Jamal Murray Goes Off As Denver Nuggets Take 3-0 Lead

The LA Lakers found themselves in a precarious position after two games of the Western Conference Finals. Despite playing dominantly through the first two rounds of the playoffs, they had seemingly met their match in the Denver Nuggets. Despite keeping both games close, the Nuggets had found a way to maintain their perfect playoff home record.

With the series heading to Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers needed to find a way to close out Game 3. After all, there were just three teams in NBA history to have tied a series after starting 0-3 down. Furthermore, it has been 20 years since that last happened, when the Blazers lost 4-3 to the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs after starting 0-3 down. The Lakers needed to find the win that had eluded them thus far.

Jamal Murray Once Again Leads The Nuggets To Victory

Unlike the first two games of the series, there was no back-and-forth first quarter. The Nuggets raced out to a big lead, and the Lakers found themselves trailing by 12 at the end of the first. However, the Lakers bounced back in the second, making the adjustments that allowed them to cut the Nuggets’ lead to three at the half. The Lakers continued to keep it close through the third, taking another point off the Nuggets’ lead as the teams entered the final quarter. This is where the Lakers had failed to close out in the first two games of the series. Briefly, the Lakers took the lead but it lasted just 22 seconds as the Nuggets began to pull away. The Nuggets moved to series point with a 119-108 victory.

Much like in Game 2, the Nuggets relied on Jamal Murray as the Lakers focused their defensive efforts on Nikola Jokić. Murray led all scorers with 37 points, also adding 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jokić had 24 points with 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Anthony Davis led the Lakers in scoring with 28 points, while LeBron and Austin Reaves both put up 23. But now the Lakers are in a difficult position. As mentioned, no team has successfully won a playoff series after starting 3-0 down. LeBron James, the leader of the Lakers, has been here three times before. At 2-0 down, he is 3-5 in the playoffs. But at 3-0 down? Of course, it’s an 0-3 record for the GOAT. The series continues in LA on Monday.

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Jack Harlow’s “White Men Can’t Jump” Remake Earns Mixed Reviews On Twitter

Since it was first announced that Jack Harlow will be stepping into Woody Harrelson’s shoes in the White Men Can’t Jump remake, social media hasn’t held back on expressing their fears around the project. Not only have some questioned if the Kentucky native should make his acting debut in such an iconic role, but others have been questioning why the 1992 film is already receiving a remake in the first place. Upon seeing the first trailers earlier this year, some felt a pang of relief. Now that it finally arrived on Hulu, fans are able to put their theories about Harlow’s on-screen chops to the test.

Much like in the original, the film follows two unlikely friends – one Black and one white – who are brought together thanks to the world of basketball. As Looper notes, sports fanatics will be happy to know that several NBA cameos take place in the new White Men Can’t Jump, including Kamal Allen and his father (played by the late Lance Reddick). Elsewhere, we see Blake Griffin handing Harlow and co-star Sinqua Walls a massive check, and Tyler Herro working out his anger management issues with his new coach.

Read More: Jack Harlow Recalls Working With Lance Reddick On “White Men Can’t Jump”

Jack Harlow Steps into Woody Harrelson’s Shoes for White Men Can’t Jump

Aside from the surprise all-star athlete appearances, many were also pleased with the Jackman rapper’s work. “Why is Jack Harlow actually acting omg,” one shocked tweet reads. “The new ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ funny asf I can’t lie,” another user chimed in. “Thought the shit was gone be corny as hell.”

Elsewhere, however, several people have expressed serious discontent with the project after viewing it. “Just watched 30 mins of the ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ remake. Y’all are so lucky I don’t have powers because the movie is so bad that I would have destroyed the world,” a particularly unimpressed person vented.

Read More: Woody Harrelson Co-Signs Jack Harlow Starring In “White Men Can’t Jump”

Twitter Reacts to New Movie

Keep scrolling to read Twitter’s mixed reactions to the new White Men Can’t Jump. Have you checked out the Jack Harlow-led flick on Hulu yet? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

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Summer Walker’s “CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE” EP Earns Erykah Badu Comparisons

Summer Walker and Erykah Badu have a bond that runs deep. Not only are they both beautifully talented R&B stars in their own right, but their chosen career paths have also allowed them to connect in a far deeper way. The birth of the Atlanta native’s twins a few months ago was actually overseen by “The Healer” herself, who shared plenty of thoughtful words about her experience acting as Walker’s doula alongside her own daughter, Puma Curry. While they have yet to actually collaborate together musically, it seems Badu’s energy is rubbing off on her young friend, as her influence is all over the latter’s new CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP.

The project is a long-awaited sequel to 2019’s CLEAR, on which she shared four featureless tracks with fans. The mother of three spiced things up this time around, recruiting J. Cole to kick things off with “To Summer, From Cole – Audio Hug,” as well as Childish Gambino, who offered up his help on “New Type.” The other seven titles are handled by Walker alone, though she did have Solange Knowles and Steve Lacy’s help with production on the final title, “Agayu’s Revelation.”

Read More: Summer Walker Giving Birth To Twins, Erykah Badu Seemingly Confirms

Summer Walker’s CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE is Here

In the hours since CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE hit DSPs, fans have been consistently drawing comparisons to Badu on social media. Many of them are positive, writing messages like, “Summer Walker really Erykah Badu Goddaughter. Love this sound sm,” and “[This] is what I didn’t know I needed.” Others, however, are unimpressed by the Still Over It songstresses’ copycat vibes. “Summer Walker on Erykah Badu beats with these dumb ass lyrics is pissing me off,” one Twitter user ranted on Friday (May 19) morning.

“I got mixed feelings about this Summer EP. I do appreciate the Erykah Badu inspo and shit… But we need Summer Walker, not Summer Badu,” another person expressed, noting that they hope the project eventually grows on them with time.

Read More: J. Cole Confirms He’s Working On “The Fall Off” On Summer Walker’s EP

Twitter Brings Up Erykah Badu Comparisons

Keep scrolling to read more mixed Twitter reactions to the new 9-track EP. Have you streamed Summer Walker’s CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP yet? If not, check it out here, and let us know in the comments which of the R&B darling’s new songs is your favourite.

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“Playoff Jimmy” Helps Miami Heat Steal ECF Game 1

For the third time in four years, the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat are facing off for a place in the NBA Finals. Prior to 2020, the two teams had only ever had three playoff meetings. However, the rematch of a rematch just goes to show where these two franchises are at in their championship journeys.

For the Boston Celtics, a trip to the Conference Finals came after a back-and-forth series with the Sixers. However, 51 points from Jayson Tatum helped blow out Philadelphia in Game 7. Meanwhile, the Heat have been causing all sorts of trouble as an eight-seed. They knocked off the one-seed Bucks in the first round before downing the Knicks in six come the Conference Semis. This would be a masterclass battle between two hungry teams for a place in the NBA Finals.

Jimmy Buckets Strikes Again

A high-scoring first quarter saw the lead change hands 14 times, with Boston leading 30-28 at the break. With about 90 seconds left in the second, Boston had managed to stretch their lead to 13 and would go into the half up nine. But that’s when the Heat took over. Miami outscored Boston 46-25 in the third quarter, Up 12 entering the final period of play, the Heat would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. The Heat stole Game 1 at TD Garden, 123-116.

Jimmy Butler, aka Jimmy Buckets aka Playoff Jimmy, was once again vital for the Heat. Butler led all scorers with 35 points while adding 7 assists and 6 steals to the stat sheet too. Bam Adebayo was also key, dropping 20 points and leading the team in rebounds with eight. Furthermore, every Heat player who played at least 25 minutes scored at least 15 points. On the other side of the ball, Tatum led the Celtics with 30 points. Jaylen Brown also came close to a double-double, with 22 points and 9 rebounds. However, despite 30 points off the bench from Marcus Brogden and Derrick White, a consistent problem in the starting five was present again. Al Horford had 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. While the veteran center is not expected to be a points machine, it’s concerning in what will be a high-scoring series.

Twitter Reacts

Boston looks to even the series on Friday night. Who do you think will take Game 2? Let us know in the comments.

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San Antonio Spurs Win Victor Wembanyama Lottery

The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery has been hyped for many months as one of the most impactful in years. The reason for this is Victor Wembanyama, a 19-year-old French forward/center. Wembanyama is the most-anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron and could become the next generational star of the NBA. His 7″5 frame, 8-foot wingspan, and ability to shoot off the dribble and hit step-back threes is a lethal combination.

While Wembanyama has been playing professionally in France since 2019, 2023 marks the year that he is eligible to declare for the NBA draft. It’s a moment that Wembanyama has spent a decade preparing for, ever since his days playing youth-league ball in Paris’ 15th Arrondissement. And then, on May 16, the day had finally arrived for an NBA team to get their next superstar.

Spurs Win First Draft Lottery Since 1997

Entering the draft lottery, three teams held the highest odds to earn the first-overall pick. The Pistons, who held the worst record in the NBA this season, were hoping for the second #1 pick in the last three drafts, also selecting first in 2021. However, it was more of a historic moment for the other two teams with the best odds. The Rockets had last held the first-overall pick in 2002 when they selected Yao Ming. As for the Spurs, they hadn’t picked first overall since taking Tim Duncan in 1997.

But the night quickly turned to heartbreak for two of the three teams. The Pistons were called at #5, marking the fifth consecutive that that worst team in the NBA didn’t get the first-overall pick. Meanwhile, the Rockets came off the board a pick later at #4. By the time Commissioner Adam Silver arrived at the #2 pick, only the Hornets and Spurs were left. As the envelope revealed Charlotte’s logo, Spurs owner Peter J. Holt could be seen pounding the top of his podium in joy. Speaking to the press later, Holt reiterated how he felt about the result of the lottery. “I’m a believer that good things happen to great people,” Holt said. “We’re surrounded by amazing people that try to be of service and help others and build things that are great. So you’re going to attract some amazing things. That’s what happened tonight.”

Twitter Reacts

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Beyoncé’s Fans Go Wild Over Her Long-Time Security Guard, Julius, She Reacts: Watch

The RENAISSANCE World Tour is off to an undeniably successful start so far, with two shows down and dozens more still to come. Beyoncé began last week with a performance in Stockholm, followed by one in Brussels just a few days ago. The former’s biggest moments included the audience impressing the mother of three with their own “Love On Top” vocals and Jay-Z applauding a random couple’s engagement alongside Tyler Perry. As for her most recent performance, it seems Bey’s long-time bodyguard, Julius, stole some of her spotlight during the concert.

In a clip that’s circulating online, the security staffer stands beside the stage, ready and willing to protect his client by any means. As the vocalist walks out on the stage in her beautiful white gown, the section of patrons in front of Julius catches her attention, seemingly because Beyoncé thought they were cheering for her. Rather, they were gassing up her employee, who appeared somewhat embarrassed by the entire scene. In response, the performer let out a subtle smile, as seen in the video below, before getting back to work.

Read More: Beyoncé Has Priceless Reaction To “RENAISSANCE” Audience Singing “Love On Top”

The BeyHive Loves Them Some Julius

“Julius looked back at Beyoncé like ‘[I don’t know] why they saying my name- I…,” one Twitter user joked along with a reaction video. “Not Julius about to be put on probation because Beyoncé ain’t liking him getting the attention,” another person laughed.

Elsewhere, others shared different videos of Bey’s #1 security guard in action, seemingly ready to fight off even a robot on stage should its arms get out of pocket. He hasn’t appeared to have to fight off any wild fans quite yet, though we’re still early in, and could see anything as Queen B travels through Europe and back to North America in the coming months.

Read More: Jay-Z & Tyler Perry Applaud Couple’s Engagement During Beyoncé’s “RENAISSANCE” Tour

Twitter Reacts

Keep scrolling to see more Twitter reactions to the RENAISSANCE World Tour antics. Are you excited to see what goes down at Beyoncé’s next concert tomorrow (May 17) in Cardiff? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

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Blueface Shuts Down Rubi Rose’s Dating Philosophy: “The Bible Says Men Should Never Chase Women”

Rubi Rose is arguably one of the most lusted-after female figures in the music industry right now, but that doesn’t mean she’s any luckier in love than the average Jill. The Kentucky native has previously been linked to plenty of fellow rappers, including Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, 21 Savage, Soulja Boy, Lil Yachty, Lil Tjay, and the late Takeoff. She also famously spent time with DDG, and even recently exposed the “Elon Musk” artist for DMing her while allegedly arguing with his current girlfriend, Halle Bailey.

More recently, rumour has it that Rubi is getting to know French Montana. The duo went out for dinner at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills back in March, but haven’t officially confirmed anything or made headlines since then. More recently, the 25-year-old used her Twitter platform to share some thoughts about modern dating, seemingly hinting that she hasn’t been getting the treatment she desires from men. “I feel like the man is supposed to pursue the woman,” Rubi vented in a post from this past weekend.

Read More: Rubi Rose & French Montana Are Dating, Sources Say

Rubi Rose Shares Her Thoughts on Modern Dating

“[I don’t] text/call guys first, ever,” she went on to add, before clarifying, “Unless it’s my man and we locked in. Am I childish or that’s how it’s supposed to be?” In response to this, plenty of followers wrote back with their take on Rubi’s inquiry. “It’s childish,” one user confirmed. “You have to project what you want to receive. It’s not about gender roles or power trips, no one is going to pursue anyone who comes off like they’re not into it or don’t need anybody.” Rather than getting defensive, the “Pretty MF” artist replied, “I like this take.”

Elsewhere, Blueface also joined in on the conversation, though his message was far less positive. “That’s because she never seen a Bible, Lord bless her heart,” the Californian wrote in response to a repost of Rubi’s message. On his own profile, he later added, “The Bible says men should never chase women” before launching into a lengthy rant both praising his first baby mama, Jaidyn Alexis, and subliminally bashing his soon-to-be second, Chrisean Rock.

Read More: Blueface Celebrates Jaidyn Alexis On Mother’s Day: “I Don’t Play About My Baby Mama”

Blueface Has Some Other Ideas

Read Blue’s reaction to Rubi Rose’s relationship philosophy for yourself below. Knowing their own past tumultuous unions, who would you rather receive romance advice from – the Crazy In Love star, or the curvaceous rap diva? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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Ja Wick Trends On Twitter After New Ja Morant Gun Video

Ja Morant was suspended on May 14 after flashing a gun on Instagram Live. It is the second time this season that Morant has gotten in trouble for Instagram shenanigans. He was suspended for eight games during the regular season after flashing a gun on an Instagram Live in a Denver nightclub. Since the video went viral on social media, the Grizzlies have suspended the star guard. The NBA is yet to make a statement on the issue.

John Wick is a massively popular film franchise starring Keanu Reeves. The film dives deep into the world of professional assassins, following Reeves’ eponymous Wick. The series has become well-known for its masterful cinematography and fantastically choreographed gunplay. This has led to some people drawing comparisons between the films and Ja Morant.

“Ja Wick” first trended after the first time Morant got in trouble for his gun antics. As the news broke about Morant’s second suspension emerged, the hashtag began to arise again. “Crazy part is that his friend didn’t know Ja was gonna do that 🤣🤣🤣… cause his friend put the phone down immediately after Ja Wick made his arrival,” one user wrote. Bro they were just recording themselves dancing.. he didn’t even have a gun at first. Then out of nowhere he goes full blown Ja Wick,” another tweeted.

“Damn Ja Wick….. This should be the end of his career at this point. Can you imagine how many other times not caught on video he’s been showing off his guns. And look at those damn comments from ignorant phuckers… They act like its nothing him having a gun,” another user added. Some people lamented just how great the name “Ja Wick” is. “Ja Wick would be a fire nickname if it was actually for basketball reasons 😭,” commented journalist and influencer Kofie Yeboah. How do you feel about the Ja Wick moniker? What do you think is going to happen to Morant? Let us know in the comments below.

Twitter Reacts

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Nicki Minaj’s “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” Visual Has The Barbz Praising Her On Twitter

Few fanbases ride for their favourite artists the way The Barbz do for Nicki Minaj. On Saturday (May 13), the Trinidadian finally unleashed the visual for her “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” single from earlier this year, for which she linked up with reality starlet Brooke Bailey. In her usual fashion, Minaj rocks plenty of outfit changes throughout the footage and certainly didn’t hesitate to bring her usual confidence and attitude.

Shortly after premiering the highly anticipated music video, the Queen of Rap turned to Twitter to read some fan reactions. “What’s your favourite thing about the #RedRubyVideo y’all?” she asked followers to weigh in last night. “And I’m doing a Q&A using the hashtags. Watch it on YouTube RIGHT NOW then come back here to holla @ me.” As per usual, The Barbz were quick to follow Minaj’s instructions, showing her standout parts from the “Red Ruby” video while also asking questions about upcoming projects and her personal life.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Says Her New Album Will Be The Best Of 2023 & Teases A Tour

Nicki Unleashes “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” Music Video

It seems that many social media users noticed the same details in the “Red Ruby” visual, such as Minaj and Bailey’s expert synchronization, as well as the former’s ability to talk down a busy city street without being recognized. Elsewhere, several others made note of the 40-year-old’s body, which is looking slim thicker than ever before.

It’s been a busy year for Nicki already, but that doesn’t mean she’s looking to slow down. Aside from her own throwback-sampling solo release, we’ve also heard her connect with Kim Petras, Ice Spice, and NBA YoungBoy so far in 2023. On top of that, the lyricist has been hinting at an upcoming album, as well as a tour that’s sure to rival Beyoncé’s ongoing RENAISSANCE venture.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Details Exactly How She Decides Her Collaborators

The Barbz React on Twitter

Keep scrolling to see more Twitter reactions to Minaj’s latest music video from the Barbz. Afterward, tell us which of the rap diva’s 2023 releases has been your favourite so far in the comments. For more hip-hop and pop culture news updates, make sure to tap back in with HNHH later.

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Ice Spice’s Mom Goes Viral After Photos Appear Online

The internet has been thirsting after Ice Spice since she showed us her twerking skills in the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” music video. We’ve obviously seen plenty of her bodacious body and salacious dance moves since then. Nevertheless, they haven’t been enough to keep the curiosity surrounding another woman in the rap diva’s life away. For some time now, internet sleuths have been diffing for photos of Spice’s mother, seemingly hoping to figure out where she gets her curvaceous genes from.

The throwback photos didn’t disappoint. Rather, it revealed that Mrs. Gaston has an hourglass figure too, and she isn’t afraid to flaunt it. Taken in 2021, one snapshot shows Spice and her mom in red and orange dresses, both sporting similar blonde hair and fair complexions. Both women stand with their behinds facing the camera, clearly showing off the curves they have to work with. Additionally, it makes it clear that that “Bikini Bottom” hitmaker had plenty of cake even before finding fame.

Read More: Ice Spice Rejects YouTuber After Answering NSFW Questions In Resurfaced Video

Ice Spice’s Mom Makes Her Internet Debut

According to Hot97, the Gaston family matriarch was only 17 when she gave birth to Spice, meaning she’s roughly 40 now seeing as her daughter turned 23 this year. Other images of her are beginning to pop up on Twitter, these ones giving a better look at her body in a pair of tight blue jeans, as well as one captured in a bright blue bikini. In past interviews, the New York native made it known that she takes after her mom’s baddie ways, but still, social media wasn’t expecting them to look this similar.

“I’m not the step dad I’m just the dad that stepped up,” one Twitter user quipped, shooting their shot with Spice’s mother. “What’s impressive is it took my brain a second to pick out which one was Ice Spice lol good for her mom,” someone else said, gaving Mrs. Gaston her flowers.

Read More: Ice Spice Lands On The Cover Of “Billboard,” Discusses Her Sudden Skyrocket To Fame & More

Twitter Reacts

Keep scrolling to see more reactions to the first photos of Ice Spice’s mom surfacing online. Afterward, tell us if you think the mother-daughter duo look alike in the comments. For more hip-hop and pop culture news updates, make sure to tap back in with HNHH all weekend long.

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