NBA

LeBron James Blasts NBA After Game-Tying Shot Controversy

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LeBron James has put the NBA on blast after a seemingly game-tying three-point was ruled as a two-pointer against the Timberwolves. Trailing 107-104, LeBron hit what he thought was a game-tying three. However, the bucket was ruled as a two and the Lakers would go on to lose 108-106 after Anthony Edwards drew a game-sealing foul. “What the hell do we got replay for? What do we have replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? It’s just like, who is a part of the replay center? Like, do we got robots in there making Teslas? Like, what’s going on?” LeBron lamented, discussing the NBA’s replay system.

Furthermore, LeBron argued it was an obvious three. “I mean, it’s obvious it’s a 3. My foot was behind the line. You can see the space between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. You can clearly see the wood on the floor, the space in between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. Stevie Wonder can see that, champ,” LeBron continued. However, the floor chief disputed LeBron’s claims after the game. “The play was ruled a 2-point field goal on the floor during live play. After video review, there wasn’t clear and conclusive evidence to overturn it from a 2 to a 3, and that’s why it stood as a 2-point field goal,” Tony Brothers said.

Read More: LeBron James Gives Every Lakers Teammate Personalized Greeting In Pre-Game Ritual

Boosie Badazz Blasts NBA Refs

However, LeBron isn’t the only person who has been frustrated with the officiating this season. Boosie Badazz vented his frustration earlier this year about the high number of technical fouls being called in the NBA this season. “THE NBA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE TECHINACAL FOULS FOR DUNKING N STARING AFTER THE DUNK SMH YALL TAKING AWAY FROM THE GAME N THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE ATHLETES. ITS OUT OF CONTROL AT THIS POINT. PLAYERS N FANS DESERVE BETTER,” the rapper tweeted.

The post came just a few days after Boosie became heated at the refs during a Hawks game he was in attendance for. Boosie filmed himself yelling at the refs from the stands and later went live to further vent his frustrations. “I gotta make this announcement. We got cheated by the referees tonight. I’m so disappointed by the refs tonight. Only person that called a good game was the tall guy with the bald head … Referees called a bad game.” Boosie lamented. Additionally, the game in question was a 117-109 Atlanta loss to Miami.

Read More: LeBron James Wants To Start Streaming

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LeBron James Gives Every Lakers Teammate Personalized Greeting In Pre-Game Ritual

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LeBron James has gone viral for a very wholesome pre-game ritual. Ahead of the Lakers’ game against the conference-leading Timberwolves. The short video has LeBron greeting each of his teammates with a personalized greeting, typically with a unique handshake. Everyone appears in high spirits and it appears to be a regular thing to hype the team before a big game. Examples of LeBron’s handshakes include mustaches and head pats. Be sure to check out the full video below.

The Timberwolves have been one of the league’s hottest teams this season. They enter this game against the Lakers with a record of 23-7 and have only lost a single game at home all season. Meanwhile, the Lakers have struggled this season and enter the game at 17-15. Furthermore, the Lakers have won just six games on the road. Despite this, the Lakers have won two of their last three games. However, the last time that the two teams met, on December 21, the Timberwolves came away with an eight-point win.

Read More: The Lakers Should Get LeBron James This Player For Christmas, Kendrick Perkins Claims

LeBron James Wants To Start Streaming

Meanwhile, LeBron has also suggested that he wants to start livestreaming his Madden games when he plays against other people. “Thinking of live streaming my @EAMaddenNFL games when I play. 🤔. Who should I stream with? Meaning which platform brand 👑,” LeBron tweeted. Of course, the Lakers star was bombarded with suggestions ranging from Twitch to Rumble to Kick to OnlyFans. Overall, people were very excited to see it happen.

LeBron would become just the latest athlete to start streaming. Packers running back AJ Dillon has gone viral in recent months for late-night Twitch streams of Farming Simulator. Dillon’s activities were particularly notable because he would often be seen streaming late into the night on days before the Packers had games. Would you like to see LeBron stream Madden? Who would you like to see him play against? Let us know in the comments.

Read More: Bronny James Uninspiring In Pac-12 Debut, LeBron Praises Bryce

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Pistons Tie All-Time Losing Streak After Blowing 21-Point Lead To Boston

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The Pistons extended their losing streak to 28 games, tying the all-time North American record, in heartbreaking fashion. The Pistons had a 19-point lead over the Celtics, 14-0 at home, going into the half. However, the Celtics surged in the third quarter, completely erasing the deficit entering the final frame. Despite this, the Pistons managed to hang with the Celtics throughout the final quarter, forcing overtime. But an end to the losing wasn’t to be as Boston outscored Detroit 20-14 to stay undefeated at home.

“I just told them that it takes a lot of character and integrity to do what they’re doing. I’ve been in the league for a while, and I’ve seen teams give into circumstances that are less than what we’re dealing with. That was admirable. I hurt for them. We feel like we’re just getting so close to not just winning one game but winning a lot of games if we play that way,” Pistons head coach Monty Williams said. Cade Cunningham had 31 points, with Jaden Ivey also reaching 22. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the combined 66 from Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis.

Read More: Pistons Losing Streak Has Fans Clowning Wingstop Promotion

Pistons Keep Searching For Next Win

With the game wrapped up with a Porzingis dunk, the Pistons went back to the drawing board. “I’m not interested in just winning one more game this year, to stop this. That would be soft, in my opinion. I think our goals are a lot higher than that. We have what it takes to win a game. That’s nothing. But to put games together and to find our system, find what’s clicking, and allow us to sustain winning. That’s what we’re looking for right now,” Cunningham said after the game.

Next up for Detroit is a home game against the Raptors on Saturday. In a rebuild of their own, Toronto is 12-18 entering the matchup. While the Raptors are largely at full strength, the Pistons have one major advantage over the Raptors. Detroit has a rest day before they host Toronto. Meanwhile, the Raptors will play Detroit as the back-end of a back-to-back after playing Boston on Friday. Maybe that’s the edge that will stop the Pistons single-handedly taking the infamous record for themselves.

Read More: Ja Morant Trolled Pelicans With New Orleans Dance, Not Gun Celebration

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Alex Rodriguez Finalizing Purchase Of The Timberwolves

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Alex Rodriguez and Marc Love are finalizing the purchase of a majority stake in Minnesota’s basketball franchise. Rodriguez and Love have been purchasing the Timberwolves and Lynx in installments from Glen Taylor since April 2021. This latest purchase will see A-Road and Love control 80% of the two teams. Taylor, who has owned the franchise since 1994, will retain the remaining 20%. However, he can choose to sell this to Rodriguez and Love at a later date.

The ownership change comes as the Timberwolves are in the midst of their best start to a season in franchise history. The team is 22-7 and first in the West. This is a reaping of the benefits sown by A-Rod and Love’s influence. Moves such as acquiring Nuggets GM Tim Connelly and players such as Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley are paying major dividends. However, it remains to be seen if the Timberwolves can maintain their pace and push themselves towards a title.

Read More: Mikal Bridges Reveals He Eats Chipotle Every Day, Speaks On Nets’ Load Management

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Star, Gets Roasted By Kevin Durant

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant was recently brutal in his response to a question about whether he would wear Anthony Edwards’ signature shoes. “Won’t EVER see me put a big toe in them Mfers,” Durant wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Even more brutal was the fact that Durant was responding to a video of Edwards himself saying that Durant was the player he most wanted to see wearing his signature shoe. Edwards has never been shy to express his admiration of Durant.

The comments largely supported Durant’s sharp sense of humor and unapologetic honesty. However, some people warned that Durant had best watch out as Edwards and the Timberwolves will “bake” Durant and the Suns. If that’s the case, those fans will be waiting a while. The Suns and Timberwolves don’t play again until April. Edwards is yet to respond to Durant’s comments. Durant recently posed for a photoshoot involving Drake‘s own signature shoe. Maybe it’s something about wearing a rival’s shoe that Durant is opposed to.

Read More: Adidas Hilariously Claps Back At Kevin Durant For Anthony Edwards Comments

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Pistons Lose 27th Game In A Row, Set Single-Season Losing Streak Record

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With a 118-112 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Detroit Pistons lost their 27th game in a row, setting a new single-season losing streak in the NBA. Now 2-28, the Pistons haven’t won a game since their October 28 home opener. Furthermore, the Pistons are now one game shy of tying the all-time NBA record of 28, set by the Sixers over the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons.

Entering the game, head coach Monty Williams couldn’t help but reflect on the infamy of the streak. “Again, when you look at records, you think of coaches, but I’m sure the players don’t want that attached to the name on the jersey. Was it heavy? It’s been heavy for a while. That’s just the nature of this kind of losing streak and it’s not gonna change because we’re grading the level of it, we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do to change it,” Williams said.

Read More: Pistons Losing Streak Has Fans Clowning Wingstop Promotion

Pistons Attempt To Rally In Face Of Losing Streak

After the game, rising star Cade Cunningham reportedly gave a “passionate speech” to his teammates. Cunningham, Detroit’s No. 1 pick in 2021, is the team’s leading scorer with 23 points a game. “I don’t think what I said was positivity, I think it’s just being real … there’s nothing positive about this situation right now that we put ourselves in, so that’s why we have to dig deep and get ourselves out of it. You can’t get away from it. It weighs on us every day, I mean everywhere. It weighs on us,” Cunningham told reporters.

The Pistons have two more games before the end of 2023. First, they face the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics. After that, the Pistons close out the year against the 11-18 Raptors on December 30. Furthermore, members of the team bristled at fans chanting “Sell the team” during the game. “Chanting ‘sell the team,’ I thought it was a bit much because we’re growing and obviously the record and a lot of people expected us to be better in this upcoming point of the season, but we’re gonna continue to row the boat and we’re gonna forget what everybody else says, stay together and play for each other,” said Jaden Ivey.

Read More: The Lakers Should Get LeBron James This Player For Christmas, Kendrick Perkins Claims

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Pistons Lose 25 In A Row, Fans Begin “Sell The Team” Chants

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As the Detroit Pistons lost their 25th game in a row, fans at Little Caesars Arena began an ominous chant. “Sell the team” could be heard ringing out around the 20,300-seat venue as the Pistons fell to a short-handed Jazz team 119-111. The chants were aimed at billionaire Tom Gores, the private equity magnate who has owned the team since 2011.

Furthermore, the Pistons now sit just one loss away from tying the NBA’s losing streak record. The 26-game mark is jointly held by the 10/11 Cavs and 13/14 Sixers. Both teams went on to finish the season with a 19-63 record. However, this season’s Pistons are projected to win just 14 games. “I want to be careful with my words, because this one hurts more than most of them. A team that played last night got [50] points off turnovers and rebounds. It is unbelievably hard to understand how we can get outworked in those categories,” head coach Monty Williams said after the loss to the Jazz.

Read More: Angel Reese Returns To Baltimore In Hometown Sellout

Wingstop’s Promotion With The Pistons Looking Increasingly Ridiculous

Throughout the losing streak, fans have also taken aimed at corporate partnership that the Pistons have with Wingstop. For the 2023-24 season, the restaurant had offered “five free boneless wings with every online order for every Pistons win.” However, the offers becomes more and more absurd with every loss. “Wingstop shamefully moving a little further from the scores after every loss 😭,” Bleacher Report social media programmer Molly Morrison wrote on X earlier in the team’s losing streak. Meanwhile, SB Nation engagement editor Kofie Yeboah said on TikTok that five wings were no longer an adequate deal and the number of wings needed to be raised.

Meanwhile, what little hope remains within the Pistons is quickly fading. “We’re not 2-26 bad — no way are we that bad. I think we can turn this around. We can play a much better brand of basketball. We had a chance to win it down the stretch, and we just weren’t solid enough. This is history no one wants to be a part of,” Cade Cunningham said after the team’s most recent loss. The Pistons are next in action against the Nets on Saturday. Brooklyn has lost their four games and faces the Nuggets on Friday night.

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LeBron James Demands Ja Morant To “Go Be GREAT Again,” He Responds By Dropping 34 And Hitting Game Winner

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Ja Morant might have cost his team a chance of making some actual noise in the postseason. Of course, it is due to his 25-game suspension he was handed down for multiple gun-flashing incidents on social media. Without him, they have severely struggled. Until last night, the Memphis Grizzlies were 6-19, good enough for 13th in the Western Conference. If they want a shot to make some sort of postseason play, they certainly have their work cut out for them. If they want to shoot for the 10th seed, the last Play-In spot, Memphis needs to get past Phoenix, and maybe Golden State.

Right now, Ja’s team is 6.5 games out of that spot, even after the Murray State product’s heroics. He made his return to the hardwood last night on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a sold-out crowd and they certainly got their money’s worth. It went down to the wire and with the game tied, Ja had the ball in his hands. He got into the lane and had the perfect touch on a floater. It bounced off the rim and dropped to seal the deal.

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LeBron Roots For Ja Morant

But it was not just the game-winner that was impressive. Ja went off for 34 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. While he certainly had a lot to prove to himself, the fans, his teammates, and the league, he had someone in his corner. Before and throughout the game, LeBron James was pulling for him the entire way, according to Vlad TV. The tweet above is just one of a handful that he sent out. The last one he shared was the chef emoji and number emojis that wrote out 12.

What are your initial thoughts on LeBron James rooting for Ja Morant? Do you think he is pulling a LeGM to secretly recruit him to the Lakers? Was he wrong to support him, especially after the gun flashing? With Number 12 back, do the Grizzlies have a chance to sneak into the Play-In Tournament? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around LeBron James and Ja Morant. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the sports world.

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Rich Paul Pumps The Brakes On Rumors That Klutch Sports Is Forcing Zach LaVine To Lakers

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The NBA trading scene and eventual deadline are some of the most exciting parts of the league. Sometimes, massive season-altering swaps can change the landscape. That could be the case for the Chicago Bulls and shooting guard Zach LaVine. For the past couple of seasons, the house that Michael Jordan built has been stuck in mediocrity. The core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and the injury-riddled Lonzo Ball just has not panned out.

Chicago has been exploring options for the UCLA product, but the market is not great. Especially, because LaVine has not been on the floor in about four weeks with foot soreness. Furthermore, it has to do with the fact that the Bulls have been playing solid basketball without him. There are lot of factors working against him, but teams, like the Los Angeles Lakers, would still take him.

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Zach And Rich Have Time To Find A New Possible Destination

zach lavine
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 15: Zach Lavine #8 of the Chicago Bulls takes a breather against the Orlando Magic on November 15, 2023 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

According to Uproxx, Rich Paul spoke with The Athletic about rumors that his agency, Klutch Sports, is doing everything in its power to send him to LA. He pleasantly denied those serious allegations. “I don’t have a specific destination for Zach. I want what’s best for Zach and his family.” Paul continues, “In the event the Bulls decide they would like to go a different direction with the team, and it involves Zach, then I’m sure we’ll have conversations to get clarity on what’s best for both sides.” The reason for thinking he will wind up on the West Coast is because of the obvious ties of LeBron James and Anthony Davis being with Klutch.

What are your initial thoughts on this pushback from Rich Paul about Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers? Do you think he will ultimately head there, especially with the strong connection with Klutch Sports? If he does not, what is the best fit for the all-star guard? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Zach LaVine and Rich Paul. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the sports world.

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Ja Morant Gets Life Advice From Benny The Butcher

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Benny the Butcher has offered up some life advice for Ja Morant as he prepares to return from his 25-game suspension. “I feel bad for him. Honestly, because coming from those type of environments, those types of environments have a very strong hold on us. So when we tend to make it out — making it into this business, I don’t have any friends in this business. All my friends is back in the streets. I made new friends. Sometimes they have a hold on us and certain expectations and peer pressure. They expect us to act one way, even though we made it. Everybody didn’t make it. That’s why my new album is called Everybody Can’t Go, because that’s one of my things: I want to let my boys know I’m not trying to be a tough guy with ya’ll no more. How ya’ll feel about me, I don’t care,” Benny began.

However, he wasn’t finished. “If you feel like I switched, I changed, I’m not the same no more — you’re right. So as [Ja] gets older he’s gonna realize that I don’t have to feel that survivor’s remorse. He want to keep guys around him that maybe he know that shouldn’t be around him. He don’t want to voice his opinion. It’s hard. I’m 39 years old and some of these things, I just learned them — how to separate my toxic friends from my career because they will bring me down. You gotta be vocal about that,” he continued.

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Ja Morant Reflects On Suspension

Meanwhile, Morant recently reflected on the experience of his suspension. Morant said there had been some “horrible days”. However, Morant accepted that simply returning to the Grizzlies wasn’t going to be enough for a lot of people. “I can’t, you know, make nobody believe me outside of my actions. So me answering this question with just words probably won’t mean nothing to nobody,” Morant told reporters on Friday.

Morant is expected to return next Tuesday against the Pelicans. However, Morant returns to a Grizzlies team in dire straits. Last year’s Western Conference second seed is 6-17 and on a three-game losing streak. Their last win was against the even more hapless Detroit Pistons on December 6. Whether Morant can help engineer a turnaround remains to be seen.

Read More: Ja Morant And Nike Team Up To Provide New Shoes To Memphis Kids

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NBA Unwraps Festive Christmas Day Campaign: ‘The Gift of Game’

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NBA Unwraps Festive Christmas Day Campaign: 'The Gift of Game'

The NBA has launched its heartwarming Christmas Day campaign, “The Gift of Game,” capturing the essence of holiday hoops traditions. The campaign showcases an animated cast of NBA stars, including Curry, Jokić, Luka, and KD, engaging in festive activities like a spirited game of Ho-Ho-Horse and comparing their signature kicks. The toys in this animated world feature action figures of top players, such as Giannis, Butler, LeBron, and more.

‘Twas the night before NBA on Christmas Day when all through the house, a family of fans would soon discover many players stirring and running about.

Because beneath the stockings hung by the chimney with care, a basketball game had begun, and St. Nick (in his Nike Kobe 6 Reverse Grinches) had indeed been there.

Our family was nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of three pointers danced in their heads,

When down the stairs arose such fanfare and clatter, they sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.

What to their wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature hoop and ten toys in NBA gear. 

With a tomahawk dunk so spectacular and insane they knew in a moment it must be King James.

Tatum hit a three with the flick of his wrist, and Jalen Brunson brought his gift with another assist.

They whistled and shouted at Joel’s celebration, and Giannis, Luka and Joker’s toy recreations

When the game had concluded they returned to their boxes out of sight,

Exclaiming Merry Christmas to all, and from Steph Curry “night, night!”

Produced in collaboration with Translation and directed by Dave Scanlon with animation by Passion Pictures, the campaign aims to bring joy and excitement to fans during the holiday season. The NBA on Christmas Day will feature five highly anticipated matchups, beginning with the Bucks facing the Knicks and concluding with the Mavericks taking on the Suns.

“The Gift of Game” is now available for streaming on all NBA platforms and the NBA App, creating a magical experience for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.

The post NBA Unwraps Festive Christmas Day Campaign: ‘The Gift of Game’ first appeared on The Source.

The post NBA Unwraps Festive Christmas Day Campaign: ‘The Gift of Game’ appeared first on The Source.