#9 three-pointers NBA

[latestnews-now]

Dalton Knecht Makes History: 37 Points & 9 Threes | Lakers Rookie Shines!

Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht stuns the NBA with a historic performance! Scoring 37 points and tying the rookie record with 9 three-pointers, Knecht electrified the court in a victory over the Jazz. Hear what LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Coach JJ Redick have to say about this rising star! Watch now for all the highlights and reactions from this unforgettable game! Follow 'Latest News'

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Buckle Up, Banter Nation! It's Game 7 in the NBA Finals – Pacers Eyeing History!

Holy Moly, basketball fanatics! For the first time in nine years, we're staring down the barrel of a Game 7 in the NBA Finals! And if you're a fan of underdog stories, this one's got more twists and turns than a pretzel factory. The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of pulling off one of the most improbable championship upsets in NBA history, pushing the mighty Oklahoma City Thunder to the absolute limit.

Remember those "comeback kings" from Indiana who kept digging out of holes? Well, they've done it again, but this time, the "hole" was a 3-2 series deficit. In a dominant, take-no-prisoners 108-91 victory in Game 6, the Pacers showed the world why you never count them out. Pascal Siakam delivered a clutch double-double, Tyrese Haliburton battled through a strained calf (and some serious Game 5 shooting woes), and the entire squad played with the kind of heart that makes legends.

Making History: The Underdog Crown Awaits!

With a win in Sunday's winner-take-all showdown, the Pacers wouldn't just claim their first NBA title; they'd join an exclusive club. They'd be only the third champion in history to enter the tournament as something lower than a No. 3 seed. For context, Indiana was the fourth seed in the East when the playoffs tipped off. We're talking about company with the 1969 Celtics (a four seed) and the 1995 Rockets (who defied all odds as a six seed!). The Finals started with the Pacers as the heaviest underdog since 2004, and now they're one game away from silencing every doubter.

This is it, folks. Game 7, 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday, in Oklahoma City. Get your popcorn ready, because the last time the NBA Finals went the distance was in 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off that epic 3-1 comeback against the Golden State Warriors. History, meet the Pacers.

Who Was the Hero? Everyone.

Thursday night's Game 6 wasn't about one hero; it was about an entire team playing with fire. Obi Toppin led the charge off the bench with a stellar 20 points and six rebounds. Andrew Nembhard poured in 17 points, plus four assists and three steals. And then there's Pascal Siakam, with 16 points and 13 rebounds, looking very much like a potential series MVP if the Pacers can close this out.

Even a hobbled Tyrese Haliburton rebounded from his Game 5 "clunker" (and injury) to drop 14 points, five assists, and two steals in just 23 minutes. The Pacers' bench, true to form, absolutely dominated the Thunder's reserves, with T.J. McConnell adding 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists to Toppin's fantastic night.

Thunder Struck: A Rough Night in Indianapolis

On the other side of the court, the Thunder just couldn't find their rhythm. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed 21 points, but it was a quiet 21 by his standards. Jalen Williams added 16, and Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in 10. But the real story for OKC was the struggles: Chet Holmgren shot a dismal 2-of-9 for just four points, and by the fourth quarter, with the team down 30, no Thunder starter even saw the floor.

The Haliburton Effect and a First-Half Frenzy

Despite the pre-game drama surrounding his calf, Haliburton was cleared to play and, after a shaky start, he came alive. Remember that three-pointer he drained from the "F" in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, practically from the parking lot? Or the steal from Williams followed by that nasty, soul-sucking lookaway pass to Siakam for a dunk over Williams and Lu Dort? Pure magic.

Siakam then capped off an incredible first half with an 18-footer at the buzzer, giving the Pacers a commanding 64-42 lead at the break – their largest lead of the series by far. Indiana outscored the Thunder by a ridiculous 36-17 in that second quarter, showcasing their offensive firepower. The Pacers were up by 25 points when Haliburton was on the court in the first two quarters!

The Thunder even tried to spark a comeback with a lineup change, but then they proceeded to go five minutes and three seconds without scoring, a stretch so painful it was capped by a Hartenstein dunk just to get on the board. They shot a dismal 4-of-17 in the third quarter, and a Ben Sheppard three-pointer at the buzzer made it 90-60 heading into the fourth. Ouch.

Game 7: Home Court Advantage vs. The Unstoppable Underdog

The good news for the Thunder? Home teams are 15-4 in Game 7s in the Finals, and Sunday's game is, of course, back in Oklahoma City. This was a 68-win team that dominated the West. They earned home court for a reason.

The bad news for OKC? Not only did the last home team in a Game 7 of the Finals lose (the Cavaliers in 2016, remember?), but so did the Lakers way back in 1969 – to a No. 4 seed. The Pacers will be trying to make history repeat itself in the most painful way possible for the Thunder.

T.J. McConnell believes playing hard is "a skill," and he's honed it to perfection, becoming one of the Pacers' top catalysts. He's played his entire career like an undrafted guard fighting for a roster spot, and his signature steals and unyielding effort are infectious. He had 12 points, six assists, and nine rebounds in Game 6.

Andrew Nembhard also had a massive bounce-back game, putting up 17 points and holding his own against league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had an NBA Finals-low 21 points and a game-high eight turnovers.

This will be the 11th Game 7 in Pacers history, and while they're 4-6 all-time, they did win their last one in the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks. Pascal Siakam, despite not having his most efficient scoring night, provided the "calm while also meeting the moment" that the Pacers needed. He's been to the mountaintop before as an underdog, winning a title with the 2019 Raptors against the Warriors. He'll need every ounce of that championship experience for Sunday's road test.

The Weight of the World vs. The Wind at Their Backs

This is the worst-case scenario for the Thunder. Most of the NBA world assumed they'd be hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy by now. Instead, they face a Game 7 at home with the weight of the world on their shoulders. If the shots aren't falling early, the stress in Paycom Center will be palpable. The fear of blowing a Finals that was once at their fingertips will be hard to ignore.

Meanwhile, the Pacers have the wind at their backs, knowing one more miraculous win would cement their place as one of the most unlikely NBA champions ever. If there's one team you don't want to face with history on the line, it has to be the Pacers, right?

The Thunder have responded to adversity throughout this playoff run, but Game 7 will be the biggest test any of them has ever faced. Will the Pacers complete the ultimate upset, or will the Thunder defend their home court and claim the title? Get ready, Bleacher Banter Nation, because Sunday night is going to be epic!

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 Kevin Durant Shines as USA Basketball Opens Olympic Campaign with a Big Win

Kevin Durant, the champion forward for USA B-ball, was as of late informed that Spencer Haywood was a piece annoyed — however flippantly — about Durant crushing his Olympic scoring normal record. Durant, ever the great game, got over it with a smile, saying, "Spencer will be OK. Records are intended to be broken. Someone will take mine, as well."

What's more, with the manner in which Durant acted in the U.S's. 110-84 triumph over Serbia, it seems as though his records could remain in one piece for some time. The four-time Olympian didn't get to play in any of the five warm-up games because of a calf injury, yet he was back furiously. Off the seat, Durant was basically relentless, hitting 8-of-9 field objectives and nailing each of the five of his three-point endeavors, wrapping up with a game-high 23 focuses.

"Gracious, man, [the miss] felt incredible leaving my hands. I certainly needed to complete the game great," Durant said with that mark grin of his.

Durant's Record-Breaking Profession

Kevin Durant isn't simply one more player in the group — he's the top scorer in USA Ball history with an amazing 435 focuses north of 23 Olympic games. This incorporates a stunning 156 focuses during the 2012 London Olympics, establishing a men's standard. Spencer Haywood, who recently held the record with 145 focuses from the 1968 Mexico City Games, should offer his appreciation to Durant's accomplishment.

Notwithstanding his Olympic accomplishments, Durant likewise holds the record for the most elevated focuses per game during the Olympics for USA Ball with a normal of 19.8. We should not fail to remember his presentation in the 2010 World Cup, where he scored 205 focuses in nine games for the U.S. gold-decoration group. That is a significant commitment to the game!

Durant Beats Injury to Lead Group

Regardless of certain difficulties, for example, the expulsion of forward Kawhi Leonard from the program during the instructional course in Las Vegas, Durant's mentor, Steve Kerr, never questioned his worth to the group. Durant missed the show games because of injury however was anxious to get once more into it. After a 5-on-5 scrimmage in Paris, Durant felt prepared to get back to the court.

"I would have rather not botched the valuable chance to get one more opportunity at a gold," Durant made sense of. "I knew such countless extraordinary players planned to commit, as well. Along these lines, I needed to associate with those folks too. You're out there with the best mentors and players. It's unimaginable. I simply need to be on the floor, man. Being with the folks, getting better consistently, and venturing to the far corners of the planet — that is perhaps of the best involvement with ball."

Ruling the Game Against Serbia

In their initial round of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the U.S. gone head to head against Serbia at the Pierre Mauroy Arena on July 28. Serbia, drove by 2024 NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, took a mid 10-2 lead over the Americans. Durant, who ordinarily isn't a seat player, entered the game with 2:33 left in the principal quarter, as the U.S. followed 19-14.

Durant burned through no time having an effect. His previously shot, a three-pointer, went in only 17 seconds after he checked in. By halftime, Durant had scored 21 focuses on amazing shooting. He helped push the U.S. to a 58-49 lead at the break, scoring 15 focuses in the second quarter alone.

"The subsequent gathering came in and gave us a major lift. KD was sensational. It's practically similar to he never thought twice, a training, a game or anything. That was a decent beginning for us," U.S. forward LeBron James said.

"KD was unimaginable in the primary half and gave us a major lift," U.S. watch Stephen Curry added.

Durant's Heavenly Presentation and Future Objectives

Durant didn't miss a shot until his 10th and last field objective endeavor. At the point when he left the game in the final quarter, the horde of around 27,000 at the Pierre Mauroy Arena acclaimed him. Durant later referenced that his body felt perfect and that he was excited to add to the group's prosperity.

Looking forward, the U.S. will point toward the South Sudan on Wednesday. Durant has no second thoughts about falling off the seat and is prepared to adjust to anything job the group needs him to play.

"I let Mentor know that anything he really wants me to do, I'll adjust to anything," Durant said. "It's forever been fun attempting to adjust to new jobs and everything that the game is attempting to say to me to do."

A Get-together and an Excursion

Durant's down against Serbia was additionally outstanding for his warm gathering with previous Brilliant State Fighters partner Stephen Curry. The two traded a genuine hug before the game, thinking back about their past triumphs. Curry and Durant, who brought home two NBA championships and made three NBA Finals together, additionally shared some personal time together in Las Vegas during instructional course.

"We certainly discussed a few great times we had together," Durant shared. "[Curry is] Simply a unimaginable person. I'm anticipating getting to know these folks on a more profound level as of now."

Life in Lille and Then some

The USA Ball groups are as of now playing their fundamental games in the Lille region, remaining there the prior night games. They practice in Paris and will probably play in the quarterfinals on August 6 (men's) or August 7 (ladies'). Durant, who has visited Paris previously, is encountering Lille interestingly and is amped up for the outing.

"I'm amped up for being in Paris. I've generally cherished France and its way of life. So whenever I get to visit another spot, another city, I'm down," Durant said.

Adjusting Gold Awards and NBA Titles

Durant is pursuing his record fourth Olympic award with the intensely preferred USA Ball group. At the point when gotten some information about what holds more weight — a gold decoration or a NBA title — Durant offered a smart viewpoint.

"You don't look at them. It's two unique things," Durant made sense of. "It's two unique mountains you must ascend. It's high tops in the two of them. In our reality, a NBA title is more regarded. However, in certain regions of the planet, the Olympic level is more regarded."

"Thus, I esteem both on the grounds that triumphant is significant. I love my USA B-ball family and we'll check whether we can go get another," Durant finished up.

As Durant gears up until the end of the competition and his forthcoming NBA season with the Phoenix Suns, where he'll play close by new partners and another mentor, he stays zeroed in on the two his Olympic and NBA objectives. The street ahead is loaded up with commitment and energy, and Durant is prepared to handle everything.

[24worldnewsnet]

The Oklahoma City Thunder have capped an extraordinary season by defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win the franchise’s first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.The league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, led the scoring in front of a raucous home crowd at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, with 29 points and 12 assists in the deciding game on Sunday. He was also crowned the best player of the Finals, marking the first time since Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 that the same player had won the scoring title, regular season and Finals MVP honours. The Pacers suffered a huge blow early on when they lost their star point guard,  Tyrese Haliburton, midway through the first quarter with an Achilles injury and saw their title hopes dashed by a stifling Oklahoma City defence in the second half. “It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief, so many nights of belief. “This group works hard. This group put in the hours, and we deserve this,” he added. The championship capped an extraordinary run for the Thunder, who ended the regular season with a 68-14 record, good for the fifth-most wins in a single NBA season. The Finals between two small-market teams were light on star power but delivered on thrills, as the surprise Eastern Conference champions Pacers pushed the best team in the league to the winner-take-all finale. The Pacers got off on the right track as Haliburton drained his third three-pointer five minutes into the game, but the night took a terrible turn for Indiana when he slipped and fell two minutes later. Advertisement The two-time All Star was in tears as his team’s medical staff rushed to his side, and a hush fell over the building packed with Oklahoma City fans. Haliburton was helped to the locker room but did not return, and while there was no official update from the team, a TV broadcast reported he had suffered an Achilles injury. The resilient Pacers kept the game tight through a physical second quarter, putting up a terrific defensive effort to end the half up by one. However, the Thunder soon took control with Gilgeous-Alexander, who went 0-5 behind the arc in the first half, lighting the fuse with a 25-foot three-point jump shot four minutes into the third quarter. The Pacers were masters of the late comeback in the postseason, but without Haliburton, they were unable to claw back the deficit, with the Thunder opening the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the Oklahoma City Thunder is all smiles after winning the 2025 NBA Finals [Joe Murphy/Getty Images via AFP] Youthful champions’ struggle The Thunder’s youth was evident in their postgame celebration. “No one knew how to open them,” Thunder centre Isaiah Hartenstein said of the post-game celebratory champagne bottles. They learned soon enough, thanks to 31-year-old Alex Caruso, both the oldest player on the roster and the only player on the team who had previously won an NBA title. “AC [Caruso] did a great job of giving us a tutorial,” Hartenstein said. The Thunder youth came through with inconsistency at times. “The whole run, I’ve tried to help the guys just be who we are, and that’s all we needed is to be who we are,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. The Pacers remain without an NBA title. It could’ve been worse for the Pacers if not for point guard TJ McConnell, who scored 12 points in the third, hitting six of Indiana’s eight field goals in the frame. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers for the game with 24 points off the bench. Pascal Siakam and McConnell added 16 each. The Thunder became the first team to score 100 or more points in an NBA Finals Game 7 since 1988, when the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 108-105. Caruso, who played on the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 title team, said he hoped his postgame tutorial would pay off again down the road. “We’ll get s

[livefultonplac]

Fulton Place in Greensboro, NC

If you're on the hunt for a high-quality apartment near the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), look no further than Fulton Place. This place has been creating a buzz in the city with its distinctive allure and A&T State University off campus housing options. But what sets Fulton Place apart? It's the impressive array of amenities they offer. Imagine taking a dip in a resort-style pool after a long day of classes, or keeping fit at the 24-hour fitness center. The community clubhouse doubles as a business center, complete with free printing services - a student's dream. Isn’t it amazing?

Greensboro, NC

In the digital age, discovering top-notch events in Greensboro, NC has never been easier. Take a peek at Eventbrite, a renowned travel portal that's your ticket to the city's vibrant social scene. Coming up this Tuesday, June 24, 2025, is the Greensboro Speed Dating for Singles Age 24-44 ♥ event. It's free and kicks off at 8:00 PM at the Hidden Gate Brewing. But that's not all! The BLAST Urban Excursion (Meet & Greet) event is also on the horizon. Lastly, you can mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19, 2025, and join us at 9:00 PM at 1020 W Gate City Boulevard.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, NC, is home to the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Nestled in the historic Woolworth's building, it's a symbol of the brave Greensboro sit-ins that began on February 1, 1960. Four courageous NC A&T students - Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), and David Richmond - initiated a peaceful protest at the "whites only" lunch counter, igniting a significant movement. The museum celebrates their actions and the broader civil rights struggle, offering an enlightening journey into a crucial chapter of American history. It's an educational adventure that leaves visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past.

This Greensboro native is starring in the NBA Finals

One of the stimulating news reports this year in Greensboro, NC is about sports in relation to a Greensboro native. As stated on the news, a Greensboro native is starring for his team in this year’s NBA Finals. In addition, it was mentioned in the news that Aaron Wiggins, a guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, played a major role in the Thunder’s Game 2 victory over the Indiana Pacers. He scored 18 points in just 21 minutes and made 5 three-pointers. Moreover, Wiggins has been a key contributor for OKC all season. Lastly, according to Basketball-Reference, his 12.0 points per game average was the fourth-highest on the team, despite the fact that he only started in 26 of the 76 games he appeared in.

Link to map

International Civil Rights Center & Museum 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401, United States Head south on S Elm St toward E February 1 Pl 1 min (0.2 mi) Turn right onto W McGee St 27 sec (335 ft) Take Spring Garden St to Fulton St 2 min (0.6 mi) Continue on Fulton St to your destination 1 min (0.3 mi) Fulton Place 742 Fulton St, Greensboro, NC 27401, United States

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Lu Dort's clutch three sparks Thunder's run in must-win Game 4 [VIDEO]

Lu Dort’s Three-Pointer Levels Game 4, Reignites Thunder’s Hope In a high-stakes showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lu Dort delivered one of the most pivotal plays of Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals. With 4:48 remaining in the second quarter, Dort sank a deep three-pointer that tied the game at 24-24 and capped off a 9-0 run for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The bucket was more than just points on…

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Cavs Take Commanding 2-0 Lead Thanks to Donovan Mitchell’s Big Finish

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared poised to cruise to an easy victory in Game 2. Early on, their offense was firing on all cylinders, with a scorching-hot start that had them leading by as much as 19 points. But the Miami Heat, as they so often do, refused to go down without a fight. In the end, it was the Cavs' superstar, Donovan Mitchell, who delivered the decisive blow, leading Cleveland to a 121-112 victory and a 2-0 series lead heading into Miami.

Cleveland’s Explosive Start

From the opening whistle, the Cavaliers came out firing. The team couldn’t miss from beyond the arc, drilling 14 of their first 21 three-point attempts. By halftime, they had already set an NBA playoff record for the most three-pointers in a single half, with 11 makes in the second quarter alone. But it wasn’t just about scoring — Mitchell, while not the primary scorer early on, was orchestrating the offense with five assists in that explosive second period. The Cavaliers were playing beautiful, selfless basketball, with contributions from players like Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, and Darius Garland. At the break, Cleveland was firmly in control, and it seemed like the Heat had no answer.

Miami’s Resilience

Miami, however, wasn’t about to simply roll over. Head coach Erik Spoelstra made key adjustments, including inserting Davion Mitchell into the starting lineup. The move paid off as the Heat mounted a serious comeback in the second half. Davion Mitchell exploded for 14 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, bringing much-needed energy to Miami's offense. Tyler Herro, who had been steady all night, led the charge with 33 points, hitting tough shots from everywhere. Meanwhile, Haywood Highsmith contributed 17 points, knocking down 5 of 6 from deep. With just under four minutes to go, the Heat had narrowed the lead to a mere two points, and the game was now anyone’s for the taking.

Mitchell Closes It Out

With the Heat charging hard, Cleveland needed someone to steady the ship, and as expected, it was Mitchell who answered the call. Re-entering the game in the final minutes, Mitchell took control and delivered when it mattered most. He hit a crucial floater in the paint, followed by two clutch three-pointers — one from an astounding 32 feet. The Cavs' superstar buried Miami’s hopes of stealing an away game, and Cleveland held on for the win. Mitchell finished with 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, showing exactly why he’s the Cavs' go-to player in crunch time.

“I’ve been in these moments before,” Mitchell said postgame. “When it’s time, I just lock in. Even when things aren’t going perfectly, I focus on executing.”

Mobley Shines on Both Ends

While Mitchell’s heroics stole the show, Evan Mobley also made his mark. Mobley contributed 20 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, but his most significant impact came defensively. He was tasked with guarding Bam Adebayo, who, despite grabbing 14 boards, struggled against Mobley’s length and defensive prowess. Adebayo shot just 3-for-9 from the field as Mobley made life difficult for Miami's big man all night.

Mobley, a finalist for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, has a major incentive to bring home the trophy — a potential $45 million bonus tied to the honor, which could push his contract's total value from $224 million to $269 million over five years.

“It’s always been a goal of mine,” Mobley acknowledged. “But right now, my focus is on the playoffs.”

Looking Ahead: Game 3 in Miami

As the series shifts to Miami for Game 3 on Saturday, the Cavaliers know that they can’t let up. While the Heat may have been stunned by the Cavaliers’ explosive first half, they showed in the second half that they can be a dangerous team. Herro’s red-hot play and Davion Mitchell’s energy have the potential to swing the series in Miami’s favor.

“We’d rather have a win like this than an easy blowout,” Mitchell added. “We learned a lot about ourselves tonight. This is the kind of challenge we want going into Miami.”

For Cleveland, this victory wasn’t just about securing a 2-0 lead; it was about proving they can handle adversity and that they’re ready for the high-pressure moments that come with playoff basketball. With a closer like Donovan Mitchell on their side, the Cavaliers are more than capable of going deep this postseason.

Source: Donovan Mitchell Clutch Shooting Performance

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LeBron James & Luka Doncic DO IT ALL vs Pelicans | March 4, 2025

The Lakers defeated the Pelicans, 136-115 tonight in Los Angeles. LeBron James contributed a team-high 34 points to go with 8 rebounds 6 assists and 5 three pointers, with Luka Dončić of the Lakers adding an additional 30 points (9-19 FG, 6-13 3P), 8 rebounds, and 15 assists in the game. Zion Williamson finished with a team-high 37 points along with 6 assists for the Pelicans in the losing effort. The Lakers improve their record to 39-21 with the win, while the Pelicans fall to 17-45 for the season. The Lakers' next game is Thursday, 3/6/2025, against the Knicks on the road (10:00 PM ET, TNT/Max), while the Pelicans head home to take on the Rockets on Thursday, 3/6/2025, (8:00 PM ET, GCSEN / WVUE/Space City Home Network). Never miss a moment with the latest news, trending stories and highlights to bring you closer to your favorite players and teams. Download now ➡ https://nba.smart.link/NBAApp-YTDes Subscribe to the NBA: https://on.nba.com/2JX5gSN

FULL VIDEO

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How Much is Dennis Rodman Worth? Uncovering the Iconic NBA Star’s Wealth

Dennis Rodman. A name synonymous with wild hairstyles, rebellious behavior, and Hall of Fame basketball. Whether you know him for his incredible defensive skills, his eccentric fashion choices, or his notorious friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, there’s no denying the man has left an indelible mark on popular culture. But beyond the antics and memorable on-court moments, a burning question remains: How much is Dennis Rodman worth? His financial journey is as unpredictable as his personality, filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. The fascinating world of Dennis Rodman’s net worth and how he’s managed to stay relevant—and, to some extent, rich—long after his basketball days ended.

The Rise of Rodman: A Career Worth Millions

Before we can assess Rodman’s current wealth, it’s essential to look back at where it all began. Born in 1961 in Trenton, New Jersey, Dennis Rodman didn’t have the easiest upbringing. His journey to basketball stardom wasn’t conventional by any means. In fact, he didn’t even start playing basketball seriously until after high school. But once he got the hang of it, there was no stopping him.

NBA Contracts: The Early Glory Days

Rodman first made his mark with the Detroit Pistons in the late 1980s. Nicknamed “The Worm” for his ability to wriggle through defensive plays, he was a crucial part of the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, helping them win two NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. His ability to rebound the ball was legendary. And while rebounding doesn’t often get the same love as flashy dunks or three-pointers, it certainly paid off for Rodman.

After his time with the Pistons, Rodman went on to play for the San Antonio Spurs, and then famously joined Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the mid-1990s. During his three seasons with the Bulls, he won three consecutive championships, adding to his already impressive resume.

At the height of his NBA career, Rodman’s salary peaked at around $9 million per season, particularly during his time with the Bulls.

Altogether, he earned roughly $27 million from his basketball contracts over his entire career.

But that’s not the only source of his wealth. In the 90s, being part of Jordan’s Bulls catapulted Rodman into mainstream fame, leading to lucrative endorsement deals and other opportunities. However, how much of this wealth remains today?

Post-NBA Ventures: Staying in the Limelight

When asking “how much is Dennis Rodman worth,” it’s essential to look beyond his NBA days. After all, Rodman is nothing if not a hustler. Post-basketball, he’s dabbled in various ventures—some successful, others, well, let’s just say, questionable.

Wrestling, Acting, and Reality TV

Dennis Rodman has always been larger than life, so naturally, the entertainment industry came knocking. After leaving the NBA, Rodman ventured into professional wrestling, joining the WCW in the late 1990s. His appearances, especially alongside Hulk Hogan, earned him several hundred thousand dollars per match.

And then there’s his stint in Hollywood. Rodman wasn’t afraid to try his hand at acting, appearing in movies like Double Team alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme. The film? A flop. But hey, it still added to his bank account!

Perhaps where Rodman truly thrived post-NBA was in reality TV. Shows like Celebrity Rehab and The Celebrity Apprentice not only kept him in the public eye but also put a decent chunk of change in his pockets.

Reality TV gigs reportedly earned him anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 per season.

His wrestling career contributed another estimated $1 million to his overall earnings.

Business Ventures: The Hits and Misses

Rodman’s business ventures have been as wild as his personality. He launched a women’s basketball team (which quickly fizzled out), tried his hand at a nightclub (that ended in bankruptcy), and even created his own line of vodka—aptly named “Bad Boy Vodka.” However, most of these ventures have either failed or struggled to gain traction.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Rodman’s personal brand continues to bring in money, even if his ventures haven’t been wildly successful. Appearances, endorsements, and speaking engagements—especially those focused on his controversial North Korea trips—help keep his bank account afloat.

Financial Troubles: Where Did All the Money Go?

So, with all this earning power, how much is Dennis Rodman worth today? Not as much as you might expect. Rodman has faced significant financial troubles over the years, largely due to his extravagant lifestyle, questionable financial decisions, and some costly legal battles.

Divorce and Child Support Woes

Rodman’s personal life has been as chaotic as his career. His high-profile relationships, including his brief marriage to Carmen Electra, have cost him dearly. In 2012, Rodman made headlines when he was ordered to pay nearly $860,000 in back child support. At the time, his lawyers claimed he was “broke,” unable to make the payments, and heavily in debt.

Legal and Tax Issues

To make matters worse, Rodman has also faced tax problems, with reports of him owing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the IRS. Legal fees and fines over the years have only chipped away further at his once-impressive fortune.

Living Large: Extravagant Spending

If you’ve ever seen Rodman in public, you’ll know he has expensive taste. From luxury cars to lavish parties, his spending habits have often outpaced his earnings. While this lifestyle may have worked during his NBA days, it became harder to maintain as his income slowed down.

So, How Much is Dennis Rodman Worth in 2024?

Despite all the ups and downs, Dennis Rodman’s net worth today is estimated to be around $500,000. That’s a far cry from the millions he once had, but for someone who’s lived life on the edge—both personally and financially—it’s not entirely surprising. Here’s a quick breakdown of where his wealth comes from today:

NBA Earnings: Approximately $27 million in career earnings

Wrestling & Reality TV: Contributed around $1.5 million

Endorsements & Appearances: Ongoing but significantly reduced

Legal & Financial Troubles: Heavy debts have severely impacted his net worth

Will His Net Worth Rebound?

Rodman continues to make occasional headlines, and with his ability to stay relevant in the media, it’s possible he could bounce back financially. His role as an international personality—whether it’s his infamous trips to North Korea or appearances in documentaries—means he could still capitalize on his fame.

Conclusion

Dennis Rodman’s financial journey has been as unpredictable as the man himself. From earning millions in the NBA to facing financial troubles later in life, his story is a testament to the rollercoaster ride of fame. So, the next time you ask, how much is Dennis Rodman worth?—remember, while his net worth may not be sky-high today, Rodman remains one of the most iconic figures in sports history. He may not have the millions he once had, but his legacy? Priceless.

[nbatrades]

Philadelphia 76ers Acquire Rights to Charles Bassey in 2021 Draft

On July 29th, 2021, the Philadelphia 76ers traded $2 million in cash considerations to the New Orleans Pelicans for the draft rights of Charles Bassey.

The Philadelphia 76ers came into the 2021 draft with a goal of adding frontcourt depth. The team accomplished that late in the second round with the selection of centers Filip Petrušev (50th overall) and Charles Bassey (53rd).

To draft Bassey, the 76ers sent $2 million in cash to the New Orleans Pelicans. A three-year player at Western Kentucky, Bassey finished his last collegiate season averaging 17.6 PPG on 59% from the field, 11.6 RPG and 3.0 BPG. Known for his great shotblocking ability, he won Conference USA's Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

After the draft, Bassey did not participate in Summer League because he couldn't come to an agreement on a contract with the 76ers. The point of contention was the second year of a three-year deal. Bassey's representatives wanted the second year to be fully guaranteed while Philadelphia wanted the second year to be non-guaranteed.

Bassey eventually signed a three-year deal with Philadelphia for $4.3 million. The first year was fully guaranteed, the second year was partially guaranteed and the last year was not guaranteed.

The 76ers were in a state of flux after All-Star Ben Simmons demanded a traded but the 76ers refused to give him up unless they ended up with a significant return. Simmons sat out the entire year due to a back injury and because he was not mentally ready to play.

Without Simmons, the 76ers began the 2021-22 season with an 8-2 record. Soon after, the team hit a rough patch, going 3-9 over the next 12 games to fall to 11-11. Philadelphia was seventh in the East with a 15-15 record but won 16 of its next 20 to reach third in the conference.

With the team at 32-22, the Sixers dealt Simmons, two first round picks, Andre Drummond and Seth Curry to the Brooklyn Nets for its disgruntled star James Harden and Paul Millsap. Harden and Embiid were solid together as Philadelphia went 19-9 the rest of the way.

In Bassey's rookie year, he appeared in 23 NBA games, averaging 3.0 PPG on 63.6% shooting along with 2.7 RPG, 0.7 BPG and 7.3 MPG. The 6-foot-11 center also played in the NBA G League with Philadelphia's affiliate the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 18.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG and a league high 3.4 BPG.

Philadelphia finished the 2021-22 season 51-31, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers faced the 48-34 Toronto Raptors in the opening round. In the first game, Philadelphia took an 18-point lead at halftime and never looked back, winning 131-111. Embiid had 31 points and 11 rebounds as the 76ers cruised to an easy 112-97 Game Two victory, taking a 2-0 series lead.

Game Three was in Toronto and the Raptors played their best basketball of the series early on. Toronto led by as much as 15 points in the first half, but the 76ers battled back. Both teams traded leads in the fourth quarter. After taking a 95-90 lead with 2:03 left, the Raptors never scored again in the final frame. Philadelphia scored the final five points to send the game to overtime.

In a low-scoring extra period, Embiid (33 points) hit a three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left to win the game and give Philadelphia a commanding 3-0 series lead. The fourth game saw Raptors forward Pascal Siakam register 34 points as Toronto held on for a 110-102 win.

In the fifth game, the Raptors built an early 14-point edge and never looked back. Siakam had 23 points and 10 rebounds as the Raptors won 103-88. Game Six was initially close in Toronto. Philadelphia took control late, outscoring Toronto 70-36 in the second half and won the series with a 132-97 rout.

The 76ers suffered bad luck when Embiid suffered an orbital fracture and mild concussion late in the blowout win. Bassey did not play in the first round series.

The 76ers advanced to a second round matchup against the Miami Heat with Embiid out indefinitely due to his injury. In the series opener, Heat center Bam Adebayo dominated with 24 points and 12 rebounds as Miami pulled away in the second half with a 106-92 win.

Philadelphia was just 8-for-30 from the three-point line in Game Two as Miami took a 2-0 lead with a 119-103 victory. Embiid returned in Game Three and Philadelphia got hot from three in a decisive 99-79 rout in Philadelphia.

Game Four was closer, but James Harden carried the 76ers with 31 points and Embiid had 24 points and 11 rebounds as Philadelphia evened the series 2-2 with a 116-108 win. Seven Heat players scored in double figures in Game Five as Miami blew out the 76ers 120-85.

Jimmy Butler had 32 points in Game Six for Miami as the Heat closed out the 76ers in Philadelphia 99-90 and won the series in six games. Bassey played in a total of 12 minutes and 29 seconds in the Semifinals. He scored one basket and had five rebounds in that time.

In the 2022 offseason, the 76ers re-signed James Harden. The deal gave them the room to sign players P.J. Tucker and Danuel House. The club also added veteran Montrezl Harrell.

After missing Summer League during his rookie year, Bassey joined Philadelphia's team in 2022. He played six games for the 76ers in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, posting 7.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 1.3 BPG in 20.7 MPG.

In a surprise move, the 76ers waived Bassey and 2020 second round pick Isaiah Joe during 2022 training camp. Bassey played just one preseason game. His contract was guaranteed $74,742 for the 2022-23 season, the second year of his three-year deal. Bassey went on to sign a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

Charles Bassey on the chance to learn as a backup to star Joel Embiid (via NBC Sports Philadelphia):

"I can't wait. Learning from him and him just giving me ideas going into practice and games, it's going to be great learning from a guy that's been in the league for eight or nine years. It's going to be a blessing."

If any of the Sixer veterans have reached out to him after the draft:

"The guy that reached out was Tobias [Harris]. I think, when I got drafted, he texted me 'congratulations' and 'I can’t wait to just start working.' This is a championship team for sure. A team that’s trying to get to the championship, get a title, and that’s the goal, for sure next season.”

On his defensive mindset:

"Defensive teams win championships. I take pride in playing defense."

Where he thinks he can help the 76ers:

"My defensive side of the game. My rebounding, switching on screens, blocking shots. I feel like I'm a guy that can be a rim runner and run down the floor every time and play hard."

76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey on trying to focus on the draft instead of Ben Simmons trade rumors (via The Philadelphia Inquirer):

"Tonight should be about the draft. I’ll just be honest. We got three kids excited about being here. So that’s going to be my focus."

Image via USA Today Sports/Bill Streicher

[hafizmarketmaster]

 Kevin Durant Shines as USA Basketball Opens Olympic Campaign with a Big Win

Kevin Durant, the champion forward for USA B-ball, was as of late informed that Spencer Haywood was a piece annoyed — however flippantly — about Durant crushing his Olympic scoring normal record. Durant, ever the great game, got over it with a smile, saying, "Spencer will be OK. Records are intended to be broken. Someone will take mine, as well."

What's more, with the manner in which Durant acted in the U.S's. 110-84 triumph over Serbia, it seems as though his records could remain in one piece for some time. The four-time Olympian didn't get to play in any of the five warm-up games because of a calf injury, yet he was back furiously. Off the seat, Durant was basically relentless, hitting 8-of-9 field objectives and nailing each of the five of his three-point endeavors, wrapping up with a game-high 23 focuses.

"Gracious, man, [the miss] felt incredible leaving my hands. I certainly needed to complete the game great," Durant said with that mark grin of his.

Durant's Record-Breaking Profession

Kevin Durant isn't simply one more player in the group — he's the top scorer in USA Ball history with an amazing 435 focuses north of 23 Olympic games. This incorporates a stunning 156 focuses during the 2012 London Olympics, establishing a men's standard. Spencer Haywood, who recently held the record with 145 focuses from the 1968 Mexico City Games, should offer his appreciation to Durant's accomplishment.

Notwithstanding his Olympic accomplishments, Durant likewise holds the record for the most elevated focuses per game during the Olympics for USA Ball with a normal of 19.8. We should not fail to remember his presentation in the 2010 World Cup, where he scored 205 focuses in nine games for the U.S. gold-decoration group. That is a significant commitment to the game!

Durant Beats Injury to Lead Group

Regardless of certain difficulties, for example, the expulsion of forward Kawhi Leonard from the program during the instructional course in Las Vegas, Durant's mentor, Steve Kerr, never questioned his worth to the group. Durant missed the show games because of injury however was anxious to get once more into it. After a 5-on-5 scrimmage in Paris, Durant felt prepared to get back to the court.

"I would have rather not botched the valuable chance to get one more opportunity at a gold," Durant made sense of. "I knew such countless extraordinary players planned to commit, as well. Along these lines, I needed to associate with those folks too. You're out there with the best mentors and players. It's unimaginable. I simply need to be on the floor, man. Being with the folks, getting better consistently, and venturing to the far corners of the planet — that is perhaps of the best involvement with ball."

Ruling the Game Against Serbia

In their initial round of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the U.S. gone head to head against Serbia at the Pierre Mauroy Arena on July 28. Serbia, drove by 2024 NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, took a mid 10-2 lead over the Americans. Durant, who ordinarily isn't a seat player, entered the game with 2:33 left in the principal quarter, as the U.S. followed 19-14.

Durant burned through no time having an effect. His previously shot, a three-pointer, went in only 17 seconds after he checked in. By halftime, Durant had scored 21 focuses on amazing shooting. He helped push the U.S. to a 58-49 lead at the break, scoring 15 focuses in the second quarter alone.

"The subsequent gathering came in and gave us a major lift. KD was sensational. It's practically similar to he never thought twice, a training, a game or anything. That was a decent beginning for us," U.S. forward LeBron James said.

"KD was unimaginable in the primary half and gave us a major lift," U.S. watch Stephen Curry added.

Durant's Heavenly Presentation and Future Objectives

Durant didn't miss a shot until his 10th and last field objective endeavor. At the point when he left the game in the final quarter, the horde of around 27,000 at the Pierre Mauroy Arena acclaimed him. Durant later referenced that his body felt perfect and that he was excited to add to the group's prosperity.

Looking forward, the U.S. will point toward the South Sudan on Wednesday. Durant has no second thoughts about falling off the seat and is prepared to adjust to anything job the group needs him to play.

"I let Mentor know that anything he really wants me to do, I'll adjust to anything," Durant said. "It's forever been fun attempting to adjust to new jobs and everything that the game is attempting to say to me to do."

A Get-together and an Excursion

Durant's down against Serbia was additionally outstanding for his warm gathering with previous Brilliant State Fighters partner Stephen Curry. The two traded a genuine hug before the game, thinking back about their past triumphs. Curry and Durant, who brought home two NBA championships and made three NBA Finals together, additionally shared some personal time together in Las Vegas during instructional course.

"We certainly discussed a few great times we had together," Durant shared. "[Curry is] Simply a unimaginable person. I'm anticipating getting to know these folks on a more profound level as of now."

Life in Lille and Then some

The USA Ball groups are as of now playing their fundamental games in the Lille region, remaining there the prior night games. They practice in Paris and will probably play in the quarterfinals on August 6 (men's) or August 7 (ladies'). Durant, who has visited Paris previously, is encountering Lille interestingly and is amped up for the outing.

"I'm amped up for being in Paris. I've generally cherished France and its way of life. So whenever I get to visit another spot, another city, I'm down," Durant said.

Adjusting Gold Awards and NBA Titles

Durant is pursuing his record fourth Olympic award with the intensely preferred USA Ball group. At the point when gotten some information about what holds more weight — a gold decoration or a NBA title — Durant offered a smart viewpoint.

"You don't look at them. It's two unique things," Durant made sense of. "It's two unique mountains you must ascend. It's high tops in the two of them. In our reality, a NBA title is more regarded. However, in certain regions of the planet, the Olympic level is more regarded."

"Thus, I esteem both on the grounds that triumphant is significant. I love my USA B-ball family and we'll check whether we can go get another," Durant finished up.

As Durant gears up until the end of the competition and his forthcoming NBA season with the Phoenix Suns, where he'll play close by new partners and another mentor, he stays zeroed in on the two his Olympic and NBA objectives. The street ahead is loaded up with commitment and energy, and Durant is prepared to handle everything.

[unicausnews]

25 06:27 AM IST Tyrese Haliburton suffered an obvious achilies damage throughout NBA Finals Game 7 on Sunday Tyrese Haliburton's father, John, could not maintain again. He burst into tears taking a look at his son being taken off the courtroom after the Indiana Pacers star suffered an obvious Achilles damage in NBA Finals' Game 7 vs the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.  Tyrese Haliburton suffered an damage in NBA Finals Game 7(X) The injurt got here halfway by way of the primary quarter when the Pacers guard tried to drive the ball. He fell and seemed in ache virtually instantly. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso stole the ball and Jalen Williams completed with a dunk on the opposite finish.  Read More: ‘We must be higher’: Chet Holmgren vows to bounce again for Thunder’s sport 7 in quest for NBA title Haliburton's father, John, could possibly be seen crying within the stands. “Tyerese Haliburton's dad response to his son damage...heartbreaking,” one individual stated on X, platform previously referred to as Twitter.  “John Haliburton, Tyrese's dad, could not maintain again his tears after Hali bought injured 🙏” a second fan tweeted.  Haliburton was already nursing a proper calf pressure and was a close to game-time choice for sport six -- when the Pacers routed the Thunder in Indianapolis to drive the decisive sport seven. On Sunday, the 25-year-old seemed crushed as he was taken into the locker room. He hopped on one leg and was supported by the Pacers employees members.  The Pacers later confirmed Haliburton would play no additional half within the sport after struggling a “proper decrease leg damage”.  Haliburton had made three three-pointers on the way in which to 9 factors earlier than the damage. Read More: Tyrese Haliburton risking his profession by enjoying NBA Finals Game 7 with damage? Alarming replace surfaces Without their talisman the Pacers -- who had led by as many as dug in to maintain it shut, the Thunder main 25-22 on the finish of the primary quarter. "It's a heartbreak, man," Myles Turner instructed broadcaster NBC because the second quarter bought underway. "It's unlucky, you realize, largest sport of the yr that damage did not, like, maintain up. "But, you know, we've got his back and that's what it's all about." (With AFP inputs) Read More: https://news.unicaus.in/sports/tyrese-haliburtons-father-bursts-into-tears-after-pacers-star-tears-achilles-in-game-7-watch/

[24worldnewsnet]

The Oklahoma City Thunder have capped an extraordinary season by defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win the franchise’s first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.The league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, led the scoring in front of a raucous home crowd at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, with 29 points and 12 assists in the deciding game on Sunday. He was also crowned the best player of the Finals, marking the first time since Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 that the same player had won the scoring title, regular season and Finals MVP honours. The Pacers suffered a huge blow early on when they lost their star point guard,  Tyrese Haliburton, midway through the first quarter with an Achilles injury and saw their title hopes dashed by a stifling Oklahoma City defence in the second half. “It doesn’t feel real,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions, so many nights of disbelief, so many nights of belief. “This group works hard. This group put in the hours, and we deserve this,” he added. The championship capped an extraordinary run for the Thunder, who ended the regular season with a 68-14 record, good for the fifth-most wins in a single NBA season. The Finals between two small-market teams were light on star power but delivered on thrills, as the surprise Eastern Conference champions Pacers pushed the best team in the league to the winner-take-all finale. The Pacers got off on the right track as Haliburton drained his third three-pointer five minutes into the game, but the night took a terrible turn for Indiana when he slipped and fell two minutes later. Advertisement The two-time All Star was in tears as his team’s medical staff rushed to his side, and a hush fell over the building packed with Oklahoma City fans. Haliburton was helped to the locker room but did not return, and while there was no official update from the team, a TV broadcast reported he had suffered an Achilles injury. The resilient Pacers kept the game tight through a physical second quarter, putting up a terrific defensive effort to end the half up by one. However, the Thunder soon took control with Gilgeous-Alexander, who went 0-5 behind the arc in the first half, lighting the fuse with a 25-foot three-point jump shot four minutes into the third quarter. The Pacers were masters of the late comeback in the postseason, but without Haliburton, they were unable to claw back the deficit, with the Thunder opening the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the Oklahoma City Thunder is all smiles after winning the 2025 NBA Finals [Joe Murphy/Getty Images via AFP] Youthful champions’ struggle The Thunder’s youth was evident in their postgame celebration. “No one knew how to open them,” Thunder centre Isaiah Hartenstein said of the post-game celebratory champagne bottles. They learned soon enough, thanks to 31-year-old Alex Caruso, both the oldest player on the roster and the only player on the team who had previously won an NBA title. “AC [Caruso] did a great job of giving us a tutorial,” Hartenstein said. The Thunder youth came through with inconsistency at times. “The whole run, I’ve tried to help the guys just be who we are, and that’s all we needed is to be who we are,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. The Pacers remain without an NBA title. It could’ve been worse for the Pacers if not for point guard TJ McConnell, who scored 12 points in the third, hitting six of Indiana’s eight field goals in the frame. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers for the game with 24 points off the bench. Pascal Siakam and McConnell added 16 each. The Thunder became the first team to score 100 or more points in an NBA Finals Game 7 since 1988, when the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 108-105. Caruso, who played on the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 title team, said he hoped his postgame tutorial would pay off again down the road. “We’ll get s

[junker-town]

The Warriors’ all-time collapse in the NBA Finals was about more than Celtics’ hot shooting

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Warriors were ran out of the gym by Boston in the fourth quarter of Game 1 — and it wasn’t just because the Celtics made shots.

Everything we thought we knew about the 2022 NBA Finals was blown to pieces in Game 1.

The Boston Celtics were supposed to be the more physically exhausted team after surviving two intense seven-game series against the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks to win the Eastern Conference. The Golden State Warriors were supposed to be aided by the championship experience that came with their three rings, and six NBA Finals appearances in eight years. When push came to shove, great offense was supposed to beat great defense, which was another edge for Golden State.

The Warriors looked like they were well on their way to victory through three quarters in Game 1. Stephen Curry hit six three-pointers in the first period alone. Jayson Tatum couldn’t make a shot all night. Golden State was pounding the Celtics on the offensive glass throughout the game, and had a role player step up with a big-time performance as Otto Porter Jr. shot 4-of-5 from three-point range.

All of that helped the Warriors amass a 12-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. What happened from there was at once one of the great collapses and great comebacks in NBA Finals history.

The Celtics stormed back to beat Golden State, 120-108, to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Boston did it by outscoring the Warriors 40-16 in the fourth quarter. The +24 margin in the final frame tied an all-time NBA Finals record.

The Celtics got ridiculously hot from three-point range in the fourth quarter

It’s easy to point to Boston’s hot shooting from behind the arc as the biggest reason they were able to steal Game 1. The Celtics hit 9-of-12 three-pointers in the fourth quarter. They finished 21-of-41 from three-point range — good for 51.2 percent — on the night.

On a night when Tatum shot 3-of-17 overall, Boston’s role players stepped up. Al Horford went 6-of-8 from three. Derrick White went 5-of-8 from three. Marcus Smart went 4-of-7 from three. Jaylen Brown also scored 10 of his 24 points on the night in the fourth quarter.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr immediately brought up Boston’s shooting after the game.

Steve Kerr on the Warriors' fourth-quarter collapse: "It's going to be tough to beat Boston if they're making 21 3s... those guys, give them credit, they knocked down every big shot in the fourth quarter, they came in and got the win."

— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) June 3, 2022

Of course, he wasn’t wrong. But if the Warriors are reducing this collapse to simply hot shooting variance from the other team, they could be in big trouble.

The Celtics’ defense completely shut off the Warriors in the fourth quarter

The Celtics opened the fourth quarter on a 9-0 run to immediately put a big dent in the deficit with Curry on the bench to begin the frame. Curry helped his team get going shortly after checking back in, first assisting on a Klay Thompson three-pointer, then hitting a mid-range shot and a floater himself.

The floater gave the Warriors a 103-100 lead with 6:05 left. Golden State didn’t make another field goal until the 1:09 mark of the fourth quarter.

Boston went on a 17-0 run over that five minute stretch to complete their steal of the game.

The Warriors went 0-for-5 over that stretch. They also had two turnovers, a bizarre offensive foul call on Curry, and an 0-for-2 mark from the foul line. Boston blitzed them on the other end by making some tough shots, but the bigger issue for the Warriors is how flustered their offense looked.

Just look at Boston’s swarming defense on this possession:

The Warriors ran the type of off-ball actions that have defined their offense since their dynasty began, but the Celtics were all over it. Derrick White checks Curry, Thompson, and Poole on that possession. Horford checks Wiggins, doubles Curry, and then sprints to the corner to defend Thompson. All five Celtics defenders are just completely locked in, and the possession ultimately ends with Wiggins missing a contested three.

That’s just one example of how good the Celtics’ defense was during that stretch. Horford had the length to pressure Green out on the perimeter to force a turnover. Brown locked up Thompson on one possession, and allowed Tatum to knock the ball away on a hard dig into the paint. Even Curry couldn’t shake Payton Pritchard on an iso.

Great offense only beats great defense if the offense is actually great. The Warriors’ offense wasn’t. The Celtics defense certainly was.

The Warriors gave up some wide open Celtics looks from three

Of course, the Celtics aren’t going to shoot 51 percent from three on a high volume of attempts every game. But it also must be noted that Golden State was giving up some wide open looks.

Here are a few triples from Boston in the fourth quarter. None of these are contested.

The Golden State defense finished No. 2 in the NBA in the regular season behind the Celtics, but they did give up a lot of looks from three. Warriors opponents took nearly 38 percent of their field goal attempts from three on the season, which ranked No. 21 in the league.

Boston has four or five shooting threats on the floor in every lineup they play. Even if Boston doesn’t have great shooters after Tatum and Brown, they’re competent enough to hit shots, and have been hot throughout the playoffs.

The Warriors can’t just hope the Celtics start missing

This felt like a bizarre quote from Green after Game 1.

Warriors' Draymond Green after Finals Game 1 loss to Celtics: "We pretty much dominated the game for the first 41, 42 minutes. We'll be fine."

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 3, 2022

The Warriors lost because their offense couldn’t crack Boston’s defense late in the fourth quarter when it mattered. The Warriors lost because their defense yielded way too many wide open looks from three. Poole in particular was an eyesore defensively throughout the night. Porter was somehow -18 despite hitting 80 percent of his threes.

The Warriors had Game 1 in the bag, and they let it slip away. That it happened on a night when Tatum shot 3-of-17 should only make them feel worse. If there’s an area will the Warriors’ championship experience will show up, it would be in their ability to not get too down after that loss — because any other team should be devastated blowing a lead like that so late in the game on your home floor.

The Warriors have real things to address moving forward even beyond hoping Boston misses shots.

[throwitthroughthehoop]

After an intense back and forth game between Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, CA, Wednesday evening, the Lakers squeaked out the win – 100 -103.

This was the last game in the first round of the NBA’s newly invented Play-In Tournament that allows teams ranked 9-10 an opportunity to go head-up with teams ranked 7-8 for their spot in the playoffs

.Steph Curry was getting bodies thrown at him all night, but still gave a warrior’s performance with 37 points on 12/23 shooting and adding 7 rebounds.

Lebron James messed around got a triple-double with 22 points on 7/17 shooting and dished out 10 assist and snatched 11 rebounds.

With this win, the Lakers move on to play the Phoenix Suns, who finished 2nd in the Western Conference this season.

The Warriors on the other hand will have to try to keep their season alive by playing against the Memphis Grizzlies, who eliminated the San Antonio Spurs 100-96 earlier that evening.

The winner of G.S./MEM will earn the 8th seed and meet the #1 seeded Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.

Lebron hit the game winning shot, about 30-foot 3-pointer over the hand of Steph Curry after being scraped in the face by Draymond Green.

The referees stopped the game to review Green’s foul and possibly upgrade it to a flagrant, but after reviewing it remained a hard foul-regular foul.

After the game James stated, “I put a lot of work in my game. After Draymond finger to the eye, I was literally seeing three rims out there, so I just shot at the middle one. Through grace of the man about I was able to knock it down.”

He continued to say that he was sure that his eye will be soar for a little while, but he will have some time to heal as the Phoenix series will not begin for a few days.“Big time win for us,” stated James, “And I definitely wasn’t leaving the floor, no matter if I had to put a pirate patch on my eye. So, I love this team and I love to compete.”

After defeating a familiar face in Steph Curry, Lebron faces next a man like family in Chris Paul, star point guard for the Suns.

“[We know how great] C.P. is, how great Book is, up and coming surges from Ayton,” commented James. “But it’s the other guys as well that we gotta make sure we key in on because they have been playing extremely well all year.”

This Play-In tournament addition has proved to be another interesting dynamic to start the post-season.

Last Eastern Conference game is tonight, Thursday, March 20 with Indian Pacers vs. Washington Wizards at 8:00PM [ET].

The Golden State Warriors will faceoff with the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night at 9:00 PM [ET].