NBA Playoffs

Warriors-Kings Rivalry Takes Another Twist

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The Golden State Warriors will be without Draymond Green for Game 3. In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, the NBA has suspended Green for stomping Kings forward Domantas Sabonis in Game 2. The news of the suspension came on Wednesday evening. Green’s past history with on the court issues didn’t help his case in avoiding suspension. However, now Golden State is shifting the focus to Sabonis. The team is now claiming that the Kings star is playing with no intent on safety.

According to senior ESPN writer Zach Lowe, Golden State has expressed major concern for Sabonis’ play in this series. “There is some anger within the organization toward the league. There’s a sense in the organization that Sabonis is shoving people on offensive rebounds and playing with his elbows out and using the ball as a weapon on offense.” Using the term weapon is for sure to get some eyes on Sabonis when Game 3 takes place. With Sabonis’ latest altercation with Green, officials were bound to be watching him closely anyway.

Warriors Claim Sabonis Is Using Basketball As Weapon

The series has been a very physical one. Even JJ Redick has called out the officiating for letting the game become too physical. However, now the series has become more than just a game. If the Golden State organization is comparing a basketball to a weapon, then we could be walking down a dangerous path. However, one has to think that Sabonis will not be changing his playing style any time soon. But it does beg the question of how Game 3 will be officiated.

Don’t expect Game 3 to match the physicality of the first two games in this series. Obviously, the players realize how many people will be looking for the next physical altercation. However, the Kings are just worried about putting another nail in the Golden State coffin. Do you believe the series between the Warriors and Kings will now be tightly called by the officials? If it is, which team will have the leg up in a game with a lot of whistles? Let us know your thoughts on the situation in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Joe Dumars Breaks Down Reasoning For Draymond Suspension

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Joe Dumars is no stranger to physical basketball. Dumars was a part of the most physical team in NBA history with the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons. However, now Dumars is known for helping the league make hard decisions. As Executive Vice President of the NBA, Dumars is at the forefront of the latest league incident. On Monday, Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected from the team’s game for stomping Domantas Sabonis. An action that has caused caught a stir among the NBA community. Green’s action has forced the NBA to suspend him for Game 3 of the series.

On Wednesday, Dumars spoke with Malika Andrews of ESPN to discuss the league’s reasoning behind Green’s suspension. “The act itself, we felt over-the-top & excessive… The conduct, detrimental… And a repeat offender… If you put it all together, that’s how we came up with a suspension.” Dumars also mentioned that if Sabonis wouldn’t have grabbed Green’s leg, the situation would have never happened. However, the league feels Sabonis was correctly punished by the officials on the court.

Joe Dumars Stands By Green’s Suspension

The situation has garnered many opinions on what actually happened. Including many to choose Green’s side on the matter. However, Green’s track record seems to be a big reason behind the NBA’s ruling. Dumars mentioned that Green being a repeat offender, played a role in the recent decision. Also, the excessive act of going after Kings fans as refs reviewed the play in question didn’t help Green’s case. Green will now have to watch his team avoid going down 3-0 to the Kings.

Green’s actions on Monday have been deemed unnecessary. Pointing the finger at Sabonis is acceptable. However, Green didn’t have to respond in the manner that he did. Now the Warriors will need to put this moment behind them. But that will be hard to do, as Green will not be available for the next game. Do you agree with Joe Dumars’ assessment of the incident? Should more have been done to Sabonis? Let us know your thoughts on the hot topic in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

JJ Redick Claims Refs Have Favored Kings In Playoff Series

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JJ Redick has a strong opinion as to one of the reasons the Sacramento Kings have jumped out to a 2-0 series lead on the Warriors. The former college basketball star claims the officiating has been terrible for the Warriors. On Wednesday’s edition of First Take, Redick went all in on the officiating during the series. Redick believes the officials have controlled too much of the game. While also allowing the physicality to reach way too high of a point.

“The referees have dictated too much in the Kings’ favor in this series, I really believe that.” That was the statement made by Redick during his thoughts on the Kings-Warriors series. Redick also mentioned that maybe the officials have been caught up in the homecourt crowd in Sacramento. The Kings are hosting their first playoff series in almost two decades. The fans of the franchise have brought the electricity in the first two games of the series. Which ended with the team lighting the beam. Check out Redick’s full comments in the video clip below.

JJ Redick Blames Officiating For Part Of Warriors Struggles

Obviously, the physicality has hit a fever pitch in the series. Draymond Green is the main topic of all discussions this week. After the Warriors star stomped Domantas Sabonis in Game 2. However, we have yet to see how much the officiating will change, as Game 3 has yet to happen. But one has to think the officials will be keeping an eye on anything that looks too physical. However, it may already be too late for the Warriors to make a comeback.

NBA officiating is now taking a hit during the playoffs. On Tuesday night, Chirs Paul broke his Scott Foster curse. Finally, winning a game that was officiated by Foster. Along with the debate on if charges should still be a part of the game. It looks as if officials will be the next target to sit under the microscope. Do you agree with JJ Redick’s comments on the officiating in the Warriors-Kings series? Let us know your thoughts on the topic in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Charles Barkley Focusing On Bigger Story In Warriors-Kings Series

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Charles Barkley was one of the many media members that spoke on Draymond Green’s latest incident. Green’s stomp on Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis will be the most memorable moment from the 2023 Playoffs. However, the Warriors and Kings series has been more than a stomp. The Kings have jumped out to a 2-0 series lead. Something that most people weren’t expecting from the young Kings team. But Barkley doesn’t want the Kings performance to get lost in the shuffle.

When speaking on the stomp, Barkley brought up what really matters in this series. “What really bothers me about this whole thing, to be honest with you, is we’re taking away from the fact that the Sacramento Kings are just kicking their ass.” Barkley is not wrong in his assessment of the opening-round matchup. The Kings have handled the Warriors rather easily in the first two meetings. Which shouldn’t be a surprise for a three-seed playing a six. However, when that sixth seed is the defending champion, it makes a massive difference. Check out the video of Barkley’s comments below.

Charles Barkley Praises Kings Recent Performance

The series between the two has shown the world a glimpse of a new NBA star. De’Aaron Fox has been the biggest factor in the Kings 2-0 series lead. On Tuesday, the league announced Fox as the first-ever winner of the Clutch Player of the Year award. An award that Fox rightfully earned with his performance in the regular season. Now Fox is putting on a show in the playoffs, and folks like Barkley are taking notice.

A Game 3 victory will all but seal the fate of the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors are facing their first 2-0 series deficit in the Steph Curry era. Now the team will be without Green for his actions in Game 2. It seems as if everything is lining up for the Kings to pack their brooms to Golden State. However, No one should count Curry out until he is officially gone from the playoffs. Do you agree with Charles Barkley on the performance of the Kings? Or will the Warriors be able to come from behind and shock the fan-favorite Kings? Please give us your thoughts on the series in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Stephen A. Smith Takes Shot At Cleveland Cavaliers

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Stephen A. Smith doesn’t try to hide his New York Knicks fandom. The media personality has been on another level with the Knicks making the NBA Playoffs. Now Smith is taking it to a higher level than he already sits at. On Wednesday’s edition of First Take, Smith didn’t hold back his thoughts on the Knicks-Cavs series. The legendary personality even went as far as to say the Cavs will not win Game 3 in the Garden. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned fan guarantee.

Smith firmly believes in his stance that the Knicks take Game 3. The Knicks fan wasn’t having anyone tell him any different. When the Knicks make the playoffs, it is good for the entire league. The Knicks may have the most passionate fanbase in all of the NBA. Smith is just one of the biggest reasons many believe that. However, Smith doesn’t think his Knicks will win every game. The New York superfan felt the team wouldn’t win Game 2 in Cleveland, which they didn’t. Check out Smith’s fiery promise of a Knicks Game 3 win below.

Stephen A. Smith Says Cavs Have No Shot

The Cavs-Knicks series has already been one of the more exciting in the playoffs. The Knicks took Game 1 behind a dominating second-half performance from Jalen Brunson. However, it was all Cleveland in Game 2. The Cavs cruised to a 107-90 victory. Now the series heads to the Big Apple. Games 3 and 4 will be at the mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden. A place where Smith believes the Cavs playoff hopes will come to die. Smith eluded to the series possibly ending in 6. Which would mean a return to MSG.

The Cavaliers probably didn’t need any bulletin board material. However, Smith’s latest comments may have given them just that. Yes, Smith seemed to be half joking during his comments on the series. However, it is hard to hide your fandom when your team is in an important series. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on the Cavs Game 3 fate? Or will Cleveland spoil the party in New York? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Skip Bayless Reveals Thoughts On Draymond Green Suspension

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Skip Bayless is the latest media personality to share his thoughts on the Draymond Green suspension. Green has been suspended one game without pay for stomping Domantas Sabonis in Game 2 of the Warriors-Kings. The action had Twitter split on what the repercussions would be from Green’s action. In the replay of the incident, Sabonis is seen holding Green’s ankle prior to the stomp. However, most still believe that the stomp was unnecessary and Green deserves the punishment.

On Wednesday’s episode of Undisputed, Bayless and co-host Shannon Sharpe discussed the move by the NBA. Bayless mentioned that if the league was just looking at the present incident, Green shouldn’t have been suspended. However, given Green’s history, it was the easy decision for the league. Also, Bayless mentioned that it didn’t help that Green was putting on a show during the review of the play. The Warriors forward could be seen going back and forth with Kings fans prior to his ejection from the incident. Check out Bayless’s full comments below.

Skip Bayless Disagrees With NBA Ruling On Green

It’s no secret that Green’s past on the court has seen many altercations. For many, Green is considered a dirty player. However, many in the media, like Bayless, have come to the support of Green. Including NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. So, Green’s actions may have been provoked. But that doesn’t mean stomping someone is still the right thing to do. In this situation, there is no one who is right. Both actions were wrong. However, Green is the only one facing suspension.

This isn’t the first time Green has been suspended for a playoff game. In 2016, Green was suspended in Game 3 of the NBA Finals for an interaction with LeBron James. May argue that Green’s absence from that game cost his team the championship. Now, the Warriors see themselves down 2-0 without a starter for Game 3. Do you believe the NBA got the suspension right? Also, do you agree with Skip Bayless that Green’s antics during the incident are the leading cause of the suspension? Let us know your thoughts on the situation in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

50 Cent Thinks The Warriors Might Kick Him Out Of The Next Game After The Kings Ejected E-40 In Game 1

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Throughout the first two games of the NBA Playoffs series between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, the Kings’ beverage partner 50 Cent has been a fixture at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

However, it sounds like he might be rethinking making the trip 370 miles northwest to the Warriors’ Chase Center for the next few games after one of his rap peers, E-40, was given the boot from Game 1 after a contentious exchange with another fan in the expensive seats. 50 joked about the Warriors exacting vengeance for their unofficial rap mascot on Instagram.

“I was thinking about jumping on this jet to the Bay Area for game 3 but the KINGS kicked E40 out,” he wrote. “They might want to kick 50 out the Chase center. LOL.”

The Dubs have reason to be a little salty after the first two games of the series, which Sacramento now leads 2-0 after defeating the Warriors 114-106 on Monday night. To add insult to injury, the cornerstone of Golden State’s defense, Draymond Green, was suspended one game after stepping on the chest of Kings forward Domantas Sabonis — an incident 50 had thoughts about as well.

E-40 was kicked out of Game 1 after the altercation, which started when a fan behind him told him to sit down. The Vallejo rapper made it a point to ascribe the response to “racial bias” in a statement, writing, “Security saw a disagreement between a Black man and a white woman and immediately assumed I was at fault.”

If 50 does make the trip, he could probably avoid a similar outcome, so long as he does the opposite of his rap career and doesn’t start any beef.

Twitter Reacts To Chris Paul Breaking Bizarre Losing Streak

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Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns earned their first playoff win on Tuesday. The Suns took care of the Los Angeles Clippers 123-109. However, the game was more than a win for the Suns and Paul. The legendary point guard got his first win while NBA official Scott Foster was calling his game. Paul had previously been 0-14 when Foster officiated one of his playoff games. Now Paul can celebrate finally earning a victory while the longtime official was on the clock.

Paul’s record with Foster has been a huge topic on social media. Every time the official announcements are made for a Paul playoff game, everyone searches for Foster’s name. However, it is unknown if there is real beef between the two. The longtime losing streak could just be a part of a strange coincidence. However, that doesn’t stop Twitter from running with the narrative. Check out some of the best Twitter reactions below.

Chris Paul Defeats His Playoff Nemesis

After the game, Paul claimed that he didn’t even realize the win with Foster on the court. However, something tells me that may not have been the entire truth. Paul finished the game with 16 points and 8 assists, with nearly 38 minutes of action. Now that Paul has the ugly history with Foster behind him, maybe a new streak begins. It has yet to be revealed who will be officiating Game 3 of the Clippers-Suns. But it would add to the drama seeing Foster’s name on that officiating lineup card. A move that could easily be done by a league looking to create drama.

Whatever the case may be, the Suns are focused entirely on the Clippers. The first two meetings between the teams have been great games. Now the Suns will have to travel to Los Angeles in hopes of bringing back a series lead to Phoenix. Do you believe that Chris Paul kept up with his playoff record with Foster? Have the Suns found a rhythm after their Game 2 victory? Give us your thoughts on Paul’s record-breaking game in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it locked in here with HNHH.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Doubtful For Wednesday’s Game

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is the heartbeat of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise. In Game 1 of the team’s series with the Miami Heat, Giannis suffered a back injury from a hard fall. Giannis attempted to finish the game. But the pain was too severe and was pulled before halftime. Now it seems as if the team will need to prepare for their next game without their star. The former MVP has been listed as doubtful on the injury list for Wednesday’s game. Giannis’ production for the Bucks will be an unattainable hole. However, the team must move forward.

The Miami Heat are also dealing with a battle of the injury bug. Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand in the Game 1 matchup. On Tuesday, it was reported that Herro won’t be available unless the team makes the Finals. But the Bucks being without Giannis, could make a trip to the Finals for the Heat a lot easier. Although Reggie Miller believes the Heat losing Herro is worse than the Bucks losing Giannis. Both injuries are bad losses. Check out the video below to see the exact moment of Giannis; injury.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Miss Game 2

However, doubtful doesn’t mean that Giannis has been officially ruled out. But it does seem like the opportunity of seeing him in action will be less likely. The decision to play Giannis could come down to a game-time decision. A decision that the Memphis Grizzlies are currently dealing with as well. Grizzlies star Ja Morant is dealing with a hand injury he suffered in the team’s Game 1 matchup with the Lakers. Even the stars of the game can’t avoid all the injuries happening around the league.

The NBA is a lot more physical than many realize. The league has earned a stigma of being somewhat soft due to acts like flopping. However, these athletes are giving everything they have for one chance at an NBA Finals appearance. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo return before the end of the first-round series? Can the Bucks advance without him? Let us know your thoughts on the Bucks chances in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Draymond Green Unlikely To Be Suspended For Game 3

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Draymond Green has been the talk of the NBA after Monday night. The Warriors forward stomped Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings. The stomp heard around the world sparked a debate as to what actually caused the incident. In the replay, it looks as if Sabonis was holding Green’s leg before the stomp. However, neither action is okay, and both were punished for their actions. Of course, Green got the brunt end of the deal, as he was ejected from the game. However, Green may avoid any other punishments he might receive.

NBA insider Shams Charania is reporting that Green is likely to avoid a suspension for his actions. “It is looking unlikely Warriors forward Draymond Green will be suspended for Game 3 vs. Kings after stepping on Domantas Sabonis when Sabonis grabbed his leg on Monday night,” according to Charania’s Twitter. The NBA avoided the incident from growing into a larger altercation. Green was seen in a heated discussion with a few Kings fans located behind the Warriors bench.

Draymond Green Must Avoid Future Altercations

Green has long been known for a short fuse on the court. Now the Warriors star has to keep his head straight for the rest of this series. One more slip-up could involve a suspension. Which the Warriors can’t have, as they are already down 2-0. However, keeping Green on the court is now another thing head coach Steve Kerr will need to keep an eye on in this series. Regarding the incident, Sabonis has even shared his thoughts on Green’s actions. Basically, the Kings star said there’s no place in the game for what Green did.

The stomp will be talked about even when this series is over. However, if the Warriors are the team eliminated, the stomp will be even more scrutinized. The Warriors will have to overcome their biggest playoff hole in the Steph Curry era. But luckily for Golden State, the next game will be played at their place. Sacramento really put their home court to good use. Will Golden State fans do the same? Do you think Green deserved to be suspended? Let us know your opinion in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.