NBA Playoffs

Twitter Got Rowdy As The Sixers Swept The Nets

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Sixers-Nets would have been such a hype playoff matchup just a few months ago. But then the Nets traded Kyrie and Kevin Durant, leaving them with a serviceable team and lots of draft capital. They finished as the six-seed, while the Sixers finished third behind the Bucks and Celtics.

Instead, we got an incredibly one-sided matchup between a team with the MVP frontrunner and the Brooklyn Nets. Unlike the Western Conference’s Grizzlies-Lakers series, this wasn’t a team hampered by injury. The Sixers won the first two games by double digits. While game three was closer, as Joel Embiid left with an injury, the Sixers still took a five-point win. However, how would the team fare without Embiid on the court? Could the Nets find some way, any way, back into the series?

Sixers Don’t Need Embiid As Nets Are Swept

Tobias Harris was the star of the Sixers in Game 4, dropping 25 points and 12 rebounds in an 8-point win for Philadelphia. Also contributing in a big way was De’Anthony Melton, who had 15 points off the bench. That proved crucial as Melton alone outscored the entire Nets bench combined and two Nets starters. Paul Reed also popped off for a double-double, putting up 10 points and 15 rebounds. James Harden completed a trio of Sixers double-doubles with 17 points and 11 assists. It wasn’t the prettiest or flashiest performance, but it got the job. More importantly, it was a top-to-bottom team effort without Embiid leading the way.

In the end, it was the bench points that mattered most. Spencer Dinwiddie and Nic Claxton combined for 39 points, with Claxton also adding 12 rebounds. However, the Nets got just 11 points out of power forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale. Furthermore, the Nets’ four-man bench put up just 13 points in total. It was a sad and disappointing end to a mediocre season for the Nets. However, they hold two late-first-round picks in June’s draft, giving them plenty of versatility. As for the Sixers, they will face the winner of the Celtics-Hawks series. The Celtics currently lead that series 2-1, having dropped Game 3 to Atlanta on Friday.

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Draymond Green Comments On Joel Embiid Incident

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Draymond Green may be the last person you thought would comment on Joel Embiid’s latest incident. Embiid made waves after kicking Nic Claxton on Thursday during the Sixers-Nets game. However, Green has also been a part of his own playoff drama. The Golden State Warriors star was suspended for stomping Sacramento big man Domantas Sabonis. On the latest episode of his own podcast, Green shared his thoughts on Embiid avoiding suspension.

“I’m never in favor of seeing a player get kicked out of a game… That’s not playoffs. That’s not what we’re paying to see.” Green stated that he doesn’t like seeing players ejected during a playoff game. Of course, he may be a little biased since he was recently suspended. However, many have been on Green’s side when discussing his suspension. After Embiid’s incident, Charles Barkley felt Embiid should have been suspended before Green was. However, the league didn’t see it that way.

Draymond Green Dislikes Playoff Ejections

The Sixers also had to deal with another star being involved in an incident on Thursday night. James Harden was ejected from the game for striking Royce O’Neale in a region where no man likes to get hit. The ejection of Harden even brought up more questions about the league’s recent officiating. Many are of the belief that Embiid’s actions were even worse than Harden’s. However, it was Harden on the receiving end of the ejection. But the ejection didn’t slow down the Sixers in Game 3. Sixers star Tyrese Maxey led the way for Philly to help the team earn a 3-0 series lead.

Green will return to the Warriors for game 4 after serving his one-game suspension. The Warriors also took care of business without Green on Thursday night. The results are leading some to believe that maybe Green’s time with the Warriors could be on borrowed time. Do you agree with Draymond Green that players shouldn’t be ejected from playoff games? If players shouldn’t get ejected, then what should the punishment be? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Prices For Los Angeles Lakers & Clippers Games Are Way Different

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The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers are both enjoying a 2023 NBA Playoffs run. Both teams had high hopes of advancing to the second round of the Western Conference. With both teams in the mix, the city of Los Angeles has been at a fever pitch. As tickets have been almost unattainable. Well, one team’s tickets cost a little bit more than the other. It should be no secret that a Lakers ticket may just be a little more difficult to grab compared to one for a Clippers game.

The current cost going for tickets to the next Lakers game are going for $264. Whereas Clippers tickets are more attainable at $53. Yes, there has been a rivalry between the teams recently. The Clippers have owned the Lakers since 2020, having beaten them in the past 12 meetings. However, the Lakers have long been the team of Los Angeles. The Lakers are a legacy franchise. The team has won multiple championships, with the most recent in 2020. The Clippers are attempting to build their own championship history.

The Los Angeles Lakers Own The City

But it has been hard for the Clippers to build that reputation. The Lakers are one of the most well-known sports franchises in all of sports. The Clippers wouldn’t be able to match that until they have 50 straight years of success. However, injuries could also be playing a factor in these ticket prices. The Clippers have been without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Leonard missed his first game on Thursday night. The Clippers star was out due to a knee sprain. While George will be out during the entire first round.

The Clippers and Lakers have been a fun rivalry lately. Especially with Russell Westbrook leaving the Lakers to go to the Clippers. Clippers fans may never admit it publicly. But everyone knows who runs the city of Los Angeles. What price would you spend on a ticket to see a playoff game? Also, would you spend over $250 to see Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers? Let us see your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Kendrick Perkins Puts Pressure On Draymond Green

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Kendrick Perkins had some strong words for Draymond Green upon his return to the court. Green was recently suspended for stomping Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. The Warriors forward was ejected for his actions, then later suspended for one game by the NBA. The Warriors managed to win Game 3 against the Kings without Green in the lineup. However, Perkins believes Green may be realizing that his time with Golden State may be running low.

On Friday’s edition of First Take, Perkins discussed the pressure Green may feel in his return. “I feel like Draymond Green is auditioning. He’s actually auditioning to come back and say, ‘You know what, I actually want to be here.” Perkins alluded to the great play by Kevon Looney. Looney recorded 20 rebounds in the Warriors Game 3 victory. Also, Jordan Poole played big in the absence of Green. While reports have been circulating that the younger Warriors players have been frustrated with their role on the team.

Kendrick Perkins Believes Green Is Auditioning To Stay In Golden State

Now, the younger stars have a great argument. As Poole and Looney were great assets in the absence of Green. However, Green has seniority and pull in Golden State. Two things that he has rightly earned during his time with the franchise. However, Green must show the team that he will not be a liability during the most important time of the season. Something that Perkins alluded to in his discussions of Green on Friday.

If Green were to return and quietly string together great performances, the stomp will be forgotten. But for now, one has to wonder where Green is mentally before heading back to the court. Green broke his silence after the stomp with a cryptic Instagram story. The Warriors star has long been known for his firey personality. However, one more slip-up on the court could cost him everything he has built in Golden State. Do you agree with Kendrick Perkins that Green should feel pressure when he returns? Let us know your thoughts on the situation in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Shannon Sharpe On Joel Embiid’s Actions

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Shannon Sharpe made Joel Embiid’s actions on Thursday night a topic of discussion on Friday. During Friday’s edition of Undisputed, Sharpe shared his thoughts on Embiid’s now-infamous kick. The Sixers big man kicked Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. Causing everyone in the NBA community to question why Embiid would do something like this. Embiid was not ejected from the game. Which has already drawn irritation from those in the Golden State Warriors fanbase.

However, Sharpe didn’t mince his words when discussing Embiid’s actions. “It was unnecessary, excessive, and he deserved a flagrant 2! He kicked a guy!” Indeed many have felt like the kick should have drawn Embiid’s ejection from the game. Instead, the officials later ejected James Harden from the game for a less than-abusive move than Emmbiid. Then later ejected Claxton for just staring down Embiid after a great play. Check out Sharpe’s full comments in the video below.

Shannon Sharpe Expects Punishment For Embiid

If anything, the biggest story of this game may be the officiating. The decision-making by the officials in the three most significant situations of the game felt way off. However, Sharpe still believes the NBA could take action with Embiid. Draymond Green was suspended for a much similar action when he stomped Kings big Domantas Sabonis. Many, including Charles Barkley, believe that Embiid’s actions were worse than Green’s. No matter the case, it feels as if the incident with Embiid is far from over. But, there has yet to be a comment made from the NBA on his actions.

Not only is Embiid now embroiled in this incident, but the Philly big man also suffered an injury in Thursday night’s game. Embiid had to leave the game but later returned with a back injury. After his return, it was visibly noticeable that the potential NBA MVP was in a lot of pain. So, do you agree with Shannon Sharpe on Embiid’s actions being unnecessary? Do you believe the NBA will suspend Embiid for Game 4? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith went all in on Kawhi Leonard during Friday’s edition of First Take. When discussing the current NBA playoffs series between the Suns and Clippers, Smith took a moment to talk about Leonard. Leonard was ruled out of the Clippers Game 3 loss with a knee sprain. While Smith admitted to believing in Leonard’s injury. However, trusting Leonard to be available for the big games is the biggest issue Smith has with the superstar. Smith even went as far as to call Leonard one of the worst superstars in league history.

Obviously, Smith isn’t denying Leonard’s greatness. The Clippers star is a multi-time Finals MVP and has proven time and time again how great he can be in the post-season. However, in his tenure with the Clippers, Leonard’s problem is that he hasn’t been available. Injuries are a tough deal and sadly, a part of the game. But that isn’t the argument Smith is making. The legendary media personality wants to know how Leonard takes the load management he is offered during the regular season. But still isn’t available during the time his team needs him most.

Stephen A. Smith Questions Leonard’s Durability

Leonard has become one of the post-season players of his generation. But the Clippers haven’t seen the Leonard they thought they were getting when he arrived. Smith questioned Leonard’s reliability when it comes to performing for his team. The Clippers are already without Paul George. So losing Leonard has put the team behind massively. Now the questions are starting to be asked is Leonard even worth being on the team if he can’t play in the big moments?

Leonard’s availability for Game 4 of the series has not been made available. However, a knee sprain is not going to heal overnight. The Suns win on Thursday night put Phoenix up 2-1 in the series. Without Leonard, the Clippers will face a near-impossible task in coming back to advance past the first round. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on Leonard’s legacy? Or do you believe Leonard has just suffered unfortunate timing with injuries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Twitter Loved Suns-Clippers Game 3

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The first-round NBA matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers has been one of the highlights of the playoffs so far. Despite the absence of stars like Paul George, the series has been pure basketball. This has set it apart from the foul trouble seen in other matchups. However, the matchup has faded slightly as injury woes have prevented fans from seeing the teams battle at full strength.

Heading into Game 3, the series was tied at 1-1. The Clippers have persevered without George to steal Game 1 in Phoenix. However, a massive Game 2 performance from the Suns’ superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker helped tie the series. As the series shifted to LA for Game 3, both sides were looking to take that crucial lead. However, the Clippers would have to do it without Kawhi Leonard, who was ruled out through injury.

Suns Edge Clippers In High-Scoring Thriller

Both teams came to play from the opening tip-off, with the lead see-sawing throughout the first half. Tied at 27 after the first quarter, the Suns took a three-point lead into the half. They were able to push the lead to nine by the end of the three before fending off a Clippers-led fourth to take the game 129-124. The Suns now hold a 2-1 series lead heading into Saturday’s Game 4. Game 4 will once again be held in LA, with the Suns looking to sweep the road games of the series. Leonard has been designated as a “day-to-day” ahead of that crucial weekend game. George will also likely miss the matchup.

There were monster performances for both sides which contributed to the thrilling back-and-forth. With George and Leonard out, Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell stepped up. Powell, who had a combined 26 points through the first two games, put up a career-high 42 in Game 3. Westbrook also contributed 30 points and 12 assists. However, the other Clippers starters struggled, combining for just 13 points. Meanwhile, Durant and Booker put on another clinic for the Suns. Booker led all scorers with 45 points, while Durant added 28. All Suns starters reached double digits points, negating a weak bench showing of 18 combined.

Twitter Reacts

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Twitter Reacts To Joel Embiid Kicking Nic Claxton

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Joel Embiid has now entered the debate of physical play in the post-season. On Thursday night, Embiid kicked Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton after Claxton decided to stand over the Philly big man. With kicking becoming a massive topic of discussion this week in the NBA, Embiid may regret taking part in the action. Although an Embiid-Draymond vs. Young Bucks match for the ownership of the super kick would be pretty epic. However, the officials quickly took control of the game.

Embiid was not tossed from the game. But something tells me that this situation is far from over. Draymond Green has been suspended for Game 3 of the Warriors and Kings. Stemming from his stomping incident with Domantas Sabonis. A kick and a stomp are different. Maybe Green will change Seth Rollins instead of challenging the Young Bucks. However, Embiid not being ejected for his actions will more than likely have everyone in Golden State on edge. Check out some of Twitter’s best reactions below.

Joel Embiid Not Ejected For Kick

More than likely, NBA will hear some type of punishment on Friday. It took over 24 hours to announce they had suspended Green without pay. However, Embiid not being tossed from Game 3 does seem to bring up a double standard. In Green’s case, one could make the argument that the stomp was a reaction. Even though a terrible reaction, it could still be considered that. However, Embiid’s action was brought on by a taunt. Something that should’ve never brought that kind of reaction.

Not only is Embiid going to be dealing with the kick. The Sixers big man has gone to the locker room in the middle of the game due to injury. He has since returned. Although he doesn’t look to be 100%. Twitter is still attempting to digest the actions made by Embiid. Where do you stand on the kick? Should Joel Embiid have been ejected for the kick? What will this mean for Green’s suspension? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Paul George Has Strong Words For Potential NBA Rule Change

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Paul George has had to watch his team from the sidelines this post-season. The Los Angeles Clippers star has been ruled out for the team’s first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Now the team will also be without Kawhi Leonard for Game 3. While the Clippers are barely hanging on to their playoff lives, George has taken to his podcast to discuss the situation. As well as other big questions centered around the NBA. One of the biggest debates going on today is the potential change of the charge rule.

However, George is one of the NBA stars who doesn’t see banning the charge as a good thing. In a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, the Clippers star discussed his disagreement with the potential change. “I’m not a fan of taking that out of the game. I think it’s a great play. Quite frankly, you make your freshmen team in high school because you put your body on the line.  Don’t adjust the charge. I know it sucks seeing the stars go down in the playoffs.”

Paul George Thinks Playoff Injuries Are Unfortunate

The charge is a vital part of the game. Recently, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers discussed the potential of seeing the charge gone. Rivers shared the same sentiment as George. The Sixers coach stated that without the rule, teams would potentially score 250 points in one game. As George mentioned, the recent injuries of players in the playoffs have been unfortunate. But the blame cannot go strictly on the charge. Putting your body on the line is just part of the game. Yet the conversation is still being had.

While it doesn’t seem like the NBA has had serious conversations about getting rid of the charge. However, it does seem like there is becoming a slow movement of folks getting on board of changing the rule. Drop your thoughts on the potential rule change in our comment section. You can catch George’s podcast weekly anywhere you listen to podcasts, thanks to Wave Sports + Entertainment. Since we’re throwing a few plugs in for all your latest sports news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Kawhi Leonard Out For Game 3 Against Suns

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Kawhi Leonard is the latest NBA star dealing with an injury. Unfortunately, Leonard’s injury will sideline him for the Los Angeles Clippers Game 3 matchup with the Phoenix Suns. According to the injury report, Leonard will be out with a knee sprain. The Clippers were already without Paul George for the entire first round. Now, the team will be without another massive star. Leonard’s absence will be huge on how the Clippers will be able to perform on Thursday night.

The Suns tied the series with their Game 2 victory. Now they will look to kick the Clippers while they’re down and take the first game in Los Angeles. All eyes will be on the newest Clippers member Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has seemed to find the right situation in his tenure with the other Los Angeles team. But Westbrook won’t be able to carry the entire load. As the Suns are stacked with talent looking to put an exclamation point on this series.

Kawhi Leonard’s Absence Will Be Huge Test For Clippers

The Suns quickly became a popular pick to win the Western Conference. After the team added Kevin Durant, they have looked nearly unstoppable. Game 1 of this series was the first time the Suns lost with Durant in the lineup. The loss led to one media member asking Devin Booker a bizarre question after the Suns answered back with a victory of their own. Booker was asked if the Game 2 victory was needed in order for the Suns to have faith in Durant being on the team. A question that Booker quickly laughed about.

Leonard has been a focal point of the Clippers all season. The presence of the former Finals MVP has been massive in the absence of George. Now the team will look to take the lead in the series without their two biggest stars. Can the Clippers win without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup? Do the Suns have a prime opportunity to put the series out of reach in Los Angeles? Please give us your thoughts on the Clippers-Suns series in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.