#BEST NBA playoff buzzer-beaters

[nba24highlights]

BEST NBA playoff buzzer-beaters

1. Fisher .4 seconds (2004) 2. Dame's Wave (2019) 3. MJ The Shot (1989) 4. Big Shot Rob (2002) 5. Kobe vs. Suns (2006) #FISHER#DAME#MJ#BIGSHOTROB#KOBE#nba24highlights

[sparklymentalitypanda]

Game Winning Shots NBA Playoff Edition

Welcome to our latest video, "Game-Winning Shots: NBA Playoff Edition," where we explain the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in NBA playoff history. Buzzer beaters are rare and spectacular events that leave fans on the edge of their seats and create lasting memories. In this video, we'll take you on an exciting journey through ten of the most iconic game-winning shots that have defined the NBA playoff series and etched players' names into basketball lore.

LeBron James vs. Chicago Bulls (2011, Game 5): Witness LeBron James' incredible step-back jump shot that broke a tie with just 29.5 seconds left, propelling the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals. Although not a perfect finish, this shot demonstrated LeBron's clutch performance under intense pressure

Kawhi Leonard vs. Philadelphia 76ers (2019, Game 7): Relive Kawhi Leonard's legendary buzzer-beater that won the series for the Toronto Raptors. This historic shot not only clinched the series but also paved the way for the Raptors' first-ever NBA Championship, ending the Golden State Warriors' dominance.

Damian Lillard vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (2019, Game 5): Experience Damian Lillard's poetic game-winning shot that sealed a 50-point performance and ended the era for the Thunder's star player, Russell Westbrook. This moment, despite being criticized by Paul George, remains a triumph for Blazers fans.

John Stockton vs. Houston Rockets (1997, Game 6): Step back in time to John Stockton's dramatic game-winner, aided by Karl Malone’s controversial screen, which left Rockets fans heartbroken and showcased Stockton’s skill and determination.

Damian Lillard vs. Houston Rockets (2014, Game 6): Feel the tension as Damian Lillard’s clutch buzzer-beater prevented a Game 7, advancing the Trail Blazers and cementing his reputation for delivering in critical moments.

Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson (2009, Game 1): Enjoy a double feature of clutch performances by Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson. Kobe’s memorable three-pointer against the Miami Heat and Joe Johnson's series-winning floater for the Utah Jazz exemplify their legendary status in making game-winning shots.

Jason Tatum vs. Brooklyn Nets (2022, Game 1): Relive the excitement of Jason Tatum's buzzer-beating layup that secured a victory for the Celtics and set the tone for their series sweep against the Nets, highlighting Tatum's multifaceted contribution.

Anthony Davis vs. Denver Nuggets (2020, Game 2): Celebrate Anthony Davis’s "Mamba shot" tribute to Kobe Bryant, a game-winning buzzer-beater that boosted the Lakers' momentum towards their 17th NBA Championship.

OG Anunoby vs. Boston Celtics (2020, Game 3): Witness OG Anunoby’s incredible three-pointer with just 0.5 seconds left, a crucial shot that kept the Raptors' playoff hopes alive, even though they ultimately lost the series to the Celtics.

Luka Dončić vs. Los Angeles Clippers (2020, Game 4): Marvel at Luka Dončić’s historic game, where he achieved a triple-double and nailed a stunning three-pointer in overtime, demonstrating his ability to perform under immense pressure.

These unforgettable moments are a testament to the players' skills, determination, and the high-stakes drama of the NBA playoffs. Each shot not only defined games but also shaped careers and legacies. Don't miss out on more thrilling basketball content; like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more NBA playoff action and unforgettable moments.

[allpromarlo]

okc stans conveniently forgetting history and their own record? like clockwork baby

[silentscrying]

🏀 buzzer beater | chapter SEVEN.

nba!gojo x manager!reader

summary: you thought you'd gotten rid of arrogant NBA star satoru gojo when he left the curses after your first year in basketball management. but when your contract is up three years later, you find yourself working with him once again as the manager for the sorcerers. as you navigate playoff season alongside long-time friend ieiri shoko and the sorcerers' insufferable star player, you start to realize his sudden departure from the curses may not have been what it seemed, and maybe gojo isn't exactly the person (or player) you thought he was, either.

warnings: language, so many character cameos, denial is a river in egypt, chaos. || sfw. 2.4k words.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE Utahime's not in this welcome party," Gojo grumbles as you descend the steps off the jet. You just snort, and then Yuji skips the last three steps and starts running across the tarmac. Nitta, despite your insistence that she didn't need to, has met you at the airport along with two of the Samurai players.

“Christ,” you say as Yuji drops his bag on the ground, leaving it unattended.

“Choso!” he shouts, practically leaping onto the player on Nitta’s right. The taller man has a mess of brown hair wrangled into space buns, and he ruffles Yuji’s hair when he sets him down.

“Good to see you before we beat your ass.”

The man beside Choso opens his arms expectantly. “No love for your brother?”

“Todo.” Choso crosses his arms. “I’m actually his brother.”

“Half,” Todo retorts.

“Half is more than you.”

“We’re bonded by the college oath,” Todo says solemnly, pulling Yuji into a hug.

“Kari!” you yell, and she grins and meets you halfway. “Oh my god. It’s been too long.”

Akari Nitta, your small forward in college and also your senior year roommate. “I missed you,” she says as she pulls you into a hug. “How’re the Sorcerers? You like it there, they treat you well?”

“Good, yeah. I’m happy,” you say, honestly. “You?”

Akari’s been with the Samurai for four consecutive seasons now, and you already know she has no intention of leaving. She loves it there, loves the team, and you can’t deny how excited you are for this round of the competition.

It’s the best kind of game, you think, when the teams are evenly matched and actually respect one another. But you’re still worried—the issue now isn’t that they’ll play dirty, like the Phantoms. It’s that they’re good. Really good.

“Nitta,” Kento greets, holding out a hand. “Good to see you.” He glances over her shoulder, at where Yuji is talking animatedly with Choso and Todo.

“You too, Nanami.” Nitta follows his gaze and chuckles. “Haibara’s wrangling the rest of them at practice. I said family only, and then Todo basically forced himself into the car. At some point it’s just easier not to fight him.” Kento chuckles and nods at Nitta before falling back in with the rest of the team.

Haibara played for the Sorcerers before getting traded a couple of years back. You don’t know him personally, but you know your team is very fond of him. Ieiri catches up with you and strikes up a conversation with Nitta, and the three of you follow the team through a wide hangar and to the line of vehicles waiting outside.

“Still think you should’ve stayed with me,” Akari tells you as you board the bus that’s taking you and the team to the hotel.

You grin. “It’d be preferable. But I have to babysit.” She laughs and squeezes you on the shoulder before pulling Choso and Todo away from Yuji, herding them back into the car to get back to their own team.

You watch the old city go by through the bus window, thankful you don’t have to try to navigate driving the streets of Savannah yourself during rush hour. The scattered horse-drawn carriages and swarms of warm-weather tourists punctuate every street corner, and though it’s nowhere near the same extent as the chaos of New York, you don’t envy the ones who have to focus on the roads instead of the river, running silvery-blue in the evening light.

Gojo briefly tries to sing again in the back of the bus, and he only gets as far as “concrete jung—” before somebody silences him with a thud that you assume is a backpack, if his offended squawk is anything to go by.

"What part of this place looks like concrete to you?" Megumi asks dryly.

Even the day before the game, you see Samurai jerseys and hats dotting the sidewalks, a few flags hung in the doorways of shops.

First seed, you think, staring out the window at the slowly darkening streets. You hope the team can pull through.

—

Iori Utahime is looking at Gojo like she’s going to castrate him on the spot.

“Utahiiiime!” he sings. “It’s been so long!”

“Not long enough,” she says, crossing her arms and turning up her chin. Long, purple-streaked hair falls past her shoulders, the back tied up in a bow you’ve never seen her without. “Any chance you’re less of a menace than you used to be?”

“No,” says a voice from behind you, and you’ve never seen a person’s entire countenance shift so quickly as Utahime catches sight of Ieiri and immediately breaks into a grin. She sprints toward her, launching into her arms.

“Shoko!” she shrieks, and Ieiri laughs and wraps her arms around her. “I missed you!”

“Utahime,” she says warmly. “How’ve you been?”

They launch into conversation—or, Utahime launches into conversation while Ieiri smiles pleasantly and nods along—and Gojo is forced to abandon his quest to annoy Utahime in favor of actually doing his job and playing basketball.

“She just doesn’t get me like you do,” he whispers on his way past.

“I don’t get you,” you retort, but he’s already gone.

The atmosphere in the Samurai stadium is entirely different than the rest of the games you’ve been to—this is a rivalry, sure, but a friendly one. Players greet each other across the court, the boys ecstatic to be reunited with Haibara, and the fans seem to be aware of the connections across the two teams. There’s significantly less hostility than you’ve gotten used to as the Sorcerers are introduced.

You catch a glimpse of blue hair in the front row of the home side and realize Kasumi Miwa is here. She’s already attracting quite a bit of attention, a massively successful WNBA player herself. You played with her in college, too, but you know she’s here for their point guard, Kokichi Muta.

Gojo stands at center court, ready to take the tip-off against Noritoshi, the other Kamo on the Samurai. You don’t remember quite how he’s related to Choso, but it’s amusing just how intertwined all the players on the court are right now.

For a second you think Kamo’s going to win the tip-off, but Gojo’s arm shoots up out of nowhere and then he’s running with the ball. He darts around Kamo and passes to Yuji, and the Sorcerers are 2-0 within the first thirty seconds of the game.

And then Haibara gets one in, and they’re tied. And then Gojo nails a three-pointer. And then Choso does, too.

Your neck is starting to hurt from how much you’re snapping it back and forth, both ends of the court in constant play as the advantage shifts every other minute. Megumi isn’t starting today, and you can feel his anxiety even from your place near the hall doors.

This game is insane.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Megumi subs in for Toge, and the second he hits the court he plays as if he never left. Kento lobs the ball his way and Megumi scores another three, and then Ino slips by Todo and leaps, fingers almost touching the hoop as the ball slams in.

It’s one of the tightest games you’ve seen in a long time. They’re always within five points of one another, back and forth, back and forth. The Sorcerers are leading at halftime by two, but it’s not a lead anyone is confident in.

While the team is back in the locker room, you slip over to the home side to talk to Kasumi. She grins and tugs you into a hug. “Alley-oop!”

You laugh, the stupid nickname so familiar falling from her lips. “Kasumi!” You pull back and smile. “How’re the Shadows? Do you love it? You fucking killed it this last season.”

She flushes a little, never having been big on accepting compliments. “Ah, I’ve got a great team.”

You arch a brow. “And they’re lucky to have you.” Taking mercy on her, you switch the subject. “So things with Kokichi are going well.”

She gets that dreamy look in her eyes, and you decide Kasumi and Muta are maybe the only couple you’ll accept being this fucking sappy all the time. They’ve been together since your senior year of college, and you’re pretty sure the basketball gods made them for each other.

“I think he’s gonna propose soon,” Kasumi whispers, and you have to clamp a hand over your mouth to stifle a squeal.

“Kasumi,” you gasp.

She giggles. “Don’t say anything. He just can’t keep secrets from me. He’s not slick.”

You mime zipping your mouth and tossing the key, and she pretends to unzip it as she asks, “What about you? How are things in the Southeast?”

“Hot,” you say. “Humid. Busy. But good.”

“And Gojo?”

You blink. “Gojo?”

“Uh, y’know, star player, six three, easy on the eyes?” She raises her eyebrows like she knows something, and the implications hit you all at once.

“Oh my god, Kasumi.”

She blinks innocently. “Reunited after three long, long years. No romanticism in that?”

“We work together,” you hiss, which feels like a gross understatement. “And he’s…”

She raises a brow, waiting. You can feel the heat creeping to your cheeks. It’s such a ridiculous notion that you don’t even have a proper response.

“I honestly think he just became tolerable,” you say. “God, I wouldn’t date—”

“Oh, you say that now,” she says, a smug curve to her lips.

“What does that—”

“Oh, look at the time.” You follow Kasumi’s gaze to where the players have started filing back into the gym. “Back to your coworker, you.”

“Kasumi Miwa—”

“I love you too!” she beams. “Good to see you. Really.”

Rolling your eyes, you wave your left hand at her, pointing discreetly at your ring finger as you retreat across the gym. You watch as the bright red returns to her cheeks and return her smug grin from earlier.

God. Easy on the eyes.

It’s not like Gojo’s not attractive. Girls fawn over him and you can understand why, objectively. Tall, strong, all lean muscle, those stupidly bright blue eyes and whiter-than-white hair. But he’s one of those guys who’s just hot until he opens his mouth.

Even if he hasn’t been quite as annoying lately, the natural progression of a conversation about Kasumi’s soon-to-be-fiancé should not be to start talking about Satoru Gojo.

On the sidelines, he winks at you, and your roll your eyes but have to turn away before he sees the heat rising to your cheeks. Not helping right after Kasumi decided to put those thoughts in your head.

Fucking hell. What’s wrong with you?

You shake off the encounter as the game starts back up. You might’ve had the lead before the half, but the Samurai come back strong. Very strong. Todo is impossible to get around, he’s everywhere at once, and Muta is making shots from insane distances while Choso just keeps dunking. The disadvantage to having played with Haibara is that he knows the way the team plays, and he seems to have relayed whatever tips he can to his teammates.

But it goes both ways. Kento knows every shot Haibara will take before it happens, and Yuji and Todo are so tuned into each other’s movements that they can’t get the jump on the other.

It’s insane and it’s stressful but it’s damn good basketball. With damn good people, too. Yuta gets knocked down and Todo helps him back up. Choso keeps making faces at Yuji across the court. When Choso dunks right over Ino, you even hear Gojo let out a low whistle of appreciation for the shot.

When the buzzer signals the game’s end, the Sorcerers have lost by three. Muta scored the winning shot, and after the game is called he runs right off the court to sweep Kasumi up in a hug. Across the court, you see Gojo terrorizing Utahime again, Kento bumping fists with Haibara, Choso and Todo crowding Yuji as Megumi watches in amusement.

Nobara sighs as she looks up at the scoreboard. 81-78.

God, it was close. Really, really close.

It’s one game, you tell yourself. They can swing it. They’ve got time.

The mood after the game is a weird mixture of excited and tense—the guys knew they were walking into a match with a better ranked team, but now they’re feeling it. It’s the hardest they’ve had to play in a while, and Yaga and Kusakabe are talking strategy before they even hit the locker room.

You get back to your hotel room late, another night of emails and scheduling and a too-bright screen, and when you get back, Ieiri is smirking at you.

“What?”

She nods to your bed. “Had a visitor a while ago.”

You follow her gaze to a folded pile of blue and green fabric on the end of your bed, a note on top of it. “Oh my god.”

You know what that is. You’d know it from a mile away, because you wrote the renewal contract for it, because it’s been scattered throughout the stands at home games, because you’ve approved ads and worked on shoot screenings with Nobara.

The shirt is soft in your hands, and you pick up the note, scrawled on a piece of paper torn from the hotel notepad.

figured our star manager deserved free star merch, right? you’re welcome!!!!!!

His handwriting is messy and slanted, the line of exclamation points nearing horizontal toward the right edge of the page. It’s so incredibly boyish you have to stifle a laugh, and in place of a signature Gojo has doodled his own face in the corner: a little circle with spiked up hair and a black headband, tugged over his eyes like a blindfold. Probably because he didn’t want to deal with drawing eyes, you think.

The shirt’s in your size, a long-sleeve that starts out blue and washes into a light green in a vertical gradient. LIMITLESS is printed across it in a thin sans serif, a Nike swoosh twisted into an infinity sign above the T.

“Idiot,” you mutter. Star merch. Arrogant idiot who sneaks into hotel rooms to leave his own merch and assumes you want it. Actually, he probably knows you don’t. That’s why he didn’t give it to you in person. That makes it worse. He’s just taunting you in his typical Gojo way.

You toss the shirt into your bag and slide the note into your laptop case, not seeing a recycling bin. Ieiri chuckles, and you look up at sharply. “What?”

She holds her hands up, palms out in surrender. “I didn’t say anything.”

When you try to fall asleep, staring at the shadowed popcorn ceiling, you’re reeling. Kasumi’s words pinball around your skull like it’s an echo chamber. The Limitless shirt sits heavy in your bag against the wall. Gojo winks in your mind’s eye. You feel his hand curled over yours, pen in your fist.

You hope you don’t dream.

directory. || prev. || next.

jjk taglist open: just send me a message!

@shutuppeter @mikikkoo @reactwithjan @theclassbookworm @lilactaro

[fruitbasketball]

nba playoffs recap 6/9

nba finals game 2

okay guys i’m doing this for you. the wound is still so fresh. every time the celtics win a basketball game i die a little inside.

not a single member of the dallas mavericks organization is taking this shit seriously except for luka, and luka can’t hit a fucking free throw to save his life. kyrie irving, you are not the man i thought you were. COLLECTIVELY these motherfuckers shot 16-24 from the line, and we lost by 8.

bro like you have to be kidding me. it’s just the fucking fundamentals bro, you gotta make your free throws!! you gotta play d, you gotta wait for a great shot and quit chucking em up holy fuck. so many times in this game where we needed to control the pace because obviously the c’s are gonna push us faster.

luka was gassed dude you can tell because he’s fucking CARRYING the goddamn team. this mavs d is awful. just AWFUL. how are you letting payton bitchard hit a buzzer beater IN Y’ALL MOUTH like that bro???? HE AVERAGES LIKE NOTHING NOTHING AND NOTHING A GAME!!!! HOLY FUCK!!! ARE YOU SHITTING ME RIGHT NOW???? CAN Y’ALL GET IT TOGETHER????

just ugly, ugly basketball yesterday. meanwhile, the celtics just play a complete game. i’m gonna be objective about this - even tho tatum is not playing his best, he doesn’t NEED to. brown steps up, holiday, even tingus pingus. and that ball movement is just gorgeous. just beautiful. meanwhile, luka is carrying a team WITH KYRIE IRVING ON IT. where are the rest of the dallas mavericks???? WHERE ARE THEY????

better show the fuck up in american airlines

mavs in 7.

[jamesh07]

Court Kings: The Best Basketball Players Ever and Their Game-Changing Plays

Basketball has seen many legends grace the hardwood, but the debate on who stands as the top basketball player ever continues to inspire passionate discussions among fans and analysts alike. From awe-inspiring dunks to clutch game-winning shots, these players have not only defined eras but have also raised the bar for excellence in basketball. This blog delves into the careers of ten iconic players, examining their most game-changing plays and enduring legacies.

1. Michael Jordan: The Shot

Michael Jordan's illustrious career is punctuated with many defining moments, but "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 playoffs encapsulates his clutch prowess. This buzzer-beater not only clinched the series for the Chicago Bulls but also marked Jordan as a clutch performer, setting the stage for his future championships.

2. LeBron James: The Block

In Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron James' incredible chase-down block on Andre Iguodala was a turning point that helped lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever championship. This play exemplified LeBron's all-around abilities and his clutch gene in high-stakes situations.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The Skyhook

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook was not just a signature move; it was an unstoppable force throughout his career. His mastery of this shot made him the NBA's all-time leading scorer and left a lasting imprint on the game.

4. Larry Bird: The Steal

Larry Bird's steal from Isiah Thomas in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals remains one of the most iconic plays in NBA history. Bird's instinctual read and subsequent pass to Dennis Johnson for the winning basket highlighted his unparalleled basketball IQ and clutch performance.

5. Magic Johnson: The Baby Hook

In the 1987 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson's "baby hook" over the Boston Celtics’ defenders in Game 4 is a historic moment. This play not only solidified Magic's reputation as a versatile player but also helped the Lakers claim another championship.

6. Bill Russell: 11 Championships

While specific plays may not define Bill Russell's career, his 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons are a testament to his dominance and winning mentality. Russell's defensive prowess and leadership were central to the Boston Celtics' dynasty.

7. Shaquille O'Neal: The Alley-Oop Slam in 2000 Finals

Shaquille O'Neal's powerful alley-oop dunk from Kobe Bryant during the 2000 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers epitomized the dominance of the Lakers' duo. This play is a highlight of Shaq's overwhelming physical presence on the court.

8. Tim Duncan: The 2005 Finals Clincher

Tim Duncan’s calm demeanor belied his fierce competitiveness, best illustrated by his near-quadruple-double performance in the clinching game of the 2005 NBA Finals. Duncan's ability to impact every facet of the game made him a cornerstone for the Spurs' success.

9. Kobe Bryant: 81 Points

Kobe Bryant's 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 remains one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history. This scoring explosion underscored Kobe's talent and relentless work ethic.

10. Stephen Curry: The Game-Winner from Half Court

Stephen Curry's game-winning half-court shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016 solidified his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. This moment is emblematic of how Curry has changed the game with his deep-range shooting.

Conclusion

Each of these players has a legitimate claim to the title of the best basketball player ever, having left an indelible mark on the sport with their unique skills and memorable plays. Their legacies endure not just in the records they set or the championships they won, but in the moments of sheer brilliance that captured the imaginations of fans around the world.

[uniquesportz]

Swish into the Action: Unveiling the Latest NBA Sports News Today

In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, staying updated on the latest NBA sports news is essential for fans and enthusiasts alike. Today's NBA landscape is dynamic, filled with thrilling victories, unexpected upsets, player highlights, and strategic moves that shape the course of the season. Let's dive into the benefits of staying informed with the freshest NBA sports news today.

Real-time Player Performances: Keeping up with NBA sports news today allows fans to stay abreast of player performances in real-time. From impressive scoring streaks to game-changing assists, staying informed provides an immediate and immersive experience of the players' on-court brilliance.

Injury Updates and Roster Changes: NBA teams are subject to dynamic changes in their rosters, including player injuries and trades. Staying current with the latest sports news ensures that fans are aware of any alterations to team lineups, helping them understand the evolving dynamics of their favorite teams.

Trade Rumors and Transactions: The NBA is no stranger to trade rumors and player transactions. Being in the loop with sports news today allows fans to follow potential trade talks, speculate on upcoming deals, and witness the excitement surrounding player movements in the league.

Strategic Insights and Coaching Decisions: NBA coaches are strategic masterminds, and their decisions during games can have a profound impact. Following the latest sports news provides insights into coaching strategies, lineup choices,Popular sports stories in the USA and tactical decisions that influence the outcome of games.

League Standings and Playoff Race: As the NBA season progresses, the league standings become a crucial element to track. Staying updated on sports news today ensures that fans are informed about their favorite teams' positions in the standings and the ongoing playoff race.

Emerging Rookie Talents: The NBA is always introducing new talent, and staying informed with sports news today allows fans to discover emerging rookies making a mark in the league. Witnessing the early stages of promising careers adds an exciting dimension to the overall NBA experience.

Post-Game Analysis and Highlights: In the aftermath of thrilling matchups, post-game analysis and highlights provide a comprehensive recap of the action. Following sports news today ensures that fans don't miss out on the best plays, buzzer-beaters, and game-changing moments that define each contest.

Off-Court Stories and NBA Culture: Beyond the game itself, the NBA has a vibrant culture filled with off-court stories, community initiatives, and player engagements. Staying updated on sports news today offers fans a holistic view of the NBA's cultural impact and the personalities that contribute to its rich narrative.

[sportyconnect]

A staple of sports excitement, the final 4 basket has captivated fans worldwide for decades, marking the culmination of hard-fought battles in various basketball leagues. As avid followers of the game, we at SportyConnect.com bring you the latest, most accurate information on sports event dates, times, and team updates. In this article, we'll journey through the intriguing world of final 4 basket, highlighting its remarkable history, analyzing the importance of team dynamics, and revisiting some of its unforgettable moments. Final 4 Basket: Origins and Evolutions Spanning across college and professional basketball, the final 4 basket represents the pinnacle of teamwork, determination, and athleticism. Notable final 4 contests include the NCAA Men's Final Four and NCAA Women's Final Four, as well as the heated battles in the final rounds of pro leagues like the NBA. The NCAA Men's Final Four: Originating with the first NCAA Basketball Tournament in 1939, the Men's Final Four has since grown to become the showpiece event of college basketball. Millions of fans eagerly await every March to see which teams will emerge as the best in the nation. The NCAA Women's Final Four: The counterpart of the men's event, the Women's Final Four traces its beginnings back to 1982. Since then, it has witnessed exhilarating contests and exceptional individual performances, creating its own rich history of iconic moments. In addition to college basketball, the final 4 basket also encompasses the late stages of professional league playoffs. For example, the basketball size in the NBA is standard, yet the pressure and intensity heighten exponentially in the final 4. Iconic Final 4 Venues: Past, Present, and Future Some of the most prestigious sports venues have played host to final 4 basket tournaments. Fans may remember CBS' coverage of Final Four in 2022 and eagerly anticipate the NCAA Final Four 2023 location. These events typically take place at venues with significant seating capacities, ensuring that as many fans as possible can share in the excitement. Inspired Performances: Memorable Final 4 Moments The final 4 basket has produced countless thrilling moments, with athletes stepping up to meet the challenge and etch their names in basketball history. Here are just a few unforgettable instances from both men's and women's final 4 tournaments: Lorenzo Charles' Buzzer Beater (1983 Men's Final Four): In one of the most heart-stopping final 4 moments, Charles caught an airball from teammate Dereck Whittenburg and made a last-second dunk to lift NC State over heavily favored Houston. Sheryl Swoopes' 47 Points (1993 Women's Final Four): Swoopes' astounding performance catapulted Texas Tech into the national spotlight, securing a victory against Ohio State and setting a new women's final 4 scoring record. These incredible displays of skill and determination help us appreciate the unpredictable nature of sports, especially during crucial final 4 matchups. For those looking to stay informed on future events, SportyConnect.com offers game start times and women's final 4 schedules. Beyond the Hardwood: Lessons from Final 4 Basket Legends While the spectacle of final 4 basketball is exhilarating, the stories of the athletes who have left their mark on this stage reveal much about resilience, teamwork, and dedication. By understanding their journeys, we can appreciate the true impact of the final 4. "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." - Michael Jordan Some of the greats who excelled on the final 4 stage include Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Their legacies teach us that success in basketball – and in life – is often a result of tenacity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Preparing for Future Final 4 Excitement Whether it's the men's, women's, college, or professional leagues, the final 4 basket continues to enthrall fans with its dramatic rivalries, inspiring performances, and intense competition.

As we look forward to upcoming events, it's important to stay informed about the latest details like game start times and venue locations. Final 4 Records, Milestones, and Stats: A Closer Look As we marvel at the rich history of the final 4 basket, it's worth diving deeper into the records, milestones, and statistics that set certain players, teams, and tournaments apart from the rest. Key snippets from the annals of final 4 history include: Most Championship Titles (Men's): UCLA dominates this category with an impressive 11 titles to their name, thanks to legendary coach John Wooden and star players such as Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Bill Walton. Most Championship Titles (Women's): The UConn Huskies reign supreme in the women's circuit, amassing a total of 11 championship titles under head coach Geno Auriemma and standout performers like Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart. These achievements showcase not only the exceptional talent of individual athletes but also the importance of coaching, support staff, and team culture in building and sustaining powerhouse programs. The Enduring Appeal of the Final 4 Basket As both a springboard for emerging talent and an arena for seasoned professionals to prove their worth, the final 4 basket consistently delivers captivating entertainment to basketball enthusiasts worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in the intensity, drama, and high stakes, as well as the stories of triumph and heartbreak that unfold each year. Moreover, the annual frenzy surrounding the final 4 fosters a unique sense of camaraderie among fans. Whether through friendly debates, office pools, or simply cheering alongside your fellow supporters, the final 4 basket is an event that brings people together, transcending borders, backgrounds, and allegiances. Conclusion As you now embark with a renewed appreciation for the final 4 basket, remember that the real beauty of this global sports phenomenon transcends statistics, records, and victories. Instead, it lies in the human spirit – in the ability of athletes, coaches, and fans alike to unite around the sport they love, drawing strength and inspiration from the competition itself. At SportyConnect.com, we'll continue to be your trusted source for all things final 4 and beyond. Whether you're a casual supporter or a lifelong devotee, we invite you to join us in celebrating the thrilling world of final 4 basket – a world where anything is possible, and where dreams really do come true. #SportyConnect

[dailyvideovault]

New video posted on: https://dailyvideovault.com/the-shot-michael-jordans-iconic-buzzer-beater-eliminates-cavs-in-1989-nba-playoffs-espn-archives/

The Shot: Michael Jordan's iconic buzzer-beater eliminates Cavs in 1989 NBA playoffs | ESPN Archives

[bballinspiration]

Relive the best buzzer-beaters in NBA Playoff history.

[bethanydevos]

“Fundamentals” by Pastor Nate

Author’s Note: This post was written in March 2019 shortly before the March Madness basketball tournament began.  Since we did not have a NCAA tournament this year, I’m sharing this post now as the NBA begins their playoffs.  

I don't know how many of you knew this, but last week marked the beginning of the March Madness NCAA Basketball tournament.  Or as I like to call it: the most wonderful week of the year.  

I love watching basketball.  I love watching the college crowds get so excited for their team.  I love the story lines and the sappy puff pieces they share about players during the pre-game shows.  I love the upsets and the buzzer beaters and everything in between.  

But there’s one more piece that really gets me excited about the NCAA tournament and it has nothing to do with the tournament itself.   What I might love most this time of year is all the discussion about the upcoming NBA draft.

You see, the best players in the NCAA will go on to be drafted by an NBA team in July, and for many College players the tournament offers them a chance to finally showcase their talents on a national stage.  

And so throughout the NCAA Tournament, I listen closely for the discussions about a player’s NBA potential.  I hang on every word about a prospect’s “upside” or their “wingspan” or their “motor”.    

Inevitably, somewhere in these discussions you’ll also hear talk about a player’s fundamentals.  By this I mean how well the player  has refined the core aspects of their game. How clean is their jump shot? How crisp is their passing?  Do they dribble well? Do they know how to play defense? Do they have proper footwork in the post?

Discussions of fundamentals when talking about college basketball players is a joy for me.  However, I bet if I used the word “fundamentals” in church or “fundamentalism” it would call to mind something completely different for most of you.   When it comes to matters of faith, Fundamentalism is often associated with a particular branch of Christianity that emphasizes condemnation and judgement above all else.  

But here’s the thing, I think we could all benefit from attending to the fundamentals of our faith a little bit more.  Let me use a passage from Acts to explain:

“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” 

- Acts 2:44-47

I think, in a way, this passage describes for us true Christian fundamentalism.   The fundamentals of our practice of faith are described plainly for us in this short passage.  The earliest Christians committed themselves to the apostle's teachings, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.  

For the early Christian Church and the original disciples, the fundamentals are what kept their communities strong in the face of persecution.  The fundamentals helped to constantly remind them and re-center them in the promises of God.  

So I invite you this week, to focus on the fundamentals.  Study the apostles’ teachings that are recorded in the scriptures.  Take time to fellowship and be in community with other Christians.  Take part in a worship service where Holy Communion is celebrated.  Find a moment each day to pause and pray.  

And then, take note of the ways that these fundamental practices keep you grounded and aware of the promises of God.

Amen.    

[acauguiran]

On Legacy & Legends

  One of the things you come to terms with in life is that your idols are mere mortals like everyone else. That despite the pedestal we put them on at the end of the day they are human. Individuals that use their talent, minds, and body & give back to the world in their own way. Today one my larger than life idols left the world much too soon. Kobe Bryant gave the NBA 33,634 points, countless sports memories, the city of LA multiple championships and like many others a young 11-year-old boy the idea that anything was possible. 

I grew up mesmerized as my favorite player continued to define what greatness was in his craft. I can vividly remember the playoff games, buzzer beaters, the 81-point game & many more. Showcasing what work ethic, determination, and focus & discipline that was almost inhuman. However, he was just that human. A son, father, icon to many. We lost more than an athlete, we lost a symbol. Like anyone, he was flawed. Riddled with his own mistakes & major mishaps that put even his great legacy at stake. The 2003 sexual assault, showcased at its peak that much like his “Black Mamba” persona Kobe Bryant & the man who stepped on the court were almost separate identities. One dealing with the issues of the sport & the other life in the spotlight. However, I’d be lying If I didn’t say despite all the controversy at that age the man or mamba seemed untouchable to me. 

At 11 I had wide-eyed ambitions like any other kid, I wanted to be an athlete like all the players I grew up watching. Wanting to accomplish a mere portion of their success. However, life didn’t pan out that way & it turned out that the lessons on the court weren’t what I took away most, rather the lessons off-court that defined me. Permission to be great. To be unapologetically great at what you do. Whether that was basketball or business or what have you. Kobe to me represented all of that at an early age. Ultimately it led to me starting a Youtube channel under the username “Lakercoolman” in homage to the team that was the sole reason I was signing up to Youtube in the first place. One passion led to another & started me on my path to the career that I have today.

If it wasn’t for my love of the game of basketball & the icon that was Kobe Bryant I can confidently say I would’ve never signed up for Youtube & considered producing any sort of content online. He was the first idol & symbol that to me showcased what “success” looked like moreover what it did to get there. Someone willing to grind it out & never take the easy way out. To focus & sacrifice whatever it took to achieve that level of greatness we all strive to find.

When Kobe retired I feared not being able to watch the sport of basketball without his highlights. To watch the team I’ve followed for over a decade without its star player. LA Lakers without the “Laker” #8 & #24. Though as in the sport of basketball Kobe set out again on his second act diving into the world of business. The same mentality that had got him to where he was in the NBA he took to whatever he did. I never would’ve imagined it would be one of the last things I got to witness Kobe do.

I’m thankful for all the game winners I got to witness miles away on TV screaming at the top of my lungs in excitement, running around the house or in the court in my backyard imagining I’d someday dawn the purple & gold. Even more grateful I got to witness his presence & greatness in his last NBA season.  The wisdom he imparted not as one of the greatest athletes but as someone who showcased success was a mindset & no matter what you do or aimed to achieve that greatness was possible. 

I had wished for the longest time I would’ve had the opportunity in some capacity to sit down & thank the man for the impact he had on me as well as I’m sure millions of others. Unfortunately, I won’t get that chance. Though I know if it wasn’t for the path he paved in his life & career that mine wouldn’t be where it's at today. 

On this day I remember the importance of not just life but death. Those things come in life both within & out of our control. We are the creators of our legacy both good & bad. Legends in our own rights with the ability to write our stories every day. Reminded that the importance of what we do with our life's work, who we do it for, & how we help others, in turn, do the same.

Rest in peace to someone who impacted my life so heavily doesn’t seem enough. The legacy lives on. Forever a legend both on & off the court. The black mamba, #8, #24, the laker great, and at the core human like anyone one of us, someone that loved what they did & did it to the best of his capability in all aspects. Kobe Bryant.

[travel9090]

Michael Jordanba is the most famous man in history

Michael Jordanba is the most famous man in history

American basketball player, former baseball player, and current basketball administrator. When I was a player, my position was shooting guard. He is the owner and business owner of the NBA team Charlotte Hornets and the NBA G League Greensbro Swarm.

His nicknames include GOAT, MJ, Air, His Airness, Black Cat, and Black Jesus, and he is called the best small man in history and a shoe seller.

His back number was 23. It is so famous that even if it is not basketball, the Jordanian generation sometimes calls the number 23 Jordan Number. As basketball players implicitly consider No. 23 more than a symbol of No. 10 in soccer or feel a burden at all, it is vaguely clear how great Jordan has made such a achievement that he gave meaning to a certain back number that didn't mean anything. His signature basketball shoes are Air Jordan.

The fact that he is the greatest player and superstar in the history of basketball, which is indisputable, and the number one athlete in the history of the United States, speaks volumes for his position. For your information, Babe Ruth came in second and Muhammad Ali came in third. A player who represents basketball itself. Considering that one of the two people who put the NBA in its current position is David Stern, who served as commissioner, his influence as a player is absolute.

His pure skills and career itself are at the top, but he was truly a "for the love of the game" in the contract, saying, "I can play a few games other than the games mentioned above without getting paid." He also knew how to pack himself in the media, and showed his natural talent in image making, that is, Jordan's star and marketability were excellent. At the end of the Rivalry era of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, he was able to naturally emerge as the NBA's representative star in early 1990, and he was lucky to be able to broadcast live games on satellite broadcasting at a relatively low price in the world. Furthermore, it was not a time when information was actively exchanged with the Internet or smart devices as it is now, but an era when it was more convenient for image making. Of course, Jordan's image-making alone is beneficial to be far less exposed than current stars due to differences in media development, and Jordan has continued to boast overwhelming popularity among basketball players since 2010, after his timid and terrible winning streak was revealed.

Regardless of his overwhelming skills and the background of the times, his life itself is so dramatic as if it were salty, which is also contributing to his popularity. There were many good players, but there was no basketball player with a lot of dramatic and dramatic elements in his basketball life as he wrote the script.

In high school, he was eliminated from the school team selection, and after that, he improved his skills to become the best prospect in the country When I was a freshman in college, I made a come-from-behind winning shot in front of the largest paid audience in basketball history and won the team In his second year of professional career, he scored the most points in the playoffs (63 points) against one of the best teams ever and the strongest team of his time just after returning from injury For the first time in NBA history, the losing team came from behind to win the series with buzzer beater He made his debut in the league's lowest-ranked team, grew one step at a time, and advanced to the finals by sweeping Detroit 4-0, the defending champion, with 2 wins, 4 losses, and 3 wins and 4 losses His first final, which coincided with the final final of the Magic, which dominated the 1980s, won his first victory by playing better than the Magic in a way similar to the Magic as if it were a coronation Second win against Clyde Drexler, who was a rival in the same position, outperforming him in every way, even on a three-point shot that was considered a weakness For the third time among his peers, he overwhelmed his best friend Charles Barkley, who beat Jordan in the MVP vote The tragedy of my father's murder, which came the same year when I achieved everything, retired from the top position without regret, and fled to a sport called baseball with memories with my father Returned to baseball strike, but first year of frustration The record for the most wins in NBA history in a season after overcoming frustration, winning his fourth championship on Father's Day since his return The match, which was tied 2-2 on the final stage again, led the team to victory after overcoming a bad physical condition that made it difficult to walk properly due to food poisoning In the last game of the final stage of his career, the second-in-command's injury recurrence, and his teammates' group slump, followed him with a one-man show, and then a steel + reversal winning shot at the last minute Retired from the top again after winning the title as the best player in the league

Most players were also the main characters of a huge drama, with dramatic events that occurred several times in their careers almost every season. Having experienced something so dramatic that I wondered if he had planned it, contributed to making his career a legend, but he also suffered a lot of losses purely in terms of his sports career. Jordan is a player who has had a relatively short career compared to his reputation. In particular, at the age of 30, when his father was killed at the peak of his body and skills, he suddenly retired and wasted one and a half seasons and almost two years adjusting to other sports. In addition, the MVP, who maintained the league's best performance in the 1997-98 season, retired at the age of 35 due to the owner who wanted to disband the team over money. He had already lost two chances to add something to his big career.

Because of this, many fans think his return to Washington is bad. Of course, there were many memorable moments in Washington, including 51 points to calm criticism after scoring career-low, the only player in his 40s to score more than 40, and the commentator's "Michael Jordan, the greatest player of all time!" after the buzzer-beater game winning shot. Both 51 points and 40s and 40s are very dramatic in terms of performance, but this kind of dramatic event is quite common. What made Jordan more special was that Jordan's own personal history and sports were also dramatic. There are often players retiring from the top, but how many are retiring from the killing of their father? Also, how dramatic is it to come back to the top on Father's Day when you have overcome the tragedy? There was no such drama in Washington that distinguished Jordan from other "all-time good" players.

Also, the Chicago Bulls were a weak team that only went to the playoffs for two seasons in the previous nine seasons, and Jordan was selected by the Bulls and declared, "I will make sure to advance to the playoffs as long as I go to this team," and really kept that promise. Throughout the previous season, when Jordan played for the Bulls, the Bulls advanced to the playoffs. (13 seasons, 1984–1993, 1995–1998) Team and number of times Michael Jordan won the playoffs: five New York Knicks, four Cleveland Cavaliers, three Miami hits, two Utah/Charlotte/Philadelphia/Atlanta, two Milwaukee/Seattle/Lakers/Phoenix/New Jersey/Detroit/Washington/Land/Indiana The number of teams Michael Jordan lost in the playoffs with: 3 Detroit, 2 Boston, 1 Orlando/Milwaukee

[sportyconnect]

A staple of sports excitement, the final 4 basket has captivated fans worldwide for decades, marking the culmination of hard-fought battles in various basketball leagues. As avid followers of the game, we at SportyConnect.com bring you the latest, most accurate information on sports event dates, times, and team updates. In this article, we'll journey through the intriguing world of final 4 basket, highlighting its remarkable history, analyzing the importance of team dynamics, and revisiting some of its unforgettable moments. Final 4 Basket: Origins and Evolutions Spanning across college and professional basketball, the final 4 basket represents the pinnacle of teamwork, determination, and athleticism. Notable final 4 contests include the NCAA Men's Final Four and NCAA Women's Final Four, as well as the heated battles in the final rounds of pro leagues like the NBA. The NCAA Men's Final Four: Originating with the first NCAA Basketball Tournament in 1939, the Men's Final Four has since grown to become the showpiece event of college basketball. Millions of fans eagerly await every March to see which teams will emerge as the best in the nation. The NCAA Women's Final Four: The counterpart of the men's event, the Women's Final Four traces its beginnings back to 1982. Since then, it has witnessed exhilarating contests and exceptional individual performances, creating its own rich history of iconic moments. In addition to college basketball, the final 4 basket also encompasses the late stages of professional league playoffs. For example, the basketball size in the NBA is standard, yet the pressure and intensity heighten exponentially in the final 4. Iconic Final 4 Venues: Past, Present, and Future Some of the most prestigious sports venues have played host to final 4 basket tournaments. Fans may remember CBS' coverage of Final Four in 2022 and eagerly anticipate the NCAA Final Four 2023 location. These events typically take place at venues with significant seating capacities, ensuring that as many fans as possible can share in the excitement. Inspired Performances: Memorable Final 4 Moments The final 4 basket has produced countless thrilling moments, with athletes stepping up to meet the challenge and etch their names in basketball history. Here are just a few unforgettable instances from both men's and women's final 4 tournaments: Lorenzo Charles' Buzzer Beater (1983 Men's Final Four): In one of the most heart-stopping final 4 moments, Charles caught an airball from teammate Dereck Whittenburg and made a last-second dunk to lift NC State over heavily favored Houston. Sheryl Swoopes' 47 Points (1993 Women's Final Four): Swoopes' astounding performance catapulted Texas Tech into the national spotlight, securing a victory against Ohio State and setting a new women's final 4 scoring record. These incredible displays of skill and determination help us appreciate the unpredictable nature of sports, especially during crucial final 4 matchups. For those looking to stay informed on future events, SportyConnect.com offers game start times and women's final 4 schedules. Beyond the Hardwood: Lessons from Final 4 Basket Legends While the spectacle of final 4 basketball is exhilarating, the stories of the athletes who have left their mark on this stage reveal much about resilience, teamwork, and dedication. By understanding their journeys, we can appreciate the true impact of the final 4. "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." - Michael Jordan Some of the greats who excelled on the final 4 stage include Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Their legacies teach us that success in basketball – and in life – is often a result of tenacity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Preparing for Future Final 4 Excitement Whether it's the men's, women's, college, or professional leagues, the final 4 basket continues to enthrall fans with its dramatic rivalries, inspiring performances, and intense competition.

As we look forward to upcoming events, it's important to stay informed about the latest details like game start times and venue locations. Final 4 Records, Milestones, and Stats: A Closer Look As we marvel at the rich history of the final 4 basket, it's worth diving deeper into the records, milestones, and statistics that set certain players, teams, and tournaments apart from the rest. Key snippets from the annals of final 4 history include: Most Championship Titles (Men's): UCLA dominates this category with an impressive 11 titles to their name, thanks to legendary coach John Wooden and star players such as Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Bill Walton. Most Championship Titles (Women's): The UConn Huskies reign supreme in the women's circuit, amassing a total of 11 championship titles under head coach Geno Auriemma and standout performers like Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart. These achievements showcase not only the exceptional talent of individual athletes but also the importance of coaching, support staff, and team culture in building and sustaining powerhouse programs. The Enduring Appeal of the Final 4 Basket As both a springboard for emerging talent and an arena for seasoned professionals to prove their worth, the final 4 basket consistently delivers captivating entertainment to basketball enthusiasts worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in the intensity, drama, and high stakes, as well as the stories of triumph and heartbreak that unfold each year. Moreover, the annual frenzy surrounding the final 4 fosters a unique sense of camaraderie among fans. Whether through friendly debates, office pools, or simply cheering alongside your fellow supporters, the final 4 basket is an event that brings people together, transcending borders, backgrounds, and allegiances. Conclusion As you now embark with a renewed appreciation for the final 4 basket, remember that the real beauty of this global sports phenomenon transcends statistics, records, and victories. Instead, it lies in the human spirit – in the ability of athletes, coaches, and fans alike to unite around the sport they love, drawing strength and inspiration from the competition itself. At SportyConnect.com, we'll continue to be your trusted source for all things final 4 and beyond. Whether you're a casual supporter or a lifelong devotee, we invite you to join us in celebrating the thrilling world of final 4 basket – a world where anything is possible, and where dreams really do come true.

[junker-town]

The Clippers’ 35-point comeback broke Wizards fans

Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

The Clippers keep pulling off miracle comebacks without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

This should be a season to throw down the memory hole for the Los Angeles Clippers. During a time when the franchise is supposed to be competing for championships, the Clippers have been snakebitten by horrible luck in the form of injuries to their two superstars. Kawhi Leonard tore is ACL in last year’s playoffs, and may not play all season. Paul George suffered an elbow injury in Dec. that could require season-ending surgery.

Yet if the season ended today, the Clippers would still qualify for the play-in tournament. They’ve essentially been winning at the same rate as the Lakers despite missing both of their best players for most of the year. What head coach Ty Lue and his team have done this season in the face of adversity is truly admirable, and on Tuesday night the Clippers again showed they should never be counted out.

The Washington Wizards led by 35 points against the Clippers in the first half on their home floor. The Clippers simply couldn’t hit a shot, shooting below 30 percent from the field in the first half. It looked like the Wiz were going to run away with this, but they should have known this Clippers team has a penchant for wild comebacks this season.

On Jan. 11, the Clippers trailed the Denver Nuggets by 25 points before surging to a win.

On Jan. 21, the Clippers trailed the Philadelphia 76ers by 24 points before coming back to win.

Guess what? The Clippers did it again. LA’s 116-115 win will go down as the second biggest comeback in NBA history. While erasing a 35-point margin from the first half is an incredible accomplishment, it’s almost even more impressive to see the deficit the Clippers eclipsed in the final 10 seconds.

With 10 seconds left, the Clippers were down 115-109. Then Luke Kennard hit a bomb of a three-pointer to make it a one possession game.

This team.#ClipperNation | @LukeKennard5 pic.twitter.com/iBg2jhhRlr

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) January 26, 2022

The Wizards then turned the ball over on the next possession when Kyle Kuzma was whistled for a five-second call on the inbounds pass. The Clippers had one more shot to tie the game, and Kennard hit another three-pointer.

Oh, and he was fouled, too. He knocked down the free throw for the game-winning four-point play.

LUKE KENNARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME#ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/tt40SgWEpI

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) January 26, 2022

Kennard’s go-ahead free throw in the final second was the Clippers’ first lead of the entire game.

This comeback legitimately broke the win probability game charts:

Fun win probability chart from the Wizards/Clippers game last night pic.twitter.com/KuHLbK4xr1

— Alex Sherman (@sherman4949) January 26, 2022

Of course, breaking win probability models is nothing new for the Clippers this season.

Speaking of broken: Wizards fans! After Washington’s 10-3 start, the Wiz are currently just 23-25 and hanging on to play-in position by the skin of their teeth. This was the fourth straight loss for the Wizards, and ..... yeah.

The most pathetic performance I’ve seen in almost 40 years of being around and covering this basketball team.

— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) January 26, 2022

This fan in particular was really going through it.

We were up 35 , gave up the lead, and lost to a Luke Kennard buzzer beater. This is why I can’t be coming to the games bruh I recorded the buzzer beater ??? pic.twitter.com/EUoa5J6j5b

— papiRey?? (@yourpapiRey) January 26, 2022

Bro! Bro!

Wizards fans — I’m sorry. Y’all were already well-versed with sports pain, and it’s not getting any easier.

How about the Clippers, though? Head coach Ty Lue was the mastermind behind the Cavs comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals once upon a time. Clearly he knows what he’s doing in these situations. Even without Kawhi and PG, the Clippers have proven they can’t be underestimated.

[dnowit41]

Luka Is in a League of His Own, for Better or Worse

By:Jonathan Tjarks

6/7/2021

Doncic nearly single-handedly took down the Clippers. But for the Mavericks to get much further, he’ll need to get others involved.

With 40 seconds left in the third quarter of Game 2 of the Mavericks’ first-round series against the Clippers, Luka Doncic pushed the ball up the court, looking for a two-for-one opportunity. So he pulled up from 3 feet behind the 3-point line and took a one-legged fadeaway across his body with Rajon Rondo draped over him:

The shot wasn’t necessarily impossible. It’s that Luka had the audacity to even attempt it in the first place. A two-for-one is essentially a free shot for the offense; JJ Redick called this one the “freest” shot he had ever seen.

Luka always plays with that kind of confidence. Some might call it arrogance. It didn’t matter that he was in the middle of a tight playoff series. He looked like he might as well have been putting up circus shots after practice. Only a player as accomplished as Luka would expect some of the shots that he takes to go in. Ask him about his early success in the NBA and his answer will always come back to how long he has been a pro. He signed his first contract with Real Madrid at 13, made their senior team at 16, was the best player in Europe at 18, and earned first-team All-NBA at 20. Doncic has succeeded his entire career. Until now.

The Clippers eliminated the Mavs in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season with a 126-111 victory in Game 7 on Sunday. It was the first win for the home team in a wild series with dramatic swings of momentum. Luka was even better than he was last time around, when he made his grand debut on the playoff stage with an overtime buzzer-beater. His numbers don’t even seem real: 35.7 points on 49.0 percent shooting, 10.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game. There was nothing that Los Angeles could do to stop him for most of the series. He orchestrated the Dallas offense every time down the floor, almost always creating a high-percentage shot for himself or one of his teammates.

The incredible part is that there may not be a defense in the NBA better suited to guarding him. The Clippers have two elite perimeter defenders in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as well as waves of long and switchable wings around them in Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, and Terance Mann. But it doesn’t matter how many good defenders are on the floor. Luka needs only one weak link to attack, regardless of position. He ran both smaller guards like Patrick Beverley and slower big men like Ivica Zubac off the floor.

Doncic is the closest thing we have seen to a prime LeBron James on offense. Both are supersized point guards who double as one of the best scorers and passers in the league. They use the pick-and-roll to play like seek-and-destroy submarines. They can always find the mismatch, as well as the open man once the defense sends help.

The difference comes in how they attack. Prime LeBron was one of the best athletes in NBA history, with an awe-inspiring combination of size, speed, and leaping ability. Luka makes up for what he lacks in those categories with incredible shotmaking and touch. He shot 57.0 percent from 2-point range over the last two seasons, the type of efficiency usually seen from big men who catch lobs at the rim, not guards who create most of their own offense.

Three things happened in the Clippers series that pushed him to an even higher level. The first actually began in the last week of the regular season, when the Mavs inserted Tim Hardaway Jr. into the starting lineup for Josh Richardson. The latter had been acquired to help their defense, but couldn’t space the floor for Luka, allowing defenses to overload against him. Doncic had a net rating of plus-0.3 with Richardson in the regular season and plus-8.9 without him. Replacing him with a shooter like Hardaway opened up the floodgates for the Dallas offense.

The second is that Luka got hot from deep. He has always been a good-but-not-great outside shooter, largely because of the difficulty of his attempts. But he shot 41 percent from 3 against the Clippers, a huge improvement on his mark (35.0 percent) from the regular season.

He also shot incredibly well from midrange, a weapon that he didn’t have in his game last season. Luka was 25-for-47 (53.2 percent) on shots between 10 and 19 feet from the rim against Los Angeles, compared to only 8-for-21 (38.1 percent) when he faced them in the bubble. He pulled up when bigger defenders sagged off him, and posted up smaller defenders at will. His ability to score from every area of the floor is why Zubac, who was surprisingly effective against him on switches last season, became unplayable this time around.

What Doncic did to the Clippers was the closest thing to a one-man offense you will ever see in the playoffs. He had the most total points either scored or assisted (77) in a Game 7, as well as the highest percentage of his team’s baskets (84) in any playoff game in Game 5. No. 2? LeBron (81 percent) in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Golden State in 2015, when he was without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love and nearly won a title single-handedly.

But there are downsides to being a one-man offense. Basketball is a zero-sum game. There are only so many points, rebounds, and assists to go around. The more Luka gets, the fewer there are for everyone else. He’s so good that he inevitably turns the players around him into bystanders. That was always LeBron’s issue, too. It never made sense for him to give up control of the offense, even for a moment.

There have been rumblings all season in Dallas about the strained relationship between Luka and Kristaps Porzingis. Mavs owner Mark Cuban even acknowledged them in an interview. Playing in such a Luka-centric offense can be difficult for a former All-Star like Porzingis. The initial idea when the Mavs traded for him was that he would be the 1B to Luka’s 1A. But Porzingis’s average time of possession was a sixth of Luka’s during the regular season. He became more like a fourth or fifth option because Luka was options 1, 2, and 3.

The counterpoint to his frustration is that Porzingis hasn’t been good enough to justify a bigger role in the offense. He has never seemed healthy after returning from offseason knee surgery, a decline that has been glaring on both ends of the floor. Taking the ball out of Luka’s hands to allow Porzingis to post up and isolate from the mid-post doesn’t make a ton of sense. But it’s also a vicious cycle. The more that Porzingis is used as a spot-up shooter, the less rhythm he has in the rare chances that he does get to create his own offense.

Basketball is a rhythm game. Most players need to touch the ball and be involved in the offense to feel comfortable. That becomes difficult when one player dribbles it into the ground on every possession. Talent isn’t the only reason that Luka is putting up historic individual numbers. He’s in a league of his own when it comes to dominating the ball in the playoffs.

NBA Advanced Stats has been tracking average time of possession going back to the 2013-14 season. The only two players to average more than 11 minutes per game in the playoffs are Luka in 2021 and Russell Wesbrook in 2017, his MVP season and first without Kevin Durant.

The dispute between Luka and Porzingis sounds similar to what happened multiple times with James Harden in Houston. Harden, like Luka, was a one-man offense who shattered NBA records in eight seasons with the Rockets. But the front office could never find a long-term costar. Everyone they brought in eventually asked out. Dwight Howard lasted three seasons. Chris Paul lasted two. Westbrook lasted one. There were valid reasons for each to be relegated in the offense, just like there are for Porzingis. Howard was too unskilled. Paul was slowing down. Westbrook was too inefficient. None were anywhere as good as Harden. But that didn’t make it any easier for them to take a back seat.

All three had spent their whole lives being the centerpieces of an offense. It’s hard to give that up, especially on a team that doesn’t win a title. Sacrifice has to be a two-way road. You have to give to get.

That’s what separates LeBron from everyone who has tried to follow his path. Playing with LeBron was almost a guarantee of a trip to the NBA Finals, if not a title; but prime LeBron could guard players at all five positions, protect the rim, and quarterback the defense. He was more than a one-man offense. He was a one-man team. All a front office had to do with LeBron was surround him with shooters to space the floor for him. Luka needs more versatile players around him who can both shoot and defend at a high level.

t goes back to the problem with Hardaway and Richardson. The Mavs acquired the latter in a draft-night deal for Seth Curry to improve their defense. It didn’t work out because Richardson shot only 33 percent from 3 as he struggled after contracting COVID-19 and lost confidence. But the need he was brought in to address was real. Dallas spent huge chunks of games 5, 6, and 7 playing zone defense in a doomed attempt to slow down the Clippers. They couldn’t guard them in man. The same problem would have reared its head if they had advanced to face the Jazz in the second round. Dallas needs someone who has Hardaway’s offense and Richardson’s defense in one package. But those players are few and far between in the league.

The more likely scenario is that the Mavs will bring most of their team back next season. They had been hoarding cap space for this summer to chase Giannis Antetokounmpo, and there’s not much of a Plan B available now that he signed an extension with the Bucks. Dallas might be better off re-signing Hardaway, a free agent who made himself a lot of money by averaging 17.0 points per game against the Clippers, rather than chasing an upgrade that isn’t there. The only other avenue to improve the team is trading Porzingis. But moving him will be difficult considering his lengthy contract, injury history, and struggles in Dallas.

They may have no choice but to try and make it work with Porzingis. Dallas has never been much of a free agent destination. There’s no guarantee that Luka will change that. He has to convince another star to want to play with him. And that means giving up some control of the offense.

It wouldn’t be easy for him. The best version of Luka, the one that looks like the best player in the world on many nights, is in charge of everything. It’s not even selfish of him to not want to give that up. He has good reason to trust what he has been doing. The Mavs had the no. 1 offensive rating of all time last season before that record was broken this season. And he just put together a historically great first-round series against the Clippers.

There’s still plenty more for Luka to accomplish as an individual. He hasn’t won an MVP award, which is typically given to the player who posts the most outrageous stats. Luka has been a pro for a long time, but he’s still fairly early in the life cycle of an NBA superstar. The typical pattern is that they come into the league with boundless confidence in themselves and learn to play a more team-oriented game over time. Even if they start on a superteam, like Kobe Bryant, they still need a period of their career when they do everything, so they can push their game to the limit and see what happens.

That’s where Luka is right now. These are his young and wild years when he takes on the world by himself. There are more mountains to climb, more stats to rack up, and more impossible shots to take. He’s not ready to take a step back. But the Mavs won’t move forward until he does.