The view provides a calmness effect after the ruckus from the previous hour, when both players found out the short list of teams that are most likely to end up drafting them in June. It’s been quite the journey for this duo—one that will have them stamped in college hoops history for eternity.

SLAM 250 featuring Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle is available now.

Clingan, a 7-2 center, won back-to-back national titles in his only two seasons at UConn. He averaged 13 points, 7.4 boards and 2.5 blocks per game this past season, earning him a spot on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Midseason Watch List, the 2024 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team and a ’24 NCAA East Region Most Outstanding Player nod.

Meanwhile, Castle, a 6-6 freshman wing who averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists while becoming a top perimeter defender for the Huskies, made his own imprint in the history books. He set a new Big East record with 11 Freshman Conference Player of the Week honors, surpassing Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. He was also the first Huskie since Rudy Gay in 2005 to win Big East Freshman Player of the Year.

We sat down with both projected top-10 picks after our shoot to discuss their historic run, their chemistry and their NBA outlook, among many other topics.

SLAM: It’s been a few weeks since you guys cut down the nets and made history, going back-to-back as national champs. Now that you’ve had some time to process it all, how do you put into words the accomplishment?   

Donovan Clingan: To win back-to-back, you know, for me personally, was something really special just because there’s not too many people that could go around saying that they’ve done something that special. We did it in such a historic program that has a lot of history, and it’s a place where it’s hard to make history. But to go out there and do some of the most historic things that have happened in the program was something really special. I think UConn is a special place that will always be home to me. I know Steph will say the same thing. I’m just super, super blessed to be able to have accomplished what I’ve accomplished, and I’ll be forever grateful for my two years at UConn.

Stephon Castle: I mean, honestly, it really still doesn’t even feel real to me. I only won once, I can only imagine what it feels like for DC. Just the whole experience was super, super fun.

It really was a blessing just to be out there with the great group that we had. We had a real special group. Like [DC] said, it’s definitely a second home for me.

SLAM: At what specific point in the season do you remember feeling like y’all had a really good chance to run it all back?

DC: I feel like when we went on our trip to Europe [UConn played in Monte Carlo and Spain last summer—Ed.], we saw the potential we had. To be honest, I feel like I didn’t know if a national title was a possibility again, just because I realized how hard it was the year before, and we were going to have a big target on our back, but when we got back from Europe, we had like two weeks off and we came back in for the start of practice in the regular season. And you could just tell the energy and the will of everyone on the team, everyone on the staff, everyone in the building, really, just wanted to go out there and win every game, every night.

SC: Early in the season, I didn’t know how good we were. I mean, we always talked about going back-to-back and chasing a national championship, but I feel like every school talks about going for a national championship. I feel like it was about the midpoint of the season, probably like where the Big East [season] really kicked off, when I kinda knew, like, we really had a chance at winning the whole thing over again.

SLAM: Donovan, your freshman season, you only averaged 13 minutes per game but played a major role in the rotation on the 2023 national championship team. What did you learn from that group that you were then able to apply to this past season, when you became a major focal point?

DC: Just realizing everything I had to give every single day. I played [in practice] against the most dominant big in the country in Adama [Sanogo], who went into practice and into workouts every single day knowing that he’s gonna get better and knowing that the team was gonna need him that year to make a big jump [and] lead us to where we wanted to go. I feel like that was something for me, coming into the season—I have to make a big jump. I have to be a leader. I have to dominate the floor on the offensive and defensive end. I just gotta give my all, day in and day out, just to make sure that this team wins.

SLAM: Steph, you got thrown right into the fire despite being a freshman—you were a starter from the very first game, and only came off the bench a few times due to an early season injury. What was the early challenge like for you?

SC: I mean, it was definitely hard at first. Definitely something that you have to really adjust to and really just embrace. But I feel like my teammates, they had a lot of confidence in me this year and they instilled a lot of confidence in myself. So, just going out there, just trusting my work that I put in and just knowing that the coaches believe in what I do.

SLAM: Donovan, you decided to return to college without even testing the NBA waters in 2023. A reporter afterward said that NBA scouts believed you could have been selected anywhere between 25 and 40 in the draft that year. Why did you think it was important to return?

DC: I knew I had to mature as a person, as a player. I had to expand my game in many ways. I only played 13 minutes a game last year. I wanted to go out there and be a starter, try to lead the team to another national title and I just wanted to go play for UConn. I love Coach [Dan] Hurley, I love that staff, I love the school, and I just wanted to try to be part of something really special and to be able to say that I did that means a lot to me.

SLAM: Steph, do you remember the moment when you realized that despite being a freshman who’s starting for the reigning national champs, you had what it took to hold your own at an elite level?

SC: I don’t remember the exact practice but I know I was frying though, that’s the only thing I do remember. I think I was on the second team at the time, too. So, that definitely gave me a lot of confidence going into it, especially coming back from an injury.

SLAM: Are there parts of your game that you didn’t get a chance to showcase in college because the team didn’t need you to, that you’re now excited to be able to show at the next level?

DC: Yeah, to be able to step out, shoot the three ball a little more, play off the dribble, really just working that midrange game and setting the pick-and-pops and just roll to the rim, lobs. You know, Coach Hurley had a great game plan for this team. He always put us in the best position possible and my team didn’t need me to shoot threes to win games. That’s something I didn’t have to do. [But] that’s something I’m gonna have to do to take my game to the next level and succeed at the highest level.

SC: I mean, probably just being on the ball more, taking more shots, like off the dribble and stuff like that. I feel like Coach had a great scheme for us and he asked specifically what he needed for us to win a championship. And I thought we got it done. But if there was anything, I’ll say shooting off the dribble, playmaking a little more on the ball and, you know, stuff like that.

SLAM: Steph, you set the Big East record for most Conference Freshman of the Week honors, and in doing so, you surpassed Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. What did that historic feat mean to you?

SC: It meant a lot, just to put my name next to those high-level type of guys. You know, I feel like that meant a lot for my career and what my legacy was at UConn for that short time. But a lot of that credit goes to my teammates and my coaches. I feel like they put me in a great position to be successful in those games. I just had to go out there and just be myself. I feel like a lot of credit goes to them.

SLAM: You also became the first UConn men’s player since Rudy Gay in 2005 to win Big East Freshman of the Year.

SC: I wouldn’t say it was regularly just a goal for me, but it’s definitely in the back of your head as you’re playing. It’s something that you kind of shoot for. So, like DC said, it’s a pretty historic school. There’s been a lot of great names to come out of there, so just to have my name beside those guys and instilled in that history forever, it’s super special to me.

SLAM: Donovan, do you have an off-the-court story of Stephon that you’d say perfectly reflects his personality when the cameras aren’t rolling?

DC: I mean, Steph loves to nap. He loves to sleep. When we were on the way back from Europe, I remember before we left out of Barcelona—like, I don’t think everyone was even on the plane yet—he was already asleep, and he didn’t wake up until the lights turned on when we landed in Boston. It was like an eight-hour flight, and he did not wake up once. Not even to use the bathroom. Nothing. And I was just like, That’s Steph! Like, when he’s sleeping, he’s sleeping. But when he’s up, he’s just hooping. But he just loves to nap. Every time I see him, he’s napping. On the bus, on the plane—he’s napping.

SLAM: What about you, Steph—any good Donovan stories?

SC: So, it’s one day in practice—I think [Donovan], he wasn’t having the best practice. He was kind of mad at himself. I want to say he kicked something or he punched the backboard or it was something crazy like that, but he hurt himself. And we had a game coming up. I mean, we always called him “Cling Kong,” so I feel like that was one of his moments. He ripped his shirt in practice, punched the backboard, he started screaming. He was going crazy.

DC: I want to win [shrugs with a smile].

SC: It’s practice, though [laughs].

DC: It’s OK, I don’t lose.

SC: I don’t remember the whole story. I know you can tell the story.

DC: I mean, I get upset sometimes with how I’m playing, and if I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do on the floor, I take it out on myself. And I put a lot of pressure on myself. I do just get frustrated at times—

SC: [interrupting Donovan] You ever seen somebody punch the backboard without jumping?

DC: I just want to win [laughs].

SLAM: When people talk about the 2023-2024 UConn Men’s team 10, 20 years from now, what do you hope they say in terms of your legacy?

SC: I think we might be up there as one of the best college basketball teams ever, because if you think about it, our only games we lost were away games, and one of them, we didn’t even have our full team. [Actually], two of them—one game I was hurt and then one game [DC] got hurt.

DC: Just to be remembered as one of, if not the best college basketball team ever. There was a bunch of guys who gave it their all every single day for 11 months of the year. It’s a special group. We were a brotherhood. Everyone loved each other, and that’s going to be a special team. There’s no one that’s going to be left out forever. We’re all going to stay in touch, we’re all gonna be brothers for life, and that’s just something that’s really important to me.

Portraits by Joe Pinchin. Action photos via Getty Images.

The post After Winning Back-to-Back Titles at UConn, Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle are Ready to Make Waves in the NBA appeared first on SLAM.

Ahead of his inaugural season with the Yellow Jackets, we sat down with Stoudamire at SLAM’s HQ to learn more about his coaching style and how he transitioned to the sidelines after 13 years on the hardwood.

SLAM: People know you from your NBA days in the ’90s and ’00s. What made you get into coaching?

Damon Stoudamire: I was in Houston and I was working out at Rice University. When I was an undergrad at Arizona, there was a guy named Chris Del Conte who was working under our [Arizona] AD Jim Livengood. He was the Athletic Director at Rice at that time and he was the one who said, Man, you should coach. He was like, We’ve got a new coach [Ben Braun], go talk to him. So I went and talked to him, and he said he could bring me on. He couldn’t pay me but it wasn’t about the money, obviously. 

That’s how it started, just being around the game. It went from watching practices to, Coach, is it OK if I come to your office and shadow you? Talk to you, pick your brain? Yeah, sure. Coach, can I come to recruiting meetings? Yeah, sure. Coach, can I come on a road trip with you? I want to see what that looks like. So that’s kind of how it started. He let me get an apprenticeship—I would call it being a high-level intern. I was doing that for maybe a month and a half, two months. Then the Memphis Grizzlies, who I played for, had hired Lionel Hollins, and Lionel called me to see if I would be interested in joining the staff. That’s when everything started going in that trajectory.

SLAM: When you landed with the Grizzlies, was coaching something that you were actively trying to pursue?

DS: I’m still trying to figure it out [at that point]. Lionel let me get my feet wet, so I was in charge of player development. I was basically working out with guys that I just got through playing with. I played with Mike Conley. I played with Rudy Gay. Darius Miles was on the team. It was crazy, because it was like three to four guys I had actually played with in the NBA. And now I’m coaching them. So Lionel told me, I’ll never forget this, When you’re ready, we’ll give you some scouts. That’s kind of when I knew I wanted to coach.

I’ll tell you one thing about me coaching is that I learned from some of the best, and they taught me a lot and they allowed me to grow. That was the biggest thing—they allowed me to grow.

SLAM: At what point did you start to formulate a plan and a timeline for your coaching career?

DS: I never formulated a timeline but this is what I told myself—with my background as an NBA player, and then going to college, that’s the best of both worlds. That makes a man desirable. That’s how I looked at it. The only timetable I set—I haven’t told a lot of people this, only a couple of people know—was by the time I’m 50 years old, I want to be able to pick the job of my choice. Whether it’s in the NBA or whether it’s in college, I want to make myself the most desirable coach that I can be to where if a job opens, they say, We want Damon Stoudamire.

SLAM: How would you describe your coaching style now that you’ve got your own team?

DS: My style is simply how it fits my team. You cannot say you’re going to play one style or another if you don’t have the right team. So you’ve got to see what your team looks like. You have to see where the strength of your team lies. And then you’ve got to formulate your plan from there, on both sides of the ball. My style is, I’m a player’s coach. It’s a feel. I always put myself in the position of a player. Being a player’s coach is being relationship driven, and it’s understanding the room. And from the standpoint of who I am, that’s my greatest trait. I’m a guy who understands what each player needs individually to be successful and how that fits into the whole to help the team be successful.

SLAM: When you were hired by Georgia Tech, you and the Boston Celtics were in Atlanta to face the Hawks. Tell us a little bit about that weekend.

DS: It’s a 13-day road trip and about five or six games. There wasn’t even time to think, that’s how fast it happened. I get to Atlanta and I meet with the AD and everybody. Probably five minutes into the conversation, I was like, This is real right here. We were talking, getting to know each other, trying to gauge if it was a fit. Let’s see if Damon’s personality, his demeanor and his style fit Georgia Tech. So we go from that dinner to, Well, can you meet in the morning with the president? And that’s the morning that we’re playing the Hawks. We ended up meeting at seven in the morning. And as I’m getting on the first bus, I get a call and they said, Hey, man, it looks like you might be the guy. They want to start speeding this up. So we get through the game, get back to the hotel and start hammering out contract details. It was bittersweet, honestly. But things happened so quickly. And then right after that game in Houston, I got [on] a plane, came right back to Tech, had a press conference that morning, [and] then boom, you’re hitting the ground running.

SLAM: After you were hired, you said, “I always tell people, unless somebody tells me different, I have never known a guy that’s gotten a job that he chases.” What did you mean?

DS: Only a select few are chosen to accelerate the process. But most of us have to go through the process. There’s a trajectory to get to where we’ve got to go. I always tell guys, You’ve got to be patient and don’t be ambitious. Do the best job in the position that you’re in, because trust me, people notice that. I remember when Lawrence Frank got the Detroit Pistons job. I didn’t know Lawrence from a can of paint, and he didn’t know me. But I got a call from him about joining his staff because he had talked to people about me and they told him I was a hard worker, I’d be great for him. For me, that’s one of the biggest compliments I ever got. For somebody that you don’t know to call you and want you to join their staff—man, that doesn’t happen a whole lot.

SLAM: There have been so many great point guards who have come through Georgia Tech. Are you going to continue that tradition? 

DS: The point guard has been synonymous with Tech, and I want that tradition to continue. But at the same time, there’s been some great forwards to come through Tech. I’m looking for the next Chris Bosh, Derrick Favors. I played with John Salley in Toronto. 

For me, the biggest thing is getting Tech back to prominence. It’s a great city, it’s a great institution and it’s a great basketball conference. I remember growing up and wanting to play in the ACC. The ACC Tournament was the biggest thing for me growing up, even as a West Coast guy. When I look at the league and the success the league has had over the course of time, it just makes it more exciting for me to be at Tech.

Portraits by Marcus Stevens. Photos via Getty Images.

The post Damon Stoudamire Talks Vision for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Returning the Program to ‘Prominence’ appeared first on SLAM.

The United States will enter the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in August as the second- ranked country in the world.

Yes, the second-ranked country.

For the first time in more than a decade, US men’s basketball slipped to No. 2 in the FIBA world rankings back in November. The top spot currently belongs to Spain, winners of the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket—the championship of Europe for men’s national teams—and the 2019 FIBA World Cup (a tournament in which the Americans finished seventh). The US does not send its A-team to events such as the FIBA AmeriCup, where it came in third last year after being knocked out by Argentina, but the results of those tournaments still impact the rankings. And while the squad put together for the Tokyo Olympics emerged victorious two summers ago, it lost to France during the preliminary round and only won by 5, 87-82, in a rematch in the Final. 

You don’t have to look hard for proof that the game is growing around the world. The three finalists for the 2023 NBA MVP hailed from countries outside the United States—winner Joel Embiid (Cameroon) and runners-up Nikola Jokic (Serbia) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)—as well as six of the top eight vote-getters. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) finished fifth, followed by Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) in seventh and Luka Doncic (Slovenia) in eighth. This marked the fifth straight season that a foreign-born player was crowned MVP, dating back to Antetokounmpo’s first triumph in 2019.

Most of those stars have confirmed that they intend to play in the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. This year’s event will be the second to feature 32 teams and the first to be hosted by multiple nations. It’s also the gateway to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as seven countries will qualify based on their performances: two from the Americas, two from Europe, one from Africa, one from Asia and one from Oceania.

For the US, the tournament will be far from a cakewalk, regardless of who lands on the team’s final roster. 

“There are quality players around the world—I think we’re starting to see that,” says Carlan Gay, deputy editor at The Sporting News and an announcer for international competitions. “Four of the five that finished at the top of the MVP voting aren’t American born—that just tells you that the world isn’t catching up, it has caught up.” 

“I think that we have this idea that, well, if it’s not American, it’s not as good,” says Jeff Taylor, an international basketball commentator since 1997. “I understood immediately watching the [1997] EuroBasket—watching a game between Poland and Germany—I was struck by how good they were.” 

Taylor has covered most of FIBA’s flagship events since then, observing firsthand how the level of talent has risen in other countries. “It’s grown exponentially,” he tells SLAM. “I think it was already good at the time, but I think there are different factors at work here [that have made it even better].”

For one, an increasing number of Europeans jumped to the NBA in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The success of guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Tony Parker helped erase stigmas about foreign players—mainly, that they were too soft and not athletic enough to succeed in the States—and inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

Emerging talents overseas join top professional organizations as teenagers, where they are exposed to elite coaching and stiff competition that accelerates their development. Doncic signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid at the age of 13, and No. 1 NBA draft prospect Victor Wembanyama has been a pro since he was 15. Of course, those high-level prospects also join their respective national team programs early on, which facilitates even more growth.

“There’s more opportunity for development within your national team program [overseas],” says University of Alabama assistant coach Ryan Pannone, who has previously coached in the NBA, G League, China Germany, Slovakia and Israel. “And the pressure those guys are playing under and the pride for their national teams is really high. [For example], Luka was playing within the national team obviously from a very young age in Slovenia, and he was in the academy within Real Madrid in Spain. So he’s getting professional coaching seven days a week from coaches whose full-time jobs are to make sure he develops; and then in the summer, he’s in the national team system of Slovenia, where he’s playing in high-pressure-filled games.”

Basketball journeyman Scotty Hopson, who has played in 10 countries and suited up for the 2018 USA World Cup Qualifying Team, notes that the “athleticism level” has increased among international players. “Whenever I go to these countries and play against other teams and players, I feel like they always have a knowledge of basketball that’s pretty high level,” says Hopson. “And now you add the component that guys are starting to get more athletic, starting to understand how to take care of their bodies, how to train more.”

It’s important to mention that the FIBA game is different—harder, in a lot of ways. Quarters are 10 minutes long as opposed to 12. The court is smaller (91 feet-10 inches by 49 feet-2.5 inches, compared to the NBA’s 94 feet by 50 feet), and the three-point line is about a foot closer. There’s no defensive three seconds, and goaltending rules are modified: players are allowed to swat the ball off the cylinder as soon as it touches the rim.

All of these changes result in a distinct style of play: more strategic and methodical, less spaced. Teams value possessions more because there are fewer of them. On defense, it’s easier to pack the paint and provide help. Closeouts are faster—there’s not as much ground to cover—so coaches emphasize shooting and making quick reads. “The game internationally can be very physical, very tactical. And if you’re going to play it, you have to be very intelligent,” explains Taylor.

“The game in Europe is way harder than the game in the NBA,” Antetokounmpo said last September. “The talent obviously in the NBA is way higher, but the space [is better]—you have a lot of lanes to drive the ball, a lot of lanes to create. Over there it’s more intense.” 

During the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket last summer, Antetokounmpo had to work extremely hard for his points, as opponents clogged the middle and sent double or triple teams his way. “And in the past, this has helped me a lot, like when I came back from [the World Cup] in 2019,” he added. “That was the year we went to the bubble. The first couple of games, I felt like the court was huge.”

“Is it harder? Yes, because I think you really need to have quick thinking,” Jokic said about the international game after EuroBasket. “In the NBA, if you go by the guy, you can see the help is coming. In Europe, help is always there. So you need to think and play ahead.” That challenge helped Jokic evolve into the playmaker that he is today and made transitioning to the NBA much easier. Similarly, Doncic told SLAM in 2022: “I think from [Europe] comes my reading the game, all the passing skills.”

Thus, current and future NBA players can benefit tremendously from participating in FIBA events, especially given the intensity of those environments. Many of those players also assume bigger roles for their national teams, which allows them to showcase other parts of their games. Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, for example, shined as the number one option for Finland at the 2022 EuroBasket, averaging 27.9 points on 54 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from three.

When he returned to the States for the 2022-23 NBA season, Jazz head coach Will Hardy encouraged Markkanen to play exactly as he had for Finland—confident, assertive, in more of a central role. And Markkanen had the best year of his NBA career, making his first All-Star team and winning the Most Improved Player award.

Says Coach Pannone, who was an assistant for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022-23, “Obviously, Lauri Markkanen and the way that panned out doesn’t happen for every [NBA] team, but [FIBA events] certainly give you the chance to see one of your players in more of a star role—how they’re used, how they handle it, how successful they are. And you get that opportunity without it costing you games by trying to experiment with that throughout the NBA season.”

Markkanen will be with Finland again this summer for the World Cup. Other international players expected to compete include Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Sabonis, Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert (France), Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic), Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia), Franz Wagner (Germany), Josh Giddey (Australia), Nikola Vucevic (Montenegro), Jordan Clarkson (Philippines) and more. The US will likely enter the tournament as a significant favorite, but the depth of talent this year will once again make the road to the Naismith Trophy very difficult.

“Whether you’re from the United States or not, there’s going to be amazing competition here because the level of basketball in this World Cup, I think, will be unprecedented,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said during an episode of One Sports’ The Game.

Defending champions Spain should have another formidable roster, led by veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, MVP of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and Willy Hernangomez, MVP of the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket. Australia, ranked third, should have Giddey and several other NBA players, including Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Matisse Thybulle, Josh Green and Jock Landale. The likely presence of Antetokounmpo, Doncic and Jokic ensures that Greece, Slovenia and Serbia will all be tough opponents. Canada could be stacked with household names: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, Lu Dort, Dillon Brooks and more. And then, of course, there’s France, a country that nearly toppled the United States in the Tokyo Olympics and should have a similar squad, plus the 7-4 phenom Wembanyama. 

The list of worthy competitors for the ’23 World Cup title goes on and on—each one composed of prideful players determined to reach the podium for their countries. 

“You can go down the list of guys who really take pride in putting on that [national team] jersey,” says Gay. “I don’t think it’s something that we truly understand in North America—how much passion there is for basketball outside of these borders and how much passion there is for performing on the world stage for your country—because of the NBA factor. I think kids around the world grow up not dreaming to be in the NBA but dreaming to play and win a World Cup and win an Olympic gold medal.”

“Representing your national team, it’s heavy,” said Antetokounmpo in September. “You represent your whole country.”

Asked about facing Antetokounmpo during the 2019 FIBA World Cup, then-United States head coach Gregg Popovich said this of international superstars: “When they play for their countries, we like to say that they become superheroes. They get together and, through their relationships and their views about their game, they just form a team that—they fall in love with each other. They enjoy playing with each other. And that goes across the board for everybody that’s in the tournament. A lot of them have grown up together, a lot of them have spent a lot of time playing together, and you can see that.”

“The biggest advantage I felt like [other countries] had was that those teams play together for years and years and years,” Hopson reiterates. He speaks from experience, having lost to a cohesive and well-coached Argentina squad during qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. “You’re going into a situation where you’re playing against guys who have probably been playing together since they were kids. They have an advantage with that because the chemistry is already built.” 

Combine that chemistry with the rising talent and the hunger of players to win for their countries and the US will certainly have its hands full trying to reclaim the World Cup title and the No. 1 FIBA ranking.

“The gap has closed, but also, the fear factor is gone,” Gay says. “No one’s afraid to play Team USA. In fact, they’re circling that date on the calendar to try to make history.”

SLAM 244 is also available in this exclusive Gold Metal Edition.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post International Superstars are Now Dominating the Game More Than Ever Before 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.

In the Western Conference, one of the most anticipated matchups is between the Dallas Mavericks (No. 4) and Utah Jazz (No. 5) which is a series that will begin on Saturday night. The Mavericks finished the regular season with a record of 52-30, which gave them the slight edge on the Jazz (49-33) for home court advantage. As such, Dallas will host the first two games of the series and also Game 7 if it’s needed. This could become a huge advantage to get the series off on the right foot and potentially close it out at home.

Any advantage will be key for the Mavs, as their superstar in Luka Doncic is expected to miss Game 1 and potentially Game 2 with a calf strain.

The Mavericks had a fairly slow start to the season, but ultimately got better as it went on. Gradual growth and improvement is a good sign for Dallas, as the team could be peaking at the right time. Early in the season, Jalen Brunson began to emerge as a legitimate piece of the roster. He’ll be a primary scorer for the Mavs during the postseason. Alongside him in the backcourt will be Spencer Dinwiddie, who was the cornerstone piece of the Kristaps Porzingis trade with the Washington Wizards at the deadline.

While defense was something that’s held the Mavericks back during the past few seasons, it’s been a strength in the 2021-22 campaign. They finished the regular season as the seventh-best team on that end of the floor with a defensive rating of 101.9. Additionally, Dallas was well-disciplined and took great care of the ball. The Mavs’ 1025 turnovers on the season were the third-fewest of any team.

Lacking a dominant center could detrimental for the Mavs in this series, as they’ll go up against a a deep frontcourt team. Utah was a top-three rebounding team this season, while the Mavericks finished 24th in the league. On the flip side, if Dallas is able to have success using their unique floor-spacing bigs and small ball lineups, Utah could have to play out of character to match up.

Dallas hasn’t won a playoff series since its championship run back in 2011. As such, the Mavs are on one of the longest active droughts in the NBA when it comes to winning a postseason series. Could this be the first time in over a decade that they advance past the first round?

If the Mavericks are going to have success without Doncic, it will likely come down to Dinwiddie and Brunson. Both have been extremely effective this season whether their superstar teammate is on the floor or not. If they struggle while Doncic is out, the Jazz could jump out to an early series lead before heading back to Utah.

Utah had a strong start to the season, but has really struggled of late. In fact, the Jazz went just 7-8 over their final 15 games of the season. While Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have been great once again, the production from the role players around them has been fairly inconsistent. There’s no question Utah has the pieces to make a championship push, but will they all come together and play at the top of their games when it matters most? Scoring shouldn’t be a problem, as Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley are able to score 20 points each on any given night.

During the regular season, the Jazz took second-most shots from deep (40.3 per game) and knocked down 36.0% of them. They also did a great job at getting to the rim and drawing fouls, finishing fourth in the league in free throw attempts this season with 23.4 per game. These are just some of the things that led Utah to the top offensive rating (11.2) in the NBA this season. What’s most interesting about the Jazz offense is that it’s heavily in isolation, as they were bottom five in both assists per game and assist percentage.

However, the playoffs are all about superstars and who can get a bucket when it’s needed, so perhaps that style of play will work in Utah’s favor. The Jazz also don’t take a ton of shots, playing with a slower pace and attempting the sixth-fewest shots in the league this season. This isn’t dissimilar from the Mavericks, who were in the bottom five in terms of field goal attempts in the regular season.

One of the best defenders in the entire NBA, Gobert will be a major factor on that end of the floor against the Mavs. Since the All-Star break, he’s limited opponents to 39.1% when he’s the closest defender.

The duo of Mitchell and Gobert has certainly had its flaws in the past. If the Jazz aren’t able to get out of the first round this season, could it be time for a major roster shakeup? It seems this series could directly impact what the Utah roster looks like moving forward.

In four games during the 2021-22 campaign, the Jazz and Mavericks have split the regular season series. Utah won the first two matchups of the season, while Dallas won the two more recently. That’s indicative of the seasons these two teams have had, as the Jazz looked better to start but the Mavs have been better down the stretch.

Outside of the primary stars in this series, there are several players for both teams that could really impact the outcomes. For Utah, Conley and Rudy Gay are veterans that have the experience to shine in the big moments. However, if they struggle the Jazz could have a rough series. For Dallas, Davis Bertans and Reggie Bullock will be important offensively, as they have the firepower to fill it up from beyond the arc. If they aren’t converting from deep and producing points, the Mavericks’ offense could stall.

The post NBA Playoff Preview: Dallas Mavericks Take On Utah Jazz appeared first on SLAM.

Go to Dyckman or West 4^th or Gersh on a Saturday afternoon and watch some pickup basketball. The energy, passion and drive that you see isn’t common in parks across the globe—it’s a New York thing. Queens native and celebrity jeweler Greg Yuna knows all about it. In fact, having grown up surrounded by it, he has brought the same type of mentality to his own successful venture.

“Basketball inspired all of us, especially being from New York. If you were in New York, you ended up playing in a city park,” Yuna tells SLAM. “Basketball is a competitive sport; everyone played basketball growing up. It’s just super competitive—you take that and then you apply it to your real life. Once you hop off the court, it’s the same shit. This jewelry world is basically my basketball court. So, it’s like, how many times can we dunk this week?”

Yuna established his luxury jewelry brand in the heart of Manhattan’s Diamond District back in 2017. Given his creativity, unique aesthetic and relentless drive, the company has flourished ever since. He feeds off the energy of his hometown—the same energy that permeates the blacktop courts and helped inspire the birth of SLAM over twenty-five years ago. “Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t stop. And New York City is one of those places that just doesn’t stop,” Yuna says. “It’s just go, go, go, go.”

SLAM was founded in 1994, in NYC, as a publication covering the intersection of basketball and hip-hop culture. It was a celebration of the game played not just in massive arenas, but in parks and playgrounds like Dyckman, West 4^th and Gersh. Through the years, the magazine has cemented itself as “The Basketball Bible,” while continuing to tackle the worlds of music, sneakers, fashion, art and more. 

In his thriving business, Yuna blends a lot of those worlds, too. He has partnered with lifestyle brands such as Nike, Boss and Kith, and created jewelry for clients such as Floyd Mayweather, Drake, Nigel Sylvester, Russell Westbrook, Rudy Gay, PJ Tucker and Al Harrington. His attention to detail and care with each product—from rings to bracelets to necklaces—has earned him a reputation as “The Cleanest.”

“It speaks for itself, really,” Yuna says about the nickname. “I pay really, really close attention [to my pieces]. I prioritize in making sure that everything is super clean and just perfect. My eye starts twitching when something’s off. I just like to keep it very crisp.” 

In collaborating with SLAM, Yuna maintained that same approach to craft the one-of-one “Basketball Bible” chain, a pendant made from 14K gold. Three diamonds were encrusted in the stars of SLAM’s logo, which is featured in the middle of the piece, and engraved details include SLAM’s origin year in roman numerals and two major taglines: “Respect The Game” and “The Basketball Bible.” Yuna’s team sandblasted the gold to give it a more authentic feel.

“The Basketball Bible” pendant and chain is available now.

“Every time I picked up a bible it was always a textured feel. It was never like shiny; it was always, like, rough,” Yuna explains. “I thought to apply that to the piece that we’re making. It’s not always about making a jewelry piece shiny. It’s about bringing the art out of it. We sandblasted the piece to give it that textured feel and brought it to life.”

The pendant, which drops on December 10, is priced at $9,400. Whoever ends up with it, wherever in the world they might be, should know this: it’s a product of New York City—of the energy, passion and drive that floods the basketball courts and the Diamond District. 

“Automatically, you should feel special getting a one-of-one piece,” Yuna says. “My team and I, we put something together where it’s actually art. I feel like it should be cherished.”

Greg Yuna’s one-of-one art piece features detailed engravings of SLAM’s founding year in Roman numerals, our slogan running down the piece’s spine and the iconic SLAM logo finished off with diamonds. SHOP NOW.

The post Celebrity Jeweler Greg Yuna Collabs with SLAM to Create ‘The Basketball Bible’ One-Of-One 14K Gold Chain appeared first on SLAM.

However, the Jazz will likely have to wait a few weeks to begin to benefit from Gay’s production. 

As first reported by Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune, Gay will miss the preseason and start of the regular season with a left heel injury. Gay had surgery performed on his left heel immediately following the conclusion of last season and is still working his way back from that procedure.

Last season with the Spurs, Gay averaged 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game off the bench. A quality 3-point shooter, he converted on 38.1% of his 4.4 attempts from deep per game. 

Upon his return, Gay should be one of the most important pieces of the Utah roster.

The post Jazz Forward Rudy Gay Set to Miss Start of Season appeared first on SLAM.

According to Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune, newcomer Rudy Gay will miss the start of the regular season due to recent surgery on his heel.

Gay had surgery on his left heel immediately following the end of the season, well before the Jazz signed him in free agency. According to Walden, a team spokesperson for the Jazz said they don’t expect Gay’s injury to be a long-term situation.

Gay signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Jazz after spending the past four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. In those four seasons, Gay averaged 11.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, down from his career average of 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as he took on a lesser role.

The Jazz will be looking to build on its incredibly impressive regular season in 2020-21, which saw them finish with the best record in the NBA of 52-20. Unfortunately for the Jazz, their season ended in the Western Conference Semi-Finals, falling in six games to the Los Angeles Clippers.

On Friday, Utah will officially begin its campaign for the 2021-22 season, playing its opening preseason game against the Spurs.

The post REPORT: Rudy Gay to Miss Start of Season Due to Surgery appeared first on SLAM.

Paschall, who finished sixth in NBA Rookie of the Year voting in 2019-20 (above third overall pick R.J. Barrett), has career averages 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 23.5 minutes per game (on 49.7 percent shooting from the field).

For the Jazz, who have signed veteran forward Rudy Gay and re-signed All-Star guard Mike Conley while acquiring the rights to rookie guard Jared Butler in the 2021 NBA Draft, the addition of Paschall furthers the team’s efforts to be a formidable offensive team.

Already boasting one of the league preeminent perimeter talents in Donovan Mitchell and a bevy of excellent outside shooters, players like Paschall not only provides the second unit with useful offensive talent on the surface but another player that can create their own scoring opportunities when defenses tighten in the playoffs.

Paschall is also considered a respectable man-on-man defender, which likely appeals to Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and a front office that have built a daunting defense anchored by three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.

The post Warriors Trade Eric Paschall to Jazz for Second-Round Pick appeared first on SLAM.

According to multiple reports, veteran forward Rudy Gay has agreed to a two-year deal with the Jazz in his pursuit to remain on a championship-contender late in his career.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Gay’s deal is $12.1 million contract that includes a player option for the second season.

Gay will be 35-years-old at the start of the 2021-22 season but his age is the least important number, as he averaged 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game with the San Antonio Spurs last season while boasting a career scoring average of 16.8 points per game.

Following his move to Utah, Gay will now be suiting up for his fifth NBA team in 15 years, having previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Spurs over that time.

In 2020-21, the Jazz amassed an impressive 52-20 record—the best in the revered Western Conference—before being bounced in the second round by the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post REPORT: Rudy Gay Signs Two-Year, $12.1 Million Deal with Jazz appeared first on SLAM.

The Jazz have pushed the luxury tax significantly keeping Conley on the roster, as both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have recently signed five-year extensions worth $368 million combined.

Amid the news, Conley took to Twitter excitedly announcing his return:

Conley’s past two seasons with Utah have been dampened by recurring hamstring issues, resulting in him sitting out of the Jazz’s entire Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Although injuries have been no stranger to the well-rounded veteran, he’s still been a key figure in Utah’s backcourt, tallying a stat line of 16.2 points, 6.0 assists and 3.5 boards per game on 44.4 percent shooting from the field (42.1 percent from three).

The new deal also allows Conley to be reunited with former Grizzlies teammate, Rudy Gay, who has signed a two-year deal with the Jazz.

The post REPORT: All-Star Mike Conley Agrees to 3-Year, $72.5M Contract with Jazz appeared first on SLAM.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Spurs are receiving and listening to calls on multiple rotation players: LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Trey Lyles.

All five of these players have a wealth of NBA experience and could help nearly any contender get one step closer to making a deep playoff push.

It might make sense for the Spurs to be sellers at the deadline and move some of these veteran pieces who, coincidentally, are all set to be free agents this offseason.

With their core of young talent, this is the first time San Antonio has had four players under 30-years-old averaging double figures since their 2003 championship team. Consequently, with the young core of Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV, San Antonio should be comfortable parting ways with a couple of these veterans and still being pretty competitive. 

If the Spurs are able to get more young talent or draft capital for guys like these, their future will only continue to get brighter. Especially in the player development system that has been put together in San Antonio, the more young talent, the better. 

The post Spurs Listening to Offers for DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge at Trade Deadline appeared first on SLAM.

While this is a day we will never forget, as Hammon accomplished something that had never been done, Rudy Gay had a unique perspective on the situation. Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press reported that Gay is looking forward to the day where this accomplishment is normal.

“I look forward to the day where none of this is news, just people accomplishing things and everybody having a chance and everybody having a shot at the same thing.”

Popovich had great things to say about Hammon after her head coaching debut as he talked about how much she earned this opportunity. 

“It’s been business as usual from the beginning. We didn’t hire Becky to make history. She earned it. She is qualified. She’s wonderful at what she does. I wanted her on my staff because of the work that she does. And she happens to be a woman, which basically should be irrelevant but it’s not in our world, as we’ve seen as it’s been so difficult for women to obtain certain positions. It was business as usual for us.”

After the game, Hammon looked back on her first game acting as head coach and how this huge milestone came about.

“He [Popovich] officially pointed at me. That was it. Said, ‘You’ve got them.’ Obviously, it’s a big deal. It’s a substantial moment.”

Becky Hammon is truly paving the way for women in sports. Over the past several years, we’ve seen several female assistant coaches in the NFL. The NBA currently has ten women that hold assistant coaching positions, including Hammon in San Antonio who took things to a whole new level on Wednesday night. 

The post Becky Hammon Makes History as First Woman to Serve as NBA Head Coach appeared first on SLAM.

This year, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker may just be polished enough for the Spurs to keep winning ball games while also shaping their future core. Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan have looked nice so far but LaMarcus Aldridge has been slow out of the gates.

For more information about the numbers behind our Heat Check series, hop over to our main Heat Check 2020-21 post.

Dejounte Murray	18.5p, 7.5r, 7.3a
Keldon Johnson	12.3p, 7.0r, 2.8a
Lonnie Walker IV	14.3p, 4.0r, 2.0a
DeMar DeRozan	21.5p, 5.5r, 8.3a
Patty Mills	14.0p, 2.0r, 3.0a
Rudy Gay	12.0p, 5.3r, 1.5a
Jakob Poeltl	6.0p, 7.3r, 1.8a	–
Drew Eubanks	4.0p, 5.0r, 0.0a	–
Trey Lyles	1.5p, 1.5r, 0.5a
Keita Bates-Diop	0.0p, 0.0r, 0.0a
Luka Samanic	0.0p, 0.0r, 0.0a
LaMarcus Aldridge	12.0p, 4.3r, 2.0a

Team-by-Team Breakdown

The post Heat Check 2020-21: San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

We broke down the Spurs’ depth chart for the 2020-21 season below. We’ve also previously published a summary of the Spurs’ offseason.

Biggest Questions

• Are LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan going to be flipped before the trade deadline? Both are on the wrong side of 30 and in the final year of their respective contracts.
• Is Devin Vassell one of the best value picks of the 2020 NBA Draft? With his size and versatility, he could be a mismatch problem down the road in San Antonio.

All NBA Team Offseason Summaries

The post San Antonio Spurs: Projected 2020-21 Depth Chart appeared first on SLAM.

The injury occurred during a pickup game in Southern Californa on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Marc Spears. Thompson needed to be helped off the court.

Thompson will be forced to miss a second consecutive season after he sat out the 2019-20 campaign with a torn ACL in his left knee. He hasn’t played in an NBA game since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals.

He’s expected to make a full recovery.

The Warriors had hopes of bouncing back in 2020-21 with their championship trio of Stephen Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green returning to the court.

Without Thompson, who will make $35.4 million next season, Golden State may have to temper expectations for next season.

After Wednesday’s NBA Draft, Warriors GM Bob Myers spoke to the media about how Thompson’s injury could alter the team’s roster plans. “We needed wing depth anyway,” he said.

After the news broke of Thompson’s season-ending injury, NBA and WNBA players alike took to social media to wish Thompson a speedy recovery.

Come on basketball gods this is not fair!!! @KlayThompson wishing you speedy recovery.

— Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) November 19, 2020

Damn @KlayThompson prayers up for a healthy recovery

— Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) November 19, 2020

small thing to a giant https://t.co/TnYFsv6q9C

— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) November 19, 2020

Prayers up for my man @KlayThompson hate to see stuff like this! https://t.co/LmLXd4ut6T

— Eric Paschall (@epaschall) November 19, 2020

@KlayThompson

— 13am Adebayo (@Bam1of1) November 19, 2020

Man that’s tough… get well Klay praying for you https://t.co/cx5B5fiO7c

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) November 19, 2020

Bro was looking unbelievable too smh! Speedy Recovery Bro… the game needs you @KlayThompson https://t.co/VXDrHzhUIk

— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) November 19, 2020

Praying for @KlayThompson

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) November 19, 2020

This is awful news! Praying for a healthy recovery https://t.co/XXR7JcKDZ6

— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) November 19, 2020

Wow. for @KlayThompson! His comeback story is going to be epic. https://t.co/ajKZkoH02g

— Danielle Robinson (@justDROB) November 19, 2020

@KlayThompson

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) November 19, 2020

Praying for @KlayThompson hoping he has a speedy recovery! Smh

— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) November 19, 2020

that sucks man. Praying for him https://t.co/o4wfqdRO0m

— Anfernee Simons (@AnferneeSimons) November 19, 2020

https://t.co/RtTvs3yUOC

— Lexie Brown (@lexiekiah_4) November 19, 2020

@KlayThompson praying for you bro! God speed https://t.co/CijEaOkjJV

— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) November 19, 2020

Damn Klay

— Bria Hartley (@Breezyyy14) November 19, 2020

Never like to see a brotha go Down!!! Prayers up https://t.co/Ls2EcVDJZh

— Langston Galloway (@LangGalloway10) November 19, 2020

The post Klay Thompson Suffers Torn Achilles Tendon appeared first on SLAM.

San Antonio’s current veteran stars — LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan — don’t seem like they really want to be there. However, while they might be looking forward to becoming free agents in 2021 (DeRozan can actually decline his player option for the 2020-21 season if he would like), it means that the Spurs will either take another step back in the 2021-22 season or that they put more pressure on themselves to expedite their rebuild.

Frankly, with a lottery pick and the chance to cut a substantial chunk of their team payroll in a summer when there will be a sizable amount of marquee free agents, San Antonio’s future isn’t as bleak as it may seem. The Spurs have just been dominant for so long that the rebuild feels as if it’s taking much longer than it really is.

Related: Full San Antonio Spurs 2020 Salary Cap Preview

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Spurs Draft Needs

There’s a perfect player for the Spurs to select with their lottery pick in Saddiq Bey. However, finding out how to utilize their second-round selection will be a bit more tricky for San Antonio.

It’s no secret that the Spurs have been somewhat resistant to falling in line with the rest of the NBA when it comes to taking 3-point shots. Not that they weren’t efficient when they did take them, shooting .376 from deep last season (4th in the NBA). It’s just that they didn’t do so too often; their 28.5 3-point attempts per game ranked 28th in the NBA.

That said, while improving their potency from behind-the-arc will help them transform a traditional offense into a modern one, San Antonio’s primary issues last season were on the defensive end. With five rotation players that were at least 30-years-old last season, the Spurs needs to get younger and more athletic in their frontcourt.

2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist

What The Mocks Are Saying

Projected Roster

The post San Antonio Spurs: 2020 NBA Draft Preview appeared first on SLAM.

In addition to a summary for each of the 30 teams (accessible in the link grid below), we’ve also tiered the top NBA free agents league-wide and published a general comparison of all teams’ cap space. Follow @SLAMnewswire on Twitter for constant offseason updates as we head into free agency.

Projected Roster Players

Projected Free Agents

2020 NBA Draft Picks

Projected Waived Players

Exceptions Available

• Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception – $9,258,000
• Bi-Annual Exception – $3,623,000

Key Offseason Decisions

• Will DeMar DeRozan pick up his player option at $27M? At midseason there was reporting that DeRozan would decline his option and look to move on from San Antonio. A lot has changed since then. With so few teams poised to have cap space in an uncertain market, it’s now more likely DeRozan opts in for 2021.
• Can San Antonio reach an agreement with Jakob Poeltl on a new contract before having to match an offer sheet? There are few impact centers in this free agent class, and even fewer are as young as Poeltl. Any of the cap space teams could use him. That could force the Spurs to have to match richer contract than they would have offered outright.
• Will the Spurs sign Derrick White to a contract extension? San Antonio prefers to lock their players up when they can. They signed Dejounte Murray to a four-year, $64M deal that starts this upcoming season. White and Murry overlap position, but have shown they can also play together. Look for San Antonio to try to get him to sign a similarly team-friendly extension.

Projected Team Salary

$159,597,732

The Spurs are the Spurs. They probably won’t do anything flashy, but whatever they do will work. Injuries caused them to fall off this past season, but they’ll be right back in the mix in 2021. Look for them to try to lock up Derrick White to a team-friendly extension like the one Dejounte Murray signed. Then San Antonio will hit the free agent bonanza in 2021 with only Murray and White making double-figure salaries. (@KeithSmithNBA)

Cap Space Forecast

-$50,457,732 (24^th out of 30). $13,295,284 under the Luxury Tax.

Team Salary Cap Outlooks

The post San Antonio Spurs: Salary Cap Space 2020 appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve listed the entire roster with comparisons to last year’s launch rating below. We’ve also identified some general NBA 2K21 ratings trends for the league as a whole.

Spurs NBA 2K21 Ratings

View the NBA 2K21 player ratings for other teams below.

The post San Antonio Spurs: NBA 2K21 Ratings appeared first on SLAM.

We all know that Trey Lyles can put numbers on the board when given the opportunity – he did so sporadically in Denver and Utah – so the 14.4 and 6.2 he posted in March (up from 5.7 and 5.7 previously) should come as no surprise. Unfortunately he won’t be available in the bubble due to an emergency appendectomy.

Derrick White, who can seemingly dial his own production up and down depending on what head coach Gregg Popovich needs at the moment, will be available and eager to build off his own momentum. White averaged 13.6 points and 4.0 assists in March and has previously taken on larger roles when injuries necessitated it.

The rest of the team’s sneaky good backcourt youth movement is even more impressive. Dejounte Murray’s stat line crept from 10.4 points 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists before March to 13.8, 6.3 and 4.8 before the shutdown. That all-around production could continue to grow in the bubble as Murray takes the reins of the franchise.

Lonnie Walker IV and Keldon Johnson, too, showed signs of potential in March and could be the next opportunistic breakout performers on a roster full of them, especially if the postseason falls out of reach and this team has little to do in the bubble but focus on player development.

Heat Check San Antonio Spurs

Trey Lyles
Keldon Johnson
Dejounte Murray
Derrick White
LaMarcus Aldridge
Lonnie Walker IV
Drew Eubanks
Rudy Gay
Quinndary Weatherspoon
Patty Mills
DeMar DeRozan
Marco Belinelli
Bryn Forbes

Team-by-Team Breakdown

The post Heat Check (Hiatus): San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

“I don’t support going into Orlando,” said Irving, per The Athletics‘ Shams Charania. “I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. … Something smells a little fishy. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are targeted as black men every day we wake up.”

The call, which reportedly lasted 90-100 minutes, focused on “combating systemic racism, investing in black communities and sticking together through this process,” reports Yahoo’s Chris Haynes. Several players suggested that they’d be willing to sit out the remainder of the season, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

While Irving made it known he was against resuming the NBA season, he said he would travel to Orlando if the players agreed it was the right decision.

“If it’s worth the risk, then let’s go and do it,” said Irving, per Haynes. “But if you’re not with it, it’s OK, too. We’ve got options for both ways. Let’s just come to a middle ground as a family.”

According to Haynes, WNBA players on the call vowed to stand united with the NBA counterparts, as they prepare for a season tipoff in July.

NBA players on Friday’s call included:

• Kyrie Irving, Nets
• Kevin Durant, Nets
• Spencer Dinwiddie, Nets
• Garrett Temple, Nets
• Chris Paul, Thunder
• Russell Westbrook, Rockets
• CJ McCollum, Blazers
• Carmelo Anthony, Blazers
• Zach Collins, Blazers
• Joel Embiid, Sixers
• Tobias Harris, Sixers
• Dwight Howard, Lakers
• Avery Bradley, Lakers
• Donovan Mitchell, Jazz
• Mike Conley, Jazz
• Malcolm Brogdon, Pacers
• Myles Turner, Pacers
• Justin Holiday, Pacers
• Al-Farouq Aminu, Magic
• Mo Bamba, Magic
• Kyle Lowry, Raptors
• Lou Williams, Clippers
• Andre Iguodala, Heat
• Rudy Gay, Spurs
• Harrison Barnes, Kings
• Mason Plumlee, Nuggets

WNBA players included:

• Tiffany Hayes, Dream
• Renee Montgomery, Dream
• Kristi Toliver, Sparks
• Natasha Cloud, Mystics

RELATED: NBA Players Planning To Take Stand Against 2019-20 Season Restart

The post Kyrie Irving Plays Key Role in Conference Call Featuring 80+ NBA Players appeared first on SLAM.

Each member of the SLAM Fam was assigned a team to pick for. Below are the results + explanations.

Special Offer: Click Here To Get 15% Off NBA Store With Code NBASLAM15

—

1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Anthony Edwards (6-5 Guard, Georgia)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 40% shooting from the field

First things first: The Golden State Warriors are not about to draft a third Splash Brother. Anthony Edwards may not be a great three-point shooter, but that’s arguably the only thing he doesn’t already do at an elite level. As he showed pretty much every night during an SEC Freshman of the Year campaign at Georgia—and as comparisons to Donovan Mitchell, Victor Oladipo, and even Dwyane Wade make clear—the 6-5, 225-pound combo guard has all the tools necessary to be a difference maker in the NBA. With Steph and Klay both in their 30s and coming off major injuries, the Dubs need to be thinking about the backcourt of the future. Edwards could be their next All-Star SG. — Ryan Jones

2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: LaMelo Ball (6-8 Guard, Illawarra Hawks of the NBL)

AGE: 19 years old

2019-20 STATS: 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals, shooting 38% from the field

I’m gonna ignore that this pick adds a third point guard to a young team and just roll with the kid that I think is an incredible talent that any team would be lucky to have. Last we saw of LaMelo, he was a 6-7 point guard who can shoot from deep, put the ball on the floor and make the smart pass. Now I hear he’s sprouted to 6-8, grown into his lanky frame and become a more confident playmaker. That’s tough to pass on, regardless when the pick is being made. I realize this would create a logjam at the PG spot—LaMelo, Collin Sexton and Darius Garland seem unlikely to successfully share the ball—but it gives Cleveland a hell of a group of young players to develop and/or trade for other guys as the next season nears (or in the distant future). — Adam Figman

3. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: James Wiseman (7-1 Center, Memphis)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS (three games): 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, shooting 77% from the field

Karl-Anthony Towns’ capacity to match imposing physical size with guard-like quickness has proven to be the quality that separates him from many of the League’s bigs. James Wiseman has a skill-set, frame and athletic ability that almost mirrors that of Towns. Wiseman, who left Memphis after just three games, has consistent 20-point, 10-rebound potential written all over him. Pairing a forceful yet talented big man duo with D’Angelo Russell could be the right way to finally bring the Wolves back to the hunt. — Max Resetar

4. ATLANTA HAWKS: Obi Toppin (6-9 Forward, Dayton)

CLASS: Sophomore (22 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, shooting 63% from the field and 39% from three

The 6-9 redshirt sophomore became a SportsCenter regular thanks to his high-flying finishes, but overall was a super-efficient scorer despite a high usage. Prior to the NCAA suspending all remaining games, the Brooklyn native had positioned Dayton as a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Flyers held a 29-2 record—easily the best season in school history.  He was already named National POY by USA Today, CBS Sports, NBC Sports and The Athletic, and is widely considered the front-runner for the prestigious Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year award. Additionally, Toppin was the only unanimous selection for the AP All-America teams. While the Hawks already have John Collins and Clint Capella in the paint, Toppin’s resume is worthy of serious consideration. — Franklyn Calle

5. DETROIT PISTONS: Deni Avdija (6-9 Forward, Maccabi Tel Aviv)

AGE: 19 years old

2019-20 STATS: 7.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, shooting 51% from the field (19.8 mpg)

Four of the highest ceiling prospects have already come off the board, but the Detroit Pistons can still pocket a valuable building block with this No. 5 pick as they turn to the future. Despite the fact that they already have ambiguously tantalizing combo forward Sekou Doumbouya and breakout stretch Christian Wood, the Pistons should take a long look at 19-year-old utility forward Deni Avdija. Avdija has impressed as a transition quarterback in the Israeli Premier League and looks comfortable enough handling the ball and pulling up from beyond the arc to project as an intriguing offensive option at the next level. Defensively, his length and discipline should help him at least make an impact, but if he’s going to see time at the three, or even at the four, in today’s small ball era, he’ll need to show that he can match NBA speed and athleticism.  — Austin Kent

6. NEW YORK KNICKS: Cole Anthony (6-3 Guard, North Carolina)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, shooting 38% from the field and 35% from three

This just makes sense for so many reasons. 1) The Knicks continue to search for a consistent playmaker at the point guard position. Cole uses his explosive athleticism to get to the paint and put constant pressure on the defense. Which brings us to 2) The Knicks offense currently ranks 29th in the NBA and they desperately covet scoring. Cole averaged just under 20 points per game for the Tar Heels and, while a solid facilitator, is more aggressive than passive. Right now, the Garden needs that. And, of course, there’s 3) Cole grew up in New York City and his father, Greg Anthony, was a PG for the Knicks from 1991-95, when the team was making deep playoff runs. As long as Cole takes care of the ball and RJ Barrett improves his perimeter shooting, the two could form the backcourt that turns things around for a franchise that hasn’t finished over .500 since 2012-13. — Alex Squadron

7. CHICAGO BULLS: Tyrese Haliburton (6-5 Guard, Iowa State)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.5 steals, shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three

The underachieving Bulls showed that they need help in several areas—shooting and defense in particular. Iowa State sophomore point guard Tyrese Haliburton excels in those domains, and then some. Haliburton, who just turned 20, averaged 15.2 points (on 50/42/82 shooting splits), 6.5 dimes, 5.9 boards and 2.5 steals this season. A pass-first playmaker, he would fit perfectly alongside scorers Coby White and Zach LaVine. Standing 6-5 with a crazy wingspan, Haliburton could easily guard positions 1-3, giving Chicago more switch-ability on the perimeter. And not to be overlooked, Haliburton brings great character to a team—lauded by Iowa State coach Steve Prohm for his “winning demeanor.” — Ryne Nelson

8. CHARLOTTE HORNETS: RJ Hampton (6-5 Guard, New Zealand Breakers of the NBL)

AGE: 19 years old

2019-20 STATS: 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, shooting 40% from the field

RJ Hampton, a 6-5, 185-pound point guard would be a nice, perhaps long-term fit for the Charlotte Hornets. The 19-year-old, who skipped college and took his talents to Australia, would have an uphill battle for minutes in a backcourt featuring Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier. Hampton is an elite ball-handler—able to break down defenses with dribble penetration—and has plenty of athletic ability. Unlike most of his peers in the 2020 NBA Draft, RJ had a taste of the fierce competition that awaits him in the League. His New Zealand Breakers faced both the OKC Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies in a pair of exhibition games last October, and though his jumper struggled, Hampton knows he’s well on his way: “I’m having a lot of fun.” — Marcel Mutoni

9. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Onyeka Okongwu (6-9 Forward, USC)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 1.2 steals, shooting 62% from the field

If you’d heard of Onyeka Okongwu before 2018, it was probably as a footnote in a story about his world-famous high school teammates. Okongwu played at Chino Hills with the Ball brothers, where he spent his early years in anonymity before LaMelo left California for Lithuania. Thrust into a leading role, Big O led Chino to a state title, and added a 35-point, 14-rebound, five-block performance against Zion Williamson at the 2018 Hoophall Classic along the way. In one season at USC, the crazy athletic 6-9 big showed enough potential to warrant top-5 pick consideration. Okongwu’s NBA comparisons range everywhere from Montrezl Harrell to Bam Adebayo—at minimum, he’s a versatile defender who can step in right away and protect the rim for a Washington team sorely lacking in that area. Projecting him alongside a healthy Wall, Beal, Hachimura and (maybe) Bertans in 2020-21 would certainly have Wizards fans eyeing a return to the postseason. — Abe Schwadron

10. PHOENIX SUNS: Nico Mannion (6-3 Guard, Arizona)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 14.0 points, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, shooting 39% from the field

Nico Mannion is one of the smoothest and most skilled point guards in this year’s draft. His father, Pace Mannion, played in the NBA and finished his career in Italy, where Nico was born. Once they moved back to the states, Nico played in Phoenix at Pinnacle High School and then for the Arizona Wildcats. At 6-3, he has great pace and court vision. He’s smooth off the bounce and can create for himself and his teammates. He’s a shot maker and has all the tools to be an elite guard at the pro level. Phoenix is a good fit for Mannion, as he can learn alongside Rubio in the city where he’s been playing for years. — Bryan LaRussa

11. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Jaden McDaniels (6-9 Forward, Washington)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, shooting 41% from the field and 34% from three

I’m well aware of what happened in his lone season at Washington and what scouts and analysts have said regarding a player that they feel teams should take caution with. I know about the benchings at UW, critiques of his decision-making on the court and the other asterisks that might have been attached to his name. But the Spurs’ culture—and everything they stand for—couldn’t be a better place for McDaniels to start his NBA career. There are valuable OGs on that roster—Patty Mills, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge—and another Washington guy in Dejounte Murray that could take the incoming rook under their wings. And did I mention being in the same vicinity and learning from a HOFer in Tim Duncan? The Spurs have a “we-over-me” ethos and a track record that speaks for itself. San Antonio is a perfect destination for someone with Jaden’s stature and skill set. — Drew Ruiz

12. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Isaac Okoro (6-6 Forward, Auburn)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, shooting 51% from the field

A year ago, you might not have known the name Isaac Okoro. Coming out of McEachern High School in Atlanta, GA, Okoro was a four-star recruit who didn’t have the hype he likely warranted. That changed quickly, though. The 6-6 freshman was surrounded by seniors in the starting lineup at Auburn and still separated himself. With his versatility and explosiveness, Okoro climbed the ranks and shouldn’t fall past this spot in the 2020 Draft. Isaac is a lockdown defender who can score in a variety of ways but doesn’t demand the ball offensively. He’ll have no problem letting guards De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovich (should they all return) run the show, sliding in seamlessly right away and hopefully helping the Kings level up after a disappointing 2019-20 season. — Alex Squadron

13. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Precious Achiuwa (6-9 Forward, Memphis)

CLASS: Freshman (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, shooting 49% from the field

First off, this pick is for Queens, NY, being that I can’t remember the last time the borough had an NBA lottery pick. Coming off an eventful freshman season, Precious Achiuwa averaged 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game before the sports world was put on freeze. Achiuwa should be a major addition to the young highlight reel Pelicans. The 6-9, 225-pound forward has all the tools to make an impact right away. With Lonzo Ball coming off his best NBA season and Zion’s short, but dominant, run, the Pelicans should look to add another forward with their star Brandon Ingram possibly testing the FA market this summer. Regardless, Precious will bring more athleticism and explosiveness to a budding roster. — Nick Torres

14. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Devin Vassell (6-6 Guard, Florida State)

CLASS: Sophomore (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals, shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three

With the Blazers set to enter the 2020-21 season at nearly full strength after an injury-filled 2019-20 campaign, the team needs reinforcements to shore up its roster and make a run at the Western Conference’s best. A rookie that could step in and provide shooting and defense on the wing would help strengthen the team’s supporting cast around the Lillard-McCollum-Nurkic core. Enter Devin Vassell. The 6-6 guard from Florida State evolved into the team’s leading scorer (12.7 PPG) after averaging under five points in his freshman season. He showed off his range with the Seminoles, shooting at or above 41.5% from deep in each of his two seasons. Vassell also brings value on the defensive end, with averages of 1 block and 1.4 steals per game. The forward is the essential 3-and-D complement that Portland has lacked in recent years. He projects as an instant contributor with the potential to take over the wing from the Blazers’ older forwards. — Isaiah De Los Santos

15. ORLANDO MAGIC: Theo Maledon (6-4 Guard, ASVEL of the EuroLeague)

AGE: 18 years old

2019-20 STATS: 7.4 points, 3.1 assists, shooting 46% from the field and 37% from three

There are a lot of good guards on the the board that are excellent talents, but from the standpoint of trying to find a solid backcourt mate for Markelle Fultz, the Magic should consider Theo Maledon. Highlights are obviously skewed, but his decision making as a playmaker seems to be there, both in transition and half-court play. He plays with a patience that is rare to see in an 18-year-old in the EuroLeague. This past season for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne, he shot 37% from beyond the arc. If he wants to maintain a spot in the NBA, he’ll need to maintain that shooting percentage as his three point attempts go up. — Arvind Pitchai

16. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (VIA BROOKLYN): Tyrese Maxey (6-3 Guard, Kentucky)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, shooting 43% from the field

Earlier in this mock, the Wolves snagged James Wiseman with the No. 3 pick, pairing him with star Karl-Anthony Towns to give them a massively talented frontcourt for the foreseeable future. With the recently acquired D’Angelo Russell reliably running point, the Wolves still need a wing who can get buckets. Maxey is super shifty and already sports an impressive floater package. He has a strong handle and can effectively slash into the teeth of the defense. He’s also a fantastic on-ball defender. And while his three-point percentages are subpar, his feathery floater touch and excellent free throw percentage (83% on the season) suggest he will be just fine. His 6-3 frame may be on the small side for a SG, but his tremendous strength compensates for the slight height disadvantage. Maxey is young and has tons of room to grow. The Wolves should take a shot on a kid with huge upside who could transform into a perennial 20-point per game scorer. — Isaiah Freedman

17. BOSTON CELTICS (VIA MEMPHIS): Josh Green (6-6 Guard, Arizona)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals, shooting 42% from the field and 36% from three

The Celtics are locked in for the future. They have an All-NBA point guard in Kemba Walker, budding superstars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, a lockdown perimeter defender in Marcus Smart, and the perfect complementary pieces to round out the roster. This gives them the flexibility to take the best, most talented player available—Arizona freshman Josh Green. One of the top defenders in the draft, the shooting guard can cover 1-4 with his 6-6, 210-pound frame and 6-10 wingspan. Offensively, he is an elite athlete who can handle the ball and hit open shots, as he knocked down 39.5% of his three-point attempts in the second half of the season. He fits with what the Celtics continue to stockpile—competitive, versatile wings who can cover and play multiple positions. Green is just 19 years old, but can contribute right away as a role player for a Celtics team that has current championship aspirations. — Ben Simon

18. DALLAS MAVERICKS: Isaiah Stewart (6-9 Forward, Washington)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, shooting 57% from the field

Sitting right on the verge of serious contention, the Mavericks will be looking for a player who provides reliable depth and immediate contribution. Washington big man Isaiah Stewart fits that mold. As a freshman, Stewart was a model of consistency for the Huskies. A 250-pound forward with a 7-4 wingspan, Stewart combines impressive athleticism and mobility with a polished finishing ability, making him a perfect fit in a pick-and-roll with Luka Doncic. He shot 77% from the FT line and showed a solid midrange touch. Stewart’s biggest strength, however, is that few, if any players in the draft play with a higher motor. While his back-to-the-basket offensive game may not translate to the next level, his energy and physicality will certainly make him effective as a rim protector and a rebounder on both ends. With Dwight Powell recovering from a ruptured achilles, Stewart can provide immediate depth at the 4 or 5 for a Mavericks team looking to win now. — Sam Squadron

19. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (VIA INDIANA): Vernon Carey Jr. (6-10 Center, Duke)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, shooting 58% from the field

There’s a reason why Vernon Carey Jr. was voted ACC Freshman of the Year in his lone season at Duke. The 6-10 lefty has an efficient offensive game and can score in a multitude of ways. Vernon has a quick first step and is extremely tough to guard within five feet of the basket. He’ll be joining a team already poised to make a deep playoff run, so there will be little to no pressure for the rook to carry a large load. However, if there’s anything we learned from Vernon Carey Jr in college, it’s that he shows up when it matters most. — Theus McBee

20. BROOKLYN NETS (VIA PHILADELPHIA): Saddiq Bey (6-8 Forward, Villanova)

CLASS: Sophomore (21 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, shooting 48% from the field and 45% from three

Bey is an athletic forward standing at 6-8, 216 pounds that has levels to his game, but the biggest draw is that he’s a knockdown shooter. He shot 45% from beyond the arc in his sophomore year at Villanova, up from 37% in his first year. The Julius Erving award winner could be a perfect fit for the Nets, who are currently the fifth worst three-point shooting squad in the League based on percentage. Brooklyn will be getting back major offensive pieces next year in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but with the contract of Joe Harris in question, Bey could be a strong addition should the Nets need to fill that role. — Camille Buxeda

21. DENVER NUGGETS (VIA HOUSTON): Jalen Smith (6-10 Forward, Maryland)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, shooting 54% from the field and 37% from three

Jalen Smith is a rim-running, athletic big with great hands. He’s also a willing and gifted post player who can step out and shoot the three. The 6-10 power forward has a high motor—Smith can bring chasedown blocks, offensive rebounds, and defensive toughness to the Pepsi Center. For good measure, he’s got the lateral speed and shiftiness necessary to defend at the next level. The Baltimore native is fresh off a stellar sophomore season, in which he led Maryland to a 24-7 record and a Big Ten title. Stix was the best player on a Terps team on pace for a 3-seed and poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and Smith would pair well with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic in Mike Malone’s system. Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee and Jerami Grant are all free agents this summer. Smith fits Denver’s position need, and he projects to be the kind of player most GMs are looking for in 2020: a stretch-four who defends. — Eli Schwadron

22. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (VIA OKLAHOMA CITY): Aaron Nesmith (6-6 Forward, Vanderbilt)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 23.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, shooting 51% from the field and 52% from three

When JJ Redick fled from the City of Brotherly Love on the first day of free agency last summer, the Sixers’ long-range marksmanship took an immediate hit. Through 65 games, Philadelphia ranked 14th in three-point field goal accuracy (32.6%), down from eighth the season before. The solution? Enter Aaron Nesmith, the best pure shooter in this year’s draft. Vandy’s 6-6 sophomore slinger averaged 23 points and 4.9 rebounds over 14 games while shooting 52% from deep, before a season-ending stress fracture in his right foot. Nesmith was the fifth-leading scorer in the nation and was on pace to have one of the best three-point shooting seasons in college basketball history. Possessing a combination of size, strength, and deadeye shot-making ability, Nesmith’s game is tailor-made for the modern NBA and fills a much-needed void in Philly. — Peter Robert Casey

23. MIAMI HEAT: Killian Hayes (6-5 Guard, ratiopharm Ulm of Basketball Bundesliga)

AGE: 18 years old

2019-20 STATS: 12.8 points, 6.2 assists, 1.5 steals, shooting 46% from the field and 39% from three

Already an Eastern Conference playoff contender, Pat Riley will search for the final pieces of the puzzle starting in the 2020 Draft. As Goran Dragic enters unrestricted free agency, the Heat will likely target youth to take over the reigns. Although he’s only 18, Killian Hayes boasts the experience and toughness it takes to make an impact in the NBA immediately. Originally born in Lakeland, FL, before moving to France due to his father’s pro career, Hayes has used basketball to bridge the gap between both countries. After playing against older opponents his entire childhood in Europe, Hayes turned professional in France at the age of only 16. During his career with Cholet, Killian also represented the French National team. Now a 6-5 PG with a tight handle, sharp vision and the ability to finish at the rim, he holds all the intangibles NBA scouts seek. The Lakeland native took the opposite journey to the League, and the risk may be worth the reward. Once idolizing Dwyane Wade, Hayes now has the chance to honor Flash as he returns to his home state and aims to ignite South Beach once again. — Daren Scarberry

24. UTAH JAZZ: Aleksej Pokusevski (7-0 Forward, Olympiacos B of the Greek A2 Basket League)

AGE: 18 years old

2019-20 STATS: 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, shooting 49% from the field and 32% from three

It’s time to meet your future favorite player, and he goes by the name of Poku. Joining the storied lineage of Serbians (Vlade, Peja, Nikola) in the NBA, Aleksej Pokusevski is the youngest prospect in this year’s draft, not turning 19 until the day after Christmas. And while his 7-0 frame has caused folks that have never heard of him or seen him play to make assumptions, don’t get it twisted—Poku is a point guard trapped in a center’s body. Just like KD (6-10), Giannis (6-11), Jokić (7-0), and Porzingis (7-3), he’s a vertically inclined man with playmaking ability and perimeter skills. Unfortunately, he’s barely seen any EuroLeague action for Olympiacos since joining the club at the age of 13, but he’s had the privilege of learning from legendary Greek teammates Vassilis Spanoulis and Georgios Printezis, along with former head coach David Blatt. While this season he was assigned to play with the development team, Olympiacos B, his time spent with the Serbian national squad has been fruitful and excited NBA scouts. Last July, he opened the FIBA U18 European Championship with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 7 blocks, 5 assists, and 3 steals in a win against Germany. If Poku somehow slips this far to Utah, a team who flew to Athens to see him play in November, they’re in for a treat. — Aron Phillips

25. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (VIA DENVER): Jahmi’us Ramsey (6-4 Guard, Texas Tech)

CLASS: Freshman (18 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, shooting 44% from the field and 43% from three

Jahmi’us Ramsey, the highest ranked recruit to ever attend Texas Tech, finished off the 2019-20 regular season as Big 12 Freshman of the Year. He’s an explosive combo guard with a great jump shot who can create space, elevate and finish with authority at the rim. Put simply, Ramsey gets buckets. Ramsey would slot right into an Oklahoma City Thunder backcourt that has thrived under the guidance of head coach Billy Donovan and veteran point god Chris Paul. Integrated into a system with a strong track record of player development, Ramsey could carve out a role as a long-term rotation piece in OKC. — Dave Schnur

26. BOSTON CELTICS: Zeke Nnaji (6-11 Forward, Arizona)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, shooting 57% from the field

Two Celtics picks and two Arizona Wildcats. After choosing Josh Green at 17, the Celtics can afford to take a shot on a sleeper. That comes in the form of Zeke Nnaji. I say sleeper, but he was actually much more productive than Green in their one season of college. The Minnesota native averaged 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds (including 3.1 offensive boards, giving him the highest total in the Pac 12), while shooting 57% from the field, second best in the conference. The Celtics’ roster is filled out, but they do have one glaring need: a big man who can run the floor and play above the rim. Nnaji can do just that… and then some. He’s an elite finisher who even showed an ability to knock down jump shots. The building blocks are there for him to be an efficient three-point shooter. Nnaji still has glaring struggles on the defensive end, but with Daniel Theis, Vincent Poirier, and Robert Williams under contract next season (Enes Kanter is under a player option), there’s time for him to develop. It’s a low risk, high reward pick that could hopefully fill one of the Celtics’ few holes. Oh, and if you’re short on a pregame National Anthem performer, Zeke Nnaji can do that too.  — Ben Simon

27. NEW YORK KNICKS (VIA CLIPPERS): Jordan Nwora (6-7 Forward, Louisville)

CLASS: Junior (21 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, shooting 44% from the field and 40% from three

During the past two seasons, Jordan Nwora established himself as the go-to guy for the Louisville Cardinals and deserves to be taken in the first round of the upcoming NBA draft. At 6-7, he’s extremely versatile and has a well-rounded offensive game. Nwora led the Cards in scoring for the second straight year, averaging 18 points on 44% shooting from the field and 40% from deep. He can spread the floor and create spacing for a Knicks team that ranked dead last in total threes in 2019-20. If the Knicks take Cole Anthony at the No. 6 spot to pair with RJ Barrett, they’re going to be searching for reliable prospects like Nwora—athletic forwards who can run in transition, knock down jumpers consistently and don’t clog the paint. — Alex Squadron

28. TORONTO RAPTORS: Yves Pons (6-6 Guard, Tennessee)

CLASS: Junior (21 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, shooting 49% from the field and 35% from three

While the SEC’s DPOY doesn’t boast the numbers of other first round picks, he has elite athleticism that allows him to guard positions 1-4. Pons is another skilled defensive player, similar to OG Anunoby, who will help the Raptors in an Eastern Conference that is deep at the G/F position. At 6-6, Pons averaged 2.4 blocks per game last season. He will fit right in to Toronto’s talented bench squad. Although his defensive prowess is what will get him drafted, Pons shot 35% from the three-point line in his last season as a Volunteer. This makes him an intriguing possible deep threat, and given the Raptors’ track record of developing talent (Siakam, VanVleet, Powell), he will have a great opportunity to develop his offensive game further. — Greg Cohen

29. LOS ANGELES LAKERS: Tyrell Terry (6-1 Guard, Stanford)

CLASS: Freshman (19 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, shooting 44% from the field and 41% from three

LeBron loves a point guard that can shoot, and Terry does just that. He’s a score-first PG who also possesses impressive passing ability. Terry is a three-level scorer and a particularly elite three-point shooter. This past season, he shot 48% on catch and shoot threes and is also capable of knocking down jumpers off the dribble. He has a very good feel for the game, knowing when to pass and when to look for his own offense. Tyrell can operate out of the pick-and-roll and moves very well off the ball, similar to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Overall, he’s a playmaker that will develop into a premier guard in the League. — Christian Quezada

30. BOSTON CELTICS (VIA MILWAUKEE): Tre Jones (6-3 Guard, Duke)

CLASS: Sophomore (20 years old)

2019-20 STATS: 16.2 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, shooting 42% from the field and 36% from three

The oldest position on the Celtics? Point guard. Although Kemba Walker is still earning All-Star appearances, he is less than a month away from being 30. Brad Wanamaker, despite just two years in the NBA, is already 30. Carsen Edwards provides some youth, but might be better served as an off-ball gunner. The Celtics are young and talented at pretty much every other position (center was solved with our last pick). Increased PG depth could provide a nice cushion. Tre Jones brings just that. But the 6-3, 185-pound guard is more than the prototypical backup point guard. Sure, he has a high floor. That happens when you receive ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Not only can he contribute right away, but he has the chance to grow into a legitimate NBA starter. After shooting just 26% from three during his freshman season, he bumped his average up to 36% this year. He’s a mature, smart guard who can complement the Celtics’ stars by playing defense, facilitating, hitting open threes, and scoring when needed. With Jones and Marcus Smart, they could have one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA. He’s already a great backup option right now, but as Walker climbs into his 30s, Jones has a chance to be the Celtics’ point guard of the future. — Ben Simon

The post SLAM’s 2020 NBA Mock Draft appeared first on SLAM.

“It’s not easy,” Ujiri said of his fateful decisions to trade DeRozan and fire Dwane Casey after winning a Coach of the Year award.

Ultimately, Ujiri’s calls (none bigger than pulling the trigger on a one-season swap for Kawhi Leonard) helped lead Toronto to its first NBA championship in franchise history.

Per ESPN:

“It’s not easy,” Ujiri said of such decisions in an interview with TNT’s Ernie Johnson that aired on the NBA’s Twitter account. “If you have that human part of you, you feel it in your heart.

“With Casey, it has gotten so much better now with his family and him. With DeMar there is still plenty of work to be done. But, by the grace of God, it will all get better. We have to continue to make these decisions that are tough. But that’s the business of basketball, and the position that we are in.”

That combination of events led to a roller coaster of emotions — something Ujiri said is simply part of the job.

“I always say that the two hardest things in our world, in our business, is trading a player and then when a player leaves, if a player leaves in free agency,” Ujiri said. “And it’s hard on both sides. When a player is traded, it is hard on the player side, and when a player leaves, like us [with Leonard last summer], it is hard on that side. I’ve experienced all of it, from wonderful people.

“It sometimes puts a strain on relationships, as we saw with DeMar. People don’t know even with [when we traded] Rudy Gay, I was close to Rudy. Incredible kid. Incredible kid with DeMar, where you build and you’re trying to preach a culture of good, of trust, of being with people, and then you have to make this decision [to trade him]. With Kawhi, we just built a relationship where we trusted each other, and that friendship has evolved even bigger after he left, and I’m proud of that. I support him with everything he does as a human being, and his family, and you move on. You’ve got to move on to the next …”

Related Masai Ujiri: Raptors ‘Going to Die Trying’ to Defend Title

The post Masai Ujiri: ‘Plenty of Work to Be Done’ on DeMar DeRozan Relationship appeared first on SLAM.

Spencer Dinwiddie scored a team-high 24 points in Brooklyn, including two clutch free throws down the stretch. Joe Harris and Caris LeVert each had 23 apiece.

Pelicans 120 (28-36), Timberwolves (19-44)

Jrue Holiday (37 points) was one rebound and two assists away from a triple-double. Zion Williamson was the Pels’ second-leading scorer with 23 points and had a MEAN windmill dunk the fourth quarter.

Lakers 112 (49-13), Clippers 103 (43-20)

LeBron James (30 points) and Anthony Davis (28 points) combined for 58 points in Sunday’s matinee against the Clippers. Avery Bradley was the other starter who finished in double digits, scoring 24 points.

Suns 140 (26-38), Bucks 131 (53-11)

All five Suns starters finished in double digits – Devin Booker (36 points), Ricky Rubio (25), Aron Baynes (24), Mikal Bridges (24) and Dario Saric (11).

Thunder 105 (40-24), Celtics 104 (42-21)

Dennis Schroder made the game-winning layup after stripping the ball from Jayson Tatum with 8.5 seconds in the 4th quarter. The Thunder overcame a 18-point deficit due to the stellar play of Schroder (27 points) and Chris Paul (28 points).

Heat 100 (41-23), Wizards 89 (23-40)

Bam Adebayo finished with a double-double (27 points and 14 rebounds) in the Nation’s Capitol. Ducan Robinson caught fire from deep, knocking down six 3-pointers, en route to a 23-point performance.

Pacers 112 (39-25), Mavericks 109 (39-26)

Victor Oladpio scored the final six points to give Indiana the W in Dallas. Domantas Sabonis finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds, TJ Warren and Myles Turner had 16 apiece.

Magic 126 (29-35), Rockets 106 (39-24)

Orlando’s bench came up huge in H-Town – D.J. Augustin scored a team-high 24 points, and Michael Carter-Williams and Terrence Ross each had 16. Aaron Gordon finished with 19 points.

Knicks 96 (20-44), Pistons 84 (20-45)

New York pulled away in the fourth to get the win at The Garden. Julius Randle had 22 points and 12 rebounds, Elfird Payton finished 16 points and RJ Barrett added 12.

Queensbridge’s finest. (via @nyknicks) pic.twitter.com/BTUvAOyhTd

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 9, 2020

Cavaliers 132 (19-45), Spurs 129 (26-36)

After Rudy Gay hit a jumper to force OT, Kevin Love’s late-game 3-pointer gave the Cavs the lead. Love finished with 14 points, Andre Drummond had 28 points and 12 rebounds and Collin Sexton finished with 26.

Raptors 118 (45-18), Kings 113 (28-36)

Both teams went back and forth, but Pascal Siakam made some huge plays to give Toronto the edge on the road. Siakam finished with 23 points. Norman Powell finished with 31 points and Kyle Lowry had 30 points.

The post Post Up: LeBron & AD Combine for 58 Points in Battle for LA appeared first on SLAM.

In this post, just one of a series of 30, we’ll break down the reports that have started to trickle out about Spurs players that may or may not be on the move. While there’s no guarantee when it comes to a league as wild as the modern NBA, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on each squad’s roster as the deadline draws near.

Players Unlikely To Be Traded

• LaMarcus Aldridge
• Lonnie Walker
• Dejounte Murray
• Keldon Johnson
• Derrick White

It’s been five seasons since the Spurs made an in-season trade, so you could argue that the entire team belongs in this section. However, San Antonio hasn’t been this mediocre in quite some time; things could change. Perhaps they look to make additions in order to compete for the eighth seed in the conference, though I wouldn’t expect major moves if any at all.

Biggest Name Available On Market

• Jakob Poeltl

Again, a trade isn’t likely, though Jakob Poeltl will be a restricted free agent after the season. Depending on how the Spurs gauge the market for him, perhaps they look to trade him prior to the deadline next week.

As a side note, can you believe that the draft pick that the Raptors used to acquire Poeltl was the first-round selection that Toronto received in the Andrea Bargnani deal with the Knicks? Poeltl’s inclusion in the Kawhi Leonard trade greased the wheels for Toronto’s trade for the Finals MVP so I guess the Raptors can thank the Knicks for their banner.

Logical Trade Pieces

• DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan has the ability to hit the free agent market this summer, which should at least make the Spurs think about moving him and gaining an asset in return.

Trading the shooting guard could be tricky and as mentioned above, unlikely, given how the Spurs operate with regard to in-season deals, so we are going to use this space to plead DeRozan’s case as an All-Star. He’s averaging 23.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, while sporting a true shooting percentage of .608 and a player efficiency of 22.0. He leads the team in win shares and the Spurs may be near the bottom of the west without him. He certainly should have gotten in over an inefficient guard who shall not be named.

Trades Are Possible

• Rudy Gay
• Patty Mills
• DeMarre Carroll
• Trey Lyles
• Marco Belinelli
• Luka Samanic
• Chimezie Metu

It’s hard to envision the Spurs trading Rudy Gay unless he politely asks for one. He spoke very highly of the franchise about how they treated him and his family when he re-signed with the team over the summer. Patty Mills has one season left on his deal after this one. With the team’s plethora of younger guards, it’s feasible that he could be dealt. DeMarre Carroll originally signed with the Spurs via the Mid-Level Exception, though the team then altered plans and acquired him via a three-way deal with the Wizards and Nets because Marcus Morris wanted to come to town. Morris backed out of the agreement and the team signed Trey Lyles, who has an 11.4 player efficiency rating this season. Marco Belinelli will be a free agent after the season. He is shooting an atypical 35.5% from behind the arc. Luka Samanic was selected with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2019 draft. The second-most famous Luka in the state of Texas has yet to play in an NBA game, instead picking up minutes with the G League’s Austin Spurs. Former second-round pick Chimezie Metu has appeared in 13 games for the Spurs. The power forward only had one appearance with over 10 minutes of action.

The post 2020 NBA Trade Deadline Primer: San Antonio Spurs appeared first on SLAM.

All five of Utah’s starters finished in double figures with Bogdan Bogdanovic scoring a game-high 31 points. Rudy Gobert had 21 and 14, and Jordan Clarkson added 23 off the bench.

Knicks 124 (11-29), Heat 121 (27-12)

Julius Randle finished with 26 points and RJ Barrett added 23 points at MSG to snap a five-game losing streak. The Knicks rallied back from being down 14 in the third quarter.

Grizzlies 122 (18-22), Warriors 102 (9-32)

Jonas Valanciunas posted a double-double (31 points, 19 rebounds) to give Memphis its fifth consecutive win. Jaren Jackson Jr added 21 points and Ja Morant posted a near triple-double (11 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds).

Nets 108 (18-20), Hawks 86 (8-32)

In his return back to the starting lineup, Kyrie Irving finished with a team-high 21 points at Barclays Center. Tauren Prince had 14 points and DeAndre Jordan put up 13 and 8.

Spurs 105 (13-21), Raptors 104 (25-14)

DeMar DeRozan put up a game-high 25 points, including a nasty poster on Chris Boucher. Rudy Gay, who also had an impressive dunk of his own, finished with 15 points. Derrick White added 13.

Suns 100 (16-23), Hornets 92 (15-27)

Kelly Oubre led all scorers with 25 points in the home win. Devin Booker finished with 12 and Ricky Rubio and Mikal Bridges finished with 10 apiece.

Nuggets 112 (267-12), Clippers 104 (27-12)

The Clippers showed signs of closing the gap, but couldn’t convert down the stretch. Nikola Jokic finished with 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Jamal Murray finished with 19 points and Michael Porter Jr (13 points) and Monte Morris (12 points) combined for 25 points off the bench.

The post Post Up: Kyrie Irving Leads Nets to Win Over Hawks in Return 😤 appeared first on SLAM.

Below is a list of the contract types the San Antonio Spurs have heading into training camp. This resource will be updated as players are signed and waived. Check back often to see if your team’s roster configuration has changed.

San Antonio Spurs

For a complete list of all the NBA teams and links to each team’s roster breakdown, check out our 2019 NBA Training Camp Index. Follow the curators of this database, Chris Crouse and Austin Kent, on Twitter.

More NBA Training Camp Rosters

The post San Antonio Spurs Roster Count: 2019 Training Camp appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve broken down the overall ratings for each player and sorted them by team so that you can see how your squad stacks up against the rest of the league.

San Antonio Spurs NBA 2K20 Ratings

This table is updated as of Nov. 22, 2019

Can’t get enough 2K? SLAM’s dedicated gaming channel, @SLAMftw, is blowing up. Hit us with your best uploads and watch our streams!

More NBA 2K20 Ratings

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This list is maintained by @AustinKent. Please forward any omissions, clarifications or helpful reminders about how the alphabet works to him on Twitter.

The post 2019 NBA Free Agency Tracker appeared first on SLAM.

More to come.

The post Rudy Gay Plans To Re-Sign With Spurs On Two-Year Deal appeared first on SLAM.

We start in Minnesota where the Timberwolves all wore Kickstradomis designed custom kicks for Breast Cancer Awareness. All the sneakers worn on Sunday night were auctioned off via the team’s Fastbreak Foundation with proceeds going to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. The event was especially meaningful for Tyus Jones whose mother, Debbie, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Jones’ custom Nike Kyrie 5 was the highest selling sneaker of the night raising $1,550 for cancer research.

The custom trend continued in Indiana with Spencer Dinwiddie paying tribute to Nipsey Hussle with a pair of K8IROS Kronos adorned with a portrait of the late rapper and the words, “Legends Never Die.” In Detroit, Frank Kaminsky made his fandom for Game of Thrones be known with a custom pair of Jordan CP3.XIs designed with portraits of the Night King on one shoe and Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen on the other. For the Pistons, Langston Galloway wore his Q4 Sports Specialist customs which honored Detroit’s 2004 championship team.

Wrestlemania 35 was held on Sunday night and Russell Westbrook made sure to let fans know who one of his favorite wrestlers was via his latest Jordan Why Not Zer0.2. Decked out in a tough black and red colorway with red stitch details on the toe box, the Brodie paid tribute to “The Devil’s Favorite Demon” himself, Kane.

While Russ was on his wrestling wave, LeBron James took in the Lakers’ dub over the Jazz in a pair of the Nike LeBron 16 “Remix” which seemed to have instantly sold out on Nike. Last, but certainly not least, Kyrie Irving was once again in his latest Kyrie 5 colorway, the “Mamba Day” which is slated to release on Saturday, April 13, at select Nike retailers.

We have over 50 of the night’s best NBA kicks so get comfy and make sure you rifle through our latest recap.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

Out in Miami, Kyrie Irving led the Celts to a dub while rocking a new colorway of his Nike Kyrie 5 and Dwyane Wade flexed in a sunny pair of Li-Ning Way of Wade 7s.

The tributes for the late Nipsey Hussle continued with DeMar DeRozan, Danny Green and Rudy Gay honoring the legend with hand written commemorations on their sneakers.

Check out the rest of the League’s kicks in our latest gallery below.

Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

Detroit built a 19-point lead after the first quarter and steadily grew it to 33 at halftime. Things didn’t get much better in the second half for the Cavs, who trailed by as much as 39 points.

Andre Drummond had 13 points, 10 boards and a +26 plus/minus. Blake Griffin had 14 points, 9 dimes and 7 boards.

Magic 117 (30-34), Pacers 112 (41-23)

Orlando outscored the Pacers by 9 in the fourth quarter to get their first win in Indy since 2016.

Nikola Vucevic finished with a game-high 27 points and 8 boards. Terrence Ross, aka the Human Torch, caught fire late, scoring 16 of his 23 in the fourth quarter.

Nets 88 (32-33), Heat 117 (28-34)

The Heat lead was at 10 by halftime, and Miami continued to burry the Nets in the second half—going up by as much as 31 points during the fourth.

Kelly Olynyk dropped a game-high 25 points with 6 boards, 4 dimes and a +27 plus/minus.

Warriors 120 (43-19), Sixers 117 (40-22)

After losing to the Heat and Magic earlier this week, the Warriors bounced back with a nice win against Philly, who were without Joel Embiid.

Kevin Durant dropped a game-high 34 points with 5 boards and 5 dimes.

Grizzlies 111 (25-39), Mavs 81 (27-35)

It just wasn’t the Mavericks’ night. Dallas shot 30.6 percent (17.5 percent from three) en route to getting blown out at home.

Jonas Valanciunas scored a team-high 20 points with 10 boards, 4 dimes and a +21 plus/minus.

Thunder 102 (38-24), Spurs 116 (35-29)

Oklahoma City did not look right without Paul George (sore right shoulder), who was sitting out for the second straight game.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored a game-high 27 points with 10 boards. Rudy Gay had 22 points, 8 boards and one massive poster while coming off the bench.

Pelicans 120 (28-36), Nuggets 112 (42-19)

Denver had a 19-point lead in the second quarter, but blew it all by the middle of the third.

Jrue Holiday scored a game-high 29 points with 5 assists, 3 steals and a +15 plus/minus. Julius Randle added 28 points, 10 boards and 4 assists.

Lakers 109 (30-32), Suns 118 (12-51)

The Lakers fell behind by 19 points in the fourth quarter and couldn’t battle back by the end of regulation.

DeAndre Ayton finished with a team-high 26 points (on 11 shots) with 10 boards.

Bucks 111 (48-14), Jazz 115 (35-26)

Utah rallied back from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the NBA-leading Bucks.

Donovan Mitchell snapped for a career-high 46 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. Derrick Favors played like a man possessed, dropping 23 points (on 10-12 shooting) with 18 boards and a +29 plus/minus.

—

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

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“All players know you have a 15-second walk in front of a camera every game,” Mike Conley says. “Guys are constantly trying to come up with something that’ll catch the eyes of people.”

There’s a process that goes into the construction of every game’s outfit, and it all starts with the stylists grinding behind the scenes. And all the stylists we spoke with agree: the monthly in-person meeting with their client is where the magic happens.

“We talk about last month, what kind of coverage we’ve gotten, what kind of narrative is out there,” says Brandon Williams, who styles guys like Conley, Rudy Gay and Jeff Green. “We go through a fitting where I bring new pieces and I put it together with a whole, complete look. They get a whole look book for the month, every game, until I’m back again.”

The decision-making process is generally collaborative—it’s not dropping off garment bags and dipping out. Vick Michel knows the importance of two-way communication as the stylist for Draymond Green, Denzel Valentine, Domantas Sabonis and Jahlil Okafor.

“I’ll bring eight, 10, 12 boxes. It’s not just ‘Make sure you wear this shirt and these pants…it’s gonna go and you’re gonna like it…’” he says. “They’re very blunt. They’ll tell me, Yo, Vick, This ain’t me. Alright cool, right back to the drawing board. I want them to feel comfortable, because if they don’t feel comfortable when they’re out, they won’t feel secure.”

Courtney Mays, who works with Chris Paul, Kevin Love and DeAndre Jordan, says being a stylist has given her intimate, personal moments that she’ll always remember.

“I cherish the moments that aren’t fashion-related,” she says. “The other day, we were in Houston playing Uno for three hours. It’s those moments, like when we’re rapping songs in the car on the way to events.”

In a sense, those non-work moments are contributing to work. All stylists say that cultivating an authentic relationship with their clients is a crucial part of their job.

“They’re all like my little brothers,” Mays says. “We’re in such intimate spaces with these guys. We’re with their families and children or significant others. It’s such a great opportunity to learn what they do like.

“I’m not interested in being a personal shopper and finding exclusive kicks that just came out. I want to build a relationship and build an image.”

“Chris Paul and Kevin Love both have really different styles,” Mays adds. “I know what they love, whether it’s the music they listen to or the interior design in their homes—colors, fabrics that they gravitate toward. I use that to create looks and build an image.”

For many players, discovering fashion has given them a new way to express their creativity off the court.

“A guy like DeAndre is recognized by Esquire because he has an interesting look that brings him other types of opportunities off the court that can bring him more revenue and exposure,” Mays says.

Draymond Green is known as one of the League’s most outspoken players on the court, and the clothing he wears on his way there is often equally loud.

“It says everything about you,” Green says. “It shows confidence, it shows taste, it shows the way you want to be viewed without saying a single word.”

Conley, who recently started the #ConleysCloset series on Instagram with Williams, notes that he’s known to be a more reserved, quiet personality, but is using his style as a way to connect with his fans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq3fFjSlAM5/

“Mike wasn’t really recognized off the court,” Williams says. “Style has really put a set of headlights on who he is off the court as well. I think most guys really want to grow as men and fashion is a way for them to identify who they are.”

For Paul, his rise to becoming president of the National Basketball Players Association has required him to evolve his image through the years.

“A lot of his job off the court is more business-related,” Mays says. “He has to look that part.”

Fashion is more than just an outlet for self-expression and image management for Paul, though—it has also been a chance to send messages with intention. In October, Paul wore a shirt by Pyer Moss that read “STOP CALLING 911 ON THE CULTURE” that quickly made waves on social media.

“We’re trying to be more intentional about the statements that we’re making when it comes to fashion,” Mays says. “Fashion is great because you can use it to express so many ideas.”

The growth players like Conley, Paul and Jordan have experienced isn’t often immediate, but it’s all a part of the process.

“You have guys who say I don’t like floral, but then I bring a floral jacket and they’re like, Oh, this is dope! What can I wear this with?” Michel says. “You turn a negative into a positive. You gotta push limits the way they push your limits.”

Stylists visualize the execution of the outfits that fans see on game days and at other events, but they also serve as educators so players can take care of themselves when the time comes.

“Some guys don’t know their jeans size. Like, you’re a grown man and don’t know your jeans size?” Michel laughs. “But things run different. A 34 in Amiri might run differently than a 34 in Dolce.”

“[Michel] has helped out a lot, a lot with my style, with how to use my money when buying clothes and everything,” Valentine says. “He’s been a big staple in where I get my fashion sense from. One of the things, too, it’s not the brand—it’s how you put it together. Gucci down, head-to-toe, Louis down, head-to-toe, is not necessarily swag. It’s how you put things together.”

For many hoopers, that growth stylistically is one they pursue just as they pursue on-court basketball growth. Oftentimes, that means pushing the boundaries—especially following the days of school-supplied sweatsuits in college.

Some are more willing from the get-go.

“You gotta think about it: Draymond don’t care on the court. He’s here to win,” Michel says. “It’s the same with his fashion. He doesn’t care—if he feels comfortable, let’s go. I knew right away he was gonna be a player where you can use him as a can-vas where you display his personality.”

Green notably started the suit shorts wave in 2017 that has inspired the likes of LeBron James and Jordan Clarkson.

“I was all for [the shorts],” Green says. “When I went to the NBA Awards the year before it was burning up hot. The shorts made perfect sense to me and I knew it would be different.”

Finding the right speed to grow is different for every player-stylist duo.

“If I didn’t have [Williams’] support and guidance, I’d still be wearing hoodies and jeans like when I was a rookie,” Conley says. “He’s done a great job of feeling out my personality and staying in my zone of comfort while pushing me to new lengths to try things out.”

And stylists take deserved pride in see-ing the results of pushing athletes out of their comfort zones.

“When you see a guy—who I hate to stereotype, but usually aren’t as expressive—walk in front of the mirror like, Wow, I look good, without any words being exchanged, it’s a moment of pride for me,” Mays says.

“When they open it up and are like, Oh, fuck, this shit is so cold. How’d you get this idea? That’s the reaction that I work for. A grown man getting excited over some garments of clothing,” Michel says. “It’s a dope feeling to know people appreciate what you do for them and what we do for one another.

“The end goal for me is for them to feel confident from the second they step out the car to down the tunnel,” Michel adds. “Look good, play great. After all, the tunnel is the new runway.”

—

Ian Pierno is an Associate Social Media Editor and Drip Director at SLAM. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

Follow LeagueFits on Instagram and Twitter for more on the NBA’s Survival of the Fitted.  

The post ‘Tunnels are the New Runway’: Inside the Lives of NBA Stylists 👔 appeared first on SLAM.

In true tank fashion, Cleveland nearly blew a 25-point lead over the final 6:58 minutes of the game. Washington had a chance to tie the game on the final possession, but Troy Brown Jr ended up having his shot blocked by Cedi Osman.

Osman, who’s been on a tear recently, had one of his better statistical games this season, finishing with 26 points (on 16 shots), 5 boards and 7 dimes.

Bucks 115 (36-13), Pistons 105 (21-28)

Milwaukee built a 21-point lead with 6:17 left in the game and couldn’t be caught the rest of the way.

Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with a team-high 21 points with 8 boards, 11 assists and 3 steals.

Thunder 126 (32-18), Magic 117 (20-31)

It was a roller coaster second half for OKC, who completely blew a 15-point lead in the third quarter only to outscore Orlando by 12 in the fourth.

Paul George scored 31 of his game-high 37 points in the first half en route to a +16 plus/minus. Russell Westbrook recorded his 17th triple-double of the season with 23 points, 14 assists and 14 boards.

OKC has now won six straight. The Magic have dropped four in a row.

Russ replaying his move afterwards (via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/8cJC8vrzqv

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 30, 2019

Bulls 117 (11-40), Nets 122 (28-24)

Brooklyn committed just 8 turnovers and outscored the Bulls by 9 in the second half to secure their seventh win in 8 eight games.

D’Angelo Russell scored a game-high 30 points (on 22 shots) with 7 assists, 3 steals and 0 TOs.

Chicago has now dropped four straight and 14 of their last 15.

Pelicans 121 (23-28), Rockets 116 (29-21)

No Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, E’Twaun Moore… no problem?

The Pelicans got just their eighth road win of the season with just one healthy starter on the court.

Jrue Holiday led the way with 19 points, 8 dimes, 6 boards and a career-high 6 blocks.

Suns 124 (11-42), Spurs 126 (30-22)

Phoenix blew a 6-point lead in the final 2:30 to lose their ninth straight game.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 29 and 14 for the Spurs, while Rudy Gay (16, 5 and 5) hit the biggest shot of the night.

CALL GAME, RUDY GAY (via @spurs) pic.twitter.com/AQ0lYt6QTd

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 30, 2019

Sixers 121 (33-18), Lakers 105 (26-25)

Philly jumped out to a 19-point lead after the first quarter and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the rest of the game.

Jimmy Butler had a +26 plus/minus, and Joel Embiid was a +22. Embiid finished with 28 points (on 16 shots) with 11 boards and 6 assists.

Brandon Ingram finished with a career-high 36 points (on 20 shots) and had one nasty poster dunk on Corey Brewer.

BRANDON. XAVIER. INGRAM. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/DpKmxLacxn

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 30, 2019

The post Post Up: Jrue Holiday Leads Shorthanded Pelicans To Win in Houston appeared first on SLAM.

Popovich, in fact, was furious with San Antonio’s effort against the visiting Phoenix Suns.

“It was a pathetic performance and Phoenix got robbed.” — Pop pic.twitter.com/os1KCXGGVR

— Evan Closky (@EvanClosky) January 30, 2019

Pop said his team “had no respect for them or the game” during a 27-second postgame interview.

"Phoenix got robbed." The buzzer-beating jumper Rudy Gay made to lift the Spurs on Tuesday temporarily had Gregg Popovich sounding like a Suns fan. https://t.co/UYCCiObCWz

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) January 30, 2019

Per The Express-News:

“I’m not happy about how it happened, but we got a win,” Gay said. “That’s part of being a good team, finding a way to get a win.”

Afterward, Popovich poured cold water over the celebration, believing the game never should have come down to Gay’s heroics. He took no questions from reporters after the game, offering only a short statement that concluded with an indictment of his team’s approach.

“We had no respect for them or the game,” Popovich said. “It was a pathetic performance. Phoenix got robbed.”

Related
Gregg Popovich Unsure if He’ll Coach Next Season

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After Saturday night’s 28-point and 12-rebound performance, LaMarcus Aldridge notched his 15th double-double of the season. With no DeMar DeRozan (sore left knee), Rudy Gay had a double-double of his own (22 points, 11 rebounds).

Grizzlies 106 (20-30), Pacers 103 (32-16)

Four of five of the Grizzlies’ starters finished in double digits with Mike Conley leading the way with 22 points to snap an eight-game losing streak. Jaren Jackson Jr finished 20, Marc Gasol had 18 and Justin Holiday scored 16.

Nuggets 126 (33-15), Sixers 110 (32-18)

Nikola Jokic had another amazing stat line (32 points, 18 boards, 10 assists) as the Nuggets defeated a shorthanded Sixers squad. Jokic joined Oscar Robertson as the only two players in NBA history with multiple 30-point, 15-rebound and 10-assist games before turning 24. Denver dominated the paint in the first half, outscoring the Sixers, 42-22.

Warriors 115 (35-14), Celtics 111 (30-19)

Kevin Durant put up 33 points at TD Garden to give the Warriors their 10th straight win. After going scoreless in the first quarter, Stephen Curry caught fire, hitting five three-pointers in a row, to finish with 24 points. Curry extended the lead to four after making two key free throws down the stretch.

Blazers 120 (31-20), Hawks 111 (15-33)

CJ McCollum got his first career triple-double (28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 dimes) in the home win. Seth Curry, who got the start with Damian Lillard out, finished with 22 points. The Blazers shot 50 percent from the field.

The post Post Up: Kevin Durant Puts Up 33 Points in Win Over Celtics appeared first on SLAM.

DeMarcus Cousins made his return to the court after an Achilles tear in a promising debut for the Warriors. Cousins scored 14 points (3-of-4 on threes) in 15 minutes before fouling out, including a thunderous dunk to start off the game. Steph Curry also scored 28 points in the comfortable win.

YEAH, WELCOME BACK BOOGIE (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/Q7bVS3EZc6

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 19, 2019

Grizzlies 116 (19-26), Celtics 122 (27-18)

Kyrie Irving put the team on his back by dropping 38 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds in a close home win. Mike Conley scored 26 points for the Grizzlies.

Kyrie coooooookin' (via @celtics) https://t.co/k8cUwpt3pO

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 19, 2019

Heat 93 (21-22), Pistons 98 (20-24)

Dwyane Wade did all he could with 20 points and eight assists, but Blake Griffin’s 32 points helped Detroit pull out the win. Griffin added 11 rebounds and nine assists, while Luke Kennard added 22 points.

FLASH FOREVER (via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/2HnnwRvaKq

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 19, 2019

Nets 117 (24-23), Magic 115 (19-26)

D’Angelo Russell had to remind everybody that he still has ice in his veins. Russell pulled up for the game-clinching 3-pointer in Orlando to give his team the win. He finished with 40 points.

ICE. IN. HIS. VEINS. DLO won it for Brooklyn on a clutch 3 (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/F0SKXJemOi

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 19, 2019

Spurs 116 (27-20), Timberwolves 113 (21-24)

San Antonio was led by the duo of LaMarcus Aldridge (29 points, nine rebounds) and Rudy Gay (22 points, five assists) in the win. Derrick Rose and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 23 points for the Wolves.

Cavaliers 99 (9-37), Jazz 115 (26-21)

Donovan Mitchell put on a show with 24 points in just 26 minutes. Rudy Gobert added 19 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, also in 26 minutes.

Pelicans 112 (21-25), Blazers 128 (28-19)

The Blazers were led by the scoring trio of Damian Lillard (24 points), CJ McCollum (20 points) and Jake Layman (20 points) in the win over New Orleans. Anthony Davis scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Pelicans.

RELATED:
DeMarcus Cousins: ‘We’re the Most Hated Team in Sports’

The post Post Up: DeMarcus Cousins Scores 14 Points in Warriors Debut appeared first on SLAM.

James Harden was a man on a mission. The star used an array of moves to drop 47 points on the Jazz in the win, including a monstrous dunk on Rudy Gobert. As Utah crept back into the game and pulled it even late in the fourth quarter, Harden took over and hit multiple clutch shots that sealed it for good.

James Harden danced on 'em for the dagger (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/920ZtIfIdj

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 18, 2018

Bucks 107 (20-9), Pistons 104 (14-14)

Milwaukee enjoyed a 15-point lead in the third quarter before Detroit came back, taking the lead shortly in the fourth quarter. But behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 32 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, the Bucks held on to the win. Blake Griffin contributed a triple-double (19 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds) in the loss.

Good luck going up at the rim with Giannis (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/CWHne9W9hD

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 18, 2018

Suns 128 (7-24), Knicks 110 (9-23)

Phoenix’s main core put on an offensive showing. Devin Booker notched a season-high 38 points, TJ Warren scored 26 points and Deandre Ayton had a double-double (21 points, 13 rebounds). Even veteran Jamal Crawford dropped a career-high 14 assists.

"I had my career high in points & now assists in the same building. That's pretty cool."

Former Knick Jamal Crawford loves playing @TheGarden. pic.twitter.com/9sCFeZAenY

— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) December 18, 2018

Kings 105 (16-14), Timberwolves 132 (14-16)

Nine Wolves players hit double-digit points in the all-around team win. Andrew Wiggins led the team with 17 points while Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Buddy Hield put in 21 points for the Kings.

Taj Gibson playing defense with a shoe in his hand (via @Timberwolves) https://t.co/TSHWF9GP5o

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 18, 2018

Bulls 96 (7-24), Thunder 121 (19-10)

With 13 points, 16 rebounds and 11 steals, Russell Westbrook registered his 111th career triple-double. Teammate Paul George added a game-high 24 points. Bobby Portis and Lauri Markkanen each scored 16 points for Chicago.

Clear the deck for @russwest44
2nd half now on @FOXSportsOK #OKCvsCHI pic.twitter.com/6qDLE1v0ag

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 18, 2018

76ers 96 (20-12), Spurs 123 (16-15)

San Antonio’s triple threat of Rudy Gay (21 points), DeMar DeRozan (20 points) and LaMarcus Aldridge (20 points) propelled the Spurs to the win. The 76ers were held to just 17 points in the second quarter, allowing the Spurs to grab the lead. Ben Simmons and JJ Redick led the 76ers in scoring with 16 points each.

That ball movement #GoSpursGo https://t.co/y4SXxgMOye

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 18, 2018

Grizzlies 93 (16-14), Warriors 110 (21-10)

It was a night of memorable buckets for both Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Curry hit a 3-pointer to hit the 15,000-point mark for his career; Durant passed Larry Bird for No. 33 on the all-time scoring list. The pair finished with a combined 43 points in the easy win.

Of course Steph Curry hits 15,000 points with a 3 (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/RdCAKrPxHh

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 18, 2018

Blazers 131 (16-13), Clippers 127 (17-2)

Portland and L.A. went down to the wire as the Clippers fought back to make the game close in the final minutes. However, the tandem of Damian Lillard (39 points) and CJ McCollum (27 points) helped the Blazers pull it out. Tobias Harris dropped 39 points in the loss.

D A M I A N pic.twitter.com/E3bDXNkUrN

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 18, 2018

RELATED:
‘My Game Doesn’t Make Sense’: James Harden Says He’s One-of-a-Kind

The post Post Up: James Harden Drops 47 Points in Clutch Win vs. Jazz 🔥 appeared first on SLAM.

Malcolm Brogdon came up huge down the stretch, knocking down a go-ahead three-pointer in Toronto. Brogdon finished with 18 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 19 and a season-high 19 boards. Brook Lopez also chipped in 19, too.

Malcolm Brogdon with the go-ahead triple against the Raps and the Bucks get a HUGE win up North. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/vBs95YwEK2

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 10, 2018

Pelicans 116 (14-14), Pistons 108 (13-11)

With Anthony Davis not 100 percent and missing the first half with a right hip injury, Jrue Holiday and Julius Randle filled in the offensive void in Motown. Holiday and Randle combined for 65 points on the road.

Spurs 110 (13-14), Jazz 97 (13-14)

Four of five Spurs starters finished with double digits as DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 26 points at the AT&T Center. Rudy Gay was the second leading scorer with 23. San Antonio’s 13th win of the season put Gregg Popovich fourth all-time in league history with 1,1210 wins, tying Pat Riley. Donovan Mitchell had 27 for the Jazz.

Hornets 119 (12-13), Knicks 107 (8-19)

Cardiac Kemba is always putting on for his home state every time he comes back to The Garden. Walker, who posted 25 points, led the Hornets over the Knicks on Sunday night. Jeremy Lamb chipped in 19 points. Despite the loss, rookie Kevin Knox tied a season-high 26 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds.

Cardiac Kemba was in his bag earlier at The Garden. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/f8qHEZdFp6

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 10, 2018

The post Post Up: Kemba Walker Shows Out Sunday Night at MSG appeared first on SLAM.

Kyle Kuzma (23 points) and LeBron James (22 points) were the Lakers’ leading scorers as the pair sat the fourth quarter in Sunday’s rout at home. Micheal Beasley, who’s been inserted into the rotation again, scored a season-high 14 points. Devin Booker left the game in the second quarter with a hamstring injury.

Never gets old. (via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/2Zj8txTzI4

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 2, 2018

Pelicans 119 (11-12), Hornets 109 (11-11)

Anthony Davis feasted in Charlotte with a near triple-double: 36 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists. Jrue Holiday chipped in 19 points and eight dimes as well, and Julius Randle dropped 13 points off the bench.

3⃣6⃣, 1⃣9⃣ & 8⃣

Anthony Davis COOKED in Charlotte. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/SnpwV8rCL9

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 3, 2018

Sixers 103 (17-8), Grizzlies 95 (13-9)

Every time they step on the floor, the Sixers are looking like one of the top favorites in the East with the addition of Jimmy Butler. Butler was the second-leading scorer with 21 points behind JJ Redick’s 24 in the home win. Ben Simmons (19 points, 12 rebounds) and Joel Embiid (15 points, 14 rebounds) posted double-doubles, respectively.

That’s toughhhhhhh, Jimmy. (via @sixers) https://t.co/bEjaUYIk6L

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 3, 2018

Heat 102 (9-13), Jazz 100 (11-13)

Late in the game with the game tied at 100, Dwyane Wade knocked down two free throws to give the Heat the two-point lead at American Airlines Arena. Hassan Whiteside had 23 points and 20 boards. Ricky Rubio was Utah’s leading scorer with 23.

Spurs 131 (11-12), Blazers 118 (13-10)

DeMar DeRozan erupted for a season-high 36 points in San Antonio, dissecting the Blazers’ defense in the mid-range area. LaMarcus Aldridge (29 points) and Rudy Gay (18 points) were the two other starters in double figures.

DeMar in the mid-range … yeah, that’s a bucket. So smooth. (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/ytysq0p57w

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 3, 2018

Mavericks 114 (11-10), Clippers 110 (15-7)

Dennis Smith Jr., who lost a tooth in the first half, made a huge block on Tobias Harris in the fourth quarter. Harrison Barnes led all scorers with 30 and JJ Barea was huge off the bench to contribute 24 points.

Dennis Smith Jr with the block! Peep Luka’s reaction though. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/SlS64LB2j1

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 3, 2018

The post Post Up: DeMar DeRozan Scores 36 Points Against the Blazers appeared first on SLAM.

LeBron James lit up Miami for a season-high 51 points tonight after Saturday’s disappointing loss to the Magic. James, who notched his 12th career 50-point game, hit six three-pointers in 38 minutes. He caught the hot hand scoring 19 first-quarter points. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 19 points off the bench as the Lakers prepare for James’s return to Cleveland on Wednesday.

The King taking flight in the 305! (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/RIIUajAY56

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 18, 2018

Grizzlies 100 (10-5), Timberwolves 87 (7-10)

Marc Gasol was one assist short of a triple-double (26 points, 13 rebounds, 9 rebounds) to lead Memphis to the road win. Mike Conley and rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed with 18 and 13, respectively. Karl-Anthony Towns and newcomer Robert Covington had 15 apiece for the Wolves.

Magic 131 (9-8), Knicks (4-13)

The Magic went 2-for-2 on the weekend to protect their home court. Aaron Gordon scored 20 of his 31 points in the first quarter, Nikola Vucevic finished with 28, 10 and 9 and Jonathan Issac chipped in 16 points as the Magic, who’ve won their last seven of nine games.

Trailblazers 119 (11-5), Wizards 109 (5-11)

Damian Lillard erupted for 40 points in the nation’s capital as the Blazers snapped a two-game losing streak. Lillard’s backcourt mate C.J. McCollum dropped 25 and Jusuf Nurkic had 13 points, 14 rebounds and a career-high 8 dimes.

.@Dame_Lillard messed around and had a 40-piece in DC. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/8QIl7pIChC

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 19, 2018

Spurs 104 (7-7) , Warriors 92 (12-5)

Despite having 8 points, Patty Mills nailed a dagger down the stretch to put the Warriors away. LaMarcus Aldridge led all scorers with 24 points and DeMar DeRozan dropped 20 points. Rudy Gay contributed 19, including a rim-rocking dunk in the first half.

RUDY (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/umIeFRa2Tz

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 19, 2018

The post Post Up: LeBron James Scores Season-High 51 Points in Miami 🔥 appeared first on SLAM.

Shooters shoot, right? Klay Thompson entered Monday night with just five 3-pointers made through the first seven games of the season, but he wasn’t afraid to unload the clip early and often in Chicago as he sank six in the first quarter. Thompson’s 10 3’s in the first half tied an NBA record for 3’s as he led the Warriors to a franchise-high 92 points in one half. It didn’t take long in the second half for Thompson to eclipse teammate Steph Curry’s single-game shooting record as he hit his 14th 3 with 4:53 to go in the third quarter. He checked out less than a minute later with 52 points in 27 minutes.

“COUNT IT UP, COUNT IT.”

Here’s all 1⃣4⃣ of Klay’s record-breaking 3-pointers. (via @SportsCenter) https://t.co/MRYb0F6Il4

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 30, 2018

Trail Blazers 103 (4-2), Pacers 93 (4-3)

No Blazer scored more than 17 points as a collective scoring effort in the second half led Portland to a comeback win over Indiana. CJ McCollum and Zach Collins each scored 17 while Victor Oladipo scored a game-high 21 for the Pacers.

Nuggets 116 (5-1), Pelicans 111 (4-2)

Nikola Jokic didn’t score a lot, but he didn’t need to in order to lead Denver to the W as the big man racked up 10 assists, nine rebounds and two blocks to go with his 12 points. Jamal Murray and Gary Harris took care of the scoring bulk as the backcourt mates each scored 23 and led Denver’s 64-point second half outing.

Anthony Davis didn’t play as Julius Randle scored a team-high 24 points off the bench.

Knicks 115 (2-5), Nets 96 (2-5)

Knicks coach David Fizdale undoubtedly raised a few eyebrows when he elected to move Enes Kanter and Trey Burke to the bench for the second-consecutive game, but their replacements shined as Frank Ntilikina had 16 points, five rebounds and four dimes and Mitchell Robinson had 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a game-high 25 points as the Knicks re-claimed the crown as New York’s best team.

Shabazz Napier had 12 points and was the only Net with a positive plus-minus as he turned in 19 minutes off the pine.

Hawks 92 (2-4), 76ers 113 (4-3)

The Sixers’ young core shined as Ben Simmons stuffed the box score with 21 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes and Markelle Fultz scored a season-high 16 points and dropped seven dimes.

Y’all thought Markelle was finished?

Lol. (via @sixers) https://t.co/vA9uFyAjJD

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/SLAMonline/status/1057083879151034370

Raptors 109 (6-1), Bucks 124 (7-0)

Giannis Antetoknounmpo had to sit out due to the NBA’s concussion protocol, but his squad was still able to leave the night undefeated as eight players scored at least eight points on the night. Ersan Illyasova had a team-best 19 points and 11 boards.

Toronto was without its star player, Kawhi Leonard, too, as it suffered its first long of the season despite 30 points and nine rebounds from Serge Ibaka.

Lakers 120 (2-5), Timberwolves 124 (3-4)

The Lakers received a boost as Brandon Ingram scored 24 points in 9-for-18 shooting in his return from suspension, but a lack of consistent defense cost Los Angeles another win as Jimmy Butler sank a dagger 3-pointer with 18 seconds to go to cap off a 32-point night. Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 points and 16 points for the Timberwolves.

LeBron  James continued to shine in purple and gold, racking up 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.

LeBron throwing lobs to JaVale on the reg—2018 is wild. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/jQfBkedYcp

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 30, 2018

“YOU CAN’T WIN WITHOUT ME.”

Jimmy Butler is COLD-BLOODED. (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/n3eK8BhUZT

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 30, 2018

Kings 123 (4-3), Heat 113 (3-3)

There were plenty of buckets to go around for the fellas in purple as Willie Cauley-Stein (26 points), De’Aaron Fox (20) and Buddy Hield (23) each clocked out with at least 20 points apiece as the Kings shot 46.2 percent from behind the arc.

Josh Richardson continued to shine for Miami as he scored a game-high 31 points, but his supporting cast wasn’t able to keep up with Sacramento’s sharp night on offense. Hassan Whiteside racked up 16 points and 24 rebounds in 29 minutes.

Spurs 113 (4-2), Mavericks 108 (2-5)

Luka Doncic dropped a career-high 31 points, but three straight overtime buckets from DeMar DeRozan (34 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals) spoiled the rising star’s night.

Rudy Gay stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 11 rebounds and six steals to help seal the victory for San Antonio.

Dennis Smith Jr. had 22 points and DeAndre Jordan racked up 18 rebounds and eight points in the loss.

The post Post Up: Klay Thompson Hits NBA-Record 14 3’s in 52-Point Outing 🔥 appeared first on SLAM.

After the Knicks rookie got to taste the new Chipotle Cheesesteak sandwich, we caught up with him to discuss all things NYC, video games, fashion, goals for the upcoming season and more.

—

SLAM: When people say you’re the future of the Knicks, how does that make you feel?

Kevin Knox: Pretty good. It’s just a great opportunity for me to be here in New York and play for the Knicks. It’s a great organization, so I’m really looking forward to the season.

SLAM: What’s been the biggest adjustment to life in New York?

KK: Probably just the culture, the people here, the way the traffic works, streets, and all that stuff.

SLAM: How’ve you been dealing with the traffic?

KK: Yeah, it’s kind of bad [laughs]. You gotta figure out the times when you can go out to the city and the times you got to avoid it because of the traffic. So I just got to get used to all that stuff.

SLAM: Do you like to shop?

KK: Yeah, I’m a big fashion guy. I love to go shop, look at different clothes. There’s no better place than here in New York. They got all the top stores, all the top brands, so it’s probably one of the big things that I’m looking forward to.

SLAM: One of my favorite things about the city is the number of thrift stores there are. You a big thrift store guy?

KK: Not really. I kind of like high-end designer stuff, but if I come across something that’s really nice and I really like, even though it’s not really designer, I’ll usually get it.

SLAM: Can you talk about the deal you signed with PUMA and what you’re looking forward to about it?

KK: Yeah, it’s their first year back in basketball. They got a lot of good off the court stuff that people are familiar with. They just want to start [transitioning back to basketball]. So they got me, Marvin Bagley, DeAndre Ayton, Terry Rozier, Rudy Gay. They found a lot of great guys to start that up. So I just felt like it was another great opportunity for me to be able to help them bring basketball back. A great opportunity for myself and PUMA. They’re going to help me market myself really well out here in New York.

SLAM: Are you cool with those other PUMA guys?

KK: I’m mad chill with all of them. Pretty much all the players in the [rookie] class. Off the court, we’re cool, we play video games, I talk to them all the time. You come in between those lines, its a little bit different.

SLAM: Speaking of video games, I hear you’re a big Fortnite guy.

KK: Yeah, I’m kind of nice. I took a break, though, to hop on the 2K wave. But I used to play Fortnite a lot, like almost everyday. I was pretty good at it, but I took a little break to get my “my player” up.

SLAM: What’s your archetype?

KK: I made a sharp shooting playmaker.

SLAM: Is that your archetype or just the one you made?

KK: That’s the one I made. I’m gonna make another player, try some different archetypes out. But that’s my main one.

SLAM: What’s your actual archetype in real life?

KK: I feel like probably a playmaking slasher. Being able to get to the rim, dunk, different types of finishes.

SLAM: You can shoot it, though. 

KK: That’s the playmaking stuff. Being able to step out and shoot some threes. I didn’t want to say sharp shooter, because I don’t necessarily feel like I’m just a shooter. I’m a scorer. I can score at all three levels. So playmaking slasher or something like that is good.

SLAM: How would you describe your game to someone who hasn’t seen you play?

KK: I’m very versatile. I think I can play 1 through 4. Here with the Knicks, coaches are going to have me play pretty much everywhere to be able to showcase my abilities to handle the ball, pick and roll, shoot threes, midrange, create paths to make plays for other teammates, stuff like that. Defensively, being able to guard 1 through 4. My size, my length, and my ability to move, I feel like that’s going to help me out.

SLAM: Have you seen the videos of LeBron James running plays in 2K?

KK: Yeah, I saw that.

SLAM: Do you use 2K as a tool like that?

KK: Nah, not really. When I’m playing 2K, I’m playing to win by 20. You got some guys that run plays all the time. But me, I just like that fast paced — trying to get 100 points a game — shoot threes.

SLAM: How have you been preparing to face off against elite talent every night?

KK: As a rookie, you got to watch a lot of film on guys. Mentally, you try to go in it with the mindset that you’re going to be able to attack and get stops on the defensive end. You can’t have that scared type mindset. You have to have that attack mode type mindset, especially against the guys that are elite. That’s the mindset that they’re going to have against you because you’re just a rookie. You have to have the right mentality going into the games.

SLAM: And what are your goals for your rookie season? 

KK: I just want to win as many games as possible. I feel like that’s something New York hasn’t really done in a while. So I feel like if I can do that in New York, that’s going to be huge for the city, huge for the team. Free agency next year, that can help us out with that, too. So that’s my number one priority right now — to win games and just get better throughout the year.

—

Joseph Sherman is a Social Media Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

Photos via Getty. 

The post Kevin Knox Talks Transitioning to NYC, PUMA Deal, 2K Archetype and More appeared first on SLAM.

Gay, 32, feels “athletic again.”

Rudy Gay discusses being reunited with his "brother" DeMar DeRozan, "feeling athletic" again and his bemused reation to Vegas oddsmakers placing #Spurs over/under for wins at 43.5 this season ("Nobody expects us to win. I don't know why.") https://t.co/vtwMgroQrt

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) August 20, 2018

Gay looks forward to teaming up with DeMar DeRozan in San Antonio, and expects the Spurs to prove critics wrong.

Per The Express-News:

“Everything is clicking,” he said. “I feel athletic again.”

Gay credits his sense of well being to a summer of hard work in the gym and weight room intermingled with his usual full schedule of community involvement and NBA outreach, including playing in the league’s Africa Game 2018.

“I’ve been working hard, man,” Gay said at his boys’ high school basketball showcase for East Coast teams he hosts annually. “I lost about five pounds. Last year was a little bit of a struggle for me, so I tried to alleviate that by taking the weight off my feet by losing a couple of pounds through working out and eating better. It’s now or never right now for me.”

The post Rudy Gay: ‘I Feel Athletic Again’ appeared first on SLAM.

Gay, who was traded by Raptors GM Masi Ujiri in 2013, said the Spurs are always up-front with their players, which “doesn’t happen much in the NBA.”

He added that the Kawhi Leonard-DeMar DeRozan trade “shows you the difference between the San Antonio Spurs and other organizations.”

Via the Hartford Courant‘s UConn Insider podcast:

“The best part about San Antonio, they do right by you. They do right by their players, do right by their staff. That doesn’t happen much in the NBA, to be honest with you. It doesn’t happen much.” […]

“On one side, there was [Leonard] that was trying to get out, get to a bigger market. They were totally being up-front with him, and then they trade him for a guy (DeRozan) where, that organization wasn’t being up-front with him at all.

“So, I mean, it’s just night and day. That trade right there shows you the difference between the San Antonio Spurs and other organizations.”

RELATED:
DeMar DeRozan Feels Misled by the Raptors

The post Rudy Gay: ‘Night and Day’ Difference Between Spurs, Raptors appeared first on SLAM.

Paul George: four years, $167 million with Thunder

Chris Paul: four years, $160 million with Rockets

Kevin Durant: two years, $61.5 million with Warriors

Nikola Jokic: five years, $146.5 million with Nuggets

Clint Capela: five years, $90 million with Rockets

Aaron Gordon: four years, $84 million with Magic

Zach LaVine: four years, $78 million with Bulls

Marcus Smart: four years, $52 million with Celtics

Dirk Nowitzki: one year, $5 million with Mavs

Jusuf Nurkic: four years, $48 million with Blazers

Derrick Favors: two years, $36 million with Jazz

Will Barton: four years, $54 million with Nuggets

Dante Exum: three years, $33 million with Jazz

Jerami Grant: three years, $27 million with Thunder

Avery Bradley: two years, $25 million with Clippers

Fred VanVleet: two years, $18 million with Raptors

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: one year, $12 million with Lakers

JJ Redick: one year, $12 million with Sixers

Rudy Gay: one year, $10 million with Spurs

Joe Harris: two years, $16 million with Nets

Montrezl Harrell: two years, $12 million with Clippers

Aron Baynes: two years, $11 million with Celtics

Wayne Ellington: one year, $6.3 million with Heat

Derrick Rose: one year, $2.1 million with Timberwolves

Davis Bertans: four years, $20 million with Spurs

Raul Neto: 2 years, $4.4 million with Jazz

Monte Morris: three years, $4.8 million with Nuggets

Torrey Craig: two years, $4 million with Nuggets

Raymond Felton: one year, $2.4 million with Thunder

Amir Johnson: one year, $2.4 million with Sixers

Gerald Green: one year, $2.4 million with Rockets

Shabazz Muhammad: one year, $1.8 million with Bucks

Kevon Looney: one year, $1.6 million with Warriors

Ian Clark: one year, $1.6 million with Pelicans

Derrick Jones Jr: one year, $1.6 million with Heat

Salah Mejri: one year, $1.6 million with Mavs

On the Move

LeBron James: four years, $154 million with Lakers

DeMarcus Cousins: one year, $5.3 million with Warriors

DeAndre Jordan: one year, $24.1 million with Mavericks

Jabari Parker: two years, $40 million with Bulls

Isaiah Thomas: one year, $2 million with Nuggets

Julius Randle: two years, $18 million with Pelicans

Trevor Ariza: one year, $15 million with Suns

Tyreke Evans: one year, $12 million with Pacers

Rajon Rondo: one year, $9 million with Lakers

Dwight Howard: one year, $5.3 million with Wizards

Kyle Anderson: four years, $37 million with Grizzlies

Doug McDermott: three years, $22 million with Pacers

Ersan Ilyasova: three years, $21 million with Bucks

Nemanja Bjelica: three years, $20.5 million with Kings

Mario Hezonja: one year, $6.5 million with Knicks

Marco Belinelli: two years, $12 million with Spurs

Tony Parker: two years, $10 million with Hornets

Alex Len: two years, $8.5 million with Hawks

Kyle O’Quinn: one year, $4.5 million with Pacers

Luc Mbah a Moute: one year, $4.3 million with Clippers

Brook Lopez: one year, $3.4 million with Bucks

Channing Frye: one year, $2.4 million with Cavaliers

Glenn Robinson III: two years, $8.3 million with Pistons

Yogi Ferrell: two years, $6.2 million with Kings

Seth Curry: two years, $5.6 million with Blazers

Nerlens Noel: two years, $3.5 million with Thunder

Bryn Forbes: two years with Spurs

Anthony Tolliver: one year, $5.8 million with Timberwolves

Lance Stephenson: one year, $4.5 million with Lakers

Ed Davis: one year, $4.4 million with Nets

Shabazz Napier: two years, $3.5 million with Nets

Michael Beasley: one year, $3.5 million with Lakers

James Ennis: two years, $3.4 million with Rockets

Pat Connaughton: two years, $3.4 million with Bucks

Elfrid Payton: one year, $2.7 million with Pelicans

Vince Carter: one year, $2.4 million with Hawks

Jeff Green: one year, $2.5 million with Wizards

Dante Cunningham: one year, $2.5 million with Spurs

Jose Calderon: one year, $2.4 million with Pistons

Omri Casspi: one year, $2.4 million with Grizzlies

Zaza Pachulia: one year, $2.4 million with Pistons

Greg Monroe: one year, $2.2 million with Raptors

JaVale McGee: one year, $2.1 million with Lakers

Shelvin Mack: one year, $2 million with Grizzlies

Mike Scott: one year, $1.9 million with the Clippers

Michael Carter-Williams: one year, $1.8 million with Rockets

Nik Stauskas: one year, $1.5 million with Blazers

Noah Vonleh: one year deal with Knicks

Troy Williams: one year, $1.5 million with Pelicans

The post 2018 NBA Free Agent Tracker appeared first on SLAM.

Gay, 31, averaged a career-low 21.6 minutes last season in San Antonio after tearing his achilles in January of 2017.

Minnesota's Jamal Crawford has declined his $4.5M player option for 2018-19 season, league sources tell Yahoo. Crawford averaged 10.3 points in 20.7 minutes for T'Wolves last season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2018

RELATED:
Report: Kawhi Leonard Wants Trade From Spurs

The post Report: Rudy Gay To Become Free Agent after Opting Out appeared first on SLAM.

I talked to Rudy Gay about the San Antonio Spurs' culture, the Kawhi Leonard drama, learning from Gregg Popovich, his 2018-19 player option that could make him an unrestricted free agent, how much longer he wants to play and more: https://t.co/fMwuUl2pgG

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 7, 2018

Gay says San Antonio was expected to compete for an NBA title, which only added to the frustration with Leonard’s prolonged rehab from a quad injury.

Rudy sympathizes with Kawhi dealing with a lingering injury, and says all you can do is wait and hope the situation improves.

Per HoopsHype:

Entering this season, there was excitement about you and Kawhi Leonard, but you only got to play five games together due to his right quadriceps injury and your right heel injury. How frustrating was that, and do you think the situation regarding Kawhi was blown out of proportion?

RG: “Do I think it was blown out of proportion? Maybe. But, I mean, when you have a team that is expected to compete for a championship, of course the media is going to be there and read into everything. I understand the media [side of things], but I definitely think it was blown out of proportion.

“With that situation, it’s tough being injured. I know it was tough for him. It’s tough when you’re sitting out and knowing what you can do and not being able to contribute. I’ve done it! I’ve been there and had to sit out. Not being able to play basketball is hard. This is all we know. Being healthy is rare in this business. That’s why I’m taking this summer to get myself 100 percent healthy and become the best player I can be. I guess our timing was off, you know?”

Were you able to talk to him at all as he was doing his rehab? Having been through something similar, were you able to give him any advice or talk him through this since you can relate to what he’s going through?

RG: “Yeah, I have. I’ve talked to him and sent him pictures and stuff like that. We would talk back and forth. Like I said, I’ve been in that situation, you know? There’s really nothing others can say [to make it better]. You just work as hard as you can to get healthy. I hope he’s getting closer to that. I haven’t really brought it up or anything, but I hope he’s getting closer to that.”

The post Rudy Gay: Kawhi Leonard Drama ‘Blown Out of Proportion’ appeared first on SLAM.

Per USA Today:

“It’s tough,” Aldridge said of the circumstances of this season. “We’re depending on guys who really aren’t offensive guys, and I think that showed tonight. We have guys who really don’t score, and teams are exposing that and trying to make those guys score. … But every guy in the locker room has grinded, and tried to get better, and you’ve got to consider that.”

When asked about his view on the Leonard situation, Aldridge made it clear that’s a topic he won’t touch.

“I have no comment,” he said as he walked away. “He has to do what’s best for him. That’s it. Nice to see you.”

The Spurs can offer Kawhi a five-year, $215-million supermax extension this summer, but given their strained relationship, whispers of a possible trade have only grown louder as he remains apart from the team.

San Antonio is down 0-2 in their first-round playoff series against the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

It's a bad look for Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs – and he's about to make it worse @spurs #nba @nbaplayoffs2018 https://t.co/ODAL1coOBD

— Ailene Voisin (@ailene_voisin) April 18, 2018

Per the Sac Bee:

He occasionally texts with some of his teammates, but according to [Pau] Gasol leaves others in the dark. And the fact he has been absent from San Antonio for weeks and is not expected to sit on the bench for Game 3?

No one can speak for Popovich, but some of his closest confidants suspect that if the relationship remains strained and the lack of communication persists, he will pursue a blockbuster trade during the offseason and commit to a parting of the ways. Already, according to multiple reports, several teams are assembling packages that might appeal to the Spurs.

“We have been trying to adjust,” [Manu] Ginobili said as he walked toward the bus Monday night, “but it’s really hard in this league when you have post-up guys like L.A. (Aldridge), but we don’t have a go-to guy on the outside. So we have to make Rudy [Gay] a go-to guy out there. We shot what, 4 for 28 from 3? You can’t win like that. It has just been a really, really tough season.”

The post LaMarcus Aldridge: Kawhi Leonard ‘Has to Do What’s Best for Him’ appeared first on SLAM.

Javale McGee had the best half of his Warriors tenure, scoring 11 first half points en route to a season-high 15 along with four rebounds and two blocks in 16 minutes. Klay Thompson scored 27 points on 11-for-13 shooting from field and Kevin Durant added 24.

Rudy Gay led the Spurs with 15 points off the bench, but the Spurs’ offense was unable to string together any consistent runs.

Nick Young played in his first playoff game in six years and pulled up to Oracle Arena in a silk robe and boxers.

AND JAVALE GIVING ‘EM SMOKE ON DEFENSE (via @warriors) pic.twitter.com/uPBy52ebX1

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 14, 2018

Playoff Swaggy an icon. pic.twitter.com/t4JMT1swjU

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 14, 2018

Greg Popovich was WYLIN at the postgame presser (via @NBCSWarriors) pic.twitter.com/Q1nfDD5VNT

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 14, 2018

No. 1 Raptors 114, No. 8 Wizards 106

The Raptors’ snapped a 10-game losing streak in playoff openers thanks to a strong second half effort. After heading into the intermission down four, DeMar DeRozan rolled out of the gates firing on all cylinders, scoring 12 of his 17 points in the third quarter as Toronto took a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

Serge Ibaka led the Raptors in scoring with 23 points as seven other players chipped in at least nine points.

John wall scored 23 and dropped 15 dimes for the Wizards, but only managed to shoot 6-for-20 from the field.

Kyle Lowry really wanted to make sure ERRRRRYBODY saw Serge Ibaka’s fit (via @DefPenHoops) pic.twitter.com/bHPhtvEIFD

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 15, 2018

Changing the narrative. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/vpdzA4NNPU

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 15, 2018

No. 3 76ers 130, No. 6 Heat 103

The Heat ran out to a 35-29 first quarter lead, but the tides turned quickly as the 76ers outscored the visitors 74-43 in the second half despite the absence of injured NBA All-Star Joel Embiid.

Ben Simmons had 17 points, 14 rebounds and nine rebounds in his postseason debut while seasoned playoff veteran J.J. Redick scored 28 on 8-for-13 shooting.

Kelly Olynyk was a lone bright spot for Miami as he racked up 26 points and hit four 3s in 31 minutes off the bench.

BEN SIMMONS IS TOO TUFF (via @TheRenderNBA) https://t.co/FU5Sex4yJZ

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 15, 2018

MARKELLE FULTZ SAUCE ON ‘EM (via @Sixers) https://t.co/6Sci0Fb78K

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 15, 2018

No. 3 Trail Blazers 95, No. 6 Pelicans 97

The Trail Blazers’ dynamic duo of C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard struggled in the first half as they combined to shoot just 1-for-15 from the field while Pelicans’ All-Star Anthony Davis scored 19.

Davis’ performance continued as he finished the night with 35 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and two steals. Lillard and McCollum came alive in the fourth quarter as Portland outscored New Orleans by 10 in the final period, but it was too little, too late.

A McCollum 3-pointer cut the deficit to as low as one with less than a minute to go, but Jrue Holiday came up big in clutch time, giving Lillard the clamps on the ensuing possession and then blocking Meyers Leonard right before the buzzer.

Davis became the fifth player in NBA history to score 25 points or more in each of their first five career playoff games, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain and Earl Monroe. Rajon Rondo tied a New Orleans playoff record for assists in a game as he amassed up 17 to go along with six points and eight boards.

RAJON RONDO AND ANTHONY DAVIS REALLY BALLIN’ LIKE THAT (via @PelicansNBA) https://t.co/eXg5DSPs0L

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 15, 2018

The post Post Up: Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo Lead New Orleans to Upset Win appeared first on SLAM.

The Knicks struggled to find a consistent offensive spark as Tim Hardaway Jr. sat out with a left ankle sprain; meanwhile, the Bucks were able to overcome the absences of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Malcolm Brogdon as all five of their starters scored in double-digits.

Eric Bledsoe led the way with 22 points and 10 dimes.

BURKE TO DOTSON SLAM pic.twitter.com/2qMMYp3yIz

— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) April 8, 2018

Nuggets 134 (45-35), Clippers 115 (42-38)

It was essentially a playoff game for both sides, but the Clippers were never able to compete as the Nuggets knocked them out of playoff contention behind Nikola Jokic’s 23 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds. Will Barton led the way in scoring with 31 on 11-for-15 shooting from the field.

The Nuggets stayed at ninth in the Western Conference standings, but the win gave them the same record as the No. 8 Timberwolves.

Lou Williams scored 24 off the bench for Los Angeles.

Nets 124 (27-53), Bulls 96 (27-53)

The Bulls moved a full game ahead of the Knicks in the Tankathon rankings as Quincy Acy scored a career-high 21 points (with six made 3’s) for Brooklyn.

Joe Harris had 16 points and six assists with a game-high plus-minus of plus-22 while Allen Crabbe added 20 points.

Kris Dunn, Robin Lopez, Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine didn’t play for Chicago.

Thunder 108 (46-34), Rockets 102 (64-16)

Oklahoma City sparked its path towards the postseason thanks to a 70-point outing from its big three of Carmelo Anthony (22), Paul George (24) and Russell Westbrook (24).

Anthony, who had shot just 36 percent from the field over the Thunder’s previous nine contests, went 7-for-14 from the field and knocked down three 3’s.

Oklahoma City trailed by one with seven minutes to go before an 11-0 run gave it the largest lead either side held all night.

James Harden dropped 26 points and had nine assists while Chris Paul added 17 and nine.

BRODIE IS TOO TUFF (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/uHD3FASq6K

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) April 8, 2018

Pelicans 126 (46-34), Warriors 120 (57-23)

Two of the NBA’s most prolific 7-foot scorers went head-to-head and they didn’t disappoint: Kevin Durant had 41 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while Anthony Davis led his squad to a victory with 34 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks and two steals.

Rajon Rondo‘s steal with 31 seconds to go that led to an E’Twaun Moore jumper on the other end put the Pelicans up four with 23.5 seconds to go and secured the victory.

Rondo finished the night with 12 points and 17 assists. His plus-minus of plus-21 led all players.

Quinn Cook continued to ball out in Steph Curry’s place, scoring 21 on 8-for-14 shooting.

Rajon Rondo steals it from KD and it leads to a clutch #Pelicans bucket! pic.twitter.com/3eAmCvSPsx

— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 8, 2018

Rajon Rondo and Anthony Davis were on the same page and connected on the impressive long range alley-oop in tonight's #AssistOfTheNight! #DoItBig pic.twitter.com/21mumjvMqY

— NBA (@NBA) April 8, 2018

Trail Blazers 105 (48-32), Spurs 116 (46-34)

With the Pelicans and Thunder picking up wins earlier in the night, the Spurs’ matchup against the Trail Blazers became that much more important.

Rudy Gay broke the stalemate with 8:58 to go in the game and San Antonio never looked back as LaMarcus Aldridge scored 28 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had four steals against his former team.

Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with a game-high 33 points.

Western Conference Playoff Race

1. Rockets (64-16)
2. Warriors (57-23)
3. Trail Blazers (48-32)
4. Jazz (46-33)
5. Pelicans (46-34)
6. Spurs (46-34)
7. Thunder (46-34)
8. Timberwolves (45-35)
9. Nuggets (45-34)

The post Post Up: Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant Duel as Playoff Race Tightens appeared first on SLAM.

Ben Simmons didn’t record another triple-double, but he was nonetheless phenomenal as the Sixers won their 10th game in a row. The rookie finished with 20 points and 15 assists, helping Philly record at least 30 assists for a team-record ninth-straight game. A 14-0 run from the Sixers in the third quarter, which came right after the Hornets momentarily grabbed the lead, put the game away. Marco Belinelli led all scorers with 22 points, and Malik Monk and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist each had 16 to lead the Hornets.

Ben Simmons put on a show in the first half (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/rXKETkkM78

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Bulls 113 (26-51), Wizards 94 (42-35)

Lauri Markkanen scored 23 points on 5-8 shooting from three as the Bulls handed the Wizards their third-straight road loss. As a team, the Bulls were on fire from deep, making 18 of 34 three-point attempts. Bobby Portis went 4-5 from three off the bench and scored 18 points. The Wizards, a day after wrapping up a playoff spot, turned the ball over 16 times, but got 17 points from Otto Porter Jr.

Give it to the big man (via @chicagobulls) pic.twitter.com/VdKkOTnULS

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Pacers 111 (46-31), Clippers 104 (41-36)

Victor Oladipo filled the stat sheet with 30 points, 12 assists, five steals, and four rebounds to lead the Pacers on the road. Indiana earned its 12th win in 16 games thanks to Oladipo’s heroics, a 35-26 fourth quarter, and 24 points from Myles Turner. Tobias Harris had 21 and Lou Williams scored 20 to lead the Clippers, who are now two games out of the 8 spot in the West with five remaining.

Why you hustle back (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/463sYaRRuU

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Spurs 100 (45-32), Rockets 83 (62-15)

The Rockets still have the best record in the NBA, but the Spurs held them to their lowest point total of the season on Sunday. Houston shot just 34 percent overall and went 7-31 from three. On the other end, LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Spurs, while Rudy Gay added 21. James Harden had 25 points and eight assists for Houston.

on one end
on the other

Rudy Gay is on a mission today. (via @spurs) pic.twitter.com/FkfZzd3Ct6

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Hawks 94 (22-55), Magic 88 (22-54)

Back-to-back buckets from Tyler Dorsey with under two minutes to go gave the Hawks all the breathing room they needed to hold off the Magic in a back-and-forth game. Dorsey scored a team-high 19 off the bench on 8-11 shooting, including three from long distance. D.J. Augustin had 20 to lead the Magic.

I mean…

That’s a good way to end a quarter. pic.twitter.com/9KMkbm5hnt

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 1, 2018

Pistons 108 (37-40), Nets 96 (25-52)

Playing without Blake Griffin once again, the Pistons earned their fifth win in a row, this one behind 29 points from Reggie Jackson. Detroit is still alive in the playoff hunt, albeit just barely, at four games out of the 8 seed with five remaining. Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris each scored 15 points for the Nets.

JARRETT ALLEN TAKES FLIGHT! (via @BrooklynNets) pic.twitter.com/hk7xftFM68

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Cavaliers 98 (47-30), Mavericks 87 (23-54)

LeBron James endured a rough day offensively and still somehow managed a triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. That pretty much says it all about LeBron. Cleveland has won eight out of nine as it tries to wrap up the 3 seed in the East. Harrison Barnes had 30 for the Mavericks, but only one other Dallas player scored more then nine.

This dish from @JmCalderon to @KingJames is [insert adjective here]!#CavsMavs on FSO & FOX Sports GO: https://t.co/cAF8QeAZBW pic.twitter.com/SkW8oT5CNH

— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) April 1, 2018

Thunder 109 (45-33), Pelicans 104 (43-34)

Russell Westbrook’s triple-double (26 points, 15 rebounds, 13 assists) and Paul George’s 19 first-half points lifted the Thunder in a close game over the Pelicans. They stayed within reach of the 4 seed, or even the 3 with some luck, while New Orleans’ path to wrapping up a playoff spot narrowed a little bit. Anthony Davis had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Pelicans.

Pass + Finish (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/zKNxhMUiUR

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 1, 2018

Jazz 121 (44-33), Timberwolves 97 (44-34)

The Jazz shot a season-best 60.5 percent from the field to blow out the Timberwolves and improve to 25-5 over their last 30 games. Some of the shooting numbers were outrageous. Donovan Mitchell had 21 points on 10-15 shooting. Ricky Rubio had 23 and shot 9-14. He also went 5-6 from three. Andrew Wiggins had 23 and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 for the Timberwolves, but it wasn’t close to enough.

Jazz. Basketball. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/rBgZl6OTjg

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 2, 2018

Warriors 117 (56-21), Suns 107 (19-59)

The Warriors didn’t look like themselves for the first half of this one, but came alive with a 36-18 third quarter to beat the Suns. Kevin Durant led the way with a near triple-double (29 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists), and Draymond Green had 13 points and 12 assists. Marquese Chriss and Josh Jackson each had 22 for the Suns who, somehow, have lost 25 out of 26.

Give him the bucket and the assist. (via @Suns) pic.twitter.com/utlfTeNda3

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 2, 2018

Nuggets 128 (42-35), Bucks 125 (OT) (41-36)

The Nuggets trailed by eight in the final minute of regulation but rallied to force overtime on three Jamal Murray free throws with 2.8 seconds left. Denver never trailed in overtime as Jabari Parker missed what would have been the game-tying three in the final seconds. Nikola Jokic had 35 points and 13 rebounds, while Paul Millsap added 26 and 13 of his own. Parker had 35 for the Bucks.

t o u c h pic.twitter.com/YmSxDShATx

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 2, 2018

Trail Blazers 113 (48-29), Grizzlies 98 (21-56)

The Blazers clinched a playoff spot behind 27 points from Damian Lillard and 20 from CJ McCollum. Portland led by as many as 23 but had to fend off a late rally from Memphis to hold on. Dillon Brooks had 28 to lead the Grizzlies. While it took until Sunday for the Blazers to officially clinch the playoffs thanks to a crowded middle of the field, they’re in good shape for the 3 seed and home court in the first round.

Dillon Brooks hit one from Eugene! (via @memgrizz) pic.twitter.com/jzy7rXfq5W

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) April 2, 2018

Kings 84 (25-53), Lakers 83 (33-43)

Buddy Held broke an 80-80 tie on a dunk with 37 seconds left and De’Aaron Fox made what proved to be the game winner 26 seconds later to hand the Lakers their third loss in four games. Hield led the Kings with 19 points and Julius Randle matched him to lead the Lakers. Neither team shot well for the game as the two combined to go 14-56 from three 23-39 from the line.

When Trill jumps, you better look up pic.twitter.com/GcQeEUe28o

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 2, 2018

The post Post Up: Sixers Win 10th Straight And Spurs Knock Off Rockets appeared first on SLAM.

Gay said “it was just a conversation” among teammates, and Danny Green also called the story incorrect.

#Spurs news: Rudy Gay discusses ESPN report of a tense and emotional players-only meeting with Kawhi Leonard…said today "Heated? I don't think so." Hear @RudyGay set the record straight below #KSATnews #KSATsports #NBA #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/atbLDvbwKh

— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) March 22, 2018

Leonard has missed all but nine games this season with a right quadriceps injury, as San Antonio has struggled to hang on to a playoff spot.

Per KSAT:

“I’ve been on a lot of teams and obviously things get discussed,” Gay said. “I wouldn’t say it was a legit team meeting, it was just one of those things where we all got together and we talked about things that were going on.”

While Gay admitted to the players getting together, he said it was not as tension filled as reports indicated.

“Heated? I don’t think so. It was just a conversation. Nothing more than that, nothing different than I have seen before,” Gay said. “Actually it was a lot lighter than I have seen before. It was nothing for you guys to be worried about.”

The post Rudy Gay Denies Report of ‘Tense’ Team Meeting With Kawhi Leonard appeared first on SLAM.

The Rockets beat the Clippers to finish a perfect February and win their 14th in a row. But what fans will really remember was a play in the first quarter when James Harden pulled off one of the most disrespectful moves you’ll ever see.

JAMES HARDEN. This is legendary. (via @HoustonRockets) pic.twitter.com/KVo9iIlqtE

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 1, 2018

A closer look:

Just look at this. pic.twitter.com/6PvsrOMgkx

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 1, 2018

That shouldn’t be allowed. The Rockets jumped all over the Clippers early, and while L.A. was able to cut the deficit to a respectable margin in the second half, Houston was never truly threatened. Harden had 25 to lead the way and Tobias Harris had 24 for the Clippers.

Pistons 110 (29-32), Bucks 87 (33-28)

Andre Drummond had 15 points and 16 rebounds as the Pistons dominated the Bucks inside en route to a 23-point victory. Overall, Detroit out-rebounded Milwaukee 57-35 and outscored the Bucks 56-34 in the paint. Eric Bledsoe and Stanley Johnson each had 19 points to lead all scorers.

There aren’t many who are more fun to watch than Giannis (via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/yTttJkmNCk

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 1, 2018

Raptors 117 (43-17), Magic 104 (18-43)

Toronto’s red-hot stretch continued as DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points to lead the Raptors to their 11th win in 13 games. Kyle Lowry had 17 more on 4-8 shooting from three and Toronto shot 54 percent from the field overall. In a game that was close most of the way, the Raptors closed on a 20-8 run. Evan Fournier and Mario Hezonja each had 17 to lead the Magic.

Mario! (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/nKUQDgtUry

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 1, 2018

Hawks 107 (19-43), Pacers 102 (34-27)

After the Hawks mascot and Victor Oladipo engaged in a heated game of rock, paper, scissors, Atlanta pulled off a close win in a game that left Pacers coach Nate McMillan frustrated. McMillan said the Pacers got outworked, and to make matters worse, they committed 24 turnovers. Bojan Bogdanovic had 26 to lead the Pacers and John Collins had 16 for Atlanta.

Celtics 134 (44-19), Hornets 106 (28-34)

Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker dueled in the first half, each putting up more than 20 points, but Irving and the Celtics got the better of Charlotte in the second half. The Celtics outscored the Hornets 36-20 in the third quarter to take control and they never looked back. Irving had 34 points on 13-18 shooting and Walker finished with 23. The Celtics are now 4-0 since the All-Star Break.

Kyrie. Stop. (via @celtics) pic.twitter.com/vhuz7G6OKk

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 1, 2018

Warriors 109 (48-14), Wizards 101 (36-26)

Kevin Durant had 32 points in a homecoming game in DC to help the Warriors hold off the Wizards. Otto Porter Jr. had 29 to lead Washington, but as a team, the Wizards shot just 40 percent. Golden State has now won four in a row and seven out of eight.

Steph KD (via @warriors) pic.twitter.com/4R350gc4r6

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 1, 2018

Suns 110 (19-44), Grizzlies 102 (18-42)

It took until the last day of the month, but the Suns finally won a game in February. They snapped their 10-game losing streak behind 34 points from Devin Booker and 29 from Josh Jackson. On the other side, the Grizzlies have now lost 11 in a row and went 0-for-February. They were led by Marc Gasol, who had 22 points and 13 rebounds.

If Books hands were an emoji…

pic.twitter.com/IvGBqvH5fb

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 1, 2018

Thunder 111 (36-27), Mavericks 110 (OT) (19-43)

Dwight Powell sent the game to overtime on a put-back at the buzzer, but Russell Westbrook won it for the Thunder in the extra session on a three-point play. Westbrook finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Powell had a career-high 21 points and Harrison Barnes led Dallas with 26. Dirk Nowitzki had 12 more and became the sixth player in NBA history to surpass 31,000 points in his career.

Dwight Powell. Third chance. At the buzzer. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/fxeUgzvQQO

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 1, 2018

Pelicans 121 (35-26), Spurs 116 (36-26)

The Pelicans trailed by as many as 15, but outscored the Spurs 34-21 in the fourth quarter to come back and win. Even worse for the already-short-handed Spurs, LaMarcus Aldridge went down with an ankle injury in the first half and did not return. Anthony Davis had 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Pelicans, who have now won seven in a row. Rudy Gay had 19 for the Spurs.

Finish strong #DoItBig pic.twitter.com/dX76qh9xVi

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 1, 2018

The post Post Up: Blatant Disrespect appeared first on SLAM.

James Harden and Jaylen Brown made waves at All-Star when the “Vision” adidas Harden Vol. 2 and a mismatched pair of adidas T-Mac 3s respectively made their way to the hardwood. And Nick Young showed out after ASW by playing in the adidas Yeezy 500 at Madison Square Garden.

Jimmy Butler stole the show this month, though. Besides playing in the “BHM” Air Jordan III and the “Quai 54” Air Jordan V, Butler made a neckbreaking return to Chicago. The former Bull visited his old team and played in the “Eminem” Air Jordan IV, an extremely rare and pricy silhouette. The friends-and-family colorway has sold for up to $20,000. Butler went for 38 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the “Eminem” joints.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfBWqfoHLLZ/?hl=en&taken-by=slamkicks

Lance Stephenson and Montrezl Harrell brought fire and PJ Tucker continued to flex with multiple rare pairs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfpZBi3H4dO/?hl=en&taken-by=slamkicks

Under Armour athletes like Dennis Smith Jr and Patty Mills wore special-edition Black History Month colorways. And Karl-Anthony Towns continued to hoop in custom Nike Hyperdunk colorways, including a “DragonBall Z” pair.

And finally, Dwyane Wade used his WoW6s to pay tribute to Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver, who was buried in Wade’s jersey.

Dwyane Wade's tribute to Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. It's #BiggerThanBasketball. pic.twitter.com/egOskdqdLP

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 28, 2018

Scroll down below to see the best NBA kicks from February.

The post Best NBA Kicks of February 2018 appeared first on SLAM.

According to TMZ, Butler, 38, lost control of his Range Rover, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall.

Butler and his wife Leah LaBelle—a former American Idol contestant and R&B singer—were pronounced dead on the scene, according to FOX Los Angeles.

Butler was driving at least twice the 35 mile-per-hour speed limit, reports CBS Los Angeles.

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

On Wednesday afternoon, NBA players and teams alike tweeted their condolences to Rasual a.k.a. “Sual Bop” and his family:

Rest In Peace my brother #RasualButler

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 31, 2018

I will always remember the time we shared together as teammates, you were the big brother. I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. Sending my deepest condolences to the families of Rasual and Leah. May you both rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/O4RgQ47PwA

— John Wall (@JohnWall) January 31, 2018

Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) January 31, 2018

You gotta be kidding me right now….
This is a sad day man!!! R.i.p sual bop!!
True legend in my eyes !!! Damn I’m really hurt right now… damn man!!

— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) January 31, 2018

Come on man. Damn. The world just lost a great dude. RIP Rasual “Bop” Butler! https://t.co/tufRq2H3AI

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 31, 2018

This one hurts. Lost a good dude. Learn a lot from a humble individual. Rest easy to you and your wife! #RasualButler

— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) January 31, 2018

Incredibly sad news to hear about Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Prayers to both of their families through this tough time.

— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 31, 2018

The basketball world lost a good one today. R.I.P. to Rasual Butler, one of the realest people I ever played with. The world is going to miss your presence.

— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 31, 2018

Damn this one hurts! RIP Rasual Butler & his wife Leah. Sounds so cliche, but Rasual was really one of the good ones!!

— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 31, 2018

This is very SAD news… I remember Rasual always told me, “Keep Grinding fam and your time will come.” R.I .P. Rasual…

— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) January 31, 2018

Lost for words this morning R.I.P. praying for your family’s and loves ones @RasualButler45… https://t.co/RuzjYR66mN

— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) January 31, 2018

Man I’m heartbroken over the news of a good friend passing last night. Rasual was a great help to me during my draft process. Gave me great advice and was just a all around good person. I’ll miss you bro. Prayers to you and your family. Can’t believe it. #RIP

— Terrence Ross (@TerrenceRoss) January 31, 2018

Still in shock about my brother Rasual. Great positive person. We lost a good one

— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) January 31, 2018

Saddened to hear of Rasual Butler and his wife’s passing. He was a great guy and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) January 31, 2018

Smh Rip Bop man learned a lot from you! Leah was such a nice person. Devastated by the news!! https://t.co/jMyRGEgRtV

— SLOWMO (@KyleAnderson5) January 31, 2018

R.I.P to Rasual Butler man, he was good to me and kept it G with me during our time in Minnesota! We lost a good one!!

— Kris Dunn (@KrisDunn3) January 31, 2018

This one hurt my heart. At a loss of words. RIP Rasual. Praying for your family. A Philly hoop… https://t.co/cBjp6EMzlt

— Wayne Ellington (@WayneEllington) January 31, 2018

Very sad day for me, Rasual was not only a great teammate but great guy in this league. My prayers and condolences go out to their families.
RIP pic.twitter.com/ZdcDPBcHIG

— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) January 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/NeneHilario42/status/958790690330365952

lost an OG today, a true pro, a teacher, and competitor. who was not only a great mentor but also a great father. @rasualbutler45 rest peacefully my brother. #gonetoosoon pic.twitter.com/md1mOTxifQ

— solomon hill (@solohill) January 31, 2018

Wow! Bro gave me so much knowledge! Great dude if you never meet him! This one touches the soul! Prayers to his family and friends! Rest Easy Old Ni***! #RasualButler

— The Jonathon Simmons (@ThaRealJsimms) January 31, 2018

Can’t comprehend what I just heard about my former teammate @RasualButler45 and his wife!!! REST IN PEACE people. DAMNNNNN

— Garrett Temple (@GTemp17) January 31, 2018

RIP RASUAL BUTLER AND HIS WIFE BLESSINGS TO HIS FAMILY!

— Javale PIERRE 3Xs McGee (@JaValeMcGee) January 31, 2018

R.I.P Sul Bulter…. #phillyfinest #restwellbighomie

— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) January 31, 2018

RIP Philly legend Rasual Butler. Praying for his family

— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) January 31, 2018

Very sad day for the #NBAFamily. My deepest condolences to Rasual and his wife’s families in such a painful moment. #RIPRasualButler pic.twitter.com/PUmTQUFwbF

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 31, 2018

Rasual was a great teammate, professional, and friend. I only played with him a short time but… https://t.co/eF59rdtaaU

— Evan Turner (@thekidet) January 31, 2018

I’m hurt man, still in shock, I don’t believe it…not you, you were too good man…feels like I… https://t.co/IcqhLAjYiI

— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) January 31, 2018

Omg….. RIP Rasual Butler :(( terrible News

— Marcin Gortat (@MGortat) January 31, 2018

Great teammate, great guy! Both him and his wife way too young! My condolences to both families.#RestInPeace https://t.co/MfKeorg4ro

— José Manuel Calderón (@JmCalderon) January 31, 2018

Rip OG……

— R.HollisJefferson (@IAmCHAP24) January 31, 2018

Life is too short… be thankful! Tell your loved ones you love them every chance you get!

— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) January 31, 2018

Prayers up to the Butler family Rest Easy OG

— Michael Carter-Willi (@mcarterwilliams) January 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/SeanKilpatrick/status/958781232686551041

Rest In Paradise Rasual kept it trill with me my rookie yr good dude

— Marcus Thornton (@OfficialMT23) January 31, 2018

Saul Bop rest easy brotha

— Ed Davis (@eddavisXVII) January 31, 2018

The Pelicans are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual was a consummate professional and a kind, caring and passionate person who was endeared in the New Orleans community. Our prayers are with their families and loved ones pic.twitter.com/Anc7wZoMJ4

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 31, 2018

The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him. pic.twitter.com/Hti86knOXa

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 31, 2018

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/958773640698482688

We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah. #DCFamily pic.twitter.com/Ysx4BVYEcU

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 31, 2018

We join the NBA family in mourning the tragic loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. He played 2 seasons with the Hornets when they were in OKC and a portion of the 2013 season with our Tulsa 66ers. Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him. Rest In Peace Sual Bop. pic.twitter.com/VZCO9meoHp

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 31, 2018

We are deeply saddened at the passing of former Toronto Raptor Rasual Butler. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/zoEzcVBHaW

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 31, 2018

Our entire organization is deeply saddened after learning of the death of former Pacers player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. pic.twitter.com/ezdVkM12PG

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 31, 2018

The post Report: Rasual Butler, Wife Killed In Car Crash appeared first on SLAM.

The surprise of the night wasn’t that the Raptors beat the Cavs. Or even that it was a blowout — it’s a long season and that happens, even to great teams. But Toronto dismantled Cleveland in a game that was never competitive. The Raptors tied a franchise record for points in a regulation game and the Cavs have now lost back-to-back games by 25-or-more for the first time in the LeBron James era. James did have 26 points to lead the Cavs, but Cleveland shot just 38 percent and made only 6 of 26 threes. Fred VanVleet had a career-high 22 for the Raptors, who have won six out of seven. With the Cavs now 3-7 in their last 10, LeBron let his frustrations known…

LeBron has some words for his team (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/PHpuDnpHqN

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) January 12, 2018

Celtics 114 (34-10), 76ers 103 (19-20)

The Celtics came back from down 22 to beat the Sixers in London behind 20 points and seven assists from Kyrie Irving. Philly built its lead by making its first nine shots of the second quarter while Boston struggled to score. An Irving three, however, sparked a run, and the Celtics cut their deficit to nine by halftime. JJ Redick had 22 to lead all scorers, while Joel Embiid had 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Kyrie Irving feeds Theis for the strong finish #NBAVote pic.twitter.com/1IPOJ79V1k

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 11, 2018

Clippers 121 (20-21), Kings 115 (13-28)

One night after going off for 50 points, Lou Williams was the hero again, this time scoring 30 in Sacramento. He did his damage on 10-24 shooting with five threes, while Montrezl Harrell came off the bench to score 25 more. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 22 to lead the Kings. This one was in doubt until the final seconds. The Kings trailed by two with the ball and the shot clock turned off, but Tyrone Wallace came up with a steal and a breakaway layup to put the game out of reach.

Montrezl with the reverse jam! (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/r1RtBJSyZZ

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) January 12, 2018

Lakers 93 (14-27), Spurs 81 (28-15)

The few players who were available for the Spurs kept this game close despite a 17-0 Lakers run in the first half. Ultimately, however, Brandon Ingram (26 points) and Lonzo Ball (18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists) were too much to handle. The Spurs, who committed 20 turnovers, got 20 points from LaMarcus Aldridge. However they were without Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, Danny Green and Rudy Gay. Oh, and in the fourth quarter, Larry Nance Jr. did this:

Larry Nance Jr just hit the ceiling at Staples Center (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/EuaLmMjhFO

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) January 12, 2018

The Lakers have now won three in a row for the first time this season.

The post Post Up: Opposite Directions appeared first on SLAM.

While guesting on the Woj Pod with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, DeRozan said they became close after Toronto traded Rudy Gay the following season (staring at 11:27):

“My first year with Kyle (Lowry), (we) didn’t say a word to one another. We didn’t speak.

 

“We didn’t have a conversation. We didn’t hang out. We didn’t go eat.

 

“We didn’t sit next to each other. Nothing. I didn’t have his phone number. Nothing.”

RELATED:
DeMar DeRozan Scores Career-High 52 Points To Defeat Bucks in OT

The post DeMar DeRozan: ‘My First Year With Kyle Lowry… We Didn’t Speak’ appeared first on SLAM.

The Cavs trailed by nine at the half and by five going into the fourth quarter, but LeBron James hit a critical three with 16 seconds to go to keep Cleveland’s winning streak alive. LeBron was, simply, LeBron on Wednesday, nearly pouring on a triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Zach Randolph had 18 points and 10 boards for the Kings. The Cavs have now matched a franchise record with 13 consecutive wins.

LeClutch. (via @cavs) pic.twitter.com/FM09pkgAxj

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 7, 2017

Pacers 98 (14-11), Bulls 96 (3-20)

Victor Oladipo‘s three with 31 seconds left gave Indiana a one-point lead as the Pacers overcame a 14-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter to win. Indiana used a 13-2 run midway through the final quarter to draw close, but did not go ahead for the first time until Oladipo’s late heroics. He finished with a game-high 27 points, but did miss a free throw in the final seconds. While that didn’t make a difference on the scoreboard, it meant Oladipo had to put in some extra work postgame. Kris Dunn had 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists to lead the Bulls.

This @VicOladipo sequence gave us the lead for good.#PacersWin pic.twitter.com/xVDl9q9Awn

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 7, 2017

Magic 110 (11-15), Hawks 106 (5-19) (OT)

Not to be out-done by the Pacers and Cavs, the Magic used a three from D.J. Augustin with six seconds left in regulation to force overtime, where they eventually handed the Hawks their 19th loss. The two teams went back-and-forth in the extra session until Elfrid Payton put Orlando ahead for good on a dunk with 1:36 to go. The Magic eventually went up by five and held on, answering every Atlanta basket. Evan Fournier had 27 and was one of three Orlando players with 20-or-more points. Dennis Schroder had 26 for the Hawks.

From a spot on the floor far, far away, D.J. Augustin sends us to OVERTIME!

: @FOXSportsFL pic.twitter.com/6SW6No6R8T

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 7, 2017

Knicks 99 (12-12), Grizzlies 88 (8-16)

Kristaps Porzingis returned and scored 18 points, while Courtney Lee had a game-high 24 to make up for the still-absent Tim Hardaway Jr. Lee’s performance provided a nice lift for a team that came into the night having lost five of its last six. Marc Gasol had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Memphis.

Steal + Slam pic.twitter.com/WS9C0KK4p6

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 7, 2017

Celtics 97 (22-4), Mavericks 90 (7-18)

The Celtics opened the fourth quarter on a 10-0 run to take a lead they never relinquished and earn their fourth win in a row. Kyrie Irving led the way with 23 points on 10-18 shooting, while Al Horford and Jayson Tatum each had 17. Harrison Barnes had 19 to lead the Mavericks.

Irving with the english! pic.twitter.com/0cWILi6FM2

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 7, 2017

Warriors 101 (20-6), Hornets 87 (9-14)

Kevin Durant‘s triple-double (35 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) was more than enough as the short-handed Warriors won their fifth in a row and improved to 12-3 on the road. With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both nursing injuries, Durant got the Warriors going early with a little help from Klay Thompson, who pitched in with 22 points. Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 24.

Bucks 104 (13-10), Pistons 100 (14-10)

The Bucks started the fourth quarter on a 14-1 run to break a tie and take control on Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s 23rd birthday. The Greek Freak celebrated in style with 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading six Bucks players in double figures. For the Pistons, Andre Drummond had another 20-20 game, this time with 27 points (12-16 shooting) and 20 boards.

Just call it a pass to Giannis (via @bucks) pic.twitter.com/oSHgvCixFP

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 7, 2017

Pelicans 123 (13-12), Nuggets 114 (13-11)

There have been two 40-point, 20-rebound performances this season in the NBA. DeMarcus Cousins has both of them. Boogie went for 40 and 22 on Wednesday to lead a Pelicans team still playing without Anthony Davis. As for the Nuggets, Gary Harris led the way with 24 points.

Boogie’s doing work in New Orleans!

He tallies a double-double (19 PTS, 10 REBS) in the first half!

Halftime: #DoItBig 67 / #MileHighBasketball 66 pic.twitter.com/3GLsxNS8W2

— NBA (@NBA) December 7, 2017

Spurs 117 (17-8), Heat 105 (11-13)

The Spurs shot 53 percent and seven players scored in double figures as they used a balanced attack to beat the Heat. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 18 points while Bryn Forbes (17) and Rudy Gay (16) were close behind. Tyler Johnson had 25 and Dion Waiters had 22 for the Heat. It was San Antonio’s eight-straight win over Miami.

That Manu step-back is art (via @spurs) pic.twitter.com/MhBxE7KyLw

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 7, 2017

Timberwolves 113 (15-11), Clippers 107 (8-15)

Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 12 rebounds to notch his league-high 20th double-double on the season. He and Taj Gibson (16 points, 14 rebounds) led all five Timberwolves starters in double figures as Minnesota handed the Clippers their fourth loss in a row. Austin Rivers and Lou Williams each had 23 points for the Clippers, while DeAndre Jordan had 18 points and 21 rebounds.

I’m all the way up pic.twitter.com/Sg8biJgfDU

— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 7, 2017

The post Post Up: In The Clutch appeared first on SLAM.

The Air Jordan X Retro continued to see some action with Lance Stephenson rocking the “Rio” model, Andre Drummond in the “OVO,” Kemba Walker in the “Charlotte” and Arron Afflalo went with the “Powder” joints once again. Other kicks catching our eye on Monday were Kyrie Irving‘s Nike Kyrie 3 from the PK80 collection, Markieff Morris in the “Spider-Man” Nike Air Foamposite Pro, Marcus Morris in the “Gamma” Air Jordan XI Retro and Donovan Mitchell’s yellow adidas Dame 4s.

The classics pic.twitter.com/XHEkZJtu4c

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 5, 2017

Hit the gallery up top to see all of the sneaker action from last night.

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Photos via Getty Images

The post NBA Kicks of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

Donovan Mitchell scored 41 points as the Jazz came back late to beat the Pelicans. Down 84-80 entering the fourth quarter, Utah scored the first 10 points of the fourth before the Pelicans unreeled 12 straight of their own to go up six. Mitchell then scored 12 points over the final 3:09 to cap the dramatic victory. Mitchell did it all on Friday, scoring from three (6-12), getting to the line (9-11), and getting to the basket (below).

#ROTY pic.twitter.com/FW1hZuplcY

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 2, 2017

DeMarcus Cousins had 23-and-10 to lead New Orleans and Anthony Davis scored 19 more before leaving in the fourth quarter with a groin injury.

Warriors 133 (17-6), Magic 112 (9-14)

Like many games for the Warriors, the final box score was a work of art. Golden State had 46 total assists — second-most in a single game in franchise history — led by 10 each from Draymond Green and Steph Curry. Klay Thompson scored 27 and Kevin Durant had 25 (before his ejection), and as a team, the Warriors shot 63 percent. Their 41 first-quarter points were the most in an opening quarter this season, and the same could be said for their 78 in the first half. Amid the offensive outburst, Curry moved into eighth-place all-time on the NBA three-pointers made list.

Another day, another milestone.

Here’s the shot that moved Steph into 8th on the all-time threes list. (via @nbatv) pic.twitter.com/FHZ1VL7AYL

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 2, 2017

The Magic weren’t so bad themselves offensively, and Aaron Gordon led the way with 29, while Evan Fournier had 22.

Heat 105 (11-11), Hornets 100 (8-13)

Josh Richardson went off for 27 points on 11-14 shooting as the Heat pulled away in the final minutes. The Hornets led 96-95 with 2:36 left, when Goran Dragic hit a jumper that started a 9-0 run. Charlotte never got closer than four after that. Marvin Williams had 16 to lead seven Charlotte players in double-figures. The Hornets have now lost four in a row.

Josh & Tyler crushing the rims tonight! pic.twitter.com/Si6Y7WBa6Q

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 2, 2017

Thunder 111 (9-12), Timberwolves 107 (13-10)

The Thunder led for most of the night but struggled to put away a Timberwolves team that seemed to have an answer for every late bucket that OKC scored. An Andrew Wiggins three with 12 seconds left brought Minnesota to within two, but on the ensuing possession, he fouled Paul George while trying to force a turnover. George made both free throws to provide the final margin. He led all scorers with 36 points to go with nine assists, while Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns each had 23 for the Timberwolves.

Wait…what? (via @nbatv) pic.twitter.com/dKfUC6AL65

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 2, 2017

Wizards 109 (12-10), Pistons 91 (14-7)

The Wizards used a 35-15 third quarter to pull away from the Pistons and earn their 12th win. Markieff Morris led all scorers with 23 points. Thomas Satoransky came off the bench to add 17 more, and Marcin Gortat went for 12-and-12. Andre Drummond had 14 points, 17 rebounds, and seven assists for the Pistons, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.

Raptors 120 (14-7), Pacers 115 (12-11)

The Raptors won their sixth straight at home behind a perfect shooting night from Jakob Poeltl (18 points, 8-8 shooting) and 26 points from DeMar DeRozan. Toronto scored a season-high 70 points in the paint and improved to 13-0 this season when leading after three quarters. Victor Oladipo had 36 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to lead the Pacers.

North Philly Compton #RTZ pic.twitter.com/gXlUDjC51a

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 2, 2017

Kings 107 (7-15), Bulls 106 (3-18)

The Bulls lost by a point for the second time in as many days and dropped their third-straight by five points or fewer, as they stayed stuck at just three wins on the season. Robin Lopez hit a jumper with 43 seconds to go to pull Chicago to within two, but De’Aaron Fox answered seconds later. The Bulls didn’t get closer until the final seconds when Jerian Grant hit a meaningless three to close the final margin to one. Zach Randolph had 25 points and 13 rebounds for the Kings and Grant had 17 to lead the Bulls.

Skal-ey Oop! pic.twitter.com/D3p4YzEBeS

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) December 2, 2017

Spurs 95 (15-7), Grizzlies 79 (7-14)

The Spurs ran the Grizzlies’ losing streak to 10 games on Friday behind 22 points from LaMarcus Aldridge and 18 from Rudy Gay. Marc Gasol had 16 for Memphis, which was playing its second game under interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who took over following David Fizdale’s firing. The Spurs have now won four in a row and six of their last seven.

YAS RUDY! pic.twitter.com/gToQDMm7nz

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 2, 2017

The post Post Up: Rookie of the Night appeared first on SLAM.

This one lived up to the hype as much as any 17-point game could. First, KD got booed during starting lineups. Then Russell Westbrook threw down this dunk and stomped his feet:

RUSS!!!! (via @okcthunder) pic.twitter.com/ITtLTO1Qwq

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 23, 2017

Then Russ and KD got into it:

>What more could you ask for? Westbrook, true to his form, finished with a near triple-double, with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Steph Curry led the Warriors with 26 points.

Heat 104 (8-9), Celtics 98 (16-3)

The Streak is over. The Boston Celtics’ run of 16 consecutive victories came to an end in Miami Wednesday night behind a strong start from the Heat and 27 points from Goran Dragic and 26 from Dion Waiters. Miami led by 11 after the first quarter and later extended its lead to 18. But, like great teams are prone to do, the Celtics stormed back with a furious fourth-quarter run to put a scare into the Miami crowd. Kyrie Irving had 23 to lead the Celtics.

Cavaliers 119 (11-7), Nets 109 (6-11)

The Nets hung with the Cavs almost the entire way, but when LeBron James decides to take over a game, there’s not much you can do. LeBron scored 23 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter and 17 of them in the final five minutes, helping the Cavs turn a tie game into a double-digit victory. Kevin Love helped out LeBron with 18-and-10, while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 18 to lead the Nets. With the win, Cleveland has now won six straight games, making that slow start to the season seem so long ago.

Hornets 129 (8-9), Wizards 124 (10-8) OT

The Hornets improved to 7-2 at home behind a thrilling win over the Wizards. Washington had a shot to win it at the end of regulation, but Dwight Howard blocked a Bradley Beal jumper, allowing time to expire. The Wizards led by nine with 3:32 to play, until Kemba Walker scored eight points to key the run that forced overtime. In the extra session, the Hornets used a 9-2 run to take control and held on from there. Howard had 26 points and 13 rebounds, while former college teammates Walker and Jeremy Lamb each added 24. John Wall led all scorers with 31 points.

J-Lamb makin’ plays at both ends!!#WASatCHA #BuzzCity pic.twitter.com/WEY7R4TVyK

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 23, 2017

76ers 101 (10-7), Trail Blazers 81 (8-1)

The 76ers scored the first 16 points of the game and kept Portland off the board until almost the 5:00 mark of the first quarter on a night in which they never trailed. Joel Embiid‘s 28 points led five Sixers in double-figures as Philly won for the fourth time in the last five games. The highlight for Embiid, however, wasn’t a made basket. It was this volleyball-like block:

pic.twitter.com/qBmNZtgOID

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 23, 2017

The guy on the other end of that, Damian Lillard, had 30 to lead Portland on 11-27 shooting.

Clippers 116 (6-11), Hawks 103 (3-15)

One way to snap a nine-game losing streak: Do it behind a Blake Griffin triple-double (26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) and against a team that has won just three out of 18 games. The Hawks actually led by seven a few minutes into the second half, but the Clippers outscored them by 20 over the final 19 minutes. Wesley Johnson helped out Griffin with 24 points as the Clippers shot 58 percent from the field for the game. Marco Belinelli had 20 to lead the Hawks.

Knicks 108 (10-7), Raptors 100 (11-6)

Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s career-high 38 points to go with 22 from Kristaps Porzingis was all the firepower the Knicks needed to hold serve at home.The Raptors led by 11 at the half, but the Knicks won the third quarter by a remarkable 41-10 count to put the game out of reach. Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 25 points.

Swat + Jam pic.twitter.com/CU39TMRxLd

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 23, 2017

Rockets 125 (14-4), Nuggets 95 (10-8)

Chris Paul had 23 points and 12 assists, while James Harden neared a triple-double with 21 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. It all added up to a blowout win for Houston, despite being without the services of Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson. The Rockets led 75-40 at the half in a game that was never really close. Will Barton had 20 to lead the Nuggets.

Be honest. @CP3 faked you out too, didn’t he? (via @HoustonRockets) pic.twitter.com/KKybhyuDPD

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 23, 2017

Mavericks 95 (4-15), Grizzlies 94 (7-10)

The back-and-forth game was decided in half a second, as Harrison Barnes caught an inbounds pass and hoisted a three to win the game as time expired.

They say he got it off in time! What do you think? (via @dallasmavs) pic.twitter.com/o8EvydQcv5

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 23, 2017

The loss was the sixth in a row for Memphis, which led by 18 in the first half. Barnes had 22 points and nine boards to lead the Mavericks, while Tyreke Evans had 18 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists for the Grizzlies.

Timberwolves 124 (11-7), Magic 118 (8-10)

The second half was a tale of two quarters as the Timberwolves had just enough to escape with a win. Minnesota led by three at the half before outscoring Orlando 41-18 in the third quarter. It looked like the Timberwolves would coast from there, but the Magic scored the first 15 points of the fourth quarter to get back into it. That was part of a 19-1 run that cut their deficit to single-digits as the continued to chip away down the stretch before running out of time. Jimmy Butler and Aaron Gordon each had 26 to lead their teams in scoring.

Pelicans 107 (10-8), Spurs 90 (11-7)

The Pelicans out-scored the Spurs 68-40 in the middle two quarters to earn their 10th victory of the year. Anthony Davis had 29-and-11 to lead the way and made a little bit of history while he was at it.

.@antdavis just passed Chris Paul for second place on the all-time scoring list for #Pelicans #DoItBig pic.twitter.com/MZuPgvcMIP

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 23, 2017

Rudy Gay had 19 for the Spurs, who shot under 40 percent as a team and went just 6-24 from deep.

Jazz 110 (8-11), Bulls 80 (3-13)

Derrick Favors had 23 points and went 8-11 from the field as the Jazz pulled away from the Bulls in the second half. Chicago committed 16 turnovers in the game and shot 37 percent from the field. Robin Lopez led the Bulls with 15 points and was the only player to shoot better than 50 percent. Lauri Markkanen went 1-9.

Bucks 113 (9-8), Suns 107 (7-12) OT

Devin Booker hit an improbable three as time expired in regulation to tie the game, but the Suns scored just two points in overtime. Those points came on a TJ Warren shot with 2:12 to play, then the Bucks scored the final six of the game. Khris Middleton had 40 points and Eric Bledsoe had 30 to lead the Bucks, who played without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Booker led the Suns with 23.

Devin Booker ties the game at the buzzer! #SunsVsBucks pic.twitter.com/duHYHj7BHp

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 23, 2017

Kings 113 (5-13), Lakers 102 (8-11)

The Kings came into the game having lost five out of six, but 26 points from Willie Cauley-Stein and 22 from Zach Randolph was enough to snap their skid. Sacramento took a 31-19 lead into the second quarter and didn’t look back, sending the Lakers to their sixth road loss of the year. Lonzo Ball had 11 points and 11 assists for the Lakers. Two of those points came via this lob from Corey Brewer:

Brewer Ball (via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/5kJC24UpHG

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 23, 2017

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Lakers in scoring with 20 points.

The post Post Up: Russ Holds Court appeared first on SLAM.

A Giannis–LeBron battle was about as awesome as you’d expect it to be, with Greek Freak posting a ridiculous 40-point, 9-rebound line on 16-of-21 shooting and LBJ dropping the casual 30/8/9 with just a single turnover. However, Kevin Love would prove to be the difference in this one, throwing it back to his Minnesota days with 32 points and 16 rebounds.

It probably wasn’t a good sign for the Bucks when Dwyane Wade swatted Giannis like this, sending the MVP candidate to the floor.

Father Prime still got it (via @cjzero) pic.twitter.com/qUUKi3HY1l

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 8, 2017

The Cavs really needed this one, especially after LeBron’s interesting tweet from last night after Kyrie and the Celtics won their 9th-straight. They still didn’t play much defense but forced Giannis to commit 8 turnovers and dominated at the free throw line, taking 22 more attempts than Milwaukee. Cleveland has time to figure it out, and this was a good first step.

Pelicans 117 (6-5), Pacers 112 (5-6)

Indiana scored 37 first quarter points en route to another huge offensive half, as the Pacers led 75-61 at the break. But, New Orleans clamped down after the break, holding them to just 37 points total in the final 24 minutes.

Anthony Davis (37 points, 14 rebounds) and DeMarcus Cousins (32 points, 13 points) continue to dominate undersized frontcourts. They also combined to have 10 assists. That’s the key for the Pelicans, since AD and DMC are such isolation-focused players in the halfcourt. When they get others involved, the entire team plays better. That’s something New Orleans struggled with after the trade last season but is starting to figure out now.

Reliving the highlights of tonight’s win #DoItBig pic.twitter.com/q1kxVfVbtY

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 8, 2017

Mavericks 113 (2-10), Wizards 99 (5-5)

In the second year of the max contract he signed with Dallas before last season, Harrison Barnes is starting to develop into the leader the Mavericks envisioned him as. He (31 points, 9 rebounds) and stud rookie Dennis Smith Jr. (22 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) led the way as the Mavs ended a 6-game losing streak.

Dunk off an alley-oop? No problem.
Dunk off a break away? No problem.#NBARooks pic.twitter.com/xge2Ct0Rmy

— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) November 8, 2017

As Dallas tries to plot a post-Dirk course, those guys will certainly be a part of the longterm solution. The question is who else will join them.

For the Wizards, their sluggish start to the year continues. John Wall (23 points, 14 assists) and Bradley Beal (23 points) played well but the bench didn’t do much, and that’s the unit which has held this team back for awhile now. They need Kelly Oubre, Mike Scott, Jason Smith and others to step up.

Raptors 119 (6-4), Bulls 114 (2-7)

Toronto looked like it was going to blow the doors off the Bulls with a dominant first half but Chicago, behind 20 points from Robin Lopez and a stellar return from Bobby Portis (21 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes), fought back to make this a game in the second half. The Bulls might not have a ton of talent — and they miss Zach LaVine a lot — yet they play hard almost every night.

The usual solid performances from the Raptors’ starting unit (scored 85 of Toronto’s 119 points) helped them fend off the Bulls. DeMar DeRozan (24 points) even drilled a pair of threes as he starts to slowly make the longball more of a factor in his offensive game.

Get out of the way. #RTZ pic.twitter.com/RTBRnu2JjN

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 8, 2017

Jonas Valanciunas (21 points, 10 rebounds) has been good in decreased playing time. The Raptors are deeper this season, especially in the frontcourt with Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poetl and Lucas Nogueira, so JV doesn’t have to play as much. So far, that seems to have helped him be more effective when he is on the floor.

Knicks 118 (6-4), Hornets 113 (5-6)

There just isn’t much else you can say about Kristaps Porzingis right now. From game-winning threes to three-block possessions, the dude has been unstoppable. Just a lowly 28-point showing on 10-of-15 shooting tonight for Latvian.

(via @nyknicks) pic.twitter.com/MXPJvWqAMa

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 8, 2017

Even CP3 had to show KP some love.

Porzingis sheeeeeeeesh

— Chris Paul (@CP3) November 8, 2017

The W was the Knicks’ 6th victory in their last 7 games, and it was another that came after a huge fourth quarter comeback. New York outscored the Hornets 35-19 in the final frame to steal the game. Doug McDermott had a big 20 points off the bench while  Tim Hardaway Jr. added 19. MSG was absolutely rocking as the Knicks closed out a 4-1 homestand.

Spurs 120 (7-4), Clippers 107 (5-5)

LaMarcus Aldridge (25 points) kept his tear through the Western Conference going as the Spurs improved to 5-1 at home. Danny Green (24 points on 15 shots) made four triples as San Antonio made over 53% of their shots from beyond the arc. It’s easy to forget, with how good this team is playing, that Kawhi has yet to make his season debut. That’s scary.

RDY GAY TONIGHT pic.twitter.com/GsViL03ifZ

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 8, 2017

Another scary thing about this team is how good Rudy Gay has been. Gay, who hasn’t played in 80 games in a season since the 2009-10 campaign, was a bit of an afterthought this summer, enough of one that the Spurs were able to snag him on a two-year, $17 million deal. Now, he looks fully healthy and has been a dynamic scorer off the bench. He was a +13 in his 24 minutes, scoring 22 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.

76ers 104 (6-4), Jazz 97 (5-6)

The Process is starting to prove itself. Even without Markelle Fultz, the 76ers show something every single game that makes you really think about incredible this team could be in the near-future…or even later in this season.

Tonight was Dario Saric (25 points, 10 rebounds) and Ben Simmons‘ (16 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks) time to shine. I mean, look at those stats for Simmons, who’s playing the point for Philly. Just ridiculous. Take this steal and slam, for example.

(via @sixers) pic.twitter.com/TtXULrPSmk

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 8, 2017

Outside shooting is his next big area of improvement, but the fact that he’s able to be this impactful — on both ends of the court — without a reliable jumper is pretty impressive. Joel Embiid didn’t even play in this one and Philly was still able to hand the Jazz a loss at home, where Utah is always tough.

Nuggets 112 (6-5), Nuggets 104 (4-7)

It was a good night for stretch-five Eastern Europeans. Nikola Jokic (41 points, 12 rebounds) burned the Nets’ depleted frontcourt, especially Tyler Zeller, all game, from threes to crafty shots at the rim to putbacks. Brooklyn had no way of stopping him.

.@JokicNikola15 records his first career 40/10 game in the @Nuggets 112-104 win over the @BrooklynNets.

41 pts/12 reb/5 ast/2 blks pic.twitter.com/4XpPRsoMxI

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 8, 2017

It would be hard enough to defend him just as a scorer, but he also has incredible vision out of the post and can bring the ball up with ease. There will be many more 40-point, 10-rebound games in his future.

Grizzlies 98 (7-4), Trail Blazers 97 (6-5)

The beat goes on for Memphis, which just keeps finding ways to win games however it can. Mike Conley and Marc Gasol combined for 36 points but, once again, Tyreke Evans (21 points, 5 assists) gave the Grizzlies the bench spark they needed. The former King and Pelican has been a revelation through the beginning of the season and — like Rudy Gay — looks rejuvenated.

Reke’s heating up with a quick 9 points at the half.#GrindCity pic.twitter.com/zl15pXHJyy

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 8, 2017

C.J. McCollum’s 36-point outburst wasn’t enough for Portland, which had just 11 assists on 36 made field goals. Credit Memphis’ defense for stifling a lot of that ball movement.

Kings 94 (2-8), Thunder 86 (4-6)

It’s far from panic time for OKC, but it’s clear the adjustment period for Russ, PG and Melo to get on the same page is going to be much longer than a lot of people though. They were a collective 15-of-54 from the field, and Westbrook turned the ball over seven times. There isn’t reason to worry just yet. However, if the offensive issues don’t go away in a few weeks, then there would be cause for concern.

Sacramento needed a mix of the young and the old in this one, as Zach Randolph led the starters with 18 points and 8 rebounds while Buddy Hield dropped 21 and 7 off the bench (on 4-of-4 shooting from three). The rookies, De’Aaron Fox and Justin Jackson, chipped in 26 between the two for the Kings’ first home win of the year. Also, we got to see firsthand at just how athletic Fox is.

N S F W pic.twitter.com/nK0ruB6GkD

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) November 8, 2017

The post Post Up: Processing Smoothly appeared first on SLAM.

LeBron James had one of the greatest games of his career — and yes, that is saying something. He poured on 57 points to go with 11 rebounds and seven assists in a game where he did just about everything. And he had to. The Cavs were coming off four consecutive losses and couldn’t shake the Wizards, despite leading for the entire second half. So LeBron took matters into his own hands:

.@KingJames doing @KingJames things pic.twitter.com/eQCRwBxx5r

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 4, 2017

James also surpassed 29,000 career points on Friday and passed John Havlicek for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time field goals made list.

Celtics 101 (7-2), Thunder 94 (4-4)

The Celtics trailed by 18 at the half, but used a 15-5 run late in the third quarter to draw closer and set up an exciting finish. Al Horford finally put Boston ahead with a three with 4:52 remaining, then Kyrie Irving added to it a few seconds later with what was essentially a five-point play — a made three, a foul, a missed free throw, an offensive rebound, and a layup. Oklahoma City never led again, and the Celtics became the first team in NBA history to win seven straight after starting the season 0-2.

5 point plays will always earn @jetblue Play of the Game honors pic.twitter.com/Wp0HKWo4oE

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 4, 2017

Pistons 105 (6-3), Bucks 96 (4-5)

Andre Drummond went 14-16 from the free throw line — you read that right — as the Pistons won for the fourth time in five games. Drummond came into the season as a career 38 percent free throw shooter, but is shooting nearly 40 points higher from the stripe in the early going this year. Drummond finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds, which was enough to push the Pistons past another strong performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo (29 points). 

Bulls 105 (2-5), Magic 83 (6-3)

The Bulls held the Magic to just 41 percent shooting and 29 percent from three to earn their second win of the year. Offensively, seven Bulls scored in double figures, led by 19 from Justin Holiday. Evan Fournier had 21 for the Magic.

This isn’t Facebook but hopefully this’ll do for Mr. @Stacey21King pic.twitter.com/oU1MGUIwId

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 4, 2017

76ers 121 (5-4), Pacers 110 (5-4)

It had been almost four years to the day since the 76ers have been able to say they are above .500. Until Friday. Ben Simmons had the second triple-double of his career (14 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists), and JJ Redick went 8-12 from three (31 points) to carry the Sixers over the Pacers. Victor Oladipo had 31 to lead Indiana.

JJ…how???? (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/7bDTYPcSJv

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 4, 2017

Rockets 119 (7-3), Hawks 104 (1-8)

James Harden set the tone early, scoring 21 of his 29 points in the first half, as the hot-shooting Rockets took down the Hawks in Atlanta. The Houston win snapped a streak of seven straight losses to the Hawks, dating back to 2013. Harden also had 11 assists to go along with his 29 points, while Kent Bazemore had 18 for Atlanta.

Big fella pic.twitter.com/GjiG1EZTwv

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 4, 2017

Knicks 120 (4-4), Suns 107 (4-5)

There was some electricity in the Garden on Friday as Kristaps Porzingas led the Knicks with 37 points on 13-22 shooting. The Knicks led by 13 after a quarter and never looked back, routinely bringing the crowd to its feet with plays like this:

He’ll clean it up. pic.twitter.com/dBhefdFa3O

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 4, 2017

And this:

The dunk. The stare. (via @nyknicks) pic.twitter.com/jZbx2Qept5

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 4, 2017

Devin Booker did have 34 for the Suns, who were held to just 35 percent shooting for the game.

Pelicans 99 (4-5), Mavericks 94 (1-9)

DeMarcus Cousins had 20 points, 22 rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Pelicans to a hard-fought win over the lowly Mavericks. New Orleans jumped out to a 14-point lead early before Dallas came back and briefly pulled ahead in the second quarter. That lead was short-lived however, as the Pelicans soon took control again. Anthony Davis had 30 and 13, while Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 26 points.

Spurs 108 (5-4), Hornets 101 (5-4)

Bryn Forbes was the unlikely hero for the Spurs, leading the team with 22 points on 8-11 shooting. That, paired with 20 from Rudy Gay, was enough to out-duel Jeremy Lamb, who finished with 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for the Hornets. The win snapped San Antonio’s four-game losing streak.

Manu! Still got it. (via @spurs) pic.twitter.com/5YVZuVKWJa

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) November 4, 2017