Knights

This article is from the official press release of EASL
Los Angeles / Hong Kong, June 16, 2025 &ndash; The BIG3 &ndash; the premier global 3-on-3 basketball league &ndash; and East Asia Super League (EASL) &ndash; the Champions League of Asian basketball &ndash; today announced the beginning of a wide-reaching and first-of-its-kind strategic partnership to bring the best in global 3-on-3 basketball to fans across Asia in 2026.
The partnership marks a new chapter for both organizations, combining BIG3&rsquo;s world-renowned 3-on-3 format and entertainment-first approach with EASL&rsquo;s deep connections to Asia&rsquo;s professional basketball leagues, teams, and fan communities.
Beyond the competition, this collaboration is about cultural exchange. In addition to the pace, defense, and creativity that define the game, BIG3 integrates a level of entertainment not seen in other leagues, providing fans and players across Asia with a new way to experience basketball.
Known for its speed, physicality, and non-stop action, BIG3 has built a strong following in the United States and is now expanding its reach. Featuring current and former NBA players, the Hall of Fame coaches, and top talent from the international 3-on-3 circuit, the BIG3 fosters the highest level of competition, and this showcase will deliver a new experience and raise the bar for 3-on-3 basketball across the region.
&ldquo;BIG3 was built to change how people experience basketball,&rdquo; BIG3 Co-CEO Ice Cube said. &ldquo;Through this landmark partnership with EASL, we&rsquo;re taking that mission to Asia and inviting millions more to be part of it. The EASL has done an incredible job elevating the gameplay across Asia and, specifically, growing its popularity with young sports fans. This partnership will set the stage for the future of the BIG3, and we can&rsquo;t wait to bring our game there next year.&rdquo;
This announcement follows the debut of the BIG3&rsquo;s eighth season live in Chicago on June 14, 2025. The highly successful league debuted in 2017 to much renown and has cultivated an incredibly diverse, engaged, and active fanbase with audiences rivaling and topping that of NWSL, NHL, MLS, and MLB.
The league has previously brought its brand of basketball to fans around the world, with international matchups held in Nassau, Toronto, and London, where the 2023 BIG3 Champion was crowned at the O2 Arena in front of a sold-out crowd. Earlier this year, the BIG3 also entered into a partnership with the NaKonal Basketball League (NBL) in Australia to bring the BIG3 game to Australian Basketball fans in Fall 2025.
Since its founding, EASL has focused on raising the standard of competition in Asia by bringing together the top teams from the continent&rsquo;s leading domesKc leagues. This partnership with BIG3 marks the next step in EASL&rsquo;s growth, introducing a new style of basketball and creating additional connections between Asia and the global basketball community.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re here to push limits,&rdquo; EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins said. &ldquo;BIG3 brings a different level, a different style, and a different energy to basketball. Taking it to Asia with EASL shows how far the game can go. Fans are going to see something fresh and something real, and it&rsquo;s only the beginning.&rdquo;
EASL and BIG3 will continue to collaborate on event planning, fan engagement, and media rollout in the lead-up to 2026, with more announcements regarding sites and schedules to come.

The BIG3 and East Asia Super League today announced the beginning of a wide-reaching and strategic partnership set in 2026.

BIG3 and EASL Announce Partnership to Bring League to Asia in 2026

As the Phoenix Suns prepare to part ways with Kevin Durant, trade discussions have intensified, centering on three frontrunner destinations: the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
These teams are reportedly Durant&rsquo;s preferred landing spots, with mutual interest and the potential for a lucrative extension in play. Sources close to the situation revealed to Charania that Heat, Spurs, and Rockets have all gained significant traction in negotiations and are considered finalists in the pursuit of the 15-time All-Star.
ANALYSIS: Durant lists Miami as a desirable destination, citing the franchise's culture and strong front office support. The Heat reportedly attempted to acquire him at the trade deadline. While they may lack in draft assets, veteran players like Andrew Wiggins, Kel&rsquo;el Ware, and Duncan Robinson could be key parts of a package.
San Antonio presents an alluring mix: pairing Durant with phenom Victor Wembanyama and rising star De&rsquo;Aaron Fox. With significant draft capital &ndash; including the Nos. 2 and 14 picks &ndash; the Spurs are well-positioned to make a big move. However, they face a dilemma: part with core young assets or risk falling short in rebuilding momentum.
The Rockets are another strong candidate. Durant has personal connections in Houston through assistant coach Royal Ivey and head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets&rsquo; young core &ndash; Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jalen Green &ndash; is a plus, though matching Phoenix&rsquo;s demands may necessitate including top talent like Green or Jabari Smith Jr.
Despite Durant's preferences, the Suns maintain they will seek the most valuable return, regardless of destination. With Durant entering the final year of a $54.7 million contract and eligible for a two-year, $122&ndash;124 million extension post-trade, leverage remains high. Six to eight teams are reportedly in serious discussions, including the Minnesota Timberwolves.&nbsp;
The window for a deal is narrowing, with reports suggesting a potential trade could emerge within days or centered around the upcoming NBA Draft. While Spurs appear to be premier contenders according to early betting odds, the situation remains highly fluid and driven by asset valuation.&nbsp;
Kevin Durant&rsquo;s next chapter is poised to unfold soon. Miami offers playoff pedigree and culture; San Antonio brings youth and assets; Houston provides chemistry and continuity. Ultimately, the Suns&rsquo; focus on value, aligned with Durant&rsquo;s willingness to commit, sets up a dramatic trade saga that will soon come to a result over the next few days.

The Spurs, Rockets, and Heat are the frontrunners to land Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant, according to Shams Charania.

Heat, Spurs & Rockets emerge as top contenders as Kevin Durant trade talks heat up

In a series that began with questions and ended with a declaration, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially arrived. With a 5-game takedown of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder are not only heading to their first NBA Finals since 2012 &mdash; they are ushering in a new era of basketball in Oklahoma City.
A dominant win in Game 5 encapsulated everything that makes this Thunder team different. They are fast, they are disciplined, and they are fearless. And more than anything, they are seemingly ahead of schedule, which is frighteningly so.
This isn&rsquo;t just a feel-good story about a young team making an improbable run. This is the crystallization of vision, patience, and long-term planning led by one of the game&rsquo;s most methodical minds in Sam Presti. The Thunder are now reaping the fruits of their asset-rich rebuild, led by a core that hasn&rsquo;t even hit its collective prime.
And that&rsquo;s the part that should terrify the rest of the league.
A core that is built to last for seasons
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, at 26 years old, is playing the best basketball of his life and has transformed from an under-the-radar guard into a bonafide MVP. His combination of pace, craft, and clutch-time brilliance has anchored OKC's offense throughout the playoffs. Around him, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have flourished &mdash; two-way threats who thrive in Mark Daigneault&rsquo;s egalitarian system.
Williams continues to grow as an all-around playmaker and defensive irritant, while Holmgren, in his just his sophomore season, has erased doubts about his ability to anchor a postseason defense. The 7-foot unicorn has shown a poise that belies his age, walling off the paint and hitting timely shots from beyond the arc. Isaiah Hartenstein's midseason acquisition added frontcourt depth and physicality, and Alex Caruso&rsquo;s peskiness on the perimeter rounding out a rotation that is as versatile as it is relentless.
At just 23.1 years of age on average, the Thunder are the youngest team to make the NBA Finals since the 2012 Oklahoma City team that featured Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. That team came up short against LeBron James&rsquo; Miami Heat &mdash; but it symbolized a turning point in the league&rsquo;s youth movement.
This year&rsquo;s squad? They&rsquo;re not just symbolizing change &ndash; they are engineering it.
Defense, Depth, and Daigneault
Oklahoma City&rsquo;s 68-14 regular season was no fluke. Their disruptive, swarming defense has suffocated opponents all year long, and it translated seamlessly to the playoffs. Against the Timberwolves &mdash; a team known for their physicality and paint dominance &mdash; the Thunder bent but never broke. They swarmed Anthony Edwards, frustrated Julius Randle, and turned every possession into a marathon.
This defensive success is no accident. It&rsquo;s a testament to head coach Mark Daigneault, who has masterminded a system that rewards effort, communication, and versatility. OKC doesn&rsquo;t just guard &mdash; they engulf teams. Guards switch onto bigs with no hesitation, wings play passing lanes like cornerbacks, and the backline is fortified by Holmgren and Hartenstein&rsquo;s presence.
By blending developmental patience with competitive urgency, Daigneault has found a way to make one of the youngest rosters in NBA history play with the poise of a veteran team.
That speaks volumes &mdash; not just about his coaching acumen, but about the culture being built in Oklahoma City.
Sam Presti&rsquo;s vision comes full circle with another Finals appearance
This Finals run is a crowning moment for Sam Presti, the executive who famously pulled the plug on the Russell Westbrook-Paul George era to initiate one of the most comprehensive rebuilds in recent memory. He was mocked for stockpiling draft picks like they were Bitcoin. He was kind of doubted when he traded away established stars. But now, with a mountain of assets still untouched and a Finals team on the floor, Presti looks like a genius.
OKC has more than a dozen first-round picks through the end of the decade. And unlike other rebuilding teams with a treasure chest of draft capital, the Thunder don&rsquo;t need to cash in just yet. They have a foundational core, a coach they trust, and flexibility that allows them to chase another star or double down on internal growth. This is what sustainability looks like and the Thunder have capitalized on it big time.
A defining moment for the franchise
For longtime Thunder fans, this moment is drenched in emotion. Since the heartbreak of the 2016 Western Conference Finals collapse and the eventual departures of Durant and Westbrook, OKC has wandered the wilderness. There were moments of promise, but no promise of direction.
Now, they&rsquo;ve found it and they&rsquo;re right back in it with perhaps the brightest future they can possibly have.
This run to the Finals doesn&rsquo;t just represent a basketball achievement &mdash; it represents emotional validation. The tears, the trades, the tanking &mdash; it all led to this. And while the job isn&rsquo;t finished, there&rsquo;s a renewed sense that something special is brewing in Oklahoma once again.
Even if they don&rsquo;t win it all this season, the message is clear: the Thunder are not coming. They&rsquo;re here, and they&rsquo;re built to last.

The Thunder defeat the Wolves in 5 games to reach the NBA Finals, signaling a new era built on youth, depth, and elite coaching.

Thunder dominate Timberwolves, usher a new era of Thunder basketball

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2024&ndash;25 NBA Most Valuable Player, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the Thunder's franchise history. This honor places him alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as the only players in Thunder history to receive the league's highest individual accolade.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring, averaging 32.7 points per game, and contributed 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. His exceptional performance was instrumental in guiding the Thunder to a franchise-best 68&ndash;14 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference.
In the MVP voting, Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 out of 100 first-place votes, surpassing Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jokić, who averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, finished as the runner-up.
During the MVP award ceremony, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an emotional speech, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his wife, Hailey Summers, for her unwavering support. He also acknowledged his teammates, fulfilling a promise by gifting each of them Rolex watches as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the team's success .
Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP season not only highlights his individual brilliance but also signifies the Thunder's resurgence as a formidable force in the NBA. With a young and dynamic roster, Oklahoma City is poised for continued success in the seasons to come.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2024–25 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Captures 2024–25 NBA MVP, Cementing Thunder's Resurgence

Anthony Edwards' meteoric rise in the NBA continues relentlessly. The 23-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves superstar has added another chapter to his burgeoning playoff legacy, leading his team to a 4-1 series victory over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals. This triumph not only propels the Timberwolves to their second consecutive Western Conference Finals but also reinforces Edwards' growing reputation as the league's premier "legend killer."
The term "legend killer" may have been used in jest by fans and analysts, but it's becoming more apt with each passing series. Edwards is carving out one of the most impressive early playoff resumes in recent memory, routinely stepping up against the game's brightest stars and emerging victorious.
Slaying giants and legends is becoming a playoff tradition for Edwards
Edwards' postseason journey reads like a who's who of NBA royalty. Last year, he spearheaded the Timberwolves' stunning run through the Western Conference, eliminating a Phoenix Suns team led by future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. In the following round, they went toe-to-toe with reigning MVP Nikola Jokić and the defending champion Denver Nuggets &ndash; and prevailed.
This season has followed a similar narrative. In the first round, Edwards and the Wolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Edwards outdueled both LeBron James and Luka Doncic on both ends of the floor and delivering clutch baskets in high-pressure moments.
Now, in the semifinals, he's taken down a Warriors team that boasted championship pedigree and playoff-tested veterans in Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green &ndash; and would have had Stephen Curry, were it not for injury.
It's no wonder the nickname "legend killer" has started to stick. Edwards is not just winning playoff series; he's ending runs and ushering in a new era of stardom. Few players his age have compiled such an impressive list of postseason victims &ndash; and he's doing it as the unquestioned leader of a franchise that hadn&rsquo;t been to the Conference Finals in 20 years before his arrival.
Golden State&rsquo;s fortunes took a major hit just minutes into Game 1 when Stephen Curry pulled up lame, clutching his left hamstring. The team initially called it &ldquo;tightness,&rdquo; but subsequent scans revealed a strain that would sideline the two-time MVP for the remainder of the series.
Curry&rsquo;s absence was devastating. In Game 1, the Warriors managed to win despite him being out for the majority of the game, and Golden State was within striking distance. But without him, the Warriors lacked spacing, cohesion, and a consistent scoring threat. Butler, whom the Warriors acquired midseason for a late title push, averaged a decent amount of points in the series but struggled to find rhythm without Curry drawing double teams. Draymond Green&rsquo;s defensive prowess and playmaking were neutralized by Minnesota&rsquo;s size and physicality.
Minnesota, meanwhile, smothered Golden State with a vaunted defense led by Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, and Edwards. The Wolves&rsquo; game plan was simple yet effective: deny Butler clean looks, collapse on drives, and force role players to beat them. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield were rather inconsistent, while Jonathan Kuminga, though promising, lacked the polish to carry the scoring load for the entire series. The Warriors ultimately lost four straight games after taking the opener.
Timberwolves' strategic mastery&nbsp;
Minnesota&rsquo;s resurgence is as much about front-office vision as it is about Edwards&rsquo; emergence. The franchise made a controversial decision last summer, trading long-time star Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; the face of the franchise for nearly a decade &ndash; to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
Initially panned as an overreaction to last year&rsquo;s Conference Finals loss, the move has aged like fine wine. Randle brought a rugged interior presence and a scorer's mindset that perfectly complements Rudy Gobert&rsquo;s defense-first approach. In these playoffs, Randle has arguably been playing the best basketball of his life, often bullying smaller defenders in the post while spacing the floor just enough to allow Edwards room to operate.
DiVincenzo, a tenacious defender and underrated shooter, has been an x-factor despite struggling a bit in the playoffs. He has consistently hit timely threes while guarding opposing guards with a relentless motor. His chemistry with Edwards has flourished, allowing the Wolves to maintain intensity on both ends without sacrificing floor spacing.
Add in the steady leadership of Mike Conley and the rim protection of Gobert and Naz Reid off the bench and the perimeter defense by McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and you&rsquo;ve got one of the most well-balanced teams left in the playoffs.
With this series win, the Timberwolves have secured their second straight appearance in the Western Conference Finals &ndash; a feat that once seemed unimaginable for a franchise long plagued by mediocrity. They fell to Dallas in last year&rsquo;s WCF, but the lessons from that loss are clearly paying off.
This version of the Wolves is deeper, more experienced, and far more adaptable. They&rsquo;ve shown they can win gritty, defensive battles or shoot it out when the game opens up. Coach Chris Finch has masterfully balanced rotations and drawn up sets that accentuate Edwards&rsquo; strengths while keeping Randle, Gobert, and DiVincenzo involved.
The next step now is breaking through to the NBA Finals &ndash; something no Timberwolves team has ever accomplished.
Being the &lsquo;face of the league&rsquo;
As the NBA&rsquo;s long-standing icons gradually wind down their careers, the league is searching for its next torchbearer. While players like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all in the mix, few have made as loud a postseason statement as Anthony Edwards.
His playoff numbers &mdash; 27.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game &mdash; don&rsquo;t just tell the story of a rising superstar, they scream franchise cornerstone and future MVP. More importantly, Edwards has embraced the spotlight, asking for it and owning the pressure of delivering wins against the best in the world.
He&rsquo;s charismatic, fiercely competitive, and fearless. His ability to elevate his game in the postseason, rise above elite opponents, and close out games has drawn comparisons to legends of the past. And with every &ldquo;legend&rdquo; he defeats, Edwards inches closer to becoming one himself.
Anthony Edwards isn&rsquo;t just adding to his playoff resume &mdash; he&rsquo;s building a legacy. One legendary opponent at a time.
And if the &ldquo;legend killer&rdquo; keeps this up, the next generation of NBA stars might be defined by who manages to take him down.

Anthony Edwards continues his rise as the NBA’s “Legend Killer,” leading the Timberwolves past the Warriors to reach the WCF again.

Anthony Edwards adds to ‘legend killer’ legacy as Wolves eliminate Warriors in 5

Minnesota ends LA&rsquo;s season in 5-game shocker despite being huge underdogs going into the series
The Minnesota Timberwolves weren&rsquo;t supposed to be here.
According to ESPN&rsquo;s panel of 10 analysts, not one picked them to win their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Most had the Lakers in five, six, or seven games. On paper, the Timberwolves were outmatched: LeBron James and Luka Doncic led a top-heavy but star-studded Lakers team expected to steamroll their way to the second round.
Instead, Minnesota didn&rsquo;t just win the series &ndash; they dominated it. Minnesota capitalized on team chemistry and strategic execution to control the series.
The Timberwolves' victories were marked by consistent performances:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Game 1: 117&ndash;95 win in Los Angeles</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Game 3: 116&ndash;104 win in Minnesota</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Game 4: 116&ndash;113 win in Minnesota</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Game 5: 103&ndash;96 win in Los Angeles</li>
</ul>
Their only loss came in Game 2, a 94&ndash;85 defeat.
The Timberwolves dismantled the Lakers in five games, closing them out with a tough Game 5 win on the road. Minnesota outplayed Los Angeles in every area of the game: they were quicker in transition, stronger on the glass, sharper in their sets, and more connected defensively. It was a comprehensive, no-doubt-about-it series win &mdash; the kind that turns skeptics into believers.
<h3>&ldquo;Nobody picked us. We saw everything.&rdquo;</h3>
That&rsquo;s what Anthony Edwards said after Game 5, and he wasn&rsquo;t exaggerating. The Timberwolves were largely disrespected in national discourse heading into the playoffs, viewed as a feel-good story after an up-and-down regular season rather than a real threat. But inside the locker room, that doubt was fuel. The Timberwolves took it personally, and they responded with purpose.
In five games, the Timberwolves held the Lakers to just 103.2 points per game, the second-lowest mark of any team in the first round. They crushed them on the boards (+8.4 per game), generated more fastbreak points (+6.6 per game), and executed cleaner offensive sets, often using misdirection to manipulate LA&rsquo;s defense and create clean looks.
Minnesota&rsquo;s identity &ndash; defensive toughness, ball movement, and unselfish play &ndash; never wavered. And it overwhelmed a Laker team that relied too heavily on isolation from LeBron and Luka.
Julius Randle flips the narrative
No Timberwolf had more to prove entering this postseason than Julius Randle.
Traded for Karl-Anthony Towns at the deadline, Randle arrived in Minnesota with a cloud of playoff failure hovering over him. His previous stints with the Knicks were marred by inefficient scoring and defensive lapses. But this time, the moment didn&rsquo;t swallow him.
Randle was tremendous throughout the series, averaging 22.6 points and 7.8 rebounds on 49% shooting. He scored 20+ points in four of the five games and was particularly vital when Edwards got blitzed in pick-and-rolls or trapped off the catch. He became Minnesota&rsquo;s release valve &mdash; someone who could isolate against mismatches, hit midrange shots, and punish switches.
In Game 5, Randle posted 23 points and 5 boards, matching the Lakers&rsquo; physicality and responding to every mini-run with a tough bucket. It was a performance that not only helped close the door on LA but also redefined how people talk about him as a playoff performer.
Jaden McDaniels: From role player to a solid 3rd option
Jaden McDaniels has always been known for his defense. But in this series, he showed off the other side of his game.
McDaniels averaged 17.4 points in the five games &ndash; a significant jump from his regular-season average of 10.1. His 30-point outburst in Game 3 was the breakout moment, but it was the consistency that stood out more. He hit spot-up threes, attacked closeouts, and even created off the dribble when needed.
Defensively, he was the primary Luka Doncic defender in most matchups and made life difficult for the 26-year-old superstar. McDaniels&rsquo; ability to be a two-way presence gives Minnesota a third dynamic option &ndash; something every championship team needs.
The bench unit made its mark and proved itself
Minnesota's bench unit, featuring Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker &ndash; arguably the best in the league &ndash; came through for Minnesota.
Reid, DiVincenzo, and Alexander-Walker formed the best second unit in the series &mdash; and perhaps in the league. Reid chipped in 11.6 points per game in all 5 games off the bench, providing floor spacing and physicality as the backup big. DiVincenzo, the 2022 NBA champion, brought his usual defensive energy, three-point shooting, and smart cuts, while Alexander-Walker hit timely shots and proved to be an elite on-ball defender.
All three could start for most NBA teams. Together, they gave Minnesota an edge that the Lakers simply couldn&rsquo;t match when their stars sat. Their collective impact underscored the Timberwolves' depth and resilience, and together with veteran starter Mike Conley (who also hit a big shot late in Game 5), the Timberwolves ended up winning the series.
Gobert finds his moment
Rudy Gobert was quiet in the first four games of the series, which was borderline ineffective at times.
But in Game 5, with Edwards struggling and LA blitzing every ball screen, Gobert reminded everyone why Minnesota traded for him. He finished with 27 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks on 11-of-13 shooting. It was his best playoff performance in years, and it couldn&rsquo;t have come at a better time.
Gobert&rsquo;s physicality in the paint overwhelmed the Lakers&rsquo; smaller frontcourt, and his offensive rebounding (eight) created second-chance opportunities that swung the game. While he may not be the focal point every night, this was a reminder that when locked in and depending on matchups, he can still change games.
Anthony Edwards, the flamboyant superstar
Even with a 0-for-11 night from three in Game 5, Anthony Edwards was the best player in the series.
He averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists &ndash; but stats don&rsquo;t tell the whole story. He controlled the tempo, made the right reads when doubled, and never let the moment get too big. His Game 4 masterpiece &mdash; 43 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists on the road &ndash; was the most dominant single performance of the series.
This wasn&rsquo;t just a great young player having a good stretch. This was a future face-of-the-league moment. In a series featuring LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Edwards looked like the best player on the floor. The passing of the torch isn&rsquo;t always clean or scripted. But it felt like it happened here. Edwards, over his last 2 playoff runs, has knocked out Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic. Now that&rsquo;s an impressive playoff resume at just 23 years old, and he&rsquo;s likely going to add more in the years to come.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
Beating the Lakers wasn&rsquo;t just about advancing to the next round. It was about validation. It was about shedding the underdog label. It was about proving that this Timberwolves team isn&rsquo;t some overachieving feel-good story &ndash; they&rsquo;re a legitimate contender that can go deep into the playoffs this season.
Minnesota&rsquo;s identity is strong, their chemistry is undeniable, and their defense travels. With Edwards emerging, Randle stepping up, McDaniels evolving, and the bench thriving, the Timberwolves just sent a loud howl to the rest of the NBA.

The Timberwolves stunned the Lakers in a dominant 5-game series win, behind Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and a deep bench unit.

Underdog Timberwolves upset Lakers behind Edwards, Randle, and elite bench

Over the past few years, the NBA world has waited for Kawhi Leonard to stay healthy long enough to remind everyone exactly who he is. On Monday night in Denver, that reminder came thundering down like a sledgehammer.
Leonard dropped a masterclass &ndash; 39 points on an outrageously efficient 15-of-19 shooting &ndash; to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 105-102 Game 2 win over the Denver Nuggets. The series is now tied 1-1, but more importantly, Leonard&rsquo;s performance was a powerful statement. Not just to the Nuggets or this postseason, but to the basketball world that may have started to forget what peak Kawhi looks like.
This is why you never give up on Kawhi Leonard.
At his best, Leonard is still one of the most dominant two-way forces in the game. He doesn&rsquo;t need flair or flash &ndash; his game is built on precision, footwork, and a suffocating calm. That&rsquo;s what makes nights like these so devastating for opponents. There's no rhythm to disrupt, no emotion to exploit. He simply shows up, gets to his spots, and buries you.
But performances like this don&rsquo;t just spring out of nowhere&mdash;they arrive after years of battling through injuries, setbacks, and the ever-looming question: can Kawhi ever be Kawhi again?
The list of injuries Leonard has faced is extensive. From the quad issue that derailed his final year in San Antonio, to the torn ACL that wiped out his 2021-22 season, and even the meniscus injury in last year's playoffs that once again left the Clippers short-handed. It&rsquo;s been a cruel cycle: hope, recovery, flashes of brilliance, then heartbreak. Some began to wonder if the two-time Finals MVP had already seen his best days behind him.
But that&rsquo;s the thing about greatness &ndash; it doesn&rsquo;t just disappear. It waits. It recalibrates. And sometimes, it explodes at just the right moment.
In a league that has been defined by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant over the past 15 years, Leonard&rsquo;s career has often moved in a more muted lane. He doesn&rsquo;t dominate the news cycle. He doesn&rsquo;t post cryptic tweets or chase headlines. He just plays. And when he&rsquo;s healthy, he wins.
Leonard&rsquo;s playoff resume speaks volumes. He was the Finals MVP in 2014 at just 22 years old, when he helped the Spurs dismantle the Heat&rsquo;s Big Three. He was the architect of the Toronto Raptors&rsquo; 2019 championship run, delivering one of the most iconic postseason buzzer-beaters in NBA history along the way. And now, at age 33, he&rsquo;s showing he&rsquo;s not done writing playoff chapters.
For the Clippers, this kind of performance is more than just a win&mdash;it&rsquo;s a glimpse of what could be if Leonard can stay on the floor. The franchise has built everything around him, hoping that health and timing would finally align. Last night was a reminder that the blueprint still works, as long as Kawhi is the one holding the pen.
The road ahead won&rsquo;t be easy. Denver is a champion for a reason with Nikola Jokic still being a generational force. But with Leonard in this form, the Clippers have something even the best teams fear: a closer who can turn the tide of a series with ruthless efficiency.
Kawhi Leonard might not speak much, but Monday night he said everything that needed to be said.
Don&rsquo;t ever count him out.

Kawhi Leonard had 39 points in the Clippers’ Game 2 win over the Nuggets. A reminder why Kawhi remains one of the best in the NBA.

Kawhi Leonard’s playoff masterclass proves greatness doesn’t fade

The 2024 Paris Olympics provided basketball fans with an unforgettable spectacle, as Team USA once again won gold with a lineup led by three legends: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. For these generational talents, it wasn&rsquo;t just about adding another accolade to their illustrious resumes&mdash;it was a statement about their enduring greatness. Despite being in the twilight of their careers, LeBron, Curry, and Durant have continued to defy Father Time, thriving in the NBA and earning All-Star starting nods this season.
LeBron James: The Timeless King
At 40 years old, LeBron James remains a marvel of athleticism and skill. His 2024 Olympic performance was a masterclass in leadership, combining his trademark versatility and basketball IQ to guide Team USA to victory. The image of LeBron hoisting the gold medal in Paris felt like a full-circle moment for a player who has carried the torch for basketball for two decades.
In the current NBA season, LeBron has shown no signs of slowing down. Averaging near triple-double numbers at 23.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.0 assists, he continues to be the centerpiece for the Los Angeles Lakers, orchestrating their offense while still delivering highlight-reel dunks that defy his age. His 22nd season has been a testament to his work ethic and adaptability, securing yet another All-Star starting spot&mdash;a record-breaking 20th appearance. For LeBron, the accolades are secondary to his mission of setting an example for the next generation of players.
Stephen Curry: The Sharpshooting Maestro
Stephen Curry&rsquo;s Olympic debut at age 36 was worth the wait. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry&rsquo;s presence in Paris added an extra layer of excitement to Team USA&rsquo;s run. His signature deep threes and gravity on the court opened up opportunities for his teammates, and his poise in clutch moments eventually won gold for the United States by beating Serbia and France &ndash; with Curry in the center of it all.
Back in the NBA, Curry has continued his reign as the league&rsquo;s premier sharpshooter. Still leading his Golden State Warriors in scoring, his ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities remains unparalleled. His consistency from beyond the arc and leadership have kept the Warriors competitive in a stacked Western Conference. This season, Curry&rsquo;s stellar play earned him another starting spot in the All-Star Game, solidifying his position as one of the most influential players in NBA history.
Kevin Durant: The Scoring Machine
Kevin Durant&rsquo;s return to the international stage was nothing short of dominant. The four-time scoring champion once again showcased his unique blend of size, skill, and efficiency, leaving defenders helpless as he scored from all three levels. Durant&rsquo;s composure and scoring prowess were instrumental in Team USA&rsquo;s gold medal run, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen.
Durant has carried that momentum into the NBA season, where he continues to excel as the Phoenix Suns&rsquo; cornerstone. Despite dealing with injuries in recent years, Durant has remained a consistent offensive force, averaging over 27 points per game while shooting at an elite clip. His selection as an All-Star starter this year is a reminder of his unwavering excellence and the respect he commands across the league.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
As LeBron, Curry, and Durant near the final chapters of their careers, their impact on basketball is undeniable. LeBron has redefined what longevity looks like in professional sports, serving as a role model for athletes across the globe. Curry has revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting, inspiring a new generation of players to extend their range. Durant&rsquo;s scoring artistry has set a standard for versatility and efficiency that will be studied for years to come.
Together, they have combined for 10 NBA championships, 4 Olympic gold medals, and countless unforgettable moments. Their rivalry and camaraderie have shaped an era of basketball that will be remembered as one of the greatest in history.
The 2024 Paris Olympics and their All-Star selections this season serve as reminders that while their careers may be winding down, LeBron, Curry, and Durant are far from finished. Their ability to adapt, evolve, and lead at the highest level has kept them at the forefront of the basketball world. Fans and players alike should cherish every remaining moment these legends grace the court, as their influence will be felt long after they hang up their sneakers.
As the NBA All-Star Game approaches, the basketball community will once again have the chance to celebrate three of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. Their legacy is more than just statistics or accolades&mdash;it&rsquo;s the inspiration they provide and the standard of excellence they&rsquo;ve set. For LeBron, Curry, and Durant, the journey isn&rsquo;t just about what they&rsquo;ve accomplished; it&rsquo;s about the enduring mark they leave on the game they love.

For these generational talents, this was a statement about their enduring greatness.

From Olympics to NBA All-Star: The legacy of LeBron, Curry, and Durant continues

The NBA has revealed the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game, set to take place on February 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The selection process remained consistent, with fan votes accounting for 50%, and player and media votes comprising the remaining 50%.
**Eastern Conference Starters:**
- **Giannis Antetokounmpo** (Milwaukee Bucks)
- **Jayson Tatum** (Boston Celtics)
- **Karl-Anthony Towns** (New York Knicks)
- **Donovan Mitchell** (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- **Jalen Brunson** (New York Knicks)
**Western Conference Starters:**
- **Nikola Jokić** (Denver Nuggets)
- **LeBron James** (Los Angeles Lakers)
- **Kevin Durant** (Phoenix Suns)
- **Stephen Curry** (Golden State Warriors)
- **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander** (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Notably, LeBron James has been selected for his 21st consecutive All-Star appearance, extending his record for the most in NBA history.&nbsp;
This year's All-Star Game introduces a new format, featuring a mini-tournament with four teams and three games. The 24 All-Star selections will be divided evenly into three teams, while the fourth team will comprise the winners of the Rising Stars game, which includes first- and second-year NBA players and NBA G League standouts.
The All-Star reserves, selected by NBA head coaches, will be announced on January 30.
The 2025 All-Star Game promises to showcase a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, highlighting the league's dynamic and evolving landscape.

The NBA has revealed the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game, set to take place on February 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

NBA announces 2025 All-Star starters

The NBA&rsquo;s Christmas Day slate has always been a spectacle. It&rsquo;s the league&rsquo;s chance to showcase its brightest stars on a global stage, and this year, Victor Wembanyama seized the moment. The San Antonio Spurs&rsquo; generational talent delivered a jaw-dropping performance against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, cementing his place as the future of the league.
At just 20 years old, Wembanyama put up a stat line that seemed almost mythical: 42 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks, while shooting an efficient 16-of-31 from the field, including 6-16 from beyond the arc. His ability to dominate every facet of the game&mdash;scoring, defending, and even playmaking&mdash;was on full display. Wembanyama&rsquo;s Christmas Day outing wasn&rsquo;t just a performance; it was a proclamation.
The NBA has been searching for its next generational face to carry the league as legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant near the twilight of their careers. While a number of young stars, such as Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards have emerged as potential heirs, Wembanyama offers something uniquely captivating.
Standing at 7-foot-5 with guard-like skills, Wembanyama is unlike anything basketball has seen before. His ability to shoot threes with ease, attack the rim with fluidity, and block shots with his towering wingspan is redefining what&rsquo;s possible for a player of his size. In many ways, he represents the evolution of basketball&mdash;a unicorn who can do it all.
On Christmas Day, Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t just play basketball; he put on a show. In front of a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd, often referred to as the &ldquo;Mecca of Basketball,&rdquo; Wembanyama delivered a performance reminiscent of the greats. MSG has historically been the stage where superstars announce their arrival, and Wembanyama&rsquo;s dominance in this game felt like his coronation.
There&rsquo;s something magical about performing at Madison Square Garden. From Michael Jordan&rsquo;s double-nickel game to Stephen Curry&rsquo;s unforgettable 54-point eruption, the world&rsquo;s most famous arena has seen countless legendary moments. For Wembanyama, this performance added his name to that storied list.
Playing in New York carries an inherent pressure. The Garden crowd is knowledgeable, passionate, and unforgiving. Yet, Wembanyama embraced the challenge, thriving under the bright lights. His ability to perform at such a high level in this environment speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and his readiness to be the face of the league.
What made Wembanyama&rsquo;s performance so special was its versatility. He showcased every facet of his game, leaving no doubt about his potential to dominate the league for years to come.
At 7-foot-5, Wembanyama&rsquo;s ability to shoot from deep is unparalleled. His 6 three-pointers came in a variety of ways&mdash;catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble, and even a step-back that left defenders helpless. It&rsquo;s rare to see a player of his size shoot with such confidence. Wembanyama&rsquo;s 4 blocks were a testament to his defensive prowess. His timing and ability to cover ground make him a nightmare for opponents attempting to score in the paint. The Knicks struggled to find answers as Wembanyama swatted shots left and right.
Grabbing 18 rebounds, Wembanyama controlled the glass on both ends of the floor. His length and positioning allowed him to snatch boards with ease, often leading to transition opportunities for the Spurs. Despite his size, Wembanyama&rsquo;s court vision and passing are elite. His 4 assists highlighted his unselfishness and basketball IQ, further solidifying his status as a complete player.
Wembanyama&rsquo;s Christmas Day performance has far-reaching implications for both the Spurs and the NBA. For the Spurs, it&rsquo;s a clear indication that they&rsquo;ve struck gold with the once-in-a-generation prospect like Wembanyama. The French phenom is not just a franchise cornerstone; he&rsquo;s a player who can single-handedly elevate a team to contention for the entire time he&rsquo;s in the league. That&rsquo;s how special he is.
For the league, Wembanyama&rsquo;s emergence as a superstar is a dream come true. The NBA thrives on marketable stars, and Wembanyama&rsquo;s combination of talent, charisma, and global appeal makes him the perfect candidate to carry the mantle. His international roots add another layer of intrigue, expanding the league&rsquo;s reach and solidifying its global footprint.
While it&rsquo;s still early in Wembanyama&rsquo;s career, performances like this suggest that greatness is well within his grasp. The league has been fortunate to witness players like LeBron, Curry, and Durant redefine basketball over the past two decades. Now, Wembanyama is poised to do the same.

Victor Wembanyama dazzled on Christmas Day with a dominant performance at MSG - often regarded as the start of a superstardom.

Victor Wembanyama showing out on Christmas Day is everything the NBA has hoped for

The Miami Heat found themselves at the center of NBA trade speculation when ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania reported that the team was exploring potential trade scenarios for star forward Jimmy Butler.&nbsp;
According to the report, Butler&rsquo;s two preferred destinations were the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. However, Heat President Pat Riley wasted no time in shutting down the chatter.
&ldquo;We usually don&rsquo;t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,&rdquo; Riley stated. &ldquo;Therefore, we will make it clear &ndash; We are not trading Jimmy Butler.&rdquo;
The timing of the rumors comes as the Heat are battling for playoff positioning in a competitive Eastern Conference. Butler, a six-time All-Star and the cornerstone of Miami&rsquo;s success since his arrival in 2019, has played a pivotal role in their recent achievements, including leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances (2020 and 2023).
Charania&rsquo;s report suggested Butler&rsquo;s desire to join the Warriors or Suns stemmed from opportunities to compete alongside elite rosters with championship potential. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, and the Suns, featuring Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, would provide Butler with immediate title contention.
However, Riley&rsquo;s emphatic statement underscores the Heat&rsquo;s commitment to Butler as their franchise player. At 15-13 on the season, Miami currently holds the sixth seed in the East, and Butler&rsquo;s leadership is seen as critical to their postseason aspirations.
The Heat&rsquo;s front office has long been known for its loyalty to star players, and Riley&rsquo;s declaration aims to put an end to distractions. For now, Jimmy Butler remains the face of the franchise, as Miami continues to chase its championship dreams.

The Miami Heat are apparently not trading star forward Jimmy Butler.

“Jimmy Butler is not getting traded”: Riley

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant did not hold back when asked about the NBA's latest changes to the 2025 All-Star Game format.
&ldquo;I hate it. I absolutely hate it. It is terrible,&rdquo; Durant said in an interview with Suns beat writer Gerald Bourguet. &ldquo;The All-Star game &ndash; format is changing &ndash; all the formats are terrible in my opinion. We should just go back to the East-West format; let's just play a game.&rdquo;
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I asked Kevin Durant what he thought about the new format for the NBA All-Star Game: &ldquo;I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible&hellip;.We should just go back to East-West.&rdquo; <a href="https://t.co/T7owR5aJY7">pic.twitter.com/T7owR5aJY7</a>
&mdash; Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet/status/1869112296284541336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Durant&rsquo;s comments come amid ongoing criticism of the All-Star Game, which many fans and players feel has devolved into a glorified pick-up game with little effort or competitive edge. The league has experimented with various formats in recent years to restore excitement to the annual showcase, including team captains drafting rosters and implementing target scores in the final quarter.
However, Durant believes the solution lies in tradition. &ldquo;I think we've been trying to bring back that flair somehow with All-Star Weekend, so that's why they're changing it up. But, I think we just keep it traditional,&rdquo; he said.
Despite his criticism, Durant acknowledged the possibility that the new format could work. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll see how this thing works &ndash; we never know. I might be wrong, and I'm just another guy with an opinion.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-unveils-new-allstar-format-in-san-francisco-bay-area-2025-nba-allstar-weekend">The NBA released the full details on the revised format for 2025</a>, as the league&rsquo;s continued experimentation highlights its attempt to revitalize the All-Star Game&rsquo;s appeal. As one of the league&rsquo;s most prominent voices, Durant&rsquo;s critique could spark further debate on how to balance tradition with innovation.

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant did not hold back when asked about the NBA's latest changes to the 2025 All-Star Game format.

Suns’ superstar Kevin Durant “not a fan” of new All-Star game format

Several NBA stars have returned Monday night as they look to help their teams improve their standings in the current NBA season.
Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings
Monk returned to the Kings&rsquo; lineup after missing the past 7 games due to injury. He scored 14 points on 4/12 shooting from the field, however the Kings lost to the Thunder in a 109-130 blowout.
Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics
Porzingis made his Celtics debut Monday night against the Clippers after being sidelined for five months. Porzingis has successfully returned after undergoing a foot surgery in the offseason, scoring 16 points with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. He helped the Celtics secure a blowout victory over the visiting LA Clippers team, 126-94. Porzingis looked healthy and was efficient scoring from the field, going 6/12 in his field goals.
The Celtics will now have their complete lineup that won them the 2023 NBA title, and adding Porzingis back into their lineup only solidifies their chances of going back to back.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Morant made it back to the Grizzlies&rsquo; starting lineup successfully with a scintillating 22-point, 11-assist performance in just 23 minutes in Memphis&rsquo; win over Portland. Morant was explosive in his return, throwing down a thunderous slam and dishing an eye-popping behind the back pass for a Brandon Clarke easy bucket.
Morant now looks to lead the Grizzlies out of the middle pack in the Western Conference with a healthy showing moving forward.
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are targeting a return on Tuesday night in the Suns&rsquo; NBA Cup game against the Lakers, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Durant and Beal have been out of Phoenix's lineup the last 5-6 games, as they went 1-5 in that stretch. When both were in the lineup, the Suns were a league-best 8-1.
Durant and Beal aim to provide the Suns the firepower that they lacked over the past games with defenses keying in on stopping Devin Booker only.
Dejounte Murray, New Orleans Pelicans
Murray is eyeing a return after a one-month absence on Wednesday night when the Pelicans face the Raptors. Murray intends to return and help the now West-bottom New Orleans team to compete once again atop the West. Murray fractured his hand on opening night against the Chicago Bulls.
Murray was acquired by the Pelicans in a trade for Dyson Daniels in the offseason to shore up their PG duties and have a closer as well as a playmaker around star Zion Williamson.

Several NBA stars have returned Monday night as they look to help their teams improve their standings in the current NBA season.

NBA roundup 11/26/24: NBA stars returning to help respective teams

With the 2024-25 NBA season just days away, the Western Conference is locked, loaded, and ready for battle. The offseason drama has settled, rosters are finalized, and every team is gearing up for what promises to be a fierce and competitive race. From reigning contenders to rising underdogs, the West is stacked with talent and ambition. Let&rsquo;s break down the top 15 teams in the West as we head into this thrilling new season&mdash;no frills, just what you need to know.
<ol>
<li> Minnesota Timberwolves The Timberwolves are turning a new page after trading away longtime cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and are now fully embracing Anthony Edwards as the franchise cornerstone. The T-Wolves&rsquo; mix of young talent and veteran leadership gives them a balanced roster around Edwards. Rudy Gobert remains a defensive anchor as a 4-time DPOY, Edwards is primed for a superstar leap, and if the supporting cast, including Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, steps up, the Wolves could be ready to take the top spot in the West.</li>
<li> Oklahoma City Thunder The Thunder&rsquo;s rebuild is no longer a long-term project; they&rsquo;re ready to compete now. However, due to Isaiah Hartenstein&rsquo;s injury to start the season, we&rsquo;re placing the Thunder at no.2 for now. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is already an All-NBA guard and arguably a top 5 player in the league. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams figure out to be the dynamic inside-out duo around SGA. Add in Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, the two new acquisitions this offseason with their capable role players Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, this young core is as versatile as it is exciting. OKC&rsquo;s depth and versatility on both ends of the floor could propel them into serious title contention.</li>
<li> Phoenix Suns The Suns have loaded up for a title run, and with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal leading the charge, Phoenix has one of the most dangerous offensive trios in the league. They have added their most significant hole which is the PG spot with a solid pick up in Tyus Jones, and they have one of the best offensive coaches in the league in Mike Budenholzer. The Suns&rsquo; questions lie in their depth and health, but if they can manage those concerns, they&rsquo;re built for a championship push. Their offensive firepower is unmatched, and if they click, the Suns will be a team no one wants to face.</li>
<li> Memphis Grizzlies Memphis has weathered their offseason storms and enters the season with a gritty identity intact. Ja Morant is back after his injury and suspension last year and he will now play with last season&rsquo;s addition Marcus Smart. Together with the continued growth of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies are primed to be competitive and come back from their prime two seasons ago where they won 50+ games. Memphis&rsquo; defensive dominance paired with offensive firepower ensures they can be one of the top teams in the West with a deep bench with solid role players.</li>
<li> Denver Nuggets After falling short to Minnesota in 7 games last playoffs, the Nuggets will enter the season with their core mostly intact. Nikola Jokić remains the most dominant center and the best player in the game. With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. healthy, the Nuggets are poised for another deep run. But perhaps their biggest loss this season was losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to free agency and that might be a hit so they&rsquo;re currently ranked at no.5 to start the year. It could be a lot to ask for young players like Christian Braun or Julian Strawther to fill the void left by KCP, so it will be interesting to see how Denver handles his loss this season.</li>
<li> Dallas Mavericks Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving experiment is back after a successful season last year, where Dallas entered the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 &ndash; when they won the title. The two stars can mesh to create one of the league&rsquo;s most potent offenses and with the continued internal development of young players like Dereck Lively, the Mavs can build on that Finals appearance. With newcomer Klay Thompson set to provide historic spacing for their dynamic duo, Dallas has the talent to climb the standings and challenge the top teams in the West.</li>
<li> New Orleans Pelicans The Pelicans&rsquo; fate will always hinge on Zion Williamson&rsquo;s health. When Zion plays, New Orleans is a force to be reckoned with. Now paired with newly-acquired point guard Dejounte Murray, they have a balanced attack capable of competing with any team in the conference with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum still on the fold. If Zion stays on the floor, the Pelicans could find themselves rising up the ranks, but his availability remains the biggest X-factor.</li>
<li> Golden State Warriors The Warriors are clinging to their championship window with Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level. The addition of capable veterans in Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and DeAnthony Melton gives them depth and personnel that can play in their offense to surround the core of Curry and Draymond Green for their foundation. Health and age are concerns, but if their veterans stay intact, Golden State can&rsquo;t be counted out.</li>
<li> Sacramento Kings The Kings struggled a bit last season after making their long-awaited playoff return two seasons ago, and they&rsquo;re looking to build on that momentum. They have signed DeMar DeRozan and he should bring a new wrinkle to their motion and three-hunting offense. DeRozan&rsquo;s mid range ability should be a welcome addition to Sacramento&rsquo;s offense. De&rsquo;Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis still lead an explosive offense, but defense remains a question mark. Sacramento&rsquo;s high-flying, fast-paced style makes them a regular-season juggernaut, but they&rsquo;ll need to tighten up defensively if they want to make a deep playoff run.</li>
<li> Los Angeles Lakers The Lakers are counting on LeBron James and Anthony Davis staying healthy for a full season. With the front office standing pat on making moves this offseason, the Lakers&rsquo; success will hinge on their superstar duo. If LeBron and AD can avoid injury, Los Angeles will be a formidable playoff team, but health is always a looming concern with this group.</li>
<li> Houston Rockets The Rockets added veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to guide their young core last season and this season could be the time for them to step up. They finished strong last year behind defensive minded coach Ime Udoka and the result could be a team that surprises many. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have star potential, and younger players Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson add even more excitement. The Rockets also drafted Reed Sheppard with the 3rd pick and Houston is hoping to lay the foundation for success and could push for a Play-In spot this season.</li>
<li> San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama enters his second season, and the Spurs are fully embracing their rebuild around the budding star. While Wembanyama showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, San Antonio is still in the development phase. But with the addition of Chris Paul, the Spurs now have a capable PG to feed Wemby and the other guys, possibly unlocking a new level to their games. With their young core, the Spurs may not be a playoff team yet, but their future looks incredibly bright with Wembanyama leading the way.</li>
<li> Los Angeles Clippers The Clippers&rsquo; fortunes rest on the health of Kawhi Leonard&mdash;again. After losing Paul George for nothing, Leonard is left to fend LA off by himself in their new arena at Intuit Dome. Gone are the days when LA has the talent to compete with anyone as they&rsquo;re just but a shell of themselves. Leading the way for the injured Leonard will be a 34-year-old James Harden and that might be too much to ask of the aging superstar. However, if Kawhi can return healthy and he can avoid the injury bug, the Clippers will be in the playoff mix, but that&rsquo;s a big &ldquo;if&rdquo; for this squad.</li>
<li> Portland Trail Blazers With Damian Lillard long gone, the Blazers will fully commit another season to their rebuild. Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe form a promising young core, but Portland will likely spend this season focusing on player development. While they won&rsquo;t be in playoff contention, the Blazers are positioning themselves well for the future, with an eye on growth and improvement.</li>
<li> Utah Jazz The Jazz are continuing their rebuild, with Lauri Markkanen emerging as a cornerstone player. While they have some intriguing young pieces like Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George, Utah isn&rsquo;t ready to compete just yet. This season will be about development and finding which young players can be part of their long-term plans. The Jazz may not win many games this year, but they&rsquo;re building toward a brighter future.</li>
</ol>

Let’s break down the top 15 teams in the West as we head into this thrilling new season.

2024-2025 NBA Western Conference Power Rankings: A race at the top to start the year

The NBA is back.&nbsp;
With the league&rsquo;s annual &lsquo;Day&rsquo; 1 getting underway, all 30 teams have resumed their daily basketball activities. Starting from the Media Day to each of their training camps, players are slowly ramping up as they work to get back in game shape.
For some of these familiar faces, however, a new season awaits them as they&rsquo;re looking for a fresh start in new environments and places. Let&rsquo;s take a look at these players and their potential fits next to their new teams and teammates.&nbsp;
Russell Westbrook rocks new threads with Denver&nbsp;
Russell Westbrook starts a new season with the 2023 champions after his stint with the Clippers. Westbrook aims to bring the energy to a Nuggets squad losing another championship piece in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He slots in immediately as Denver&rsquo;s backup PG with the loss of Reggie Jackson, and the team could also use him to play with the starters and let Jamal Murray slide into the 2 spot. Westbrook will also be teaming up with fellow triple-double savant Nikola Jokic and it will be interesting to see two high-IQ players together on the court.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New beginnings for <a href="https://twitter.com/russwest44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@russwest44</a> 😈<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/nuggets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nuggets</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wew6JRNNXm">pic.twitter.com/Wew6JRNNXm</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1839352986826387752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote>

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PG13 creates a big three with Embiid and Maxey
Perhaps the biggest signing in the offseason, George immediately slides in with the Sixers to form a big three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. At 34 years old, PG probably has a good 3 years left in his prime, but he could be in a perfect situation with Embiid and Maxey at their absolute peaks. George is in a position where he&rsquo;s not asked to shoulder much of the offensive load like he did most of the time in his career, and he can play to his strengths &mdash; a two-play wing player with some playmaking chops and be a secondary creator and scorer to Maxey and Embiid. George is also a very good three-point shooter on spot-up and catch-and-shoot attempts and should bode well for both Sixers superstars by spacing the floor for them. Overall an A+ signing by Sixers GM Daryl Morey, and now it all hinges on health as Philly tries to pull it up all together to finally make a Conference Finals in the Embiid era.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PG in Philly! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/jmSInGKf5L">pic.twitter.com/jmSInGKf5L</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840916610644582775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>

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A new Philadelphia trio... 🔥 Maxey. Embiid. George.<a href="https://twitter.com/sixers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixers</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/wjlclZdnhx">pic.twitter.com/wjlclZdnhx</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840803293473230955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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CP3 in San Antonio as Wemby&rsquo;s PG; Harrison Barnes being a veteran piece in a young Spurs team
Victor Wembanyama finally gets his premier PG in Chris Paul. After playing most of last year not having a legitimate table setter, Wemby, and the Spurs add one of the greatest to ever do it at the position. Even approaching 40 years old, Paul should have a lot left in his tank to try and develop as much as possible the young yet hungry Spurs. On the other hand, Barnes adds another veteran piece as San Antonio looks to improve and at least make the play-in this season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WEMBY x CP3 🔥 BIG smiles in San Antonio at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> 😇 <a href="https://t.co/PbV71PCH0c">pic.twitter.com/PbV71PCH0c</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840815076485259469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wemby &amp; CP3 enjoying <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/rSdwmMIx1m">pic.twitter.com/rSdwmMIx1m</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840801831577895224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Caruso, Hartenstein add more defensive toughness to an already elite OKC squad
Imagine having to add two role players that star in their role to a team that just finished atop the conference a season ago, all without losing someone significant from that core. That&rsquo;s exactly what the Oklahoma City Thunder did by adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein into their fold. The move stamped their status even further atop the West with rising stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren getting better over the year and still having MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just starting his prime. Caruso adds yet another defensive bull on the perimeter that already features fellow All-Defensive player Lu Dort, while Hartenstein brings versatility in the frontcourt to possibly play together with Holmgren. The Thunder are poised yet again to make a deep playoff run and it all starts with their offseason acquisitions and their fit into the team.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alex Caruso very complimentary of his new backcourt mate, SGA! 🤞<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rdxt7r5dQu">pic.twitter.com/Rdxt7r5dQu</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840867849797022103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Klay splashing and spacing the floor for Luka, Mavs
The other Splash brother brings his act to Dallas after spending his first 13 years with the franchise. Thompson immediately fills a need in Dallas to help space the floor and be a decoy for Luka Doncic as he makes plays on the court. At his age, Thompson won&rsquo;t be asked too much like he did in Golden State and this could be a rejuvenation for his career as he finds a new environment with the Mavericks.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
No. 31 from the Dallas Mavericks... Klay Thompson 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/e4M8lNtvQL">pic.twitter.com/e4M8lNtvQL</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840858008794120481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Klay Thompson... NEW BEGINNINGS 🫵<a href="https://twitter.com/dallasmavs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallasmavs</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/YX9CX1preR">pic.twitter.com/YX9CX1preR</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840806814956265762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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DeMar DeRozan as the final piece to Sacramento&rsquo;s playoff success
DeRozan comes into the Kings&rsquo; lair as one of the most clutch players in the league, and he will play alongside a player of the same caliber in DeAaron Fox. It will be interesting to see how DeRozan&rsquo;s playstyle fits into the Kings&rsquo; offense with their motion offense built on three-point shooting with Domantas Sabonis as the hub, and it will be a good problem how coach Mike Brown integrates him to play a certain kind of way. The Kings are one of the up-and-coming teams in the West and adding a player like DeRozan gives them a different dimension to their offense.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
DeMar DeRozan looking good in his new threads 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/uPYTeKvUBE">pic.twitter.com/uPYTeKvUBE</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1841107569399480506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New trio in Sacramento 👑<a href="https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SacramentoKings</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/HfnZMmz317">pic.twitter.com/HfnZMmz317</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1841108008769630523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Dejounte Murray, Tyus Jones to solve PG issues in NOLA, PHX
Two teams that have had PG issues last season have finally addressed it by signing two of the quality PGs in the league today: Murray to the Pelicans and Jones to the Suns. Murray slots in as the Pelicans&rsquo; main shot creator, playmaker, and closer. This has been a significant hole for the Pelicans last season, especially in the playoffs when no one other than CJ McCollum (who&rsquo;s getting old) and Brandon Ingram create shots and make plays. Murray immediately comes in and fills this gap and with a returning Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are coming into the season very optimistic about their playoff chances.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fresh start heading into Year 8 🤲<a href="https://twitter.com/DejounteMurray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DejounteMurray</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/j3W5D0GFoM">pic.twitter.com/j3W5D0GFoM</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840852492168675766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New threads for <a href="https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PelicansNBA</a> new PG 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/DejounteMurray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DejounteMurray</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/kgIxpGqxkG">pic.twitter.com/kgIxpGqxkG</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840807569150837091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Jones on the other hand also fills the immediate need of a PG, someone who can make plays for others without turning the ball over. Jones has been one of the best if not the best assist-to-turnover ratio guys in the league, and with how Phoenix&rsquo;s roster is constructed, this allows their super scoring big three Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant to do their thing and focus on what they do best. Jones comes in to settle these guys down and put them in the best positions to succeed.&nbsp;
Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson bring veteran savvy and immediate positional needs to Golden State
Some key veteran additions to the Warriors are Hield and Anderson as they continue to beef up their roster around superstar Stephen Curry. Hield will try to replace the production of Klay Thompson after his departure with his deadeye shooting and spacing the floor for Curry. Hield has also been a good off-ball mover and that should bode well for Golden State&rsquo;s offense. Anderson meanwhile, brings his big forward, almost a center playing style to the Warriors and should fit instantly like a Draymond Green clone. Anderson has the playmaking chops and the basketball IQ to seamlessly play in Kerr&rsquo;s system and is a player who seems to understand how to play with and off of the skillset of a player like Curry.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Welcome to The Bay, Buddy! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAMediaDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAMediaDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/ruEDkg7ayU">pic.twitter.com/ruEDkg7ayU</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1840924339090100682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Prince-Trent-Wright trio come to Milwaukee to win
Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Delon Wright have all signed up for a little under than what they were supposed to make and signed with the Bucks for a chance to contribute to a championship contender. All three are exactly what the Bucks need in their scheme of things as they&rsquo;re expected to bring shooting, spacing, and tough perimeter defenders. It&rsquo;s expected that Milwaukee&rsquo;s offense will revolve around superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard so there will be little expectations on these guys to do more and they can just focus on what they do best as role players in the league.

A new season awaits familiar faces in new places. Let’s take a look at them and their potential fits next to their new teams and teammates.

Familiar faces in new places: NBA players’ new home to start the season

Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Stephen Curry has long established himself as the greatest shooter in the history of the game. With his numerous three-point shooting records along with his three-point makes that still stretch to date, Curry is the undisputed GOAT shooter. 
However, Curry is more than just a shooter, as evidenced with the several accolades he has amassed over his colorful career. Curry has 4 NBA titles, 1 Finals MVP, 2 season MVPs, and countless all-NBA and all-star teams. This summer, Curry completed perhaps the last award he has yet to get in his illustrious career &ndash; an Olympic Gold Medal. Steph and Team USA made history when they went to Paris and captured the nation&rsquo;s 5th straight gold.
It did not come easy, though. Despite being favored in their games, the Americans were tested multiple times throughout the tournament. The toughest one came in the medal rounds when Team USA faced Serbia in the semifinals and hosted France in the gold medal game. For both of those games, it was Curry who came through the most, carrying the Americans behind his back. Against Serbia, Steph scored 36 points, making 9 threes in the game as Team USA eked out a tough 95-91 comeback win. In the gold medal game, Curry cemented his legacy and created a memorable moment that would be remembered for generations to come.
Steph hit 4 three-pointers to end the game in front of a stunned French crowd at the Bercy Arena in Paris, then proceeded to hit his signature &lsquo;night night&rsquo; celebration after hitting the last of the 4 threes over the outstretched arms of Nico Batum and Evan Fournier. This left the world in awe of Curry&rsquo;s brilliance and ability to come up big in clutch situations.&nbsp;
One of those people who marveled at Steph&rsquo;s greatness is former NBA player CJ Miles. In an interview with <a href="https://rg.org/news/basketball/nba-veteran-cj-miles-reacts-to-team-usa-olympics-gold">RG.org&rsquo;s Alex Kennedy</a>, Miles mentioned Curry&rsquo;s performance as wild and Stephortless. Miles even went further as to say Curry&rsquo;s place being one of the all-time greats and one of the greatest of all-time and not just being the greatest shooter of all time.
&ldquo;Steph just continues to solidify who is the greatest shooter of all time [and] what&rsquo;s crazy is as he continues to make that gap even bigger, he places himself in the realm of best players ever,&rdquo; Miles said. &ldquo;I think players see him that way, but the narrative is never that when we talk about him.&rdquo;
Miles also praised the longevity of LeBron James in his exclusive interview with Kennedy. He says James&rsquo; ability to stay in shape speaks to the power of his mind. James, who is approaching 40 years old this year later in December and going onto his 22nd season in the NBA, was named the FIBA Olympic MVP after providing the all-around brilliance game by game for Team USA. &ldquo;As far as LeBron goes, [his longevity] is incredible. I think it just really speaks to the power of his mind,&rdquo; Miles said. &ldquo;We as people have a fascination with youth and we get bored with greatness because there is nothing left to figure out. I know I am getting 25, 8, and 8 from him [every game], and that&rsquo;s not exciting from a fan standpoint; they want entertainment, which is full of unpredictability.&rdquo;
Finally, Miles shared his thoughts on Team USA&rsquo;s LA2028 Olympic team, which could be without the three greatest players of this generation &ndash; Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
&ldquo;As far as the future, Team USA is in great hands. Ant [Edwards], [Tyrese] Haliburton, [Jayson] Tatum. And the guys on this team playing small roles like [Devin] Booker and Bam [Adebayo] are capable of doing incredible things also,&rdquo; Miles explained.
&ldquo;And there are guys who will rise up in the next couple of years who are more than capable of being handed the keys.&rdquo;

Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has long established himself as the game's GOAT shooter. However, he is more than that.

Steph not just the GOAT shooter but one of the greatest players ever, says CJ Miles

The USA Men&rsquo;s National Basketball Team extended their dominant run against the world after defeating home team France, 98-87, to claim the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in Bercy Arena.&nbsp;
USA superstar Stephen Curry once again shone the brightest by providing the biggest shots of the game, including 4 three-pointers in the last 2:47 in the 4th quarter. However, none was bigger than the last three as he rose over two French defenders to hit a nasty stepback triple from the right wing to give the USA a 9-point lead with under a minute to go.
USA built a 14-point lead in the third quarter but France was sparked by the Bercy Arena crowd to pull within three points with three minutes to play until Curry&rsquo;s flurry happened.&nbsp;
After making 9 three-pointers and scoring 36 points in the Semi-Finals, Curry connected on 8 three-pointers for 24 points to lead Team USA while Kevin Durant and LeBron James added 15 points and 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists respectively. It was Team USA&rsquo;s 5th straight Olympic gold medal and 17th gold medal overall in the basketball tournament. According to FIBA, France also won their fourth silver medal following 1948, 2000, and 2021 - losing to Team USA in all four Gold Medal Games. France's young superstar Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points and Guerschon Yabusele tallied 20 points in the loss.

The USA Men’s National Basketball Team extended their dominant run against the world after defeating home team France, 98-87.

Team USA defeat hosts France to claim Olympic gold medal

The USA Men&rsquo;s National Basketball Team finished off its group stage play at the Paris 2024 Olympics on a strong performance by overpowering American neighbors Puerto Rico, 104-83, at the Pierre de Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.&nbsp;
Team USA quickly disposed of Puerto Rico with a barrage of three-pointers, fastbreak points, and tenacious defense to go undefeated in their group. Along with the largest point differential out of all teams in the competition, the Americans also secured the top overall seed and assured themselves of facing the worst +/- team in the quarterfinals.&nbsp;
After not seeing any playing time at all vs South Sudan, Joel Embiid returned to the starting lineup to score 15 points and block 2 shots. Embiid also had fun trolling the French fans who were constantly booing him all tournament long by shushing the boos when he scored and letting them hear it once Team USA had it going.&nbsp;
Anthony Edwards led the Americans in scoring with 26 points off the bench, and he treated the fans in Paris a huge highlight when he threw down a windmill dunk in the third quarter that left fans out of their seats to appreciate Edwards&rsquo; skill.&nbsp;
LeBron James was once again solid in manning Team USA with a solid 10-8-6 stat line while Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Davis each chipped in with 10+ points in Team USA&rsquo;s 21-point victory.
Team USA will have two days rest before starting their gold medal run in the knockout rounds when they face Brazil in the quarterfinals.

Team USA finished off its group stage play on a strong performance by overpowering American neighbors Puerto Rico, 104-83.

Team USA goes undefeated in pool play after overpowering Puerto Rico

The USA Men&rsquo;s National Basketball Team started off strong in its pursuit of a 5th straight gold medal after routing Serbia, 110-84, at the Pierre de Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.&nbsp;
Team USA cleared any first-game jitters that have plagued some of the best teams in the world with a blowout. Several Team USA players are playing in their first-ever Olympic Games, including legend Stephen Curry, NBA MVP Joel Embiid, and rising superstar Anthony Edwards.&nbsp;
Leading the way for the Americans were 4-time Olympians LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who led both in scoring and manning the entire team. James previously played in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Games while Durant appeared in 2012, 2016, and 2020 editions.&nbsp;
James had an all-around performance, scoring 21 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out a team-best 9 assists on a game-high 27 minutes played. Durant on the other hand looked really good in his first game back after missing all of Team USA&rsquo;s 5 exhibition games over the past month. Durant finished with a game-high 23 points on an impressive 8/9 shooting from the field, hitting 5/5 threes. He did all that in just 16 minutes after coming off the bench in this game.
Six players scored in double digits for Team USA in this overall team effort to dismantle reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia.&nbsp;
Up next for Team USA is South Sudan who gave them fits in their exhibition game in London, winning by just one point, 101-100.&nbsp;

The USA Men’s National Basketball Team started off strong in its pursuit of a 5th straight gold medal after routing Serbia, 110-84.

Team USA opens Olympic journey with convincing rout of Serbia

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is done and dusted, and the second round will start today at 4 PM Eastern at ESPN&rsquo;s Seaport District Studios in New York. This will be the first time in NBA history that the draft will be separated into two days, with the first round being at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.&nbsp;
Here are all the first-round selections courtesy of the NBA: (article to be updated with the second-round picks)
<ol>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/zaccharie-risacher">Zaccharie Risacher</a> (JL Bourg-en-Bresse) to the Atlanta Hawks</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/alexandre-sarr">Alex Sarr</a> (Perth) to the Washington Wizards</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/reed-sheppard">Reed Sheppard</a> (Kentucky) to the Houston Rockets</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/stephon-castle">Stephon Castle</a> (Connecticut) to the San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/ron-holland">Ron Holland II</a> (G League Ignite) to the Detroit Pistons</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/tidjane-salaun">Tidjane Salaun</a> (Cholet Basket) to the Charlotte Hornets</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/donovan-clingan">Donovan Clingan</a> (Connecticut) to the Portland Trail Blazers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/rob-dillingham">Rob Dillingham</a> (Kentucky) to the San Antonio Spurs &mdash; traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/zach-edey">Zach Edey</a> (Purdue) to the Memphis Grizzlies</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/cody-williams">Cody Williams</a> (Colorado) to the Utah Jazz</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/matas-buzelis">Matas Buzelis</a> (G League Ignite) to the Chicago Bulls</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/nikola-topic">Nikola Topic</a> (KK Crvena Zvezda) to the Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/devin-carter">Devin Carter</a> (Providence) to the Sacramento Kings</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/carlton-carrington">Bub Carrington</a> (Pittsburgh) to the Portland Trail Blazers &mdash; traded to Washington Wizards</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/kelel-ware">Kel&rsquo;el Ware</a> (Indiana) to the Miami Heat</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/jared-mccain">Jared McCain</a> (Duke) to the Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/dalton-knecht">Dalton Knecht</a> (Tennessee) to the Los Angeles Lakers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/tristan-da-silva">Tristan da Silva</a> (Colorado) to the Orlando Magic</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/jakobe-walter">Ja&rsquo;Kobe Walter</a> (Baylor) to the Toronto Raptors&nbsp;</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/jaylon-tyson">Jaylon Tyson</a> (Cal) to the Cleveland Cavaliers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/yves-missi">Yves Missi</a> (Baylor) to the New Orleans Pelicans</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/daron-holmes-ii">DaRon Holmes II</a> (Dayton) to the Phoenix Suns &mdash; traded to the Denver Nuggets</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/aj-johnson">AJ Johnson</a> (Illawarra) to the Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/kyshawn-george">Kyshawn George</a> (Miami) to the New York Knicks &mdash; traded to Washington Wizards</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/pacome-dadiet">Pacome Dadiet</a> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the New York Knicks</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/dillon-jones">Dillon Jones</a> (Weber State) to the Washington Wizards &mdash; traded to Oklahoma City Thunder (via Knicks)</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/terrence-shannon-jr">Terrence Shannon Jr.</a> (Illinois) to the Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/ryan-dunn">Ryan Dunn</a> (Virginia) to the Denver Nuggets &mdash; traded to the Phoenix Suns</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/isaiah-collier">Isaiah Collier</a> (USC) to the Utah Jazz</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/baylor-scheierman-2">Baylor Scheierman</a> (Creighton) to the Boston Celtics</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<ol start="31">
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/jonathan-mogbo">Jonathan Mogbo</a> (San Francisco) to the Toronto Raptors</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/kyle-filipowski">Kyle Filipowski</a> (Duke) to the Utah Jazz</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/tyler-smith">Tyler Smith</a> (G League Ignite) to the Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/tyler-kolek">Tyler Kolek</a> (Marquette) to the Portland Trail Blazers &mdash; traded to the New York Knicks</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/johnny-furphy">Johnny Furphy</a> (Kansas) to the San Antonio Spurs &mdash; traded to the Indiana Pacers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/juan-nunez">Juan Nunez</a> (Ratiopharm Ulm) to the Indiana Pacers &mdash; traded to San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/bobi-klintman">Bobi Klintman</a> (Cairns) to the Minnesota Timberwolves &mdash; traded to the Detroit Pistons</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/ajay-mitchell">Ajay Mitchell</a> (UC Santa Barbara) to the New York Knicks &mdash; traded to Oklahoma City Thunder</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/jaylen-wells">Jaylen Wells</a> (Washington State) to the Memphis Grizzlies</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/oso-ighodaro">Oso Ighodaro</a> (Marquette) to the Portland Trail Blazers &mdash; traded to the Phoenix Suns (via Knicks)</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/adem-bona">Adem Bona</a> (UCLA) to the Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/kj-simpson">KJ Simpson</a> (Colorado) to the Charlotte Hornets</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/nikola-djurisic">Nikola Djurisic</a> (KK Mega Basket) to the Miami Heat &mdash; traded to the Atlanta Hawks (via Heat)</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/pelle-larsson">Pelle Larsson</a> (Arizona) to the Houston Rockets &mdash; traded to the Miami Heat (via Rockets)</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/jamal-shead">Jamal Shead</a> (Houston) to the Sacramento Kings &mdash; traded to the Toronto Raptors</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/cam-christie">Cam Christie</a> (Minnesota) to the Los Angeles Clippers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/antonio-reeves">Antonio Reeves</a> (Kentucky) to the Orlando Magic &mdash; traded to the New Orleans Pelicans</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/harrison-ingram">Harrison Ingram</a> (North Carolina) to the San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/tristen-newton">Tristen Newton</a> (Connecticut) to the Indiana Pacers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/enrique-freeman">Enrique Freeman</a> (Akron) to the Indiana Pacers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/melvin-ajinca">Melvin Ajinca</a> (Saint-Quentin Basketball) to the New York Knicks &mdash; traded to the Dallas Mavericks</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/quinten-post">Quinten Post</a> (Boston College) to the Golden State Warriors &mdash; traded to Thunder, then to Blazers, then to Warriors</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/cam-spencer">Cam Spencer</a> (Connecticut) to the Detroit Pistons &mdash; traded to the Memphis Grizzlies (via Timberwolves)</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/anton-watson">Anton Watson</a> (Gonzaga) to the Boston Celtics</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/bronny-james">Bronny James</a> (USC) to the Los Angeles Lakers</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/kevin-mccullar-jr">Kevin McCullar Jr.</a> (Kansas) to the Phoenix Suns &mdash; traded to the New York Knicks</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is done and dusted, and the second round will start today at 4 PM Eastern at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York.