nuggets

LeBron James Erupts On Darvin Ham As Lakers Beat Nuggets With Caleb Williams Sitting Courtside

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were finally able to beat the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, ending an 11-game losing streak against the defending NBA champions. The first overall pick in this week’s NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, sat courtside for the game. With the win, the Lakers extend their playoff hopes to at least another game, although no team in history has come back down 0-3.

“We get another opportunity to go play one more game, and if we win, come back and play another one and keep moving from there,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said afterward. “Odds aren’t stacked in our favor, but anytime we can keep ourselves floating above water and give ourselves an opportunity to do something special, we’re up for the challenge.”

Read More: LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher

LeBron James Reacts To An Out Of Bounds Call

Los Angeles, CA – April 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after going out of bounds against the Denver Nuggets in the first half of game 4 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

The win comes despite a heated viral exchange between LeBron James and Lakers coach Darvin Ham in the fourth quarter. As James went for a steal against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the former Laker threw the ball out of bounds, but referees called it Nuggets ball. James wanted Ham to challenge the ruling, but he refused. After the game, Ham told reporters: “We deserved this tonight. We’ve just got to bottle it up and keep pushing and understand it can be our time. Why not us? Every new game is a new opportunity to be more competitive and more together and more selfless.”

LeBron James Furious After 4th Quarter Call

Game 5 between the Lakers and Nuggets will tip-off in Denver on Monday night. Be on the lookout for further updates on the NBA Playoffs on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: LeBron James Livid With Officiating Following Game 2 Loss

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SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

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Murray's Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets' Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

Jamal Murray delivered a jaw-dropping performance, capping off the Denver Nuggets’ thrilling comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 with a sensational game-winning shot. Murray’s 15-foot fadeaway jumper over Anthony Davis’ outstretched arm, dubbed the Tissot Buzzer Beater, sealed the Nuggets’ 104-101 triumph.

Murray erupted for 14 points in the final 9:19 of the game, finishing with 20 points. His heroics were complemented by Nikola Jokic’s monstrous triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and ten assists. Michael Porter Jr. also contributed significantly with 22 points and nine boards.

“That’s Jamal Murray right there,” said Nuggets Coach Michael Malone. “He can struggle, he can struggle, he can struggle. He sees one go in and he’s never shying away from the moment, the spotlight.”

Jokic’s performance marked a historic milestone, as he tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most games with 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 10+ assists in playoff history, achieving his fourth in just 70 career playoff games.

Despite the Lakers’ efforts, led by Anthony Davis’ 32 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James’ near-triple-double of 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds, they fell short in the face of the Nuggets’ relentless onslaught.

Meanwhile, in another electrifying matchup, the New York Knicks stunned the Philadelphia 76ers with a late rally in Game 2, securing a 104-101 victory at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ trio of Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo combined for an impressive 64 points, overshadowing Joel Embiid’s historic performance of 34 points and ten rebounds. This marked his 15th playoff game with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the most in Sixers history.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers appeared first on The Source.

Carmelo Anthony Calls The Nuggets “Petty” For Giving Nikola Jokic His Number

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Carmelo Anthony has sounded off against his former team, the Denver Nuggets, about their decision to give Nikola Jokic his old number. “When you think of 15 in Denver now, to this generation, you thinking Joker. I’m like, ‘F-ck is going on? 15?’” Melo told the 7am in Brooklyn podcast. Furthermore, Melo called the move “petty”.

Melo spent eight years in Denver to begin his NBA career. However, after a string of playoff misses and one-and-done first-round exits, Melo announced that he would be exploring free agency when his contract expired in 2011. However, rather than let him walk, the Nuggets traded Melo to the Knicks. Before coming to the NBA, Jokic also wore No. 15 in Serbia.

Read More: Carmelo Anthony Has No Regret About Retiring Without A Ring

Carmelo Anthony “Throwback” Performance Blows Jadakiss Away

However, during a separate appearance on 7am in Brooklyn, Melo got a chance to share some love for a close friend. As Jadakiss gave Usher his flowers for his recently-ended Vegas residency, he also mentioned that he still fondly remembered his time working with Usher. A moment later, Anthony was dropping a perfect cover of Kiss’ verse from that collaboration, “Throwback”. “He killed it!” Jadakiss exclaimed once Anthony had powered through the verse. You can watch Melo’s impromptu performance below. Let us know in the comments what you thought of Melo’s performance.

Jadakiss and Melo have been friends for most of Anthony’s professional basketball career. After Melo retired in May, Kiss was sure to honor his close friend. As Jadakiss began his performance at an Air Jordan event in July, he played audio from the 2003 NBA Draft, specifically the announcement of Melo going third overall to the Nuggets. Melo was in the crowd and was evidentially touched by the unorthodox shoutout. Kiss has also referred to Anthony as his “little brother” on numerous occasions during their friendship. Furthermore, Kiss’ son previously called his dad the “Melo of the [music] industry”, drawing yet another parallel between the pair.

Read More: Cam’ron Reveals How He Wanted Jadakiss To Be His It Is What It Is Co-Host

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Aaron Gordon Out Indefinitely After Christmas Day Dog Attack

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There is “no timetable” for Aaron Gordon to return to the Nuggets after he was attacked by a dog on Christmas Day. Per Shams Charania, Gordon suffered “serious dog bites to his face and shooting right hand on Monday — requiring 21 stitches”. Later, the team said that Gordon was “in good condition and will remain away from the team while he recovers”. Gordon is averaging 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a game this season. He is in his fourth year with the team.

The Nuggets, with Gordon a key player, have started their title defense well and sit at 22-10 on the season. This includes a currently active five-game winning streak. However, they only hold the second seed in the West due to the white-hot Timberwolves. Minnesota holds a 22-7 record. Nikola Jokic has been the powerhouse of the Nuggets this season. The two-time MVP is averaging a double-double with 26.4 points and 12.3 rebounds. Furthermore, Jokic is also averaging 9.2 assists a game, nearly putting him on a triple-double.

Read More: Aaron Gordon Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

Ja Morant Faces Criticism For Gun Celebration

Without Gordon, the Nuggets will be short-handed as they host the Grizzlies, who are yet to lose since Ja Morant’s return to the team. However, Morant has found himself in a new controversy this week. After dropping a dunk, Morant appeared to fire off two imaginary guns before running back down the court. Of course, this caused a lot of outrage given that Morant is just four games into a season cut short by a gun-related suspension. However, the Grizzlies appeared to be a fan of the move, sharing the clip to the team’s official X account.

The win over the Pelicans marked the Grizzlies’ fourth consecutive win, meaning the team is 4-0 since Morant returned to the team. Morant had a game-high 31 points along with 7 assists. However, Morant was also tied for a game-high 6 turnovers with the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson. Denver won a close game against a Morant-less Memphis in their second game of the season.

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Russell Wilson And Future Jr Post Up At Nuggets Game

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Russell Wilson took his stepson, Future Jr., to a Nuggets game this week. They were all smiles as Wilson posted a picture of the pair to social media. “The Best Times. Father Son time! Best Recovery Ever,” Wilson added as a caption. Future Jr is the son of Future and Wilson’s wife Ciara. However, it’s always been clear that Wilson doesn’t view the kid any differently from his biological children.

It’s been a big week for Wilson elsewhere. The Wilson-led Broncos won their second game in a row, taking their season record to 3-5. However, they also snapped a 16-game losing streak against the Chiefs, whom they beat 24-9. Without Taylor Swift in the stands, the Chiefs were unable to get anything going on offense, with Patrick Mahomes throwing two interceptions. Wilson threw for 114 yards and three touchdowns.

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Nuggets Host Hilarious Costume Contest

The day after their Wilson-attended win over the Jazz, the Nuggets were on their way to Minnesota for a road game. With the trip coinciding with Halloween, a number of the team decided to dress up for the flight. Deandre Jordan went all-in, rocking up to the airport blasting “Bad Blood” and dressed as Taylor Swift. Jordan’s costume was simple – a Chiefs letter jacket and a blonde wing. However, the visuals were absolutely fantastic. Several other members of the team also dressed up ahead of their flight to Minnesota. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was Michael Myers, Aaron Gordon was a pirate (guessing Robin Hood would be too on the nose), and Reggie Jackson came in one of those inflatable dinosaur suits. Even coach Mike Malone got on board, showing up to the flight as a championship-winning gorilla. The most notable costume absence was of course Nikola Jokić, who refused to dress up and told reporters he had no plans on getting into costume.

The Nuggets have begun their title defense 4-0, dispatching the Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, and Jazz. This week they look to extend their start to 7-0 with games against the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Bulls. Jokić is already averaging a double-double, with 26.5 points and 12.8 rebounds a game. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray is nearing a double-double of his own, with 20 points and 8.5 assists a game. It remains to be seen who in the West is going to be able to hold a candle to Denver this season.

Read More: Cam’ron Suggests Russell Wilson Dump Ciara To Improve His Play

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Deandre Jordan Dresses As Taylor Swift For Nuggets Halloween Costume Contest

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Deandre Jordan went all-in for the Nuggets’ team Halloween costume contest. The veteran center rocked up to Ball Arena blasting “Bad Blood” and dressed as Taylor Swift. Jordan’s costume was simple – a Chiefs letter jacket and a blonde wing. However, the visuals were absolutely fantastic. Several other members of the team also dressed up ahead of their flight to Minnesota. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was Michael Myers, Aaron Gordon was a pirate (guessing Robin Hood would be too on the nose), and Reggie Jackson came in one of those inflatable dinosaur suits. Even coach Mike Malone got on board, showing up to the flight as a championship-winning gorilla. The most notable costume absence was of course Nikola Jokić, who refused to dress up and told reporters he had no plans on getting into costume.

The Nuggets have begun their title defense 4-0, dispatching the Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, and Jazz. This week they look to extend their start to 7-0 with games against the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Bulls. Jokić is already averaging a double-double, with 26.5 points and 12.8 rebounds a game. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray is nearing a double-double of his own, with 20 points and 8.5 assists a game. It remains to be seen who in the West is going to be able to hold a candle to Denver this season.

Read More: LeBron James Shows Off He And Savannah’s Incredible “Beetlejuice” Halloween Costumes

Shaq Goes As Jimmy Butler

However, it wasn’t just players who were dressing up. Shaq was without a doubt the winner of Inside The NBA‘s costume contest. Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson both played it safe, going the pop culture route as Top Gun‘s Iceman and The Godfather‘s Vito Corleone respectively. Meanwhile, Charles Barkley threw it back to an iconic Kevin Durant insult leveled at him, coming into work as a bus driver. However, Shaq took the cake as he rolled up to set as “Emo Jimmy Butler”, a reference to one of the offseason’s more viral moments. Everything about the costume was perfect, from the painfully 2000s wig to the fake nose and lip rings.

Butler wasn’t playing on Tuesday night, with the Heat having lost to the Bucks on Monday night. However, it was definitely one of the standout costumes of the evening. Of course, Giannis had set the tone after that Bucks victory, showing up to his post-game press conference dressed as the Hulk. However, perhaps the closest contender to Shaq’s meme reference was Victor Wembanyama. The 7″4 Spurs rookie perfectly embodied Slenderman as he rolled up to the team’s game against the Suns. In fact, Wemby’s outfit was referenced on Inside The NBA, with Barkley roasting Shaq for not knowing who Slenderman was.

Read More: Ciara Recreates Iconic Nicki Minaj Look For Halloween

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Anthony Davis Hypes Revenge Game Against Nuggets, Scores 0 Points In Second Half

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Anthony Davis had 17 points on 17 shots against the Nuggets to open the NBA season. However, all 17 of those points came in the first half as the defending champions held AD scoreless in the final 24 minutes to take a 119-107 win in their title defense opener. However, AD’s poor performance was only made worse by how much he had hyped the game as a grudge match. “It was just a lot of talking. We get it, y’all won, but me and Bron had some conversations… we can’t wait [to play them],” Davis said during the preseason.

However, the Lakers once again proved no match for the Western Conference preseason favorites. Nikola Jokić opened the season with a triple-double as three Nuggets starters put up at least 20 points. LeBron fittingly opened his 21st season with 21 points but it simply wasn’t enough to stop the Denver juggernaut from extending their win streak against the Lakers to six.

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AD, Lakers Punished For Their Hubris

Both teams were fairly quiet during the offseason. The Lakers largely focused on locking up their core, with their most notable additions being Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish. That pair put up a combined 13 points off the bench. Meanwhile, the Nuggets traded for a collection of draft rights and added Justin Holiday, who didn’t play in the win. The game firmly set the tone for the season – Denver is the team to beat, LA still doesn’t have an answer for them.

However, things don’t get any easier for LA. Their next game is against the other Western Conference giant – Phoenix. The Suns knocked off the Warriors to open the season, doing it without Bradley Beal. Meanwhile, Denver takes on the Morant-less Grizzlies later this week. The Grizzlies open against the Pelicans tonight.

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Best Reactions To AD’s Performance Versus Denver

How do you think the Western Conference will play out this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Doc Rivers Names His Title Favorites For 2023/24 NBA Season

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Doc Rivers has named the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics as his conference favorites for the upcoming NBA season. Rivers named the teams while speaking with reporters at an ESPN press conference, as Rivers will be joining the network as a broadcaster this season. “Denver has to be the favorite. Aaron Gordon was such a good pickup for them and its one that not enough people talk about,” Rivers said, “However, the West is wide open. They [Denver] will have old contenders, young contenders. Meanwhile, Boston lost Marcus Smart, they lost their best defensive players. And then they go and get probably the best defensive guard in the league. I think that makes them the favorite in the East.”

Rivers joins the broadcast booth after parting ways with the Sixers at the end of last season. However, it’s not Rivers’ first time behind the mic. After leaving the Magic in 2003, Rivers joined ABC to call the 2004 Finals. Rivers will join veteran broadcasters Mike Breen and Doris Burke on the broadcast team for the 2023/24. However, he also confirmed at the ESPN press conference that he had made no long-term agreement with the network.

Read More: Doc Rivers Says He’s “Just Gonna Enjoy Life” For The Time Being

Rivers’ Former Player Misses Second Practice

Doc Rivers
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 15: James Harden #1 (R) and head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers interact during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on February 15, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, things aren’t going well with Rivers’ former team. James Harden missed Sixers practice for the second day in a row on Thursday. After stating that no reason was given for the first absence, the organization has now said Harden is away from the team due to a personal matter. “I think the organization has made it clear what’s going on. They’re working on stuff, as we say, day by day. We had a really good practice today. Very energetic. The guys that were here, that’s what we’re focused on,” head coach Nick Nurse said when asked about the absence. Furthermore, Nurse said it was “unlikely” that Harden would play in the team’s preseason finale against Atlanta on Friday.

The missing of practice is something that experts have been surprised hasn’t happened sooner with Harden. The veteran has something of a reputation for being disruptive during offseason activities when he is trying to force a trade. However, it is believed that rumors of renewed discussions between the Sixers and Clippers compelled Harden to put in a few weeks of good behavior.

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NBA Season To Open With West Coast Blockbusters

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The NBA has announced that the 2023-24 season will officially begin on October 24. What’s more, they will skew tradition to open with a slate of purely Western Conference matchups. The official tip-off will occur in Denver, where the Nuggets will raise their championship banner before taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s a rematch of the Western Conference Finals, in which the Nuggets swept the Lakers so hard that LeBron considered retiring.

However, that game is almost serving as a lead-in to the night’s real marquee matchup. The Phoenix Suns will take on the Golden State Warriors. This means that Chris Paul will be facing his old team on night one. Furthermore, we will get out first look at Phoenix’s new Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

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NBA Promises Hyped Opening Week

However, the fun continues over the first days of the new season. October 25 sees the new-look Celtics take on the Knicks. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama makes his debut in an in-state matchup against Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks. That’s followed by the Sixers taking on Milwaukee to kick off October 26, which also features LeBron taking on KD as the Lakers face the Suns. The first half of the week very much feels like it will help establish who’s legit in this year’s title races.

Furthermore, October 27 is a day dedicated to playoff rematches. The Heat, who may or may not have Damian Lillard, take on the Celtics. That is followed by the Kings taking on the Warriors. Of course, the Kings came so close to beating the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, only to choke a 3-1 series lead. Finally, October 28 sees the Knicks back in action, this time taking on Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. Then the Suns have their third game of the week as they face the Utah Jazz. Which matchups are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Nikola Jokić Leads Denver Nuggets To First NBA Finals In History, Beating The Lakers

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For the first time in NBA history, the Denver Nuggets are heading to the NBA Finals. While this is a huge disappointment for fans of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, it was by no means a blowout win. In fact, records shattered left and right as Nikola Jokić and the rest of the Colorado team nabbed 113 points against the Lakers’ 111. For example, for 50 years, Wilt Chamberlain held the title of the player with the most triple-doubles in a single playoff. Until Game 4 of the 2023 Western Conference Finals, that is, as the Joker gained his eighth triple-double (and counting) in the postseason.

Elsewhere, James reached a career-high 31 points in the first half, as his teammates tried to match the energy and keep the Nuggets at bay. As far as that team, Jamal Murray scored 25 points and Aaron Gordon got 22, resulting in one of his best showings. Overall, it was an incredibly tight game with a lot of make-or-break moments, even if skeptics might think different from the 4-0 series sweep. Considering what was at stake for both teams, the showdown’s conclusion couldn’t have been more fitting- or earned.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Reveals His Thoughts On LeBron’s Lakers Legacy

The Nuggets Beat The Lakers

With that in mind, now fans, commentators, and NBA experts look to the Eastern Conference Finals, where a similar situation is at hand. The Miami Heat are currently up 3-0 against the Boston Celtics as of writing this article, with the play-in team looking to sweep a team with one of the best records in the whole season. It’s been a tense few games, made even more personal when Jimmy Butler of the Heat taunted Celtics players Al Horford and Grant Williams as the Massachusetts team took a loss in Game 3. Still, the series has made for great displays of prowess and determination from both sides.

Meanwhile, the East’s Game 4 will take place on Tuesday (May 23) at 8:30 p.m., and we’ll see how it differs from the West’s endgame. Regardless of who wins, the Denver Nuggets unsurprisingly set themselves up as a true force for the NBA Finals. We’re sure a lot of discourse will follow in the coming days before we get back to more nail-biters in the league’s post-season. For more news and the latest updates on the NBA, stay up to date on HNHH.

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