Track star Noah Lyles has fired back at Drake for joining in on the criticism of his comments on the NBA Finals not being comparable to world championships in other sports. Drake was one of many voices to disagree with the opinion publically, following numerous NBA players. Lyles addressed the rapper during a new interview with TMZ.
“I do think that the point was lost,” Lyles admitted while discussing his original comments, which he says he still stands by. “At the end of the day, it was talking about how I see what we do to our national championships — I just want the same thing for our world champions. And we’re a sport where we’re bringing in the most medals every year, and it’s like nobody even knows because they don’t pay attention.” When TMZ brought up Drake’s response, he remarked, “Just go home, buddy. Go home.”
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 26: Noah Lyles of Team United States reacts after winning the Men’s 4x100m Relay Final during day eight of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 26, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
As for Lyles’ controversial take, he argued at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest: “You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have ‘world champion’ on their head. World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong, I love the US at times. But that ain’t the world … There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”
Noah Lyles On “World Champions” Stance
When DJ Akademiks shared the remarks on Instagram, Drake commented: “He thought this speech was gonna be so hard in the mirror the night before… now the whole league doesn’t rate u.” Kevin Durant, Aaron Gordon, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, and many other NBA players spoke up to disagree with Lyles as well. They argued that the NBA brings in the best of the best from the entire world and thus counts as the same.
The Denver Nuggets made history last Monday night (June 12), conquering the Miami Heat in five games to claim the coveted NBA Championship. The riveting Game 5 averaged an impressive 11.64 million viewers, according to the NBA. Only the elite ascend to the NBA Finals, a mecca where spellbinding moments of honor and agony, have been immortalized. Michael Jordan’s nonchalant shrug, Magic Johnson’s five-position game, Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue. And who could forget Ray Allen’s heroic three-pointer at the buzzer or Willis Reed hobbling onto the court despite injury? A remarkable tapestry that speaks to the heights of human achievement. In pursuit of the greatest NBA Finals of all time, we seek not only an exemplary collective performance, but also individual standouts: dazzling one-on-one duels, scintillating breakout performances, and defining moments that resonate with lasting significance.
7. Chicago Bulls Vs. Phoenix Suns (1993)
Basketball: NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan (23) in action vs Phoenix Suns at United Center. Game 4.
Chicago, IL 6/16/1993
CREDIT: Manny Millan (Photo by Manny Millan /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X44517 )
Riding on the back of an MVP season, Charles Barkley and his Phoenix Suns surged through the Western Conference. Yet, when they faced off against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls at home, Games 1 and 2 proved to be overwhelming defeats. While they took a hard-fought Game 3 in overtime at the United Center, Jordan retaliated with a monumental 55-point outing in Game 4. Averaging an astounding 41 points for the entire series, it was clear who the true MVP was. Finally, John Paxson’s iconic game-winning jump shot in Game 6 clinched the championship for Jordan and the Bulls, marking their first three-peat and solidifying MJ as basketball royalty.
6. Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1980)
Basketball: NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson (32) in action, shot vs Philadelphia 76ers Julius Erving (6). Game 4. Philadelphia, PA 5/11/1980 CREDIT: Manny Millan (Photo by Manny Millan /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X24508 )
The 1980 NBA Finals saw a battle between the experienced and the youth, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 33.4 averages indicative of his veteran finesse. Then, it was Magic Johnson’s turn; the rookie filled in for an injured Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 and delivered a masterful performance, commanding all five positions to accumulate 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in a game-winning 123-107 victory. It was a coming-out party for Magic; he announced himself as a star of the future, guiding the Lakers to decades of success. Meanwhile, classic footage of Dr. J’s now famous baseline reverse layup happened during Game 4.
Lebron James of the Miami Heat go head-to-head during Game 6 during the 2013 Finals. ” class=”wp-image-689220″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-300×213.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-768×546.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />MIAMI, FL – JUNE 06: Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat in the first quarter during Game One of the 2013 NBA Finals at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 6, 2013 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Spurs surged ahead 3-2 in the series after a decisive win in Game 5. Led by Tony Parker, they built a 13-point advantage late in the third quarter of Game 6. Then Lebron James took over, masterfully rallying Miami to snatch the lead with 6:03 left. Undeterred, Parker retaliated with five swift points, securing a 93-89 lead for San Antonio with 40 seconds left. Manu Ginobili ensured victory by sinking a crucial free throw with 28 seconds remaining. Celebrations edged closer as San Antonio prepared to clinch until James’ miraculous 3-pointer kept Miami alive. With 22.9 seconds on the clock, Kawhi Leonard made it a two-possession game, yet still, James stayed undaunted, finding Chris Bosh for one of the most legendary shots in NBA history. Crowned champions in overtime, Miami solidified its legacy behind James’ memorable 32-point performance in Game 7.
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan sticks out his tongue as he goes past Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz 04 June during game two of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. AFP PHOTO/Vincent LAFORET (Photo credit should read VINCENT LAFORET/AFP via Getty Images)
MJ’s greatness was indisputable, as seen in his famed Flu Game. Everyone still remembers his heroic 38-point performance in Utah—a crucial three to tie the game sealed the Bulls’ 3-2 series lead. Yet, other narratives captivated viewers. Karl Malone took MVP honors with 27.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 steals, despite MJ averaging 29.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals on a 69-13 Bulls team. Undeterred, Jordan drove forward to snatch the Larry O’Brien trophy from the Jazz’s grasp.
UNITED STATES – JUNE 14: Basketball: finals, Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas (11) in action, taking layup vs Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit, MI 6/14/1988 (Photo by Richard Mackson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X36723 TK7)
The Showtime Lakers and Bad Boy Pistons clashed in a thrilling exhibition of contrasting basketball ideologies. Magic Johnson of LA outweighed Isiah Thomas of Detroit, making for an enthralling match-up. After Pat Riley promised a repeat of the championship parade in Los Angeles, the defending champions had a target on their back for the whole season.
The first five games were split between Detroit and Los Angeles with no game being decided by single-digits. Pontiac Silverdome was bid farewell as Detroit defeated the Lakers 104-94 to take a 3-2 series lead. However, in Game 6, Isiah Thomas suffered a rolled right ankle yet still scored 11 of Detroit’s last 15 points, pushing them to an 81-79 lead. Ultimately, a neck-to-neck finish saw the Lakers win 103-102, extending the series. James Worthy dominated Game 7, delivering a 36-16-10 line to lead the Lakers to back-to-back championships. Thus, earning him the moniker of Big Game James.
Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Larry Bird (33) in action, layup vs Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson (32). Game 1.
Boston, MA 5/27/1984
CREDIT: Carl Skalak (Photo by Carl Skalak /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X30077 TK1 R5 )
Bird and Johnson, two icons, had yet to face off in the Finals for the first four years of their careers. That changed in 1984, however, with a series that lasted seven games and featured an unforgettable clothesline from Kevin McHale on Kurt Ramis. On every level, this matchup lived up to the hype—Bird averaged 27.4 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for the Celtics, ultimately taking home MVP honors as his team emerged triumphant in Game 7. Johnson’s averages weren’t far behind at 18.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 13.6 assists. It was an epic battle that kick-started a golden era of NBA basketball, propelling the league into mainstream stardom on the backs of Bird’s and Johnson’s fierce rivalry.
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers posts up against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Down 3-1, LeBron James’ mission was clear: to deliver a championship to Cleveland. It was a feat he had been determined to achieve ever since joining the Cavaliers in 2003. Yet, achieving this goal seemed impossible when pitted against the Warriors’ historic 73-9 record. But LeBron and Kyrie Irving were unstoppable together, culminating in an epic Game 7 victory. In one legendary series, LeBron earned his place as the greatest player of all time.
A woman has accused MMA fighter Conor McGregor of raping her at Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 9. The allegations were laid out in a letter from attorney Ariel Mitchell to McGregor, the NBA, and the Miami Heat. According to the letter, McGregor “violently” sexually assaulted Mitchell’s client in a bathroom at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Furthermore, the letter accuses security guards of separating the alleged victim from her friend and forcing her into a men’s bathroom. McGregor and his own security were reportedly already inside. The MMA fighter then proceeded to “violently kiss” the woman before forcing her to perform oral sex on him, Mitchell alleges. As the letter continues, McGregor allegedly attempted to sodomize the woman. Despite this, she was reportedly able to escape after elbowing the Irish fighter repeatedly. However, she reportedly left her purse behind and had to plead for McGregor’s team to return it to her.
McGregor’s Alleged Victim Seeks Settlement
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JUNE 09: Conor McGregor is seen on the court during a timeout in Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on June 09, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The woman reported the assault on the morning of June 11. She was reportedly encouraged to retain an attorney by a police officer whom she spoke to at the time. In Mitchell’s letter, which was sent earlier this week, the attorney lays out her client’s preferred method of restitution. According to Mitchell, her client is seeking a settlement as opposed to litigation. The letter reportedly did not specify the amount of damages being sought.
McGregor had a fairly prominent role in Game 4 of the Finals. As well as attending the game, he was scheduled to do an advertisement for a brand of pain relief spray. However, his involvement will be remembered for hospitalizing the man playing the Heat’s mascot during the promotional skit. In regard to the rape allegations, McGregor denies any wrongdoing. “The allegations are false,” a representative for McGregor said on June 15, “Mr. McGregor will not be intimidated.” This is a developing story and any updates can be found here on HotNewHipHop.
A co-sign from Drake raises the profile of any rising musician. On the other hand, sports fans tremble when the “Search & Rescue” rapper pours his support behind their favorite teams. However, Drake’s NBA Finals bet win netted the rapper nearly a million dollars as the Denver Nuggets sidestepped the “Drake Curse.”
Yesterday, the team pulled out the Game 5 victory over the Miami Heat with the final score of 94 to 89. The musician took to Instagram to share his bets on the game. He shared two that he placed, both on June 1.
The first bet was that the series would be wrapped up in five games, with the Nuggets winning four games to Miami’s one. That bet cost $250K and would net a total return of $850K. Secondly, he bet $1 million on the Nuggets to win outright. The payout for this bet brought in $1.23 million. So, overall, Drake walked away $830K richer.
The championship is the first ever for the Nuggets, which started as an ABA team back in 1967. So, the win was a huge moment for Denver, but it seemed like star center Nikola Jokic was pretty quickly ready to move on: When he was informed that the team’s championship parade was still a few days away, he seemed genuinely bummed, saying, “No, I have to go home.”
Skip Bayless is someone who has consistently been known as a hater. Although he has been on TV for a very long time, he has never laid off his hating ways. Overall, this is something that has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. However, he has yet to actually change up. If you watch Bayless, you know his main target has always been LeBron James. He refuses to truly acknowledge LeBron’s greatness, even if it makes him look like a complete idiot.
That said, Skip Bayless was pretty critical of LeBron for getting swept by the Denver Nuggets. To be fair, the Nuggets were a fantastic team. They made it to the NBA Finals and ultimately beat the Miami Heat in five games. Overall, this is a series that could have very easily been a sweep. That said, with the Nuggets winning it all last night, Bayless took the opportunity to take some shots at LeBron James.
REMEMBER: LeBron had four late chances to beat the Nuggets. And in those 4th quarters, he shot 7 of 23 and 1 of 10 from 3 – and failed to hit the rim with two late shots in Game 4. LeBron’s Lakers got swept.
“REMEMBER: LeBron had four late chances to beat the Nuggets,” Skip Bayless began. “And in those 4th quarters, he shot 7 of 23 and 1 of 10 from 3 – and failed to hit the rim with two late shots in Game 4. LeBron’s Lakers got swept. The Lakers obviously would’ve beaten the Heat.” Skip loves to do this thing where he sets the expectation high but claims that this is exactly what should happen. That way, when LeBron doesn’t meet expectations, he can make fun of him for it. It’s a pretty obvious tactic, and he continues to do it.
However, Skip Bayless and his show Undisputed are about to undergo some big changes. Shannon Sharpe is officially leaving the show, although it remains to be seen when that will happen. Now that the NBA Finals are over, it could be as soon as the end of the week, or maybe even today. Let us know who you think should be his next co-host, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA title on Monday night. Overall, they had a truly incredible season. They were the best team in the Western Conference, and in the playoffs, they continued to be great. Heading into the Finals, they had only lost three times. Moreover, they lost once to the Miami Heat en route to a five-game gentleman’s sweep. Jokic was absolutely legendary during the series, and his heroics down the stretch propelled the Nuggets to their win.
However, if you paid attention to the celebration after the game, it became clear that Nikola Jokic didn’t care all that much. When presented with the Finals MVP trophy, he picked it up and immediately passed it off to head coach Michael Malone. Additionally, when asked about the parade on Thursday, Jokic said that he wasn’t excited as he just wanted to go home. As it turns out, his horses are racing on this weekend, and he wants to be home in time to see all of it take place.
Nikola Jokic is a fun and eccentric guy who the NBA certainly needs. He doesn’t appear to have time for the extra pleasantries, and it can be quite humorous. Although some see it as disrespectful, that isn’t on purpose. Jokic just has that personality naturally and a lot of NBA fans are having fun with it. As for his teammates, they could not be more excited. Jamal Murray has gone through a lot to get to where he is now, and his emotions certainly reflected that on Monday night.
For the city of Denver, this is just an incredible time. The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup last year, and now, they have an NBA champion. Now, the Broncos and the Rockies need to start winning. Either way, this is a title that will be remembered for a very long time. Only time will tell whether or not this Nuggets team can become a proper dynasty.
This year’s NBA Finals, as chaotic as they surely were for many fans, brought the league a lot of standout moments and great displays of basketball. Of the entire season, though, few will stack up to a 47-year franchise reaching (and winning) their first title in history. The Denver Nuggets, composed of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and many other great players, just beat the Miami Heat in the fifth game of their series in their home of Colorado. Undeniably, it was quite the nail-biting affair as both teams fought hard in what ended up being just a five-point difference. It’s always bittersweet to see the season come to a close, but it’s also amazing to see such milestones for such hard-working teams.
Of course, the series wouldn’t have been complete without the amazing skills of The Joker. Jokić won the Bill Russell Finals Most Valuable Player trophy. It’s also the first award that was given to a Finals MVP after Russell’s passing, and as league commissioner Adam Silver said, it’s fitting that it was to a center. In addition, plenty of flowers showered upon Jamal Murray, who just two years prior was barely able to walk.
On the other hand, the Miami Heat proved as the 2023 Eastern Champions that they wouldn’t go down without a fight. Jimmy Butler nabbed some incredible clutch threes throughout the game and it was overall a hard-fought battle. Both teams showed each other a lot of respect throughout the series, as misleading as the final 4-1 series may seem. Considering that they were an eighth seed in the post-season, their run all the way to the Finals was truly remarkable as well. Most importantly for fans, it was an overall great display of the game, and certainly an emotive moment for the Denver Nuggets.
Now that they nabbed their first Finals trophy in franchise history, it will be interesting to see how the next season plays out. Amid rumors that LeBron James is considering retirement and other massive shifts in the association, the guesses and predictions will flood in quick. For now, though, it would be a special moment to see any team win after a fantastic game, so congratulations are due to the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. For the latest updates and news on the NBA, log back into HNHH.
So far, Tyler Herro has missed a ton of time throughout the NBA Playoffs. Overall, this is due to the fact that the middle finger and ring finger on his shooting hand had been broken. However, despite this injury, the Heat were still able to make their way to the NBA Finals. It has been a truly impressive run. Although, they find themselves down 3-1 to the Denver Nuggets, and it is looking very likely that they will lose it all. That said, some fans are still hoping for a miracle, all while Herro has continued to heal.
Prior to every single game, Tyler Herro has been listed as doubtful to play. Regardless, he has been participating in more warm-ups, which has led to quite a bit of optimism. For the most part, Miami Heat fans had become accustomed to the idea that he would never become available. Now, however, prayers have reportedly been answered. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Herro was upgraded to questionable. Moreover, Herro has made it clear that he has every intention of playing tonight.
Tyler Herro Is Ready
Miami’s Tyler Herro — who was upgraded to questionable — is expected to suit up for Game 5 and attempt a return tonight, sources tell ESPN.
This game in Denver is going to be a win-or-go-home scenario. Consequently, we don’t foresee Tyler Herro starting this game. Instead, he will probably end up coming off the bench in a limited role. Either way, this is great news for the Heat, and could be the boost they need to force a Game 6 on home soil. However, the Denver Nuggets are a phenomenal team, and there is no guarantee that this is going to work out. If you are a Heat fan, however, you can’t help but at least be a bit hopeful right now.
The Heat were shooting the ball incredibly well throughout the postseason. However, in the NBA Finals, they have reverted back to their play in the regular season. Ultimately, some fans saw this coming. Those who didn’t, are now experiencing a ton of disappointment. Let us know if you think this will change the outcome of the series, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.
Shannon Sharpe will be leaving Undisputed very shortly after the NBA Finals are over. However, he still has to come into work and sit across from Skip Bayless for the time being. Sure, these two may not like each other anymore, but commitments are commitments. In the final days of the show, some have argued that both look pretty tired and checked out. Overall, it is clear that this has all weight quite heavily on both of them. It is unfortunate, but that is just how it goes sometimes.
Moving forward, the NBA Finals are still going down, although they could very well end tonight. The Denver Nuggets are up 3-1 on the Miami Heat. Consequently, the Nuggets could win the NBA title tonight in their home arena. It would be a truly massive victory, and the fans want to see it come to fruition. On Undisputed this morning, Skip and Shannon spoke about that possibility. As you can see in the clips down below, Sharpe is quite positive that this series is going to be over by tonight.
“You have to come to the realization that the team that’s winning is the better team. The Heat have overachieved and have reverted back to what they were in the regular season.”
“You have to come to the realization that the team that’s winning is the better team. The Heat have overachieved and have reverted back to what they were in the regular season,” Sharpe explained. “It’s over. The only thing left to give in church is the benediction.” At this juncture, Shannon Sharpe does not have any faith in the Miami Heat. Ultimately, they have not been good in the NBA Finals. Game two saw them steal one, however, that was more on the Nuggets who gave up a big lead.
If the Nuggets do win this game, it will be huge for the legacy of Nikola Jokic. He could very well go down as one of the best centers to ever do it. Let us know what you think of Sharpe’s comments, down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.
Kevin Love, forward of the Miami HEAT, has a reason to celebrate despite his team being down 3-1 in the NBA Finals. Love is welcoming a new baby.
Kevin Love missed the team flight to Denver for Game 5 as he stayed with his wife, Kate Bock, as they became parents. ESPN notes Love later joined the team for a film session and more on Sunday. Love plans to play in Game 5.
“Definitely need to get some rest now, get some sleep,” Love said. “Everybody’s happy and healthy.”
Lebron James of the Miami Heat go head-to-head during Game 6 during the 2013 Finals. ” class=”wp-image-689220″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-300×213.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-170061203-768×546.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />
