NBA Playoffs

Gregg Popovich Reveals Feelings On Phoenix Suns

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Gregg Popovich knows a good team when he sees one. The legendary head coach has been a part of numerous championship teams. The San Antonio Spurs headman didn’t hold back his thoughts on this year’s Phoenix Suns. A team that is absolutely loaded with talent. Needless to say, Popovich is high on them. So high that he believes the Suns have what it takes to become champions. After the team’s met this past Tuesday, “Pop” was asked his thoughts on the new look Suns.

“You know, with Chris (Paul) being the point along with veterans like Book (Devin Booker) and KD (Kevin Durant), they can get it together,” Popovich said. “He’s a great leader. KD and Book know what it takes, Monty (Williams) and his staff do a great job. They would probably like to have a few more games to get a rhythm down, but they can still get it done, without a doubt.” A huge endorsement from one of the greatest minds in the history of the NBA.

Gregg Popovich Likes What He Sees In Phoenix

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center on April 04, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

The Suns are still chasing that elusive first franchise championship. The Team came up just short in 2021. As the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Suns in an all-time classic series. However, the addition of Kevin Durant has Phoenix looking like a completely different team. When Durant plays, the Suns are undefeated. His presence on the court changes the entire landscape of the team. Pairing up with Devin Booker and Chris Paul certainly makes the Suns a betting favorite for the NBA title.

As good as the Suns have become, Gregg Popovich’s Spurs are on the opposite end. The 2022-23 Spurs have their eyes set on the NBA Draft Lottery instead of the playoffs. But, the lottery will be no consultation prize this season. As teams will be clamoring to grab the French big man Victor Wembanyama. Needless to say, many believe that Wembanyama is an instant game changer. Something the Spurs desperately are in need of. Stay locked in for the latest news involving the NBA here at HNHH.

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Will Anthony Davis Play In Pivotal Lakers-Clippers Matchup?

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Anthony Davis’ being healthy has been a huge factor in the Lakers success. The LA big man is a massive difference-maker for a team looking to secure a playoff spot. However, the Lakers have been extremely cautious about how to use Davis. While Davis is nearly unstoppable on the court, he can’t seem to avoid the injury. Which is why Lakers fans on nervous about the possibility of “The Brow” sitting out of a big matchup with the Clippers.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski appeared on ESPN’s Get Up this morning to discuss Davis’ availability. According to Woj, there’s a real possibility that Davis doesn’t give it a go against the Clippers. “There’s real question whether [AD] would play a back-to-back. … This is a significant, significant game for the Lakers against the Clippers tonight. Essentially, the sixth-seed is on the line.” Tonight’s game will be a huge factor in deciding the sixth seed in the Western Conference. However, playing on back-to-back nights has been a rarity for Davis.

Anthony Davis Needs To Play Against Clippers

Securing the sixth seed means avoiding the play-in tournament. With both LA teams seeking more rest, avoiding the play-in game could mean just that. However, there is a third variable in the equation. That variable is the Golden State Warriors. Three talented and veteran teams are hungry for that extra rest. Tonight’s game between the Lakers and Clippers will eliminate one from that discussion. If anything, the Lakers should treat this one like a playoff game.

Anthony Davis giving it a go tonight will not come as a surprise. The former Kentucky star knows what is at stake. Davis’ fellow teammate LeBron James has also dealt with injuries this season. However, James looks to be active for the game tonight. The Lakers-Clippers will tip at 10 pm EST. Both teams share a 41-38 record, and tonight’s game could be for some massive bragging rights. Who do you think will win the big matchup? Also, which team will earn the sixth seed? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. For the latest on the NBA Playoffs race, stay right here at HNHH.

Luka Doncic Shuts Down Reports That He Will Sit Out

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Luka Doncic still believes the Dallas Mavericks can make magic this season. The team isn’t technically out of the playoff race. However, it will take a miracle for the Mavericks to grab a spot in the play-in tournament. The Mavericks have been a surprising failure after adding Kyrie Irving in the middle of the season. Dallas has been unable to stop any offensive threat that comes their way. But Doncic isn’t giving up. Despite what you may hear

According to Marc Stein, the Mavericks star isn’t done this season. Recent reports rumored that Doncic and Irving would be shutting it down for the rest of the season. Luka says those reports are not accurate. “When there’s still a chance [to reach the postseason], I’m going to play.” Doncic is of the thought that the Mavericks are still involved in important basketball. The Mavericks are just one spot out of the play-in tournament. As the Oklahoma City Thunder currently own the tenth seed. The Mavericks do not control their destiny. However, all they can do is win.

Luka Doncic Believes Mavericks Are Playoff Contenders

So it hasn’t been the ideal season for the Mavericks. However, that doesn’t mean the team can’t find hope in dark times. The team has three games remaining. Their opponents include the Kings, Bulls, and Spurs. Oklahoma City has meetings with the Jazz and Grizzlies remaining. The Mavericks will need the Thunder to lose both of those games. As well as win their remaining three. The pressure is on. However, it does feel like the Thunder will feel the heat more than Dallas.

Luka Doncic isn’t giving up. Honestly, it makes sense that he wouldn’t. Yes, the team has a puncher’s chance at making the playoffs. But seeing your biggest star fight until the end is an even bigger story. The future of the Dallas Mavericks is unknown. The team will have many questions to answer this off-season. Including the futures of head coach Jason Kidd and Irving. The Mavericks still have an opportunity to build around Luka. However, time is running out. For the latest news in the NBA, stay with us here at HNHH.

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Steph Curry Doesn’t Hold Back After Ugly Loss

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Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors didn’t have a great Sunday. The reigning NBA champions were narrowly beaten by the Denver Nuggets 112-110. The Warriors are fighting to stay out of the play-in tournament to start the 2023 playoffs. Curry was visibly upset with the team’s performance during his post-game presser. Last year’s Finals MVP didn’t hold back on his thoughts on how the game went. Needless to say, Curry knows what success in the league looks like. According to Curry, last night wasn’t one of those nights.

“So it’s just a matter of executing, being mindful of what it takes to win that particular game that night, maintain our momentum that we’ve worked hard to create in the first half, but weren’t able to do it,” Curry shared during the post-game. However, Curry did see some things he liked in Sunday’s performance, “Still, the grit and the fight allows us to be one shot away from stealing a game we had no business being in. But we got to come to a realization like if we’re going to win or do anything in a playoff kind of scenario, a game like tonight can’t happen.”

Steph Curry Looking For Better Team Performance At Season’s End

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on in a game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on April 2, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

It has been a less-than-ideal 2022-23 campaign for the Warriors. The team has dealt with injuries with Curry. Personal issues have sidelined Andrew Wiggins. All-in-all, the team hasn’t been able to find a grove. However, if this team gets a chance at having everyone together, the possibilities are endless. The Warriors were the greatest dynasty of the 2010s and continue to flex their muscles. A Finals victory over a younger Celtics team last summer proved the Warriors are still dominant.

No one is expecting the Warriors to make a Finals run this season. If anything, most media members believe the Lakers to be the Cinderella of the West. However, counting out the Warriors seems to be a foolish thought. A team with this much chemistry can overcome many obstacles. Although, being on the same page when the Playoffs start will be vital to their success. Do you believe the Warriors can make another run to the NBA Finals? Are there too many obstacles to overcome this season? Please tell us your thoughts on the Warriors in the comment section below. As always, stay here at HNHH for the latest news in sports.

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Kyrie Irving Speaks On Mavericks Struggles

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Kyrie Irving’s addition to the Dallas Mavericks had many expecting the team to be a deadly force. With Luka Doncic, the addition of Irving made a formidable backcourt. Now the team is fighting for their playoff lives. The Mavericks sit one spot out of the Play-In Tournament and hold a 37-40 record. Not the record anyone inside the organization had planned since Irving joined the team. Luka has already expressed his frustrations with how the season is turning out. Now Kyrie has voiced his concerns with the team’s current play.

It’s hard to see a team with so much talent miss the playoffs. The Western Conference is stacked with talent. However, there’s no excuse for the Mavericks to miss the playoffs. The Mavericks have dropped five of their last six. Including two to a lowly Charlotte Hornets squad. So what exactly could the issue be? For Irving, he believes the trade during mid-season is having an effect. Irving mentions that the frustrations are felt inside the locker room.

Kyrie Irving Admits Trade Is Playing Factor In Recent Struggles

The Mavericks guard mentioned that newness has been a huge factor for him. Just learning everything that goes on within the organization has taken time. Yes, that could be hard to learn. However, Irving isn’t the first star to be traded in the season. His words seem to say he is happy, even if he preferred to be in Brooklyn. The Kyrie Irving saga has been a roller coaster of emotion. Nonetheless, Irving has stayed relatively quiet since joining the Mavericks. As he mentioned, the only issue since arriving in Dallas has been the performance on the court.

One might wonder how Mark Cuban feels about all this. Not making the playoffs with this roster is an absolute failure. If the Mavericks miss the playoffs, what will this roster look like next year? Will Irving still be in Dallas? Will Luka be looking for a way out? Luka’s frustrations are visible when watching this team on a nightly basis. Many questions will need to be answered. Sound off in the comments section below. For more news on Kyrie and the Mavericks, stay with us at HNHH.

Light the Beam: Sacramento Kings End 16-Year Playoff Drought

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Light the Beam: Sacramento Kings End 16-Year Playoff Drought

Light the Beam, the Sacramento Kings playoff drought is over. The Kings have not made the playoffs in 16 years, that run is now over after the team beat the Portland Trailblazers in a Wednesday night battle, 120-80.

“I guess this would be like relief. People can’t keep saying it. It’s over and done with,” Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox said to ESPN. “We want to do bigger things. But [16] years, it’s a long time. It feels great to get it off of us.”

The return to the playoffs was a complete team effort for the Kings as Fox had 18 points and six assists, Damontas Sabonis added 15 points and 12 rebounds, and sharpshooter Kevin Huerter had 17. Off the bench, Malik Monk dropped 19.

“We want to give [the fans] a lot more than we’ve given them so far already because they’re more than deserving of it,” head coach Mike Brown said. “And you know, when you have a fan base that’s as intelligent, rather passionate about not only their team, but their city too, you could feel it’s a prideful thing. You want the world for them, and you’re excited about it. We want them to celebrate, but we, we also expect more from us and we expect to hopefully give them more.”

The post Light the Beam: Sacramento Kings End 16-Year Playoff Drought appeared first on The Source.

Steph Curry Supports Equality in Sports with Custom Kicks

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Steph Curry Game 3

Steph Curry has been incredibly busy this week, trying to lead the Warriors to an NBA title in a gritty battle against the Boston Celtics. While Curry hopes to emerge a winner on the court, he is working for a more even playing field off the court.

Curry has been known for rocking some fits from up-and-coming minority designers in his tunnel walks, and he is also promoting gender equality with his custom Curry 4’s, which feature the hashtag #RetireInequality and draw attention to economic inequalities that still face many women around the world today.

Curry debuted the custom Curry 4’s in game three against the Celtics. The shoes feature a bright blue, pink, yellow, and white colorway with the hashtag #RetireInequality. A closeup of the shoe was posted on the official Curry Brand Instagram (@sc30) with the following caption:

For Game 👌, @stephencurry30 wore a special pair of Curry 4s designed by our very own @azzi35. Major love to @tiaa @currybrand @dezcustomz and @kreativecustomkicks for helping make it all happen!

A small quantity of this special pair will be available for purchase on June 23 on @ntwrk, with all proceeds going to the Women’s Sports Foundation and @tiaa’s mission to bring awareness to the retirement pay gap affecting women today.

Learn more: https://retireinequality.com

SC30 Instagram
SC30 Instagram

#RetireInequality is an initiative by TIAA bank to promote economic opportunity for women and work towards more equitable pay and retirement savings opportunities. Azzi Fudd shooting guard for the UConn Huskies. The shoe design was also courtesy of custom shoe designer @dezcustomz, which specializes in airbrush art design and @kreativecustomkicks, which specializes in intricately detailed custom painted shoes.

The post Steph Curry Supports Equality in Sports with Custom Kicks appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Pelicans’ CJ. McCollum Joins ESPN As An NBA Analyst

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CJ McCollum

New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard CJ. McCollum will be doing double duties as a player and now as an official ESPN employee. McCollum will begin his new gig at game 1 of the NBA Finals.

As part of his analyst role, McCollum will work closely with ESPN to develop a new podcast that will be available on all streaming platforms throughout the year. Additionally, McCollum will serve as game analyst for ESPN’s coverage of NBA Summer League, while also contributing studio analysis on a year-long basis.

READ MORE: SOURCE SPORTS: Pelicans and Grizzlies Swap Big Men, Draft Picks in Trade

“It is my honor to be joining the ESPN family in this new role and I am excited to bring what I feel is my unique perspective, based on my vast knowledge of the game that I’ve gained during my nine years as a player in the NBA,” said McCollum. “To have an opportunity to put my journalism background to use on the largest stage with the many talented professionals at ESPN is a dream come true.”

McCollum joins the likes of Draymond Green, juggling media jobs while continuing to play in the NBA at a high level. McCollum and the Pelicans gave the Phoenix Suns a tough first round series. With a healthy Zion Williamson next season, McCollum and the Pelicans should expect a much longer NBA Playoff appearance.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Warriors Take 3-0 Lead With Win Over Mavericks

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steph curry warriors 3 0

Steph Curry poured in 31 points and 11 assists as the Warriors beat the Mavericks 109-100 in Game Three in Dallas. Curry guided Golden State to a 3-0 lead in the series as the team now sits one win away from returning to the NBA Finals.

Andrew Wiggins also chipped in with 27 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. Curry and Wiggins are the second duo with 25-point double-doubles this postseason.

Luka Doncic was no slouch as he led Dallas with 40 points and Spencer Dinwiddie added 26 points off the bench in the loss.

The Mavericks will look to avoid a sweep in Game Four on Tuesday night.

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