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NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee Unveils Venue

on June 22, 2023 NBA News Sports add comment

NBA ALL-STAR 2024 NEWS

The 2024 NBA All-Star game will take place in the capitol city of the nineteenth state. Indianapolis, Indiana will finally get to host the event after a failed attempt to do so years prior. The city has had other opportunities to host basketball-related events (NCAA Final Four), however the NBA’s greatest showcase of talent never made it here…until now!

Home to the Indiana Pacers and WNBA Indiana Fever, Indy is a basketball town to it’s core. Despite the time that Peyton Manning took over, Reggie Miller was the city’s first Peyton Manning. Some of basketball’s most iconic figures emerged from Indiana, including Oscar Robinson and Larry Bird.

The host committee announced the venue location this week. To the surprise of some but not many, they unveiled that Lucas Oil Stadium will serve as a multi-purpose venue for next year’s game per the NBA.com website.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Here is what to expect at the NBA All-Star Game 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana:

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 17 as part of NBA All-Star 2024.

Purposely built for fans, Lucas Oil Stadium makes this premier event more accessible than ever to the community, and the first group of 10,500 tickets will go on sale to people in Indiana first on July 24 for $24, $49, and $79.

The event will be set up at the south end of Lucas Oil Stadium, with approximately 35,000 seats surrounding the court.

The All-Star Host Committee will purchase and distribute 2,400 State Farm All-Star Saturday Night tickets to non-profits and community organizations.

Thanks in part to support from the Indianapolis Foundation and donors to the Indy Championship Fund, IndyGo bus rides will be free throughout NBA All-Star 2024, Feb. 15-18, with extended nightly service.

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Butler Returns, Leads Heat Past Knicks In Game 3

on May 6, 2023 NBA add comment

The Miami Heat took a 2-1 series lead against the New York Knicks following a 105-86 win Saturday afternoon. It was the return of Jimmy Butler, who missed Game 2 with a right ankle sprain, and he immediately made his presence known with 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. His intensity on the defensive side of the ball also helped contain a Knicks team that struggled to find any sort of offensive consistency. The Heat had four players score in double figures, including 14 points off the bench for Kyle Lowry, and 19 points from Max Strus.

For the Knicks, it was an abysmal shooting performance, as the team shot just 34.1% from the field and 20% from deep. Jalen Brunson finished with 20 points on an inefficient 7-of-20 from the field and 0-of-5 from deep. Julius Randle also struggled mightily, going 4-of-15 from the field, as he finished with just 10 points.

Classic #HEATCulture win. pic.twitter.com/fe2hklU4yi
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 6, 2023

The Miami Heat will look to extend their series lead in Game 4 on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Here are three takeaways from Miami’s Game 3 victory.

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Kevin Durant Gets Real on ‘Thinking Too Much’ Amid Inconsistency vs. Nuggets

on May 6, 2023 NBA add comment

Kevin Durant put up gaudy numbers in the Phoenix Suns’ 121-114 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series Friday night.

When I asked Kevin Durant about his rhythm, he said he’s rushing some shots and “thinking too much” but is close to where he wants to be.

“it’s just part of the process and the journey, and I think I’m getting there to a point where I’m super comfortable with the team.” https://t.co/dW0CXVKSOs pic.twitter.com/TeDUj1gIcR
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) May 6, 2023

But it was not a typical, efficient game for Durant.

The new Sun dropped 39 points, which is the most he has recorded in 16 games with the team. But he shot an underwhelming 12-of-31 from the field, which followed a 1-of-8 start.

Durant looked frustrated, but he did not quit. He got to the free-throw line 16 times and made 14 of those shots. He was aggressive and did not let the game get away from him.

“I wasn’t getting some good looks to fall, so I just tried to put points on the board regardless of anything,” Durant said. “Just tried to help the team win.”

It could have been easy for Durant to fold. After he missed a fadeaway shot in the first quarter, he turned to a referee and slapped his wrist, complaining about a foul.

Durant is expected to deliver the Suns to perhaps their first-ever championship. He is the missing piece, and he is still trying to prove he can win without Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

Durant showed he is an all-time player in Game 3. He got to the basket and scored. He found his mid-range shot late. And he proved he can contribute heavily for the Suns, who desperately need to now win Game 4 against the Nuggets on Sunday.

“That’s all it is in the playoffs, just playing as hard as you can,” Durant said. “Just trying to win every possession.”

Durant and the Suns won when it counted Friday night. Phoenix lost a 15-point first-half lead and trailed at one point in the third quarter. The Suns could have fallen when their backs were against the wall.

Instead, they kept pushing. Durant hit a 3-pointer that regave Phoenix an 81-79 lead with 4:51 left in the third quarter. A few plays later, he flushed a one-handed dunk that put the Suns crowd into a frenzy.

Durant is a two-time NBA Finals MVP, so the pressure is not a concern for him. But even for an all-time player, there is an adjustment process to a new team.

Durant said he is close to where he wants to be with his comfort level with the Suns after he was traded to the team in February. He said he rushed some shots and was “thinking too much” but is feeling better with the team.

“I enjoy playing heavy minutes (he had 43 Friday),” Durant said. “I’m not figuring it out, I know I just got to make shots, to be honest. Like, I missed some ones. I’m rushing some shots. But I’m thinking too much out there, and I think that’s all on me more so than trying to get comfortable with the team.

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Former Hornets Head Coach Linked To Nets as Top Assistant Candidate

on May 6, 2023 NBA Sports add comment

The Brooklyn Nets are in the market for new assistant coaches after parting ways with three members of their staff. One name that has emerged as a possible replacement is former Charlotte Hornets head coach, James Borrego.

Sources claim that Borrego has drawn interest from several teams, including the Nets, Rockets, and Pelicans, to return to the bench as a top assistant. Borrego has worked closely with both Nets coach Jacque Vaughn and new Rockets coach Ime Udoka in the past. He served as Vaughn’s top assistant with the Magic for three seasons and replaced him as interim head coach in 2015.

Borrego also worked under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, where he and Vaughn spent four seasons together. Borrego’s head coaching experience in Charlotte could be a valuable asset for Vaughn, who took over the Nets job midway through last season.

The team currently has four assistant coaching positions to fill, and Borrego’s familiarity with both Vaughn and general manager Sean Marks could make him a top candidate for the job. As the Nets prepare for their first full season under Vaughn’s leadership, bringing in experienced assistant coaches could prove crucial to their success. It remains to be seen whether Borrego will land the role, but his name is certainly one to watch in the coming weeks.

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3 Reasons Steph Curry, Warriors are Slight Favorites to Win Series over Lakers tied 1-1

on May 6, 2023 NBA Sports add comment

A BLOWOUT VICTORY

The Golden State Warriors absolutely smoked the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their Western Conference Playoffs matchup. The final score was 127-100, although even that makes it look closer than it actually was. The Warriors shot lights out from beyond the arc, spearheaded by an 8/11 effort from beyond the 3-point arc from Klay Thompson.

Thompson finished with 30 points and as the lead scorer for a well balanced Warriors effort. Surprisingly, Stephen Curry did not put forth his typical performance, although he played mindful basketball throughout the contest.

He picked and chose his spots on his way to 20 points, while adding 12 assists along the way. Curry did a great job of controlling the tempo against what looked to be a disinterested Lakers squad.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LAKERS?

The primary storyline on the Lakers sidelines coming out of Game 2 was the continued inconsistency from Anthony Davis. After an historic 30 point, 23 rebound affair in Game 1, he followed up the effort by posting a meager 11 points and 7 rebounds in Game 2. Anthony Davis looked lackadaisical, and his Lakers teammates seemed to follow suit.

Ironically enough, LeBron James had one of his better starts to a game in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. He went into halftime with 21 points on 9/13 shooting, but the Lakers still found themselves down 67 – 56. The Warriors used their patented third quarter blitz to pull away, and James ended up finishing with only 23 points. He was 1/5 for just two points in the second half.

The series now flips to Los Angeles and a pivotal Game 3 to determine who will take a 2-1 lead. Albeit the series being tied and the Lakers being favorites for Game 3, the Warriors are actually favorites to win the series at -124. There are a multitude of reasons why this could be, however there are three in particular that are the most glaring. Here are those three reasons why Stephen Curry and the Warriors are favorites to win the series against the Lakers amid a 1-1 tie.

Golden State Warriors’ 3-Point Shooting

The Warriors dominated despite Stephen Curry having an average game for his standards in Game 2. This is largely in part to Klay Thompson dropping 30 points on 11/18 shooting, including an incredible 8/11 from the 3-point line. A defining characteristic of the Warriors dynasty has been their 3-point shooting, and once again it prevailed. It happening on an average shooting night from Curry speaks to why they are the favorites to claim this series. The fact they can score way more 3-pointers than the Lakers can score 2-pointers in general makes them an easy pick.

Curry and Thompson comprise the greatest shooting duo of all time. In terms of them individually, they are most likely 1a and 1b in terms of the best shooters of all time. Either one can go off from 3, which makes them so lethal against a team like the Lakers who depend on 2-point buckets. The Warriors can get back into any game because of their 3-point prowess, even if the Lakers are playing at the top of theirs. It is not a surprise that the Warrior are favorites, as the Lakers cannot shoot the 3-pointer like Golden State can. The Warriors can depend on a 3-point barrage to win a game they are not supposed to, while the Lakers have to depend on stout defense and high percentage shot-making.

The inconsistency of Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis continued to confuse basketball fans by following his pattern of inconsistency in Game 2. He was the best player in the game and probably on the planet in Game 1. He had 30 points and 23 rebounds on 11/19 shooting, as well as having 4 blocks on the defensive end. Suddenly, he was a different player in Game 2, and for the worse; Davis had 11 points on 5/11 shooting, grabbing 7 rebounds and 3 blocks in the meantime. He played without intensity and urgency in Game 2, unsurprisingly after putting his mark on Game 1. This is a big reason why the Warriors are favorites despite the series being tied 1-1.

Not being able to count on Anthony Davis being himself every night makes it impossible to assume the Lakers will show up against the Warriors. The Warriors on the other hand, showed they can win as a team in Game 2. Curry didn’t have the biggest night, but everyone was making shots. The Lakers really need Anthony Davis to play well for them to be at their best, and that won’t always be the case. That is why the Warriors are favorites to win this matchup.

The Greatness of Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry looks to be arguably at the top of his game right now. He is making shots that defy physics, and in Game 2, he played one of the most clean outings of traditional point guard play he has ever displayed. If Curry is playing at this level, it is easy to see why the Warriors are favorites. It also shows how easily he can impact the game every night, and in the case of this series, he is probably the most important player on either side. Given that he is playing the best out of the stars in this series in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, it gives the Warriors a slight edge. That is why as of now, the Warriors are the favorites to beat the Lakers and move on to the Western Conference Finals.

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Will Jimmy Butler Play in Game 3 vs. Knicks?

on May 6, 2023 Sports add comment

Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler missed Game 2 of the semifinals against the New York Knicks due to injury. Unsurprisingly, without their best player the Heat went on to lose by a final score of 111-105 behind 30 points from Jalen Brunson.

When Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and company visit the Kaseya Center on Saturday to play the Heat, every Heat fan will have the same question.

Is Jimmy Butler playing in Game 3 vs. the Knicks?

Jimmy Butler injury status vs. Knicks

The Heat have Butler listed as questionable for Saturday’s showdown. He has a right ankle sprain per the NBA’s official injury report. However, Butler’s trending towards playing ever since missing Game 2. With Game 3 right around the corner, the Heat’s star forward has been cleared to play. This is huge win for Miami.

Miami star Jimmy Butler cleared to return today vs. Knicks in Game 3

Jimmy Butler, 33, is in his 12th year in the NBA. He’s spent four of those years as a member of the storied Heat franchise. He’s averaged 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.6 turnovers and 1.3 personal fouls per game. across 64 appearances this season (all starts).

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‘He’s a Killer’: Klay Thompson Game 2 Masterpiece vs. Lakers Draws Praise from Former Warriors Teammate

on May 5, 2023 NBA Sports add comment

Obviously, Klay Thompson is not the same dynamic player he was before his ACL and Achilles injuries. However, he still remains an elite shooter for the Golden State Warriors and next to Stephen Curry, he is probably the second greatest shooter in NBA history.

Some of the shots Klay is able to make just leave you shaking your head, and he had plenty of these in the Warriors’ Game 2 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

This prompted one of his old teammates to say what all of us were thinking on Klay Thompson performance.

“When Klay gets out there and on that floor, he’s a killer,” former Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson said on NBC Sports Bay Area. “And that’s one thing I love about Klay. I mean, you a four-time champ and you still feel like you have something to prove to everybody. I’m looking forward to Klay remaining hot because he gonna come out with that same intensity, that same aggressiveness and like [Moses] Moody said, shooters shoot. I’m looking forward to seeing Klay knock down more shots.”

"When Klay gets out there, he's a killer." @juanonjuan10 expects Klay's hot shooting to continue in Game 3 pic.twitter.com/ArcnnVwYUf
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 5, 2023

The Lakers really had no answers for Thompson in Game 2, as he went for 30 points on 11-for-18 shooting, including 8 of 11 shooting from three-point range.

This was yet another strong showing for Klay in this series, as he dropped 25 points and six made threes on the Lakers’ heads in Game 1.

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What Warriors Must Do to Combat This Big Edge for Lakers?

on May 4, 2023 NBA add comment

The Los Angeles Lakers stole home-court advantage with a 117-112 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Los Angeles dominated, controlling the interior on both ends of the floor. Anthony Davis practically camped in the paint all game. In Game 1, he and LeBron James combined for seven blocks.

“It hurt [Golden State’s] offense,” The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson said about the Lakers’ strategy. “It turned them into a three-point chucking team. They didn’t get anything inside.”

Golden State was only 14-for-35 in the paint.

However, the Warriors — who play the Lakers at home in Game 2 on Thursday — found something at the end of the game that they should lean on.

At the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter, with the Lakers ahead 112-98, the Warriors went small, subbing in 6-foot-4 Jordan Poole for 6-foot-9 Kevon Looney. It was the right decision despite Looney’s dominance on the glass (career-high 23 rebounds).

The move sparked a 14-0 run, culminating with a Stephen Curry three to tie the score with just over a minute remaining.

By going small and putting Curry on the ball, Golden State found its groove. In the fourth quarter alone, Curry scored 14 points, including nine consecutively.

The strategy worked because it forced Davis to guard perimeter players on each defensive possession. During the Golden State run, Davis was late and sagging off on multiple three-point attempts.

With Draymond Green and Looney on the floor, Golden State’s spacing can be awful. Davis and the Lakers clearly don’t respect the offensive ability of either player. This allows A.D. to play center field and ultimately disrupt the Warriors’ offensive flow.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN

Golden State’s motion offense doesn’t work when defenders of Green and Looney can hover wherever they please.

In this case, it doesn’t matter whether Poole is hot (six threes in Game 1) or not. He provides spacing for Curry and Klay Thompson that they don’t have when Looney and Green are on the court together.

To win this series, Golden State needs Looney and Green to play well, but the best offensive recipe is the small-ball lineup, putting the ball in Curry’s hands and letting him go to work with as much space as possible.

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Will Joel Embiid’s MVP Push Cost Him a Title?

on May 4, 2023 NBA add comment

Joel Embiid finally won an MVP this year. But he’s also fighting a knee injury in the second round.

Joel Embiid got 72 out of 100 first-place votes for MVP in a year where he led the league in scoring with 33.1 points per game. He played 66 games, including 32 out of 35 in one stretch, before sitting out the last two games.

Joel Embiid was playing hard, too, notching games of 52 and 46 points in the final three weeks, and playing more than 44 minutes in another.

While the effort answered questions about Embiid’s durability that have dogged his previous MVP campaigns – Embiid finished second after playing just 51 games in 2020-21 – it might have worn him down for the playoffs.

Philadelphia’s big man is averaging 18.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and three assists in the playoffs, down from his regular-season averages of 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. It’s the biggest scoring dropoff (14.3 points) of anyone in the playoffs this year.

Most of that damage is coming from the free-throw line, as Embiid has made more free throws (30) than field goals (22). He’s also turning the ball over 4.5 times per game.

Joel Embiid suffered an LCL sprain in Game 3 of the 76ers’ first-round series. Based on Embiid’s comments, it was a Grade 3 sprain, which generally carries a recovery time of four to six weeks.

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Ja Morant Escapes Major Injury: Game 2 Participation Uncertain

on April 18, 2023 HANZDOWN MEDIA NBA Sports add comment

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is in the spotlight again, but this time for an injury that he sustained during Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Morant left the game early, clutching his right hand in pain after colliding with Lakers’ forward Anthony Davis. Fortunately, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, X-rays and tests have confirmed that Morant did not fracture any bones in his hand, indicating a positive outlook for the young point guard.

.@wojespn says there's "significant doubt" Ja Morant will be available for Game 2: pic.twitter.com/gWtDPgpOyJ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 17, 2023

Good News Bad News for Ja Morant with Injury to his Hand

Despite the good news, Morant’s participation in Game 2 remains uncertain. Charania reports that Morant’s injury primarily revolves around pain tolerance. Which means that his status will be determined by how well he can manage the pain. Morant himself admitted that he may not be able to participate in the next game, stating that his status for Game 2 is “in jeopardy.” In a post-game interview with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Morant revealed that he was unable to perform basic tasks such as “undo a balled-up pair of socks” due to the excruciating pain in his hand.

In Game 1, Morant played for 30 minutes and contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists. However, his departure from the game with just under six minutes left. Unquestionably proved costly for Memphis, as the Lakers outscored the Grizzlies by 12 points for the rest of the game.

This injury comes after Morant missed 21 games during the season due to various reasons. With the Grizzlies winning 11 out of 21 games without him. If he is unable to play in Game 2, backup point guard Tyus Jones, who scored nine points in 25 minutes during Game 1. Would most likely replace him in the starting lineup.

As the Grizzlies look to even the series with the Lakers. All eyes will be on Ja Morant and his recovery. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly await updates on his condition leading up to Game 2.

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