Tag: Nikola Jokic

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The All-NBA Selections Are Out!

It’s that time again!

Midway through the playoffs, the NBA treated fans to revealing the All-NBA teams last night.  With a league packed with the world’s best players, the picks are always debatable, but let’s take a look at the overall consensus.

Holding it down on the First team, the highest honor, we have an unsurprising list of five. There’s, of course, this year’s MVP, Nikola “The Joker” Jokic, holding the starting center position. Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo at forward, rounded off by the world’s greatest shooter, Steph Curry, and Luka Doncic as the guards. At age 22, this is Doncic’s second consecutive season making the first team, truly a prodigy of the game.

The second team is centered by Joel Embiid, the runner-up for the MVP award. Julius Randle and LeBron James are selected for forward, with LeBron setting a record at 17 career selections. The guards are very deservingly Chris Paul and Damian Lillard, though many feel that Dame deserves the first team.

Finally, in the honorable third team, we see defensive beast Rudy Gobert at center. Paul George edges his way onto the list as a forward with Jimmy Butler. Bradley Beal represents the Wizards with his guard selection alongside Kyrie Irving, surprisingly the only Brooklyn Net on the list.

The Snubs

With so many brilliant players in the league, there are, of course, some upsets.  Young stars Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young, and even Zion Williamson all had great looks to make a list but just missed it. The youngest player with the biggest snub is easily Donovan Mitchell, the lovable leader of the Jazz. In terms of veterans, Russell Westbrook also makes the snubs list.

However, the biggest snub has to be Kevin Durant not making any team, despite being arguably the best player in the world.  KD responded to the rankings by singlehandedly coming back on the Bucks, dropping 49 points within his triple-double.  KD is living proof that the lists remain arbitrary.

What do you think of the selections, agree or disagree?  Check out some of our other NBA content here!

 

 

 

Written by Jason Heilbronner

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FM Sports Updates

The Phoenix Suns Sweep the Denver Nuggets to Make Conference Finals

Suns in four!

On Sunday, the Suns knocked the Nuggets out of the playoffs entirely and are advancing to the conference finals. With a 4/4 sweep, they have time to prepare to take on either the Utah Jazz or LA Clippers for the bid to make the national championship.

The Suns have proven to be a western favorite. Despite being the second seed, their success against LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ Lakers is no small feat. With team leader and all-time great point guard Chris Paul recovered from his injury, Phoenix is one of the most well oiled machines in the league.

Everybody loves a good playoff villain, this year’s best example being Trae Young on the Atlanta Hawks. However, in the case of Chris Paul, he’s a full on playoff hero. After saving the Suns from losing to the Lakers, he continues to coordinate great play after great play. When the ball goes to Paul, you can expect a great pass, or, especially in the case of last night, a skilled mid range bucket.  Paul had a game-high 37 points while the young star, Devin Booker, brought in 34 himself. Even off the court he’s still a guy worth rooting for; just watch his State Farm commercials!

Defeating the Joker

Though Phoenix is the superior all-around team, Denver is led by this year’s NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. In an unceremonious end to his phenomenal year, the Joker was ejected in the third quarter. After a misinterpreted swat on Cameron Payne, immediately followed by a standoff with Booker, Jokic picked up a flagrant 2 foul. Though the Suns had the series in the bag, with a final score of 125-118, Jokic could have easily extended the series if he stayed in.

As the Suns await the victor of the Jazz/Clippers series, the 76ers are up 2-1 on the Hawks while the Bucks just brought their series against the almighty Nets to a 2-2 tie. This playoffs continues to get more and more exciting! Do you think the Suns will take the title?

Written by Jason Heilbronner