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Stephen A. Smith Throws Shade At Kahwi Leonard Straight To His Clippers Teammate Paul George’s Face

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Paul George took Josh Hart’s place as the fifth cast member on the pregame and noticeably shortened halftime show when he joined the NBA Countdown team for Games 3 and 4. Because the Dallas Mavericks eliminated George and the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, George is available. George averaged 19.5 points while playing in all six of the series games. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard played in just two games in the series. It was the third straight postseason where Leonard missed the end of the Clippers postseason with injury. Stephen A. Smith made a point of referencing this on NBA Countdown, saying, “Nobody on the planet knows what it’s like to play without a star than Paul George.”

On set, this sparked a variety of emotions. Malika Andrews and George chuckled right away, while Bob Myers and Michael Wilbon seemed a little taken aback. George hurriedly warned, “Don’t do that,” and Bob Myers chimed in and told Goerge, “Don’t react to that.” Nevertheless, Smith must not have heard him since, half an hour later, he cracked the identical joke. The team was less accommodating at that time.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Calls Out Clippers Star Kawhi Leonard: “He’s The Worst Superstar In Sports”

Stephen A. Smith Throws Shade At Kahwi Leonard In Front Of His Clippers Teammate Paul George

Although everyone was smiling and the talk was lighthearted, Smith made a highly impolitic act that would have put George in a difficult situation with his co-star Kawhi. In addition, George may need to look for housing when he pursues a max contract extension with the Clippers this summer. Since his season-long absence in the 2017–18 NBA season, Kawhi has been among the most injury-prone superstars in the league. Leonard’s health issues on the Clippers persisted, even after he elevated load management to the top of NBA discussions by helping Kawhi lead the Toronto Raptors to an NBA Championship.

Even if George hasn’t exactly been a shining example of availability, Leonard is a player who is more prone to injuries than George. Even so, this isn’t the first time Stephen A. has disparaged Kawhi. A couple of weeks ago, Stephen A Smith called out Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. “He’s The Worst Superstar In Sports,” Smith said of Kawhi. Overall, Stephen A. has a serious bone to pick with Leonard.

Read More: Yvette Nicole Brown Is Sick Of Stephen A. Smith After Will Smith Debacle

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Yvette Nicole Brown Is Sick Of Stephen A. Smith After Will Smith Debacle

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Stephen A. Smith recently stated that he believes people are not ready to see Will Smith at the cinema because he needs to make up for the black community. It is obvious that Smith did not notice how much money Bad Boys 4 grossed at the box office. Smith spoke as an authority for the black community, which many online rolled their eyes at. Stephen A. Smith was inundated with calls and letters from people who disagreed with his viewpoint and who refused his notion that Will Smith needed to sit down with the black community and apologize. Yvette Nicole Brown is among those tired of Stephen A.s takes on the matter, and she sounded off on social media.

Smith stated that he intended his remarks to be understood by Black people who aspired to be in Hollywood. He claimed he was worried white people would caricature Black performers as a result of Will Smith’s actions. “It was a blemish on all of us.” Smith said of Smith “Because I know how much white America reveres Will Smith and the thinking along the lines in my mind was, hell if he did that, what would the rest of us do. There are certain things that happen in the lives of an individual where those incidences are used as a license to castigate the rest of us.” He walked back his statements, but Yvette Nicole brown didn’t buy his explanation.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Walks Back Will Smith Criticism Amid Massive Backlash

Yvette Nicole Brown Is Sick Of Stephen A. Smith

Yvette Nicole Brown went off on Stephen A. Smith. She said on twitter, “I am SO SICK of this dude’s idiotic, pseudo-intellectual, GARBAGE hot takes.” Yvette continued, “He does NOT speak for the Black community even when he speaks very LOUDLY. I don’t need a sit down with Will Smith. He and I are good. And I’m speaking for just me. Not anybody else.” She emphatically concluded her tirade by writing, “This is just me too: I’ve had ENOUGH of #SAS.” She is echoing many people’s feelings towards Stephen A., who has always seemed disconnected from the community he claims authority over.

Disgruntled parties sent Stephen A. a deluge of phone calls and emails. They refused to give up on their refusal to cancel Will Smith. When Stephen A. Smith saw a video of Black fans swarming Will Smith, 55, during a Bad Boys: Ride or Die showing, he became certain that the star was still adored. So I got to stand down,” Stephen A. Smith conceded. Overall, Stephen A. was pressed by a lot of people because of his out-of-touch comments about Will Smith. Overall, people like Yvette Nicole Brown have had enough of Stephen A. Smith.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Says Fans Aren’t Ready To Support Will Smith After Chris Rock Slap Despite “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Making $100 Million

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JJ Redick To Formally Interview With Lakers After Dan Hurley Rejection

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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, JJ Redick will have a formal interview to become the Los Angeles Lakers’ next coach this weekend. If he does well, the team will likely consider him as their frontrunner. A successful interview will persuade the Lakers to move to sign him as their head coach. At the Chicago draft combine last month, Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka had a more than ninety-minute meeting with ESPN NBA commentator and 15-year player Redick. According to insiders, Pelinka and business owner Jeanie Buss will be attending meetings in Los Angeles, where a thorough discussion of the position will be had.

Redick and Pelinka have spoken over the phone recently. According to insiders, Redick is aware of and accepts Pelinka’s prolonged courtship of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, which at first put a stop to Redick’s candidacy. Hurley rejected a six-year, $70 million contract offer from the Lakers on Monday, according to sources. Now, it looks like JJ Redick is back in the driver’s seat. The job he has been rumored to be his for the taking for weeks.

Read More: JJ Redick Is Reportedly The Frontrunner And Close To Becoming The Lakers’ Next Head Coach

JJ Redick To Interview With Lakers

According to sources, Redick will present his case to Pelinka, Buss, and other top decision-makers in Los Angeles during an all-day meeting. According to reports, Pelinka still desires a teaching coach and staff that will put an emphasis on the growth of young players like Max Christie, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. They also want a staff that can show innovative ways to feature Anthony Davis on both ends of the court. This is similar to what he accomplished with Hurley. LeBron James, a star player for the Lakers, and Redick co-host a basketball podcast. Overall, the two have a close friendship.

JJ Redick will continue to cover the NBA Finals with ESPN. Though they might be wrapped up by Friday night, looking at how the Mavs have been playing. That would leave Redick time to interview and go all out for the Lakers’ opening. JJ is still making his podcast with LeBron James. The biggest question fans should have is if they will continue to podcast together next season. Overall, a head coach plodding with their star player might be a recipe for disaster.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Reveals Why LeBron James And JJ Redick’s Podcast Is Destined For Failure

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Brian Windhorst Goes In On Luka Doncic With Fan-Made “Meet The Grahams” Edit

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The Dallas Mavericks have fallen into a 0-3 deficit in the NBA Finals. The Mavs rallied from a poor first half to make it a close game that could have gone either way in the end. Luka Doncic fouled out of the game with almost 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the Mavs star was irate. Luka had been complaining and berating the referees all night while playing terrible defense, and many are saying his performance and decision-making are why the Mavs ultimately lost. After the game, Brian Windhorst, who was clearly fed up with Luka’s antics during the game, went in on Mavs superstar.

Particularly to the disadvantage of his play and the Mavericks, Doncic was a terrible defender and was constantly barking at the referees. That culminated in the fourth quarter when, with just over four minutes remaining, Doncic fouled out after picking up his fifth and sixth fouls in rapid succession while guarding Jaylen Brown. In his absence, the Mavs were unable to finish the comeback and now trail 0-3, a point that no team has ever overcome in the NBA Playoffs. Following the game, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst joined Scott Van Pelt for SportsCenter and unleashed a fiery tirade on Doncic, criticizing both his poor defensive play and his incessant whining about the officials. Fans quickly edited Windhorts Doncic’s “Ether,” putting the beat to Kendrick Lamar’s “Meet The Grahams behind the rant.

Read More: Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving Dismantle The Timberwolves To Send The Mavs To The NBA Finals

Brian Windhorst’s Goes In On Luka Doncic

While it was fantastic on its own, “Meet The Grahams” takes it up a level. Brian Windhorst mixed with Kendrick Lamar is the perfect energy for the rant. There is also a “Not Like Us” version floating around that might be even better. Windhorst was clearly frustrated with not only how Luka played but how he conducted himself throughout the game. Luka has all the talent in the world, but he complains a lot to referees and is oftentimes a no-show on defense.

The Celtics are looking to close out the series on Friday and hang up banner number 18 for their storied franchise. No one has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit, and it’s very unlikely the Mavericks will break that trend. What the Mavs can do is come out with some pride, play for some respect, and not allow themselves to get swept. Overall, hopefully, Luka Doncic is on his best behavior, or we will get another Brian Windhorst diss track if he doesn’t.

Read More: Jayson Tatum Roasted For Weak NBA Finals Performance Despite Celtics Domination

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Steph Curry Allegedly Almost Cried Because Kevin Durant Was Beating Him Out For Finals MVP

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Despite spending just one season with the Golden State Warriors, Nick Young managed to win a title and, presumably, see an intense matchup between Steph Curry and Kevin Durant for the MVP award in the 2018 NBA Finals. The Warriors of 2017–18, which featured Durant, Young, and Curry, defeated LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals to win back-to-back championships. According to Young, Durant’s 2017 NBA Finals MVP victory meant that the two future Hall of Famers would have to contend for the trophy in 2018.

Then, even after winning, Young said that Curry’s difficult Game 3 left him “damn near tears” because he felt he had let the MVP title for the Finals slip from his grasp. Curry had won two championships at that point but did receive a Finals MVP. Curry scored 11 points in the Game 3 victory on only 3-of-16 shooting from the field. With 43 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists that evening, Durant lifted Golden State, and it was only a matter of time until he took home the individual award for the second consecutive year.

Read More: Steph Curry And Ayesha Curry Welcome Their 4th Child Into The World

Steph Curry Allegedly Almost Cried Because Of Losing Finals MVP

“I remember they was neck and neck, KD [Durant] and Steph [Curry], then Steph had one bad game…KD was hitting. Locker room Steph, head was down [and] damn near tears after a win. Man, he wanted to win that [Finals MVP],” Young said. “KD was trying to give it to him, like KD won it a year before…[Durant] was trying to miss. [But] Steph couldn’t make a shot.” In their fourth and final meeting of the season, the Warriors defeated the LeBron James-led Cavaliers 4-0 in the 2018 series. The following year, after suffering an Achilles injury to Durant and an ACL injury to Klay Thompson, Steph Curry and the Warriors were unable to accomplish a three-peat after losing to the Toronto Raptors in six games.

When Curry earned his first ring in 2015, Andre Iguodala was named the NBA Finals MVP; however, the future Hall of Famer didn’t receive his ring until 2022, after Durant had left for another team. The future Hall of Famer averaged 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 43.7 percent from outside the arc and 48.2 percent from the field to help Golden State defeat the Boston Celtics in six games. Curry had a four-to-two edge in rings over Durant and was, without a doubt, the NBA Finals MVP that year. Nevertheless, Young said that missing out on that 2018 award impacted Curry.

Read More: Kevin Durant Hilariously Claps Back At Fan Who Commented On His Legacy

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Shams Charania Seemingly Takes Shot At Adrian Wojnarowski Over Lakers Dan Hurley Scoop

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There is still no basketball coach on the Los Angeles Lakers roster to take over Darvin Ham’s role. After weeks of speculation, ESPN commentator JJ Redick appeared to be the clear favorite to land the position. However, in the final days, Dan Hurley, the coach of UConn, emerged as the front-runner and later declined a contract offer from the franchise. The campaigns of Redick and Hurley were closely linked to reporting by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic, respectively. Wojnarowski broke the news of Hurley’s interest in the role. Charania was often the most well-known national reporter, stating that Redick was in the lead.

The two had a lengthy connection. Last year, a feature in New York magazine compared their back and forth to a “cold war.” On Tuesday, Charania appeared to be relishing the chance to outdo his former master, seemingly taking a shot at him. “Then they, last week, on Wednesday, turned their attention, I’m told, to Dan Hurley,” Charania said on FanDuel TV. “And, he was not the No. 1 candidate, the No. 1 guy to go pursue from the start, from the beginning.” he refutes Woj’s assertion that Dan Hurley was the Laker’s number one option from the beginning.

Read More: Over Lakers Dan Hurley Scoop

Shams Charania Seemingly Takes Shot At Adrian Wojnarowski

This contradicts several reports by Wojnarowski. Woj said in his original piece that “Hurley has been at the forefront of the Lakers’ search from the beginning of the process, even while the organization has done its due diligence interviewing several other candidates.” Notably, Wojnarowski reported a month ago that the Lakers were considering Redick as part of their “wide-ranging and lengthy search.” Both Charania and Wojnarowski concur that Hurley was not the only person the organization interviewed.

However, Charania made other remarks about Hurley’s candidacy that gave the impression that he was disparaging Wojnarowski. When Charania went on Pat McAfee’s show, which is shown on ESPN naturally, she came across as rather skeptical of the Hurley issue as a whole. “If the Lakers wanna go hire James Borrego, they’ve had a month to hire James Borrego,” Charania said. “They’ve had this week, after losing out on Dan Hurley, I guess, they’ve had this time to go get James Borrego.” overall, the battle between Shams and Woj will wage on. 

Read More: Dan Hurley Shockingly Turns Down $70 Million Contract Offer From Lakers

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Jerry West Passes Away At 86

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The NBA’s logo and Hall of Famer Jerry West passed away at the age of 86. The Los Angeles Clippers announced on the news on Wednesday. West, one of the sport’s most prominent contributors, was a mainstay for eight decades, having won nine titles in his roles as a player, scout, coach, executive, and consultant. He advised the recent dynastic Golden State Warriors. West was a key figure in the Los Angeles Lakers’ ten championship runs in the 1980s and 2000s. 

One of the earliest NBA superstars, West distinguished himself long before he became probably the best general manager in history. Throughout his 14-year career, which included 12 All-NBA choices and five All-Defensive appearances while playing for the Lakers, West, a star in West Virginia high school and college basketball, also served as co-captain of the 1960 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, was selected for every All-Star Game. In nine visits to the NBA Finals, he only managed one championship. Tragically, Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics lost six final series. Additionally, West’s 1969 Finals MVP award is still the only time the award has ever been given to a member of the losing team. Furthermore, in a seven-game defeat against the Celtics, he scored 37.9 points per game on average.

Read More: Paul George To Join Stephen A. Smith And Crew As Analyst For NBA Finals

NBA Pioneer Jerry West Has Died

West was known for his dogged desire to win. “He took a loss harder than any player I’ve ever known,” late and legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn once said of West. “He would sit by himself and stare into space. A loss just ripped his guts out.” Before the 3-point line was invented, West was a lethal shooter. His most well-known shot was a 60-foot buzzer-beater against the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the 1970 Finals. West was a tough competitor and a trailblazing scoring guard. As the first player in the NBA to reach 25,000 points, he joined Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson. Over his career, West averaged 27 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.

Due to his unwavering dedication to excellence, West was twice named Executive of the Year in NBA front offices, where his ability to make decisions was unparalleled. He assisted in building the five-time champion “Showtime” Lakers of the 1980s. First as a scout and later as general manager. West laid the groundwork for another five titles from 2000 to 2010 by trading Kobe Bryant’s draft rights and signing Shaquille O’Neal before departing the Lakers in 2000. Overall, Jerry West is an icon of the game, and he has his fingerprints on countless important moments in NBA history. 

Read More: Metro Boomin Linked Up With Paul Pierce Courtside At The NBA Finals

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Paul George To Join Stephen A. Smith And Crew As Analyst For NBA Finals

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Paul George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, will be a guest analyst on ESPN’s NBA Countdown broadcasts during NBA Finals Games 3 and 4, the network announced Monday. George, who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers right now, will join the i crew live from Dallas, Texas’ American Airlines Center. George will be on set with Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame columnist Michael Wilbon, senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, commentators Stephen A. Smith and two-time NBA Executive of the Year Bob Myers, and host of NBA Countdown Malika Andrews.

NBA Countdown will take place on Wednesday, June 12, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and on Friday, June 14, from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, ahead of the NBA Finals Games 3 and 4. On ABC, both games start at 8:30 p.m. You can get NBA Countdown on the ESPN App as well. The 34-year-old, nine-time All-Star George appears to be preparing for a future in the media. He debuted his own program, “Podcast P with Paul George,” last year, and it has generated a lot of amazing viral moments.

Read More: Paul George Rejects Contract Offers From Clippers

Paul George Joins ESPN As Analyst For NBA Finals

Many are currently more intrigued by George’s free-agent status, even if it will be great to watch him hone his analyst skills on the biggest stage of the game. If George decides to leave the Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers have been strongly connected to him; also, a new East playoff team has lately entered the race for him. Even while it will be amazing to witness George polish his analyst abilities on the largest stage of the game, many are currently more intrigued by his free-agent status. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers have a close relationship with George, and a new East playoff team has recently entered the race for him should he decide to leave the Clippers.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been arguably the most prominent team looking to acquire Paul George. However, don’t discount the Orlando Magic, Philly’s adversary in the Eastern Conference. The up-and-coming team is reportedly keeping an eye on some of the biggest stars in the NBA who may be available for free this summer. George is presumably one of them. Overall, Paul George is in demand. As an analyst and a superstar player.

Read More: Paul George Trolls PJ Washington After Lighting Up The Mavs 

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Kevin Durant Hilariously Claps Back At Fan Who Commented On His Legacy

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Kevin Durant is one of the best basketball players of all time, but he might be an even better poster. The star of the Phoenix Suns answered a fan on X. The fan said that the only way the future Hall of Famer “can redeem his legacy” is by going back to the Oklahoma City Thunder and winning a championship. Durant said the fan should be concerned about other matters at this time. KD left OKC for Golden State some years ago. The Thunder are now a great young team. Many fans and pundits think KD could go back and help them win a championship. 

Durant has distinguished himself on social media by making provocative statements or by just sharing rambling thoughts. He has also faced criticism from fans and members of the media. His candid thoughts provide a refreshing contrast to the majority of elite athletes, who have been rigorously trained to keep their comments under wraps. To the extent that the fan brought it up, Durant’s harsh reply likely demonstrates his contempt for discussing how his accomplishments would be interpreted and remembered once more.

Read More: Kevin Durant Slides Over Stalley’s “Scared Money” Track

Kevin Durant Claps Back At Fan

Kevin Durant has dealt with the moving of goalposts about his career for a long time. Firstly, it was about Durant needing a title to keep up with LeBron James. As well as the Thunder’s inability to win a championship. After joining a roster that was stacked and winning two titles with the Golden State Warriors, it still wasn’t enough for fans or the media. The topic of discussion has now switched to how, after building a superteam with Kyrie Irving and James Harden on the Brooklyn Nets and then paving his own route to the Suns, he appears to have failed to find the fulfillment he wanted.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been battling this war for at least a decade, so it should come as no surprise that he became defensive at another discussion of his legacy on the court. A reunion in OKC might be a god and sentimental move that would look to make up for past actions. His future in Phoenix is uncertain and it could be a real possibility he moves on sooner than later. Overall, do not come at KD on the internet, it never ends well. 

Read More: Wallo Tells NBA Superstar Kevin Durant Wild Story About Seeing Someone Drop The Soap In Prison

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Shannon Sharpe Announces Massive Multi-Year ESPN Deal On “First Take”

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Three-time Super Bowl winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has signed to a multi-year arrangement with ESPN. Sharpe’s role on First Take, ESPN’s popular morning discussion program with Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, will grow as a result of this new agreement. “Shannon Sharpe has been an incredible addition to the First Take team, enhancing the show’s dynamic with his engaging presence and insightful commentary,” said David Roberts, ESPN’s Head of Event & Studio Production​. “Shannon’s chemistry with Stephen A. Smith has elevated our debates and been another key reason First Take is the premier destination for morning sports discussion.”

Thanks in part to Sharpe’s contributions, First Take just achieved its most-viewed May ever and its 22nd straight month of year-over-year growth. Sharpe, who started working at First Take in August 2023, will also play a bigger part in a number of other ESPN shows that will be revealed later. Said Sharpe in a statement, “Being a part of this family has been a blessing. Everything about this relationship with ESPN, Stephen A., and First Take, has been tremendous. I look forward to expanding my role and showing more of the world what I have to offer. The show goes on!” Sharpe, Molly, and Stephen A. announced the news to kick off this morning’s First Take.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Reveals Why LeBron James And JJ Redick’s Podcast Is Destined For Failure

Shannon Sharpe Announces ESPN Deal

Molly and Stephen A. Smith were both over the moon for Shannon Sharpe, and the group shared a special moment to open up First Take. Sharpe took in all the love and thanked everyone, then singled out Stephen A. Smith. He said, “Stephen A., I know this moment is not possible without you. As you mentioned to me earlier, you have bosses, but you extended the olive branch and let them know that you wanted me to be a part of this family.” Overall, Shannon Sharpe has been a fantastic addition to the debate program.

Sharpe’s ESPN contract will expire sooner than Smith’s current one, according to the rumored four-year arrangement. Smith’s contract with ESPN expires in July 2025, and during First Take last year, he made hints about seeing Sharpe take over. To be sure, the Hall of Famer has two really popular podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, so it’s difficult to envision him wanting ESPN to be his full-time job. First Take is a fantastic side employment, but just as Smith frequently talks about comparable career objectives, Sharpe can aim higher thanks to his vast digital platform.

Read More: Ray J Disgusts Himself After Giving Shannon Sharpe Some NSFW Intel About Kim Kardashian

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