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Stephen Curry's placement in Bleacher Report's Top 100 NBA Players of All Time list, where he ranks 10th, has sparked significant debate. While universally acknowledged as an all-time great, the greatest shooter ever, a four-time champion, and a two-time MVP, his exact position on the all-time list is contentious. Bleacher Report justified Curry's high ranking by emphasizing his transformative impact on the game, surpassing even LeBron James in reshaping basketball. They highlighted that beyond his shooting, Curry uniquely leverages his gravity to exhaust defenses in multiple ways, making his teams fundamentally better. His scalability to play alongside anyone and his one-of-a-kind qualitative and stylistic impact were also cited, arguing the Warriors' success peaks with him. The primary controversy stems from Curry being ranked directly above Kobe Bryant at number 11. Many, particularly younger generations, consider Bryant one of the greatest players ever, making Curry's placement ahead of him a point of contention. Conversely, others argue Curry's ranking at 10 is too low. They point out he has more championships than Larry Bird (ranked 8th), more MVPs than Shaquille O'Neal (ranked 6th), and the same number of All-NBA selections as Magic Johnson (ranked 4th), despite playing in a more competitive league era.
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Devin Booker signed a contract extension with the Phoenix Suns, keeping him under contract through 2029 and ending speculation among some Detroit Pistons fans about a potential move. This extension adds $133 million to his existing four-year, $220 million deal, securing his future with the Suns until at least the 2030 offseason. Former NBA player Brandon Jennings expressed continued interest in Booker joining the Pistons, despite the extension. After observing the Pistons' core players supporting their team at the Las Vegas Summer League, Jennings posted on social media: "This is going to be a good team next year. If they can get Devin Booker somehow mannnnn," suggesting Booker could elevate the team. Booker, who is from Michigan and occasionally shows support for Detroit's non-Pistons teams, has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to Phoenix as the Suns' franchise player. His long-term extension solidifies his role as the face of the franchise. Contractually, Booker cannot be traded under any circumstances until January 10, 2026. The Suns have made it clear they are fully invested in retaining their four-time All-Star for the foreseeable future, effectively removing him as a feasible target for the Pistons.
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The WNBA midseason player rankings by ESPN focus solely on current season performance, leading to the exclusion of typically ranked players who haven't played at least half their team's games (like Jonquel Jones and Kahleah Copper) and the inclusion of rookies this time. Napheesa Collier (Forward, Minnesota Lynx, Preseason rank: 2) tops the list for the first time. She leads the league in scoring by a significant margin and is a strong contender for both MVP and repeating as Defensive Player of the Year. Her performance has established her as the league's best player and the Lynx as the best team. A'ja Wilson (Center, Las Vegas Aces, Preseason rank: 1) demonstrated her superstar status with a dominant 34-point, 16-rebound performance in a crucial win over Golden State upon returning from a wrist injury. Alyssa Thomas (Forward, Phoenix Mercury, Preseason rank: 5) is excelling in Phoenix's system, leading the league in assists and shooting a career-high percentage. Her play is a major reason for the Mercury's surprising success, including their high three-point volume and strong defense. Breanna Stewart (Forward, New York Liberty, Preseason rank: 3) has been remarkably consistent, scoring in double figures nearly every game. She is a top-five player in win shares and a foundational piece for the Liberty, despite her three-point shooting slump. Sabrina Ionescu (Guard, New York Liberty, Preseason rank: 7) is averaging a career-high in scoring, demonstrating her ability to take over games offensively. Her intensity and efficiency have been vital for the injury-impacted Liberty. Allisha Gray (Guard, Chicago Sky, Preseason rank: 23) is having a breakout season under a new coach, averaging career highs in scoring, rebounding, and assists. She is shooting 42% from three-point range and earned her first All-Star start, positioning herself for potential All-WNBA honors.
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The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is in the thick of its regular season in July, with intense competition as teams battle for top four positions and playoff seeding. Every game holds significant weight during this crucial period. A series of key matchups are scheduled between July 10 and 15 that could alter the standings. Highlights include: Mindoro Tamaraws vs. Ilagan Isabela Cowboys; Valenzuela City Magic vs. Abra Weavers (both fighting for top eight spots); Basilan Viva Portmasters vs. Pangasinan Abono Reapers (featuring veterans and young talent); and the dominant, undefeated Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards vs. the Bacolod Tubo Slashers. Individual players are also shining. Philip Paniamogan of Batangas City carries momentum after setting a league record with 15 three-pointers in a single game last month. Michael Mabulac continues to impress with his interior play for Pangasinan. In the standings, the north division is led by undefeated Nueva Ecija, followed by Abra, San Juan, and Quezon Huskers, with Pampanga and Caloocan close behind. The south division features a tight race at the top between Quezon Huskers, Zamboanga Sikat, Batangas City, and GenSan Warriors. The MPBL's unique charm stems from its deep community roots, where regional rivalries generate passionate fan support for hometown teams. July is pivotal for shaping playoff destinies, influencing home-court advantage and playoff paths. Every decision, shot, and victory becomes crucial as teams aim to make history. Fans can anticipate record-breaking performances, upsets, and emerging rivalries during the thrilling push for the top spots.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a key free-agent move by re-signing sharpshooter Sam Merrill to a four-year, $38 million contract. Merrill, a career 38.6% three-point shooter, was instrumental in the team's bench success last season, appearing in 71 games (starting only four) while averaging 7.2 points and shooting 37.2% from deep over a career-high 19.7 minutes per game. Teammate Donovan Mitchell personally congratulated Merrill after the signing, praising his development and hard work. Mitchell humorously suggested the Mormon athlete celebrate with an alcoholic shot despite religious prohibitions. Merrill's journey to this contract involved overcoming early career challenges—as the 60th overall 2020 draft pick, he played just 41 games total in his first three NBA seasons before solidifying his role. This extension follows Merrill's consecutive impactful seasons as a reserve, potentially cementing his long-term future with the Cavaliers. His retention gains added importance after Cleveland lost elite bench scorer Ty Jerome—a recent Sixth Man of the Year finalist—to the Memphis Grizzlies in free agency. Fans hope Merrill's floor-spacing abilities can offset Jerome's departure and that he'll achieve a career-best year in his sixth NBA season. The deal raises questions about Merrill's motivation to further develop his game now that financial security is established, adding intrigue to his upcoming performance.
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Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky secured a notable 87-81 victory over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx on Saturday. This win marked Chicago's first of the season against a team with a winning record, improving their standing to 7-13. The Lynx, leading the WNBA with an 18-4 record, suffered the upset loss. Veteran Ariel Atkins led the Sky in scoring with 27 points, but second-year players Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso were pivotal. Cardoso recorded a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Reese also achieved a double-double, contributing 19 points and 11 rebounds. Both Reese and Cardoso were Chicago's first-round picks in last year's draft. Reese, the NBA 2K26 cover athlete, is currently on a hot streak, recording her eighth consecutive double-double. After struggling offensively earlier in the season, she has been shooting efficiently during this stretch, with field goal percentages ranging from 43.8% to 60%. Following the game, Reese confidently stated that she and Cardoso form the best young core in the league, referring to themselves as "The Skyscrapers." Reese leads the entire WNBA in total rebounds with 255. She also specifically leads the league in defensive rebounds with 176, addressing past criticism about "mebounds" (grabbing her own offensive rebounds). The Sky will host the Lynx again on Monday night, aiming to make a statement by beating the league's top team twice. After that, Chicago faces the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday before Reese heads to Indianapolis to participate in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.
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Bailey Flavell, the 18-year-old daughter of New Zealand basketball legend Judd Flavell, is making her debut with the senior Tall Ferns at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025. As the second-youngest player on the roster, her entry follows a natural progression given her deep family roots in the sport; her father was a key player for the Tall Blacks, reaching the 2022 FIBA World Cup semi-finals. Flavell has steadily progressed through New Zealand's youth ranks, competing at U15 to U17 levels from 2022 to 2024. She recently gained senior experience at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Mexico, averaging 5.5 points per game. The Asia Cup represents a new challenge and opportunity to prove herself against Asia's best teams. Expressing gratitude for her selection, Flavell highlighted the supportive team environment and the guidance from experienced leaders like Esra McGoldrick and Tahlia Tupaea. She credits these veterans for their on and off-court knowledge and advice, which she actively incorporates to aid her development. Her basketball foundation stems from her family, where everyone played. Her father, Judd Flavell (now head coach of the Tall Blacks), concluded his playing career around her birth and began coaching, providing significant coaching and advice throughout her journey. While acknowledging this head start, Bailey is dedicated to forging her own path. On the court, Flavell aims to bring maximum effort on both offense and defense. She specifically focuses on disrupting opponents defensively and maintaining high energy levels consistently. With her blend of family legacy, youthful promise, and hard work, she is positioned as a rising star for New Zealand as the Tall Ferns compete in the tournament.
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In the first professional matchup between top draft picks Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, Clark and the Indiana Fever secured a decisive victory over Bueckers and the Dallas Wings, winning 102-83. Clark led the Fever with a strong all-around performance, contributing 14 points, 13 assists, and five steals. Teammates Kelsey Mitchell (20 points) and Natasha Howard (18 points, two steals) also delivered significant performances. Despite the loss, Paige Bueckers played well for the Wings, scoring 21 points along with four rebounds and four assists, continuing her standout Rookie of the Year campaign. However, her effort wasn't sufficient to counter the Fever, who improved their season record to 11-10. The loss dropped the Wings to a 6-16 record. The article notes that while this initial chapter in the anticipated Clark-Bueckers rivalry was somewhat one-sided, future matchups promise more excitement. It highlights the differing team contexts: the Fever spent the offseason building a contending roster around Clark, while the Wings are just starting their rebuild around Bueckers, a difference evident in Sunday's game. Despite the anticlimactic start, both players are recognized as young stars poised to lead the WNBA forward.
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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka discussed his extensive history with Kevin Durant, spanning both their playing careers and coaching tenures. As an NBA player from 2003-2011, Udoka overlapped with Durant's rookie years (starting in 2007) for four seasons, facing him on the court. After retiring, Udoka transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for the Spurs, 76ers, and Nets before becoming the Celtics' head coach in 2021. Throughout his coaching career, he consistently devised defensive strategies against Durant, including during Boston's 2022 playoff series against Brooklyn, and briefly coached him while with the Nets. During a Summer League interview with ESPN, Udoka was asked about defending Durant as a player. He emphatically dismissed any suggestion of having "locked up" the superstar, stating: "I’ve never locked up Kevin Durant. If he misses a shot, it probably has nothing to do with a 6'5" guy trying to guard him." This humble reflection underscores Udoka's respect for Durant's abilities. Looking ahead, the duo now shifts focus to collaboration in Houston. Udoka, entering his second season as Rockets head coach after revitalizing the team's playoff prospects, will now lead Durant directly. The organization views Durant's addition as pivotal to ending their championship drought dating back to 1995. With a significantly retooled roster this summer, the Rockets aim for a deep postseason run, hinging on Udoka's ability to effectively integrate and deploy the team's talent.
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Brandon Ingram joined the Toronto Raptors in February 2025 but has yet to play for the team due to injury. Despite his absence, the organization demonstrated strong faith in him by signing him to a three-year, $120 million contract extension. Ingram reciprocates this trust, expressing belief in the team's direction and predicting a postseason run. The Raptors are entering a new era following Masai Ujiri's departure, with Ingram positioned as a key star alongside cornerstone player Scottie Barnes. This partnership allows Barnes greater offensive freedom while Ingram provides go-to scoring and playmaking. The team's disappointing 30-52 record in the 2024-25 season saw them finish 11th in the Eastern Conference, narrowly missing the Play-In Tournament. Ingram is set to return for the 2025-26 season, bolstering a roster that includes RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. He publicly declared playoff expectations, praising the team's defensive identity and hard-nosed play on both ends of the court. Ingram emphasized his commitment to maintaining their defensive intensity, stating he must match their effort level. The weakened Eastern Conference landscape—with teams like the Celtics potentially missing Jayson Tatum and the Pacers possibly without Tyrese Haliburton due to injuries—creates an opportunity for the Raptors to emerge as a surprise contender. Teammates have praised Ingram's ego-free approach, further solidifying team chemistry. With Barnes and Ingram forming an All-Star-caliber duo and a supportive cast, the Raptors aim to capitalize on these conditions to return to playoff contention.
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The news covers two upcoming WNBA matchups: Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever: The Dallas Wings (6-15) are on a two-game losing streak and playing the final game of a road trip. They have a poor 2-9 road record. Key Wings players: Paige Bueckers is averaging 20.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals over her last 10 games. Arike Ogunbowale (averaging 16.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals) is expected to return Sunday. Li Yueru and JJ Quinerly are coming off solid performances. The Indiana Fever (10-10) ended a two-game losing streak with a win over Atlanta and are playing the final game of a homestand. They have a 6-6 home record. Key Fever players: Caitlin Clark has struggled with shooting (9-for-27 in two games since returning from injury) but faces a Wings defense that allows the league's third-highest FG% to opposing guards. Kelsey Mitchell scored a team-high 25 points in the last game, her second 25-point game in four outings. Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard have both scored 20+ points within the last three games. Betting Line: Fever favored by 10.0 points. Over/Under total points set at 175.0. Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty: The only information provided for this game is the betting line: Liberty favored by 3.5 points. Over/Under total points set at 167.5. The news includes a general note that all player return dates mentioned are estimates.
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The Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks, two of the WNBA's bottom-three teams, face off Sunday in their first matchup this season, with predictions highlighting scoring props and a favorable spread for the visiting Sun. Tina Charles is projected to exceed 15.5 points, supported by her recent offensive surge—scoring 20 and 29 points in the last two games while taking 40 shots and 18 free throws. This aligns with the Sparks' defensive struggles: they allow the league's second-highest points per game (87.2), second-worst field goal percentage (44.9%), and third-most points in the paint (37.1), creating ideal conditions for Charles' interior dominance. Additional predictions include Kelsey Plum surpassing 18.5 points, bolstered by her 20.9-point home average at crypto.com Arena, and the Sun covering the +11.5 spread. Team statistics reveal both franchises' defensive woes: the Sun hold the worst defensive rating while the Sparks rank last overall. Connecticut is 3-17 straight up but 9-11 against the spread, including six covers in their last 10 games. Conversely, the Sparks are 6-14 straight up and 0-3 ATS in recent home games. Historical trends heavily favor Connecticut, who have won the last 10 head-to-head meetings. Injury reports note absences for the Sun's Marina Mabrey and the Sparks' Cameron Brink.
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The Golden State Warriors have not made significant offseason moves but hold tradable first-round picks and expiring salaries, positioning them to pursue a player like LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, whom they previously showed interest in before last year's trade deadline. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that four teams have contacted Rich Paul, LeBron James' agent, about a potential trade for the star player, though McMenamin clarified that James has not requested a trade or extension, and Paul has not discussed any future trade possibilities with the Lakers. Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson identified the four teams as the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers, based on his own reporting following McMenamin's initial account. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, have invested in an older roster; while Curry and Green were once rivals of James, they have developed a friendship and, in Green's case, a business partnership over the past decade. Curry and James notably co-led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, performing exceptionally well together under head coach Steve Kerr. Despite Curry turning 38 in March and James, the league's oldest player, turning 41 in December, there is little reason to doubt they could replicate their Olympic success in the upcoming NBA season, as both were second-team All-NBA selections in 2024-25.
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The article focuses on WNBA betting options available on FanDuel Sportsbook, specifically analyzing the Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty game. It highlights traditional markets like spreads and totals, as well as player-prop bets. Despite the two teams combining for 167 and 171 points in their previous 2025 meetings, the analysis suggests a "normal" game leans towards betting the under on the total points. This counters the recent high-scoring trend. The reasoning points to the Dream's exceptional 52.9% field goal shooting performance in their last matchup against the Liberty and a 37.9% three-point shooting night against Indiana as being above their typical output. Statistically, the Dream rank only seventh in the WNBA in true shooting percentage (TS%) at 54.3% on average nights. Furthermore, the Liberty possess an excellent defensive rating (DRTG) of 98.1, supporting the case for a lower-scoring game than the previous meetings. The article notes that betting lines are subject to change and injury news should be monitored, and mentions that separate best bets are available for the Wings-Fever game.
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Free agent center Montrezl Harrell is reportedly drawing interest from teams in China, according to recent rumors. Significant free agency rumors continue to circulate, particularly involving Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, with persistent speculation linking them to the Boston Celtics. Ownership news focuses on Bill Chisholm, with reports connecting him to the Boston Celtics organization. Free agent Cameron Matthews is generating top rumors, specifically regarding potential interest from the Houston Rockets. Free agent Jeenathan Williams is also part of the rumor mill, with connections being made to the Houston Rockets. Free agent Devon Dotson is rumored to be heading to Turkey for his next playing opportunity. Injury reports from the Summer League involve several players: Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Ryan Dunn. These injuries are linked to the Phoenix Suns' Summer League activities.
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NBA veteran Bradley Beal is reportedly drawing interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason, joining a list of potential suitors that already includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks, according to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. If acquired by Minnesota, Beal's role would depend on the Timberwolves' lineup strategy. He could potentially come off the bench if the team maintains its traditional larger starting unit alongside Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards. Alternatively, the team could opt for a smaller frontcourt featuring Conley at point guard, Beal and Edwards as the shooting guard and small forward, with Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt, creating a potentially strong roster. The reports indicate that the Clippers are currently considered the favorites to land the 32-year-old Beal. This is linked to the Phoenix Suns considering waiving and stretching Beal's contract, a move that would require Beal to surrender nearly $13.9 million of the $111 million remaining on his deal over the final two seasons. A contract buyout also remains a possibility, which would terminate Beal's five-year contract and erase his no-trade clause.
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Kam Jones has signed his first professional contract, agreeing to a four-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers acquired Jones through a draft trade with the San Antonio Spurs after selecting him 38th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Indiana targeted an early second-round pick due to lacking a first-round selection after a mid-June trade and seeking cost-effective roster contributors. Jones played four collegiate seasons at Marquette, demonstrating versatility by alternating between on-ball and off-ball guard roles. As a senior, he averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists per game. Pacers President Kevin Pritchard praised Jones' work ethic and positional flexibility, noting similarities in personality to All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Currently practicing with the Pacers ahead of summer league play, Jones will share significant ball-handling responsibilities with returning players RayJ Dennis and Quenton Jackson. His experience playing alongside NBA-caliber creators like New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek at Marquette prepared him for both off-ball and primary creator roles, with three-point shooting being a particular strength during those seasons. Summer league coach Isaac Yacob highlighted the value of Jones' adaptability, stating it "adds a layer to his game and to the team." Jones himself emphasized how his point guard experience expanded his skill set, making him comfortable in multiple backcourt positions. The Pacers signed Jones to a standard contract using the second-round pick exception. The deal guarantees just under $1.3 million in the first season at the NBA rookie minimum, with the second year at the lowest possible base salary. The third and fourth seasons carry standard values under the exception structure.
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Last summer, Josh Giddey informed the Oklahoma City Thunder he viewed himself as more than a role player and suggested a parting of ways if they intended to keep him in that capacity. The Thunder granted his wish on June 20, trading him to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Alex Caruso, who subsequently played a major role in Oklahoma City's championship run. While both teams benefited from the trade, with Giddey becoming a highly productive guard for Chicago – averaging 18.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.4 steals on strong shooting percentages from January 20 onward – a key difference has emerged regarding long-term commitments. The Thunder have already extended Caruso through the 2028-29 season. In contrast, the Bulls have not yet secured Giddey with a new contract. Reporter K.C. Johnson indicates that despite mutual interest in a multi-year deal, the Bulls are far from willing to meet Giddey's reported salary demand of $30 million per year. Johnson stated he has never heard the Bulls mention that specific figure and does not expect Giddey to sign a $30 million deal. The situation differs slightly from Giddey's departure from Oklahoma City, as both the Bulls and Giddey reportedly "want to get a deal done." However, a significant financial line in the sand has been drawn, which is likely to limit Giddey's expectations of securing his desired salary.
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San Miguel Beer defeated Barangay Ginebra in a thrilling Game 7 to win the PBA Finals. Star player June Mar Fajardo experienced hamstring tightness during the game but downplayed concerns. Chris Ross played a pivotal role in the victory, responding strongly after being challenged by LA Tenorio's performance in Game 6, effectively shutting down Ginebra's title hopes. Jericho Cruz, previously troubled by Tenorio's Game 6 showing, expressed relief after the win. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, part of the San Miguel championship team, is seeking his first PBA ring, aiming to join his siblings as a champion. In the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, De La Salle University (La Salle) remained unbeaten, securing the top seed after defeating University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU). La Salle also advanced to the quarterfinals and maintained their undefeated status heading into the semifinals. National University (NU) secured the final Filoil semifinals spot. NU also competed in the BLIA Cup, where Tin Cayabyab scored 31 points to lead them to the final. NU ultimately finished as runners-up in the tournament. University of the Philippines (UP) gained momentum heading into the Filoil quarterfinals. The NCAA is introducing significant format changes for Season 101, including group stages, play-in games, and an expanded playoff system. San Beda University won both General Championships as Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) concluded its hosting duties, passing the responsibility to Mapua University. An incident involving Mapua and a visiting Chinese university team resulted in a bench-clearing brawl.
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WNBA fans expressed surprise after Angel Reese was announced as one of the cover stars for NBA 2K26. The Chicago Sky player joins NBA athletes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Carmelo Anthony on the popular basketball game's cover. Reese described her selection as "more than a milestone - it's a statement," highlighting that her appearance alongside her debut signature Reebok shoe (Angel Reese 1) represents confidence and boldness for young girls. She called it a "special honor" acknowledging her journey, veteran WNBA players who paved the way, and the league's growing impact. Despite Reese's enthusiasm, many fans on social media disagreed with 2K's choice, suggesting Caitlin Clark should have been selected instead. Comments included statements like "Should have been Caitlin Clark" and "We all know it was supposed to be Clark," reflecting widespread fan sentiment favoring Clark for the cover spot.
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ESPN's broadcast of Tuesday night's WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty drew a significant audience, with the Liberty's win averaging 701,000 viewers and peaking at 813,000 viewers. According to reporter Madeline Kenney, this marked the most-watched non-Indiana Fever WNBA game broadcast on ESPN (E1) since 1999, a comparison she clarified applies to regular-season games. The report acknowledges that the Indiana Fever, featuring star Caitlin Clark, remain the WNBA's top ratings draw. Examples cited include an ESPN Fever preseason game drawing 1.3 million viewers in May and an Ion broadcast of a Fever game exceeding one million viewers even without Clark playing. Despite this, the Aces-Liberty matchup is highlighted as one of the league's premier contests. Both teams have won the last three WNBA championships (Aces in 2022 and 2023, Liberty in 2024) and currently hold the first and third-best records in the league this season. The strong viewership for Tuesday's game is therefore seen as a positive indicator for the WNBA.
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The NBA has secured Amazon and NBC as new broadcast partners, with Amazon's Prime Video launching promotional content for its coverage starting this fall. A new commercial for the Emirates NBA Cup in-season tournament features Blake Griffin and Chet Holmgren. In the ad, Griffin humorously portrays a clueless Oklahoman attempting to claim the Thunder's NBA championship. He video calls Holmgren like an overly familiar uncle and delivers an unsolicited, goofy motivational speech. Prime Video released this commercial alongside the announcement of the NBA Cup group draw and schedule. The commercial includes subtle details likely to excite NBA fans, such as Holmgren appearing at his Minnehaha High School and both players referencing the NBA Summer League (despite Amazon not airing those games). Griffin also hums the "What a Girl Wants" parody from Holmgren's AT&T ad after the call. Amazon clearly views the in-season tournament as a key part of its package and positions Griffin as a star of its broadcast team, while also elevating Holmgren's profile. The ad, focusing on Holmgren's backstory and showcasing Griffin positively, appears to be a strategic move by Amazon to engage fans following recent discussions about the league's viewership and star power.
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GG Jackson emerged as a polarizing figure for the Memphis Grizzlies starting in 2024, seizing consistent playing time after injuries to Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane. He averaged 14.6 points and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors, then led the Grizzlies' summer league team to the championship game while securing All-Summer League First Team recognition. However, a broken foot sustained in an open run sidelined him until January 2025. Upon returning, Jackson struggled to adapt to a Grizzlies squad contending in the Western Conference's top three—a stark contrast to his rookie-year role as a primary option on a losing team. These difficulties fueled internal frustration, raising questions about whether Memphis might part ways with him this offseason. Despite this, Jackson voluntarily rejoined the 2025 summer league to demonstrate his ongoing value to the franchise. During the Grizzlies' rookie introduction, GM Zach Kleiman highlighted Jackson as the team's youngest player at age 20. He is 15 months younger than the next closest teammate on their summer league roster, which includes draft picks Cedric Coward, Javon Small, and Jahmai Mashack. Before his injury, fans debated Jackson’s potential as a starting small forward—a role eventually filled by All-Rookie First Team member Jaylen Wells after Jackson’s setback. Jackson addresses Memphis’s longstanding need for a wing scorer, a void unmet since Rudy Gay’s 2013 trade. In summer league play, he’s averaging 23.5 points on 57.5% field-goal shooting (including 37.5% from three), echoing the promise he showed pre-injury. His current performance underscores why the Grizzlies should persist in developing him, as his unique skillset—critical for championship contention—could determine whether the franchise ascends to elite status. Jackson’s growth extends beyond on-court skills, encompassing improved mentality and approach to the game.
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The Sacramento Kings, seeking improvement after missing the 2025 playoffs, actively participated in the 2025 NBA Draft. They traded into the first round to select Nique Clifford and acquired Maxime Raynaud in the second round, with Raynaud being considered a significant draft steal. Both rookies are expected to impact the Kings, learning from veteran teammates. Notably, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, a fellow French player, called Raynaud on draft night via FaceTime. Wembanyama offered heartfelt advice, urging Raynaud to continue working hard but also to enjoy the experience and embrace being "thrown into the fire" of the NBA journey. Despite being younger, Wembanyama is highlighted as a potentially valuable mentor for Raynaud due to their similar playing styles as mobile big men. Raynaud, selected 42nd overall, is a 7-foot-1 prospect from Stanford known for his shooting ability. His senior year stats included averages of 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. He is seen as a skilled big man who can provide needed frontcourt help for the Kings.
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Norman Powell expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he believes he can become an All-Star if provided with the necessary opportunity. Dyson Daniels praised teammate Trae Young, highlighting how Young significantly simplified the game for him. Daniels emphasized that their playing styles complement each other effectively on the court. Paolo Banchero has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Orlando Magic, securing his future with the team.
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WNBA fans are anticipating disciplinary action against Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese following her public criticism of league officials. This comes after Reese's team narrowly lost 80-75 to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, despite Reese's strong individual performance of 16 points and 17 rebounds. Controversy arose from an uncalled foul against Reese during a crucial late-game play, prompting her to express frustration on social media platform X. She described the officiating as "diabolical" and demanded the league "DO BETTER" while sharing an image from the disputed moment. The WNBA is expected to issue a fine against Reese for her comments, with fans preparing for the league's impending punishment of the rookie player.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to forward Matias Maccelli to help fill the void created by Mitch Marner's absence from the lineup. An analysis highlights the top remaining players available in the NHL free agent market. Golfers Rickie Fowler and Max Homa have made significant upward moves in the FedEx Cup standings following recent tournament performances. Forward prospect Easton Hopkins emerged as a stand-out performer during the Toronto Maple Leafs' development camp. Toronto Maple Leafs prospects participated in a unique team-building exercise focused on trust, guided by a world-class horse trainer working with a wild colt.
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