NBA

Kevin Durant Responds To Story About Getting Flamed By A Rookie Moritz Wagner

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Kevin Durant has continued his trend of social media savagery by responding to a podcast clip of Moritz Wagner. In the clip from Pardon My Take, Wagner explains how he accidentally flamed Durant during his rookie year. After drawing a foul, Wagner fired off a dismissive “You can’t guard me”, only to realize that he had just said it to Durant. “I think it was Durant, Draymond Green, and DeMarcus Cousins on the free throw line boxout talking sh-t to me. I was so shaken,” Wagner explained. After the clip was published, Durant quote tweeted it, adding “I walked away from that game thinking, damn that rookie is an assh-le.”

Durant, who recently passed Moses Malone to become the NBA’s 10th all-time scorer, is absolutely cooking this season. He is currently averaging 31/6.5/5.7 a night at 35 years old. Meanwhile, Wagner, in his fourth year with the Magic, is putting 13/4.3/1.2. While he is nowhere near the star that his brother Franz is, Wagner is a solid rotational piece for the Magic. He had over 60% field shooting last season.

Read More: Kevin Durant Takes Aim At Sports Bettors After Messing Up Their Parlays

Kevin Durant Roasts Anthony Edwards

However, as mentioned, Durant has been on something of a roll in terms of his online content recently. Durant was savage 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.

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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NBA Players Feel “Weird” About In-Season Tournament Tiebreakers Forcing Them To Run Up Scores

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Numerous NBA players have expressed their dislike of the consequences of the in-season tournament tiebreaker rules. With point differential being a major tiebreaker, several teams had to run up the score in their final games of the group stage to ensure they qualified for the quarterfinals. The Celtics kept their starters in throughout the fourth quarter despite starting the frame up 29. Similarly, the Knicks scored 35 in the fourth quarter against the five-win Hornets to ensure they secured the Eastern Conference wildcard spot on point differential.

“It was interesting. I don’t really like it. We were focused, at first, just about winning. The last couple of minutes it feels weird. At a certain point, you just start chasing points, doing all that. So it kind of messes with the integrity of the game a little bit,” the Knicks’ Josh Hart said. “To be honest, it was a little weird, but the ultimate goal was to come out and get a win tonight, and that’s what we did. It’s tough because that’s just not how the game is supposed to be played. You’ve got to respect your opponents,” the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown added.

Read More: Uniform From Kobe Bryant’s Last Road Game Goes Up For Auction

In-Season Tournament Quarterfinals Set

“Weird” feelings aside, Tuesday night marked the conclusion of the in-season tournament’s group stage. The quarterfinals will take place next Monday and Tuesday. In the West, the Lakers take on the Suns while the Kings face the Pelicans. Meanwhile, in the East, the Bucks take on the Knicks while the Pacers play the Celtics. The respective winners will play in a regional semifinal on December 7 before the East v West final on December 9.

However, results aside, the tournament format has been proving to be a big hit with fans. ESPN reported a 20% increase in viewership for in-season tournament games when compared with comparable games last year. Over 1.5 million watched ESPN‘s eight-game Friday night slate, compared with 1.2 million over the same period in 2022. Furthermore, tiebreakers aside, players and coaches have expressed their appreciation for the added incentive, especially early in the season, that the in-season tournament provides.

Read More: Kevin Garnett Blasts Jordan Poole, Says He “Does Not Belong In The League”

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SOURCE SPORTS: NBA In-Season Tournament Reaches Exciting Knockout Rounds

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NBA In-Season Tournament Reaches Exciting Knockout Rounds

In a thrilling culmination of group-stage battles, the NBA In-Season Tournament narrowed down its contenders from 16 to the final eight teams, marking a crucial step towards crowning the inaugural champion. The Knockout Rounds, featuring intense single-elimination clashes, are set to commence on December 4 and 5, with matchups airing on TNT.

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The remaining teams vying for the coveted NBA Cup include the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers. The highly anticipated semifinals are scheduled for December 7 in Las Vegas, where the winners from each conference quarterfinal will clash for a shot at the championship.

The pinnacle of this exciting tournament will be reached on December 9 in Las Vegas, where the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament champion will be crowned. With the stage now set for intense battles and high-stakes encounters, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama as these elite teams vie for glory and the honor of being the inaugural tournament victors.

The matchups are available below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NBA In-Season Tournament Reaches Exciting Knockout Rounds first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NBA In-Season Tournament Reaches Exciting Knockout Rounds appeared first on The Source.

Josh Giddey Allegations Being Investigated By The NBA

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The allegations that Josh Giddey had sexual relations with a minor are officially being investigated by the NBA. A league spokesperson announced that the league office was “looking” into the allegations on Friday, a day after they originally hit social media. Earlier in the day, Giddey acknowledged the allegations for the first time. “I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” Giddey told reporters after practice on Friday.

Giddey is accused of a sexual relationship with a woman named Livvy Cook. The allegations first emerged on social media, with users appearing to post evidence of Giddey interacting with Cook. One of the widely-cited pieces of alleged evidence was a Snapchat post showing Giddey and Cook in a post-coital state of undress with the in-picture text caption “Just f-cked Josh Giddey”. Furthermore, social media users later uncovered more posts that appeared to corroborate the story, as well as Cooks’ TikTok account, which appeared to confirm that she was not 18. Further investigation has revealed that Cook may have been as young as 15.

Read More: Uniform From Kobe Bryant’s Last Road Game Goes Up For Auction

The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16, although a “close-age exception” exists if one party is at least 14 and both parties are 18 or younger. According to state law, sexual relations between an unmarried couple in which one party is below the age of consent and the other is 18 or older could result in a second-degree statutory rape charge. The sentence if found guilty can range from one to 15 years in prison.

Born in 2002, Giddey joined the NBA in 2021. He forwent the US college system, instead playing a season of professional basketball in his native Australia before declaring for the draft. He had a strong rookie season, putting up 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists as part of the Thunder’s young core. His sophomore season only saw Giddey improve. In the 2022-23 season, Giddey put up 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists as the Thunder made the playoffs for the first time since the COVID Bubble.

Read More: Kevin Garnett Blasts Jordan Poole, Says He “Does Not Belong In The League”

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Drake Provides Hilarious Commentary For Raptors-Celtics Game: Watch

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Drake got the opportunity to provide some color commentary for his beloved Raptors as he joined the broadcast booth for the team’s in-season tournament game against the Celtics. Drake’s highlights included poking fun at some of the Celtics’ bench players getting minutes in a close game. “Payton Pritchard’s out there looking like a crypto scammer,” Drake trolled as the rest of the broadcast team barely restrained their laughter. Pritchard, Boston’s 2020 first-round pick, put up 5-3-3 in 17 minutes against the Raptors.

However, Drake was likely the only one having fun in the Raptors fandom. While the Raptors kept it close, they were unable to topple the white-hot Celtics. Boston locked it down defensively in the final moments of the game and escaped with a 108-105 victory to improve to 10-2 on the season. Meanwhile, the Raptors fell to 5-7, dropping their second game in a row.

Read More: Drake & Nicki Minaj Show Love To Sexyy Red For Upcoming Deluxe Album

Drake Breaks Tour Income Milestone

Meanwhile, Drake has had a massive week. He dropped Scary Hours 3, a surprise EP that, much like For All The Dogs, appeared to fuel a lot of beef. He also announced that he would be touring with J. Cole in 2024. The Cole collab will serve as an extension of this year’s It’s All a Blur Tour and will operate as the Big As The What? Tour.

However, speaking of It’s All a Blur, Drake also set a new record this week. Even with less than half of the tour dates’ revenue reported, the tour is already the highest-grossing rap tour in history. The previous benchmark was set by Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 The Big Steppers Tour. Furthermore, it remains to be seen where the new benchmark will eventually be set. As mentioned, the figure of $129.1M comes from just 30 of the tour’s 72 concerts. While it may be the best rap tour ever, it remains to be seen where it lines up with 2023 tours overall. Beyonce and Taylor Swift both hit the tour circuit this year too. Furthermore, both megastars are also likely to expect some astronomical revenue figures as well.

Read More: “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?”: Drake & J. Cole Add 10 New Dates

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Russell Westbrook Benches Himself As Clippers Keep Losing

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Russell Westbrook has asked the Clippers coaching staff to transition him to a bench role amid the team’s current losing streak. The Clippers have lost their last six games, including James Harden’s first five with the team. Despite LA being Harden’s only acceptable trade destination, the team has struggled to integrate him effectively. While Harden is an elite scoring and passing threat, he does not surpass the 1-2 tandem of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Furthermore, Harden’s stagnant off-ball play as become all the more obvious since joining the Clips.

According to sources who spoke with Bleacher Report, Westbrook requested the move in an attempt to allow the first team unit to develop more cohesion. It will allow the recently recovered Terance Mann to play a more impactful cleanup role alongside Harden, George, and Leonard. As a result, Westbrook can bring a bigger veteran leadership role to the second unit and help open the floor up more while Harden and Leonard aren’t there.

Read More: Draymond Green Suspension Supported By Steve Kerr

Paul George Gets $35K Fine

However, problems continue to compound for the Clippers. Paul George was recently handed a $35,000 fine for criticizing the officiating team after a recent loss to the Nuggets. “I thought we played great. It’s tough, the adversity of playing against the extra three. I thought they were awful but, the defending champs, we’ve got to play better. So many times I got hit on layups, 3-pointers. It was constant. Jump shots, getting hit, smacked on the forearm. It was a poor job,” George said after the loss.

Furthermore, the league noted that the size of Paul’s fine was due to his history of publicly criticizing the league’s officials. Meanwhile, the 3-7 Clippers have a tough slate to end the month. Their remaining November games include the in-form Rockets as well as the Pelicans, Mavs, Nuggets, and Kings. Furthermore, they will also have to face the Spurs and Warriors. The Clippers’ last win was a 118-102 victory against the Orlando Magic on Halloween. They were 3-1 at that time.

Read More: Tristan Thompson Apologizes To Kylie Jenner For Jordyn Woods Incident

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SOURCE SPORTS: NBA and Foot Locker Announce Multiyear Partnership

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Sotheby's Named NBA's Game Worn Source

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) have unveiled a multiyear partnership, designating the global footwear and apparel retailer as an official league marketing partner in the United States.

This comprehensive collaboration will actively engage fans throughout the NBA season, particularly at premier league events like NBA All-Star. Foot Locker’s presence will extend to various league platforms, featuring on-court virtual signage during national broadcasts and across league social media channels. The partnership will also include integration with Foot Locker’s loyalty program, FLX, offering additional touchpoints for customers.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Foot Locker, a brand entrenched in basketball and pop culture,” said Salvatore LaRocca, President of Global Partnerships, NBA. “Foot Locker will offer its customers an elevated connection to the NBA through a variety of marketing programs, bringing our fans closer to the game.”

“This exciting partnership cements Foot Locker’s position at the center of basketball and sneaker culture and expands our collaborative journey with the NBA,” said Frank Bracken, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Foot Locker, Inc. “We look forward to working together to create unforgettable events and experiences that further engage NBA fans and our customers in support of our Lace Up plan.”

As part of Foot Locker’s broader growth strategy, the partnership aligns with the Lace Up plan, unveiled earlier this year, and supports the company’s new global brand platform, The Heart of Sneakers. This platform celebrates Foot Locker’s central role as a pioneer and influencer in sneaker culture.

The announcement was commemorated at Foot Locker’s Times Square location, where a countdown to the partnership launch was displayed on the store’s impressive 300 ft. digital screens. The celebration included the presence of over 100 members of Foot Locker’s Striper hype crew.

This partnership marks the continuation of a longstanding tradition, with NBA and Foot Locker having a history of collaboration dating back to 1999.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NBA and Foot Locker Announce Multiyear Partnership first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NBA and Foot Locker Announce Multiyear Partnership appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Sotheby’s Named NBA’s Game Worn Source

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Sotheby's Named NBA's Game Worn Source

In a groundbreaking move, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and prestigious auction house Sotheby’s have unveiled a multiyear partnership, designating Sotheby’s as the NBA’s Official Game-Worn Source. This collaboration allows fans to acquire various iconic game-worn NBA memorabilia.

The NBA and Sotheby’s have launched the Tip-Off auction on Sothebys.com/NBAAuctions to celebrate this momentous partnership. Featuring over 60 game-worn jerseys from Kia NBA Tip-Off 2023 and previous seasons, the auction’s highlights will be showcased at Sotheby’s New York Headquarters from Nov. 14 to 22, with bidding opportunities extending until Nov. 28.

“The NBA is one of the most iconic and beloved sports leagues globally, and its game-worn memorabilia have captured the hearts of fans and collectors worldwide,” said Brahm Wachter, Head of Modern Collectibles, Sotheby’s.  “Our journey in the sports memorabilia world aligns with our broader mission of expanding access to and ownership of extraordinary objects with exceptional provenance. We look forward to providing a platform that enables fans and collectors to own a piece of NBA history with unparalleled level of trust and assurance.”

“Our partnership with Sotheby’s provides NBA fans around the world the opportunity to own special pieces of NBA history from the very moments that celebrate their fandom,” said Matt Holt, Head of Consumer Products, NBA.   “We look forward to leveraging Sotheby’s expertise in art and luxury as we offer collectors and fans a seamless experience to access the best of NBA memorabilia through our marketplace.”

Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Sotheby’s will host various online and live auctions featuring exclusive NBA game-worn jerseys, apparel, and memorabilia available for purchase solely through Sotheby’s. The exclusive products include items from marquee events like NBA Christmas Day, NBA All-Star, NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, NBA In-Season Tournament, regular-season games, and more.

For detailed information on the partnership and to stay informed about upcoming auctions, visit Sothebys.com/NBAAuctions.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Sotheby’s Named NBA’s Game Worn Source first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Sotheby’s Named NBA’s Game Worn Source appeared first on The Source.

Glen Davis Found Guilty In NBA Welfare Fraud Case

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Former NBA player Glen Davis has been found guilty for his role in a wide-ranging scheme to defraud the NBA’s alumni welfare and healthcare policy. Nicknamed “Big Baby”, Davis is best known for his time as a role player on the late 2000s Celtics. The Celtics acquired Davis’ draft rights in 2007 alongside those of Ray Allen. Davis was out of the league by 2015, re-emerging in Canada for a season later in the decade.

However, Davis was part of a ring of nearly 20 former players who made millions from fraudulent healthcare expense claims. These were made against the league’s fund that provides healthcare to former players. According to sports CPA Robert Raiola, Davis was found guilty of “health care fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to make false statements, and conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.”

Read More: Fat Joe Roasts Gillie Da Kid For Challenging Jamal Crawford

Davis Co-Conspirator Gets 10 Years In Prison

Davis will be sentenced next year. However, penal sentences are already starting to be handed down in the case. Terrence Williams, the 11th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for “masterminding” the plan. Williams and Davis are just two of 18 former players charged in the case. 13 have pled guilty, with Williams the first to be given a penal sentence. Davis and Williams never played together during their respective tenures in the NBA.

“You were yet another player who frittered away substantial earnings from the period of time when you were playing basketball professionally,” Judge Valerie E. Caproni told Williams during sentencing. “You should have had enough money to be set for life, but you don’t.” While many of the former players in the case were journeymen, their career earnings still totaled $343 million. “I one million percent take full accountability for my role in this case,” Williams said, choking up as he blamed the scheme on “stupidity and greed.” However, Judge Caproni was unsympathetic, stating that Williams used his big personality to “lure” friends and family into the scheme.

Read More: Ice Cube Has Basketball Hall Of Fame Award Named After Him

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Ice Cube Has Basketball Hall Of Fame Award Named After Him

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The Basketball Hall of Fame has announced that it has named a new impact award after Ice Cube. The award honors Cube’s “extraordinary contributions to the world of basketball, his unparalleled passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice while contributing to initiatives focused on education and community development.” It will be awarded to Cube on Martin Luther King Day next year in a ceremony in Massachusetts. It’s unclear if MLK Day will become the annual time when the awarded to presented to the new winner.

Cube, who founded The BIG3 3×3 league was blown away by the decision. “The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable. Words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization. Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism,” the rapper said.

Read More: Ice Cube Thanks J. Cole For Shoutout On Drake’s “First Person Shooter”

Cube Still Feuding With NBA

 
 
 
 
 
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Despite the award, Cube is still very much feuding with the NBA. The rapper alleges that the NBA has been trying to kill off his BIG3 league. Reportedly, things were serious enough that the Justice Department has been quietly investigating a possible violation of anti-trust law “for months”. The NBA could be levied with a massive fine if the government does find them guilty of anti-trust violations.

One of the biggest pieces of evidence that Cube has presented is that the NBA prevents its players from appearing in The BIG3. However, it does not prohibit them from playing in other events such as the Drew League. Jaylen Brown recently became the first active NBA player to appear in The BIG3. The Celtics star took part in the league’s all-star game back in August. NBA referees have also seemingly been prohibited from officiating in the BIG3.

Read More: Ice Cube Claps Back At Twitter User Over Crack Epidemic Claim

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