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SOURCE SPORTS: Ice Cube’s Big3 Basketball League Announces Team Coming to Los Angeles

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Ice Cube Talks Season Six of The Big 3 and Hip-Hop50

The Big3 basketball league, co-founded by iconic rapper and actor Ice Cube in 2017, continues to expand its footprint by adding a Los Angeles-based team for the upcoming season.

On Friday, the 3-on-3 basketball league announced the sale of the rights to the L.A. team to a consortium of investors led by DCB Sports for a staggering $10 million. This move marks a significant milestone for the league as it solidifies its presence in one of the world’s basketball hotbeds. 

Co-founder Ice Cube expressed excitement about the expansion, stating, “We can plant our roots in these cities. It is great to come through with, like, a rolling All-Star event. But if you want to really unlock the fan-base potential, connecting to cities does that.”

The Big3, known for its unique 3-on-3 format featuring former NBA stars and other basketball veterans, has garnered a loyal following since its inception. With games broadcast on CBS and half of non-CBS games domestically streamed on X, the league has leveraged its media partnerships to reach a wider audience. They are growing, and that’s a good thing for the spirit of competition within the already crowded sports media landscape. 

Co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz emphasized the league’s commitment to community engagement, stating, “We do things in the cities when we go there… The truth is that you can only do so much, you know, dropping in a city for four days than you can if you have a team rooted in the city.”

Adding an L.A. team is just the beginning of the Big3’s expansion plans. With the 2024 season set to kick off on June 15 in Oakland, the league anticipates announcing three more ownership groups, with Toronto and the U.K. emerging as leading contenders. That would be interesting – the United Kingdom. Not even the NBA or NFL have fully expanded into the UK with actual teams based in that foreign market.

As the Big3 continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of delivering thrilling basketball action while fostering connections with communities worldwide. Good for you, Cube!

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SOURCE SPORTS: Atlanta Hawks Win NBA Draft Lottery

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Hawks Edge Magic in NBA's Mexico City Game

In a stunning reveal, the Atlanta Hawks clinched the coveted No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.

Despite having a 3% chance of securing the top spot, the Hawks emerged victorious in Sunday’s draft lottery, presented by State Farm. This unexpected turn of events places Atlanta in a prime position to select a highly touted prospect and potentially reshape the future of their franchise.

With the No. 1 pick now in their hands, the Hawks have a golden opportunity to add a game-changing talent to their roster, which already had rumors of moving on from guards Trae Young and DeJounte Murray.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Pacers Dominate Knicks to Even Playoff Series at 2-2

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Pacers Dominate Knicks to Even Playoff Series at 2-2

In a commanding performance, the Indiana Pacers surged to a 121-89 victory over the New York Knicks, leveling the playoff series at 2-2 in front of a vibrant Indiana crowd.

Led by Tyrese Haliburton’s 20 points, six Pacers players reached double figures, showcasing their depth and offensive prowess. T.J. McConnell also made a significant impact off the bench, joining an elite group of players with at least 15 points and ten assists in a playoff game.

The Pacers’ dominant display marked their third-largest playoff win in franchise history, with a staggering 32-point margin of victory. Their relentless start saw them establish a commanding 34-14 lead after the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Indiana’s stifling defense held the Knicks to just 33.7% shooting from the floor and 18.9% from beyond the arc. Despite Alec Burks’ 20 points leading New York’s scoring efforts, the Knicks struggled to close the gap against a determined Pacers side.

With the series now tied at 2-2, the action shifts back to Madison Square Garden for what promises to be a thrilling Game 5 showdown on Tuesday. As the iconic playoff rivalry resumes, both teams find themselves in familiar territory, setting the stage for an intense battle in New York City.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Nuggets Hold Off Wolves to Tie Series 2-2

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Nuggets Hold Off Wolves to Tie Series 2-2

In a thrilling Game 4 showdown, the Denver Nuggets rallied to even the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 115-107 victory.

Despite trailing by as many as 16 points in the second quarter, the Wolves fought back, led by Anthony Edwards’ impressive performance. However, a late surge from the Nuggets, including a remarkable 55-foot shot from Jamal Murray, secured a commanding lead at halftime.

Nikola Jokic and Murray combined for 54 points and 15 assists, while Aaron Gordon stole the spotlight with an outstanding performance. Gordon scored 27 points on an impressive 11-of-12 field shooting, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Gordon’s stellar display earned him a spot in the record books as only the third player to achieve 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and shoot over 90% from the field in a playoff game.

Despite Edwards’ impressive 44-point outing for the Wolves, the Nuggets maintained their lead and secured the crucial victory.

With the series tied at 2-2, the action now shifts back to Denver for a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday, promising another intense battle between the two teams.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Ravens-Chiefs to Open NFL Season On Sept. 5

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Ravens-Chiefs to Open NFL Season On Sept. 5

With rookie minicamps underway, the NFL has revealed the game that will open the 2024 season: the Baltimore Ravens at the Kansas City Chiefs.

The rematch of the AFC title game will come from Arrowhead, bringing a revamped Ravens offense with Derrick Henry to take on Patrick Mahomes and some new weapons. The game is set for Sept. 5 on Peacock.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Haliburton Leads Pacers to Crucial Victory in Game 3

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Haliburton Leads Pacers to Crucial Victory in Game 3

With the Pacers facing adversity both in the series and in the final quarter, Tyrese Haliburton delivered a standout performance, scoring a Playoff career-high 35 points to propel Indiana to a pivotal win.

Haliburton’s remarkable performance, which included 23 points in the first half and crucial baskets down the stretch, guided the Pacers to one of their most significant victories in a decade.

Nailing the game home was a game-clinching three from Andrew Nembhard.

In a hard-fought contest, Indiana held off a strong showing from New York’s Donte DiVincenzo, who scored a Playoff career-high 35 points, and Jalen Brunson, who contributed 26 points. Haliburton’s stellar performance earned him a notable place in NBA Playoff history as the fifth player to achieve back-to-back games with 30+ points and 6+ three-pointers.

Meanwhile, Brunson also etched his name in the record books, becoming just the third player in NBA Playoff history to tally over 300 points and 70+ assists in his first nine games, joining legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Despite facing injuries, the Knicks received standout performances from DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, and Alec Burks. DiVincenzo’s 35-point outing marked a historic achievement for the Knicks, while Hart’s performance mirrored feats accomplished by Patrick Ewing in 1999.

With Game 4 on the horizon, set to tip off at 3:30 ET Sunday on ABC, both teams are poised for another intense battle as they continue their quest for Playoff success.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Washington Nationals’ Pitcher Josiah Gray Drops His Playlist On Black Baseball Mixtape

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As one of MLB’s most talented starters on the mound, Washington Nationals’ Josiah Gray fits every criteria to be nominated for baseball’s “Man of the Year” if there was such an accolade. After being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2nd round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, the New Rochelle, NY native made his pro debut with the Greenville Reds until he was traded by the Reds organization to the LA Dodgers in the same year.

it took the right hander a few years to warm up, but in 2023, Gray went 8-13 but posted a career-best 3.91 ERA. He was named to the 2023 MLB All-Star Game as the Nationals only representative. 

At the All-Star game, Gray pitched the bottom of the third inning for the National League, allowing no runners on base. The National League team would win the game 3-2.

Even as a New Yorker, Gray is a big fan of Dirty South music including artists like Future, Lil Wayne and Young Thug. The 26-year-old Nat has blessed us with an exclusive peek into his own personal playlist courtesy of Black Baseball Mixtape!

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SOURCE SPORTS: Cavs Blowout Celtics, Tie Series 1-1

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Cavs Blowout Celtics, Tie Series 1-1

In a commanding second-half performance, the Cleveland Cavaliers surged past the Boston Celtics with a decisive 118-94 victory, knotting the series at 1-1.

Donovan Mitchell emerged as the catalyst for Cleveland, erupting for 23 of his 29 points after halftime, ultimately leading his team to victory with a game-high plus-38 rating in just 39 minutes of play.

Mitchell spearheaded a balanced scoring effort for the Cavs, with six players reaching double figures. Evan Mobley delivered a Playoff career-high performance, contributing 21 points, ten rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Caris LeVert added another 21 points to the mix. The trio combined for an impressive 71 points, overwhelming the Celtics’ defense.

Despite a valiant effort from Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics with 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, Boston struggled to find their rhythm beyond the arc. After sinking 18 three-pointers in their Game 1 victory, the Celtics managed just eight in Game 2, marking only the fourth single-digit three-pointer game for Boston this season and their first in the Playoffs.

With the series shifting to Cleveland for the next two games, the Cavaliers aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Game 3 is slated for Saturday at 8:30 ET, airing on ABC, followed by Game 4 on Monday at 7 ET, broadcasted on TNT.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Doncic and Washington Lead Mavs to Victory Over Thunder, Even Series

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Doncic and Washington Lead Mavs to Victory Over Thunder, Even Series

Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington showcased their scoring prowess, combining for 58 points and a dozen 3-pointers as the Dallas Mavericks secured a 119-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, evening the series 1-1.

From the onset, the Mavs maintained control of the game, never trailing in the first half. However, a brief surge from OKC saw them take the lead for just over two minutes in the third quarter. Dallas swiftly regained momentum, with Tim Hardaway Jr. igniting a crucial 10-0 run midway through the third period, ultimately securing the victory. Hardaway Jr. contributed 13 of his 17 points in the second half, with his pivotal scoring burst proving instrumental in the Mavs’ success.

Despite a stellar performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recorded a game-high 33 points along with 12 rebounds and 8 assists, the Thunder fell short. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren were the only other OKC players to reach double-digit scoring, with 20 and 11 points, respectively.

As the series moves to Dallas for the next two games, the Mavs will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 ET, airing on ABC, followed by Game 4 on Monday at 9:30 ET, broadcasted on TNT.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Karl-Anthony Towns Named 2023-24 NBA Social Justice Champion

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Karl Anthony Towns Drops 62 in Loss, Coach Calls Out 'Immature Basketball'

The NBA has declared Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves recipient of the 2023-24 NBA Social Justice Champion award, honoring his unwavering commitment to social justice causes. Towns emerged victorious from five finalists for his advocacy work advancing equality, respect, and inclusion.

Towns played a pivotal role in the passage of Minnesota’s Restore the Vote bill, H.F. 28, which reinstated voting rights for thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals. His leadership within the Timberwolves organization and the community helped shine a spotlight on restoring voting rights and addressing disparities within the criminal justice system.

Furthermore, Towns has actively raised awareness for critical issues in the justice and education systems. He served as a producer for the documentary “Forgiving Johnny,” which explores the impact of digital transformation on the legal system. Additionally, Towns supported Ava DuVernay’s film “Origin” and encouraged youth engagement with banned books.

As a board member of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, Towns continues to leverage his platform to drive positive change and advocate for policies that promote social justice.

“Karl-Anthony Towns has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing social justice through his tremendous advocacy work not only this past year, but throughout his whole career,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer.  “Whether it was the passage of the Restore the Vote legislation in Minnesota, his ‘Forgiving Johnny’ documentary or continued work with the Coalition, Karl’s efforts have made a true impact on the lives of thousands in Minnesota and beyond.”

The award, named after NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was determined by a selection committee comprising prominent social justice leaders and NBA officials, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Towns’ dedication to social justice and his efforts to effect meaningful change exemplify the values of equality and inclusion upheld by the NBA community.

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