#maniac encore in los angeles

[250318]

© 볼빵빵 쿼카몬 | do not edit and/or crop logo

[skz-haven]

© Stray Kids

[mylovelyhyunjin]

230331 Maniac Encore in Los Angeles

Hyunjin

[©hwanghjkr, ©dearlyendear_hj, ©zerotozero_, ©hyunimi_0320, ©seungsjin]

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[dwaekibinnie]

MANIAC Encore in LA

[yuncheoligans]

Day 2 was literally just as good. Definitely recharged my serotonin for a month. Can't wait for the next and as they say

Do whatever you want

같이 틀을 깨고

여기 아지트로 모여 right now

STEP OUT do what you want

일단 다 해버려

추억으로 남겨 now or never.

Thank you Stray Kids. Thank you Los Angeles. Thank you all my friends who let me drag them along and to all my online friends who listened to me not shutup about these concerts. This was truly a special weekend in a really rough start to the year.

[quokka143]

I genuinely don't know how I'm supposed to go back to normal life after spending the weekend in LA seeing skz

[mybodyfails]

han - recap 2023

(tumblr user @mybodyfails' ramblings under the read more)

jan

230120 manila: stay with bench - fanmeet

blue jeans, dress shirt AND beret?! we're off to a great start.

he was hitting the dougie too. of course.

feb

230213 skz-record: volcano

definitely my soty! when the drums come in and the song explodes? literally erupting like a volcano? 🫠

honorary mention:

230226 chan's room ep. 199

i keep coming back to this stream whenever i feel down, they were just so hyper and giggly!

mar

230311 manila: maniac world tour - day 1

the one where he had to sit out bc he was sick. who knew you could slay a performance like that. in the end all of us were seated i think.

also gave us this beautiful moment: beethoven who

april

230401&230402 los angeles: maniac world tour encore

toddling around in his gigantic dungarees and adorable hat, han quokka clipped to him. all i need tbh.

may

230523 bbl: life advice

tape the blanket to yourself and you won't catch a cold, apparently.

but also, not a specific month - but i'm putting this on behalf of all the mini concerts he did for us on bubble, taking suggestions for covers or writing songs on the fly 🥰

june

release: topline mv feat. tiger jk

aka the day where jisung got adopted but was too shy to get his number. 🥺 LOOK AT HIM! elated hamster! fanning himself w his fake money!

jul

230701&230702 3rd fanmeeting pilot for 5star

the life-size skzoos and their interactions were such a cute surprise 😭 rmbr when he kept gently smoothing down han quokka's velvety fur 😭

230722 paris: lollapalooza

he was on fire that day. HOTTER THAN HOT.

aug

230816 fukuoka: 5star dome tour begins

and with it came his 'don't say' solo stage and him playing the fucking guitar. wasn't just me, we all lost our marbles over this.. right?

honorary mention:

august was also the month were han didn't open an individual ig account 😸

sep

230924 new york: global citizen festival

they were five members short but 3racha gave it their all. i am a big fan of the hoop earrings, personally.

oct

231013 lil durk release: all my life (skz remix)

they took that song and gave it a very distinct flavour, especially jisung.

231015 skz-record: want so bad

minsung and their gay little song, didn't expect anything less from thems two.

nov

231111 mbc show! music core & mini fanmeeting

life-altering duality, wearing that CROPTOP on stage and turning into the sweetest babushka right before our very eyes immediately after..

dec

231214 manila: asia artist awards

what's with jisung and his best moments happening in the philippines?! that's the third time this year! petition for skz to move there. 🙏

3racha winning the best creator award was already a highlight, but hannie en route to the bathroom.. running back.. having to hold his pee for the acceptance speech - a classic.

now please come to me and tell me your fave jisung/your bias/skz moments of 2023!

[yeoboseyobitches]

STRAY KIDS 2nd WORLD TOUR MANIAC ENCORE IN LOS ANGELES DISPATCH PHOTOS

[linolinoing]

Stray Kids Maniac World Tour Encore in Los Angeles D2 © felix___thecat

[thephotopitmagazine]

If anyone asked me to name bands that people must-see live, Nonpoint will always be on that list. I’ve seen them so many times over their career and always enjoy every single performance. The last time I saw Nonpoint was on August 24, 2018, when they were touring off their latest album X. You can read that review HERE. It was a show I would never forget. When I heard they were returning to the House of Blues Orlando on September 27th, I knew I had to be there. It was a solid crowd that night with the Nonpoint fans and members of Orlando’s rock station 101.1 WJRR ready for a night of rock and metal for The Red Tape Tour.

Los Angeles Zero Theorem opened the show that night. The band describes themselves via their Facebook page as “hard rock and metal with a dark science fiction aesthetic”. In 2018 they released their EP Ataraxis and are currently working on a two-part installment titled The Killing. The band consists of Caesar (vocals), Jake Hayden (drums), Eloy Palacios (bass), and Roy Lev-Ari (guitar). This was my first time getting to hear the band live and they left a good impression on me. I found their music to be more hard rock, but when they dropped the heavy sounds, it thundered in the House of Blues. Caesar’s vocals were powerful, Eloy’s and Roy’s playing was stellar, and Jake was one of the calmest drummers I’ve seen for someone who rocked the set. The band was energetic on stage and had the crowd cheering them on till the end of their set. You can find their merch and music at https://zerotheoremband.com and see a full gallery of pics of their performance HERE.

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Their setlist from that night was:

The Killing

Low

Area

Becoming

Rorschach

Cannonball

You

Threads

Next to the stage was Madame Mayhem. Natalie Ann Cohen (better known as Madame Mayhem) is a New York City born singer and songwriter whose fashion and music scream rock. Though she’s a classically trained vocalist, pianist, and guitarist, the power of rock was stronger and fans are grateful for it. Madame Mayhem has shared the stage with bands such as Sevendust, Memphis May Fire, Fozzy, Doro, and now that evening Nonpoint. She has released three albums with her most recent Ready For Me in 2017. Though I had heard of Madame Mayhem before, I had not the opportunity to see her perform live. Madame Mayhem hits the stage with the presence of Amy Lee and Lzzy Hale and the vocals to match. She and her band are energetic on stage, constantly moving, and doing it with style and pizazz. The music is heart-pounding rock with blissful vocals that will jaw drop you. Needless to say, I was beyond impressed with Madame Mayhem and look forward to seeing them come through Orlando again. You can find their merch and music at http://www.madamemayhem.com/ and see a full gallery of pics of their performance HERE.

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Their setlist from that night was:

War You Started

Breaking Down

Broken

Monster

I Am More

Cruel Heart

Something Better (Now You Know)

Then the Orlando crowd was in for a real treat to have one of our own bands, Devils Envy, grace the stage. First formed in 2016 the band went through a number of challenges and lineup changes. Determined to not give up on music, the band continued forward and solidified their lineup. They performed their first show together at The Haven in Winter Park at the annual Halloween Havoc. The band re-released their EP Dead Inside and have released additional singles while working on material for their debut album. Devils Envy is Angel Graves (vocals), Sean St. John (drums), Austin Diaz (guitar), Brian Kizer (guitar), and Paul Ziccardi (bass). From the opening note, you could tell we were in for something special. The music ripped through the crowd hard and heavy and they went insane for hometown band. Angel’s vocals were very impressive being able to go through various notes with ease and power. Austin’s intense guitar playing truly caught my attention as he made his way across the stage. Angel urged the crowd to jump and move and the crowd was happy to do so. I truly loved at the end of the show, Angel brought his son out on stage to celebrate with him. It was a truly touching moment. Devils Envy gave notice with their performance that we are going to see bigger things coming from them soon and I’m looking forward to seeing it. You can find their music at https://devilsenvymusic.com and see a full gallery of pics of their performance HERE.

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Finally, the crowd was ready for the headliners Nonpoint. The metal band from Ft. Lauderdale, FL started off back in early 1997 before self-releasing their first album ‘Separate Yourself’ later that year. And it was only the start of a successful career. They signed a record deal with MCA and released ‘Statement’ in 2000. Their fourth studio album ‘To The Pain’ would release one of their most recognizable songs “Bullet With a Name”. Each of Nonpoint’s album made it into the Billboard Top 200 with their highest ranking album came with ‘The Return’ in 2014 peaking at #39. And this evening the band released their 10th album ‘X’. Nonpoint is Elias Soriano (vocals), Robb Rivera (drums), Rasheed Thomas (rhythm guitar), Adam Woloszyn (bass), and this time touring musician Ahrue Luster (lead guitar) who played with both Ill Nino and Machine Head.

101.1 WJRR’s Supa Dave came out to announce the band, as he does every time Nonpoint plays in Orlando. The rock station has always been so supportive of Nonpoint throughout their career. He got the crowd started with the way they always come out, with a very soft chant of “Nonpoint, Nonpoint, Nonpoint” and then let the crowd take it over getting louder and louder until they came onto the stage. The crowd went insane and Elias was all smiles looking over the crowd. The band started off with “Miracle” the title track from their sixth album and followed with “Endure” from Statement. Nonpoint as always was on a roll getting the crowd hyped up. Elias vocals are always solid, Rasheed is a maniac whipping his hair around and playing fast, Adam was headbanging away, Robb was smashing the drums as he does so well, and even Ahrue was grooving along with the music. The band was having fun and the crowd was enjoying it.

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Nonpoint was having fun with the fans during the show. Elias and Robb once again played “Who Can Make Their Side Cheer Louder”. Elias had his side going strong. Robb took over slightly. Elias had control of his side going from high to low to high again. Robb looked at Elias in disgust, pulled down his shorts, and threw his hands in the air, which made all the crowd cheer and Elias and the rest of the band started laughing. And yes, he was wearing underwear. It was an unexpected moment and hilarious. Elias reminded the moshers to pick people up if they got knocked over as he saw some people go down on the mosh pit. And overall you could just see they were having a great time on stage.

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

The setlist was different than the last show bringing back some songs they haven’t played in a while. Notably missing was their cover of “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins and “Generation Idiot”. I did love them bringing back “Lights, Camera, Action” and “I Said It”. Elias ripped through the lyrics on both of those so easily even though they are both heavy on lyrics. Nonpoint kept one of my personal favorites “What a Day” and of course “El Diablo”, a huge fan favorite song. The band played from X “Dodge Your Destiny”, “Chaos and Earthquakes” (another personal favorite), and their most recent single “Fix This”. I’m not sure what it is about that song but “Fix This” absolutely grabs me to play it on repeat over an over. The band, of course, wrapped up with “Bullet With A Name” to a massive ovation when they finished.

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

Photo by Talon Kane Photography

You can find Nonpoint music and merch at their website http://nonpoint.com/ and see a full gallery of pics of their performance HERE.

Their setlist for that night:

Miracle

Endure

Breaking Skin

That Day

Dodge Your Destiny

Your Signs

The Truth

Lights, Camera, Action

I Said It

El Diablo

What a Day

Rabia

Orgullo

Chaos and Earthquakes

Fix This

Alive and Kicking

Bullet with a Name

There was no encore performance that night but they took a photo of them with the crowd which they were going to sell at the merch booth upstairs. he merch line was huge of people waiting to get their chance to buy merch, get a selfie with them, and even just to say hello. And what I’ve always loved about Nonpoint is that they take time to spend with their fans who support them. After all these years playing shows and 10 albums they haven’t forgotten the fans. Before the show started, I was walking to the House of Blues to pick up my pass and ticket and saw outside the venue Elias and Rasheed just chit-chatting with two fans. I took a moment to wait until they were done and they both happily took the time to chat. It’s the little things like this that fans remember and make them such a huge supporters of Nonpoint.

So when the opportunity for you arises to see Nonpoint, go. Honestly, I can’t wait until they come back again.

From The Pit To The Crowd: Nonpoint with Devils Envy, Madame Mayhem, and Zero Theorem Review – House of Blues Orlando – Lake Buena Vista FL – September 27, 2019 If anyone asked me to name bands that people must-see live, Nonpoint will always be on that list.

[250318]

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[skz-haven]

© Felix the Cat | Do not edit.

[ieatmovies]

SAMURAI COP 2 - DEADLY VENGEANCE (2015) Miracle dû aux backers Kickstarter et Indiegogo ayant permis à la suite du cultissime nanar SAMURAI COP (1991) de voir le jour, il était grand temps de se pencher sur SAMURAI COP 2, produit par Tommy Wiseau (THE ROOM, 2003) himself, incarnant lui-même le bad guy de cet opus. Pour mémoire, SAMURAI COP était un nanar génial, buddy-movie à la manque mettant en scène ce duo de flics pas comme les autres, composé de Joe Marshall -le dit “Samurai Cop”- et son pote Frank Washington: la storyline de ce premier opus kitschissime à souhait narrait le démantèlement du gang japonais Katana -de vilains Yakuzas sévissant dans les rues de L.A.- via ces séquences d’action ringardes auxquelles se prêtait avec joie cette imbécile paire de détectives. Alliant effets spéciaux ratés et dialogues stupides, SAMURAI COP provoquait l’empathie instantanément, d’autant plus que son cast incluait le légendaire acteur Robert Z’dar (MANIAC COP, 1988), malheureusement décédé en 2015 -année de la sortie de SC2- à la gueule unique et au charisme atypique, campant un sous-fifre du gang Katana plus que mémorable. SAMURAI COP 2, à l’origine se faisant blague virale des connaisseurs sur les réseaux sociaux, prit vie sous forme de projet sérieux, destiné à réunir les acteurs originaux pour produire cette suite réalisée par Gregory Hatanaka. Matthew Karedas et Mark Frazer rempilent pour reformer l’icônique duo débile, les 25 années n’ayant pas été tendres avec eux -surtout Karedas, dont le visage marqué témoigne d’un très long passage à vide (alcool?)-: quel est donc le verdict sur ce retour insensé? Revival 80′s, ou nanar de commande? Par chance, le film parvient est honnête avec lui-même, s’avérant être un véridique nanar aussi “bon” -voire meilleur, c’est-à-dire pire!- que son prédécesseur: retour en 1991 donc, après l’aventure de SAMURAI COP, où l’on nous montre un Joe Marshall (joué par un Matthew Karedas actuel) coulant des jours heureux avec sa compagne Jenny, brutalement assassinée sous ses yeux -et incapable de venger cette tragédie, évidemment-. S’exilant loin de la civilisation pendant 25 ans (temporalité réelle et scénaristique, quelle classe!), temps qu’il faudra au gang Katana pour se reformer -sous le patronyme de Katana Inc.-, ce dernier étant en guerre avec deux nouveaux clans, Shinjuku (sérieux?) et Ginza. C’est dans ce triste contexte que l’ancien collègue de Joe, Frank, va tenter de retrouver le Samurai Cop afin de rétablir le partenariat, pour mettre définitivement un terme à cette criminalité. Basique mais efficace, le pitch est suffisant pour laisser libre cours aux conneries espérées, et même plus: doté d’une première partie “sérieuse”, SAMURAI COP 2 enjoue, titillant la fibre nostalgique (sans fan-service pour autant); sa seconde partie -pardonnez l’expression- partant totalement en couille pour notre plus grand plaisir, en mode méta. Si, si, ça va bien au-delà du basique prétexte scénaristique, avec beaucoup de phases “psycho-mentales-métaphoriques”… Nous gratifiant de visions improbables telles qu’une séquence inattendue sur fond vert où Joe Marshall, vêtu en véritable costume GIFI de samouraï aux côtés de deux pornstars nues combattant au sabre, hésite quant à choisir le bien ou le mal, SAMURAI COP 2 est un messie du N majuscule, le Nanar incarné. Et ce n’est rien comparé au reste, de l’homme de main qui hurle du yaourt asiatique pour que Joe Marshall lui rétorque, clin d’œil à l’écran en prime, qu’il fallait aller aux cours de japonais… à la galerie d’actrices porno (Kayden Kross et Lexi Belle pour ne citer qu’elles) jouant les bad-girls aux perruques colorées et aux fringues cloutées se faisant obstacle au Samurai Cop: foisonnant d’un univers low-cost aux costumes merdiques et tourné en HD pour faire valoir ses lumières d’un autre âge, SAMURAI COP 2 est incroyable. Stock-shots crépusculaires de Los Angeles, complexe de l’organisation criminelle -où l’un des écrans affiche fièrement un portrait de Robert Z’dar, d’ailleurs- digne des pires décors de DOCTOR WHO (1963-2017), giclées de sang en CGI datés de 1995, montage incompréhensible -on passe d’un lieu à l’autre pour avoir droit à la présence des acteurs naufragés de SAMURAI COP premier du nom, à l’image du commissaire engueulant les deux compères comme au bon vieux temps, ou encore d’un méchant reconverti- et un ultime vilain final incarné par un Tommy Wiseau en roue libre -n’ayant pas changé d’un poil son acting depuis THE ROOM, déclamant et se plaignant avec autant de classe qu’un huître glissant dans un caniveau-: une somme de contraires bienvenue, nous donnant le sentiment d’assister à un mockbuster (sans le terme buster) de MACHETE KILLS (2010). Maladroitement comiques, les gesticulations rouillées de Joe et les punchlines ratées de Frank brisant le quatrième mur font de ce SAMURAI COP 2 une suite aussi “bonne” que la découverte du premier épisode, voire meilleure, sa forme fidèle se faisant celle d’un nanar véritable, ringard autant que sympathique et consternant. Hommage logique à Robert Z’dar, qui avait tourné quelques scènes hélas non incluses dans le long-métrage, SAMURAI COP 2 continue son histoire pendant le générique de fin, nous faisant du pied pour lancer un crowdfunding, en vue d’un troisième épisode. “Ce n’est pas fini!” et tant mieux: on est carrément prêts à mettre la main au portefeuille pour obtenir une trilogie. Joe Lara et autres Gary Daniels devraient en prendre de la graine, avant qu’il ne soit trop tard. Très con, génialissime, et indispensable. Z’DAR /20

[junker-town]

25 non-Warriors reasons to watch the NBA

There’s a lot more to enjoy about this league.

The Golden State Warriors are overwhelming favorites to win the 2018 NBA championship. The Warriors almost swept through the playoffs last year, and they arguably improved in the offseason. Meanwhile, we aren’t yet sure how much their top challengers improved.

Enough to truly test Golden State? Probably not.

Enough to make the season compelling? Absolutely.

In objection to the binary nature of sports commentary, we are going to completely ignore the Warriors in this preview piece, instead focusing on the 25 reasons you should be excited about the new NBA season even though the Warriors are going to win the title.

This is now a Warriors-free zone.

1. Russell Westbrook has superstar friends again. Westbrook went full Dr. Manhattan last season and was named MVP. It’s going to be fascinating to see how he adjusts to having Paul George and Carmelo Anthony alongside him. George isn’t near the offensive mastermind that Kevin Durant had been, and Carmelo has seemed to acknowledge his powers are waning, so Westbrook should still maintain majority control on that end. But George and Melo provide relief and secondary perimeter attacking points that OKC lacked a bit last season. George’s ace defense will help, too.

2. BOSSton. If you’re not giddy with anticipation to see what Brad Stevens does with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, something’s wrong. The Whiteboard Jordan helped Isaiah Thomas reach All-NBA status and made a weird, mismatched roster into art. What will he do with high-aesthetic players like dribble-master Irving and a smooth passer and scorer like Hayward? They might not be good enough to beat Cleveland, but it’s going to be fun to see them try.

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. H-Town. The Rockets, who were awesome last season, went and pulled Chris Paul out of a hat. CP3’s arrival will shift James Harden back to two-guard and give Houston one of the most powerful backcourt attacks in decades. Paul is known as a bit of an on-court control freak, whereas Harden is more a free spirit. Watching them feel each other out and find ways to maximize their abilities should be fascinating.

4. The Conscience Of The NBA. Gregg Popovich isn’t shutting up, and thank goodness. He offered a sermon on media day, and we can expect him to wax philosophical throughout the season. When has a coach’s media availability ever been appointment television? (Since we haven’t mentioned him yet, let’s throw a nod to Kawhi Leonard here. A masterful player who is completely mind-blowing to watch in action.)

5. You Must Be Yoking. Nikola Jokic was a revelation last season, and he’ll have the reins in Denver from Day 1 in 2017-18. With Gary Harris and Jamal Murray developing and a new co-star in Paul Millsap up front, it should only get prettier from here.

6. No More CP3s in L.A. The Chris Paul era in Los Angeles ended rather abruptly, meaning Blake Griffin is back in charge. The good news is that Griffin, when healthy, is a preternaturally gifted creator with the ball who should be able to keep feeding DeAndre Jordan lobs and open shooters clean looks. The bad news is that the best non-Warrior shooter in the business, J.J. Redick, is gone, too. But an unlocked, mature Griffin should be glorious to behold in any case.

7. Zo-Time. Let’s stay in L.A. for a minute and hang out with Lonzo Ball. Skepticism is understood: His jumper form is, uh, interesting and his pops is a menace to airwaves. We don’t know whether he’ll ever be an All-Star. But he will be fun. This is guaranteed. No one who watched his work at UCLA last season, or paid attention to Vegas Summer League, can deny this. If the Lakers cannot yet be good, at least perhaps they can be entertaining.

8. Milos Fever. Milos Teodosic, perhaps the most creative passer in Europe over the past several years, joined the Clippers this summer. It remains to be seen how much he’ll play given his defensive shortcomings and expected heavy roles for Patrick Beverley and Austin Rivers. But with a big target like Jordan running the floor, this could be a highlight reel in the making.

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

9. The Next Evolution of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Last season, Giannis really put everything together. He became an All-Star and perhaps the second- or third-best player in the Eastern Conference. (Once Jimmy Butler moved west, Giannis claimed that No. 2 spot.) He’s 22 years old. He’s nowhere near maximizing his potential. Giannis has become one of those players where you need to know if he’s playing any given night so you can be prepared to switch over on League Pass.

10. Stan Van Gundy Meltdown Watch. Something gnarly happened in Detroit last year. The Pistons were disappointing in total, but Van Gundy’s particular moves — paying Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond, specifically — didn’t work out. If Detroit starts slow again, Van Gundy might flip into IDGAF mode as he did in his waning days in Orlando. While that’d be painful for Pistons fans, a mad Van Gundy is always a delight for neutral observers.

11. ROOKIES! We mentioned Lonzo already, but heavens there are some incredible first-year prospects in the pipeline. Among just the point guards we have Ball, Markelle Fultz, De’Aaron Fox, Dennis Smith Jr., and Frank Ntilikina. Jayson Tatum, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Lauri Markkanen looked awesome this summer. Josh Jackson, Jonathan Isaac, and Donovan Mitchell have high fun quotients. And let’s not even get into Kyle Kuzma ...

12. Keep Calm Like Porzingis. Having moved on from Phil Jackson and Carmelo Anthony for different reasons, the Knicks can finally commit to slowly building around Kristaps Porzingis. That’s a shift, and it will be interesting to see how Porzingis steps into the void. We still don’t know whether he’s a future All-Star or he’s a future Best Center in the League. This season will offer guidance.

13. Paul George has a superstar friend for the first time ever. Remember that PG-13 had the Pacers very competitive during the Heatles era with George Hill, Roy Hibbert, David West, and Lance Stephenson as his co-stars. Those were all plus players, and Indiana made its mark on defense, where the supporting cast excelled. But we have not seen George play with an All-Star caliber scorer outside of the weird Indy overlap with Danny Granger. Going from Jeff Teague to Russell Westbrook should be life-changing for PG-13.

14. LeBron. I mean, that’s really all that needs to be said. If LeBron is playing basketball, you should be watching.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

15. Peanut Butter and Jelly. LeBron lost Kyrie Irving, but he got reinforcements, too: Dwyane Wade signed with Cleveland in the middle of training camp after getting sprung from the Bulls. And their reunion is every bit as glorious from a Banana Boat perspective as you’d imagine! (The basketball perspective? We’ll wait and see.)

16. New Heatles. One of the most disappointing moments of the 2016-17 season was when the Miami Heat fell just a game short of making the playoffs after an incredible mid-season turnaround. Well, they are back. The front office retained the roster to great expense and added Kelly Olynyk. If they start the season like they finished the last one, the East had better watch out.

17. Kemba Walker. The Hornets’ watchability is directly correlated to how much Kemba is feeling himself in any given moment.

@KembaWalker ➡️ @DwightHoward #BuzzCity http://pic.twitter.com/agy4ESGlqH

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 9, 2017

18. The John Wall-Brad Beal Encore. The Wizards hit their stride last year thanks to health and camaraderie. Wall is deeply underrated as a passer and attacker; everyone knows Beal can shoot and scoot to the rim. The dual attack is really something.

19. Guards Galore! Speaking of which: The East is relatively weak compared to the West, especially at the team level. But holy smoke the East has some fantastic guards, from Kyrie and Isaiah Thomas to Kemba, Wall, Beal, Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and Goran Dragic. If you like guard play, those early East games usually have something for you. (Just don’t watch the Knicks, Pacers, or Bulls.)

20. Isaiah Thomas might explode into flames. It’s a scientific fact: every time someone in a position of power doubts Isaiah, he gets stronger. That’s why he was so successful entering the league as the No. 60 pick. That’s why he became a 20-point scorer after coming off the bench behind Jimmer Fredette. That’s why he became an All-Star in Boston after the Suns pawned him off. And that’s why he’ll drop 50 in a game for Cleveland after Boston traded him. Provided his hip doesn’t keep him off the court too long, he’s going to be a maniac this season.

21. Boogie And The Brow. DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis were thrown together with the Pelicans already in peril of missing the playoffs last year. Now they have a training camp together, plus Jrue Holiday and Boogie-whisperer Rajon Rondo in the backcourt. The Pels remain desperate for shooting, but the whole roster and organization is desperate enough to win — Davis and Cousins for their reputations, Alvin Gentry and Dell Demps for their jobs — that something magical is possible. And if something magical does not happen and the Pels disappoint ... well, that will be its own kind of magic, won’t it?

Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

22. Blaze On. Portland didn’t solve its major roster problems in the summer (hello Evan Turner), but Damian Lillard continues to set a high bar, C.J. McCollum continues to impress, and Jusuf Nurkic looks to be in shape and healthy in the preseason. I dare say the Blazers will be shockingly fun this year.

23. The Pack Survives. For the first time in more than a decade, the Timberwolves are going to be straight-up good. Adding Tom Thibodeau to a team led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins didn’t do the trick a year ago. Adding Jimmy Butler? That’ll do it. The Wolves’ Thibsian style of play may not be too aesthetically pleasing to the masses, but watching the growth of a future MVP like Towns, a manageable role for Wiggins, and a happy environment for Butler — that should be joyous in its own right. Minnesotans have suffered long enough. Go get ‘em, Wolves.

24 Brotherly Love. Perhaps the most intriguing, endearing, and exciting team to watch early this season will be the Philadelphia 76ers. They have two Rookie of the Year candidates, the two runners-up for Rookie of the Year last year, J.J. Redick, assorted other fun youngsters, and a coach with the most inexplicable accent in the nation. Most of all, they have Joel Hans Embiid, a damn good player molded for internet godliness. He’s funny, he’s brash, he’s completely self-aware. And we just might get more than 1,000 minutes of him on the court this season. It’s Embiid’s time. Treasure every second.

25. Revenge LeBron. Look, Kyrie requested a trade while playing under LeBron’s tutelage. Kyrie’s Cavaliers were winning 30 games a year before LeBron came back. And this is the thanks LeBron gets? Dude’s going to be mad when the Cavaliers line up across from the Celtics on opening night. Mad mad mad mad mad.

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New photos from Dispatch, Han edition

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STRAY KIDS 2nd WORLD TOUR MANIAC ENCORE IN LOS ANGELES DISPATCH PHOTOS