fans have loved every second of it. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic continues to be one of the best players in the entire league. They are a dynamic duo that has started to be compared to the iconic pair of LeBron and Kyrie. These two won a title together in 2016 and fans are always reminiscing on their accomplishments. In fact, during the most recent episode of Mind The Game with JJ Redick, LeBron was asked to speak on Kyrie’s recent success.
As you will see in the clip above, LeBron is admittedly a bit jealous. Overall, he is extremely happy to see Kyrie succeed. He believes the point guard has grown a lot as a player and that it makes him proud. On the other side of that equation, he is a bit jealous and upset that he is no longer a duo with Kyrie. Clearly, LeBron understands just how talented Ky is and how he is instrumental in the Mavericks’ success. Having said that, we know who James will be rooting for come Thursday.
Be sure to let us know what you think of the LeBron James and Kyrie Irving duo, in the comments section below. Do you believe this is one of the best duos in the history of the NBA? Do you think they could have won more titles together had they both stayed in Cleveland? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
The ANTA KAI 1, Kyrie Irving’s signature sneaker, will make waves with its upcoming “Playoffs Energy” colorway. As Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks prepare for the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, this release captures the excitement of the playoffs. Also, the vibrant yellow and green color palette is eye-catching and dynamic, reflecting the intensity and energy of the postseason. Designed for performance, the ANTA KAI 1 features advanced technology to enhance Irving’s game.
The sneakers feature a gum rubber sole and white midsole. Further, the uppers of the sneakers are constructed from a vibrant yellow material, featuring intricate geometric designs throughout. The pair makes for a very colorful look. A strap covers the laces and reads Kyrie Irving in symbols. Also, Kyrie’s logo is located on the tongues and a hangtag is on the heels. Vibrant green accents are located all around these sneakers.
Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Anta Kai 1 “Playoffs Energy” will be released on June 5th. 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.
Kyrie Irving’s collaboration with ANTA reaches new heights with the debut of the ANTA KAI Tribe, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. Building upon the success of the KAI 1, this latest lifestyle sneaker seamlessly fuses performance and style, appealing to athletes and casual wearers alike. The KAI Tribe introduces two distinct colorways, offering versatility to match various style preferences. One iteration boasts an all-black design, exuding modernity and sophistication with a breathable mesh upper and luxurious suede overlays, ensuring both comfort and a premium aesthetic.
The KAI Tribe launches in two colorways, catering to diverse style preferences. One sports an all-black design with breathable mesh and suede overlays, exuding modernity and comfort. The other flaunts a pristine white look with smooth leather, promising durability and timeless elegance. Irving’s ANTA branding is prominent on both, reaffirming the collaboration’s authenticity.
Sneaker News reports that the ANTA KAI Tribe was released in China, but will be released in the US this fall. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be announced closer to 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.
The ANTA KAI 1 “Chief Hélà” is Kyrie Irving’s latest signature sneaker, set to drop this summer. This special edition features a rich brown color scheme, giving it a unique and earthy look. The sneakers are adorned with brown fringes at the back, adding a distinctive touch to the design. These fringes pay homage to Irving’s ceremonial name, “Chief Hélà,” which he received from the Standing Rock Sioux in 2018. They renamed him “Little Mountain” during a significant ceremony, acknowledging his heritage and connection to the community.
This performance highlights the sneaker’s blend of style and functionality, making it suitable for both on-court action and everyday wear. The ANTA KAI 1 ensures comfort and durability, designed to meet the demands of high-level basketball play. As anticipation builds for the summer release, fans of Kyrie Irving and sneaker enthusiasts alike are eager to add this unique colorway to their collections. The “Chief Hélà” edition not only celebrates Irving’s skills but also honors his cultural roots, making it a meaningful addition to the ANTA lineup.
The sneakers feature a gum rubber sole and a brown midsole. Also. the uppers of this sneaker are where this pair gets interesting. They are comprised of a brown material, with brown fringes at the back, adding texture to the design. Further, lighter brown details can be found all around the sneakers. Finally, Kyrie branding is on the tongues.
Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the ANTA KAI 1 “Chief Hélà” will be released sometime this summer. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be announced closer to 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.
Luka Doncic scored 15 of his game-high 33 points in the 4th quarter, and Kyrie Irving added 30 as the Dallas Mavericks closed the game with a 10-3 run to secure a 108-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Doncic and Irving combined for 63 points, improving Dallas to 15-8 this season when the duo scored 60+ points together.
In a tightly contested game where neither team held a double-digit lead, the Mavs and Wolves traded significant runs in the final period, with Dallas having the final answer. Minnesota outshot Dallas from beyond the arc, making 18 three-pointers to the Mavs’ six, giving them a 54-18 edge in points off threes. However, Dallas dominated the paint with a 62-38 advantage and shot an impressive 94.1% (16-17) from the free-throw line compared to Minnesota’s 61.1% (11-18).
Dallas became the fifth team in playoff history to win a game despite making at least 12 fewer threes than their opponent. The last team to achieve this was the Lakers, who defeated Golden State in last year’s second round despite a 15-three deficit.
Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels led his team with 24 points, hitting a career-high six threes. Anthony Edwards contributed 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, making five threes, while big men Naz Reid and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for five more.
Doncic, who scored 19 of his 33 points in the second half, including 15 in the fourth quarter, led the Mavs’ rally. Two years after exiting the West Finals against the Warriors, Doncic and Irving are now spearheading Dallas to a 1-0 lead in the series. The duo became the sixth pair of teammates to each score 30+ points in their first Conference Finals game together, the first since Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday in 2021 for Milwaukee.
Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals tips off on Friday at 8:30 ET on TNT.
With its sleek silhouette and innovative features, the ANTA KAI 1 delivers both comfort and performance for athletes and sneakerheads alike. The “Mother’s Day” colorway pays homage to the special occasion with its vibrant and celebratory design. The use of yellow, red, and blue hues evokes feelings of joy and excitement, making it the perfect tribute to mothers everywhere. Whether you’re hitting the court or stepping out in style, the ANTA KAI 1 in the “Mother’s Day” colorway offers a fresh and stylish option for any sneaker rotation. Stay tuned for the release date, as this highly anticipated drop is sure to be a hit among sneaker enthusiasts.
The sneakers feature a yellow rubber sole and a white midsole. Also. the uppers of this sneaker are comprised of white material, with colorful designs throughout. Further, vibrant red, blue, and yellow details are located on the sides and toebox. Also, a white strap covers the laces to lock your feet in. Finally, Kyrie’s branding is on the tongues.
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Sneaker News reports that the ANTA KAI 1 “Mother’s Day” will be released sometime in May, potentially on Mother’s Day (May 12th). 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.
Image via shuanghuoweiyanImage via shuanghuoweiyan
From its responsive cushioning to its durable outsole, every aspect of this sneaker is designed to help players like Kyrie dominate on the court. As Kyrie continues to leave his mark on the NBA with the Mavericks, the “Playoffs Navy” colorway pays homage to his team’s iconic colors while adding a touch of individuality to the design. So lace up a pair of ANTA KAI 1s and experience the power of Kyrie’s signature style. With its bold design and top-notch performance, this sneaker is sure to elevate your game to new heights.
The sneakers feature a white rubber sole and a midsole that features white, blue, and a gold strip. Also, the uppers of the sneakers are made of a navy mesh, with multi-colored overlays featuring different shades of blue along with pink and green. Further, these details make for a very colorful look. A strap covers the laces and has green writing. Finally, Kyrie’s logo is located in gold on the tongues.
Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that Kyrie Irving’s ANTA KAI 1 “Playoffs Navy” will be released on April 19th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $125 when they are 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.
