NBA
LeBron James and Anthony Davis in trouble as they both face a harsh and…
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are in trouble as they both face harsh and…
It was a reality check swatted across the mouth.
It was an equalizer pounded into the ribs.
It was precisely what is printed on those silly shirts worn by the screaming locals.
It was Gold Blooded.
News flash! The Golden State Warriors aren’t going to go down easy.
News flash! The Lakers are going to make this hard.
Handed a golden opportunity to severely damage the defending NBA champions in the Western Conference semifinals Thursday, the Lakers squandered a 1-0 series lead after coming face-to-face with the heart of, well, a warrior.
It was Game 2 that was game on.
It was Golden State pummeling Anthony Davis, tormenting LeBron James, blowing past the Lakers as if they were standing still, winning 127-100 at a gleeful Chase Center to even the best-of-seven series.
“I fully anticipate our team to respond,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said afterward.
The Lakers had better. And quick.
The Lakers franchise has won each of its last nine series when tied 1-all, the longest such streak in NBA history, but this doesn’t feel tied.
The next two duels in this best-of-seven clash will be at Crypto.com Arena beginning Saturday, but it no longer feels as if the Lakers can make quick work of their weary Northern California rivals.
It no longer feels like anything other than … a Klay Thompson rainbow three … a falling-down Stephen Curry three … a grinding Draymond Green rebound … and a wincing, crumbling Davis.
It all starts at the end of that sentence. One game after he was unstoppable, AD was KOd, swarmed into submission, and held to five baskets with four turnovers, and 11 points after taking 11 shots, illustrating the Warriors’ best chance to win this series.
Toss around AD and push your way into the next round.
“The Lakers are huge, they are a massive team,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said afterward. “We felt like going into the game, we had to bring some size and physicality.”
It didn’t happen in the opener. It might not happen again. But it happened Thursday, and the Lakers were demoralized into basically standing around.
Except for James’ 23 points and Rui Hachimura’s 21 points with four three-pointers, no other Lakers player did anything.
“Our stagnation … my eyes saw us settle a little bit,” Ham said. “They did a good job of crowding the paint. Not allowing us to play downhill.”
Davis said he didn’t feel crowded. He said he didn’t feel as if he were settling. He said it wasn’t them, it was him.
“I took all the same shots I took in Game 1, I just missed them,” Davis said. “Same looks didn’t shoot no shot that I didn’t shoot in Game 1. Just missed them. That’s all.”
Meanwhile, led by Thompson’s 30 points, the Warriors had six players in double figures while collecting 15 more rebounds, six more points in the paint, and five more second-chance points.
While the Lakers were nowhere, the champions were everything, everywhere, all at once.
“I thought we just played simple basketball,” Kerr said, adding, “Our guys were playing with a lot of force, a lot of aggressiveness but making good decisions within that aggression.”
And pride. Don’t forget pride. The Warriors were too proud to be beaten down by AD for a second consecutive game.
“They’re a championship ballclub for a reason,” Ham said. “After Game 1, we fully anticipated them to come out and throw some haymakers, which they did.”
With an interior defense fueled by Draymond Green and JaMychal Green, the Warriors made the proper adjustments. Now it’s the Lakers’ turn.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board,” Ham said.
He better have a ton of chalk.
The one day of rest between games doesn’t favor James. The speed of Curry and Thompson doesn’t favor the Lakers’ defense. And if JaMychal Green can score 15 points with a trio of threes … yeah, pull out that drawing board.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” Ham said. “But you don’t get to this point in the season by it being easy. You have to buckle down.”
The Warriors began their push on the biggest Laker immediately, holding Davis to one basket in the first quarter and fewer baskets (two) than turnovers (three) at halftime. The Lakers still led by seven at the end of the quarter, but without Davis imposing his will, the Lakers eventually lost theirs.
In the second quarter, the Warriors began attacking the basket and Davis with joyous abandon, Thompson throwing in threes from the rafters, the Lakers staggered and reeling and outscored 41-23 for the entire ugly period.
And that was that.
READ MORE: Stephen Curry Reveals Why LeBron James Followed Him to…
The Warriors kept blitzing after halftime, outscoring the Lakers by 19 in a third quarter that ended with James sulking, Davis collapsing and somebody named Moses Moody throwing down a dunk. The Lakers trailed by 30 after three and the final dozen minutes wouldn’t be necessary.
The game unofficially ended when Ham pulled the starters before the fourth quarter, but the Warriors just had to rub it in.
With 9:43 left in the game, Curry sprinkled the salt, knocking down a three while being knocked down by Malik Beasley, the Warriors leading by 31, Curry laughing, everybody laughing, and everything was so funny … not.
“You give credit where credit is due,” James said. “They played exceptionally well tonight and we didn’t.”
The Warriors’ variety of weapons was mirrored by their public address announcer, whose initial announcement of “Hollywood royalty!” was accompanied by the giant scoreboard showing a disheveled Danny DeVito. But in the second quarter, the Hollywood royalty displayed was the still-so-cool, Joe Montana, showing a range of celebrities matched only by the versatility of the city’s basketball team.
Before the game, Kerr all but predicted this rout, saying, “We feel good about our ability to adjust, but also about our ability to respond to losing a game and being down in the series. … This is nothing new for our team. We know what we’re capable of.”
Now, so do the Lakers.
They have won 25 consecutive series in which they won the first game. But these are the Warriors. And the fight has just begun.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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Stephen A. Smith has established himself as the most influential sports media personalities in the history of American television. As an analyst and executive producer for ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ Smith has dominated his battle against Fox Sports as his show has been number one in ratings from 2016 to 2023.
Recently Smith had the NBA community in a frenzy after he came to the defense of Lakers’ superstar LeBron James after the future hall of famer received backlash for the potential nepotism that took place regarding his son, Bronny James, being drafted to the storied franchise.
“When we think about the NBA and what it has become in the $76 billion, 11-year deal they recently signed with various television networks and streaming operations, I got news for you: Is that possible if it were not for LeBron James?” Smith asked on an episode of his Youtube show.
“You have any idea what LeBron James has done for the game of basketball?… And for him to have his son on the team with him, I got no issues with it whatsoever… LeBron James has earned that.”
Smith sharing this sentiment with his viewers shows that he acknowledges the impact that James has had on the NBA over the last 22 seasons. It’s clear that the celebrity sports personality knows that Bronny is still a rookie and has things left to prove.
However, Smith feels there should be a level of patience that the basketball community should give him.
“He’s done a lot. He deserves this. Bronny is Bronny, but it ain’t about Bronny, it’s about Bron, as in Lebron… Stand back, fall back, chill the hell out, and let the man do his thing with his son, and let’s see what and how Bronny develops in the years to come.”
LeBron James has defied father time as he enters year 22 of his illustrious career and even now he continues to make history. This upcoming season will be the first time in professional basketball history that an active father and son duo will share the court together on the same team.
The backlash the James’ family has received for making history together stems from haters who have a disdain for LeBron, not his son, and it will be something that they will continue to overcome.
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LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
In the realm of NBA royalty, LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have carved a niche for themselves, with their enduring relationship often under the spotlight. A recent TikTok video, however, has ignited discussions about Savannah’s preferences when it comes to taking fan photos, particularly the apparent divide between male and female admirers.
The King’s Queen: Savannah’s Photo Strategy Unveiled
LeBron James, often hailed as the ‘King’ on the basketball court, is no stranger to the adoration of fans. Yet, it’s his Queen, Savannah James, who recently took center stage in a TikTok video capturing her interaction with fans. The footage suggests a notable trend – a willingness to pose for photos with female fans while seemingly avoiding snapshots with their male counterparts.
Social Media’s Take on Savannah’s Actions
The TikTok video spurred a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with users expressing diverse opinions on Savannah’s approach. The majority lauded her for maintaining a poised and respectful demeanor, commending her loyalty to LeBron James, her high school sweetheart. The top response on TikTok emphasized the need for respect in the face of potential misconceptions, garnering over 8,000 likes.
LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
Defending the Kingdom: Fan Reactions
Supportive comments flooded the video, praising Savannah for upholding a certain standard in public interactions. One fan noted, “That’s how you keep yall kingdom together salute,” underscoring the importance of unity in the face of external scrutiny. However, not all reactions were positive, with some fans expressing frustration, labeling James as “rude” or suggesting she was “overcompensating.” The authenticity of the video itself was also questioned, with speculation about the specific circumstances of the filmed encounters.
Unraveling the Debate: A Closer Look
While debates raged on, some users pointed out that the manner in which male fans approached Savannah could have influenced her response. Suggestions surfaced that a different approach might have yielded varied results, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion. Whether or not the video accurately portrayed Savannah’s overall photo preferences remains uncertain, but its impact on public discourse highlights a recurring theme in LeBron James’ career – the maintenance of a scandal-free personal life, with his relationship with Savannah playing a pivotal role.
READ: Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
LeBron James’ Legacy: A Career Steered Clear of Scandals
Throughout his illustrious NBA career, LeBron James has skillfully navigated the challenges of fame, avoiding personal scandals that often befall high-profile athletes. The enduring bond with Savannah James has undoubtedly contributed to this narrative, with their relationship serving as a beacon of stability amid the often tumultuous world of professional sports.
Beyond the Lens
In the ever-watchful eyes of fans and critics alike, the dynamics of celebrity relationships, even in seemingly mundane scenarios like fan photos, become subjects of scrutiny. Savannah James’ approach, as captured in the TikTok video, has sparked conversations about respect, loyalty, and the intricacies of navigating public life as an NBA power couple. As the debate unfolds, one thing remains clear – in the world of the King and his Queen, every snapshot tells a story, whether through the lens of a camera or the lens of public perception.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon. Setting the Mood for 2024: Ayesha Curry Shares a Heartwarming Photo of Son Canon
On the dawn of the New Year, Ayesha Curry, the wife of NBA sensation Steph Curry, took to social media to share a heartwarming snapshot of their youngest son, Canon, enjoying a day on the golf course. The photo radiates joy as the five-year-old sports enthusiast mirrors his father’s passion, flashing a contagious smile that undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the Curry family.
“Great first day of 2024! This is my mood,” Ayesha expressed alongside the delightful image.
The Warriors’ Uphill Battle in the 2023/24 Season
While Ayesha Curry celebrates family moments, her husband, Steph Curry, faces on-court challenges with the Golden State Warriors during the 2023/24 NBA season. Despite Curry’s remarkable individual performance, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, assists, and three-pointers, the Warriors find themselves grappling with a series of setbacks.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
As of now, the team holds a record of 15-17, securing the 11th position in the NBA Western Conference standings. The Warriors concluded the past year with a disheartening three-game losing streak, including a recent defeat against the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s frustrating, for sure,” expressed Curry, reflecting on the team’s struggles.
Chris Paul’s Arrival and the Quest for Consistency
In an effort to fortify the team, the Warriors acquired veteran point guard Chris Paul in the off-season. However, despite this addition, the team continues to face challenges. Curry underscores the urgency of establishing a consistent starting lineup, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in overcoming their current hurdles.
“32 games in and any team that is a seriously competitive contender, a good team can answer that question [on who is the team’s best starting five]. We have to get to that point, for sure, before it’s too late,” emphasized Curry.
READ: Twitch and Kick fight for LeBron James as NBA star reveals the…
Looking Ahead: The Need for Swift Lineup Decisions
In the quest for redemption, Stephen Curry advocates for swift and decisive measures in determining the team’s starting lineup. The seasoned player recognizes the importance of this aspect for a team aspiring to be a serious contender in the NBA. As the Warriors navigate through the challenges of the season, establishing a reliable starting five emerges as a key focus for the team’s leadership.
In Conclusion
As Ayesha Curry shares a glimpse into the warmth of family life on New Year’s Day, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a critical juncture in the current NBA season. While Steph Curry continues to shine individually, the team’s struggle highlights the complex dynamics of professional basketball. With the spotlight on consistency in the starting lineup, the Warriors aim to turn the tide and regain their competitive edge in the league. The journey ahead remains uncertain, but the Warriors, led by Curry’s unwavering determination, are poised to face the challenges head-on, seeking victory and redemption in the games to come.
Discover more about the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry’s journey here.
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