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SOURCE SPORTS: Thunder Topple Mavs, Advance to NBA Cup Semifinals

December 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder punched their ticket to the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas with a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The win flipped the script from last season’s playoff defeat, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with a spectacular all-around performance.

SGA poured in 39 points, outscoring Dallas’ stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, who combined for just 33 points. He also added eight rebounds, five assists, five threes, and three steals. Oklahoma City’s balanced attack saw all five starters in double figures, with Jalen Williams contributing 18 points and Isaiah Hartenstein notching a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The Thunder broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 33-19 behind 16 points from Gilgeous-Alexander and capped by Isaiah Joe’s buzzer-beating three.

OKC’s defensive dominance was on full display. The Thunder, who allowed the league’s second-fewest points, held Dallas to its second-lowest scoring output of the season. Dončić and Irving’s 33 points marked their second-worst combined total in games where both logged 40 minutes.

With a league-leading 14 steals, OKC capitalized on Dallas’ 18 turnovers, turning them into 36 points. The Thunder also rained down a season-high 20 threes on 50 attempts, improving to 13-1 when shooting 36% or better from deep.

The Thunder now await the Warriors and Rockets matchup winner to determine their semifinal opponent on Dec. 14.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Thunder Beat Nuggets 102-87 Behind SGA and Holmgren’s Dominant Performances

October 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a rematch of last season’s top Western Conference teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder took an early lead in the rivalry with a 102-87 win over the Denver Nuggets. OKC, which secured the No. 1 seed last year after winning the season series 3-1, relied on standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to set the tone.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren combined for 53 points, leading OKC’s charge. Gilgeous-Alexander packed the stat sheet with 28 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and three blocks, while Holmgren contributed 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, showcasing his versatility on both ends.

Denver’s Nikola Jokić made history by recording the first triple-double of the season, tallying 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists—his 131st career triple-double. However, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s dynamic duo.

One of the game’s defining moments came in the third quarter when Holmgren blocked Jokić in the lane, sprinted down the court, and completed a dunk off an assist from Gilgeous-Alexander. This play highlighted Holmgren’s two-way impact and earned an impressive Dunk Score of 65.7.

With both teams projected to contend again in a tight Western Conference, this early win may provide the Thunder a crucial edge in what’s shaping up to be another fiercely competitive season.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Mavericks Secure Game 5 to Take Series 3-2 Lead Over Thunder

May 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

After a narrow miss in the fourth quarter of Game 4, the Mavericks bounced back decisively in Game 5, taking control early and never relinquishing the lead to secure a 104-92 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The victory puts Dallas in a commanding position as they head into Game 6.

Luka Doncic was the standout performer, delivering a stellar 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking his third 30-point triple-double in playoff history. This achievement ties him with LeBron James for the second-most such games by a player aged 25 or younger, with only Oscar Robertson (seven) having more. In addition to his impressive stats, Doncic made a crucial block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the final minute, sealing the win for Dallas. Derrick Jones Jr. also shone, scoring a playoff career-high 19 points, thanks in part to five assists from Doncic, including two three-pointers, two alley-oops, and a dunk.

The Mavericks’ defensive prowess was on full display as they held the Thunder to below 100 points for the first time in this series. Dallas limited OKC to 42.5% shooting (25% from three) and restricted them to just 10 free throw attempts. The Mavs are now 13-0 this season, including 4-0 in the playoffs, when holding opponents under 100 points.

Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s valiant effort, posting his fourth consecutive 30+ point game with 30 points, eight assists, and two steals, he was the only Thunder player to score more than 13 points. SGA joins Russell Westbrook as the only players in OKC playoff history with at least four straight 30+ point games in a single postseason.

The series resumes on Saturday (8 PM ET, ESPN) in Dallas for Game 6, where the Mavericks will aim to close out the series at home. The young Thunder face their first elimination game, hoping to extend their playoff run.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Mavericks Secure Game 5 to Take Series 3-2 Lead Over Thunder first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Mavericks Secure Game 5 to Take Series 3-2 Lead Over Thunder appeared first on The Source.

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

May 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Doncic and Washington Lead Mavs to Victory Over Thunder, Even Series first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Doncic and Washington Lead Mavs to Victory Over Thunder, Even Series appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Thunder Dominate Mavericks in Game 1 After Week-Long Break

May 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Following their first-round sweep, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their playoff momentum with a resounding 117-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s near-triple-double performance of 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, the Thunder showcased their strength.

Contributions were widespread, with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams combining for 37 points, including a crucial 10-point burst from Williams in the fourth quarter. The team’s three-point shooting was exceptional, with 16 made threes from seven different players, including Aaron Wiggins, who contributed three.

Despite efforts from Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, who combined for 39 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome OKC’s dominance. The loss marked their lowest combined scoring output of the playoffs.

Daniel Gafford shone for OKC with an impressive first-career playoff double-double, tallying 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks.

The Thunder’s victory underscores their resilience and depth, setting a solid tone for the remainder of the series. With a blend of star power and collective effort, OKC aims to continue its playoff success and advance deeper into the postseason.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Thunder Dominate Mavericks in Game 1 After Week-Long Break first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Thunder Dominate Mavericks in Game 1 After Week-Long Break appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: OKC Thunder Sweep Pelicans Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Near Triple Double

April 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Oklahoma City Thunder outscored the New Orleans Pelicans 22-9 in the final 8.5 minutes to clinch a 97-89 victory in Game 4, marking their first series win since 2016.

Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, each contributing 24 points. Williams’ clutch performance in the fourth quarter, including two pivotal 3-pointers, sealed the win, while SGA’s 10 rebounds bolstered the Thunder’s efforts.

With an average age of just 23 years and 343 days, the Thunder’s youthful roster surpassed the 2010-11 squad as the youngest team to win a playoff series in NBA history.

Combining youthful energy with veteran-like precision, the Thunder showcased a level of execution rarely seen in young teams. Standout performances from Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey, who added 14 points each, underscored the team’s depth and talent.

Despite facing formidable opponents like CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas, the Thunder’s defense held strong, limiting Brandon Ingram to eight points on 2-of-14 shooting.

Looking ahead, the Thunder eagerly awaits the outcome of the Mavs-Clippers series, tied at 2-2. With their sights set on the next round, the Thunder’s youthful roster is poised to continue their impressive postseason run, fueled by determination and talent.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: OKC Thunder Sweep Pelicans Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Near Triple Double first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: OKC Thunder Sweep Pelicans Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Near Triple Double appeared first on The Source.

Victor Wembanyama Has Dominant Performance Against Rookie Of The Year Rival

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Victor Wembanyama finally got the Spurs back in the win column with a dominant performance over the Thunder. Wembanyama had 28 points, 13 assists, and 5 blocks as San Antonio snapped a five-game losing streak. Furthermore, the win came against Chet Holgren, widely seen as Wembanyama’s closest rival for the Rookie of the Year award. Holgrem had a 23/7/5 night in the double-digit loss to San Antonio. Holgren was originally drafted in 2022. However, he missed the entire 2022-23 season due to injury. Per the NBA rules, this makes the 2023-24 season his rookie year.

“I missed this sh-t,” Wembanyama said after the game, referring to his frustrations about the Spurs’ inability to win this season. Earlier in the week, after dropping a historic 5×5 night, Wembanyama had dismissed comparisons to Michael Jordan. “Did he do it in a win?” Wembanyama had asked, implying he cared more about wins on the board than personal accomplishments. Furthermore, Wembanyama was widely praised for his mentality by various sources around the NBA. The Spurs next host the Pacers on Sunday.

Victor Wembanyama Records First Professional Triple-Double

However, Wembanyama has been making history throughout his rookie year. Back in January, Wembanyama had his first professional triple-double, putting up 16/12/10 against the ailing Detroit Pistons. Furthermore, the 21 minutes and 2 seconds Wembanyama needed to complete the feat made it the second-fastest triple-double of the shot clock era. The 22-point win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Spurs and moved them to 6-30 on the season. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 3-35 and extended their then-losing streak to six games.

“Doing it in a win is everything, of course. I didn’t know it was the second fastest in NBA history. It matters to me. I’m not the type to talk for nothing. This is the kind of statement we want to make as a team, and this is type of statement I want to make as a player,” Wembanyama said after the game.

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Chris Paul Claims Daryl Morey Lied To Him About OKC Trade

February 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Chris Paul has claimed that Daryl Morey promised not to trade him to OKC in 2019. “Daryl call me. He said ‘I was just calling you to make sure you didn’t wanna go to OKC.’ I was like, ‘No, why I don’ moved 15 people to Houston.’ And he was like, ‘Okay I was just making sure. I would never trade you to somewhere you didn’t want to go.’ I’m at the house chilling and next thing you know [the alert] said that I was getting traded [to OKC]. And then my phone started ringing and it was Daryl. Daryl was like, ‘Hey man, it just moves so fast.’ I said, ‘It’s all good I just want you to tell me one thing. You said you wasn’t going to trade me, right?’ He said, ‘Yeah I said that but–’ I said, ‘That’s all I needed to know.’”

Paul was sent to the Thunder along with picks in exchange for picks and Russell Westbrook. 18 months later, in November 2020, Paul was on the move again. This time he was the core piece in a massive player trade that sent him to Phoenix. Of course, Paul now finds himself in the Bay Area after Phoenix traded him to Washington, who then traded him to Golden State.

North West’s Basketball Skills Have Fans Revisiting Kanye’s Chris Paul Claims

Chris Paul reveals that Daryl Morey lied to him by saying he wouldn’t trade him to OKC

“I go over to the gym to go work out and Daryl call me…He said ‘I was just calling you to make sure you didn’t wanna go to OKC.’ I was like, ‘No, why I don’ moved 15 people to Houston.’ And… pic.twitter.com/b8MWeGf4nw

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 29, 2024

Meanwhile, a recent TikTok by North West showing off some impressive dribbling ability has been met with a wave of hilarious reactions from fans. While many people were impressed by West’s ball handling, more than a few commenters couldn’t help but crack some jokes. “CP3 a good trainer yea,” one fan wrote. The short comment refers to claims that Kanye West made in 2022 that Kim Kardashian had cheated on him with Chris Paul. No proof that the rumor was true ever emerged, but it is one that has stuck with fans.

Another avenue of comments surrounded North’s apparent readiness to join the NBA. Many fans commented that she had better off-hand control than the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, several others said that North could start for the Pistons already. However, of course, there were a few haters on hand to dismiss North’s ability. The full video of North’s impressive skills can be found below. What do you think of her game? Let us know in the comments.

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Josh Giddey Allegations Being Investigated By The NBA

November 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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.

The NBA is investigating allegations that Josh Giddey has been involved in an improper relationship with an underage girl pic.twitter.com/R4JMzCXRDh

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 24, 2023

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.

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SOURCE SPORTS: NBA Announces Preseason Games Between Raptors, Kings, Pistons, and Thunder for 9th NBA Canada Series

August 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The NBA has exciting news for Canadian basketball fans as they announced the return of the NBA Canada Series presented by Bell with two preseason games in October 2023. On Oct. 8, the Toronto Raptors, led by Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, will face the Sacramento Kings at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. The Kings boast a talented roster, including Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, under the coaching of Mike Brown, the unanimous 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year.

On Oct. 12, the Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring Canadians Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Montréal native Luguentz Dort, will take on the Detroit Pistons at Montréal’s Bell Centre. The Pistons showcase promising players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, making the matchup thrilling for basketball enthusiasts.

Tickets for these games will be available for sale soon, and fans can register for exclusive presale access on NBA.com/CanadaSeries. Get ready for some high-flying NBA action in Canada!