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NBA Announces MVP Finalists: Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

April 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The NBA has announced its finalists for the 2024 NBA MVP. The Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic, the Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic, and the OKC Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the finalists. The three players have been the front-runners for most of the season. It’s been an intense three-horse race, with each finalist having a convincing resume that voters will have to weigh. The Michael Jordan MVP award would be a historic landmark for each player.

Nikola Jokic is the hands-down favorite to take home the MVP award. If he wins, that will give him three MVPs and put him in rarified air. The Nuggets are the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and Jokic put up his usually ridiculous numbers to lead his team. Luka Doncic led the Mavs to the 5th seed and put up historic offensive numbers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the young Thunder to the 1-seed, putting up MVP-like numbers on an unlikely juggernaut. It is a tight race, and arguments can be made for each player as they all deserve it.

Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous Alexander Face MVP Showdown

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Nikola Jokic is the clear favorite, with Gilgeous Alexander in a close second. Jokic has been dominant, and the Nuggets are the defending champions. A third MVP for Jokic would solidify him as an all-time great already. Shai has the second most convincing case. He is the best player on the best team record-wise in the West. He hasn’t one and is a media darling who led a surprising team to a place they haven’t been in a long time. Luka Doncic is the third choice. The Mavs are only the 5th seed despite Luka’s historic season.

The Denver Nuggets have a commanding 2-0 lead over the Lakers, and they are gearing up to repeat as NBA champions. Oklahoma City won a very close game to the Pelicans and face off for game two tonight. The Dallas Mavs tied up their series against the Clippers last night. MVP is a regular season award, so whatever happens in the playoffs doesn’t matter. Overall, the MVP race has been entertaining, and the winner will certainly be deserving.

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NBA News: League Confirms Refs Made Multiple Mistakes In Game 2 Of Knicks-Sixers

April 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philidelphia 76ers has been a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for the Sixers fans. Game two was a nail-biter, featuring one of the most intense and dramatic endings to an NBA playoff game in recent memory. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, staged a miraculous comeback, much to the dismay of the Sixers. The Sixers felt the officials played a crucial part in their defeat. The Knicks emerged victorious with a score of 104-101, setting Madison Square Garden ablaze. 76ers superstar Joel Embiid’s frustration was palpable as he openly criticized the officials post-game.

The 76ers looked like they were going to be able to close out the game against the Knicks easily. The sequence that has caused the Sixers to file an official grievance with the league started with a Brunson 3-pointer. Now up by 3 points, the Sixers have their inbound pass tipped, leading to a Tyrese Maxey turnover, which leads to a missed 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo. Divacenzo misses the three, but the Knicks get the rebound, and the Sharpshooter gets another look and drains it. The Knicks went on to win the game, but controversy surrounds the dramatic victory.

Did NBA Officials Cost Sixers Game 2?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The NBA’s Last two-minute report has validated Joel Embiid and the Sixers’ complaints, shedding light on the crucial referee mistakes that influenced the game’s outcome. The report confirms that officials overlooked an attempt by 76ers coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout. This oversight allowed the sequence at the end of the game to unfold, altering the course of the game. There was also a missed foul call with 27 seconds remaining. Brunson tugged tug Tyrese Maxey’s jersey on the inbound, a move that led to the Knicks gaining possession and, ultimately, the lead. Maxey was also fouled three seconds later by Josh Hart, just before the Sixers guard lost the ball.

There were officially missed calls at the end of the Sixer’s loss, but they still had opportunities to close out the game. If the Sixers had been able to get the rebound on the first DiVacenzo three-pointer, the game would have been over. Also, before Maxey was fouled, fans pointed out that he had committed an offensive foul. Maxey pushed off of Jalen Brunson before the sequence. The Sixers had their chance. Missed calls happen, but you have to play through them. You can’t expect the refs to bail you out of a jam. Just get the rebound, and the series is tied.

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Victor Wembanyama Is Up For Two NBA Awards After Sensational Rookie Season

April 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Victor Wembanyama had an incredible rookie season. The French Phenom had massive expectations after he was selected no. 1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Despite those expectations, Wemby showed that he really is the next big thing in the NBA. His combination of size and skill has never been seen before. Imagine if Kevin Durant was 6 inches taller and also protected the rim like Rudy Gobert. That is what Wembanyama has shown in his rookie season. The Spurs were terrible once again, but they might have the brightest future in the league solely because of Big Vic.

Now it’s awards season in the NBA. As the playoffs continue to roll on, the NBA is preparing to give out its major awards to players and coaches. The finalists for the awards are now set, and Victor Wembanyama will be up for two of them. Wemby is a finalist for Rookie of the Year along with OKC’s Chet Holmgren and Charlottes Brandon Miller. Additionally, Big Vic is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist alongside his countryman Rudy Gobert for Minnesota and Miami’s bam Adebayo.

Victor Wembanyama Is Up For ROTY and DPOY

SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 14: Victor Wembanyama (not in uniform) and David Duke Jr. #7 of the San Antonio Spurs cheer after a dunk against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Frost Bank Center on April 14, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Victor Wembanyama is almost guaranteed to win Rookie of the Year. Chet Holmgren had an impressive rookie season, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder reach the No. 1 seed in the West. Brandon Miller had good stretches for a bad Charlotte Hornets team. Wemby eclipsed every rookie. The ROTY race shouldn’t be close. Wemby definitely deserves a DPOY shout. He would probably win the award if the Spurs had a better record. His defensive stats were better than Gobert and Adebayo. The fact that he is up for Defensive Player of the Year after his rookie season should tell you everything you need to know about Wemby.

With a 22-60 record, the San Antonio Spurs are likely to secure an early pick in the 2024 NBA draft. It’s crucial for the team to build around Wembanyama, who has already established himself as one of the league’s top players. The Spurs can’t afford to squander his talent while he’s on his rookie contract. Anticipate the Team to make strategic moves this summer, aiming to bolster their roster for a playoff push in the upcoming season.

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Nikola Jokic’s Brother Allegedly Throws Punch At Fan After Game 2 Against The Lakers

April 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers played one of the most entertaining games in the playoffs so far. Nikola Jokic led his team to a 101-99 victory over Lebron James and the Lakers. The game was full of great moments and spectacular play from the stars involved. Apparently, the action in the stands turned violent when one of Jokic’s brothers punched a fan. Shortly after the incredible game-winning shot by Jamal Murray, Jokic’s brother was filmed punching a fan in the stands.

The clip shows Jokic’s older brother, Strahinja, in an altercation with a fan. It’s a terrible incident to have, especially after your brother just won an important game. Jokic’s older brothers are massive guys who are known to get into altercations with anyone and everybody. They have confronted referees, fans, and even opposing players in the past to defend their little brother. It’s unacceptable behavior from someone who is related to a two-time MVP, especially in the playoffs. The NBA is reportedly looking into the incident.

Nikola Jokic’s Brother Punches Fan

The video shows Strahinja jumping over seats to punch a fan. He pushed his way through a crowd of fans to confront the man. Strahinja was clearly eager to get close, and as soon as he did, he punched him in the face. The fan and Jokic Brother continued to bark at one another for some time after the incident. Nikola’s wife was seated by Strahinja and close to the incident the entire time, holding the two-time MVP’s young daughter. At this point, we don’t know what started the incident, but the Jokic brothers are known to defend their families even if they are in the wrong.

The Nuggets now lead the Lakers 2-0 and will head to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday. Nikola Jokic dropped an impressive triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. His partner in crime, Jamal Murray, scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter. Murray nailed a dagger at the buzzer to devastate the Lakers. The incident with Jokic’s brother will hopefully not be a distraction for the defending champion.

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LeBron James Livid With Officiating Following Game 2 Loss

April 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

LeBron James is not happy after losing game 2 of their first-round matchup to the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers lost 101-99 on Monday night due to an incredible Jamal Murray game-winner. The Lakers gave up a 20-point lead in the second half and lost a must-win game against the defending champions. It was a big opportunity for the Lakers to show they can hang with the Nuggets, but alas, the champs extended their ridiculous winning streak against the Lakers. LeBron had a great game. He made play after play on both ends. Ultimately, the effort was in vain.

The Lakers have lost 10 straight games to the Nuggets, and the latest loss probably hurt the worst. To have the game in control and to give up that control is a blow for any team. Additionally, the Lakers still had chances to win the game despite blowing their 20-point lead. LwBron’s late 3-point miss led directly to Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot. In his postgame press conference, LeBron expressed his frustrations with the officiating and missed calls.

LeBron Frustrated By Officials After Loss To Nuggets

LeBron is pissed

“I don’t understand what’s going on in the replay center, to be honest… What the fuck do we have a replay center… Makes no sense to me. It bothers me.” pic.twitter.com/ONLZZq4BjH

— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) April 23, 2024

LeBron brought up some questionable decision-making from the referees. The play LeBron is stuck on happened late in the third quarter. Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell drove to the basket and was clearly hit in the face by Denvers Michael Porter Jr. A foul was called, but Denver decided to challenge the call and miraculously won the challenge. It was during an important part of the game when Denver cut the Laker’s lead to 10 points. It was a bad call on the ref’s part, and LeBron has a right to be upset at the reveal. Nevertheless, The Lakers had their opportunities down the stretch, and the game just didn’t go their way.

The Lakers are not in a good position. The Denver Nuggets just seem to have their number. Even when the Lakers stars have incredible games, it just doesn’t seem to matter. Nikola Jokic is an increasingly frustrating force the Lakers have to deal with. he controls the game even when he isn’t scoring. Denver’s role players stepped up big time. Additionally, after a woeful shooting performance for most of the game, Jamal Murray dropped 14 points in the fourth to go along with his game-winner. The Lakers are in a must-win situation and look to make it a series in LA.

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JJ Redick To Interview For Charlotte Hornets Head Coaching Position

April 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Retired NBA player, current NBA analyst, and podcaster JJ Redick is being looked at for a head coaching opportunity. The Charlotte Hornets are set to interview Redick for their vacant head coaching position. Steve Clifford stepped down as the Hornets coach, moving to a front-office position with the franchise. The Hornets are reportedly very interested in JJ Redick, and the interest might be mutual. Franchises have looked at JJ before as a potential coach, but this might be the gig that gets him on the sideline.

Redick was an incredible sharpshooter and role player. He was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2006 after starring at Duke University. The sharpshooter played 6-seasons with the Magic. Additionally, he spent 4-seasons on the Los Angeles Clippers, playing with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul during the Lob City era. Finally, after a stint on the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans, Redick retired from Basketball. He became an NBA analyst, becoming an extremely popular voice in the NBA media from appearances on ESPN. He recently started a basketball podcast with Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James.

JJ Redick Getting Head Coaching Interest

The Charlotte Hornets are interviewing JJ Redick for their head coaching job, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 15-year NBA veteran and former Duke star has shown an interest in making a coaching jump in recent years.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 22, 2024

JJ Redick was a 15-year NBA vet and is an extremely smart basketball mind. He doesn’t have any coaching experience at the professional level. Additionally, the move to NBA coaching would be a risk for both Redick and the franchise. Former players usually have to serve under established head coaches as assistants and get their opportunities that way. JJ would be jumping straight to the head position without any of the groundwork. Nevertheless, The Charlotte Hornets may be looking for a younger coach who’s experienced with today’s players to turn around their young roster. JJ might be that guy.

This season, the Hornets finished 13th in the Eastern Conference. They were one of the youngest teams in the league and generally played to their age. They are led by point guard LaMelo Ball, who has dealt with injuries all season but is at showtime when he is on the court. Additionally, the Hornets also drafted a promising rookie, Brandon Miller, who looks like he has star potential. It isn’t a dire situation, but it is one that needs a lot of work. Overall, The Hornets are interested in JJ Redick. Is he really willing to ditch his comfortable day job for the NBA coaching trenches? We will see.

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Jamal Murray Hits Game Winner And Breaks The Lakers Spirits In Game 2

April 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jamal Muray’s ridiculous game-winner capped off last night’s matchup between the Lakers and the Nuggets. In what was the best game of the playoffs so far, the Nuggets have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Despite facing a 20-point deficit in the second half, Denver kept chipping away at the Lakers. Eventually, they were back in the game despite heroics from Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The final minute of the game was a back-and-forth display, but after a missed LeBron James 3-pointer, the Nuggets had the ball for the last possession, tied at 99. Despite a poor evening shooting the ball, Jamal Murray took and made the biggest shot of the game, winning the Nuggets the game101-99.

The game was fantastic. Anthony Davis played one of the best games of his playoff career, putting up 32 points and causing Nikola Jokic Problems on the defense. LeBron had a spectacular all-around game, making big plays on both sides of the court. Although the Lakers superstars played like superstars, the Nuggets were able to adjust and walk down LA. The defending champs made erasing that 20-point deficit seem easy.

Jamal Murray Hits Game-Winner Over Anthony Davis

Jamal Murray did not have a great shooting performance. The Nuggets point guard missed a ton of open looks, especially early on. Murray scored 20 points, shooting 9-24 from the field, but started to heat up in the second half. Murray elevated his game in crunch time and scored 14 of his 20 in the fourth. MVP Nikola Jokic looked for Murrary throughout the game even though he was struggling, and he continued to try to find his dance partner during crunch time. In the closing seconds, Murray gets the switch on Anthony Davis and hits a clutch mid-range shot over good defense as time expired.

The Lakers are in a bad position. They are down 2-0 to a team they have now lost ten straight games to. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been great, but they just haven’t been enough. The Lakers had their chance with a 20-point lead in the second half, but decision-making and poor defensive strategy allowed Denver to chip away. The series could easily be tied going back to LA. LeBron and the Lakers will have a tough time reversing this series, especially if Murray and Jokic really start cooking.

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Colin Cowherd Proclaims Kevin Durant Is Becoming Irrelevant

April 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Colin Cowherd has some bold takes about Kevin Durant after game 1 of Suns vs. Timberwolves. Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns lost their game-one matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves 95 to 120. Anthony Edwards led the Wolves to their blowout win, scoring 33 points and grabbing 9 boards in a statement win. The young star made sure to let Kevin Durant know he had his way. KD just smiled and continued to hoop, obviously respecting Edwards’ smack talk. It’s game one of the playoffs, and you should never get carried away after game one of a seven-game series. Things can change pretty fast in the NBA playoffs.

On The Herd, Colin Cowherd had some hot takes about Kevin Durant after the Suns lost. Cowherd was not impressed by the performance and took shots at Durant. Cowherd believes Durant is in danger of becoming irrelevant because other players are eclipsing his accomplishments. The two-time champion is yet again in the midst of more discourse about his career. After just game one, what are the takes going to look like after game two?

Colin Cowherd Rips KD After Game 1

After watching two hours of Durant and the Suns get rolled, Cowherd is examining KD’s whole career. The sports talking head says he saw no fight or toughness from the Suns, and it all comes down to Durant. He goes on to list all the players that have eclipsed Kevin Durant, who he says a few years ago people argued was better than LeBron. Cowherd goes on to circle back to the subject everyone circles back to when discussing Durant: The Golden State Warriors. Cowherd criticized his decision-making, implying he really cared about winning. KD did leave a pretty perfect on-court situation in Golden State. He probably would have another ring if he stayed.

Since Golden State, Kevin Durant hasn’t been past the second round of the playoffs. His stop in Brooklyn ended unceremoniously. His Suns tenure has been erratic, and they haven’t lived up to expectations. The narrative could change if the Suns end up winning their series against the Timberwolves, which is very possible. The Suns face off against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

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Paul Pierce Gives His Two Cents On The Drake & Kendrick Lamar Rap Beef

April 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Paul Pierce has decided to weigh in on the hottest topic in hip hop. Pierce recently shared his opinion on the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud that has taken the internet by storm. Pirce shared videos of himself listening to “Taylor Made Freestyle, “the latest diss from Drake. The diss track uses AI to use the voice of the late great West Coast icons Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. Paul Pirce is from Los Angeles, hailing from Inglewood, so he is West Coast through and through. That didn’t stop him from vibing to Drake’s new diss.

Pierce took in the bars from Drizzy and sounded the alarm for Kendrick Lamar. The beef between the two rap juggernauts doesn’t look like it’s going to stop any time soon. “Taylor Made Freestyle” is Drake’s second diss launched at Kendrick Lamar following his first response, “Push Ups.” The world is anticipating a response from Lamar, who is bidding his time. Fans like Pierce are getting a little frustrated waiting for a response, as evidenced by his Instagram post.

Paul Pierce Urges Kendrick Lamar To Respond

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NBA Players Vote On Who Is The GOAT: LeBron James Or Michael Jordan?

April 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The GOAT debate is alive and well. Fans constantly go back and forth on who the greatest basketball player of all time is. The two names that have been battling it out for GOAT status for years now are, of course, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. LeBron’s career has been one of trying to eclipse the greatness of Michael Jorda. Additionally, LeBron is still playing and adding to his resume. Some believe that no matter what LeBron does with the time he has left, he can’t match Jordan’s accomplishments. In any case, they are the two names brought up in the debate, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar usually coming in third.

The argument stays around because it’s interesting and fans are obsessed, but it’s also fun. We know fans are generally split, but what about current NBA players? The Athletic released its annual player polls that asked players various questions. The poll asks players questions like: who is the most overrated player in the league? Who is The Finals favorite? This year, they asked who the GOAT is, and the results are very interesting.

Is LeBron James or Michael Jordan The GOAT

NBA players have voted Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player ever, with LeBron James coming in second place. The vote was very close, with MJ receiving 45.8% of the vote and LeBron receiving 42.1% of the vote. Additionally, Kobe Bryant received 9.8% of the vote. Kobe’s impact on the game can’t be understated. A lot of players like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker revere him. Steph Curry got a couple of votes from his teammates, and Magic Johnson also received some love. Fans have just looked at the Paul Peirce votes and rolled their eyes.

LeBron is still in the league, and NBA players are still competitors, but almost half of the league thinks he is the GOAT. MJ and LeBron are going to continue to be a debate for years to come. Additionally, when LeBron finally retires, all the evidence will be in, and resumes will be finalized. LeBron is currently facing off against the Denver Nuggets in the first game of their first-round playoff matchup. The Lakers lost 103-114 to the defending champions. Undoubtedly, LeBron and the Lakers have an uphill battle and look to equalize the series tonight.

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