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Takeaways From The Lakers Friday Win

Lakers
Photo: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Last week, the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Golden State Warriors, earning a slot in the Western Conference Finals and in NBA history.

 Rise From the Bottom

This past Friday (May 12) adds another win to an unexpectedly positive season for this underdog team. The season began extremely tough for the Lakers, with a noticeably unbalanced roster that led to loss after loss throughout October and November. As a result, the Lakers began the 2023-2024 season with a 2-10 record. Just a matter of months ago, few thought this team could find the chemistry to pull it together on the court. Currently, they’re only eight wins away from claiming the championship title.

It’s undeniably the most impressive in-season turnaround in the league’s history. The Lakers made it official on Friday (May 12) by becoming the only team in American professional sports history to come dead last in their division and still make the final four for the playoffs. The only other team in NBA history that’s managed to grab a spot in the conference finals after starting 2-10 is the 1977-78 Seattle Supersonics. The win against the Golden State Warriors is especially imposing when you factor in their stacked lineup, including the league’s best 3-point shooter Stephen Curry and four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala.

“One thing about when you play Golden State, you don’t have an opportunity to relax. You just don’t, so I’m not worried about us going in there comfortable. You just can’t do it vs. Golden State. It’s not possible.” Lebron James told reporters following their 104-101 win against the Warriors last Monday (May 8).

What’s Left for Lakers

With the Lakers now in high spirits, they still have many obstacles to face before they can claim the trophy. They’ll face off against the Denver Nuggets to kick off the NBA Western Conference finals.  If that wasn’t already intimidating enough, they’ll still have to beat either the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers, both being tougher opponents than any team thus far. Nonetheless, the Lakers have already beat the odds in a massive way.

Lately, in NBA news, there’s been plenty of discourse surrounding the definition of failure. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave a reporter a poignant response following a recent loss to the Miami Heat that resulted in the Milwaukee Bucks elimination.

“There’s no failure in sports. You know, there’s good days, bad days. Some days you are able to be successful, some days you’re not. Some days it’s your turn, some days it’s not your turn.” He said. “Every year you work, you work towards something, towards a goal, right? Which is to get a promotion, be able to take care of your family, to be able to provide the house for them or take care of your parents,”

“You work towards a goal. It’s not a failure; it’s steps to success.”

Coincidentally, the Lakers are proving that sentiment correct in real time. With the finals beginning next month, time will tell how far this underdog team will go.

Written by Dreema Carrington

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Giannis Goes Down as Hawks Beat Bucks in Game 4

Giannis

Giannis gets hurt in a tough loss

The Milwaukee Bucks are in a massive battle with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals. Last night, the two teams played in Atlanta for Game 4 of the series.

With Hawks star Trae Young sitting the game due to a foot injury, the Bucks were expected to take down their opponent easily. Unfortunately, their star and former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a knee injury in the third quarter. He was still able to contribute 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in 24 minutes of play.

Ultimately, the Hawks wound up blowing out the Bucks in a 110-88 victory.

What’s next?

With the Hawks’ win, the best-of-7 series is now tied up at 2-2. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Trae Young is aiming to return for Game 5, though time will tell if he actually does.

Giannis

While unconfirmed, there are rumors surfacing that Giannis may have injured his ACL. The severity of his injury should be revealed shortly, but there are understandable concerns that he could be forced to miss time.

Both the Hawks and Bucks overcame the odds to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in this year’s insane NBA playoffs. Atlanta was able to upset the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, while Milwaukee took down Kevin Durant’s Brooklyn Nets in the second round.

Check out highlights from the game below while you get ready for tomorrow’s Game 5.

Andrew “Jetlag” Preisig | IG @ThankYouJetlag | Twitter @ThankYouJetlag

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The Atlanta Hawks boot the Philadelphia 76ers from the Playoffs

Trae Young charing past Ben Simmons PC: Bill Streicher

The Hawks end round 2 of the playoffs with a dub!

In yet another upset this past weekend, the Atlanta Hawks bested the Philadelphia 76ers in game 7 at Philadelphia. The series between these two teams has been absolutely intense, and this game was no exception.

Hawks Trae Young can't get enough!
Trae Young can’t get enough! PC: Tim Nwachukwu

With not many “name brand” players and a young roster, the Hawks are surprising NBA fans left and right with their perseverance, bravery and overall talent. The Hawks are led by 22-year-old Trae Young, who has been one of the best team leaders all post-season. After silencing Knicks fans in the first game of that series, Young has gleefully been this year’s “playoff villain.” With his youthful and rambunctious energy, Young feasts off of adversity and crowd booing, making him the player you love to hate in all the best ways.

Hawks' Kevin Huerter on the launch.
Kevin Huerter on the launch. PC: Scott Cunningham

Another 22-year-old Hawk, Kevin Huerter, played excellently, bringing in nearly 30 points and hitting the final free throws to seal the 6ers’ fate. Another huge dagger came from Danilo Gallinari. After swatting the ball from Joel Embiid to Kevin Huerter, Gallinari nabbed Huerter’s long pass for a game sealing dunk.

End of Ben Simmons as a 76er?

Led by MVP runner-up Joel Embiid, the 76ers came into the post-season with high potential. In game 7, Embiid dropped 31 points and 11 rebounds, with Tobias Harris and Seth Curry pulling their weight as well. On the other hand, it’s point guard Ben Simmons that many find responsible for the 76ers demise.

Simmons in doubt.
Simmons in doubt. PC: AFP Photos

For a fanbase like Philadelphia’s, you do not want to be identified because of loss. Unfortunately for Simmons, the fans will not let him off easily. In game 7, Simmons took only four shots and declined taking a crucial dunk. This is also the fourth game in a row in which Simmons didn’t attempt a shot in the fourth quarter. With this lack of confidence, its no surprise that coach Doc Rivers “doesn’t have an answer” to if Simmons could be the point guard on championship team.

A despaired Joel Embiid.
A despaired Joel Embiid. PC: Matt Slocum.

After beating the first seed, do you think the Hawks can take the Milwaukee Bucks to make the national championship? Game 1 of the series is Wednesday, June 23rd!

Trae Young revels in the Philly Hawks anger.
Trae Young revels in the Philly anger. PC: Curtis Compton

 

Jason Heilbronner | Twitter: @JasonHeilbronn1 

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Kevin Durant Drops Historic Triple-Double Lifts Nets to Game 5 Win

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant simply went off.

Last night’s game between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks was one for the ages. With the series tied 2-2, both teams were fighting to get a step closer to the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals.

One brought a little more to the table.

Kevin Durant’s Nets entered the second half down by 16 points to former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks. Durant, a former MVP himself, decided to turn it up a notch.

He finished with a monstrous triple-double consisting of 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also contributed 2 blocks and 3 steals while playing all 48 minutes of the critical game.

He made history with this performance.

Durant formed an elite club with Oscar Robertson, Charles Barkley, and Luka Doncic. They are the only players in NBA history to drop at least 45 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a single playoff game.

The stunning performance came at just the right time. His All-NBA teammate Kyrie Irving missed the game with a sprained right ankle. Additionally, the team’s third All-Star in James Harden was clearly hurting and scored only 5 points. Needless to say, Kevin Durant was clutch.

It’s been a busy NBA playoffs so far, and it looks like there will be no slowing down. Game 6 of the Nets-Bucks series will be played tomorrow at 8:30 on ESPN.

Check out some highlights from last night’s game below.

Andrew “Jetlag” Preisig | IG @ThankYouJetlag | Twitter @ThankYouJetlag

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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

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LeBron James’ Lakers Bounced From First Round of the NBA Playoffs

LeBron

LeBron James’ amazing streak comes to an end.

At 36 years old, 4-time NBA champion and MVP LeBron James has never been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs until last night.

After holding a 14-0 record in the opening round, James suffered a Game 6 loss that sent him home. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-100 on the latter’s home court.

Unsurprisingly, the Suns were led by another massive performance by Devin Booker. He dropped 47 points in 46 minutes, making 8 of 10 three-point attempts. Additionally, James’ banana boat buddy Chris Paul contributed 12 assists to the box score.

Lebron James and the Lakers

The Lakers were seemingly doomed when star big-man Anthony Davis went down with an injury in Game 4. He returned in Game 6 but only played 5 minutes and did not score any points.

James and his Lakers were the defending champions of the NBA, having won the championship last season in the Orlando bubble.

What’s next for King James?

While understandably frustrated with the loss, LeBron James is keeping his head up. In the postgame press conference, he humorously took the opportunity to promote Space Jam: A New Legacy. At the same time, he suggested he will not be participating in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Despite his age, James is obviously a fierce competitor and we can fully expect him to return to the chase for another NBA title next season.

You can check out highlights from Game 6 below.