Tag: NBA

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are about to pop that bottle of champagne in the locker room!

After a quick NBA Finals series, the Nuggets towered over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat, beating them in Game 5, 94-89. We all know who led them to victory: Jokic.

The Joker put up an extraordinary, mind-blowing performance throughout the postseason. He became an absolute triple-double machine, recording ten in their entire run!

The two-time KIA MVP ended their championship campaign with an average of 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 steals.

In Game 5, Jokic stole the show by putting up 28 points, 16 boards, four dimes, and one block. Butler and his squad did not stand a chance even if they fought valiantly and took Game 2 to prevent a sweep.

In the last game, fans saw a possible Game 6 as Denver had a sluggish start. Bam Adebayo had an excellent first half, posting 18 points and nine rebounds. They had to make a historic come-from-behind to mark the beginning of the dynasty they were about to make.

Leads kept changing by the fourth quarter as two minutes remained on the clock. But Jokic and Bruce Brown helped the Nuggets regain the lead.

When Butler, who had 21 points, committed a crucial bad pass that forced the Heat to commit a foul, it sealed the deal. Eighteen seconds remained in the clock, and Jimmy had to force a hail mary which he missed.

And with that—after 47 years in the NBA—the Nuggets finally took home their very first franchise title.

Nikola Jokic Grabs Finals MVP… and Makes History

Nikola Jokic may not have the KIA MVP award, but he has the Michael Jordan trophy, which makes it better than Joel Embiid’s.

Jokic was the clear NBA Finals Most Valuable Player as he went to destroy the teams that opposed his Nuggets, even sweeping the much-experienced LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Joker was an absolute beast this postseason. He shot at an incredibly efficient rate of 58.3 percent from the field, 42.1 percent from deep, and 83.8 percent from the charity. Thanks to his leadership, his team only lost four postseason games in this dominant run.

What’s even more impressive is that he shattered Wilt Chamberlain’s triple-double record in a single playoff run, posting ten triple-doubles!

Two of those were during the matchup against the Heat, opening Game 1 with a 27-14-10 points-assists-rebounds tally. He followed it up in Game 3 with an even bigger stat sheet: 32 points, 21 rebounds, and ten assists to become the first player to make such a feat.

Though he could not become the triple-double machine in Games 2, 4, and 5, he could contribute in scoring, posting 41, 53, and 28.

And at age 28, the Joker still has a lot of fuel in the tank. There is still a possibility that he can give the Nuggets two or three rings before he retires.

A Good Fight by the Heat

Although the Heat could not make a comeback, it is important to remember that they had nine undrafted players going up against the Nuggets, not to mention they were the eighth seed coming from the play-in tournament!

Thirteen other teams had a higher chance of advancing to the Finals. However, Miami surprised everyone by rising to the very top.

The heavily-favored Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, bowed down to this eight-seeded team. Boston Celtics, the number two in the East, had to force Game 7 just to be defeated.

And out of all the teams that faced the Nuggets, the Heat managed to stain Denver’s home game win streak.

If the Heat lands a star next season, they will be more formidable and scarier than ever. But for now, they just have to accept defeat.

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For the first time, the Denver Nuggets will go to the NBA Finals after sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in a tight Game 4, 111-113.

Established in 1967, the Nuggets only reached the playoffs 29 times. Five of those have them going to the Western Conference Finals. But it all changed today, May 23, when they finally defeated the Lakers to advance to the NBA Finals.

Nikola Jokic, who many argued to be this season’s MVP, posted 30 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, three blocks, and one steal to fuel the Nuggets past the Lakers. Not only that, but he also broke Wilt Chamberlain’s triple-double record after he notched his eighth triple-double in the playoffs.

In a post-interview with ESPN, the Joker said that the secret to their win was that “they never give up.”

“We don’t give up,” Jokic said. “I’ve been saying this for five years — when we were bad or when we were good — we don’t give up. And that’s what happened today.

“They jumped on us the first half. They were better, more aggressive, scoring easily, and didn’t miss, basically. But in the second half, we turned the page, and everybody stepped up. It was a collective effort. It’s not just one guy.”

With the Lakers eliminated, the Nuggets await the result between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat matchup.  The Celtics are also possibly going to be swept by the Heat as they were also down 3-0.

Not Damaged Goods

Jamal Murray, who described himself as “damaged goods,” was also a massive part of the win after getting some encouraging words from Nuggets coach Mike Malone during Game 3.

Apparently, Murray received word that they were about to trade him because of his injuries. But Malone assured him they would never do that and told him, “You’re ours.”

After posting 30 points in Game 3, Murray went on to add 25 more in Game 4 to help Jokic beat the Lakers by a thread. Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were also in double figures.

LeBron Commends Nuggets

Lakers superstar LeBron James showed incredible respect to the team that swept them, especially after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies and the ‘21-’22 NBA champions the Golden State Warriors. The 38-year-old 19x NBA All-Star admitted the Nuggets were the best team he has ever faced as a Laker.

“They have scoring. They have shooting. They have play-making. They have smarts. They have length. They have depth,” James said in the press conference.

“And one thing about their team, when you have a guy like Jokic, who as big as he is but also as cerebral as he is, you can’t really make many mistakes versus a guy like that.”

In Game 1, Denver Nuggets bested the Lakers, 132-126, with Jokic going for a triple-double performance with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists. Fans saw a similar result in Game 2, as the Joker yet again went for 23-17-12—another triple-double.

The only game Jokic failed to record double digits in scoring, rebounding, and assists was in Game 3 where he only had 24 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.

Is This James’ Final Year?

Following the sweep by the Denver Nuggets, LeBron told the press that he had a lot to think about with his career, and many reporters figure out that he may not play for his 21st season.

As per Bleach Report, the Lakers star considers hanging up his jersey this season.

“I got a lot to think about… Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about,” he said.

If this will be LeBron’s final year, he will be going out as a four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, 1st all-time in scoring, and 1st all-time playoff scoring leader.

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Memphis young star Ja Morant repeated the mistake that got him suspended in the first place—flashing a gun.

On Sunday, May 14, 23-year-old Morant was seen with the friend who also got him suspended—Davonte Pack. The NBA star and Pack got sued by a teenager for assault, which stemmed from a pickup basketball game.

With issues like receiving an eight-day suspension and losing $669K, and possibly losing his endorsements, it was expected that Morant might have been enlightened.

Unfortunately, he did not.

His claim that he would “take” some time away from basketball and work on his attitude did age really well.  It was rumored that he took a counseling program in Florida to help him deal with his issues.

But after getting suspended on March 4 of 2023, he was back again on the court, helping the Grizzlies win games. It only took ten days for him to get “better.”

Because of this “hastiness,” he is now again in trouble. For the second time, Morant was caught with a gun while in a live Instagram video, all while listening to NBA YoungBoy’s latest album. 

His first gun-related issue may have been slightly dismissed and was given another chance for redemption. However, the ‘immaturity’ Ja Morant continues to have will not allow him to leave his situation unscathed.

Will Nike Hit Pause?

Giant athletic shoes and apparel company Nike previously stood by Ja Morant’s earlier infraction. But it seemed like their hopes that the young star would come to his senses are crushed.

His $35.5 million multi-year Nike shoe deal might be in jeopardy. As of this moment, Nike has yet to release a statement anew.

But according to Syracuse professor of sport management Rick Burton, it seemed the company is still figuring out its next move after this fresh gun incident.

“I’m sure the people at Nike are trying to figure [it] out,” he said. “‘Does this make him more relevant to a certain audience? And is this something we’re going to ride out?’”

Also, it is known that Nike does not give up easily. But Morant’s other deal, Powerade, was quick to save themselves from embarrassment and may back out any time soon.

In his first offense, Powerade quickly pulled out their commercial with Morant. In his second offense, the company revealed that although they have a multi-year endorsement deal with the problematic NBA star, it has no “Ja-related content running.”

His team, the Grizzlies have already suspended Morant from all team activities “pending League review.”

What Awaits Ja Morant

Now that Ja Morant committed the same mistake twice, The Commercial Appeal recently had a sit down with beat writer Damichael Cole and sports columnist Mark Giannotto to talk about the consequences of Morant’s latest misstep.

According to Giannotto, since the gun-related issue of the NBA player is not a legal one, the league may reprimand him through his contract. The sports columnist stressed that Morant violated the ambiguous conduct included in the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

If NBA commissioner Adam Silver listens to the clamor of the many, Morant may be slapped with a longer suspension. It could even be for an entire season—if Silver will be stern about the punishment of the stubborn Grizzlies star.

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The NBA uses technical fouls to ensure every game has law and order. But what if referees use it for personal reasons?

The simple answer is: the game is ruined.

With refs quick to blow their whistles and slap players and coaches with a T, the quality of the matches deteriorates. Fans will lose interest in the games because of the calls, and it affects online sportsbooks as well.

However, it is important to know that referees are humans too. They are allowed to make mistakes.

Regardless, some of their calls were absurd, so even fans from opposing teams voiced their frustration over the horrendous officiating.

Let’s take a look at the 2021 NBA season. One game, particularly the match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets, highlighted how awful these referees were.

With 9:41 left in the third quarter, Kyrie Irving committed a foul, which he was clearly upset about. It reached a point where he jawed with Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, having a heated exchange on the court.

Although the conversation between the two was harmless or would not escalate, the referees quickly gave each a technical foul. Remember that Irving and Schroder have never been ejected in their entire NBA career. But the game became served as their first ejection.

It happened while the two continued their discussion, and the officials had had enough, kicking Irving and Schroder off the court. As a result, it ruined an exciting game, and fans, especially bookies like OKBET, were not happy.

Technical Fouls: What is it?

According to the NBA Rulebook, a technical is any excessive foul. Primarily, it includes unsportsmanlike behavior, violations made by players and coaches, delay of games, detrimental conduct, and more.

Here are some reasons why referees give out this type of call:

Timeouts

Only seven (7) timeouts are allowed per regulation, with a maximum duration of 75 seconds. Once coaches use up the allotted timeouts, they can still call for more in exchange for an automatic technical foul, resulting in a free throw and possession to the opponent.

Game Delay

Every NBA game is fast-paced and adheres to a specific flow. There are instances where players and coaches disrupt the balance, forcing referees to issue necessary technical fouls.

For a delay of the game, it must be:

• Player prevents the ball to be in-bounded in an orderly manner.
• Player interferes with the ball after scoring
• When a foul or violation is committed, player does not immediately gives the ball back to the referee
• Touching the ball even before it was thrown in
• Defender crosses the line at the throw-in spot even before the attacking player inbounds the ball
• Boundary line is crossed by a coach, a player, or a trainer
• A free throw shooter walks past the three-point line while making free throws
• Untucked shirt before entering the game

Note that the first offense is always equivalent to a warning from the officials. The second offense, however, will be a technical foul.

Technical fouls can also reset the clock to 14 seconds or stay the same before the call. If it is called before an opponent makes it to the half-court, there will be a fresh 8-second count.

Conduct

NBA is stringent regarding the integrity of the game and the association as a whole. The league ensures that basketball is played cleanly. Referees are given the responsibility to assess if a player or a team deserves a technical.

Here are some of the reasons:

• Disrespectful toward an official
• Unnecessary contact with an official
• Excessive expression caused by a call or a missed call
• Cursing or profanity
• Coach enters the court without a go-signal from the referee
• Player commits an unnatural physical contact
• Taunting
• Eye guarding
• Intentionally throws the ball or any other thing at a player
• Throwing or kicking the ball into the stands

How Much Does a Technical Cost?

Technical fouls, including flagrant fouls, merit fines, and even suspensions. The NBA increases the number of allowed technicals depending if it is the regular season or the playoffs.

Here is the table for reference:

Ejections are also fined, depending on how often they have been ejected. The commissioner can also punish players, coaches, and trainers by having them pay a fine of up to $50,000.

Referees, Management to Blame

NBA referees have been in knee-deep controversies since basketball took over in the 70s. From fixing games to holding grudges, these officials were among the reasons the game’s quality declined. 

Not all referees are bad, but it is also considered spoiled when a good apple is mixed with rotten ones. If a good official gets associated with the likes of Joey Crawford, Bob Delaney, Bennett Salvatore, and Earl Strom, the perception of fans is that he/she is also bad at officiating games.

Not to mention how lenient NBA is to referees.

One incident involves NBA referee Ben Taylor who targetted Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet, slapping him with a technical foul after a technical foul. It became so obvious that the media feasted on it. 

However, instead of reprimanding the referee for abusing power, the NBA fined VanVleet $30,000 for “public criticism of the officiating.”

The Raptors guard expressed his frustration about Taylor’s horrendous officiating in an interview, saying that the referee was “terrible” that night. 

I’ll take a fine. I don’t really care. I thought Ben Taylor was f****** terrible tonight. For most nights, out of the three [officials], there’s one or two that just f*** the game up. 

“It’s been like that a couple [of] games in a row. Denver was tough, obviously. You come out tonight competing pretty hard, [and] in the third quarter, I get a b******* tech, [it] changes the whole dynamic of the game, changes the whole flow of the game,” he said in a press conference after receiving his eight technical of the ‘22-’23 season.

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NBA players are known to commit the dumbest injuries ever. The latest was Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant who was just warming up but ended up getting injured. He sustained it after he drove to the basket and attempted a layup. Durant slipped and twisted his ankle, rendering him out for at least two to three weeks.

That is just the tip of the iceberg. Back when Aaron Gordon was still with the Orlando Magic, he underwent jaw surgery. The reason? He and his brother Drew was roughhousing.

Nobody knew how it happened, but it was definitely a dumb way to miss games.

However, the injuries sustained by Durant and Gordon were not, per se, the dumbest injuries suffered by NBA players. Here’s a look at the most face-palming instances that left these professionals bruised, cut, or wounded.

Too Much Video Games

Nba players love games. An example is Los Angeles Clippers star, Paul George. He was such an avid gamer that he and Nike produced a PlayStation-inspired signature sneaker.

However, too much gaming can lead to injury and, worse, end someone’s career.

Just like what happened to Lionel Simmons, a former Sacramento Kings guard. Back in the day, Simmons was an excellent player. He won player of the honors during the 1990-1991 season.

But after that season, he received numerous Did Not Play (DNPs), eventually lasting only seven seasons in the league. Why? Because he contracted wrist tendonitis for playing too much Game Boy.

The condition affects the wrists’ tendons connecting the muscles to the bones. One of its causes is the hand’s overuse.

With what happened to Simmons, we guess that gaming can be harmful, ain’t it?

Bear Hug

The next on this list is not caused by the player but by his teammate.

According to Bleacher Report, former Phoenix Suns Kevin Johnson got injured after hitting a game-winning three against Portland. It happened after an elated Charles Barkley bear-hugged him, making him miss several games.

Apple Knife

This is probably one of the most ridiculous ways to get injured.

Derrick Rose fell asleep while eating an apple in bed. There was nothing wrong with falling asleep with food on your bed. But in the case of Rose, he was using a sharp knife while cutting it.

So when he grabbed a bottle of water, he accidentally sliced his arm open. It was a nasty cut and required several stitches.

It Burns!

Charles Barkley has done stupid things in his life, but nothing beats the injury that sidelined him in the first game of the Phoenix Suns.

Barkley attended an Eric Clapton concert and accidentally rubbed body lotion into his eyes. The chemicals in the lotion irritated his eyes. Upon checking, it was revealed that he had burned a layer off his corneas.

A ‘Cold’ Way to Leave NBA

Who thought leaving ice on the knees could not affect one’s physical capabilities? That would be B.J. Tyler, who, after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 1995, made the mistake of falling asleep with ice on his knees. It was alleged that it was the reason for his decline and an early exit from the NBA.

According to Knee Force, icing the knees for a long period could lead to frostbite, redness, or even skin and nerve damage.

There is a possibility that Tyler’s knees suffered skin and nerve damage, forcing him to retire without reaching his full potential.

Players Should Not Wash Dishes

One of the dumbest injuries an NBA player could ever have is getting cut just by washing dishes. That is exactly what happened to Brad Miller.

Miller, who was named Western Conference Player of the Week, was extra motivated that day, and decided to do the dishes. Instead of cleaning the plates and utensils, he covered them with blood by cutting his right index finger.

It was bad enough to require nine stitches. The injury also slowed Miller’s momentum that season.

Players sometimes are careless, which is why they are insured. But so does playing in online casinos like OKBET, ensuring you enjoy a safe and secure gambling experience!

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Four-time NBA champion Wardell “Chef” Curry shows no signs of decline, despite turning 35 today, March 14.

For this ‘22-’23 NBA season, Curry averages 29.7 pts, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. His 49.9% field goal, 43.4% from deep, and 92.5 from the line helped the Golden State Warriors reach the fifth spot in the Western Conference.

Chef Curry may have suffered several injuries this season, but it did not stop him from showing the heart of a champion. This is what the 2022 Finals MVP said:

“I always feel like I’m getting better. Getting better means, for me, the way I judge success: The way I play, being an efficient scorer and well-rounded in terms of making other people better, like creating space with my off-ball cutting, which requires a lot of energy to do,” he said to Marc Stein. “How your mind sees the game and all that type of stuff; I feel like I’m always getting better there. I haven’t felt like at any point that I’m slowing down, so I’m loving where I’m at right now. However long I can make this last is the challenge.”

Although reaching 35 years old, the first-ever unanimous MVP still has enough fuel left in the tank. In the previous NBA season, Curry joined NBA greats like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain in becoming the most valuable player at age 34.

Not only is he the greatest shooter of all time, but he is probably one of the most charitable athletes in the world.

Chef Curry, An Advocate Off the Court

Chef Curry has done many good things, putting his influence to good use. In 2021, while the world is struggling with the pandemic, he and his wife, Ayesha, provided 16 million meals to families in Oakland. They did it through their Eat.Learn.Play. foundation, aiming to help every child and end childhood hunger.

“The world is changing before our eyes in terms of dealing with the spread of the coronavirus,” he said to The San Francisco Chronicle. “The world is changing before our eyes in terms of dealing with the spread of the coronavirus.”

Their foundation also donated over 500,000 books to children in need. But there is more needed to be done. Last year, Curry’s profile expanded from being an athlete-businessman to becoming an activist and humanitarian.

He is also a prominent voice for gender equality. In 2020, Curry empowered women by hosting a basketball camp for 200 girls.

In 2012, during the malaria outbreak, Wardell created the Nothing But Nets program. Its objective is to deliver anti-malaria nets to those in Tanzania.

He also donated $118,00 to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, as well as vocally supporting organizations like NBA Cares, Victory Over Cancer, V Foundation for Cancer Research, and many more charities.

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Throughout the history of the NBA, lawbreaking players have believed they could get away with anything just because they were “athletes.”

Players like Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant thought they were above the law. Morant, 23, was recently accused of assaulting a minor and threatening a security guard. He then followed it up with illegal possession of firearms in Denver.

But, like any action, there are repercussions. The NBA is stringent regarding players bringing weapons inside team facilities and on team flights. Hence, the 23-year-old 2020 Rookie of the Year was suspended for at least 50 games. 

Apart from his suspension, he could also face legal consequences. The city Morant was in, Denver, prohibits carrying firearms or assault weapons.

The Grizzlies star may have ruined his career because of how irresponsible his recent actions were. But other players also gave the NBA and OKBET pundits headaches. Without further introduction, here are lawbreaking NBA players.

Kyle Lowry

Starting off this list is the 2019 NBA champion Kyle Lowry. Before he could have that ring, Lowry was a lawbreaking Raptors star.

In 2012, he was arrested for a misdemeanor battery charge. It happened amid the NBA lockout while Lowry played a pick-up game with other professional players in Las Vegas, Nevada. When things got heated, and calls did not go his way, he verbally assaulted female referee Infini Robinson. Lowry also threw a basketball at her.

Referee Bobby McRoy described Lowry as a player with “rage issues.”

“Lowry was abusive with him as well and believes that he has an anger problem. He said during the game, Lowry was verbally combative and confrontational to the victim leading up to the incident where he battered her twice with basketballs,” McRoy said to Bleacher Report.

For his behavior, he was slapped with two counts of battery and was required to complete 100 hours of community service. Lowry was also ordered to see a therapist for his “impulse-control management.”

Sam Cassell, Gary Payton Sr, and Jason Caffey

Former Milwaukee Bucks teammates Sam Cassell, Gary Payton Sr, and Jason Caffey ganged up a male and female stripper outside a strip club. Cassell was charged with two counts of assault, Payton with three counts, and Caffey with one.

The altercation happened after one of the Bucks argued with one of the women. The woman’s boyfriend came over to help, which led to the assault.

Who would have thought that three Bucks could be Lawbreaking NBA players?

Chris Anderson

The Birdman was just making a name for himself in the NBA when he was caught doing something terrible—drugs. Hence, he was suspended for two years.

But the NBA is not that cold-hearted. Anderson was given another chance, and in 2008, he was allowed to return to the league.

Although part of the lawbreaking NBA players, his story was inspirational. He was able to redeem himself after hitting an all-time low. Birdman made his mark by being ranked as the second-leading shot-blocker, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.

Carmelo Anthony

Melo, a Nuggets superstar then, was apprehended by the police for suspected driving under the influence (DUI) back in April 2008.

The then-Nuggets star was weaving and failed to dim his lights, resulting in him being pulled over. Anthony failed the sobriety tests and thus was slapped with a DUI charge.

But that was not the only instance where Anthony broke the law. He was also caught speeding in Colorado earlier in February of that same year.

Kendrick Perkins

Ironically, Perkins set a “good” example to the kids he was helping after he was arrested in Beaumont for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

The incident also happened during the 2011 NBA lockout. Perkins was outside The Ticket nightclub when he fought the club’s manager. After getting booted out of the establishment, the now-retired NBA star shouted obscenities. He also fought other people.

Delonte West

The former Golden State Warriors had an encounter with the police when he pulled a GTA on them back in 2009. West’s initial violation was speeding, but when authorities searched his car, they found a 9mm pistol, a .357 magnum, and a shotgun inside a guitar case. 

West was slapped with two gun charges and was on house arrest for eight months. He also underwent two months under probation and did 40 hours of community service.

On October 15, 2022, West, who was no longer in the NBA, was arrested again for entering a vehicle he did not own. He also committed public intoxication while fleeing state forces.

Darren Collison

Darren Collison had an outstanding career with the Sacramento Kings. However, one incident caused him to miss the first eight games of the 2016-17 NBA season.

Collison was arrested due to domestic violence that caused injuries. He was also slapped with battery charges.

He was in prison for 20 days and did 20 hours of community service. The Ex Kings player was also ordered to attend a domestic abuse program.

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The 2023 NBA Slam Dunk featuring Mac McClung and other young dunkers was not, per se, the first choice of fans and sports analysts. However, they delivered a fantastic performance last Sunday, February 19, stunning the whole world.

McClung, 24, was hailed as the Slam Dunk champion, scoring 50 points in all three rounds. He became the first slam dunk champ of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The former G-league player awed fans and players alike. His attempts were “out-of-this-world,” particularly his first dunk. McClung dunked on two people and tapped the backboard before ending it with an electrifying reverse slam.

OVER 2 PEOPLE. TAP OFF THE BACKBOARD.

GOODNESS, MAC MCCLUNG.#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday
📺: Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/kEzCbDofEd

— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023

For his second dunk, NBA described him as “crazy.” McClung went for a 360 before ending it with another reverse dunk.

360 AND THE REVERSE 🥶

Mac McClung went crazy for round 2.#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday
📺: Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/zwaM1N6SXC

— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023

McClung’s third dunk could be as well put into the dunk history books. From the baseline, the 76ers player whipped out an outrageous slam that sent the commentators, judges, OKBET players, and all in attendance screaming with delight.

Mac's pause on the double-pump reverse is even crazier in #PhantomCam! 🤯#ATTSlamDunk #StateFarmSaturday pic.twitter.com/PqYBr1Ol9q

— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023

While McClung stole the show, participants like Kenyon Martin Jr.(Houston Rockets), Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans), and Jericho Sims (New York Knicks) also showed why they deserve to be contestants of the said All-Star Weekend category.

Mac McClung, Others Delivered

Days before the Slam Dunk contest, many fans, including many sports analysts, disagreed with the organization’s choice of contestants.

In an article by USAToday, they even made a list of who deserved to make an appearance in the competition. Shaedon Sharpe (Portland Trailblazers), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), and LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) were the picks.

Although the favorites were not in said competition, Mac McClung and others did not disappoint.

In his first dunk, Murphy III accumulated a 46.6 after a 360 dunk courtesy of a “steal” from teammate Jose Alvarado.

On the other hand, Sims showcased his jumping ability in the first round. The Knicks center dunked the ball and his hands (both of them!) to get a score of 47.6.

Martin Jr. saved his first dunk by doing a reverse dunk from the baseline. He took a score of 46.

In his second attempt, Martin Jr made a reverse, between-the-knees dunk to get 47.2. The Rockets small forward even got help from his legendary father, Kenyon Martin.

Murphy wowed the attendees in the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City by going for a cockback, reverse jam to give himself 49.4 points.

McClung, who recently signed a two-way contract with the 76ers, also became the first player to be a dunk champion and the second player besides Spud Webb to be at least 6’2” or shorter. He also achieved it while just playing two games, becoming the first titleholder with the least games.

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At the start of the season, Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies were confident they would come out at the top of the Western Conference, but it all changed, especially after the NBA trade deadline reached its conclusion.

In a previous interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, the all-star point guard boldly claimed that no team, except the Boston Celtics, posed any threat to them. They were “fine” in the West, he said.

Malika Andrews: "Who do you look at around the league as you're studying and say, 'We're gonna have to run through them?'"

Ja Morant: "The Celtics"

"No one in the West?"

"Nah, I'm fine in the West."pic.twitter.com/2iYrc4AxIG

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 21, 2022

He also doubled down on his remark. Morant was confident that the Celtics would be their “biggest test.”

Even if he was asked numerous times, the young all-star asserted them as the “top dog” in the West, shrugging off the NBA ‘21-’22 champions, the Golden State Warriors.

Ja Morant was asked about his “I’m fine in the west” comments at shootaround.

Ja: “And I’m standing on that. I stamp it,” he said.

Reporter: What about the Suns?

Ja: “They are in the Western Conference, right? I said I was fine in the Western Conference.”

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) December 23, 2022

With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving going to the West, can Morant still be “chill?”

Well, it was up to New Orleans Pelicans guard and NBPA president CJ McCollum to throw some diss at Morant.

This all because @JaMorant said he was good in the West 😂😂😂

— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 9, 2023

The Threats

Ja Morant and the Grizzlies stood as the No. 2 seed in the West, 33-21. But after losing eight of their ten games, they are now two games ahead of the Sacramento Kings (31-23). Their rivals in the conference are also preparing, and the names Durant and Irving are all the rave.

Durant averages 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season. His previous teammate, Irving, is performing in a 27-5.1-5.3 night in, night out.

Both are expected to disrupt the balance in the West, especially with the season reaching its final leg before playoffs begin.

The Suns (30-27) have become a much bigger threat, thanks to the addition of Durant. With Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the No. 6 in the West have formed a superteam of their own.

Paul will make the plays with his 8.7 per game assists, while Booker runs the offense with an average of 26.8 points. 

They also have a reliable DeAndre Ayton in the five. He can both score and crash the boards.

Over at Dallas (31-26), Luka Doncic got some help from Irving. Before Uncle Drew switched teams, it was Luka carrying his team to the fourth seed of the Western Conference. The Grizzlies will be in trouble once they face the Mavs on March 11.

They can no longer disregard the Los Angeles Clippers as well. Kawhi Leonard is playing again, helping Paul George in scoring. Moreso, Eric Gordon has joined the Clippers, which will be an evident danger to the Grizzlies come playoff time.

Don’t Forget the Warriors

Although Stephen Curry will be missing a few weeks due to a leg injury, the Warriors are still terrifying. Jordan Poole is improving incredibly, while Jonathan Kuminga is getting better at shooting the three-ball.

Klay Thompson, on the other hand, finally got his rhythm back. In his last two outputs, against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers, he contributed 42 and 32 points, respectively.

Ja Morant and the Grizzlies lost to the Warriors in their last two meetings. Even if they called the Dubs core “old” and claimed they are “confident” in the West, they still cannot defeat the West’s No. 9th seed.

What do you think OKBET players? Should Morant and the Grizzlies chill and believe that the Celtics are the only threat? Or should they start worrying about the other teams?

Read: Kyrie Irving Expects High-IQ Plays in Dallas

Former Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving expected more intelligent plays to come as he settled in his new home, the Dallas Mavericks.

Irving, 30, finished the game with 24 points, five dimes, and four rebounds in 37 minutes, introducing himself as the newest threat in Mavericks along with Luka Doncic. They beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 104-110, to take the number four spot in the Western Conference.

During his postgame interview, Irving expects that with Doncic at the helm, there will be intelligent basketball plays.

“Just some high-level IQ basketball. It’s simple when you play with guys that are selfless and do the little things. They do not mind other guys being aggressive out there,” said Uncle Drew. “That’s the way a game should be played, very fast-paced, and just doing the little things, details the win.

Meanwhile, the former Nets star said he is happy to be in Dallas right now.

“Incredible. Had natural nerves out here. So I was just tryna play well. But it feels good, just to get acclimated.”

Irving and Doncic have yet to play together, with the duo expected to wreak damage in Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center.

Jason Kidd happy to have Kyrie Irving on board

In his postgame interview, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was glad to have Irving with them. For this season, Uncle Drew has been averaging 27 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.

According to the coach, his newest star easily fit in, which was evident in their matchup with the Clippers. Kidd said it was all because of Irving’s maturity to accept that he is with the team to share veteran and championship experience.

“I think his leadership down the stretch, [to] keep everyone organized; knowing how to play without having the ball or being able to have to score, setting screens for his teammates to get shots was shown tonight. So a lot of great stuff as we build on this new journey with him. It’s gonna be fun,” Kidd told the press.

Kidd also observed that there was also no hint of awkwardness or problems in the rotation. 

“Because he is talented, that’s how talented he is. He makes things look easy, he works on his craft, he’s a pro, he’s up for any challenge, and I think just the comfort level that he has for being with us. “

“You can see that he’s at peace with his basketball game. He’s gonna play his game, and he played that tonight with his teammate,” he added.

With Kyrie now with the Mavs, his former teammate, Kevin Durant, also left Brooklyn—and Ben Simmons. Durant is now with the Phoenix Suns, eventually shocking OKBET players.

Read: BREAKING! LeBron is now NBA’s All-Time Scorer!