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nsula · 6 years ago

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President’s List Fall 2018

NATCHITOCHES – Six hundred and fifty-four students were named to the Fall 2018 President’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the list earned a grade point average of 4.0. Those named to the President’s List listed by hometown are as follows.

Abbeville – Annemarie Broussard, Heather Mayard;

Alexandria – Eric Weinzettle, Brandi Beaudoin, Leslie Bordelon, Claudia Gauthier, Ian Grant, Angela Hardin, Martha Hopewell, Jaliyah Jasper, Kasey Lacombe, Hunter Lewis, DeShonta Manning, Allison McCloud, Jalyn Mvcneal, Madeline Mitchell, Jennifer Prevot, Jabari Reed, Sailor Reed, Shacora Simpson, Kayla Whittington;

Anacoco -- Nicole Fitzgerald, Brittany Lewis, Caitlin McKee, Cassandra Osborne, Seth Ponthieux, Casey Williams, Megan Williams;

Anchorage – Sydney Bulot;

Arcadia – Antavious Roberson, Ralyn Simpson;

Arnaudville -- Zachary Leboeuf, Alayna Moreau, Misti Richard;

Ashland – Victoria Roderick;

Baker – Katelyn Kennedy;

Ball – Nickolas Juneau, Joseph Reynolds;

Barksdale, AFB – Kimberly Ventura Gonzalez;

Basile – Adam Elkins;

Bastrop – Nikkia Lewis;

Baton Rouge – Meagan Barbay, Diamanisha Betts, Madison Harris, Hannah Knoff, Jordan Lancaster, Tremia Lockett, Henrietta Mercer, Daniel Midyett, Emma Rivet, Victoria Simmons;

Belcher – Sierra Lang;

Belgrade, Serbia -- Emilija Dancetovic;

Belmont – Kelly Bass;

Benton – Victoria Berry, Tamara Korner, Bridget Miller, Jessica O’Neal, Finnley Plaster, Comis Waddell, Kathryn Watts;

Bienville – Julie Martin;

Boise, Idaho – Jessica Anderson;

Bossier City – Maddison Abreo, Jayde Barnett, Brittany Batchelor, Hannah Brooks, Kendall Caple, Izabela Carabelli, Callie Crockett, Peyton Davis, Hannah Gates, Joshua Greer, Jada Grigsby, Peyton Harville, Caylin Head, Savanna Head, Nicholas Hopkins, Kijah Johnson, Brandon Larkin, Chelsea Laverdiere, April Lebick, Katherine Parson, Colby Ponder, Taylor Powell, Jade Reich, Jami Rivers, Jalyn Robertson, Reid Rogers, Madison Rowland, Donna Spurgeon, Savannah Stevens, James Taylor, Kaitlyn Walker, Eric Zheng;

Boutte – Samantha Vernor;

Boyce – Katelyn Brister, Dylan Frazier, Sonya Hill;

Breaux Bridge – Beyonkan Heine, Emily Roy;

Broussard – Dylan Dunford;

Brownsville, Texas – Emily Saldivar;

Brussels – Leyla Fettweis;

Bunkie – Emily Arnaud,

Burleson, Texas -- Addison Pellegrino, Cassandra Smith;

Calhoun – Grace Cummings, Robert Mccandlish;

Calvin – Erin Price;

Campti – Alisha Bedgood, Rebekah Cole, Madelynne Greer;

Carencro – Melody Woodard;

Carrollton, Texas – Victoria Miller;

Cartagena, Colombia – Aura Hernandez Canedo, Jorge Ojeda Munoz, Hassik Vasquez Narvaez;

Cheneyville -- Katelyn Baronne;

Clarence – Jalicia Small;

Clifton – Brittany Shackleford;

Colfax – Alyssa Coleman, Lessie Rushing, Elizabeth Slayter, Morgan Vandegevel;

Conroe, Texas – Sidney Salmans;

Converse – Shayna Brown, Hayley Farmer, Wade Hicks, Mallory Mitchell, Hannah Womack, Logan Woodward;

Cotton Valley -- Nicholas Smith;

Coushatta – Sydney Anderson, Kaylee Antilley, Debra Hanson, Jon Hester, Mary James, Cynthia Lawson, Baley McAlexander, Precious Smith;

Covington -- Henri Blanchat, Justin Brogdon, Rachael Coyne, Sarah Shiflett;

Crowley -- Ma'Kayleen Milson;

Custer, South Dakota – China Whitwer;

Cypress, Texas – Alexis Warren;

Dakota Dunes, South Dakota – Eryn Sandwell;

Denham Springs – Joni Burlew;

DeRidder – Delia Amadiz, Lauren Callis, Tabitha Deer, Colten Denning, Falon Drake, Rebekah Frantz, Shydae Hammond, Karli Kennedy, Briana March, Brittney March, Shayla Miller, Jessica Mullican, Hannah Plummer, Rebecca Richmond, Cheyenne Vander, Michael Waryas;

Des Allemands – Emily Blanchard, Claire Schouest;

Destrehan – Hannah Boquet, Stephanie Webre;

Deville – Briana Ashley, Allison Deglandon, Amber Kreideweis, Aubree Lampert, Kenedy Lampert, Madison Lejeune, Maci Mayeux, Caleb Rhodes;

Diamondhead, Mississippi – Melissa Boyanton;

Dodson – Rachel Broomfield;

Doyline – Lucas Darbonne;

Dry Prong – Jared Boydstun, Ashlee Elliott;

Edmond, Oklahoma – Payton Hartwick, Ashley Medawattage;

El Paso, Texas – Christopher Barron;

Elizabeth – Amanda Cloud, Sadie Perkins;

Elton – Kayla Bellard;

Endicott, New York – Tonya Rackett;

Evergreen – Walter Armand;

Falfurrias, Texas – Marco Arevalo;

Farmerville – Malissa Loyd;

Florien – Shayla Duhon, Amber Lewing, Caroline Matthews, Dylan Roberts, Jordan Weldon;

Folson – Shaylee Laird, Sarah Moore;

Forest Hill – Rafael Sierra;

Forney, Texas – Jobey Rusk, Jared Walker, Jayden Wheeler;

Fort Polk – Brittany Chadwick, Kyley Cole, Shaunda Gordon, Miranda Illsley, Cynthia Schwartz, Sasha Trevino, Cherie Martel;

Fort Worth, Texas – Corban James;

Franklin – Emily Kutchenriter;

Franklinton – Crystal Newman;

Frisco, Texas – Caroline Shepherd;

Garland, Texas – Sierra Stone;

Glenmora – Alan Crowder, Reagan Humphries, Melissa Lanier, Faith Lawrence;

Goldonna – David Day, Harley Godwin;

Gonzales – Rebecca Marchand, Nicole Moody, Molly Moran, Bailee Ramey, Denee Smith;

Grand Prairie, Texas – Clayton Casner;

Grapevine, Texas – Margaret Black;

Greenwell Springs -- Cheramie Kravitz;

Greenwood -- Char'Tarian Wilson;

Gretna – Nadia Johnson;

Haughton – Luther Cain, Jessica Chase, Brittony Cole, Randi Corley, Bethanie Couch, Alexis Hoeltje, Victoria Lodrini, Savanah Molina, Amber Simmons, Heather Wooden, Dawn Young;

Heath, Texas – Megan Lohmiller;

Henderson, Texas – John Floyd, Emily Ortiz;

Hermon, Maine -- Allessa Ingraham-Albert;

Hessmer – Ryan Armand, Lacee-Beth Cazelot;

Hineston – Gabrielle Merchant Langley, Tylee Stokes;

Hope Mills, North Carolina -- Taylor Camidge;

Hornbeck – Brandy Alford, Lane Alford, Kimberly Runyon;

Houma – Alexis Dardar, Billy Gorr, Sarah Lajaunie, Corinne Paris;

Houston, Texas – Kendall Westfall;

Humble, Texas – Aiyana Bean;

Huntington, Texas – Travis Carrell;

Iowa – Keiona Guy, Matthew Phillips;

Irving, Texas – Darria Williams;

Jacksonville Beach, Floria – Katherine Medlin;

Jefferson – Jaleia Parker;

Jena – Christian Aymond, Alanna Hailey;

Jennings – Aimee Boothe, Alyson Brown, Janee Charles, Rachel Edwards, Rachelle Edwards, Wesley Simien, Lydia Williams;

Jonesboro – Jordan Winston;

Kaplan – Gabriel LeMoine;

Katy, Texas – Erik Carver;

Keithville – John-David May, Cora Procell, Janae Richardson, Joanna Sims;

Kenner -- Brooke Petkovich, Parul Sharma;

Kentwood – Jenna Morris;

Kileen, Texas - Temitope Buraimoh, Arlyn Johnson;

Kinder -- Jonathon Villareal;

Lacombe – William Simpson;

Lafayette -- Jeffrey Blossom, Abbey Broussard, Luke Dupre, Michael Joseph, Emilee Leger, Robert Middleton, Andrea Saelios, Dante Saelios, Forest Strang;

Lake Charles – Jovan Avery, Abigail Brady, Shawn Becton, Ashtyn Heap, Amanda Mustian, Sarah Sargent;

Larose – Eric Bourg;

Las Vegas, Nevada – April Ficarrotta;

Lawtell – Karoline Guidry;

Lecompte – Hannah Glaze;

Leesville – Sara Bishop, Autumn Boggs, Anthony Cantrell, Raven Collins, Carter Coriell, Junette Cutshaw, Cameron Davis, Chloe Dowden, Sarah Gibbs-Jarrell, Geoffrey Goins, Jessica Gray, Cheyenne Grigg, Jessica Herring, Ashley Hunt, Leigha Jackson, Bethany Kay, Emilee Keuten, Mercedes Mattes, Kelsea Mckinney, Paula Pilkenton, Linsey Preddy, Danielle Smyth, Peggy Stanley, Linda Strauss, Megan Tucker, Kristin Whistine;

Little Elm, Texas – Hunter Gagnon;

Logansport – Trenton Timmons, Rebecca Tomlin;

Longview, Texas – Gustavo Corrales, Kelli Hickerson, Samantha Morris;

Lyons, Kansas – Jennifer Rogers, Mary Rogers;

Machesney Park, Illinois – Alicia Teran;

Mamou – Alex Chapman, Meggie Granger, Nicholas Saucier;

Mandeville -- Shannon Roussell;

Mangham -- Rebekah Aultman;

Mansfield – Brooke Smith, Madylin Sullivan;

Mansura – Bailey Quebedeaux, Distiny Thompson;

Many – Skyler Ezernack, Heidi Knight, Jaleah Lee, Lathan Meyers, Xavier Montgomery, Chas Pilcher, Tessa Reeves, Samantha Simmons;

Marksville – Zachary Moreau, Paulette Thomas;

Marrero – Lorn Bourgeois;

Marshall, Texas – Laurann Graham, D’Sherrick Williams;

Marthaville – Emeri Manasco, Hanna Pardee;

Maurepas – Cameron Mayfield, Abigail Smith;

Maurice – Adam Courville;

Melissa, Texas – Kylah Banasky;

Merryville -- Kalan Townsley;

Metairie – Kaitlyn Arena, Morgan Nuss, Holly Schiler, Mary Strickland, Sadye Treadway;

Minden – Aubrey Dennis, Jess Easley, Laura Gryder, Taya Hester, Kiara Jenkins, Abigail Reynolds, Amanda Rogers, Heather White;

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada – Kayla Bomben;

Mobile, Alabama – Emily Cristina;

Monroe – Demonta Brown, Aaron Hunt, Grace Underwood;

Montgomery -- Shelly Crew, Katelym Feazell;

Mooringsport – Abigail Wolfe;

Mora – Gracy Rowell;

Moreauville – Sean Casey;

Morgan City – Allie Atkinson, Jeremy Orgeron;

Morse – Kierra Linden;

Mount Hermon -- Warren McFarlain;

Muleshoe, Texas -- Caitlyn Barber;

Murphy, Texas – Bronte Rhoden;

Murrieta, California – LaQuitta Wilkins;

Napoleonville – Elizabeth Coleman;

Natchitoches -- Austin Aldredge, Ragan Aple, Luz Arrieta Jimenez, Rebecca Autrey, Sarah Aviles, Francisco Ballestas-Sayas, Joshua Below, Dylan Bennett, Sarah Bergeron, Allison Berry, Sara Coates, Anna Coffey, Fabian Correa Guette, Haley Dahlhoff, Elliot Davis, Ruth Garcia Rodriguez, Samantha Hall, Kaitlin Hatten, Taylor Johnson, Anthony Jones, Mary Keran, Colby Koontz, Scott Macqueen, Miranda Mayeaux, Rylie Mcfarlain, Jordan Mitchell, Maina Ibn Mohammed, Kaitlyn Nieman, Brooklyn Noe, Abigail Poe, Jonah Poe, Melissa Remo, Shelby Riedel, Alyssa Roberts, Kayla Roquemore, Emily Ryder, Emily Salter, Madison Shade, Melissa Slaughter, Madeline Taylor, David Thibodaux, Kristan Valdez, Lantz Vercher, Elizabeth Vienne, Madysen Watts;

New Iberia -- Jaci Jones, Grace Kerns, Payton Romero:

New Llano – Nicole Naral;

New Milford, Connecticut -- Lisa Rosenberg;

New Orleans – Jerome Baudy, Haleigh Giorlando Wall, Jaime Hendrickson, Tayla Oliver;

Noble – Allie Ebarb, Collin Procell;

Noyen sur Serthe, France -- Emma Miachon;

Oakdale -- Cheyenne Bertrand, Alyssa Cole, Katelyn Johnson, Coriana Moreaux, James Obrien;

Oil City – Ryan Connella;

Olla – Brianna Corley, Kristen Smith;

Opelousas -- Lauren Hebert, Keshayla Jackson, Alexia Rubin, Jaylen St. Romain;

Pacifica, California -- Nicholas Pierotti;

Palmetto, Florida -- Cindy Hernandez;

Paris, Texas -- Jordan Whatley;

Pearland, Texas – Tanisha Williams;

Pelican – Mary Myers;

Pereira Risaralda, Colombia -- Mariana Ospina Rivas;

Pineville – Malek Abdelhadi, Taylor Bailey, Riley Bell, Tasha Blanchard, Christian Boudreaux, Latasha Cain, Noelle Carruth, Amber Edmisson, Erin Fallis, Kara Johnson, Michael Martin, Emily McCarty, Cade Mitchell, Wendi Powell, Morgan VanBuren, Corbi Walters, Wesley Williams, Alan Winegeart;

Pitkin – Mattie Stewart;

Plaquemine – Kameron Landry;

Plaucheville -- Brooke Dauzat;

Pollock – Jadynn Giles;

Pontotoc, Mississippi – Elizabeth McCullar;

Port Allen – Makayla Lacy;

Port Barre – Madison Estis;

Port Orange, Florida – Sean Logan;

Prairieville – Rebekah Bonner, Colleen Carline, Roy Cobb, Andrea Gathercole, Sarah Makin;

Princeton – LeKayla Smith;

Provencal – Kara Gandy, Rebekah Orsborn, Bailey Scarbrough;

Ragley – Elizabeth Jaycox, Cole Spponer;

Raleigh, North Carolina – Aleida, Alfonso;

Ringgold – Regan Edwards;

Riverview, Florida – Robyn Larson;

Robeline – Jessica Clark, Patricia Goodwin, Alyssa Maley, Bergen Oge, Caleb Wester;

Round Rock, Texas – Evan Nafe;

Ruston – Jena Green;

Saint Francisville – Sara Baggett, Jordan Bringedahl;

Saint Martinville – Blake Blanchard, Alli Douet;

Saint Rose – Alexis Mancuso;

Saline – Madelyn Cheatwood;

San Antonio, Texas – Tiffany Rubin;

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Loren MacLennan;

Scott – Sydni Larriviere, Kristen Prejean;

Seabrook, Texas -- Amy Whitecotton;

Searcy, Arkansas – Lora Wood;

Shenzhen, China – Yinglin Yuan;

Shreveport -- Lindsey Adkins, Mackenzie Allen, Hannah Angell, Yasmeen Bader, James Baldwin, Katelynn Benge, Maddison Benge, Hallie Bloxom, Erin Brown, Kaysie Burgess, Abigail Davis, Jackson Driggers, Jennifer Eaves, Jennifer Elliott, Samantha Freeman, Peyton Gamble, Leah Gould, Melina Johnson, Tatyanna Kinsey, Kaitlyn Knighton, Katherine Mckay, Maxey McSwain, Madison Milligan, Myles Mitchell, Cayla Morris, Megan Osborn, Mallory Parker, Bailey Patton, Zachary Person, Haley Pickett, Taylor Poleman, Patricia Reed, Madelyn Ruiz, Catherine Shaw, Shelby Sowers, DeAndre Stevenson, Khaila Tucker, Ansonia Wisner;

Sibley – Julianna Schober;

Simmesport – Bailie Marsh, Elise Normand;

Simsboro – Autumn Smith, Shelby Wall;

Slaughter – Ciara Gibbs;

Slidell – Ayrianna Edwards, Katherine Gallinghouse, Parker Gwaltney, Abigail Miller, Sabrina Miller, Holly Penta, Rachel Reed, Jourdan Waddell, Olivia Warren;

Spring, Texas -- Sydney Normand;

Stinnett, Texas – Dalin Williams;

Stonewall – Mildred Hooper, Mallory McConathy, Emily McConnell, Brooke Meade, Clinton Oliver, Mackenzie Panther, Kassidy Parker;

Stuttgart, Germany -- Antonia Blattner;

Sulphur – Tiffany Lyons, Bryttani MacNamara;

Sunset – Lindsay Thibodeaux;

The Woodlands, Texas – Tyler Rapp;

Thibodaux – Sheridan Duet, Maegan Davis;

Tool, Texas – Kimberly Kidney;

Toronto Ontario – Rhea Verma;

Trout – Makayla King, Zachary Long, Deana Poole, Devon Smith, Andrea Walters;

Venice, Florida – Alexis Weaver;

Ventress – Racheal Gaude;

Ville Platte – Gabrielle Chapman, Joshua Galland, Alex Gautreaux;

Waco, Texas – Isabella Hudson;

Walker – Johnny Brister;

Washington – Tarik Andrus;

Welsh – Alisha Ledoux;

West Helena, Arkansas – Brittani Arana;

West Monroe – Julianne Cousans, Laura Lovell;

White Castle – Cassidy Blanchard, Gavin Landry;

Whitehouse, Texas – Jackson Allen;

Wilmington, Delaware – Amy Bourett;

Winnfield -- Tamierrea Alexander, John Collins, Simona Curry, Michael Duke, D’Tyria Duncan, Joshua Goins, Kassidy Grantadams, Kelsey Jordan, Elizabeth Parker, Caroline Womack, Maggie Womack;

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Tyra Duma;

Woodworth – Christian Jeansonne, Jonathan Magnano;

Wylie, Texas – Alexis Perry;

Yaroslav, Russia -- Polina Mutel;

Youngsville – Jessica Gilmore, Brandon Granger;

Zakopane, Poland -- Patrycja Polanska;

Zwolle – Shakelia Maxie, Holden Rivers.

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lakersworld · 6 years ago

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Hoopshype Projects Their ‘Top 30’ Power Forwards for the 2018-19 Season: 📸 @aaronpooleimages _ 1) Draymond Green 2) LaMarcus Aldridge 3) Kevin Love 4) Blake Griffin 5) Aaron Gordon 6) Julius Randle 7) Paul Millsap 8) Kristaps Porzingis 9) Tobias Harris 10) Dario Saric 11) Derrick Favors 12) Nikola Mirotic 13) Lauri Markanen 14) Kyle Kuzma 15) Carmelo Anthony 16) Taj Gibson 17) Jabari Parker 18) James Johnson 19) Thaddeus Young 20) Serge Ibaka 21) John Collins 22) Marcus Morris 23) Al-Farouq Aminu 24) Markieff Morris 25) Dirk Nowitzki 26) Pascal Siakam 27) Ersan Ilyasova 28) Jerami Grant 29) Jordan Bell 30) Jonathan Isaac ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🔸Kuzma too high, too low or they got it right? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (at Los Angeles, California)

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junker-town · 4 years ago

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Julius Randle has become the player he was always meant to be

How Julius Randle finally found the right situation to become an All-Star.

Julius Randle’s teammates blocked him from the microphone set up in Madison Square Garden to offer an opening statement on his behalf. Randle had just dropped 44 points on the Atlanta Hawks to carry his New York Knicks to their third straight victory, and his support cast had a message they wanted to share with the world before he began his post-game interview

“If this man’s not an All-Star, there’s a problem,” said Theo Pinson while surrounded by R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. They weren’t wrong.

In his seventh NBA season, Randle has blossomed into the leader of an alarmingly competent Knicks team during head coach Tom Thibodeau’s first season in charge. Randle is putting up career-best numbers in scoring (23.1 points per game), assists, and rebounding, where’s he’s top-10 in the league. He’s also second in the NBA in minutes per game.

A year after finishing 21-45 and being one of eight teams to miss the season restart in the bubble, the Knicks are one game under .500 and fighting for playoff position. If the season ended today, New York would be the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. A Knicks defense that finished No. 23 last year has jumped to No. 3 under Thibodeau, and young players like Barrett and Quickley have turned into dependable performers overnight. None of this would be possible without Randle’s star turn, though.

While he’s still only 26 years old, the thought of Randle putting together an All-Star season at this point in his career felt like a long shot. Not anymore. The talent Randle has shown from an early age has always been there, he just needed a team that could put him in the best position to succeed. It’s all coming together in his second season with the Knicks.

It wasn’t all that long ago when Randle was considered one of the brightest young basketball prospects in America. As a high school senior out of Prestonwood Christian in Plano, Texas, Randle was considered a consensus top-three prospect in the class of 2013 with Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker. The 6’9 forward built his reputation bulldozing through overmatched teenagers, but his physicality wasn’t the only part of his game that made him such a tantalizing long-term prospect.

The vision of Randle as a future NBA star was on display as he arrived in Chicago for the 2013 McDonald’s All-American Game. In the practices leading up to the game, Randle’s talent jumped off the floor for his burgeoning skill level as much as his raw power. Yes, Randle looked like the strongest player on the floor, and one of the fastest too. He was also handling the ball in transition, making reads as a passer, blowing by defenders off the dribble, and bodying opposing players at the rim.

Randle wasn’t even supposed to be a McDonald’s All-American after a fractured right foot cost him almost all of his senior season. Instead, he returned for the final five games and led Prestonwood to its second-straight state championship. If he was only a late addition to the event because of his injury, he sure didn’t look like someone coming off crutches weeks earlier against his most talented peers from around the country.

Randle’s ability to flash guard skills in the body of a throwback power forward is always what made him so intriguing. In those days, Randle’s ball handling ability was at the top of his scouting report. “A very talented ball-handler, Randle has an excellent first step and an array of shot-creating skills he can utilize in the mid or high post,” wrote DraftExpress in their first analysis of Randle in Jan. of 2012 as a high school junior.

Randle would commit to Kentucky a couple of weeks before the game, becoming the crown jewel of a class that had a record six McDonald’s All-Americans. There was buzz about a perfect season for the Wildcats as Randle arrived on campus, but Big Blue Nation would have to wait another year until it almost came true with Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker. Instead, Randle’s ‘Cats struggled to live up to expectations. Kentucky had loads of size and talent, but it had no shooting, as seems to be the case every year in Lexington. After dropping a string of games in the second half of SEC play, Kentucky was given a No. 8 seed in the NCAA tournament before going on a Cinderella run to the national title game that ended with a loss to UConn.

Randle entered the draft as expected, but his stock had taken a small hit. Kentucky didn’t let him create much with the ball in his hands, and didn’t have the spacing required to maximize his brutalizing drives to the basket. He watched Wiggins and Parker go 1-2, and then he fell to the Lakers at No. 7. Only 14 minutes into the first game of his NBA career, Randle suffered a broken tibia in his right leg and would miss the rest of the season.

Randle played 81 games in his second season, but that year was all about Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour. He took steps forward as a scorer and rebounder the next two years, but didn’t exactly look like the future star he was promised to be out of high school. When LeBron James committed to the Lakers on the first day of free agency in the summer of 2018, Randle asked the franchise to allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. He would sign the Pelicans for a season playing in another crowded front court with Anthony Davis. Randle would enjoy the best season of his career in New Orleans, but he was on the move again in the summer.

Randle was a Knick, signing a three-year, $63 million with a team option for the third season only after the team watched Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving join their crosstown rivals in Brooklyn. No one counted on Randle to be the savior the Knicks were hoping to land in free agency, and in his first season, he looked like anything but that.

NBAE via Getty Images

Head coach David Fizdale talked about emphasizing Randle’s creation ability when he showed up in New York, but the Knicks couldn’t help but get in their own way. They spent all of their cap space on power forwards in free agency, signing Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, and Marcus Morris in addition to Randle. The season was a disaster from the opening tip-off. Fizdale was fired after a 4-18 start, and the season was essentially a wash from then on.

Both Randle and the Knicks had very little in the way of expectations coming into this year, but they did have Thibodeau on their side. While critics rolled their eyes at the hiring of another retread head coach that had long-standing ties to New York’s new front office, Thibodeau has immediately made the Knicks look more organized, disciplined, and professional. No one has benefitted more than Randle.

Thibodeau once reworked his offense with the Chicago Bulls to make Joakim Noah a ‘point-center’ in the absence of Derrick Rose to injury. He’s essentially done the same thing with Randle this year. If Randle isn’t dribbling the ball up the court after made baskets, he is the focal point of every offensive possession for New York. Thibodeau has helped simplify the game for Randle, getting him the ball in spots where he can make can make easy reads on when to attack and when to look for a teammate. Randle has made those actions even more effective by making shocking strides as a shooter.

This is how someone who wasn’t considered a top-100 player on multiple preseason lists suddenly transformed into a worthy All-Star candidate.

Randle is fully tapped into his creation skills

The playmaking boom Randle is experiencing this season hasn’t come from increased usage. His usage rate of 27.6 percent is almost identical to what it’s been the last two years. Meanwhile, his assist rate — which was exactly 15.8 percent the previous three seasons — has risen to a career-best 25.9 percent. He’s averaging two more assists per game than any of his teammates.

How is this happening? For one, Randle has the ball more than ever before even if he isn’t finishing plays. He ranks No. 6 in the league in touches this season and No. 15 in passes thrown per game, both numbers way up from last year. Randle is throwing as many passes as Draymond Green each night, and the only true bigs ahead of him are Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis.

It feels like Randle is making quicker reads with the ball. Would he make this pass last year?

Julius Randle is an all-star. RT if you agree. #NBAAllStar (via @nyknicks) pic.twitter.com/YPktmwQOua

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 14, 2021

Even during his big 44-point performance against the Hawks, Randle also finished with five assists. Earlier in his career he might have tried to draw a foul in this situation.

Now he can see the floor and make a pass for three points instead of two:

The Knicks run actions to get switches on Randle early in the shot clock where he tries to punish smaller defenders with his physicality. When that doesn’t work, he now has a Plan B. Randle has learned how the read the help and where to go with the ball when the defense collapses on him.

Even when it doesn’t look pretty, it can be effective:

Knicks Rook Immanuel Quickley goes for the DEEP 3 after a long pass from Julius Randle! pic.twitter.com/lTS2UBLm6q

— BenchWarmerPost (@BenchWarmerPost) February 16, 2021

As Randle’s playmaking numbers have jumped, he’s also lowered his turnover percentage from last season. Part of this is the maturity that comes with having six years of experience under your belt. Part of it is a new role in a new scheme. The final piece for Randle has been forcing defenses to respect him from new areas on the court, which has opened up the rest of his game.

Randle’s improved shooting has been remarkable

If Randle’s playmaking skills were always bubbling just below the surface, his shooting touch had to be built from scratch. After hitting only three three-pointers in his season at Kentucky, Randle made just 37 three-pointers in his next 237 games after recovering from the injury his rookie year.

Randle finally started hitting threes during his one season in New Orleans, making a remarkable jump to can 67 triples on 34.4 percent shooting. He made a similar number of threes last year with the Knicks, but saw his percentage drop to 27.7 percent. With plenty of free time on his hands after New York’s season ended in March, Randle dedicated himself to remaking his jump shot. He took up to 1,500 jumpers per day over the extended offseason, according to The Athletic. He changed his diet, stopped drinking alcohol, and got in better shape. It’s all paying off for him right now.

After going 7-for-13 from three-point range against the Hawks, Randle is now shooting 40.3 percent from behind the arc on the season on 4.4 attempts per game. He’s taking and making shots he could never dream of before.

THIS MAN IS AN #NBAALLSTAR @J30_RANDLE pic.twitter.com/mqrjBQL4pw

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 16, 2021

Randle hasn’t just improved as a three-point shooter, he’s improved as a shooter everywhere. He’s making 80.2 percent of his free throws after never hitting better than 73 percent before. He’s also taking and making way more long twos than ever before. A season ago, Randle took eight percent of his shots from between 16-feet and the three-point line and made 35.8 percent of them, per Basketball Reference. This year, he’s taking 13.6 percent of his shots from the same distance, while making a remarkable 47 percent of those attempts.

This is the look of a man who is confident shooting the ball:

Buckets. RT! #JuliusRandle x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/ubIWaqVtxR

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 13, 2021

Randle is likely due for some regression, but it’s clear he’s put a serious amount of work into improving his shot from a variety of different situations. Play off Randle at your own risk now. He’s ready to burn you.

Julius Randle always had these skills. Now he’s turned into an All-Star

When Randle started his rise up the basketball word as a top-ranked high school player, the term ‘stretch four’ wasn’t yet widely accepted in the basketball lexicon. He entered the league just as it was seriously starting to evolve, with players at his position needing to adapt more than anyone else. It’s been a long road, but Randle has worked to fit his game into today’s league.

It’s clear that the game is slowing down for Randle in his seventh year. His ability to punish weaker defenders remains the foundation of his skill set, but there’s so much more where that came from. Randle won’t hesitate to take a jump shot with a few inches of space. Trap him and he’ll find the open teammate. He’s even playing a sizable role on a top-three defense in the league so far.

Randle isn’t just putting up numbers, he’s also helping his team win. He has a positive net rating for the first time in his career, per NBA.com.

Randle always had the ability to be an All-Star dating back his high school days when he was simply more dominant than any of his peers. He just needed the right system, right coach, and right development track. It’s all come together in his seventh season. The player powering the Knicks into playoff contention and turning into an All-Star before our eyes — this is who Julius Randle was always destined to be.

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nieceeee · 1 year ago

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“WEBBED UP”

P/S: Ever since you found out that the hero who saved you was actually your now boyfriend, things have shifted in your relationship. You have become so much more comfortable with each other and he is way more open and affectionate towards you. You love the way that he loves you but sometimes that affection can get you in trouble. Especially on days like this.

WC: 500

A/N: Decided to play my hand at a Spider-Man OC X reader. I’ll probably make it an entire world. I didn’t want to use one already created because I wanted to add specific powers. So here’s a little teaser.

Suggestive content

Jabari Oshuna Morris has been acting as his worlds Spider-Man for years now. He has the typical spider powers but also has two additional power only know to him. Teleportation and the perfect binding with the symbiote that he can control on a whim. Jabari is a free flying Spider-Man who loves his city and everyone in it. He keeps his identity away from everyone to keep them safe but can he manage it when he falls for his new coworker. What happens when his two worlds start to mix?

“Baby, I can't right now. I really have to go.” You were trying your best to get through your morning routine and get ready for work but your man clearly had other plans. You weren’t sure what it was but today he was all over you. And it didn't help that he had powers at all. You kept finding him everywhere you turned. Whether that was teleporting into the shower while you washed up or constantly pulling you near him with his webbing. He was insatiable this morning.

“Jabari, seriously baby I don't have the time right now.” You fuss at him as he holds your waist tightly while you try and pull your clothes on. He mumbled something under his breath but lets you go. You thought you were all good to finally get ready without distractions until it was time for you to leave the house. You turn to walk out the door when you felt a thick white rope of webbing wrap around your waist. “What the…bari?!” You yelp out as he whips you around and pulls you back into his arms. He smirks down at you as he traps your body in his. “Yeah, bring yo fine ass back over here.” He says, wrapping his arms around your waist, hands sliding down to the underside of your ass and squeezing slightly

He loved the way your body felt in his hands. The softness of your ass and he massaged his fingers into it and the way your perky breasts pressed against his chest, the faint beating of your heart tapping against him. “Boy you’re going to make me late for work.” You roll my eyes. A mmcht left his lips as he repeated the same gesture. “I can literally take you to work in seconds.” He says bending down to press his nose into your neck. “No, you cannot. How the hell am I going to explain just appearing at my desk?” You smack a hand against his muscled chest trying to free yourself from the sticky binding you were trapped in but he only wraps it tighter. “Bari, you know this stuff is sticky. It’s going to get all over me.” You say still trying to free yourself. “Only if you keep trying to escape. If you let me have my way with you, I can break it no problem.”he taunts you, speaking into your skin.

“No, Jabari. I just got ready. You’re going to make me a mess before I can even walk out the door.” Your fighting was useless against him. Between his super strength and his webs, you knew there was no way you were escaping this situation. “Come ooon.” He pouted, kissing you softly, his lips grazing over your sensitive skin. You breathe in slightly, that familiar tingle racing through your body. “Bari, I can't be late.” You groan, your defenses wavering under his touch. “You won’t.” Was the only thing he said before dragging his tongue up your neck…

#spiderman #spider man x reader #spider man x y/n #spider man x you #teaser #spider verse #spiderverse oc #nieceenotes

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sportsetdivertissement · 5 years ago

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Chaque accord depuis la date limite du commerce NBA 2020 jusqu'à présent

Si vous avez du mal à suivre tous les mouvements et secousses qui se déroulent dans la ligue, nous ne vous en voulons pas. Voici un aperçu rapide de chaque accord de date limite. Les Hawks reçoivent: Clint Capela, Nene Hilario Les Rockets reçoivent: Robert Covington, Jordan Bell, choix de deuxième ronde Les Timberwolves reçoivent: Malik Beasley, Evan Turner, Juancho Hernangomez, Jarred Vanderbilt, choix de première ronde Les pépites reçoivent: Shabazz Napier, Gerald Green, Noah Vonleh, Keita Bates-Diop, choix de première ronde Les Timberwolves du Minnesota reçoivent: D’Angelo Russell, Omari Spellman, Jacob Evans Les Golden State Warriors reçoivent: Andrew Wiggins, choix du 1er tour, choix du 2e tour Miami Heat reçoit: Andre Iguodala Les Grizzlies de Memphis reçoivent: Justise Winslow Los Angeles Clippers reçoivent: Marcus Morris, Isaiah Thomas Les Knicks de New York reçoivent: Moe Harkless, choix du 1er tour Washington Wizards reçoit: Jerome Robinson Les Cavaliers de Cleveland reçoivent: Andre Drummond Detroit Pistons reçoit: Brandon Knight, John Henson, choix de 2e ronde Miami Heat reçoit: Jae Crowder, Solomon Hill Les Grizzlies de Memphis reçoivent: Dion Waiters, James Johnson Les Kings de Sacramento reçoivent: Jabari Parker, Alex Len Les Hawks d'Atlanta reçoivent: Dewayne Dedmon, deux choix de deuxième ronde Denver Nuggets reçoit: Jordan McRae Washington Wizards reçoit: Shabazz Napier Orlando Magic reçoit: James Ennis Les Philadelphia 76ers reçoivent: choix de 2e ronde Les Grizzlies de Memphis reçoivent: Gorgui Dieng Les Timberwolves du Minnesota reçoivent: James Johnson Les Grizzlies de Memphis reçoivent: Jordan Bell Les Houston Rockets reçoivent: Bruno Caboclo Pour plus de contenu de Basketball Forever, suivez @bballforeverfb et @nickjungfer. p En savoir plus: voici tous les problèmes avec le nouveau format de jeu NBA All-Star

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twins2994 · 7 years ago

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Yankees Making Moves During Winter Meetings.

The New York Yankees have finalized a trade that has been talked about for the past week. The Yankees have acquired Giancarlo Stanton from the Marlins for 2B Starlin Castro, RHP Jorge Guzman, and IF Jose Devers. The Marlins wanted to get out of Stanton’s huge contract and the Yankees will take on a majority of it. This deal reminds me of the Yankees taking on a majority of Alex Rodriguez’s contract in exchange for Alfonso Soriano. Stanton is currently under a 13-year, $325 million contract that will expire after the 2027 season. Castro’s contract will run two seasons then he will be a free agent. This is another black eye for the Miami Marlins, who can never seem to keep high quality talent in town. After winning the 2003 World Series, the Marlins stripped down in just a couple years. When the Marlins got their new ballpark they made tons of free agent moves that didn’t work out. Miami is under new ownership and Derek Jeter has a majority stake in it. I just hope the Marlins can become competitive now that Jeffrey Loria’s reign of terror is over.

In order to pay Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees made another trade that sent Chase Headley back to San Diego along with RHP Bryan Mitchell in exchange for outfielder Jabari Blash. Headley struggled in his time with the Yankees and will go back to the Padres, where he was a solid player. This move saves the Yankees $13 million that was going to be paid to Headley.

Here are other moves made this week:

The Cubs signed RHP Brandon Morrow to a two-year, $21 million, which seems like a ton for a middle reliever.

The Cardinals signed RHP Luke Gregerson to a two-year, $11 million deal.

Tons of players are rumored to be traded, but not much should happen. It is Winter Meetings Week after all.

MLB announced that Jack Morris and Alan Trammel will be inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July.

-Chris Kreibich-

#Twins #MnTwins #MLB

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homecourt30-blog · 7 years ago

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Draft 17' NBA 2nd round : 60 / 60.

46ème : Bucks, Sterling Brown, SG / SF. 47 : Pacers, Ike Anigbogu, C. 48 : Clippers, Sindarius Thornwell, SG. 49 : Nuggets, Vlatko Cancar, SF / PF. 50 : Sixers, Matthias Lessort, PF. 51 : Nuggets, Monte Morris, PG. 52 : Pacers, Edmond Summer, PG / SG. 53 : Celtics, Kadeem Allen, SG. 54 : Suns, Alec Peters, PF. 55 : Jazz, Nigel - Williams - Goss, PG. 56 : Celtics, Jabari Bird, SG. 57 : Nets, Aleksandar Vezenkov, SF / PF. 58 : Knicks, Ognjen Jaramaz, PG. 59 : Spurs, Jaron Blossomgame, SF. 60 : Hawks, Alpha Kaba, PF.

The End of draft !

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weekegg2-blog · 5 years ago

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Keys to the Game: Bulls vs. Wizards (02.09.19)

The Bulls and the Washington Wizards meet for the second time this season, but the first at the United Center. Back on December 28th Chicago defeated Washington, 101-92, at Capital One Arena in our nation’s capital. All five Bulls starters scored in double figures, led by Zach LaVine’s 24. Lauri Markkanen (14 points / 14 rebounds) and rookie Wendell Carter Jr (17 points/ 13 rebounds) also recorded double-doubles. All-Star guard Bradley Beal led Washington with a game-high 34 points.

For both the Bulls and the Wizards tonight wraps up a back-to-back set of games, as Chicago played in Brooklyn yesterday while Washington took on Cleveland in DC. The two also came together to pull off a significant trade this week, with the Bulls sending forwards Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis to the Wiz for Otto Porter Jr. The Wizards then conducted a second player swap just before the NBA mandated deadline the other day, shipping Markieff Morris and a future second round pick to New Orleans for veteran wing sniper Wesley Johnson.

Porter joins the Bulls averaging 12.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists this season. He’s a career 39 percent 3-point shooter who connected on better than 43 percent of his deep attempts each of the previous two seasons. The hope is that he and the above-mentioned Lauri Markkanen can transform into an intimidating frontline for many years to come. Markkanen, who currently is in his second season, is averaging 17.9 points and 8.1 rebounds.

Zach LaVine is also enjoying a terrific statistical year, leading the Bulls in scoring with a career-best 22.9 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, shooting 45.5 percent from the field overall. Heading into the weekend LaVine had scored 20+ points in six of his last eight games and has posted 34 games of 20 or more points overall. He’s one of only three players in the Eastern Conference to accomplish such a feat.

Prior to last night’s contests both the Bulls and Wizards have been struggling to win games of late, as Chicago had lost two-in-a-row and six of eight, while Washington had lost three straight and six of their last eight, as well.

In order to end up on top this evening the Bulls are need to overpower and out-execute Washington at both ends of the floor. Offensively they must keep the ball moving, getting everyone involved in the action. The Bulls have to make the ball skip from side-to-side and from player-to-player to force the Wizards to scramble to defend both the perimeter and down in the paint. To that end Chicago’s primary guards (Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine), as well as both Porter and Markkanen, must display an aggressive mindset, and be willing to attack the rim at every opportunity.

As a team, the Bulls also need take command of the boards and look to speed up the pace by getting out on the break as often as possible in order to post easy scores before Washington can set up defensively.

From the opening tip until the final buzzer, Chicago has to commit to outhustling the Wizards in every way imaginable.

Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/gameday/keys-game-bulls-vs-wizards-020919

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

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lakersworld · 7 years ago

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HoopsHype Has Projected the Top 30 Power Forwards for the 2017-18 Season. *Julius Randle Ranked #19 _ 1. Anthony Davis, Pelicans 2. Draymond Green, Warriors 3. Blake Griffin, Clippers 4. Kristaps Porzingis, Knicks 5. Paul Millsap, Nuggets 6. Kevin Love, Cavaliers 7. LaMarcus Aldridge, Spurs 8. Cody Zeller, Hornets 9. Derrick Favors, Jazz 10. Aaron Gordon, Magic 11. Serge Ibaka, Raptors 12. Markieff Morris, Wizards 13. James Johnson, Heat 14. Marcus Morris, Celtics 15. Ryan Anderson, Rockets 16. Patrick Patterson, Thunder 17. Nikola Mirotic, free agent 18. Dario Saric, 76ers 19. Julius Randle, Lakers 20. Gorgui Dieng, TWolves 21. Ben Simmons, 76ers 22. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks 23. Thaddeus Young, Pacers 24. JaMychal Green, Grizzlies 25. Al-Farouq Aminu, Trail Blazers 26. Ersan Ilyasova, Hawks 27. Jabari Parker, Bucks 28. Lauri Markkanen, Bulls 29. Juan Hernangomez, Nuggets 30. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Rockets

#19

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junker-town · 5 years ago

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The 15 best players left in NBA free agency, ranked

Most of the big names were off the board early, but there’s quality depth left to be signed.

The opening eight hours of free agency answered most of the questions we had about the future of the NBA. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant became Nets, Jimmy Butler was traded to the Heat, Tobias Harris stayed with the Sixers, Al Horford joined him there, and D’Angelo Russell was moved to the Warriors. Still, there’s talent left to grab.

Kawhi Leonard is the biggest name left on the board, and DeMarcus Cousins is the lone other All-Star, bur rotation players are still looking for homes.

Here are the best free agents left.

Last update: 3:12 p.m. ET

1. Kawhi Leonard

Leonard’s the big one, with the Raptors, Lakers and Clippers vying for his talents. His decision is likely to change the landscape of the league. Will L.A. will have a true superteam, or will every contender is as talented at the top as the next.

2. DeMarcus Cousins

With the Russell trade, the routes for Cousins to return to the Warriors are slim. But what’s the market for a center who has torn his Achilles and quad in consecutive years? With money running slim for most teams who had cap space, Cousins might have to sign for a discount again.

3. Danny Green

Green started for the champion Raptors because he does two things: shoot threes and defend. He should command a similar role no matter where he goes, though he’ll reportedly hold out on his decision until Leonard makes one.

4. Kevon Looney

Looney came on strong for a Warriors team that lacked depth last season. A versatile defender, Looney plays a role sought by every team looking to make the playoffs. He doesn’t do much on offense, but he’s a star in his one role.

5. Marcus Morris

Morris is coming off one of his best seasons on a clunky Celtics team. He scored 14 points with six rebounds on 37 percent three-point shooting. He’s one of the best bench scorers available at the very least, and contenders should seek him out.

6. JaMychal Green

A 6’9 big man who can shoot, Green is a very good role player for a team looking to compete. He shot 41 percent from three on three tries per night last year in L.A. and has shot 37 percent for his career.

7. Delon Wright (restricted)

Wright showed he can be productive in a bigger role with the Grizzlies in 26 games last season. The 27-year-old guard scored 14 points per game with six assists — albeit on just 43 percent shooting. But the 6’5 PG with a 6’6 reach is a solid defender, too. The Grizzlies can match any deal he signs.

8. Kelly Oubre (restricted)

The 23-year-old forward is still a work in progress, but he could become an excellent role player or even lower-level starter. He scored 17 points per game on 45 percent shooting in 40 games with Phoenix last year. The Suns can match any offer Oubre signs.

9. Willie Cauley-Stein

Cauley-Stein averaged 12 points and eight rebounds for a productive Kings team last year. He defends the paint well too, and should make for a quality backup big.

10. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Hollis-Jefferson’s place in the league will remain unclear until he figures out how to shoot the ball better, but he’s a great defender, and that should be enough for spot minutes. With Brooklyn signing DeAndre Jordan, Durant and Irving, it’s unlikely they retain RHJ.

11. Jabari Parker

The former No. 2 pick has had two ACL injuries and continues to struggle on defense, but can play a scorer’s role somewhere. He averaged 15 points on 49 percent shooting last year with the Bulls and Wizards.

12. Avery Bradley

Bradley hit a wall after the 2018 season, only scoring 10 points per game last season on 35 percent three-point shooting and worsening on the defensive end. He’s only 28, though. Could a change of scenery help?

13. Emmanuel Mudiay

Mudiay hasn’t been great in his first four seasons in the league, but he’s also just 23 years old. He scored 15 points on 45 percent shooting last year.

14. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

He shot 35 percent from three last year, which is fine. He has also played 74 games or more in all six seasons. He’s a fine bench player.

15. Rajon Rondo

He isn’t what he once was, but someone will take a veteran with championship experience — maybe even the Lakers!. He averaged nine points, eight assists and five rebounds last year.

Everyone else

In no particular order:

Carmelo Anthony

Jeff Green

Wesley Matthews

Alec Burks

Justin Holiday

Tyus Jones (R)

Jared Dudley

Markieff Morris

James Ennis

Joakim Noah

Kenneth Faried

Jordan Bell (R)

T.J. McConnell

Khem Birch (R)

Ivica Zubac (R)

Isaiah Thomas

Boban Marjanovic

Jeremy Lin

Frank Kaminsky

Jonas Jerebko

Anthony Tolliver

Dorian Finney-Smith (R)

Jake Layman (R)

Nene

Rodney McGruder (R)

Trey Lyles (R)

Justin Anderson

Noah Vonleh

Corey Brewer

Ian Clark

Daniel Theis (R)

Iman Shumpert

Devin Harris

Quinn Cook (R)

Andrew Bogut

Alex Caruso (R)

Luol Deng

Shelvin Mack

Amir Johnson

Patrick McCaw (R)

Jose Calderon

Darius Miller

Furkan Korkmaz

Kosta Koufos

Pau Gasol

Raymond Felton

Jerryd Bayless

Glenn Robinson III

Kyle O’Quinn

Wilson Chandler

Dragan Bender

Dante Cunningham

Marquese Chriss

Cheick Diallo

Greg Monroe

Jamal Crawford

Jodie Meeks

Lance Stephenson

Thabo Sefolosha

Sam Dekker

Wayne Selden

Zaza Pachulia

Nik Stauskas

Jerian Grant

Tim Frazier

Cameron Payne

Quincy Pondexter

Chasson Randle

Edmond Sumner (R)

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deskcoin64-blog · 6 years ago

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Oladipo powers Pacers to thrilling victory over Celtics

Los Angeles (AFP) - Victor Oladipo drained a clutch three pointer with three seconds left on the clock as the Indiana Pacers cooled off the red-hot Boston Celtics with a dramatic 102-101 victory on Saturday.

The second year all-star Oladipo finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers who trailed by four points with 37 seconds to go before charging back.

Tyreke Evans added 17 points as the Pacers shot 41 percent from the field.

Marcus Morris had a team-high 23 points and six rebounds for the Celtics, who shot 43 percent overall in a tightly-contested game in front of a crowd of 17,500 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse arena.

Indiana trailed 101-97 after Boston's Kyrie Irving hit a three-pointer with 37 seconds remaining.

Oladipo was fouled by Jaylen Brown with 29 seconds left and made both free throws to cut the Celtic lead to 101-99.

With the clock winding down, Oladipo seized a defensive rebound and dribbled up the court before stopping on the right side and nailing a three pointer over top of Boston center Al Horford.

On the next Boston possession, Gordon Hayward inbounded and had his pass deflected and stolen by Oladipo, who tossed the ball up to begin the victory celebration.

Elsewhere, James Harden scored 25 points in his return to the Houston lineup, and the Rockets defeated the Chicago Bulls 96-88.

The NBA's reigning MVP Harden scored 11 straight points in a two minute span of the third quarter as the Rockets went on a 15-0 run.

Harden had missed three games with a sore left hamstring, suffering the injury in a loss to Utah on October 24.

Harden started slowly in his return to the lineup. He didn't score until completing a driving layup with 3:55 left in the second quarter. Then he hit back-to-back shots from beyond the arc.

Houston won their second game in as many nights after beginning the season a dismal 1-5.

Veteran Carmelo Anthony had 17 points and James Ennis added 15 in the win.

Houston seized control of the contest by outscoring the Bulls 21-7 in the third.

Zach LaVine led Chicago with 21 points, and Wendell Carter had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulls who lost their fourth consecutive game.

Jabari Parker added 15 points as the Bulls also dropped their fifth straight to the Rockets.

In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid continued to manhandle other teams around the NBA, scoring a game high 39 points and snagging 17 rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-99 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Embiid scored 32 points in a dominating first half which also saw him make eight of nine shots and 15 of 17 free throws.

Detroit got as close as five with 4:48 remaining before an Embiid layup and JJ Redick's three-pointer which pushed the lead to a comfortable 10 points.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/oladipo-powers-pacers-thrilling-victory-over-celtics-035845549--nba.html?src=rss

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