Keydets

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA is not waiting for a transition. It is already happening.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For years, the league has been defined by icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Their era shaped modern basketball and carried the sport into a new global space. But as time moves forward, another truth becomes clearer each season.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The next wave is not coming: It is already here. Some of the NBA&rsquo;s young stars and their ages are the following:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cooper Flagg is 19.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kon Knueppel is 20.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victor Wembanyama is 22.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Duren is 22.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alperen Sengun is 23.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paolo Banchero is 23.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cade Cunningham is 24.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards is 24.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">LaMelo Ball is 24.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Johnson is 24.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tyrese Maxey is 25.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deni Avdija is 25.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tyrese Haliburton is 25.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luka Doncic is 26.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 27.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jayson Tatum is 27.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jaylen Brown is 29.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donovan Mitchell is 29.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Brunson is 29.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That list alone tells the story.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These are not prospects waiting for opportunity. They are All-Stars. Franchise cornerstones. Playoff performers. MVP candidates. Players that are already shaping postseason outcomes and redefining team ceilings.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victor Wembanyama is already altering defensive schemes league-wide at 22. Luka Doncic has been an MVP-level engine for years and is still just 26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated himself into best player in the world talks. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have already led championship-level teams and are still in their twenties.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards has embraced the spotlight and looks ready to carry the league&rsquo;s next era of superstar charisma. Tyrese Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey are redefining guard play with pace and efficiency. Paolo Banchero and Alperen Sengun are anchoring offenses through skill and versatility rather than traditional post play. Cade Cunningham is proving that control and poise can still dominate in a league obsessed with speed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even younger talents like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel represent what is coming next. They are entering a league that already prioritizes skill, spacing, and positional fluidity. By the time they hit their primes, the foundation will already be set by the group just ahead of them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What makes this era unique is its balance. There is no single prototype dominating the landscape. Some of these stars are 7-foot playmakers. Some are downhill scorers. Some are defensive anchors. Some are creative offensive orchestrators. The diversity of skill sets means the league is not shifting toward one dominant style, it is expanding.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another important factor is global influence. Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represent international excellence at the highest level. The league is no longer centered in one region or identity. The game has evolved into a global ecosystem where elite talent emerges from everywhere.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the previous generation begins to wind down, the league is searching for its next face. But then it has several candidates. It has multiple MVP-level players under 30. It has championship-proven stars still entering their prime years. It has young bigs redefining positional expectations. It has guards who control pace like veterans despite being in their mid-twenties.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA is in great hands because it does not rely on one successor. It has a wave.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A wave of players who grew up watching LeBron and Curry and Durant. A wave that understands branding, skill development, and modern spacing. A wave that is comfortable with pressure and unafraid of expectations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The transition will not feel abrupt because it is already unfolding in real time. These players are not waiting to inherit the league. They are actively taking ownership of it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The next era is not years away, it is happening right now.</span></p>

From Wemby and Luka to Ant and Tatum, the NBA’s next generation of stars is already here and ready to lead the league forward.

Ushering the new era: The next wave of NBA stars are here

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant has made it clear he&rsquo;s interested in representing Team USA once again at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, potentially aiming to compete for a historic fifth Olympic gold medal despite his age.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 18-season veteran expressed his willingness to play for Team USA two years from now and spoke candidly about his Olympic aspirations following a strong performance for Houston this season, emphasizing that he wants to earn a roster spot, not simply receive one due to his legacy.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Durant &ndash; already the United States men&rsquo;s Olympic basketball all-time scoring leader and a four-time Olympic gold medalist &ndash; told reporters he would &ldquo;love&rdquo; to suit up for the Olympics again, even as he approaches 40 years old when the Los Angeles Games begin. However, he stressed that his decision to play would hinge on being a meaningful contributor on the court, not merely riding on reputation.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want to just take my name out of consideration just because of the simple fact that I&rsquo;m older &hellip; I&rsquo;d love to be part of it until I&rsquo;m done playing,&rdquo; Durant said after a Rockets win this week, noting that he informed USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill of his intentions.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Durant&rsquo;s commitment to Team USA is about helping the US to claim yet another gold medal. With a pipeline of emerging stars rising through the NBA ranks, he acknowledged that earning a roster spot in 2028 won&rsquo;t be automatic, even for a future Hall of Famer.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though not ruling out the idea that other veteran teammates such as LeBron James or Stephen Curry could return, Durant&rsquo;s has highlighted his personal competitiveness and love for representing his country.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If Durant does make the 2028 team, he&rsquo;ll be doing something few in NBA history have achieved &ndash; competing at five separate Olympic Games &ndash; and solidifying his place as one of the most decorated figures in American basketball history. </span></p>

Rockets star Kevin Durant says he wants to play for Team USA at the 2028 LA Olympics, to pursue a historic fifth Olympic gold medal.

Kevin Durant open to play for Team USA in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards had a front-row seat to greatness during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Being part of Team USA allowed him to spend extended time around legends LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, not just during games but in practices, shootarounds, and daily preparation. What he noticed most was not the highlights or the talent, but the discipline behind it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They have been doing the same thing every single day, and according to Edwards, that is exactly why they have accomplished so much in their careers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spending that much time with them gave him perspective. Watching how they prepare, how they warm up, how they recover, and how they approach each day showed him that greatness is built on routine. It is not about constantly searching for something new. It is about mastering the same process repeatedly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;Playing with them on the USA team, it taught me about having a routine, especially when it comes to being on the court,&rdquo; Edwards said postgame at the 2026 All-Star Game in LA. &ldquo;Watching Steph, KD, and Bron every day do the same routine, it&rsquo;s like it&rsquo;s normal for a person to get bored with the same thing, waking up, doing this every single day. But I feel like that&rsquo;s what made them great and that&rsquo;s what they taught me for sure.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That level of consistency is what separates sustained greatness from short-term success. For most players, repetition can feel monotonous. For players like Curry, LeBron, and Durant, repetition creates comfort and confidence. Their routines have allowed them to remain elite deep into their careers, adjusting their games as needed but never abandoning the foundation that built them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Edwards clearly understands that now, and he is beginning to apply those lessons to his own journey.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Letting the work speak for itself</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At 24 years old, Edwards is already moving in the right direction. Being named All-Star Game MVP is another step forward in his growth as one of the faces of the league. However, for him, the recognition is not the final goal. It is simply progress.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Edwards has made it clear that he does not want to be just one of the best players in the league, but instead he wants to be THe best. That mindset aligns directly with the habits he observed during the Olympics.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked what the All-Star MVP win meant to him, he kept it simple.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;It is a step in the right direction for sure. We chose to compete today, and we came out on top.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That statement carried weight because of the context surrounding the All-Star Game in recent years. The event has been criticized for lacking competitiveness and intensity, with many fans feeling that players were not taking it seriously. Edwards embraced the opportunity to compete and help change that narrative. He understood that effort matters, even in exhibition and pickup basketball settings, because habits carry over into bigger moments.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The performance was not just about scoring or highlights. Instead, it was about showing that the next generation values competition and takes pride in it. Victor Wembanyama, a fellow young superstar like Edwards, played hard from the get go and Edwards admitted it was him who got him going.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Confidence plays a major role in that. Edwards has never lacked self-belief, but when asked where that confidence comes from, he pointed directly back to the work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked about where he thinks that confidence comes from, Edwards offered a simple yet strong statement.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;I feel like it comes from the work, all the hours I put in the gym. I am always in the gym, so being in the gym and shooting all those shots all the time you build confidence within that.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That answer ties everything together. The same routine that he saw from Curry, LeBron, and Durant is the same routine he is building for himself. His confidence is not random. But rather it is developed through repetition, preparation, and countless unseen hours in the gym.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Edwards is still early in his career, and he has not yet accomplished what those three legends have achieved. However, the foundation is being built the right way. He recognizes that greatness is not accidental and that talent alone is not enough to sustain dominance over time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If he continues to apply those lessons and maintain that daily discipline, his ceiling becomes even higher. He already has the athleticism, scoring ability, and charisma to lead the next era of stars. Pairing that with routine and relentless work gives him a real chance to reach the level he aspires to.</span></p>

Anthony Edwards shares what he learned from the legends of the NBA from his Olympics stint, and how it has transformed his season.

Anthony Edwards praises LeBron, Steph, and KD’s work ethic: “That’s what made them great”

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA has officially unveiled the full participant lists for the 2026 All-Star Weekend, giving fans a complete look at the stars headed to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, from Feb. 13-15. This year&rsquo;s festivities &ndash; highlighted by a unique USA vs. World round-robin All-Star Game format &ndash; will feature perennial All-Stars, breakout performers and standout event competitors in a celebration of the league&rsquo;s top talent.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Leading the headlines, Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been named as a replacement for Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry on the USA Stripes roster after Curry was ruled out due to a lingering right knee injury. The absence of the two-time All-Star Game MVP &ndash; who had been selected for his 12th All-Star appearance &ndash; opens the door for Ingram&rsquo;s second career selection, his first since 2020.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the international side, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun will take the place of Oklahoma City Thunder guard and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Team World after Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined with an abdominal injury. Sengun&rsquo;s addition marks his second consecutive All-Star nod and adds another high-octane playmaker to the World lineup.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Under this season&rsquo;s format, the All-Star Game breaks from the traditional East vs. West matchup and instead will feature three teams &ndash; two representing the United States and one made up of international talent &ndash; competing in a round-robin slate of four 12-minute games before the two best teams square off in a championship matchup.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The USA squads are anchored by the league&rsquo;s brightest names. Veterans such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Jaylen Brown headline the USA rosters alongside rising stars including Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey. Meanwhile, the World team showcases global stars like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama &ndash; with Sengun now joining that group.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All-Star Saturday will also feature the State Farm Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest and additional skills competitions &ndash; giving a diverse cast of sharpshooters, high-flyers and playmakers multiple stages to shine before the main event kicks off.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year&rsquo;s roster announcements arrive at a pivotal point in the NBA season. With teams locked in tight playoff races and narratives building around emerging stars, All-Star Weekend doubles as both a celebration and a barometer. For Ingram, logging All-Star minutes after stepping in for Curry could be a springboard into wider MVP conversations. And for Sengun, joining the World team again &ndash; especially in place of an MVP calibre guard &ndash; reinforces his rising status on the global stage.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Injuries to marquee players rarely dampen excitement in All-Star festivities, but they add an undercurrent of unpredictability &ndash; a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in a 2-plus-month sprint to the playoffs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As rosters are finalized and events approach, All-Star Weekend promises to flare into one of the most compelling showcases of the season &ndash; both in terms of star power and emerging momentum headed into the home stretch.</span></p>

This year’s festivities will feature perennial All-Stars, breakout performers and standout event competitors.

NBA sets complete 2026 All-Star Weekend roster; Ingram and Sengun named as replacements

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA has officially unveiled the full rosters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, marking another milestone in this season&rsquo;s midseason showcase.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the league&rsquo;s annual celebration of its stars set for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, fans now know exactly who will take part in the new USA vs. World round-robin format &ndash; featuring two U.S. teams and one international squad competing in 12-minute games before a championship finale.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The roster are set as follows:</span></p>
<h4><strong>Team USA Stripes</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Curry &ndash; Golden State Warriors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kevin Durant &ndash; Houston Rockets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kawhi Leonard &ndash; Los Angeles Clippers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jaylen Brown &ndash; Boston Celtics</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Brunson &ndash; New York Knicks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donovan Mitchell &ndash; Cleveland Cavaliers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Norman Powell &ndash; Miami Heat&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Team USA Stars</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards &ndash; Minnesota Timberwolves</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Devin Booker &ndash; Phoenix Suns</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cade Cunningham &ndash; Detroit Pistons</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tyrese Maxey &ndash; Philadelphia 76ers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scottie Barnes &ndash; Toronto Raptors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Duren &ndash; Detroit Pistons</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chet Holmgren &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Johnson &ndash; Atlanta Hawks&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Team World</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luka Doncic &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giannis Antetokounmpo &ndash; Milwaukee Bucks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nikola Jokic &ndash; Denver Nuggets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victor Wembanyama &ndash; San Antonio Spurs</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pascal Siakam &ndash; Indiana Pacers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jamal Murray &ndash; Denver Nuggets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deni Avdija &ndash; Portland Trail Blazers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; New York Knicks&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The starters were voted in by a combination of fans (50 %), NBA players (25 %), and media (25 %) while the reserves were selected by NBA head coaches.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commissioner Adam Silver and the league office added Kawhi Leonard to the U.S. roster pool after strong midseason play and fan-driven support.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year&rsquo;s format diverges significantly from traditional East vs. West competition by introducing three distinct All-Star teams &ndash; highlighting both U.S. talent and the international flavor of today&rsquo;s NBA.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With rosters now set, All-Star Weekend will also feature the Castrol Rising Stars Game, Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and a slate of skills competitions and performances leading up to the main event. The round-robin USA vs. World tournament is designed to add competitive intrigue and showcase global NBA stars on the league&rsquo;s biggest midseason stage. </span></p>

The NBA has officially unveiled the full rosters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

2026 NBA All-Star Game rosters revealed ahead of USA vs World showcase

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA has unveiled the full list of reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, complementing the previously announced starters and completing the league&rsquo;s midseason showcase rosters. With the All-Star Game set for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., the 14 reserves were selected by votes from NBA head coaches and join the 10 fan and media-selected starters for this year&rsquo;s event.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Western Conference Reserves:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards &ndash; Minnesota Timberwolves</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kevin Durant &ndash; Houston Rockets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Devin Booker &ndash; Phoenix Suns</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deni Avdija &ndash; Portland Trail Blazers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chet Holmgren &ndash; Oklahoma City Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James &ndash; Los Angeles Lakers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jamal Murray &ndash; Denver Nuggets</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eastern Conference Reserves:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donovan Mitchell &ndash; Cleveland Cavaliers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; New York Knicks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pascal Siakam &ndash; Indiana Pacers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scottie Barnes &ndash; Toronto Raptors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Duren &ndash; Detroit Pistons</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Johnson &ndash; Atlanta Hawks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Norman Powell &ndash; Miami Heat&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The reserves round out the 24-player All-Star pool, joining the 10 starters including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama from the West, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jalen Brunson from the East.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Some notable storylines for this year include:</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James Extends Historic Streak:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite not being voted a starter this year, James was still selected as a reserve, giving him a record-extending 22nd All-Star Game appearance &ndash; a remarkable testament to his longevity and sustained performance deep into his 20th-plus NBA season.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fresh Faces &amp; First-Time Selections:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Six players &ndash; Avdija, Holmgren, Johnson, Murray, Powell and Duren &ndash; are earning their first career All-Star selections as reserves, highlighting a wave of ascending talent across the league.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This season&rsquo;s All-Star Game will feature a new &ldquo;USA vs. World&rdquo; format &ndash; a three-team round-robin tournament with two U.S. rosters and one international squad &ndash; making this year&rsquo;s festivities one of the most innovative in All-Star history.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With starters and reserves now set, fans can look forward to the full slate of All-Star Weekend events, including the Rising Stars Game and the Draft, before the 2026 All-Star Game tips off on Feb. 15. </span></p>

The NBA has unveiled the full list of reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

2026 NBA All-Star Game reserves announced

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Golden State Warriors dynasty appears to be entering its final stretch, with time, injuries, and uncertainty all converging at once.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Curry is now 37, approaching 38, and while his game has aged gracefully, the margin for error around him has grown razor-thin. Over the past several seasons, Golden State&rsquo;s championship hopes have repeatedly been derailed by injuries &ndash; many of them coming at the worst possible moments.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It began in 2019, when the Warriors were chasing a historic three-peat. Kevin Durant tore his Achilles during the NBA Finals against Toronto, followed shortly by Klay Thompson&rsquo;s ACL injury. What followed was a lost 2020 season, then another setback when Curry broke his hand just a few games into the year. As Thompson worked his way back, misfortune struck again &ndash; this time an Achilles tear that delayed his return even further.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The injury cycle never truly stopped. Last season, De&rsquo;Anthony Melton had been playing well alongside Curry in the backcourt before suffering a torn ACL, and from there, things unraveled quickly. In the playoffs, after Golden State rode the momentum of yet another series win over Houston, Curry suffered a hamstring strain that sidelined him against the Timberwolves. Without him, the Warriors were eliminated.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most recently, another devastating blow landed. Jimmy Butler tore his ACL, costing Golden State its second star next to Curry and dealing a major hit to whatever remained of its title aspirations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All of it underscores a harsh reality: time is running out. There are no guarantees in today&rsquo;s NBA, and opportunities to win championships are fleeting &ndash; especially for an aging superstar, no matter how great.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Curry continues to do his part. He just dropped 38 points and drilled eight three-pointers against Dallas, another reminder that he can still take over games and perform at a championship level. But nights like that have increasingly felt isolated, surrounded by questions about whether the supporting cast is good enough to contend.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The uncertainty extends beyond the roster. Klay Thompson is no longer there. Butler is sidelined. Steve Kerr has just one year left on his contract. Draymond Green is getting older and showing signs of decline. Meanwhile, the front office remains caught between timelines, holding onto young pieces rather than fully committing to moves that could immediately maximize Curry&rsquo;s remaining prime.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That&rsquo;s what makes this moment feel different. Curry is still capable of being the best player on a title team. He&rsquo;s shown it time and time again, but without sufficient help and without a clear organizational direction, the window that defined one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history appears to be closing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And for a player who has given everything to the franchise, that reality is as difficult as it is unavoidable.</span></p>

As Steph Curry continues to perform at an elite level, injuries, aging stars, and uncertainty signal that the Warriors’ dynasty is ending.

Stephen Curry, Warriors dynasty nearing its end

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Curry has once again demonstrated his massive global appeal, earning the top spot on the NBA&rsquo;s Top-Selling Jersey list for the first half of the 2025-26 regular season, the league announced.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Based on sales from NBAStore.com and Fanatics&rsquo; network, Curry&rsquo;s Warriors No. 30 jersey leads all players across the league on the retail front.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The announcement, made jointly by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, also revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers are the No. 1 team in merchandise sales, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Lakers brand and its star power among fans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Golden State&rsquo;s sharpshooter holds the No. 1 position even amid fierce competition from other high-profile stars, including Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson, who also rank near the top of the league&rsquo;s best-selling jerseys.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Curry&rsquo;s popularity has translated into a consistent commercial presence &ndash; and his No. 30 remains one of the most recognizable NBA jerseys worldwide. His placement atop the sales list underscores how his enduring excellence on the court continues to drive fan interest off it as well.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers lead all NBA teams in merchandise sales through the first half of the 2025-26 campaign. The Lakers&rsquo; strong retail performance reflects both the global brand cachet of the franchise and the combination of star attractions on and off the court.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From jerseys to hats and other apparel, Lakers gear continues to fly off shelves &ndash; driven by broad fan support and the team&rsquo;s cultural influence.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alongside Curry and the Lakers, several other top talents &ndash; including Doncic, Brunson, Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James and more &ndash; populate the league&rsquo;s best-selling jersey rankings, showcasing a mix of established icons and rising stars connecting with fans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The data also highlights how jersey sales often mirror fan engagement and social media buzz: stars who dominate conversation and highlight reels tend to draw stronger retail demand, fueling overall league merchandise revenue.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Curry&rsquo;s reign atop the NBA&rsquo;s jersey sales list &ndash; combined with the Lakers ranking as the top team in merchandise &ndash; reflects not just individual star power but the broader commercial dynamics of the league. With midseason momentum building, both Curry and the Lakers remain central to the NBA&rsquo;s cultural and retail footprint heading into 2026.</span></p>

Stephen Curry has once again demonstrated his massive global appeal, earning the top spot on the NBA’s Top-Selling Jersey list.

Steph Curry lead NBA in jersey sales; Lakers top team merchandise

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA has officially revealed the starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, with the league&rsquo;s brightest stars earning recognition ahead of the midseason showcase scheduled for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The starters were announced during MLK Day&rsquo;s national NBA broadcast on NBC and Peacock.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year&rsquo;s All-Star Game debuts a new U.S. vs. World format, featuring a three-team round-robin tournament with two U.S. teams and one international team, each playing four 12-minute games before a championship finale.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Eastern Conference starters are as follows:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks &ndash; 10th All-Star start</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics &ndash; 5th start</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks &ndash; 3rd start</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons &ndash; 2nd start</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers &ndash; 2nd start</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Western Conference starters comprise of:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors &ndash; 12th All-Star appearance</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers &ndash; 6th start</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder &ndash; 4th start</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets &ndash; 8th start</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs &ndash; 2nd start</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Among the notable storylines for this year&rsquo;s all-star game include:&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron James&rsquo; Starter Streak Ends: For the first time since 2004, LeBron James will not be named an All-Star starter, ending a historic 21-year streak due in part to injury and missed time this season. He missed the first 14 games of this year due to a sciatica injury.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Voting Structure: Starters were selected based on a combined vote &ndash; 50% fans, 25% media, 25% NBA players &ndash; with reserves to be named by head coaches later.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">USA vs. World Format: With starters now set, the league will assign players to the USA and World teams in the coming weeks as part of the revamped All-Star competition designed to spotlight global talent alongside American stars.</span></li>
</ul>

The NBA has officially revealed the starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

NBA officially announces 2026 All-Star Game starters

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Disgruntled Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has requested a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN reporters Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 6-foot-7 Kuminga has taken a major step in his ongoing contract and role saga by formally requesting a trade on the very first day he became eligible under his current contract.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 23-year-old &ndash; who signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal this past offseason &ndash; began the season as a starter but has since been benched and left out of the rotation, not appearing in the Warriors&rsquo; last 13 games. Cumulating frustration over his role and diminished playing time appears to have led Kuminga to take the rare step of asking to be moved before the February 5 trade deadline.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kuminga&rsquo;s situation has been a source of speculation for months. While he and his camp previously negotiated contract terms &ndash; including rejecting earlier offers that lacked a player option and full control &ndash; nothing was resolved in a way that satisfied both sides. The forward&rsquo;s diminished role this season has only added to the tension.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now that he is trade-eligible &ndash; which only became possible on January 15 under league rules &ndash; Kuminga and the Warriors must navigate the next five weeks of the trade market. Several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks, have already been linked to his name in prior trade speculation, though nothing has materialized yet.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From the Warriors&rsquo; perspective, the goal remains to secure a return that improves the roster around Stephen Curry, with front office sources reportedly eyeing expiring contracts or draft assets rather than long-term salary commitments. But with Kuminga&rsquo;s request now public, the dynamics are likely to shift rapidly as the deadline nears.</span></p>

Jonathan Kuminga has requested a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, likely ending a long standing saga.

Jonathan Kuminga requests trade out of Golden State

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the race for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters heats up, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the fan favorites in the second round of All-Star voting returns, the league announced Tuesday.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Lakers&rsquo; Doncic holds the top spot overall in fan votes, while the Bucks&rsquo; Giannis remains the leader in the Eastern Conference heading into the next phase of voting.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Doncic&rsquo;s lead in the West continues to grow as fans rally behind the Lakers star, with more than 2.2 million votes. He remains ahead of other top Western Conference contenders like Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama, all of whom hold strong early support as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the East, Giannis sits atop the leaderboard with just over 2.09 million votes, keeping his nod as the conference&rsquo;s most popular All-Star candidate among fan voters. Behind him, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey have moved into the next spots, while Cade Cunningham and Donovan Mitchell round out the top five in the East.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fan voting accounts for 50 % of the total vote used to determine All-Star starters, with current NBA players and a media panel each contributing 25 %. Voting continues through Jan. 14, with the second batch of results providing a key snapshot of who&rsquo;s trending early in the 2026 All-Star campaign.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the All-Star Game set for Feb. 15, 2026 in Inglewood, Calif., and a new USA vs. World format on the horizon, every vote &ndash; and every fan push &ndash; could make the difference in who steps on the court when the league&rsquo;s brightest assemble later this season. </span></p>

Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the fan favorites in the second round of All-Star voting returns.

Luka, Giannis continue to lead 2026 NBA All-Star Game voting in second returns

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The race for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters kicked off with a bang as the league released the first fan voting returns, and two of the game&rsquo;s biggest stars are pacing the leaderboard. Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers leads all players in total fan votes, while Giannis Antetokounmpo tops the Eastern Conference returns.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luka has surged ahead in the early returns with more than 1,249,500 votes, leading the Western Conference and all NBA players in fan support. Behind him in the West are stars like Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama &ndash; each drawing strong early backing from fans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the East, Giannis has taken an early edge with over 1,192,200 votes, besting fellow All-Star hopefuls including Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham and Donovan Mitchell.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fan voting represents 50 % of the ballot share for All-Star starters, with current NBA players and media panels accounting for the remaining 50 % (25 % each). The results are just the first step in a voting process that continues through mid-January, including a special &ldquo;3-for-1 Day&rdquo; where each fan vote counts three times.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This season&rsquo;s All-Star Game &ndash; featuring a new USA vs. World three-team round-robin format &mdash; is scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the midseason showcase now shaping up to highlight international stars like Luka and Giannis at the top, fans have plenty of time to weigh in as voting progresses in the coming weeks.</span></p>

The race for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters kicked off with a bang as the league released the first fan voting returns.

Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo lead first All-Star Game voting returns

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 2025 NBA Christmas Day delivered high-level hoops and dramatic finishes across a full slate of five games, with several teams making the holiday spotlight on the national stage.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Knicks rally to edge Cavaliers in MSG thriller</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The day&rsquo;s action kicked off at Madison Square Garden, where the New York Knicks completed a stunning comeback to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124. Trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter, New York rallied behind Jalen Brunson&rsquo;s 34 points and timely contributions from Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson &ndash; turning a huge deficit into a late lead and Christmas Day victory.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Spurs dominate Thunder again, go up 3-0 in season series</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In yet another heated Western Conference rivalry, the San Antonio Spurs took down the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 in a rematch from just two days ago. De&rsquo;Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 29 points, while Victor Wembanyama added a strong all-around showing off the bench. The win marked another impressive Christmas Day performance for the Spurs and another blemish on the Thunder&rsquo;s otherwise elite season, as they have completely outclassed the defending champs. The Spurs have now won all three games against the Thunder this season, with one more play date to happen in January.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Warriors outlast Mavericks in Cooper Flagg&rsquo;s Christmas debut</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Golden State Warriors continued their holiday bliss with a 126-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Stephen Curry led the way with 23 points, including a clutch fourth-quarter three that helped separate the Warriors from Dallas. Jimmy Butler added 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists for the Dubs, who are now on their first three-game win streak this season. Rookie Cooper Flagg starred for the Mavs with 27 points, but Golden State&rsquo;s depth ultimately made the difference. Nevertheless, Flagg showed out in his first-ever Christmas Day game and should be a fixture in the NBA&rsquo;s annual event for years to come if he keeps up his play.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Rockets roll past Lakers behind Amen, KD</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over in LA, the Houston Rockets pulled off a dominant 119-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Amen Thompson (26 points) and Kevin Durant (25 points) spearheaded Houston&rsquo;s balanced attack as the Rockets raced out to a big lead and never looked back. The defeat marked another frustrating Christmas Day outing for the Lakers despite Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James playing in the starting lineup.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Nuggets top Timberwolves in overtime shootout</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the nightcap, the Denver Nuggets survived a wild overtime battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 142-138. Nikola Jokić was sensational, recording a historic triple-double with 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists &ndash; one of the greatest individual performances in Christmas Day history. Minnesota&rsquo;s Anthony Edwards dropped 44 points to pace his team in the defeat, after hitting a wild left fading corner triple to tie the game and force overtime.</span></p>
<h3><strong>THE HIGHLIGHTS:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">New York&rsquo;s comeback over Cleveland was one of the biggest fourth-quarter rallies of the season.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Spurs continued their strong trend vs. the Thunder with another decisive win, seemingly being their kryptonite. The Thunder are 26-2 against the entire league, but are 0-3 against the Spurs.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Curry and the Warriors remained a tough holiday matchup, a team that&rsquo;s a fixture in the NBA&rsquo;s annual premier play date.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Houston&rsquo;s balanced scoring showcased the Rockets&rsquo; roster depth, while it showed the Lakers&rsquo; flaws as a team.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jokic&rsquo;s historic triple-double capped off a memorable Christmas slate with one of the best games of the season thus far, including one of the best for Jokic&rsquo;s entire career. It spoiled an otherwise great game for Anthony Edwards, who scored 40 points after his interview with ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania where he said he will be scoring 40 points in Christmas &ndash; and he did.</span></li>
</ul>

The 2025 NBA Christmas Day delivered high-level hoops and dramatic finishes across a full slate of five games.

2025 NBA Christmas Day: Knicks, Spurs, Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets all take wins

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry etched his name further into the NBA record books this week, surpassing Michael Jordan for the most games with 40 or more points by a player age 30 or older.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The feat came as Curry poured in 48 points in a high-octane performance, giving him 45 career 40-point games since his 30th birthday &ndash; one clear of Jordan&rsquo;s previous mark of 44.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At 37 years old, Curry continues to defy conventional aging curves in professional sports, showcasing an elite scoring ability that few in league history have matched late in their careers. His latest scoring outburst included efficient shooting and a barrage of threes, reinforcing his reputation not just as the greatest shooter ever but also as one of the most prolific scorers in longevity terms.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Curry&rsquo;s climb up the all-time list of 40-point games after age 30 has been a major storyline this season, especially as he tied Jordan earlier in the year and then moved past him with this signature performance. The milestone places Curry at the top of a unique statistical category that measures sustained scoring excellence deep into a player&rsquo;s 30s &ndash; a period in which many stars begin to decline.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While the Warriors&rsquo; overall record this season has been mixed, Curry&rsquo;s historic achievement stands as a testament to his individual brilliance and durability. Even as his team navigates wins and losses, his scoring outputs continue to make NBA history and fuel conversations about his long-term legacy.</span></p>

Warriors icon Stephen Curry added anothe NBA record to books this week, surpassing Michael Jordan for the most games with 40 or more points by a player age 30 or older.

Stephen Curry passes Michael Jordan for most 40+ point games after turning 30

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards has already climbed rungs most players spend a decade chasing. He&rsquo;s become an All-Star, a franchise centerpiece, a playoff force who can go toe-to-toe with the best players alive on the biggest stage. He has shown he can take over fourth quarters, silence arenas, and deliver the kind of moments that make you believe a superstar is being born right in front of you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But for the Minnesota Timberwolves to go anywhere they haven&rsquo;t already been, he must become something more &ndash; something bigger, something definitive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If the Wolves want to replicate or surpass the success of their previous two seasons of making the Western Conference Finals, Anthony Edwards has to rise into the undisputed top-five players in the world and deliver an MVP-level campaign. It&rsquo;s the simplest equation in Minnesota&rsquo;s season, and also the most demanding one.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wherever Edwards goes, the Wolves go.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is not a criticism. It&rsquo;s a reflection of the standard he has already set.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Currently, Minnesota is running it back with the same core with Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo. They&rsquo;re banking on continuity once more, trusting that their identity, defense, and experience will continue to position them among the league&rsquo;s elite. But continuity can only take you so far when the rest of the NBA keeps getting better at faster speeds than any era ever before.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Wolves know it. Edwards knows it. The leap that pushes Minnesota from &ldquo;very good&rdquo; to &ldquo;undeniably great&rdquo; must come from the player most capable of delivering it.</span></p>
<p><strong>The need for a new level</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the past two years, we saw glimpses of the best version of Anthony Edwards &ndash; a relentless downhill attacker, a dynamic scorer in isolation, a growing two-way force capable of changing the tenor of an entire game, and most recently, a volume three-point shooter. Edwards already showed he can be the best player on a playoff team, the kind who produces big-time performances under the brightest lights.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But with superstardom comes a new challenge: consistency.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not the normal kind &ndash; the elite kind. The level of consistency reached by players who live in the top tier of the league: Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic. These are players who have almost eradicated the concept of a &ldquo;bad game.&rdquo; Even when they struggle, they dominate. Even when shots don&rsquo;t fall, they find ways to control possessions, bend defenses, and dictate outcomes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That&rsquo;s the level the Wolves need Edwards to reach.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Wolves have been one of the league&rsquo;s premier defenses, but offensively they can grind to a halt. That&rsquo;s where Edwards must elevate them. When his jumper isn&rsquo;t falling &ndash; &nbsp; and it hasn&rsquo;t been consistently falling at times &ndash; he has to find new ways to bend defenses. He needs to attack, get to the rim, settle into rhythm midrange shots, get to the line, generate momentum, and use his gravity to create looks for others.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every elite scorer eventually learns that shotmaking alone can&rsquo;t dictate their impact. It has to go deeper than that. For Minnesota to keep climbing, Edwards must become the kind of superstar whose influence transcends his jump shot.</span></p>
<p><strong>Why a &ldquo;go-to move&rdquo; matters</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every great scorer eventually discovers not just what they can do, but what they can do every single night &ndash; consistently. The move that is immune to fatigue, gameplan, matchups, or defensive schemes. A shot that becomes automatic because it&rsquo;s been mastered so thoroughly that even the defense knows it&rsquo;s coming &ndash; and still can&rsquo;t stop it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Edwards, the next evolution might be exactly that: developing a signature, go-to scoring move.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This could take the shape of more post-up fadeaway jumpers &ndash; something he already flashes but hasn&rsquo;t fully leaned into. With his strength, footwork, and explosiveness, a polished post midrange package could unlock a completely different version of his offensive dominance. Think Michael Jordan. Think Kobe Bryant. Shots that become &ldquo;butter,&rdquo; the kind where the crowd knows it&rsquo;s good the moment it leaves the hand.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A signature shot would not only give Edwards a consistent scoring anchor; it would change how defenses scheme. It would force double teams, open passing windows, and elevate his playmaking simply by existing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It would give Minnesota the offensive stability they have lacked during the toughest stretches of games. It would let Edwards control tempo, dictate matchups, and slow games down when everything feels chaotic.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most importantly, it would give him the kind of unstoppable tool that the very best players in the world rely on &ndash; the kind that makes defenses helpless. Something like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander&rsquo;s midrange mastery and his two-foot plant; Nikola Jokic&rsquo;s touch in the paint for short and long floaters and hook shots; Giannis Antetokounmpo&rsquo;s relentless driving to the rim; Kevin Durant&rsquo;s pull-up jumper; Luka Doncic&rsquo;s step back and pivot steps; and Stephen Curry&rsquo;s off-ball movement and relocation shooting.</span></p>
<p><strong>Minnesota&rsquo;s ceiling and the &lsquo;leap&rsquo; chase for Edwards</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There&rsquo;s a fair argument that Minnesota may have reached its ceiling as a complete roster. Their defensive identity is elite. Their depth is strong. Their chemistry is real. Gobert and McDaniels anchor one of the toughest defensive backbones in basketball. Naz Reid remains a luxury most teams don&rsquo;t have. Mike Conley is a steadying presence who keeps everything organized. Julius Randle brings shot creation, rebounding, and physicality.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But when the postseason arrives, stars separate themselves &ndash; and separate teams.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That&rsquo;s why Minnesota&rsquo;s future rests on Edwards&rsquo; ability to make that leap.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not because he hasn&rsquo;t already been great, but because he must now become great every single night.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If Edwards averages 30 points per game or more, if he masters a go-to move, if he reaches that superstar comfort level where the game slows down and every shot feels like it&rsquo;s going in and becomes second nature &ndash; then Minnesota&rsquo;s ceiling rises with him. Suddenly, they&rsquo;re no longer a strong playoff contender. They become a legitimate championship threat.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every champion in recent memory had an undisputed top-five guy in the league at the point of their title run:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shai and the Thunder</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tatum and the Celtics</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jokic and the Nuggets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Steph and the Warriors</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giannis and the Bucks</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron and the Lakers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kawhi and the Raptors</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Wolves want to join that company &ndash; but that requires Edwards becoming that kind of a player.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What makes this moment for Edwards so compelling is that he has already shown he can reach these heights. The playoff runs, the highlight-reel moments, the takeover games, and the bursts of all-time-level shotmaking.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But now comes the harder part &ndash; turning flashes into a foundation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is where superstars become megastars &ndash; being a top-5 player in the NBA. This is where talent becomes legacy. This is where a young phenom becomes the defining force of a franchise.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And if Edwards embraces this next step &ndash; if he masters consistency, adds a signature move, deepens his offensive reads, and becomes the top-five player he can be &ndash; then the Wolves won&rsquo;t just remain one of the league&rsquo;s best stories: They&rsquo;ll become something much bigger and become a team with a real chance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Minnesota can continue refining the pieces around him. They can continue to defend at an elite level. They can continue relying on their depth and structure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But their future ultimately hinges on the evolution of their brightest star.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anthony Edwards doesn&rsquo;t just hold the keys to Minnesota&rsquo;s success &ndash; he </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">is</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> the key. And if he rises to that top-five tier, the Wolves&rsquo; championship window will crack wide open and place them into the best of the best in the league for years to come.</span></p>

As the Timberwolves chase another deep playoff run, Edwards must take the leap into the top-five players and take an MVP-level leap.

For Wolves to break through, Anthony Edwards must make an MVP-level leap

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Two former MVPs continue to show why they remain among the greatest scorers the league has ever seen.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Clippers guard James Harden added new milestones to their decorated resumes this week, each climbing further up the NBA&rsquo;s all-time scoring ladder with historic achievements that highlight their remarkable longevity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Curry officially moved into 22nd place on the NBA&rsquo;s all-time scoring list, passing Vince Carter to continue his steady rise among the league&rsquo;s greatest bucket-getters. The Warriors superstar &ndash; widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history &ndash; has maintained elite scoring production deep into his 17th season, still anchoring Golden State&rsquo;s offense and showing no signs of slowing down. His ascent is another reminder of how his combination of skill, conditioning, and adaptability has allowed him to remain one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NBA.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meanwhile, Harden became just the 11th player in league history to surpass 28,000 career points, joining an exclusive scoring club. Now in his 17th season like Curry, the Clippers guard continues to demonstrate his ability to generate offense at a high level, even after evolving his role across multiple franchises. Harden&rsquo;s scoring longevity &ndash; built on a mix of creativity, pace manipulation, and efficiency from the perimeter &ndash; reinforces his status as one of the most prolific offensive weapons of his generation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both milestones underscore the continued impact of two stars who have shaped the modern NBA &ndash; who were also draft batchmates in the 2009 NBA Draft. As Curry and Harden keep rewriting the record books, their late-career production shows that even in an era defined by rising young talent, the legends are still leaving their stamp on the game.</span></p>

Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Clippers guard James Harden added new milestones to their decorated resumes this week.

Stephen Curry, James Harden continue to write their legacies

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<div>Angel Reese: I post pictures of myself in a bathing suit but, multiple times people have made AI pictures of me naked. My family members are sending it to me, uncles are like, &lsquo;Are you naked on Instagram ? It sucks to see that and it&rsquo;s really hard that I have to go through that</div>
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<div>Interviewer: So when you were talking about being sexualized, a lot of people we like, &lsquo;Well, she asked for it.&nbsp;</div>
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<div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQHRqOnDVui/?igsh=ZHUzNHA1NzFxM3Mz">Angel Reese: I don&rsquo;t get what that means. I&rsquo;m a beautiful woman. I&rsquo;ve been posting pictures in my bikini. I have a wonderful body and I work hard for it. And if I want to post a picture in my bikini I should be able to without being sexualized.&nbsp;</a></div>
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<div>I reposted this video clip along with commentary from Adrian Ewing and was surprised to see some of the comments in my comment section&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Seeing grown men justify why Angel Reese somehow deserves to be sexualized is depressing to see. But it wasn&rsquo;t just these cats in my comment section, people in the media like Jason Whitlock (who never misses an opportunity to bash Black People for his MAGA audience) and David Portnoy, founder of barstool, doubled down on his hatred for Angel Reese.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>I showed these my daughters volleyball carpool and this is what they had to say,&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Imani&nbsp;</div>
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<div>&ldquo;Who said anything about Onlyfans ? Why would he jump to that ? She just did something that no other athlete has done before. Why do they care so much about her ? Why does it matter so much to them ? She is just living her life. So they don&rsquo;t want her (or any other WNBA player) so they chastise them for their Pay Us What You Owe us stance, but then they don&rsquo;t want them to earn money through any marketing opportunities or any other way either ? She comes out with her own shoes they mad. She breaks record on the court they mad. She says she doesn&rsquo;t want to talk to the media they mad. She criticizes her organization they mad. Why don&rsquo;t they both mind their business and let her live her life&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Baby Sierra&nbsp;</div>
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<div>So where are all the men standing up for her ? I saw Shaq said something one time awhile ago but that&rsquo;s it ? Just you and Shaq ? Nobody else says anything ? Well I&rsquo;m glad you said something. Thank you for standing up for us&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Addy</div>
<div>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really weird that they are so focused on her. &nbsp;Don&rsquo;t they have any other topics to talk about ? Why are they so fixated and infatuated with her ? Do they focus this much on any other WNBA player not named Caitlin Clark ? It&rsquo;s just weird how much they are locked in on Angel Reese&nbsp;</div>
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<div>All valid points made by the Carpool&nbsp;</div>
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<div>To David Portnoy I ask:&nbsp;</div>
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<div>What could this 23 year old young woman possibly have done to make you this upset with her ? So much so that you say you &ldquo;hate&rdquo; her ? You can&rsquo;t be still bent out of shape because she beat yall great white hope Caitlin Clark back in college so what is it ? Is it just a natural jealous and hatred of Black Women not needing your approval or consent to live their lives ? Or the fact that she has brilliantly taken the Caitlin Clark Mob&rsquo;s hatred toward her and transformed it into 7 figure earnings for herself and her brand ?&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Angel Reese just made history as the first professional athlete ever to walk at the Victoria Secret&rsquo;s Fashion Show. That means no other athlete in the history of athletes has ever done this before and as Rep Jasmine Crockett said,&nbsp;</div>
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<div>&ldquo;The only people that are crying are the mediocre white boys that have been beaten out by people that historically have had to work so much harder,&rdquo;</div>
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<div>Unfortunately, it&rsquo;s not just mediocre white boys who are doing the bashing. Almost all of the comments I showed earlier from my Instagram comments section were by Black Men. Not just people like Jason Whitlock whose schtick is bashing the Black Community so he can continue to get pats on the top of his head from a MAGA audience that can then point to him and say,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;See I&rsquo;m not racist, here&rsquo;s a Black Man saying this&rdquo; But regular everyday Black Men who actually justified Angel another Black Woman being sexualized.&nbsp;</div>
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<div dir="ltr">A few days ago, Angel Reese responded to a viral post that put her side-by-side with Sid. She called the comparison rude and completely out of line.&nbsp;</div>
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<div dir="ltr">People keep asking me why I post about Angel Reese so much ? Well, I&rsquo;ll tell you why. Ever since she beat Caitlin Clark in college, there has been an onslaught of criticism hurled her way. She became the villain. Public enemy number one (to a certain specific demographic) And as a Black Man, whenever I see what sometimes seems like the entire basketball world bashing a young Black Woman, I&rsquo;m suppose to come to her defense.&nbsp;</div>
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<div dir="ltr">People don&rsquo;t understand that young Black Girls see the criticism that Angel Reese receives and understand how it is a microcosm of life. This is how they are treated in their schools and how they will be treated as they grow up in this society. They will be judged more heavily, and criticized more heavily, and a higher expectation and standard will be placed on them than their white counterparts&nbsp;ie Stephen A. Smith ridiculing Rep Jasmine Crockett but having no issues with Trump&rsquo;s presentation.&nbsp;</div>
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<div dir="ltr">So when my daughters and her teammate in our carpool tell me, &ldquo;Thank you for standing up for us&rdquo; I know, I&rsquo;m doing what I&rsquo;m supposed to be doing.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>&ldquo;The most disrespected person in America is the Black Woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman."</div>
<div><span style="color: #020518; font-family: Google Sans, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;~Malcolm X</span></div>
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Angel Reese Doesn’t “Deserve” To Be Sexualized. No Woman Does.

Angel Reese Doesn’t “Deserve” To Be Sexualized. No Woman Does

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Popular basketball video game NBA 2K has released its player ratings, with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the list.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, the last two NBA MVP winners, both earn a staggering 98 OVR, tying for the highest overall ratings in NBA 2K26 and reaffirming their league dominance heading into the new season.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giannis Antetokounmpo lands at 97 OVR, securing the third spot and maintaining elite-caliber status for the Bucks.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards round out the top 5 &ndash; both rated 95 OVR &ndash; showcasing their impact with their teams as they look for playoff success next season.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama follow suit, all clocking in at 94 OVR, rounding out the league&rsquo;s highest-rated talent.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kevin Durant comes in at 93 OVR to round out the top 10 and just leaves the 94 club by a hair.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Notable Patterns from the Ratings</span></h3>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dual Kings: The only pair sharing the No. 1 spot &ndash; a rare distinction for Jokić and SGA&nbsp;</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lakers&rsquo; Unique Placement: The Lakers are the only team with two players in the top 10 &ndash; LeBron and Luka.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Youth Rising: Anthony Edwards and Wembanyama's elite ratings reflect their ascent into the game's elite tier/</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enduring Legends: LeBron (94), Curry (94), and Durant (93) demonstrate that age hasn't slowed down their virtual &ndash; and real-life &ndash; relevancy.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These ratings don&rsquo;t just reflect career narratives, but shape how fans play the game. With preorders live and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NBA 2K26 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">launching September 5, this list informs strategy for gamers &ndash; determining who you build around in MyTEAM, MyCAREER, or MyGM modes.</span></p>

NBA 2K has released its player ratings, with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the list.

Jokic, SGA stand atop NBA 2K26 player ratings

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One year ago, under the lights of the Accor Arena in Paris, Team USA stood atop the basketball world once again. It wasn&rsquo;t just another medal ceremony; it was a statement. A reminder that, even in the ever-evolving global basketball landscape, the United States could still summon greatness when it mattered most.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 2024 Olympic Games marked the fifth straight Summer Olympics where USA Basketball captured gold, a streak that stretches back to Beijing 2008. But unlike some previous runs, Paris demanded everything from this star-studded roster. This was a journey defined not just by talent but by resilience, pride, and the unshakable bond of a group of legends writing their final chapter together.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Early dominance, then a true test</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From the opening tip of the tournament, Team USA was locked in. Group stage matchups and the quarterfinals were clinics in execution, suffocating defense, and offensive firepower. The roster&rsquo;s depth &ndash; from its seasoned veterans to prime stars &ndash; overwhelmed opponents before games even reached the fourth quarter.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joel Embiid&rsquo;s size and skill gave Team USA a dominant paint presence, while Devin Booker&rsquo;s steady shooting and defensive grit rounded out a versatile rotation. Kevin Durant, chasing yet another Olympic gold to cement his legacy as arguably the greatest player in USA Basketball history, brought poise and scoring precision in every outing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even the bench guys, who are typically stars for their teams in the NBA, brought something to the table. Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Tyrese Haliburton, and Derrick White all had their moments in the Olympic run.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But gold never comes without a challenge, and in Paris, that challenge wore Serbia&rsquo;s colors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The semifinal clash with Serbia was not the walkover many had predicted. Serbia, powered by relentless ball movement and elite shot-making, punched first and didn&rsquo;t let up. By halftime, Team USA found itself rattled, trailing by double digits.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The gap only grew in the third quarter. When the horn sounded to end the frame, the scoreboard told the story &ndash; USA down by 13, just 10 minutes from watching their gold medal dreams fade. The Paris crowd, sensing a monumental upset, buzzed with anticipation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And then the OG trio happened.</span></p>
<h3><strong>LeBron, Steph, KD in the biggest stage</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s rare in sports to witness a moment where history, legacy, and performance converge so perfectly. The fourth quarter against Serbia was one of them. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant &ndash; three of the greatest players of their generation &ndash; seized control of the game in a way that only they could.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">LeBron attacked the paint, absorbing contact and finishing through defenders, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break points. Durant&rsquo;s mid-range mastery became the dagger of the comeback, with his last jumper to put Team USA up by four a reminder of why he has been the ultimate international weapon for the U.S. for over a decade. And Curry&hellip; well, Curry turned the court into his personal stage, raining threes for the entire game that bent the momentum entirely.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By the time the buzzer sounded, Team USA had flipped the deficit into a gritty, come-from-behind win. The gold medal game awaited, and standing in the way was the host nation, France.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Paris showdown: Steph&rsquo;s Gold Medal masterpiece</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">France had waited for this moment &ndash; a shot at redemption after falling to the U.S. in the gold medal game at Tokyo 2020. Backed by a raucous home crowd and armed with a disciplined, physical defense, they pushed Team USA to the brink.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The final minutes of the gold medal game will forever be remembered as </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Steph Curry&rsquo;s night</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the game hanging in the balance, Curry delivered a performance for the ages. In the last three minutes alone, he hit four three-pointers, each one more improbable than the last. The last one, a high-arcing rainbow over two closing defenders, was the &lsquo;golden dagger&rsquo; &ndash; as called by play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle on the broadcast. As it splashed through the net, Curry turned, eyes half-closed, hands tucked under his cheek: his iconic &ldquo;night night&rdquo; celebration has rocked the crowd in Paris and echoed throughout with the whole world watching.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By the time the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read USA 98, France 87. The gold medal was theirs. The Paris crowd could only applaud the brilliance they had just witnessed.</span></p>
<h3><strong>A legacy sealed</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, Paris was more than another tournament &ndash; it was likely their last dance on the Olympic stage. All three had nothing left to prove individually, but together, they created a send-off worthy of their legendary careers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Durant claimed his fourth Olympic gold medal, further separating himself as USA Basketball&rsquo;s all-time scoring leader. LeBron&rsquo;s leadership, versatility, and ability to elevate his teammates reminded fans why he&rsquo;s one of the most complete players the sport has ever seen. And Curry, finally competing in his first Olympics, delivered a gold medal moment that instantly became part of basketball lore.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joel Embiid and Devin Booker may not have had their names in as many headlines, but their contributions were vital. Embiid&rsquo;s rim protection and all-world scoring gave the U.S. a safety net on both ends, while Booker&rsquo;s steady shooting and on-ball defense kept opposing wings in check. Together, this group of stars bridged generations &ndash; past, present, and future &ndash; to keep the gold medal tradition alive.</span></p>
<h3><strong>The weight of five straight</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Winning one Olympic gold medal is difficult. Winning five in a row requires decades of commitment, a system that adapts to the international game, and players willing to set aside egos for the greater good. The Paris run was proof that USA Basketball could still blend superstar power with the unselfishness and precision needed to win in today&rsquo;s global game.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rest of the world has never been stronger. International talent floods the NBA every year, with the past 7 NBA MVP winners all coming from outside the US. Teams like Serbia, France, Spain, and Australia have proven they can beat anyone on any given day. That reality made Paris 2024&rsquo;s gold all the more special &ndash; the U.S. didn&rsquo;t just show up and dominate; they faced adversity and rose above it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now, a year removed from that night in Paris, the images remain vivid. LeBron, Curry, and Durant embracing at midcourt. Curry&rsquo;s &ldquo;night night&rdquo; in front of a stunned French crowd. The gold medals draped around necks as the Star-Spangled Banner echoed through the arena.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was a night that wasn&rsquo;t just about basketball. It was about pride, perseverance, and the rare joy of seeing legends rise to the occasion one last time. For the fifth straight Olympics, USA Basketball stood alone on the summit &ndash; and in doing so, reminded the world why they remain the standard.</span></p>

One year ago, Team USA claimed its 5th straight Olympic gold in Paris behind Steph Curry’s clutch heroics, cementing a legacy.

This day a year ago: Team USA wins gold in the Paris Olympics

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NBA has released its most anticipated schedule matchups in a post by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania, featuring the Opening Night and Christmas Day games for the 2025&ndash;26 season, delivering marquee showdowns and setting the tone for a star-studded campaign.</span></p>
<p><strong>Opening Night (October 21)</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Opening Night on October 21 will be broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock, spotlighting two blockbuster matchups:</span></p>
<p><strong>&minus; Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> A thrilling homecoming for former Thunder star Kevin Durant as he returns with Houston to face the reigning champions.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><strong>&minus; Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> A high-voltage matchup featuring Stephen Curry and LeBron James, with LeBron entering his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.</span></p>
<p><strong>Christmas Day (December 25)</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The holiday slate promises five consecutive nationally televised games, packed with compelling narratives and rivalries, to air on ABC, ESPN, and streaming platforms. The schedule includes:</span></p>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &mdash; A high-stakes Eastern Conference preview at Madison Square Garden.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &mdash; Featuring the defending NBA champions, the Thunder, against rising superstar Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &mdash; A renewed Durant-versus-LeBron showdown packed with star power.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &mdash; A fresh chapter as rookie Cooper Flagg faces off against Stephen Curry&rsquo;s Warriors.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &mdash; Closes out the day with a Western Conference clash featuring Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic.</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Opening Night passages build excitement around new dynamics and rivalry renewals &ndash; especially Durant&rsquo;s return to OKC and the enduring Lakers-Warriors, James-Curry rivalry. Christmas Day continues the NBA&rsquo;s tradition of elite storytelling, blending dynasties and rising stars on a festive stage, as NBC&rsquo;s expanded footprint &ndash; including its Opening Day coverage &ndash; marks a significant shift in broadcast strategy, signaling the league&rsquo;s evolving media landscape.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These scheduling highlights promise an electrifying launch and a festive climax to the NBA's regular season, setting up what could be a memorable year of hoops.</span></p>

The NBA has released its most anticipated schedule matchups in a post by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Jake