PHOENIX SUNS Archives - New Hip Hop News

SOURCE SPORTS: Suns Edge Clippers in OT Thriller, Spoil Intuit Dome Debut

October 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a dramatic season opener on Wednesday night, the Phoenix Suns overcame a late deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-113 in overtime, spoiling the debut of LA’s new home at the Intuit Dome. Last season, the Suns struggled in the fourth quarter, but they closed regulation with a 22-12 run to force the extra period, showing early signs of improvement.

Phoenix’s star trio delivered, with Kevin Durant scoring 25 points and grabbing seven rebounds, Bradley Beal adding 24 points, including four three-pointers, and Devin Booker contributing 15 points and six assists before fouling out. The trio combined for 64 points, marking a historic first overtime game in a new arena since Charlotte’s Spectrum Arena opener in 2005.

James Harden posted an impressive near triple-double on the Clippers’ side with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. His connection with Ivica Zubac was strong, as the center tallied 21 points and nine rebounds, with half of Harden’s assists going to Zubac. Despite their combined 50-point effort, the Clippers fell short in their home debut.

As the new season kicks off, this thrilling overtime contest sets an exciting tone for both teams.

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Stephen A Smith Claims The Suns Are Desperate To Trade Kevin Durant

June 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A Smith is someone who is always giving his hot takes on ESPN’s First Take. Overall, First Take has proven to be the biggest show on the ESPN network. Smith is the network’s biggest star, and there is no doubt that fans are always interested in what he has to say. As it stands, the NBA season is over which means free agency and the draft are on the horizon. Moreover, there are numerous teams out there looking to make some massive trades.

Last night, there were rumblings that the Houston Rockets were very much interested in none other than Kevin Durant. After a bad ending to the Phoenix Suns’s season, some have wondered what the team’s future is. Well, on First Take today, Smith dropped a bit of a bombshell. As you can see down below, he claimed that the Suns are eager to get rid of KD. Essentially, they want to blow things up a bit, especially since their big three has left them without depth.

Stephen A Smith With A Bombshell

The Phoenix Suns want to trade Kevin Durant right now, per @stephenasmith

(Via @FirstTake / h/t @TommyBeer )

pic.twitter.com/QgC3eJqWRs

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 26, 2024

Smith also went on to say the Rockets are in no position right now to get KD. Head coach Ime Udoka would love to have the superstar on the roster, but the front office feels differently. It is one of those philosophical disagreements that could spell trouble for the Rockets as a whole. If one thing is for certain, it is that free agency is about to get pretty wild.

Let us know what you think of this update, in the comments section down below. Do you believe the Phoenix Suns will get a lot in return for Kevin Durant? What team would you like to see KD go to, moving forward? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. We will be sure to keep you informed as the NBA Draft and NBA Free Agency loom closer.

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Kodak Black Posts IG Video Of James Harden Signing His Jersey

April 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kodak Black loves to make a scene at sporting events. The Florida rapper went viral for grinding on a woman at a Florida Panthers hockey game in 2022. He also popped up in the locker room of the Florida Atlantic football team, which led many fans to clown him for acting like he was a player. Kodak kept the outrageous sports behavior going at a recent Phoenix Suns game, as he cornered James Harden and asked him to sign a jersey. Not in the stadium, mind you, but on top of a car in a parking garage.

Kodak Black posted a video of the exchange on his Instagram Stories. He can be seen standing next to Harden as he signs the jersey. The “Tunnel Vision” rapper also made reference a mutual friend of theirs, Drake, by quoting lyrics from Drizzy’s song “The Shoe Fits.” “What that boy say??” Kodak asks Harden. “He say the n***a lost his h*e to James Harden, the Snip.” Harden laughs in acknowledgment, as “The Shoe Fits” tells a story about a woman who ends up striking up a relationship with the Suns superstar.

Kodak Black Rapped Drake Lyrics to Harden

“My new boo hoopin’ tonight and he said he play at the Garden,” Drake raps. “He said if I ain’t watching, then that n***a ain’t startin. She point to the guy that she talkin’ ’bout and it’s James Harden.” Kodak has expressed frustration with Drake in the past, claiming that he was supposed to make a collab album with the 6 God before he made Her Loss (2022) with 21 Savage. Evidently, Kodak is still enough of a fan that he knows the words from Drake’s latest release. So does Harden.

Kodak may have a reputation for being a troubled celebrity, but he has given back in the realm of sports. He organized a charity basketball game in Broward Country in 2022, eventually raising $5K for Lippman Youth Shelter in Oakland Park. Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness subsequently made June 11 “Kodak Black Day.” Hunter Pollack, who organized the game with Kodak, praised his kindness towards the next generation of athletes. “He cares about the community he grew up in, and the entire community is proud of him,” he noted. “It shows he has a good heart, and he wants to make a difference.”

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SOURCE SPORTS: Devin Booker Drops 50 for Third Straight Time Against Pelicans

April 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Devin Booker poured in 52 points in a dominant performance, with 37 coming in the first half, guiding the Phoenix Suns to a 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Booker’s career-high eight 3-pointers and nine assists fueled the Suns’ commanding lead, supported by Kevin Durant’s 20 points and Jusuf Nurkic’s impressive 19-point, 19-rebound performance.

This marks Booker’s third consecutive game, scoring 50+ points against the Pelicans, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only player to achieve such a feat against the same opponent. The Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson’s 30 points, struggled to contain Booker’s offensive onslaught.

Despite the loss, the Pelicans maintain their sixth position in the Western Conference, while the Suns climb to seventh, just one game behind New Orleans. Additionally, the Phoenix Suns secured the head-to-head tiebreaker with Monday’s win, positioning themselves favorably in the playoff race.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a playoff berth with the Pelicans’ defeat, further intensifying the competition in the Western Conference playoff and play-in races.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Devin Booker Drops 50 for Third Straight Time Against Pelicans first appeared on The Source.

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Jusuf Nurkić Net Worth 2024: What Is The NBA Basketball Star Worth?

March 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jusuf Nurkić’s ascent in professional basketball is a tale of determination and strategic career moves. He has built a net worth of $4 million by 2024, as reported by DigitalOcean. His journey from a small town in Bosnia to becoming one of the NBA’s formidable centers for the Portland Trail Blazers encapsulates a remarkable blend of personal growth and professional achievement. Nurkić’s impact on the court and his ventures off it reflects a career that has already seen significant financial and sporting success while still in its prime.

A Meteoric Rise: From Bosnia To The NBA

PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 12: Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots against Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter of the preseason game at Moda Center on October 12, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Nurkić’s path to the NBA was marked by early challenges, including his discovery and development in a small Bosnian town with limited basketball infrastructure. His towering presence and natural skill quickly caught the attention of European scouts, leading to his initial professional stint in Europe. This foundational period was crucial, not only in honing his skills but also in showcasing his potential on an international stage. His eventual draft into the NBA was a testament to his hard work and the beginning of a promising career in the league.

Dominating The Paint: On-Court Achievements

Since joining the NBA, Jusuf Nurkić has distinguished himself as a dominant center, known for his robust defensive capabilities and scoring talent. His contributions to the Trail Blazers have been instrumental in their playoff campaigns, highlighting his role as a central figure in the team’s strategy. Nurkić’s ability to impact games on both ends of the floor has not only solidified his reputation as a top-tier player but also significantly influenced his earning potential through both his NBA salary and endorsement deals.

Off The Court: Business Ventures & Philanthropy

Beyond his basketball career, Nurkić has shown a keen interest in business and philanthropy. Although private, his investments and entrepreneurial ventures are believed to contribute to his net worth and financial stability. Moreover, Nurkić’s commitment to giving back, particularly to his home country of Bosnia, underscores his understanding of the importance of leveraging his success for positive community impact. His philanthropic efforts, ranging from basketball camps for youth to contributions to local charities, exemplify his dedication to making a difference off the court.

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Isaiah Stewart Arrested After Drew Eubanks Altercation

February 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons was briefly arrested after allegedly punching Drew Eubanks of the Phoenix Suns during a pre-game confrontation. Police say Stewart was issued a citation and released. While he did not play in the Suns’ win, he had already been ruled out due to a pre-existing ankle injury. Eubanks said the incident occurred when he was entering the arena. According to the Suns player, a verbal altercation led to the players being “chest to chest” before Stewart threw a punch.

“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable. We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA,” the Suns said in a statement. However, Pistons coach Monty Williams, who was fired by the Suns last offseason, criticized the organization for weighing in. “The thing is to get all of the information. The NBA will do an investigation. For me to come here and make a statement would be a bit irresponsible. I know the Suns said it was unprovoked; I think that is irresponsible for sure. You really don’t know. That did not need to happen. There is a time for the information to be gathered, and then you can make a statement,” Williams said.

Who Are Isaiah Stewart & Drew Eubanks?

Phoenix Police statement on Isaiah Stewart: “Stewart was arrested for assault and issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active.” https://t.co/wB1QiGn5lM

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 15, 2024

Isaiah Stewart was picked in the first round of the 2020 draft by the Blazers before being dealt to the Pistons. A five-star recruit coming out of high school, Stewart had a decent one-and-done season for a mediocre Washington Huskies team. He has steadily grown into an important role player for Detroit, starting 71 games for them last season. However, this is not the first time he has found himself in trouble. In 2021, Stewart served a two-game suspension following an on-court altercation with LeBron James.

Meanwhile, Drew Eubanks is an undrafted success story. After three seasons at Oregon State, Eubanks went undrafted in 2018. However, he impressed in the Summer League and signed a two-way contract with the Spurs. After making little impact under Coach Popp, Eubanks was sent to the Raptors in a trade-and-waive deal. Subsequently, he signed with the Blazers and became an impact bench asset, appearing in 78 games last season. He joined the Suns in the 2023 offseason.

[via]

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SOURCE SPORTS: Durant Drops 33 in Brooklyn Return Win

February 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kevin Durant returned to Brooklyn on Wednesday (Jan. 31), delivering a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

The game was Durant’s first visit to Barclays Center since requesting a trade to the Phoenix Suns. He dropped 33 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in the 136-120 win.

The game featured Durant paired with his new big three of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Already limited for the year, the trio surprisingly put in more time on the court than the Nets version with Durant, which featured Kyrie Irving and James Harden.

“We didn’t have enough time together. That’s just it,” Durant told ESPN. “Guys wanted to go their separate ways. We tried our hardest to, you know, salvage everything and everything together. We had three or four different teams [from] when I signed here until when I left. But at the end of the day, I enjoyed coming to work, playing for, being a part of this community and playing, representing Brooklyn; regardless of what went on, what was said or how I felt, I still came to work.”

You can see highlights from KD’s performance below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Durant Drops 33 in Brooklyn Return Win first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Durant Drops 33 in Brooklyn Return Win appeared first on The Source.

Bradley Beal Set To Return To Suns Lineup

December 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Bradley Beal will return tonight from an ankle sprain that has him ruled out for the past two weeks. The news was first reported by Shams Charania. The game against the Hornets will only be Beal’s sixth of the season after he started his tenure in Phoenix with a lingering back injury. With high hopes of a Big Three powering the team to a championship, things have not panned out for the Suns. They are 15-15 and currently hold the 10th seed in the West. Furthermore, the “Big Three” has just played a single game together this season.

Beal made his Suns debut back in November. The Suns were in Chicago to face the Bulls looking to return to .500 after a rough start to the season. Beal played 24 minutes, putting up 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. However, Beal was completely absent for the necessary overtime period, as the team firmly stuck to their minutes plan for the veteran. “I can be hard-headed and go play 30 minutes when I know I’m not supposed to. But how will I feel after that? Probably not the greatest. So that’s why I lean on our staff and our doctors to be the voice for me. Because I’ll be hard-headed and go out there and play,” Beal said, respecting the decision to keep him benched.

Ja Morant Trolls Pelicans With New Orleans Dance

Bradley Beal will return for the Suns tonight, team says.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 29, 2023

Meanwhile, a fierce debate has emerged over whether Ja Morant pulled a “gun celebration” during a recent game against the Pelicans. However, Morant and his fans have defended his actions. Morant was not doing a gun celebration during the Grizzlies recent win over the Pelicans, they claim. Instead, they have said that Morant was doing the “Rock Ya Hips”, a regional dance move from New Orleans. Morant himself even copped to this on social media. The win lifted the Grizzlies to 4-0 since Morant rejoined the team last week.

The choice to do a New Orleans-based dance stems from Morant’s long-standing beef with the Pelicans. Morant takes every chance he can to take to troll the team after they passed on him to take Zion Williamson. Thanks to Williamson’s struggle with injury, Morant has been the better player since they were drafted.

[via]

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Lil Wayne & Kevin Durant Collab Left Off “ColleGrove 2” But Could Be On “Tha Carter VI”

December 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lil Wayne has revealed that he has an unreleased collab with Kevin Durant that was at one time considered for inclusion on ColleGrove 2. Wayne copped to the track when asked about it by Bleacher Report‘s Taylor Rooks. “I just want you to know you messed up. That song was being considered to be on Carter VI and now since you’re saying something, it’s not goin’ on Carter VI,” Wayne joked, directing his response at Durant himself. However, Wayne went on to say that the track was considered for ColleGrove 2. However, he decided he wanted to save it for another project.

Furthermore, Wayne had a lot to say about Durant’s skills as a rapper. “KD’s a jewel. He’s a backpack rapper. I can imagine he probably could call a timeout in a game, and probably ask him to rap and he probably got a verse for you,” Wayne mused. The content of Durant’s song with Wayne is as yet unknown. However, KD does have some experience in the music industry. He has a song with LeBron James and was recently credited as A&R on Drake’s For All The Dogs.

Kevin Durant’s White-Hot Season Continues

Meanwhile, Durant is continuing to have a career year at age 35. He is averaging 31 points a game, which would be a career-best if he maintains it. Additionally, his stat line also boasts 6.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists a game. However, the Suns are struggling, currently sitting at 14-13 with one win in their last four games. Injuries have played a major part in their struggles. Despite adding Bradley Beal in a blockbuster trade, Phoenix’s big three has not seen much floor time together due to injuries to Beal and Devin Booker.

Elsewhere, Durant recently responded to a story about being flamed by Moritz Wagner. In a 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.”

[via]

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Bradley Beal Makes Suns Debut, Scores 13 In OT Win

November 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Bradley Beal finally made his debut for the Phoenix Suns after missing the first week and change of the season due to injury. The Suns were in Chicago to face the Bulls looking to return to .500 after a rough start to the season. Beal played 24 minutes, putting up 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. However, Beal was completely absent for the necessary overtime period, as the team firmly stuck to their minutes plan for the veteran. The 3-5 Bulls kept it close, but the Suns were finally able to come away with a 116-115 win. Grayson Allen had a team-high 26 points, one of three Suns to reach 20.

“I can be hard-headed and go play 30 minutes when I know I’m not supposed to. But how will I feel after that? Probably not the greatest. So that’s why I lean on our staff and our doctors to be the voice for me. Because I’ll be hard-headed and go out there and play,” Beal said, respecting the decision to keep him benched. Meanwhile, new coach Frank Vogel praised Beal’s overall performance. “He was good in stretches and you could tell he was a little bit rough in stretches. We’re playing him in a way that’s tough to get a rhythm. But I really love how he competed. We’re 1-0 with Bradley Beal in the lineup,” Vogel said.

Suns’ Season Can Really Begin

“Felt like I ain’t played in a minute.”

Bradley Beal on his return/Suns debut as he hadn’t played since Oct. 16 in preseason game.

“More than anything, it just feels good just to be out there with the guys.”

Beal said his back feels “good.” #Suns #Bulls pic.twitter.com/VN2lc4X9RT

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 9, 2023

Despite being pegged as one of the teams to watch in the West, the Beal-less Suns have been slow out of the gates. Sitting at 4-4, Phoenix’s first eight games have included back-to-back losses to the Spurs and a 15-point loss to the Lakers. However, a major reason for this is not being able to play their Big Three. As mentioned, Beal has just returned from injury. Meanwhile, it’s unclear when Devin Booker will be able to return from the calf injury that has limited him to just two games this season.

Despite this, Kevin Durant is excited to have Beal on the floor now. “Just somebody else the defense is scared of. Somebody who can score at all three levels. Brad going downhill is a problem. So, as much as we can get him going downhill and also just setting him up in iso so he can beat his man will be great for us. Tonight, he just got his feet wet. He’s on a restriction minute-wise, but as he comes off of that he’s going to be more and more confident. We’ve just got to give him the ball more,” Durant said. The Suns face the Lakers on Friday.

[via]

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