“I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon. 

When news broke of the eight-time All-Star’s freedom, the basketball community rejoiced and sent all BG their best wishes and celebrations.

Griner thanked her family, friends, supporters, and her faith for “keeping her going” during her wrongful detainment in Russia.

“I am grateful to each person who advocated for me, especially my wife, Cherelle Griner, my family, Lindsay Kagawa Colas and Casey Wasserman and my whole team at Wasserman, Vince Kozar and the Phoenix Mercury, the players of the WNBA, and my entire WNBA family, Terri Jackson and the WNBPA staff, my Russian legal team Maria Blagovolina and Alex Boykov, the leaders, activists, and grassroots organizations, Gov. Richardson and Mickey Bergman of the Richardson Center, the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, Roger Carstens and the SPEHA team, and of course, a special thank you to President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Blinken and the entire Biden-Harris Administration,” she wrote.

Griner’s full statement is below.

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A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

The post Brittney Griner Shares Public Statement for the First Time, and Plans on Competing this WNBA Season appeared first on SLAM.

While we are less than halfway into the NBA season, Mazzulla and the C’s are thriving. Mazzulla credits Brad Stevens, who coached the Celtics from 2013-2021, for supporting him this season and being his “sounding board” per the Boston Globe.

“Just constant communication as far as where we think the team is, where we think we can go, what we can get better at, and what we’re doing well,” Mazzulla said. “He’s always done a good job as a coach of homing in on what we’re doing well and what we could do better. So for him to be on the outside and seeing it from a different perspective has helped me narrow in on what’s important on both ends. As a first-time head coach, to have a guy who’s coached in the NBA, has coached in a lot of big games, and has coached this team and has a great feel for what’s going on, it’s priceless.”

Stevens has had Mazzulla’s back since day one, so it’s no surprise he’s continued to offer his guidance as the C’s look to maintain their spot at the top of the League.

The ‘Kiss of Death’

A Tatum dagger is almost always followed by a kiss to the crowd, a celebration he calls the “kiss of death”. On Dec. 7, Grant Williams sank a 3-pointer in the first half and tried out the celebration for himself.

Goofy and loving, Williams has become a “little brother” figure in the Celtics locker room. Tatum essentially rolled his eyes at Williams celebration and said “he was too excited, too hyped”. 

“He was jumping. I was like, ‘Grant, it’s still the second quarter.’ So I pulled him aside and said, ‘You can do it, but I’m cool when I do it. I look cool. You didn’t look cool. You looked like a kid.”

The Celtics start a seven-game homestand on Friday, and armed with a Tour player, muscle milk God, and the kiss of death, hope to keep their streak rolling in Boston.

The post Boston Soundbites: Joe Mazzulla on His Relationship With Brad Stevens and Jayson Tatum’s ‘Kiss of Death’ appeared first on SLAM.

Drafted in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Gibson remained with the Bulls for 8 years. While he may not have put up all-star statistics in Chicago, averaging 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds, his value and legacy to the franchise are palpable. 

Gibson enjoyed special moments in the United Center, playing alongside all-time Bulls greats Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. The 37-year-old was a consistent contributor during the Bulls’ 62-win and conference finals season in 2011-12 and during the 2013-14 season when he was runner-up for Most Improved Player (averaging 13 points and 6.8 rebounds).

Hard-working and loyal, Gibson was a steady supporter, a confidante, and a respected leader in the Bulls’ locker room. One of the most beloved players by coaches, teammates, and fans, Chicago never fails to make Gibson feels special during his “homecoming” games.

“The love stays the same. The love gets better and better every time”, Gibson said Wednesday after losing 111-115 in Chicago, per MSN. 

Despite the loss, Gibson had a special feeling being back in United Center while Bulls fans gave him love.

The vet returns to Chicago on February 26th.

The post Taj Gibson On ‘the Love’ He Gets From Chicago Bulls Fans appeared first on SLAM.

For over half of his 9-year tenure in Utah, Gobert played alongside Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell. Led by Mitchell’s explosive offense and Gobert’s dominant defensive presence, the Jazz advanced to the postseason for five straight seasons, had the best record in the League in the 2020-21 season, and went 243-147.

While the Spida x Stifle Tower era officially ended in Utah, both parties s be content with their split and happy with their new aspirations.

The former Defensive Player of the Year has continued his dominance in the paint, averaging a double-double with 13.3 points, 11.9 rebounds (third in the League), and 1.3 blocks. On Thursday, Gobert’s post presence was felt in full force as he scored 16 points, ripped down 21 rebounds, and recorded two blocks.

Meanwhile, the Jazz jumped off to a hot start and now sit at 6th in the Western Conference with a 15-12 record. For an expected rebuild season, the Jazz surprised many.

“I’ve been very happy to see them having success,” Gobert said per MSN. “Most people kind of counted them out after trading me and Donovan, and Bojan, too, but there’s still a lot of talent on this team. You can tell that they’re having a lot of fun, and, also, when you don’t have a lot of expectations, you kind of play free. I think that’s what’s been happening for them. They play together; they play free, they play really hard. When you play that way with the level of talent they have, good things happen”.

The center is excited to see his former team winning, and he’s looking forward to stepping into Vivint Arena once again.

“I spent nine years of my life there and created a lot of memories, have a lot of very powerful relationships with people that I love and gave me a lot of love over the years,” Gobert told MacMahon. “It’s going to be weird to walk into the arena and go to the visitor’s locker room, but it’s going to be probably a lot of love and a lot of joy to come back.”

The post Rudy Gobert Says He’s ‘Very Happy’ for Utah’s Early Success appeared first on SLAM.

Durant had 29 points, eight assists, and nine rebounds, shooting 12-19 from the field. The majority of his buckets came from knocking down “middies,” his bread and butter, and jams (no pun intended). 

The SLAM 178 cover star spoke on the success of his two-man game with Irving. 

“Just gives us some versatility.”, Durant said per Yahoo. “He (Irving) can score at all three levels with legendary efficiency. They (Hornets) even put two guys on the ball; I can throw that (the ball) over the top; he can act as a big man, shoot that little middie and play in the pocket”.

Irving found and generated shots in the pick-and-roll en route to a 33-point, nine-dime, five-rebound, and four-block night. The seven-time All-Star was a walking highlight reel, finishing with several of his patented finishes.

The Durant x Irving show continues on Friday as the Nets take on the Hawks at Barclay’s.

The post Brooklyn Leaning on Two-Man Game and ‘Versatility’ of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving appeared first on SLAM.

The WNBA superstar’s release has garnered reactions across the W and the women’s basketball world. From her Phoenix Mercury teammates to her many supporters, here’s what the hoops community has said about her return home.

Phoenix Mercury

No more days. She’s coming home pic.twitter.com/HsjbdPfdn5

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 8, 2022

Brianna Turner

Thank you to every single person that kept Brittney Griner’s name alive #WEAREBG https://t.co/Ltx4PEFqAK

— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) December 8, 2022

Kia Nurse

BG is coming home!!!!!

— Kia Nurse (@KayNurse11) December 8, 2022

Shay Peddy:

Went from FREE BG to BG is FREE!! Won’t he do it!

— Shey Peddy (@SheyP11) December 8, 2022

Lexie Brown:

Brenna Stewart

Dearica Hamby

Rhyne Howard:

Chelsea Gray

A’ja Wilson:

Jonquel Jones:

Sue Bird:

Eric Wheeler

Sydney Colson:

Griner’s alma mater, Baylor University, also celebrated her release. Kim Mulkey, who coached BG at Baylor, told ESPN: “God is good. Prayers are powerful. Brittney is on her way home, where she belongs. Our prayers remain with her and her family as they recover and heal together.”

Current Baylor coach Nicki Collen added, “After nearly 10 months, we are thrilled and relieved to hear the long-awaited news of BG’s return. Today is the day we’ve been praying for, and we will continue to pray as she reunites with her family and begins recovering from her experience. Baylor family, she’s coming home!”

In addition to players in the W and BG’s former coaches, a range of women’s basketball trailblazers and supporters reacted to the news of her release.

Dawn Staley:

Chiney Ogwumike:

Swin Cash:

Holly Rowe:

Ari Chambers:

The NBA and WNBA also made official statements about Griner being released and heading home to be with her family.

Cathy Engelbert:

The following statement was released in regards to Brittney Griner's return home: pic.twitter.com/p0D0nhaNDW

— WNBA (@WNBA) December 8, 2022

Adam Silver:

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today issued the following statement regarding Brittney Griner: pic.twitter.com/9QFqWIn1a4

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 8, 2022

The post WNBA Players and Coaches React to Brittney Griner’s Return Home appeared first on SLAM.

The coolest MFer in the NBA scored 28 points on 8-16 from three, reaching 13,000 career points and catapulting himself into the No. 13 spot on the all-time made 3-pointers list. Thompson passed Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki with a total of 1,989 threes. 

“Grew up loving both those guys, especially Dirk because he’s a shooter and JK, just as a baller, Bay legend,” Thompson told reporters per Yahoo. “So yeah, it means a lot to me. I don’t take that for granted. Two of the all-time greats right there, so that means a lot to me.”

After missing consecutive seasons with a torn Achilles and ACL, the Golden State guard has been vocal about how his appreciation of the game has grown. Fellow Splash Bro and all-time made three-pointer king Stephen Curry echoed Thompson and expressed his hope that more people stop to appreciate the milestone.

Rather than taking Thompson’s shooting for granted and calling this moment just “a matter of time,” Curry wants fans to understand that “just being able to play these games after what he’s been through is amazing and something that you shouldn’t just gloss over,” Curry hopes Thompson continues to climb up the list.

“There will be a lot of respect for him as a shooter, him as a clutch guy, to knock it down no matter where he’s at. He set a high standard for what shooting the basketball is in today’s game.”

Let’s enjoy and appreciate Thompson’s milestone with a few clips of shooting beauty:

The post Lucky 13’s: Klay Thompson Climbs Up All-Time Made Three-Pointers List in Warriors Loss appeared first on SLAM.

While Brunson is averaging 21.3 points and 6.5 assists at a career-best rate for NY, the Mavericks have fallen short of expectations in the first quarter of the season. Other than Luka Magic – the Slovenian is averaging 33.6 points (1st in the League), 8.7 assists (4th in the League), and 8.7 rebounds a contest – the Mavs offense has struggled, resulting in an unsettling record under .500.

A Western Conference Finals team last season, Dallas fans and critics alike have searched for critical shortcomings in the team’s current makeup and performance. General manager Nico Harrison spoke with Dallas News and broke down his perspective on the Mavs’ slow start. 

Mav’s shooters aren’t shooting well:

Harrison believes a core component of their losses is their failure to knock down shots. The shooting struggles have led to Dallas dropping games to Detroit (6-18 record), Orlando (5-17), Houston (5-16), and OKC (9-13). They’ve failed to execute on the road; their drive-and-kick offense is struggling to produce. Doncic is the offense’s engine as both the primary drive-and-kicker and scorer, and Harrison wants to see shooters ease Doncic’s workload by doing a better job of finishing plays. 

Although “not resigning Jalen (Brunson) wasn’t [their] choice,” the GM has no regrets:

The front office received heavy criticism for a) not resigning Brunson and b) not pursuing other point guards in free agency after losing Brunson. The Mavs undoubtedly feel his loss. However, Harrison has no regrets. 

“I have faith in the guys that we have here. Again, guys haven’t made shots, but we’ve seen them do it, and I have faith in them. I think if guys make shots just at the rate or slightly below what they normally do, we’re not even having this conversation. I think that erases a lot of the doubt or the feeling that we’re not quite achieving what the expectations would’ve been. The law of averages, they eventually equal out, and guys will make shots.”

Josh Green and Kemba Walker are two bright spots:

In his third season in the League, Josh Green is stepping up as a solid role player for Dallas. VP of Basketball Operations Michael Finley called Green the “MVP of the summer.” Harrison added, “he was in the gym working hard, and you can see. You see the production that he’s had. Not surprised. Happy for him. Happy for us, too, but more for him.”

Additionally, the Mavs signed Kemba Walker earlier this week. Harrison has no expectations for Kemba and simply hopes his body holds up and he brings a veteran presence to the team. The GM called Kemba an “amazing person.”

“I think that’s the point. He’s an amazing person. He’s been through everything in the League. He obviously can handle the ball, and everybody knows he’s an ex-All-Star. I won’t even say ex-All-Star. He’s an All-Star. He’s a scorer. Adding that veteran presence for if and when we need it ready will be helpful.”

The turn-around point is coming:

Harrison urged Dallas fans to be patient and reminded them that last year the Mavs opened the season 9-14 and finished as Western Conference runners-up. A spark can come at any point, and the GM believes “it’s just a matter of us turning the corner, and it’s going to happen sooner than later.”

“I don’t think it’s an external thing. Our team — they’re connected, they’re together. Like, they’re still even though it’s a different team than last year, there’s still a lot of remnants from last year. They’re still very connected.”

The post GM Nico Harrison Hopeful Despite Mavs’ 10-11 Start to Season appeared first on SLAM.

Taco Jay is on a rampage, and he’s launched himself to the top of the MVP race. Wednesday, Tatum dropped a season-high 49 points on 8-12 threes and 15-25 shooting from the floor in a 134-121 win over the Miami Heat. TD Garden lauded the guard’s stellar performance with MVP chants.

“That means everything,” Tatum said per NBC Sports Boston about the MVP chants during the game. “That’s something I’ve dreamed about as a kid, and to hear it in front of our home crowd from the best fans in the world, it holds a special place in my heart.”

“I love this place, I love being here, and hearing that during the game gives you chills.”

Leading the No. 1 ranked Celtics with 31.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, Tatum is locked in as an early-season MVP candidate. 

The C’s are a League-best 18-4 a quarter of the way into the season, and they are hungry as ever following their Finals run.

Tatum has been vocal about the devastation he felt following Boston’s Finals loss to the Warriors and the subsequent motivation he and the Celtics’ have to get back to the championship round and ultimately win a championship. 

While Tatum’s first five seasons with the Celtics were riddled with inconsistency, injuries, and both roster and front-office changes, the C’s may have finally found their footing. Undoubtedly their most consistent and confident start to the season, the Celtics rely on an unusual metaphor to stay locked-in day after day: the sandcastle.

Every time the Celtics enter the film room, head coach Joe Mazzulla has a picture or video of sand castles up. The “cheesy” message is that you build great sandcastles on vacation, but when you leave the beach, the tide inevitably comes in and washes the sandcastle away. So the next day, you arrive at the beach, and you build another sandcastle. 

The C’s are focused on being a one-win-at-a-time team. They are trying to show up each day and build the best sandcastle they can. 

“It’s a choice that we’ve got to make every day when we come in and try to be the best version of ourselves — and knowing that it’s never going to be easy,” Tatum said per MSN. “We’re always going to get the other team’s best shot.”

An 18-4 record and a dominant win over an Eastern Conference rival in Miami don’t mean much to Boston today. That record and that win were yesterday. The tide came in, washed the win away, and left a fresh beach for Boston to build another great sandcastle. 

The Celtics refuse to be complacent. They refuse to be satisfied. Until they win Banner 18, it’s “done, next” for the C’s.

Boston faces the Heat again tomorrow night and looks to add another W to their win column.

The post Records and Sandcastles: An MVP Candidate and Unique Mindset Keep the Celtics Rolling appeared first on SLAM.

The Lakeshow struggled on both ends of the floor. They allowed the Pacers to score 32 points in the final frame and scored 22, shooting 8-22 from the field. While Anthony Davis scored 25 points on the night, he was only able to take two shots in the final quarter. Head coach Darvin Ham held himself accountable for the Lakers’ fourth-quarter woes.

“That falls on me,” Ham said per MSN. “That falls on me. I’ll take responsibility for that”.

Davis, who rounded out his 25 points with 13 rebounds and six assists, believed Ham was not the sole bearer of blame. 

“It’s not just on him. It’s on us, too,” Davis said per MSN. “I mean, we got enough years in the League for the guys that were on the floor late game to execute. Obviously, he’s a coach, you take the blame. But it’s on us players to go out there and execute.

“We know what we’re doing. We’re talented enough and smart enough on the floor to win a basketball game like that — So it’s not on him.”

LeBron James recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in his third game back from a groin injury.  He agreed with Davis that there is more to the loss than Ham’s shortcomings.

“Everything has to go wrong in order for you to lose a game like that, and everything went wrong,” he said per ESPN. 

The Lakers look to bounce back during their six-game road trip featuring match-ups against the Bucks, Cavaliers, and 76ers.

The post ‘That Falls On Me’: Darvin Ham Takes Responsibility for Lakers’ Late Game Collapse appeared first on SLAM.

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Fudd’s hot streak has reminded us just how cold she is. The guard made history with the most points (58) any UConn player has scored through the first two games of the season over the past 20 years, besting seven-time WNBA All-Star Diana Taurasi’s record from the 2003-04 campaign. Fudd’s 32-point performance also matched Taurasi’s record for the most points a UConn player has ever scored against a top-five opponent.

Coach Geno Auriemma told Fudd she would have to step into a more Paige Bueckers-like role to provide what the team needs this season.

“She goes, ‘That’s a lot, coach — but it’s not something I can’t handle,'” Auriemma said per ESPN. “Well, she’s starting to find out now it’s going to be a b—- to handle that. But if you’re as good as she is, you live for those moments, right?”

On what led to her second half domination, Fudd said she her teammates encouraged her to shoot more.

“I don’t know why I didn’t shoot much in the first half, but I was open a couple of times, my teammates kept telling me to shoot and I let ’em go in the second half and they went in,” Fudd said. “I think we settled more in the second half. We were able to run more stuff.”

While Fudd did not beat Texas by herself – Lou Lopez, Aubrey Griffin, and Aaliyah Edwards all scored in double digits – Auriemma called her game “an All-American performance. That’s, like, player-of-the-year performance there tonight.”

Fudd’s performance lead UConn to an 83-76 win, moving them from No. 6 to No. 5 in the national rankings. The Huskies host No. 10 NC State on Sunday. 

The current mood in Storrs:

Azzi Fudd is one in a million.

The post The Hot Streak Continues: Azzi Fudd Drops 32 as UConn Topples No. 3 Texas appeared first on SLAM.

In her freshman season at UConn, Fudd averaged 12.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.0 steals on 43 percent shooting from three. For a typical rookie, Fudd’s performance would be considered a success. But for the D.C native, she came in the type of hype that gives you bigger expectations.

“Looking back,” she said, per The Athletic. “I’m, like, embarrassed. That wasn’t me playing.”

The “next Steph Curry” suffered a nagging foot injury that prevented her from playing the way she wanted last season. The pain, coupled with the pressure she felt from the “idea that [she’s] at UConn, so [she] has to be perfect,” eroded her confidence. Her foot holding her back from being the explosive scorer we came to know at St. Johns College High School, Fudd did not hold back on her mindset throughout her rookie season.

“My confidence in my abilities shattered,” Fudd said. “I felt like I couldn’t do it, so I didn’t.” 

Fortunately for UConn fans, the 19-year-old is confident: “freshman Azzi is gone. I’m a totally different player now”. 

In UConn’s exhibition game vs. Kutztown and their season opener vs. Northeastern, the superstar undoubtedly returned to being a superstar. With a new understanding that she “can’t be perfect” and can only be herself and “go out there and go after it,” Fudd is BALLING.

The guard casually dropped 29 points and nine threes (56 percent) in a 115-42 win against Kutztown on Sunday. 

She followed up with 26 points, four assists, and a career-high six steals in a 98-39 win against Northeastern.

“Just attacking, getting to the rim, doing other things helps me get at least in that rhythm to make the one three that I did make,” Fudd said postgame, per YahooNews. “Just having my teammates in my ear telling me to keep shooting and keeping my confidence up means the world.”

Self-assured, unflappable, and with “absolutely perfect” practice habits, according to Coach Geno Auriemma, Fudd is more than just her long-distance shooting. As a matter of fact, Fudd is just playing strong basketball right now. Auriemma added that he was most impressed by the sophomore’s shooting and self-assurance.

“I mean, I would think that everybody knew that,” Auriemma said, per Yahoo. “But if they didn’t know — that’s the way she played when she was in high school. She didn’t just stand in one spot and fire up 3s. She scores a lot of different ways, and I was happy to see her be so aggressive with the ball.”

Auriemma laid out a high ceiling for Fudd this season, but the sophomore prefers not to lay out accolade-related goals for fear of sounding boastful. When asked what she is capable of this year, Fudd simply said, “I want to be one of the leaders on this team. I know I can be a playmaker, but I want to be a person that my team can rely on in every game, and that starts with my mindset and my confidence”

The standard at UConn is an NCAA Championship. With no Paige Buckets, no Ice Brady, and for now, no Ducharmania, the path to the NCAA Finals will not be easy this season. But, like Fudd says, “The Obstacle is The Way.”

Fudd and UConn host No. 3 ranked Texas at home on Monday.

The post Azzi Fudd Off to a Hot Start as She Leads the Way for UConn Against Northeastern appeared first on SLAM.

“I played with a really dominant, great leader in Milwaukee in Giannis,” DiVincenzo said when talking about the leadership of the Greek Freak and Stephen Curry, per NBC Sports. “And coming here, obviously hearing a bunch about Steph, he’s really shocked me in terms of how down-to-earth as a person, down-to-earth as a leader and as a basketball player, how damn good he is.”

The 25-year-old is “blown away at how great a leader Curry is both on and off the court and how the four-time NBA champion has exceeded all his expectations.”  

DiVincenzo is particularly impressed by Curry’s ability to listen. 

“I think that’s what makes him such a great leader and such a great player because, obviously, he knows other people see different things and he could blow you off at any time, but he doesn’t, and I think that’s the biggest thing as a leader that’s important,” the Villanova product noted.

After straining his left hamstring and watching the Warriors’ 0-5 road trip from his couch, DiVincenzo will likely return to play Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

“It was frustrating not being with the guys,” DiVincenzo said, per East Bay Times. “I knew, selfishly, it was the best thing for me getting back on the court. But I’m all about everyone being together. That was frustrating.”

The Warriors hope DiVincenzo’s veteran presence can boost the struggling bench. The guard averaged 15 minutes in his first three games with the Dubs. Upon returning, he wants to “take the energy to a whole other level” and have a “plus/minus in the energy and be really high on that end.”

On the hardwood, DiVincenzo can help loosen up the scoring load and, hopefully, give Jordan Poole a jumpstart. 

“Not going to come here and try to be a hero on Friday. Just coming in with that second unit and letting Jordan get back to his, letting his mind go free and letting him do his thing,” DiVincenzo said of his role. 

“For me, to keep the offense moving, facilitate everything. So when it comes back to JP, he doesn’t have so much pressure to initiate everything and try to be aggressive scoring the ball. Take a little bit of that load off him.”

DiVincenzo and the Dubs take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow night in the Bay Area.

The post Donte DiVincenzo ‘Blown Away’ by Stephen Curry’s Leadership appeared first on SLAM.

On Wednesday, Griner’s legal team announced that she was in the process of being transferred to a Russian penal colony to serve her nine-year sentence for alleged drug smuggling. While Griner’s family may not know where she is for some time because “notification is given via official mail and normally takes up to two weeks to be received,” it is well known that Russian penal colonies have far harsher conditions than Griner’s previous jail in Moscow. 

This heartbreaking news sparked reactions from many prominent women’s basketball figures and organizations.

Following BG’s legal team’s announcement, President Joe Biden stated that he is “determined to get her home.”

“My hope is that now that the [midterm elections are] over, that Mr. Putin will be able to discuss with us and be willing to talk more seriously about a prisoner exchange,” Biden said.

U.S. officials made a “serious” offer to Russia to trade for BG’s freedom in June, but the offer was unsuccessful. In a statement Wednesday morning, the White House revealed that despite numerous additional attempts, they had not received a legitimate counteroffer from Russian officials.

“In the subsequent weeks, despite a lack of good faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. Government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russians through all available channels,” it said. “The U.S. Government is unwavering in its commitment to its work on behalf of Brittney and other Americans detained in Russia — including fellow wrongful detainee Paul Whelan.”

“Our primary concern continues to be BG’s health and well-being. As we work through this very difficult phase of not knowing exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we ask for the public’s support in continuing to write letters and express their love and care for her.”

“We are thankful for everyone’s support and hope that as we near nine months of detention, that BG and all wrongfully detained Americans will be shown mercy and returned home to their families for the holidays.”

The Women's National Basketball Players Association's Statement Regarding Brittney Griner's Transfer to Russian Penal Colony. pic.twitter.com/mQg0kJ57I3

— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) November 9, 2022

Now, and every day, we continue to pray for BG and her family. Visit WeAreBG to learn more about what you can do to help.

The post Joe Biden Is ‘Determined’ to Bring Brittney Griner Home appeared first on SLAM.

Garland didn’tmissed a beat despite doing no live work since he suffered a laceration on the inside of his eyelid in Cleveland’s season opener against the Raptors. He stepped on the court ready to go and recorded the highest-scoring opening quarter of his career with 14 points on 3-3 shooting from three. 

Garland admitted he was “super scared,” per The Athletic when his injury first happened. 

“I rolled over; I felt blood coming out of my eye. So that’s when I got really nervous. And I was ready for surgery in Toronto. I was expecting that. I was expecting stitches and being out a couple of months. But by the grace of God, I’m here with two eyes now, and I’m back, and I’m healthy.”

The guard “tried to stay high” during his two weeks on the sideline, but he had his struggles.

“Just sitting over there and just have to wait and just seeing everybody get loose warming up and going through full practice and stuff, it was just kinda aggravating. I just tried to stay high. My teammates, they were winning. They was doing well, so I was happy about that. But I just wanted to be on the floor with them. I wanted to feel that energy. But I’m happy to be back now.”

Garland’s backcourt partner Donovan Mitchell doubled down on Garland’s excitement to be back.

He looked “like a little kid” during shootaround, Mitchell said.

“You could tell he was excited, just running around the gym, kinda just happy, a little bit of a different step to him. When you’re out for that long, and I’ve been there, it can kind of take a toll on you.”

Coach J.B Bickerstaff echoed Mitchell. “I mean, like you could feel it. [Garland] was excited this morning at shootaround. He was ready to contribute in a big way. And I mean, like, there was not any shyness to him. It was, I’m going out here, and I’m gonna assert myself on this game, and his teammates followed him.”

The Vanderbilt product led the Cavs to a 114-112 OT win against the Boston Celtics, finishing with 29 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, and three steals. And, of course, the Junkyard Dog Chain.

“Boy, did I,” Mitchell said about missing Garland. “He really set the tone tonight. I can’t speak for everybody else; I just didn’t know what his rhythm was going to be like after being out (two weeks). I think that’s the biggest thing. When you have your legs, when you have your energy, you’re excited, and he came out like he’s been playing with us down this whole stretch. He’s going to score the ball, and his passing, man, he’s creating, finding guys, making the game look easy, and really kind of sparked us, especially in that first half. Always under control. It’s great to have him out there.”

Now that the Cavs have Garland back, the Cleveland quartet of Mitchell, Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley can continue to build their chemistry and solidify their spot atop the Eastern Conference. The Cavs look to extend their record to 7-1 with a win against the Pistons tomorrow night.

The post Darius Garland ‘Happy as Hell’ To Rejoin Cavs After Eye Laceration appeared first on SLAM.

Bane has dropped back-to-back thirty-point games, tallying 31 points (and six rebounds and four assists) against the Kings and 38 points (and seven assists) against the Nets. In his past two games, the TCU product has shot 73.9 percent from three.

“Shots are falling,” Bane said, per ESPN. “Early on, I was getting similar looks, and now I kind of got my legs under me, and (now) they’re falling.”

Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins described Bane’s “great two-game performance.”

“He’s been playing great all season — I think his defense was really good as well — When he’s in that zone, he’s hard to stop.”

In his third season with the Grizzlies, Bane is averaging 22.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 46.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Last season, the guard averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists during his second year in the League. Bane continues to grow into a lethal two-way player, keeping the Grizzlies rolling and putting the League on notice.

“Back-to-back performances show you how good he is,” Morant said. “I don’t feel like I’ve got to say it when you can see it.”

Bane looks to go back-to-back-to-back as the 3-1 Grizzlies take on the 4-1 Jazz tomorrow night.

The post Ja Morant: Back-to-Back 30-Point Outings ‘Show How Good’ Desmond Bane Is appeared first on SLAM.

The USC product suffered an ankle injury and was forced to sit out at the end of training camp and Cleveland’s first three preseason games. Because of that untimely injury, Mobley lost the valuable opportunity to play alongside the combination of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Caris LeVert.

Without sizable time to find a rhythm post-injury and to build chemistry with the Cavs’ new backcourt in Garland and Mitchell, Mobley feels like he has “gotten off to kind of a slow start,” per The Athletic. 

Following Sunday’s OT win against the Washington Wizards, the 21-year-old hadn’t taken double-digit shot attempts this season. On Sunday, Mobley shot 28.6 percent from the field and finished with two field goals. 

After Tuesday’s practice, Bickerstaff said, “we’ve gotta get him more involved.” 

“Again, it’s a mix of time together and where he was in the preseason and then him coming back and then Darius being gone. There are some things that we’re still working through. He’s so skilled and so talented, and we want him involved in our offense in a bunch of different ways.”

pic.twitter.com/9PmVr6NJaY

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 27, 2022

Bickerstaff likes the shots Mobley is taking but wants him to take more. The Cavs believe Mobley is “the guy who can help take [them] to the next level.” In his rookie season, the center averaged 15 points on 50.8 percent from the field, 25 percent from three, and 66.2 percent from the free-throw line. For Cleveland to rise to a championship-level team, they need Mobley to continue to improve his strength and consistency. 

“Evan’s basketball IQ is what we teach every single day,” Bickerstaff said during training camp. “We were talking about teaching guys how to play basketball; that’s what Evan excels at naturally. He just understands the game at a higher level than most second-year players do, and even as a rookie.”

Mobley is looking to play with more freedom and ease on offense, becoming a simultaneous creator and attacker. 

At Wednesday morning’s shootaround, he said he is “going to stay consistent with it.” 

“I know shots are going to start falling,” Mobley said “And I’m going to be in a better position to take those shots as well.”

On Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic, Mobley seemed to have regained some of his flow. The second-year center finished with 22 points on 9-15 shooting, including 17 points in the second half. 

“He was determined to help us win this game,” Bickerstaff said. “We know what he’s capable of. We believe in him a lot. And he was attack-minded, and he went out to prove a point. I think he did that.”

Step back 2⃣ #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/24Vi3YypFd

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 27, 2022

Teammate Dean Wade added: “every time he touched a ball, he’s looking to be aggressive. That’s always good to see, especially out of him. Sometimes he goes to make a play but doesn’t look to score, and I think tonight he was always looking to score, and that’s what we needed him to do. So wh n he plays like that, we’re a hard team to beat because he’s going to take at least two guys to stop him. And he’s obviously a great passer, so he can make those passes out. Tonight was exciting to see him just attack every time he touched it. It was fun.”

Mobley’s bounce-back game helped the Cavs seal a 103-92 win over the Magic and earned him the infamous Junkyard Dog Chain award for the night.

While he may have gotten off to a slower start to the season, Mobley looks to build on his 22-point performance against the Boston Celtics tomorrow night.

The post J.B. Bickerstaff On Getting Evan Mobley ‘More Involved’ Offensively appeared first on SLAM.

The point guard is a critical part of the Magic’s squad, averaging 15.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 30 minutes of action per game. Alongside budding star and SLAM 235 cover star Paolo Banchero, the Magic are working towards building something reminiscent of their Finals runner-up teams in 1995 and 2009.

His return timetable will be determined as he undergoes further evaluation.

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In their second season, AU features top women’s basketball talent worldwide, including Lexie Brown, Natasha Cloud, Odyssey Sims, DiJonai Carrington, Courtney Williams, Taj Cole, Evina Westbrook, and Destinee Walker.

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The innovative women’s professional basketball league comprises 44 of the country’s best women’s basketball players. The players compete both on teams and as individuals throughout a five-week season. Athletes earn points on team wins and individual performance, and the top four point earners become team captains for a week. The player leaderboard adds extra flare and excitement to the league because team captains can draft their teams. 

AU complements the WNBA and offers WNBA players an opportunity to stay in the United States year-round. Like many AU players, Smith could have chosen to play overseas. She opted for AU, “so [her] family could see [her] play again,” per Insider. 

Further, AU provided Smith with a much-needed “break.” 

“I went straight from college straight to the WNBA; then it would’ve been straight to overseas,” Smith said. “So I knew, like, as soon as the WNBA ended, I was gonna do AU because it gives you some time to prepare” and then “go compete at a high level.” 

Unlike the WNBA, Athletes Unlimited is built upon an athlete-centered model. Instead of sharing profits with owners, players split league profits or compete on behalf of non-profit organizations through AU’s Athletes Causes program. Additionally, players are empowered to decide on uniforms, roster formation, and league rules.

Only in its second season, AU is making its wave in the women’s basketball world by increasing the visibility of women’s basketball in the United States, uplifting its athletes, and offering the game in a unique format. 

When WNBA stars compete overseas, it’s nearly impossible for fans to follow their path. However, as Smith said, “after the WNBA season, a lot of players go overseas, but you don’t get to really watch them. AU you gives you that opportunity to keep watching and keep following your favorite players.”

The second AU season will take place in Dallas from Feb. 22 to Mar. 26. All 30 games will be accessible to audiences worldwide, including five contests on CBS Sports Network.

The post Allisha Gray and NaLyssa Smith Join 15 WNBA Players on Athletes Unlimited Roster appeared first on SLAM.

Morant doesn’t remind Durant of any other player.

“He’s a unique player. A lot of athleticism and creativity out there. Body type reminds you of somebody like—well, he’s taller than A.I. [Allen Iverson], but a wiry, strong player — but he’s an incredible player, man,” Durant said per Bleacher Report.

The Murray State product lived up to Durant’s pregame praise with 38 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in a 134-124 Memphis win. Morant, Durant, Desmond Bane, and Kyrie Irving combined to score 150 points on 62 percent shooting from the field.

At just 23-years-old, Morant has the rest of the NBA on watch.

A 2022 All-Star and the NBA’s Most Improved Player, the guard led the Grizzlies to second in the Western Conference last season. Morant has averaged 35.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds this season while leading the Grizzlies to a 3-1 start. Memphis ousted the Nets, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks but fell to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

Durant’s teammate Ben Simmons spoke on 12 before their Monday night match-up. The duel between Simmons and Morant ended late in the fourth quarter after the 2022 All-Star baited Simmons into fouling out as the Grizzlies inbounded the ball.

“He is an incredible athlete — He pushes the pace, gets his team going, shares the ball. He’s relentless at the rim.”

The Morant magic continues Thursday Night versus the Sacramento Kings.

The post Kevin Durant Calls Ja Morant ‘The Face of Our League Going Forward’ appeared first on SLAM.

Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin jumped into the starting lineup, moving Max Strus back to the Heat bench. Strus appeared and started all 18 of Miami’s playoff games last season. 

Despite his reserve role on a reconfigured Spoelstra bench, the small forward’s head is high. 

“I think what I do kind of fits in with any lineup,” Strus said per the Sun Sentinel. “So it’s not really hard to adjust to playing a certain way. I think that’s one of my strengths, is just kind of get in where you fit in – I’m just trying to do a good job of that and letting our main guys do their thing and provide spacing. And when I’m open, shoot the ball.”

Given Miami’s legendary organizational culture, it’s no surprise that Strus is embracing his new role and focusing on doing what he can to help his team win. In Miami’s season opener against the Chicago Bulls, Strus scored 22 points, including 5-7 on three-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds, gobbling up 50 percent of the bench’s total boards.

With new rotations and different players on the floor together, the Heat are playing smaller. When Strus plays power forward, he wants to focus on rebounding.

“There’s going to be smaller guys down there that are going to have to rebound. We need our guards to step up and rebound — I’m capable of doing that. So I’m more than willing to get down there and bang with the bigs and help out on the boards.”

In addition to lasering in on his rebounding this season, Strus believes he is in the best shape of his career. 

Ahead of training camp, he said, “I’m the lightest I’ve ever been and probably the strongest I’ve been. I’m probably like eight pounds lighter, which doesn’t sound like much, but it is a lot. I’m more lean mass. So that was my plan. And I think it’s going to help me be more explosive and less wear and tear on my body.”

Strus looks to once again shine in his new role as the Heat host the Boston Celtics tonight.

The post Max Strus Embracing Reserve Role with Miami Heat appeared first on SLAM.

Harden reflected on his last two years in the League, per USA Today,. “These last two years, it was a lot of drama, a lot of negative energy, which I don’t really like too much,” Harden said. “Whether it’s me getting out of Houston or what happened last year going into the season from last year, it was just a lot. Here, it’s just fresh; it’s a relief; it’s like, let’s just go hoop.”

And boy, is Harden hoopin’. The Beard opened the season with two stellar performances. On Tuesday night, he posted 35 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists against the defending Eastern Conference Champs, the Boston Celtics, and on Thursday, he scored 31 points, ripped down eight rebounds, and dished out nine assists against the Milwaukee Bucks.

While critics attacked the guard for his ability to stay healthy last season, Harden “can move now,” and he credits his hot start in Philly to his health and work ethic.

“I’m a workaholic, so not being able to put the work in like I normally do was frustrating,” Harden said about last season, per ESPN. “This summer, I had that opportunity to, and then even up to this point, I feel really good. So, just continue to put the work in and living with the results, and that’s what I live by — A lot of people don’t see the work that I put in. This scoring ability and all of this other stuff doesn’t come without work. So as much as people want to talk about all of this other stuff, that doesn’t really matter, I’m a workaholic, and I love to be in the gym and play basketball. So I’ll continue to do that.”

Not only has a healthy Harden returned to form with step-back threes and forceful drives that draw fouls, but he has evolved his game. The eight-time All-Star hit seven mid-range shots – a career-high and a third of his total mid-range jumpers all of last season.

“I’ve been working on my game this summer, so I just took what the defense gave me,” Harden said. “I had a couple threes that I missed, but you can’t control it. You put the work in, and you live with the results. Tonight, they gave me midrange shots, and I lived with the results.”

With back-to-back 30+ point nights, Harden joined Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson as the third player in Sixers history to score at least 30 points in his first two games of a season. Unfortunately, Harden’s phenomenal play has not been enough for the Sixers, and they fell to 0-2 after an 88-90 loss to the Bucks. 

“For me, it’s not even about the individual. Individual [play] is great, and I’ll do whatever it takes for the betterment of this team, but all of us need to be playing at a high level, and that’s a part of my job”, said Harden. The Sixers host the Spurs tomorrow and look to bounce back and secure their first win of the season.

The post ‘Let’s Just Go Hoop’: James Harden Capitalizing on a Fresh Start in Philadelphia appeared first on SLAM.

The rebuilding Jazz decided to move Mitchell to the Cavs over the summer, but it seems like Spida may have found an ideal fit in Cleveland. Mitchell has been labeled an All-Star piece that can help push Cleveland over the top as a playoff contender. The Lousiville product grew into that while in Utah; as a Cav, Mitchell has a better idea of how to mesh well with his new teammates and seems to be at ease.  

“He’s comfortable,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said per ESPN. “I think it’s that easy. This isn’t something he hasn’t done before. He’s carried teams on his back, so he understands the moment, and he’s capable of it. It’s not new, and it’s what we expected from him.”

Mitchell allowed the game to come to him on Wednesday, starting slowly with just four points in the first quarter. However, when his All-Star teammate Darius Garland exited the game with a left eye laceration, Mitchell ramped it up and carried a more significant offense load on his shoulders.

“That’s the big thing playing with a bunch of good guys, trying to find your spots, especially against a team like Toronto,” Mitchell said. “You don’t want to come in full bore; that’s how they want to turn you over. And then [Garland] goes down, so I’m on the ball more, directing traffic.”

“He’s an elite basketball player. There’s not many guys in this league that are better than Donovan or are capable of doing the things he can do. He puts so much pressure on the defense,” Coach Bickerstaff added. “He has the ability to make all the passes, so again that’s, he’s hard to deal with, but he makes defenses have to make tough decisions over and over again.”

Despite a few miscommunications with his new teammate and fellow All-Star Jarrett Allen, Spida had a strong debut. Natural growing pains will come with learning each other’s games, and the vibes remain positive after they opened the season with a 108-105 loss to the Raptors.

“It’s part of the game, part of the growing as teammates. It’s our first game playing together, our first official game playing together. We still have a lot of things to iron out, a lot of things to communicate about off the court after it happens,” said Jarrett Allen.

For the Cavs, Mitchell’s record night signals a high ceiling for the marriage between the All-Star and the rest of the team. As the guard put it, the Cavs “did a good job. But [they] can do an even better job.” Cleveland looks onwards and upwards as they seek to grab their first win of the season against the Chicago Bulls this Saturday.

The post ‘Comfortable’ Donovan Mitchell Drops 31 in His Cleveland Cavaliers Debut appeared first on SLAM.

The future is now. @SLAMGoods

Duke star Paolo Banchero covers SLAM 235. https://t.co/kS5ofhOhar pic.twitter.com/7jxHZQWUpv

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 10, 2021

Banchero recorded a monster debut stat line with 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. The No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft became the first rookie to record a 25-5-5 statline in his first game since LeBron James in 2003. Additionally, the guard scored the most points by a No. 1 overall pick since Allen Iverson in 1996 and scored the most points by a Magic player in his first career game in team history. 

“It means a lot, I guess,” Banchero said after the game, per ESPN. “Obviously, would have liked to win. But I just wanted to play hard, play for the team, and that happened, so it’s a blessing.” 

The 19-year-old Duke product joins an esteemed company of LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and the previous “most points by a Magic player in his first career game” record holders: Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dwight Howard.

Banchero started hot and ended hot. He knocked down Orlando’s first two buckets and finished the first quarter with seven points on 3-3 shooting from the field, and led a Magic comeback that fell short despite scoring 13 points on 5-8 shooting in the fourth. Oh, and he did this: 

Banchero passed all credit to his teammates.

“Credit to my teammates for finding me. It’s always nice to see the ball get in that early, get easy buckets around the rim. That’s how I try to play, inside out. Try to get easy stuff around the basket and expand out and do more stuff throughout the game.”

Jalen Suggs, who finished the game with 21 points and four triples, including an 18-point surge in the third quarter, had reciprocal praise for Banchero. 

“He handled himself very well. He got to his spots. He ran in transition. He was physical. He boarded. He made the right play when it was there. Paolo did a fantastic job tonight. We’re going to continue to ride with him, we’re going to continue to grow, and moments like this are important for us. We got to be in this to grow, and he showed us a lot tonight.”

In a Magic-Pistons matchup featuring an abundance of young talent, including Suggs and Pistons guards Cade Cunningham (18 points, 10 assists) and Jaden Ivey (19 points, four assists, three steals), Banchero headed the show with his record-breaking performance.

The post Paolo Banchero Becomes the First Rookie Since LeBron James to Record 25-5-5 in Debut Game appeared first on SLAM.

After winning the chip, the veteran forward draped himself in a Mexican flag, proudly honoring his Mexican heritage. 

Toscano-Anderson broke many Warriors fans’ hearts after he decided to sign with the Lakers for the 2022-2023 season.

In five preseason games, he averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 boards, and a whole lot of competitive fire in 18.3 minutes.

“Juan is doing some amazing, competitive basketball-playing,” Lakers Coach Darvin Ham said, per Andscape. “You need those kinds of guys that can get you 50-50 balls, take charges, and put bodies on bodies knowing that they may not be the one who gets the rebound or stat or whatever.”

“They still sacrifice for their teammates. You can’t have enough of those guys in your locker room. And Juan Toscano-Anderson is at the top of the list of everything he does. His attitude, [the] energy [he] brings to work every day. His teammates are very fond of him.”

Not only does JTA’s character shine on the court and in the locker room, but he is trailblazing a path for Mexico and basketball. 

“Things don’t happen overnight,” Toscano-Anderson said. “Basketball is a growing sport in Mexico, there; there’s a lot of financial interest in it — I know there are guys that can do it for me, but it’s a different world now in regard to marketing and advertising. I’m opening doors to bridge the gap between the U.S. and Mexico.”

Toscano-Anderson is the first Laker of Mexican descent. For a city that is 75 percent ethnically Mexican, is populated by over five million Mexicans, and has the largest Hispanic, JTA’s arrival is momentous. While the Lakers have aired Spanish-speaking broadcasts since 1993, the franchise has not had a Spanish-speaking player since Kobe Bryant retired in 2016.

Although he was not Hispanic, Bryant energetically embraced the Mexican community in Los Angeles.

“If there was a guy that understood the love, the passion, the loyalty of the Hispanic community, especially towards the Lakers, it was Kobe.” former Lakers Spanish television announcer Adrian Garcia Marquez said. 

Being the first Spanish-speaking player since Kobe and being half-Mexican, JTA can connect to L.A’s Hispanic and Latino roots.

“There are probably more Mexicans watching the Lakers than any other demographic. That’s very important, not only for myself in the Lakers, but in L.A. for [the] Mexican community, the Latino community,” Toscano-Anderson said. “I don’t want to call myself an ambassador, but somebody who’s representing and who can speak the language. I’m representing full throttle. I can speak the language; I represent my culture, everything.”

Toscano-Anderson is embracing the L.A. community, and the L.A. community is embracing him. Known for murals of Laker greats – Kobe, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and more – the city recently added a Juan Toscano-Anderson mural. On the outside wall of a Mexican bakery, JTA dons a Lakers jersey with a Mexican flag wrapped around his shoulders, and Mexico City’s Tenochtitlán pyramids and downtown L.A. in the background.

“I went to the reveal of the mural. That was really dope,” Toscano-Anderson said. “I’m very appreciative of that. It’s LA, man, City of Champions. That was really cool. I couldn’t believe it, to be honest. I didn’t have anything, nothing like that before. It was more than just the sports thing. It was about that community embracing me there.”

Born to an African American father and a Mexican mother, JTA wants to be a positive role model for both Mexican American and African American kids. 

“It’s been magnified that I’m Mexican, but I also want people to know that I’m just as proud of being Black.”

“I’m Black every day. The way I dress, the way I talk. My sauce. I’m a Black man when I step out on America — Black is beautiful; I’m proud of being Black as well. Being Black makes me who I am.”

For Oakland, Los Angeles, and Mexico, Toscano-Anderson’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The community-oriented forward plays in his first game as a Los Angeles Laker tonight against the Golden State Warriors. The second NBA player of Mexican descent to win a title, Toscano-Anderson will be honored and receive his championship ring.

The post Juan Toscano-Anderson On the Love He’s Received From L.A.’s Latino Community appeared first on SLAM.

Per the NBA, Ainge had kind words for Zanik: 

“Justin’s basketball acumen, ability to create meaningful relationships throughout the League, and management of our front office are invaluable assets. We’re thrilled that he’ll continue to lead the team.”

Zanik originally joined the Jazz as an assistant GM in 2013. He remained with the Jazz from 2013-2016, joined the Milwaukee Bucks as their assistant GM from 2016-2017, and then hopped back to the Jazz as GM in 2017. 

“My family and I have fallen in love with this great city and the state of Utah, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey with the Utah Jazz,” Zanik said. “I have a deep appreciation for my partnership with Ryan and Danny and am excited about our path forward with Coach Hardy. We look forward to building towards winning the championship our fans deserve.” 

The new-look Utah Jazz opens their season tomorrow against the Denver Nuggets and looks to take their first step in creating a championship team.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Jazz Sign GM Justin Zanik to Multi-Year Extension appeared first on SLAM.

• Extended, the USA record for most consecutive games, won to 29
• Became the first team to hold an opponent under 50 points in a World Cup semifinal game
• Recorded the largest margin of victory (40 points) in a World Cup semifinal game with 40 points

While Canada was No. 4 in the FIBA world rankings, they quickly became another victim of Team USA’s onslaught in the Cup this year.

Following their sub-par performance against Serbia on Thursday – when they trailed in the first and second quarters for the first time during the tournament – Team USA’s starters came out with a chip on their shoulder. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jewel Lloyd, Chelsea Gray, and Alyssa Thomas began the game on a 15-0 tear, holding Canada to only seven points In the first quarter. 

“I think that we weren’t happy with the way that we started yesterday against Serbia,” Breanna Stewart said per ESPN. “There were moments that we played well, but there were a lot of moments that we didn’t, and really making sure that that was the point of emphasis today. It was the way that we started the game, especially with our starters, that five, we wanted to make sure that we set the tone for the entire game.”

Draymond layup package!? High off the glass. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/tR0g1jE6PE

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 30, 2022

Team USA followed the starter’s lead, doubled down on their defensive focus, and held Canada to an eight-point third quarter and 22 percent shooting from the field. The explosive trio of Stewart (17 points), A’ja Wilson (15 points, 12 rebounds), and Kelsey Plum (14 points) outscored Canada 46-43 by themselves.

“I was really pleased with our team’s attention to detail in the scouting report. Canada’s had a terrific tournament,” Coach Cheryl Reeve said. “I wanted them to make sure they understood what they just did and how hard they made it for Canada to score the ball…that was a quality win for us. Our goal is to win a gold medal, and we’re in position to do that.”

The women’s national team will compete for a gold medal Saturday at 2 a.m. ET against China. Team USA won their group play battle with China, 77-63. They are seeking their fourth consecutive World Cup championship.

The post USA Women’s Team Set to Play China in World Cup Final appeared first on SLAM.

While the Celtics have seasoned veterans in Marcus Smart and Al Horford – Smart is the Celtics’ longest-tenured player, having played eight seasons in Green, and Horford has now been in the League for 15 years – Tatum is “the guy”. Tatum averaged 25.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the 2022 playoffs, leading the Celtics to their first NBA finals since 2010.

“I might not be the loudest guy, especially in front of the camera,” Tatum said. “But for the guys in that locker room, when we’re in practice or on the plane or on the court, my presence is felt in my voice. We all put a lot into this game, so we all have the right to give input to each other. That’s all I try to do when I see something, try to help guys out.”

The Celtics battled past the Nets, Bucks, and Heat, before falling short to the Warriors. Horford said Tatum “took a huge step” as a leader during their Finals run.

“I feel like that confidence is kind of going to carry over this year,” Horford said. “And we’re going to continue to see more of that from him.”

Riding off of his leadership throughout the 2022 playoffs and having gained a deeper understanding of the mountain it takes the win a championship, the superstar has made his leadership presence and voice known during this year’s training camp.

“He does a lot of talking, pulling guys aside, seeing how we can get the best look and whatever it might be,” Derrick White said. “So [you] definitely see that maturity and the growth that he’s doing.”

“He wants to win. It’s always good to follow guys that want to win.”

Led by Tatum and interim head coach Joe Mazulla, the Celtics begin another trophy-hunt season on Oct. 18 vs. the Sixers. 

The post Jayson Tatum Impressing Celtics Teammates With His Leadership Growth appeared first on SLAM.

After shattering their record for most points scored in a game and the most points scored in a match by ANY team in the World Cup with 145 against South Korea, they reached another milestone. Defeating Bosnia 121-59, the star-studded squad recorded the USA’s 27th consecutive win, breaking the country’s previous record. 

Team USA has been rolling through this year’s World Cup competition. Seven of the team’s 11 active players scored in double-digits, led by Kelsey Plum with 20 points and seven assists, while Chelsea Gray followed close behind with 16 points and seven assists. Breanna Stewart and Shakira Austin each added 15 points to the team’s total. Austin finished shooting 7-9 from the field in just 13 minutes of action.

The USWNT continues its road to the trophy on Thursday against Serbia.

The post USA Women’s Basketball Breaks Second Record in Two Days appeared first on SLAM.

The guard broke multiple “the youngest ever” records, including becoming the sixth player in NBA history with at least the same total points, assists, and rebounds through the first 64 games of their career as LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Luka Doncic, Oscar Robertson and Alvan Adams. 

Following a historic season, Cunningham looks to continue to build his legacy in Detroit. The 6′ 6″ sophomore added 10-15 pounds of muscle this offseason.

“I didn’t recognize him,” Coach Dwane Casey said per CBS news. “He’s done a really good job with his body.” 

“He looks like a different dude, and that physicality will help him,” Casey added.

Cunningham is committed to winning, and he’s hoping his increased strength will help him decrease his turnovers and maintain a high level of play throughout the season. 

“We have a lot more depth this year,” Cunningham said. “I think it’s realistic to say we’ll have a bunch of locked-in guys that are playing to win. If we do that, the wins will take care of itself.”

The Pistons are seeking redemption this year. Alongside Cunningham, they’ve added Purdue star Jaden Ivey, Memphis center Jalen Duren, and recently acquired sharp-shooter Bojan Bogdanovic. The Pistons open their season on Oct. 19 against the Orlando Magic.

The post Cade Cunningham ‘Looks Like a Different Dude’ After Stellar Rookie Season appeared first on SLAM.

With that, Udoka has reportedly decided not to resign from his head coaching position, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Shams Charania of The Athletic has also reported that members in the Celtics organization “first became aware of the relationship in July.”

“At that time, team leadership was led to believe by both parties that the relationship was consensual. But sources said that the woman recently accused Udoka of making unwanted comments toward her—leading the team to launch a set of internal interviews.”

Prior to their decision to suspend Udoka, team owners and president Brad Stevens met for several hours on Thursday. Following the organization’s decision, Stevens and other members of the Celtics front office also met with players.

Udoka said in a statement, “I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”

Joe Mazzulla has now been named interim head coach during Udoka’s suspension. The Celtics open their season Oct. 18 with a home game against the Sixers.

The post Celtics: Decision on Ime Udoka’s Future After this Season Will Be ‘Made at a Later Date’ appeared first on SLAM.

• 2020 Olympics
• 2020 Women’s National Team
• 2018 World Cup
• 2016 Olympics
• 2015 Women’s National Team
• 2014 World Cup
• 2011 Women’s National Team

In honor of BG, no one on the USWNT will wear No. 15 during the 2022 FIBA World Cup. Players traditionally wear Nos. 4-15; however, they will don Nos. 4-14 and 16 this year. 

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Although they were missing WNBA champs members Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and Chelsea Gray, the USA Women’s team opened the World Cup with a decisive 87-72 win over Belgium. Alyssa Thomas nearly finished with a triple-double, recording an impressive stat line of 14 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Breanna Stewart poured in 22 points, almost trying her World Cup record, as well as three blocks and three steals. 

The USA Women’s National Team continues its World Cup run against Puerto Rico tonight at 8:30 ET.

The post Honoring Brittney Griner: No One Wearing No. 15 for USA Women’s Basketball National Team appeared first on SLAM.

Mazzulla joined the Celtics in 2019 and worked as an assistant coach on Brad Stevens’ staff. When Stevens became general manager and Udoka took over as head coach, Mazzulla was one of the few assistant coaches to stay in Boston. According to Udoka, the players gave him “glowing reviews”.

“I love Joe,” Jayson Tatum said per NBC Sports. “I think just being around him for the last, I think this is his third year, maybe second or third year, you can tell how passionate he is about the guys and his craft. And he’s gotten so much more knowledgeable, and more detailed, and more vocal, and more comfortable in his role as a coach. You’ve seen the growth from his first year, and he’s helped me out tremendously as a player and a person. So, can’t say enough good things about Joe, and everybody appreciates what he brings to this team, and I’m glad that we have him.”

In 2021, Mazzulla was the head coach of the Celtics Summer League team, and earlier this summer, Mazzulla was promoted to lead assistant coach when Will Hardy left to coach the Utah Jazz.

The Celtics open their season on Oct. 18 against the Sixers as defending Eastern Conference champs.

The post REPORT: Joe Mazzulla Likely to Become Boston’s Interim Head Coach appeared first on SLAM.

Typically attracted to Russian leagues by the combination of high salaries and valuable resources and amenities, it has become evident that the costs of going to Russia this season outweigh the benefits. Nearly a dozen WNBA players competed in Russia last year; none are returning.

MVP runner-up Breanna Stewart played alongside Griner in Russia on UMMC Ekaterinburg.

“Honestly, my time in Russia has been wonderful,” Stewart told The Guardian. “But especially with BG still wrongfully detained there, nobody’s going to go there until she’s home. I think that you know, now, people want to go overseas, and if the money is not much different, they want to be in a better place.”

Stewart is headed to Turkey to play for Fenerbahçe this offseason. 

It has been 214 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse @potus @vp , we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG

— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) September 20, 2022

Joining Stewart in their choice to not return to Russia are Jonquel Jones of Finals runners-up Connecticut Sun, Courtney Vandersloot of the Chicago Sky, and Emma Meeseman of the Chicago Sky. Vandersloot will suit up in Hungary, while Jones and Meeseeman will compete in Turkey.

Although she admits her club treated her well, and she formed strong relationships while in Russia, Vandersloot put it plainly:

“The thing about it is, we were treated so well by our club and made such strong relationships with those people, I would never close the door on that,” Vandersloot said. “The whole situation with BG makes it really hard to think that it’s safe for anyone to go back there right now.”

Once again, as long as their sister and teammate are wrongfully imprisoned, Russia is off the table as an off-season destination for WNBA players. In addition to vets like Stewart, Jones, Vandersloot, and Meeseman refusing to return to Russia, young players are electing for other overseas opportunities. Rhyne Howard, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, chose to play in Italy, stating that “everyone’s going to be a bit cautious seeing as this situation is happening”.

Following the 2020-21 season, more than 60 percent of the WNBA’s rostered players went overseas during the offseason. Traveling overseas to supplement their salaries takes players away from their homes and families and puts them at injury and safety risk. With plans to play a record-high 40 games next season and increase postseason bonus pools of money, the League continues to step toward making staying home a possibility.

Visit WeAreBG to learn more about what you can do to help.

The post WNBA Players Refusing to Compete in Russia This Offseason appeared first on SLAM.

The 2022 All-WNBA First Team:

• A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
• Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
• Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces
• Skylar Diggins-Smith, Phoenix Mercury
• Candace Parker, Chicago Sky

Heading the first team are unanimous selections A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. A’ja Wilson adds her All-WNBA selection to her MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. She averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this season.

Rounding out the first team are Wilson’s teammate Kelsey Plum, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Candace Parker. Plum received her first All-WNBA honor, while Parker received her seventh All-WNBA selection, tying Tamika Catchings and Lauren Jackson for the third most First-Team appearances of all time.

The 2022 All-WNBA Second Team:

• Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun

• Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
• Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota Lynx
• Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks
• Jonquel Jones, Connecticut Sun

With her Second Team selection, Sabrina Ionescu makes her first All-WNBA team in just her second full season in the W. To cap off her iconic career, Sylvia Fowles received her eighth All-WNBA honor. 

A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces and Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones of the Connecticut Sun continue to battle for the WNBA championship. Tune in to watch Game 4 on Sunday, September 18, at 4 pm ET.

The post A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart Headline 2022 All-WNBA Teams appeared first on SLAM.

Per the Arizona Republic, Najafi wrote, “in accordance with my commitment to helping eradicate any form of racism, sexism and bias, as vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns, I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver.”

In response to both the NBA’s punishment and the report released by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the law firm that carried out Sarver’s investigation, Najafi stated, “the conduct [Sarver] is alleged to have committed has stunned and saddened me and is unacceptable.”

The Suns’ minority owner “has no interest in becoming a managing partner,” but he cannot “sit back and allow our children and future generations of fans to think that this behavior is tolerated because of wealth and privilege.” 

Alongside vice chair Sam Garvin, who will serve as the Sun’s interim Governor during Sarver’s one-year suspension, Najafi wrote that they will “will work tirelessly to ensure the next team steward treats all stakeholders with dignity, professionalism, and respect.”

Najafi went on to apologize to “all whose lives and professions have been impacted” and reiterated his personal commitment to helping “eradicate any form of racism, sexism, and bias, which is unacceptable anywhere in our society.” Nafaji’s open letter joined the chorus of several NBA figures who expressed that Sarver’s actions have no place in the League and that his punishment didn’t fit his crimes.

Najafi’s resolute call for Sarver’s resignation joins the sentiments of statements from LeBron James, Chris Paul, and NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio. 

The post Suns Vice Chair Jahm Najafi Calls for Robert Sarver’s Resignation in Open Letter appeared first on SLAM.

To achieve their vision – the Larry O’Brien trophy in Salt Lake – a rebuild was necessary. After moving Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, veterans Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, and Jordan Clarkson remain on Utah’s roster.

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Jazz and Lakers are currently in ongoing trade talks for the sharp-shooting Bogdanovic.

“Those conversations continue to evolve, we’ve continued to be in touch with them directly and their representation,” Zanik said, per Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of change this summer, so it’s natural for us to have those conversations.”

The 6’7″ forward averaged 18.1 points, 4.3 assists, 1.7 rebounds, and shot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc. In addition to the Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and New York Knicks have expressed interest in Bogdanovic. If Bogdanovic is moved to the Lakers, it will be the second trade of the season between LA and Salt Lake. Earlier this summer, Utah gave up Patrick Beverley for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson. 

As the Jazz continue to prioritize and acquire young talent, it is no surprise that they have made Bogdanovic and their remaining vets available.

“We wanted to give the organization every opportunity to build the greatest base of flexibility, young players, and assets going forward to make really good decisions so that we could reach the ceiling that we want to get to,” Zanik said.

The new-look Jazz begins their 2022-23 season on Oct. 19 against the Denver Nuggets.

The post REPORT: Lakers and Jazz in Trade Talks to Acquire Bojan Bogdanovic appeared first on SLAM.

The pivotal match-up would define the Bull’s season, but not as Chicago hoped. In the first quarter, Zach Lavine left the game with a knee injury that bothered him for the rest of the season. Lonzo Ball followed him, exiting with a knee injury in the fourth, and the Warriors left United Center with a decisive 138-96 victory.

While his injury seemed minor then, Ball’s left knee injury developed into a long and arduous recovery process. The UCLA product was ruled out of the Bulls’ game against the Celtics the following day, officially diagnosed with a bone bruise and small meniscus tear on Jan. 20. On Jan. 28, he underwent surgery with a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks.

Ball’s initial recovery timeline post-surgery was eight weeks. It has now been eight months. Ball suffered a couple of setbacks due to his knee not responding to his recovery program from his January surgery. Ball’s ramp-up process to make a return in the playoffs was cut off due to him suffering some knee discomfort in his knee during his rehab process.

Lonzo Ball’s elite defense and high-IQ, high-pace style played a critical role in Chicago’s 27-13 start to the 2021-22 season. Ball shot a career-high 42.3 percent from beyond the arc, ranked in the top 10 in the League in transition assists, and according to DeMar DeRozan, brought “swagger and excitement to the team.” With Ball at point guard, the Bulls ranked sixth in points per game off turnovers and connected on 38.6 percent threes. 

Vice President Arturas Karnisovas stated it clearly: “We missed [Ball] greatly this year. We missed his size, we missed him pushing the break”.

Lacking Ball’s defensive presence and his creation of easy transition buckets, the Bulls fell to 26th in points per game off turnovers, 22nd in the League in three-point percentage, and went 19-23 without Ball in the lineup. 

While his precise return timeline remains unclear, Ball is expected to miss the start of the regular season. The Bulls begin their push back to the top of the East on Oct. 19 against the Heat.

The post Lonzo Ball Expected to Miss the Start of the Season appeared first on SLAM.