NBA Playoffs

Gilbert Arenas’ Honest Take On LeBron James

by

Gilbert Arenas’ latest appearance on the I Am Athlete podcast has given fans plenty to discuss this week. However, Arenas’ latest take is a refreshing discussion on a topic that is overly discussed. The show got to the point of discussing the GOAT of the NBA. A debate that can grow tiresome in record timing. However, Arenas has a different mindset on just how one should value great players. Including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Arenas, like many, believe these players can’t be put into one particular bubble.

“We’ve never actually seen LeBron James for LeBron James.” That was the biggest quote taken away from the discussion on the greatest players in league history. Arenas claims fans haven’t seen James for the player he is. Because many are too busy trying to compare him to someone else. Comparing athletes of different time periods has always been a fool’s game. Even comparing players of different positions should be an impossible task. However, James will always be linked to Michael Jordan.

Gilbert Arenas Respects LeBron For The Player He Is

Arenas makes a great point in the clip above when discussing the legacy of James. James’ ability to create for others is more of a comparison to Magic Johnson rather than Jordan. However, Arenas understands that James will always be compared to Jordan. Because that’s who the media wanted James to be from the moment he joined the league. Now, it’s time for the media and fans to admire James for the player he has always been. A player that wants to make everyone around him better.

However, Arenas didn’t deny that James can take over a game like Jordan if needed. Arenas recalls the Finals in which James had to give everything when Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving went down. James’ performance during that Finals could have made him the second player to earn Finals MVP as a member of the losing team. Do you agree with Gilbert Arenas on his opinion of LeBron James? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Ja Morant Listed As Game-Time Decision For Game 2

by

Ja Morant is trending in the right direction to rejoin his team for Game 2. The Memphis star exited Game 1 of the series with the Los Angeles Lakers for a hand injury. Morant’s absence was abundantly clear as the Lakers rolled to a 128-112 victory. Now, the Grizzlies are hoping that their star guard will be available when the teams meet in Game 2 on Wednesday. However, the team doesn’t want to make a ruling on Morant until the last possible moment.

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies still believe Morant will be available. “I do not sense a great deal of optimism around this Grizzlies team that Ja Morant will be ready to play in Game 2 [vs. Lakers] but they’ve not ruled him out, they’re going to take it up until tomorrow,” Woj commented during his appearance on NBA on ESPN. The Grizzlies will need all the help they can get. As the Lakers continue to improve game by game.

Ja Morant Will Need To Lead Grizzlies Over Lakers

The Western Conference has so many storylines involving the matchups. However, the biggest may be the new guard against the old. The Lakers and Warriors are underdogs to the Grizzlies and Kings. The clashing of generations has made for incredible action. But the Lakers are not ready to be put in the retirement home. The Grizzlies not having Morant will even give the Lakers more confidence as they look to avoid being sent home in the first round.

Ja Morant’s presence alone is a big factor for the Grizzlies. In the video above, you can see that Morant is all smiles as the team takes the floor. However, you can also see that Morant’s hand is being heavily wrapped. Although it would be impossible for Morant to play with his hand that protected. However, something tells me the Grizzlies star will do whatever it takes to be on the floor Wednesday night. Do you think Morant will be available for the pivotal Game 2 matchup? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

[Via]

50 Cent Was Quick To Fire Off A ‘Big Stepper’ Joke About Draymond Green Stomping Domantas Sabonis

by
50 cent nba
Getty Image

Round one of the NBA Playoffs is well underway and the latest twist in the epic sports narrative that has been the 2023 NBA season is an event that took place during last night’s Game 2 of the series between the Golden State Warriors and the surprise success of the season, the Sacramento Kings.

In the fourth quarter, as the Kings led the Warriors 91-87 in Sacramento, the Dubs’ Draymond Green and the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis got tangled up fighting for a rebound, leading to Sabonis ending up on the floor (for what felt like the 99th time this series) and grabbing at Green’s ankles to prevent him from getting back down the court.

Whether by accident or design, Green wound up planting his foot dead in the middle of his opponent’s chest, resulting in his expulsion from the game. The incident seems to be all anyone can talk about this morning, with Shaq standing up for Draymond on last night’s Inside The NBA and lots of fans chiming in — including rap’s resident supervillain, 50 Cent.

50, who has a drinks partnership with the Kings and attended both games in Sacramento, was quick with the jokes on Instagram. “Said @money23green what the fuck you do that for?” he wrote in the caption of a pair of screenshots of the incident. “He said 50 im a big stepper, i’m out here steppin on sh*t it’s the play offs.”

I guess 50 approves, but that’s no surprise from someone who had as many rivalries on records as Green has had on the court.

Ja Morant Injury Update

by

Ja Morant looked to suffer a very serious injury in the Grizzlies loss to Los Angeles on Sunday. The injury derailed any chance the Grizzlies had at making a comeback on the Lakers. Now it looks like the team could be without Morant for a pivotal Game 2. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski went on NBA on ESPN Monday to discuss Morant’s availability for Game 2. Woj stated there is significant doubt that the Grizzlies will be without their biggest star.

Losing Morant will be a fatal blow to any Grizzlies playoff run. The team is already dealing with injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Losing Morant could all but be the end of the Grizzlies season. Memphis has had a phenomenal season, with Morant leading the charge. One has to think Morant will give it everything he has to return this series. However, the organization also has to look at the future of the franchise in regard to Morant’s injury.

Ja Morant’s Absence Could Spell The End Of Memphis

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the Lakers have been one of the trendy teams heading into the playoffs. The Lakers are finally healthy enough to put the rest of the Western Conference on notice. But even the Lakers are weary of future injuries. Lakers star Anthony Davis injured his arm on Sunday. The injury had Davis telling the Lakers medical staff that he couldn’t feel his arms. However, Davis returned to the lineup and delivered for his team when he needed it the most. But the fear still remains if the Lakers can stay healthy.

The city of Memphis will be on round-the-clock surveillance on any news regarding Morant’s injury. But the Grizzlies will have to begin focusing on trying to even the series with the Lakers. Memphis may even need to think about how they will go about the series without Morant. Morant’s loss will shake up the entire playoff picture. But that’s not the Lakers problem. Can the Grizzlies defeat the Lakers without Ja Morant? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

[Via]

Shannon Sharpe Reacts To Heated Westbrook Exchange With Fan

by

Shannon Sharpe had a few words for the Phoenix Suns organization on Monday. During Monday’s edition of Undisputed, co-hosts Sharpe and Skip Bayless spoke on an issue that happened Sunday night. During the Clippers-Suns game, a fan and Clippers guard Russell Westbrook shared a heated moment. A video has been circulating of Westbrook getting in the fan’s face before security stepped between the two. Sharpe spoke about how dangerous the situation could have been.

“Now that fans are back: Phoenix, cut it out. Do not let players walk thru the VIP section because you’re asking for trouble,” Sharpe stated. Sharpe makes a great point on the Suns needing to put a stop to letting players walk through the area. The situation between the fan and Westbrook could have been drastically worse. We’ve seen incidents with fans and players in the past that have gone too far. However, Westbrook restrained himself from taking it a step further.

Shannon Sharpe Says Suns Need To Make A Change

Action between fans and players has seemingly grown worse over the years. Just this season in the NBA, several players had to deal with issues with fans. Including one fan calling Toronto Raptors star Chirs Boucher a racist name. Sharpe makes a strong point on the Suns needing to make a change in how fans can interact with players. The change should be made far before there’s a dangerous incident that forces the franchise to make the change. It has yet to be reported what caused the incident to happen. However, it should have never gotten to that point anyway.

You would have to believe the Suns fan was a little hurt by Westbrook’s performance. Westbrook made a game-saving defensive play to give the Clippers the win on Sunday. The Clippers handed the Suns their first loss with their new superstar, Kevin Durant. The Suns-Clippers matchup looks destined to be a promising series. However, there is no need for fan interactions like the one we saw on Sunday. Do you agree with Shannon Sharpe that the Suns need to make an immediate change? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

Charles Barkley Believes Lakers Have Easy Road To Finals

by

Charles Barkley is starting to believe in the Los Angeles Lakers. However, it may not be for the reasons that everyone else is. On Sunday, during the telecast of the Lakers playoff game, Barkley discussed what he is seeing in the playoff landscape. No, it isn’t just the talent of the Lakers that has Barkley believing in them. But rather, their current and potential matchups waiting for them. It looks as if the Lakers could be playing a Grizzlies team that may be without their best player in Ja Morant.

Morant injured his hand on Sunday night, with the outlook not being so great. Now, the Lakers can pounce on the wounded Grizzlies, extending their series lead. Here’s what Barkley had to say on the matter. “If you actually look at it now, the Lakers that was the easiest path to the Conference Finals…I rather be in the Play-In and play 1 bad team at home. The Clippers got a tougher road because they have to go through the Suns and Denver.”

Charles Barkley Likes The Lakers Odds

While Barkley could be right in his assessment. However, if the Lakers advance, they will be taking on a strong team in either the Warriors or Kings. Yes, the Clippers could potentially have a tougher road with Phoenix and Denver. But counting out the reigning champs and Sacramento could seem rather foolish. However, with all the talk on future matchups, we’re only one game into the opening round. A lot can happen from now until the end of the week.

The Lakers bandwagon seems to be growing larger by the day. A team that was once believed to not belong in the playoffs. Now, has all the luck on their side. But they may not be entirely lucky. Lakers star Anthony Davis did suffer an arm injury on Sunday night. However, Davis did return and finish strong for his team in the win. Do you believe the Lakers have a favorable road to the NBA Finals? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it locked in here with HNHH.

[Via]

Snoop Dogg Gives Lakers A New Nickname

by

Snoop Dogg and Lakers Nation were ecstatic with the team’s game-one victory over the Grizzlies. The Lakers took down Memphis in convincing fashion on Sunday. Leading many people to feel a lot better about their predictions of the Lakers pulling the upset. Snoop quickly took to social media to celebrate the game one victory. In typical Snoop fashion, the celebration was pure comedy. The legendary rapper even dubbed his Lakers with a new nickname. The Lakers will now be known as the “United Nations.”

“We got United Nations over here. We got Asians, white boys, — boy, we cold! The Lakers got a cold squad, baby. We on it like we want it. Ay Bubba, let me hear from ya, punk. Lakers in six, punk,” Snoop stated in his Instagram post. It will be hard to tamper with the expectations of Lakers Nation after their dominating game one performance. The team was rolling on all cylinders on Sunday. Including big performances from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.

Snoop Dogg Excited With Recent Lakers Performance

The Lakers faithful are finally seeing their teams somewhat healthy, and it’s paying off. However, there was a scary moment with Anthony Davis on Sunday night. The Lakers star injured his arm before halftime, telling trainers he couldn’t feel it. But Davis returned and helped lead his team to the victory over the Grizzlies. Game two is set for Wednesday night. Unfortunately, Memphis could be without a star of its own in Ja Morant. Morant suffered a hand injury on his shooting hand during the contest.

Lakers Nation, United Nations, whatever you want to call them. The Lakers and their fanbase are on a euphoric high at the moment. In his video, Snoop’s high looked more than euphoric. However, when your Snoop Dogg, you can celebrate in any fashion that you see fit. Things seem to be going all Los Angeles right now. But don’t count the Grizzlies out just yet. It is difficult to beat any team four times. The Grizzlies will not be going down without a fight. For the latest NBA news, keep it locked in with HNHH.

[Via]

E-40 Called Out ‘Racial Bias’ After He Was Kicked Out Of Game 1 In Sacramento

by
e 40
Getty Image

The Kings picked up their first playoff win in 17 years on Saturday night, beating the Warriors in a thrilling, back-and-forth Game 1 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

It was a raucous atmosphere, as expected, with Kings fans packing the arena well before tipoff, celebrating their first playoff trip in nearly two decades. It was a hostile environment for the Warriors, which they’re accustomed to in the postseason, but also for some of their high-profile fans. E-40 was among those who made the trip up the road to Sacramento for the game to cheer on the Warriors, but after an altercation with a fan, he was kicked out of his courtside seat.

On Sunday morning, E-40 issued a statement insisting he was not in the wrong and calling out “racial bias” from the security at the Kings arena for deciding that he was in the wrong in the incident with a white woman.

The Bay Area legend asked for an investigation into the matter by the Kings, saying he was humiliated by security kicking him out. The Kings have not issued a statement on the matter, but it’s likely they and the league will look into what transpired on Saturday night with one of the Warriors most prominent fans.

Jimmy Butler Injury Update Before Pivotal Game

by

Jimmy Butler’s availability for the Miami Heat’s game with the Chicago Bulls on Friday has been a mystery. Butler missed practice on Thursday and was unavailable during the team shootaround on Friday. However, the Miami star looks to be available for the team’s win-or-go-home game on Friday night. Butler’s absence is being reported as a personal reason. However, many are wondering if Butler is dealing with an injury the team is trying to keep private.

Miami beat writer Ira Winderman reported that Heat fans should expect to see Butler on Friday. “Jimmy Butler was not with the Heat at today’s shootaround for the same personal reason he missed Thursday’s practice, but will be with the team for tonight’s play-in tournament elimination game against the visiting Bulls.” The timing of Butler’s absence couldn’t be at a worse time. But the Miami forward could be dealing with something none of us are even aware of. Which is why opinions on the matter should be stopped until an official statement is released.

Jimmy Butler Will Be Available On Friday

The Heat will need Butler at 100% for their matchup with the Bulls. The two teams will be competing for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Heat failed to grab the seventh seed in a blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks. While the Bulls earned this matchup with a win over the Toronto Raptors. The Heat looked like a shell of themselves in their loss to Atlanta. However, on Friday, the team will have a chance for redemption.

The Heat have had a lot of success recently in the playoffs. The franchise has appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons. However, now it seems just making the playoffs will be a difficult task for the team. Jimmy Butler isn’t known as a player to give up on his team. If anything, Butler is well-known for being a team guy around the league. So whatever is ailing Butler, he will have to be put in the back of his mind. The matchup between the Bulls and Heat will tip-off at 7 pm EST. on Friday. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.