NBA Playoffs

The Latest On James Harden’s Uncertain Future

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James Harden is currently chasing his first-ever NBA championship. The former league MVP is attempting to help lead the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. However, Harden is doing this all on his own. The Sixers have looked nearly unstoppable in their first-round matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Thanks to the likes of Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid. The Sixers are stacked with talent from top to bottom. But that doesn’t mean that Harden sees his future with the team beyond this season.

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Harden’s future has still yet to be determined. “James Harden’s future is very unclear in Philadelphia. Houston is very much in play for him. And I think a lot may depend on [whether] they make a run and win and it’s easy to pay him long-term big money, or he just wants to be in Houston. Win or lose he goes, or it’s dependent on the team’s success,” Woj stated on his podcast. Harden’s future playing plans are more than likely not on the mind of the Philadelphia star.

James Harden Has Options This Off-Season

Of course, a reunion with the Rockets would be massive news. Harden found his footing in the league as a member of the Rockets. The former Rockets star earned his MVP award in Houston. As well as being the leader of the franchise for many years. However, since his time in Houston, Harden’s career has taken a turn. The former all-star’s move to Brooklyn didn’t work out for anyone involved. Now, he seems to be quite comfortable in his role with the Sixers.

Harden’s days of being the number one option for a team look to be over. However, that doesn’t mean his worth to a team has completely diminished. One has to believe that Philadelphia winning the championship this season will go a long way in Harden’s decision. But for now, the Sixers are only worried about finishing the job during a successful season. Where do you see James Harden suiting up next season? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

E-40 Dropped A New Song And Video About Sitting In The ‘Front Row’ After Getting Ejected From The Warriors And Kings Game

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The Sacramento Kings are up 2-0 on the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, but the Kings took an L when E-40 was controversially ejected from Game 1 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Saturday, April 15.

The following day, E-40 released a statement explaining that he felt he “was subjected to disrespectful heckling” and was met with “racial bias” when Golden 1 Center security “assumed that I instigated the encounter and proceeded to kick me out of the arena” (as reported by Shams Charania):

E-40 issued another statement, this time alongside the Kings, on Wednesday, April 19, and it was determined “that there was a miscommunication regarding the circumstances” and clarified that E-40 “did not stand excessively from his ticketed courtside seat.” Here it is in full:

But today, April 20, E-40 had the final word. He dropped “Front Row 40” along with a video directed by Jae Synth. The visual finds E-40 reclaiming his rightful place courtside. “Front Row 40, four-seat Earl / Feet on the wood, me and my girl,” the Bay Area icon raps as footage cycles through of E-40’s past front-row adventures.

E-40 boasts about people saying “they watch the games just to see what I’m gonna wear” and “text me and say they see me on the Jumbotron.” Of course, the video wouldn’t be complete without a clip of Steph Curry dapping up E-40.

It’s likely that E-40 will be in attendance to root on his Dubs in Game 3 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, but it sounds like 50 Cent might be a game-time decision. The Warriors will need all the juice they can get from their home crowd; they’ll be without Draymond Green, who was suspended for tonight’s Game 3 after stomping on Domantas Sabonis in Game 2. The game tips off at 7 p.m. local time.

Watch “Front Row 40” above.

Draymond Green Speaks Out For First Time Since Incident

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Draymond Green has finally broken his silence after the incident in the game with the Sacramento Kings. Green has been suspended for Game Three of the Warriors-Kings series after stomping Domantas Sabonis. The stomp has elicited a lot of discussion on the punishment handed down to Green. However, some are wondering how Sabonis avoided suspension. As his actions are the entire reason the incident even occurred. But the league felt a technical foul was sufficient enough punishment for Sabonis.

On Wednesday night, Green took to an Instagram story to give a mysterious comment on the moment. “Because winners always win,” posted Green in the Instagram story. It seemed as if Green was against the world during the incident. The Sacramento crowd began heavily booing Green during the official timeout to review the play. Green then began giving it right back to the crowd. As he began jawing with fans behind the Warriors bench. However, whatever case Green may have made on the floor didn’t help his cause. The Warriors forward was ejected from the game.

Draymond Green Shares Cryptic Instagram Post

The Warriors will be without Green as the team looks to avoid a 3-0 series deficit. In the Golden State Steph Curry era, the team has never been down 2-0. The Warriors will be looking to make a statement when the series begins on their home court. However, Warriors fans will have to be extremely loud to match the atmosphere in Sacramento. Coaches and players involved in the series have discussed the impact the fans played on the first two games of the series.

Green has a long history of being on the wrong side of on the court altercations. The former Michigan State Spartan was suspended in the 2016 NBA Finals for his on the court physicality with LeBron James. Green’s absence in that series changed the entire tone. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Finals. However, many wonder if the series would have gone Golden State’s way if Green wasn’t suspended. Do you agree with the NBA’s suspension of Draymond Green? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, stay locked in here at HNHH.

Snoop Dogg Roasts The Lakers For Poor Playoff Performance

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Snoop Dogg, like every other Los Angeles Lakers fan, is feeling the sting of the recent loss. The Lakers fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Two of their playoff series on Wednesday night. After a dominating Game One performance, the Lakers looked like a different team on Wednesday. Lakers fans were on a massive high after Game One. Now it looks like the team is starting from scratch, heading into Game Three. However, Snoop knows one thing the team needs to work on before their next game.

In a post-game Instagram post, Snoop didn’t hold back his feelings on what he saw from the Lakers. Including the shooting performance of Troy Brown. Snoop let Brown know where he should be until the start of Game Three. “You done missed every three this series, cuz. Every one! Get yo ass in the gym and make them threes.” The rap legend didn’t hold back on the problems he noticed during the loss. The Lakers were trending in the right direction after the Game One win. Including the Grizzlies being without star player Ja Morant in Game Two.

Snoop Dogg Showing Frustraions Of Lakers Nation

There’s plenty of blame to go around for the Lakers Game 2 loss. Including from star forward Anthony Davis. Davis was nowhere near the player many know him to be in his Game 2 performance. The Lakers big man only scored 13 points in his nearly 40 minutes of playtime. However, LeBron James was the player everyone knows him to be. James gave his all in the losing performance. But that isn’t the biggest takeaway from Wednesday night’s game for James.

Memphis forward Dillon Brooks has made a big splash in calling the NBA legend old after the game. The comments have sparked a lot of discussion on how the Lakers will react in Game 3. Maybe the team will even take notes from frustrated fans like Snoop and push just a little bit harder. What are your thoughts on Snoop Dogg’s comments after the Lakers loss? Are the Lakers a serious contender for the NBA championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest news on sports, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Sacramento Kings And E-40 Release Joint Statement

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Last week, Bay Area rap legend E-40 was removed from the Sacramento Kings’ 126-123 win over the Golden State Warriors. E-40, who is a prominent Warriors fan, claims that his ejection was due to “racial bias”. According to E-40, he was subjected to consistent heckling from a white fan but security only intervened when he responded. He claimed that the security at the Golden 1 Center viewed him as the instigator. The incident occurred partway through the fourth quarter.

E-40’s account was met with a wave of support, including a vocal call for an apology by Jalen Rose. E-40’s claims of racial bias stemmed from the fact that his white friend was not ejected with him. The Kings responded by opening an investigation into the incident. Now, it appears as though things have been resolved as the two parties released a joint statement.

Kings And E-40 Attribute Ejection To “Misunderstanding”

“After a series of thoughtful and transparent conversations, both parties agree that there was a miscommunication regarding the circumstances that occurred during the Kings vs. Warriors game on Saturday night.” the statement began. E-40’s addressing of the heckling behind him had been characterized as “excessive standing” but these claims were addressed as the statement continued. “Contrary to speculation, Mr. Earl “E-40″ Stevens did not stand excessively from his ticketed courtside seat; the outcome resulted from an unfortunate misunderstanding between two parties.” This claim was undercut by ESPN sources claiming E-40 was not warned about his conduct prior to being removed.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the King’s commitment to the league’s “Fan Code of Conduct” and stating the team is “looking forward to welcoming him back to our arena in the future.” E-40 is a staple of Bay Area basketball, well-known for having seats close to the Warriors bench. E-40 did not attend Game 2 in Sacramento, which was another Kings win. However, his spokesperson informed ESPN that he would be in attendance at the Chase Center-hosted Game 3. No comment was made about whether E-40 would return to Golden 1 if the series mandates it. The Kings will travel to the Chase Center on Thursday, looking to make the series 3-0.

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Twitter Gets Fired Up For Fiesty Lakers-Grizzlies Game 2

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You should never count out the Lakers. Former Laker Kyle Kuzma said they were a Finals team. Prior to the NBA playoffs, LeBron dismissed their seventh-seed status because “everyone’s 0-0 now.” And then the Lakers proceeded to the second-seed Grizzlies by 16. Sure, the Grizzlies didn’t have Ja Morant but still, it wasn’t pretty.

Things needed to change, especially with starter Xavier Tillman’s awful 2-3-3 stat line in 22 minutes of action. With Morant a game-time decision, everyone would need to bring their best game to avoid dropping to 0-2 and staring down the barrel of embarrassment. The last time a seed that high went down 0-2 was the 2017 one-seed Celtics. While the Celtics rallied in that series, just 32 teams in the history of the NBA playoffs have come back from 0-2 down.

Grizzlies’ Defense Dominates Game 2

Let’s start with Xavier Tillman. The 2020 second-round pick out of Michigan State absolutely showed up after his dismal game one. In 32 minutes, Tillman put up 22 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 10-for-13. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. showcased why he was Defensive Player of the Year with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Also laying down dominant defense was Dillon Brooks, who helped hold LeBron to just 1-for-8 three-point shooting. Also helping the Grizzlies were poor nights from D’Angelo Russell and James Vanderbilt. Both were Lakers starters who played at least 20 minutes and put up less than 10 points. However, Rui Hachimura put up 20 from the bench. In comparison, the Grizzlies’ bench scored a combined 24.

The Grizzlies led by 14 at the half and weathered a Lakers comeback attempt down the stretch to win by 10. Tillman led the Grizzlies with 22 points, while LeBron led all scorers with 28. However, despite posting a double-double with 12 rebounds, LeBron was a cold shooter thanks to the stifling Grizzlies D. LeBron went 12-for-23 and 1-for-8 from three. Additionally, he shot just four free throws as Memphis made sure to keep him away from the line. With Morant’s return uncertain, the Grizzlies did what they needed to do in order to mitigate his absence. However, the big question is that if they can do without Morant, what heights can they reach with him present? The teams will meet again on Saturday for a pivotal Game 3.

Twitter Reacts

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Dillon Brooks Brushes Off LeBron Confrontation

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Dillon Brooks has a long history of starting beef with his NBA opponents. He’s got into with multiple Warriors, namely Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. Elsewhere, he’s squared off with the likes of Patrick Beverley and James Harden. However, his most consistent beef is with LeBron James. Their rivalry dates back to 2021 when LeBron made a “too small” gesture at Brooks during a regular-season matchup. Things lay dormant until January of this year when Brooks hailed his defensive ability as he forced LeBron out of plays because the Lakers star “doesn’t want to go left.”

It’s important to remember that Brooks, a 2017 second-round pick out of Oregon, has always been able to back up his fiery personality. Brooks is an elite wing defender and a central pillar of the Grizzlies’ backcourt. He is a big reason that Memphis had the third-best defensive rating in the league this year. Furthermore, that was all on display in the Grizzlies’ Game 2 win over the Lakers on Wednesday night.

Brooks Calls LeBron “Old”

LeBron may have put up 28 points in the Lakers defeat, but that also came with the star shooting just 1-for-8 from three. Brooks defended LeBron relentlessly all night and things boiled over in the third quarter. As the Grizzlies called a timeout, Brooks claims LeBron called him “dumb” for picking up his fourth personal foul a minute earlier. Brooks proceeded to bark back at LeBron in response. In the fourth, Brooks drilled a three with 7 minutes remaining and stared down LeBron the entire time.

However, the extent of Brooks’ comments came in the post-game media availability. Brooks was dismissive when a reporter commented about some people think he shouldn’t trash-talk one of the league’s brightest stars. “I don’t care, he’s old.” Brooks began, eliciting laughter from the media, “I was waiting for that. I was expecting him to do that Game 4, Game 5. He wanted to say something when I got my fourth foul. He should have been saying that earlier on. But I poke bears. I don’t respect no one until they come and give me 40.” Brooks went on to call LeBron a “legend” but also “just another basketball player” when he was on the court. The pair will face off again in Saturday’s Game 3.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Out For Game 2 Against Miami

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Add Giannis Antetokounmpo to the list of big stars dealing with injuries in the NBA Playoffs. Giannis has been officially ruled out for the Milwaukee Bucks Game 2 matchup with the Miami Heat. The Bucks star took a hard fall on his back in Game 1. The fall resulted in Giannis leaving the contest early. However, Giannis tried to return on several occasions. But the pain just became too much for him to manage on the floor. Now the Bucks will need to fight with everything they have to even the series.

However, the Miami Heat are also dealing with the injury bug. Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand in Game One. Resulting in the Heat star being unavailable for the team throughout the playoffs. Unless the Heat were to make it to the NBA Finals. Giannis is just the latest star to be ruled out due to injury. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently playing without star point guard Ja Morant. Morant suffered a hand injury in Game One against the Lakers, resulting in his absence tonight.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Must Return For Bucks Success

After Giannis was unable to return in Game One, the Heat took over and never looked back. The Bucks didn’t look like a team that would even be considered a one-seed in either conference. However, the team has more than likely been preparing for the absence of Giannis. Look for Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to lead the Milwaukee offense on Wednesday night. Giannis’ future beyond Wednesday’s game has yet to be announced. However, the Bucks may need to begin planning for a longer absence from the former MVP.

Without Giannis, the Bucks could be the second one-seed to ever lose a series to an eight-seed. The only time it has happened in NBA history was back in 2007. The Golden State Warriors took down the Dallas Mavericks. A series that Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki recently discussed. However, the Bucks will not be trying to be a part of history. Can the Milwaukee Bucks advance without Giannis Antetokounmpo? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Kendrick Perkins Calls BS On JJ Redick’s Officiating Claim

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Kendrick Perkins wasn’t having any of JJ Redick’s comments on the officiating in the Warriors-Kings series. On Wednesday’s edition of First Take, Redick claimed that the officials are letting the two teams play too physically. Also, Redick feels like the officiating is way too one-sided. Stating that the Kings are getting a favorable whistle. That comment was enough to draw the line for Perkins. The former Oklahoma City big man took to Twitter to voice his displeasure with Redick’s comments.

“This Biggest bunch of BS I’ve heard all week. Real Talk,” Perkins stated in a quote tweet with Redick’s comments on the officiating. Obviously, the series has been very physical. Draymond Green stomping someone should give that away. However, some feel that Redick’s comments could be taking away from the great play of the Kings. The Kings have been on fire offensively. As the 2023 Clutch Player of the Year has led the way for Sacramento. Now it seems that excuses could be stacking up for the Warriors recent failures.

Kendrick Perkins Doesn’t Hold Back On Redick’s Comments

The Warriors-Kings series already has a lot going on to discuss. Green’s suspension, the Warriors claiming Sabonis is playing dirty. Now Redick claiming the officials have not had a favorable whistle will spark another debate. With so much talk going on off the court. It is hard to stay focused on what is happening on the court. Charles Barkley may have said it best when discussing this series. The NBA legend doesn’t want the media or the fans to forget why the Kings are winning this series.

Yes, some of it may include the talking points above. However, this series is being led by a better team. But because the Warriors have become a dynasty, it has become difficult for people to see it unraveling. The Kings are the three seed of the Western Conference for a reason. Now the team is getting to show their talent to the entire world. So, whose side do you stand on in this debate? Are you with Kendrick Perkins? Or do you believe the officiating has hindered the Warriors in this series? Drop your thoughts on the argument in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

Ja Morant Out For Game 2

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Ja Morant’s availability for Game 2 has finally been announced. The Memphis star will miss Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Morant’s absence will be a huge mountain to climb for the Grizzlies. As the team is already down 1-0 to the Lakers. Now the Lakers can start to see blood in the water with the injuries piling up for Memphis. The Grizzlies are already playing without Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Being without Morant is just throwing salt in the wound.

However, the Lakers seem to be on the flip side of the injury dilemma. It has taken all season, but the Lakers are finally as healthy as they can be. Although Anthony Davis did suffer an arm injury in Game One of this series. However, Davis later returned, helping lead the Lakers to victory. Now, the chances of the Grizzlies dropping their opening home playoff games have risen to a high level. Morant is the heartbeat of this team. Losing him is going to be a challenge.

Ja Morant’s Absence Will Be Tough Challenge For Memphis

It was no secret that Morant’s chance of playing was going to be a game-time decision. On Tuesday, a video began circulating on social media of Morant’s right hand being heavily wrapped. But now the team has to wonder if their star will even be able to return at all in this series. Morant exited Game One with a hand injury and never re-entered. The team has yet to make a statement on just what type of injury Morant suffered on his right hand.

Whatever the case may be, the series is moving on. The rest of the Grizzlies can’t look back now. The only thing on their mind has to be playing as a unit and taking down the Lakers. Before the injury to Morant, the Lakers were a popular pick for pulling off the first-round upset. Now, it seems the Lakers losing this series would be more of an upset. Do the Grizzlies stand a chance without Ja Morant? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest breaking news in the NBA, keep it right here with HNHH.