NBA Playoffs

Giannis Antetokounmpo Reveals Shocking Story

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Giannis Antetokounmpo has achieved everything a player can do in the NBA. The Milwaukee star is a league MVP, a multi-time all-star, and an NBA champion. However, some of that would have never happened with a recent story told by Giannis. The Bucks star talked about a darker time in his life with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. It seems that Giannis was potentially ready to walk away from the game. Just one year before earning his first NBA title. A move that would have shaken the NBA to its core.

“In 2020, I was ready to walk away from the game. I had that conversation — yes — with the front office. And, you know, very normally, everybody is looking at me like I was crazy. You just signed the largest contract in NBA history, and you want to walk away from the game and all that money?’ Mannnnn, you can take that money and shove it into your…” Giannis didn’t care about the fame and money that came with his talents. The Bucks star was ready to find peace and joy.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Made A Tough Decision

Upon speaking with Bucks management, Giannis decided to give therapy a try. “Somebody helped put me in a place, again, to appreciate all of the things that I have, that comes with being who I am. To be OK with myself.” Choosing to take therapy is a big step in working on your mental health. However, the decision doesn’t find public praise sometimes. Antetokounmpo should be celebrated for making a decision to make himself a better person on and off the court.

The story of Giannis Antetokounmp’s potential retirement has come as a massive shock. His story just goes to show everyone that we never know what someone is going through. Someone like Giannis seemed to have it all. But he wasn’t living in the happiness he wanted. Mental health has become a more publicly talked about the topic recently. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done on breaking the stigma revolving around the term. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Kyle Kuzma Makes Bold Claim About NBA Playoffs

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Kyle Kuzma has a lot of time to think about basketball right now. His Washington Wizards failed to make the playoffs, finishing with a 35-47 record. They have now missed the playoffs in back-to-back years for the second time in the last five seasons. Kuzma was the team’s third-best scorer over the course of the season.

However, Kuzma isn’t thinking about the Wizards and what will presumably be a tough offseason for the team. Nor is he thinking about his future, as the 23/24 is a player option year for the small forward. Instead, Kuzma is focused on the playoffs and decided to make a bold claim concerning his pick for the Western Conference champions.

Kuzma Backs His Former Team

In a tweet posted Tuesday afternoon, Kuzma backed his former team, the LA Lakers, to take represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. “My hot take.. (but not really) I think the lakeshow can get to the finals..” the tweet read. At the time of writing, the tweet has garnered over 19,000 likes and nearly 900 comments. Kuzma played for the Lakers between 2017 and 2021. He won a championship with the team in the 19/20 Bubble season. It’s clear he still has love for his former team.

But just how hot is Kuzma’s take? On the surface, the Lakers to the Finals would seem like a sure thing given the talent available to LA. But injuries and inconsistency have followed the Lakers all season. They didn’t reach a .500 record until the 74th game of the season. While all are listed as probable, LeBron, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis are each dealing with a day-to-day injury. And then there’s the Lakers’ road to the Finals. First, they have to make it out of the Play-In Tournament. That pits them against either the Nuggets or the Grizzlies. The Lakers have a 2-2 record against the Nuggets and a 2-1 record against the Grizzlies this season. But nothing is ever certain in the playoffs and the West’s top seeds won’t be easy pickings. Kuzma can be applauded for his faith in his former team. However, only time will tell whether his take was indeed, hot.

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Devin Booker Delivers Strong Message Before Suns Playoff Start

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Devin Booker is more than ready to begin the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The Phoenix Suns star is ready to prove to the world that his team is ready for the big stage. The Suns will be seeking their second NBA Finals appearance in three years. Unfortunately for Booker, the Suns failed to win it all in 2021. As the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Suns for the title. However, Booker believes this season will be Phoenix’s best chance to win the NBA Championship.

“It’s been all over the place, but I think the main goal and what we realize since we lost last year and lost in the finals the year before that it comes down to this year. That’s the only thing that matters. It’s an important time, and we’re at full health, full strength and it’s time to do it.” Booker’s comments came during an interview with azcentral.com. The Suns seem to have every piece that it takes to become the NBA champions. Including one of the greatest scorers of a generation in, Kevin Durant.

Devin Booker Hungry For 2023 Playoffs

Not only do the Suns have Durant and Booker. Also, the team has one of the greatest point guards of all time, Chris Paul. Paul has been starving for his first NBA title. The future Hall-of-Famer’s first Finals appearance was in 2021. The loss seeped into last season. Obviously, a reason for Phoenix’s failure to reach the mountaintop again. However, now the team feels like it is all coming together this season. The Suns will meet the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.

Devin Booker doesn’t have to wait much longer. Soon the NBA first round will begin, as the play-in tournament starts on Tuesday. The seventh and eighth seeds of each conference will be decided. Afterward, the first round will officially begin this coming Saturday. The Phoenix Suns are full of confidence heading into the NBA Playoffs. Is there a team in the Western Conference that can take them down? Let us know who you believe that team could be in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, stay with us here at HNHH.

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Kevin Durant First Player In History To Achieve Amazing Statistic

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Kevin Durant’s addition to the Phoenix Suns has been can’t miss. Barring a freak pre-game incident that sidelined Durant. The former Brooklyn star has been one of the more dominant players in the league. The Suns have yet to lose a game with Durant in the lineup. Obviously, his presence on the floor has been a game-changer for the Suns. But it wasn’t until his latest feat was released that proves Durant’s dominance. Durant sets alone on the throne of this stellar NBA statistic.

KD became the first 55-40-90 player in the history of the NBA. For those that may not understand those numbers. Durant is the first player to shoot over 55%, shoot 40% from 3, and shoot at least 90% from the free throw line. That statistic is one of the biggest pieces of evidence that proves Durant’s scoring ability. Durant has been an anomaly since his debut in the league. A nearly seven-foot superstar that can do anything that he wants with a basketball.

Kevin Durant Continues To Carve His Legacy

The accolades are great, but Durant is now focusing on earning his third NBA Championship. Durant won back-to-back titles with the great team every assembled with the Golden State Warriors. However, Durant has only been to one other Final outside of his time with Golden State. It’s hard to not talk about any player of this generation without talking about a super team. Particularly when it comes to discussing Durant. However, the Phoenix star isn’t worried about his past. He is only focused on being the best he can be in the present.

The Phoenix Suns were a great team before Kevin Durant arrived. However, it felt like the Suns were in a rut after a disappointing 2022 post-season. Now the team is looking to return to the Finals for the second time in three years. After a dominating 2022-23 season, Durant could be the X factor in Phoenix grabbing their first NBA title. Do you believe that the Phoenix Suns are a threat to the NBA title? What would another championship mean for Durant’s legacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, stay locked in here at HNHH.

Jimmy Butler Shuts Down Heat Doubters

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After reaching the NBA Finals last season, there were high expectations for the Miami Heat. However, the team has failed to meet the lofty benchmark they set for themselves. The team didn’t make any big acquisitions in free agency and has struggled in a loaded Eastern Conference. They finished the season 44-38, taking the seventh overall seed in the playoffs. However, the Heat finished strong, winning four of their five last games in the regular season. Ultimately, they finished one game behind the sixth-seeded Brooklyn Nets.

However, Jimmy Butler has once again shone as the team’s brightest star. The veteran small forward leads the team in points per game (22.9) and assists per game (5.3). Much like their Finals run last year, Butler has carried the team, playing in and starting 64 games. Only Bam Adebayo (75) and Tyler Herro (67) have more starts than Butler. Butler also posted the second-highest points per game of his career, his best average since the 2016/17 season. It was also the first time he played at least 60 games since the 2018/19 season.

Butler Backs The Heat

Speaking to ESPN, Butler shut down any doubt about whether the Heat could repeat their run to the finals. “Nope. It’s all the same.” was Butler’s concise answer when asked if he was embracing the Heat being the “underdog” after being the 1-seed last year. “Didn’t nobody pick us to win last year, either. So who cares. Y’all not going to pick us this year, still don’t give a damn. In 10 years, y’all still not going to pick us. Still don’t give a damn.” Butler continued.

Butler was the powerhouse of the Heat’s run a year ago and his comments are a clear indicator of where his mentality is for 2023. If he’s still playing basketball, the Heat are still winning. If the Heat are still winning, they can still win the championship. That said, it will be a much different road compared to 2022. To begin, the Heat must defend their seventh-seed status against the Atlanta Hawks. If they can, it would set up an Eastern Conference Finals rematch against the Celtics. But one thing is clear, Jimmy Butler sees the playoffs as the playoffs, regardless of seeding.

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Rudy Gobert Suspended By Timberwolves After Striking Teammate

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Rudy Gobert made headlines this past Sunday for all the wrong reasons. The Minnesota Timberwolves star was seen striking teammate Kyle Anderson during the team’s regular-season finale. The two were seen in a heated discussion that saw Gobert try to finish the altercation by throwing a punch. Now it seems the punch has landed Gobert in hot water. NBA insiders Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski are reporting the Minnesota big man will not travel with the team for the play-in tournament due to suspension.

The news of Gobert’s suspension is massive for the Timberwolves. Gobert is a strong defensive presence that could have helped the team deal with Anthony Daivs. Now, most of that load will be on the shoulders of Karl Anthony-Towns. The Lakers and the Timberwolves will be competing for the seventh seed. While the winner earns a future date with the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. Also, the Timberwolves season finale on Sunday included even more than two teammates being in an altercation.

Rudy Gobert Suspended For Play-In Tournament

The entire team Timberwolves team was visibly upset on Sunday. During halftime of their game, forward Jaden McDaniels fractured his hand by punching a wall. The collapse by Minnesota on Sunday is disheartening to a fan base starving to see them succeed. The Timberwolves haven’t seen much success in the post-season since the early 2000s. Now it seems as if the team is unraveling before even getting to play in this year’s playoffs. The Lakers will be chomping at the bit to attack the wounded Timberwolves.

However, all will not be lost if the Timberwolves lose to the Lakers. The team can still earn the final spot in the Western Conference if they fail against the Lakers. But with so much current turmoil, it’s hard to see Minnesota winning anything in this postseason. However, it has yet to be reported if Rudy Gobert will miss any other action after the team’s play-in matchup with the Lakers. How long do you believe Gobert will be suspended? Has he played his final game as a member of the Timberwolves? Sound off with your opinions in our comment section. For the latest NBA breaking news, stay locked in here at HNHH.

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Paul George To Miss Start Of NBA Playoffs

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Paul George hasn’t received the news he would like before the start of the NBA Playoffs. The Los Angeles Clippers star is trending toward missing the opening round. A huge loss for a team that can make an impact this postseason. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the team is preparing for the Phoenix Suns with the thought of not having George. “[The Clippers] are gonna have to get out of this series without [Paul George] if they want a chance potentially to get him back,” Charania stated.

The loss of George will be a massive impact on the Clippers. The team’s first-round matchup will be against the Suns. A team that got massively better after the arrival of Kevin Durant. George’s injury means the Clippers will need to adjust how they defend Durant. The Clippers have the talent available to win the series. However, losing someone like George will make the journey a lot more difficult. The first game of this series is set to tip off on April 16th.

Paul George To Miss Phoenix Series

The Clippers will begin the series in Phoenix. Since the Suns are the higher seed. However, Phoenix’s place in the standings doesn’t mirror how great the team has been recently. With the addition of Durant, the Suns have been unbeatable. But in the regular season finale on Sunday, the Clippers took down the Suns 119-114. The series will feature many storylines. Including a matchup between Russell Westbrook and Durant. The two were long-time teammates in Oklahoma City. Before Durant’s departure turned them into enemies on the hardwood.

The first-round matchup between the Clippers and Suns will be a can’t miss. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard seems to always be at his best in the postseason. But if the Clippers fans want to see Paul George again, they’ll have to beat the Suns. There’s nothing like the NBA Playoffs. The time for talk is over, and the best team will show their talent on the court. Who do you believe will win this battle of stars in the first round? Please give us your predictions in the comment section. For the latest news regarding the NBA Playoffs, stay with us here at HNHH.

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LeBron James Shares Photos Celebrating Year 20 In The NBA

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LeBron James will be heading back to the NBA Playoffs. On Sunday, James and the Lakers sealed the seventh seed in the Western Conference. However, the team will have to navigate through the play-in tournament to start their playoff run. But James will have a few days to rest up before the playoffs begin. Sunday was the final regular season game of James’ 20th season. An incredible feat that only a select number of talents get to be a part of. James shared a few photos of the game to celebrate his big year.

James took to Instagram to thank his fans who have been along the journey. The “KidFromAkron” has seen success in every stop during his twenty years. He has been the face of every franchise that he has been a part of. While also bringing a championship to the city of Cleveland. A promise he knew he would keep. James has become more than a basketball player. Also, opening up a school in Akron for children to have a greater chance at future success.

LeBron James Thanks Fans After Regular Season

However, the career celebration will be short-lived. James and the Lakers will now have their sights set on the Minnesota Timberwolves. A win in the opening round of the play-in tournament will earn the Lakers the seventh seed. The win will also put the Lakers in a first-round matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are looking to prove themselves. But will be short-handed with the recent news of Steven Adams’ knee injury. The Lakers have experience in the matchup. But will need to be another young and hungry team in the Minnesota Timberwolves.

LeBron James has not kept it a secret. The NBA legend has stated he wants to play with his son Bronny before calling it a career. Bronny will begin his college career next season. However, he has yet to choose just where he will take his talents. Indeed, one would assume that Bronny has hopes of being a one-and-done college athlete. Putting the potential of seeing this duo in just two years. Will year 22 be the final year of James’ legacy? Sound off in the comment section with your thoughts on the James duo playing together. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

Philadelphia Sixers Resting Stars

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The Philadelphia Sixers are the latest team to announce a massive list of players resting. Earlier on Friday, the Phoenix Suns announced their starting lineup wouldn’t be in action. Now it seems the Sixers are taking note. James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid are among the names on the injury report. The Sixers have wrapped up the third seed in the West. Undoubtedly, their playoff positioning is the reason for so many key names being unavailable on Friday night.

Joel Embiid has all but locked in his 2023 MVP season. Many among the media believe it is finally the year for the Sixers star. Embiid’s performance against the Celtics earlier this week all but sealed the deal for his first MVP award. Even Sixers head coach Doc Rivers believes the Philadelphia big man is the leading candidate. So his absence on Friday night shouldn’t be a factor in deciding the winner of the award. Obviously, the Sixers will be outmanned Friday night. But that doesn’t mean the team will just let the Hawks win.

Philadelphia Sixers Have Sights Set On NBA Finals

If Embiid happens to win the MVP Award, only one trophy remains for him to chase. Additionally, Embiid has yet to win an NBA championship. The Philadelphia Sixers star has yet to even appear in the Finals. Also, Embiid’s teammate James Harden is still causing that elusive first title. Harden, who is a former MVP himself, has long been chasing that championship ring. Before his time in Philly, Harden was very close to getting a chance with the Houston Rockets. However, the Rockets became the first team to blow a 3-0 series lead in NBA history. As the Golden State Warriors defeated the Rockets in the Western Finals.

There’s a lot at stake for the Sixers team. However, their resume is set as it regards to the regular season. Just like many other teams, the Sixers will now be looking ahead to the playoffs. The Eastern Conference is very top-heavy. As the Celtics and Bucks will be standing in the way of Philadelphia’s quest. Philly’s win over the Celtics this week does give the team a little confidence. However, the team realizes that a regular season victory is minuscule in the grand scheme of things. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Kevin Durant Fires Playoff Warning

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Kevin Durant has altered the entire landscape of the NBA Playoffs. Since his arrival in Phoenix, Durant has helped the team look like an unstoppable force. The team has yet to lose when Durant is on the court. Durant missed some time when he first arrived in Phoenix after a freak pre-game incident. However, when Durant is healthy, there may not be a better team in the league. After the Suns’ victory over Denver Thursday, Durant spoke about gearing up for the 2023 playoffs.

We have played 80-something games, logged in a thousand minutes of film. If you’re a playoff coach and you don’t know how we’re coming as a team, you’re not prepared for how we’re coming as a team, then I don’t think you should have that job,” Durant stated. Durant’s comments do make a lot of sense if you think about it. Everyone has seen everyone else’s best hand. There’s no secret plan to defeat the other team. Opposing teams know what the Suns bring to the table. But stopping them is an entirely different story.

Kevin Durant Is Ready For A Playoff Run

The Suns will have a tough challenge with whoever they’re matched up with within the first round. While the complete playoff standings are not set. The Los Angeles Clippers would be the current opponent for Phoenix. However, the Golden State Warriors still have a chance to sneak into that fifth seed. The Western Conference is shaping up to be a plethora of fun matchups. But Pheonix doesn’t care who is on the other sideline. It is time to get locked in for the playoffs.

Kevin Durant doesn’t care who the Suns meet in the first round. It also doesn’t matter who they’ll meet. As winning the NBA Finals is never going to be a cakewalk for anyone. However, something tells me that if Durant plays the Warriors in the first round, the league would love to see it. Who do you believe is the favorite to win the NBA Finals? Let us know in the comment section. As always, keep it right here at HNHH for the latest NBA news.

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