Showing posts with label basketball players. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basketball players. Show all posts


Top Men's NCAA Basketball Transfer Portal Stars by Position: Meet Donovan Dennis

A key strategy for assembling a successful team in college basketball involves leveraging the transfer portal, which has recently become accessible.

Despite March Madness being well underway, more than 600 players (including even Michigan's Justin Pippen , whose squad remains competitive in the NCAA men's basketball tournament) joined the transfer portal on the initial day of the window. By the second week of the window, over 1,600 players had enrolled in the portal.

A number of additional players are expected to join the transfer portal in the next several days. However, some key athletes have already committed to moving early. This group comprises Dailyn Swain from Xavier, Mackenzie Mgbako from Indiana, and Owen Freeman from Iowa.

Three ex-five-star prospects (which includes Mgbako along with Arizona State Jozan Sanon from 'Joson Sanon' and Jalil Bethea from Miami joined the transfer portal on the initial day, bringing the current total to nine. As additional prominent players clarify their decisions in the upcoming weeks, we will keep updating this article accordingly.

Participants are ranked according to projected performance, opponents' toughness, and multiple impact factors.

Note: Nick Kalinowski , Evan Miya , Bart Torvik , Ken Pom , and CBB Analytics The sources utilized for this research were.

POINT GUARD

  1. Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Maryland to Tennessee)
  2. Donovan Dent (from New Mexico to UCLA)
  3. KJ Lewis (from Arizona to Georgetown)
  4. Tre Donaldson (from Michigan to Miami)
  5. Silas Demary Jr (from Georgia to Connecticut)
  6. Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh to Kentucky)
  7. Quimari Peterson (from East Tennessee State to Washington)
  8. Rodney Rice (Maryland)
  9. Nicholas Boyd (from San Diego State to Wisconsin)
  10. Robert O Wright III (Baylor)
  11. Tre Holloman (Michigan State)
  12. Elliot Cadeau (from North Carolina to Michigan)
  13. Hayden Gray (University of California, San Diego)
  14. Duke Miles (from Oklahoma to Virginia)
  15. Frankie Collins (from TCU to Vanderbilt)
  16. Dylan Darling (Idaho State)
  17. Moe Odum (from Pepperdine to Arizona State)
  18. Nathan George (Georgia Tech → Syracuse)
  19. Sebastian Mack (from UCLA to Missouri)
  20. Brock Harding (from Iowa to TCU)
  21. Dallin Hall (from BYU to Virginia)
  22. Adam Clark (Merrimack → Seton Hall)
  23. Kyan Evans (from Colorado State to North Carolina)
  24. Jacari Land (North Alabama)
  25. Nik Graves (Charlotte → Creighton)

SHOOTING GUARD

  1. Bennett Stirtz (Drake to Iowa)
  2. RJ Luis (Saint John's)
  3. Tucker DeVries (from West Virginia to Indiana)
  4. Dailyn Swain (Xavier → Texas)
  5. Ryan Conwell (from Xavier to Louisville)
  6. Tayton Conerway (Troy)
  7. Malik Thomas (San Francisco)
  8. Josh Dix (Iowa → Creighton)
  9. Tre White (Illinois → Kansas)
  10. Wesley Yates III (USC)
  11. Xaivian Lee (Princeton)
  12. Dan Skillings (Cincinnati)
  13. True Washington (from New Mexico to Miami)
  14. Ian Jackson (North Carolina)
  15. Isaac McKneely (from Virginia to Louisville)
  16. Keyshawn Hall (from UCF to Auburn)
  17. Christian Davis (Bradley)
  18. Jason Edwards (Vanderbilt to Providence)
  19. Riley Kugel (from Mississippi State to UCF)
  20. Lamar Wilkerson (University of Sam Houston)
  21. Adrian Wooley (from Kennesaw State to Louisville)
  22. Melvin Council Jr (St. Bonaventure)
  23. Joshua Sanon (Arizona State → St. John's)
  24. Sencire Harris (from West Virginia to Cincinnati)
  25. Nate Kingz (from Oregon State to Syracuse)

SMALL FORWARD

  1. Morez Johnson Jr (Illinois to Michigan)
  2. Mouhamed Dioubate moved from Alabama to Kentucky.
  3. Dillon Mitchell (Cincinnati)
  4. Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
  5. Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)
  6. Keonte Jones (from Cal State Northridge to USC)
  7. Devin Tillis (UC Irvine)
  8. Solomon Washington (from Texas A&M to Maryland)
  9. Kanon Catchings (BYU)
  10. Pryce Sandfort (Iowa to Nebraska)
  11. Amarion Dickerson (transferred from Robert Morris to USC)
  12. Kimani Hamilton (High Point)
  13. Jadrian Tracey (Oregon)
  14. Tyeree Bryan (from Santa Clara to Texas Tech)
  15. LeJuan Watts (Washington State)
  16. Kaleb Banks (from Tulane to DePaul)
  17. Allen David Mukeba (from Oakland to Arizona State)
  18. Reed Bailey (from Davidson to Indiana)
  19. Tre Carroll (Florida Atlantic)
  20. Bobby Durkin (Davidson to Minnesota)
  21. Camden Heide (from Purdue to Texas)
  22. Taylor Bol Bowen (from Florida State to Alabama)
  23. Marcus Adams Jr (California State University Northridge → Arizona State)
  24. Bryce Hopkins (Providence → St. John's)
  25. Evan Mahaffey (from Ohio State to Akron)

POWER FORWARD

  1. Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB to Michigan)
  2. Darrion Williams (Texas Tech)
  3. Oscar Cluff (from South Dakota State to Purdue)
  4. Henri Veesaar (from Arizona to North Carolina)
  5. Jayden Quaintance (from Arizona State to Kentucky)
  6. Nick Davidson (from Nevada to Clemson)
  7. Malik Reneau ( Indiana to Miami )
  8. Alvaro Folgueiras (Robert Morris)
  9. Pharrell Payne (from Texas A&M to Maryland)
  10. Ernest Udeh (from TCU to Miami)
  11. KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State)
  12. Malique Ewin (Florida State)
  13. Ante Brzovic (College of Charleston)
  14. Amani Hansberry (from West Virginia to Virginia Tech)
  15. Jacob Cofie (from Virginia to USC)
  16. Brennen Lorient (North Texas → West Virginia)
  17. Basheer Jihad (Arizona State)
  18. Jacob Ognacevic (Lipscomb to Washington)
  19. Corey Chest (from LSU to Ole Miss)
  20. AK Okereke (Cornell)
  21. JaKobe Coles (Grand Canyon)
  22. Jarin Stevenson (Alabama)
  23. Michael Rataj (from Oregon State to Baylor)
  24. Izaiyah Nelson (from Arkansas State to South Florida)
  25. Guillermo Diaz Graham (Pittsburgh)

CENTER

  1. Aday Mara (UCLA)
  2. Owen Freeman (from Iowa to Creighton)
  3. Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas to Illinois)
  4. Dishon Jackson (from Iowa State to Pittsburgh)
  5. Quincy Ballard (from Wichita State to Mississippi State)
  6. Christoph Tilly moved from Santa Clara to Ohio State.
  7. Eddie Lampkin (Syracuse)
  8. Ben Middlebrooks (NC State)
  9. Blake Buchanan (from Virginia to Iowa State)
  10. Luke Bamgboye (VCU)
  11. Michael Nwoko (from Mississippi State to LSU)
  12. Efton Reid (Wake Forest)
  13. Mason Nicholson (from Jacksonville State to Vanderbilt)
  14. Lawson Lovering (Utah)
  15. Jeremiah Cherry (from UNLV to Sacramento State)
  16. Noah Williamson (from Bucknell to Alabama)
  17. Hosana Kitenge (Louisiana-Lafayette)
  18. Juslin Bodo Bodo (High Point)
  19. Duke Brennan (Grand Canyon)
  20. Josh Gray (Missouri)
  21. Caden Powell (Rice)
  22. Harlan Obioha (from UNC Wilmington to West Virginia)
  23. Parsa Fallah (Oregon State)
  24. Fredrick King (from Creighton to Murray State)
  25. Will Berg (Purdue)

The article initially appeared on For The Win. The top NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal players by position, featuring Donovan Denton, are highlighted here.



Doncic's Stellar Performance Sparks Emotional Video Tribute in Dallas Return

All eyes in the basketball universe will be fixed on Dallas tonight as Luka Doncic He is set for his highly-anticipated comeback in Texas. This marks Doncic's first appearance in Dallas since the incident. major deal that transferred the All-Star guard to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.

At the start of the game, when the Dallas public address announcer was about to introduce the player from Slovenia, he didn’t complete the introduction. Rather, he directed those present to look at the videoboard instead. a video tribute to Doncic was played.

The emotive video began with the NBA Commissioner unveiling the Mavericks' selection of Doncic as the fifth choice in the 2018 NBA Draft. It was followed by an array of highlight reels showcasing Doncic’s transition from playing abroad to excelling in a Dallas jersey.

The ESPN cameraman eventually turned to Doncic, sitting courtside. You can clearly see how emotional the 26-year-old was, as his eyes began to swell, understandably.

Doncic quickly turned the Lakers from an average team in the West into a formidable competitor. As they head into Wednesday’s matchup, they stand at third spot in the Western Conference standings. They hold a slim lead over several teams, with the Minnesota Timberwolves, presently ranked eighth, trailing by only two games behind them.

So, as much as this night means to Luka, it means just as much for the Lakers’ playoff hopes at home-court advantage.

At the same time, this match holds equal significance for the Mavericks. They presently stand at tenth place in the Western Conference standings. Securing a victory against the Lakers would ensure their position in the play-in tournament.

Anthony Davis, who has become the counterpart to Doncic following an unexpected trade, has recently made his return after being injured. Davis was injured during his initial match. With Dallas, fans have even more reasons to feel outraged about the trade.

Initially, Luka has shown great aggression. He scores 14 points in the first quarter with a shooting record of 5 for 9. Every time he makes a basket, Doncic gets cheered loudly by the away supporters from Dallas.

Initially, Luka has been quite assertive. He has scored 14 points in the first quarter, making five of his nine shots. Every time he scores, the away supporters from Dallas cheer enthusiastically for Doncic.

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Related: LeBron James embraces a tearful Luka Doncic following a tribute video.

Related: Lakers' Luka Doncic makes a backward jump shot from beyond the arc over Anthony Davis.

The post Lakers' Luka Doncic impresses with standout performance during video homage in his return to Dallas appeared first on Diwida | .



Doncic's Emotional Return Sparks Lakers' Playoff Clinch

When did you catch sight of the Shams Charania tweet stating that the Dallas Mavericks had traded Luka Dončić? That evening will be etched into NBA history forever. The trade remains just as astonishing now as it was upon initial announcement. All that has happened since then culminates in this instant: witnessing Luka Dončić play for Dallas with the Lakers’ signature purple and gold jersey on his back.

This game had been highlighted by the public for months, yet nobody could have predicted the events that unfolded both before, throughout, and following the match.

The feelings ran high for everyone involved. During warm-ups, Doncic received an outpouring of affection from the fans, signaling how he would be regarded by the devoted supporters in Dallas. The most emotionally charged instance came when the Mavericks showed a heartfelt tribute video dedicated to Doncic.

Feelings washed over Doncic’s expression. The affection remains strong between him and the supporters. This clip was intended to air once he had hung up his playing boots, yet now he is sporting a new uniform as it unfolds.

The preliminary ceremony proved challenging. However, once the game began, Doncic transformed into a force of nature. Throughout the match, he racked up 45 points (including an impressive 31 in the opening period), along with eight rebounds and six assists, guiding the Lakers to triumph with a score of 112-97.

The audience had gathered to cheer on their ex-superstar with enthusiastic applause. The moment Doncic got hold of the ball and notched his initial points, the supporters created an atmosphere reminiscent of a home court for him. Yet, they simultaneously expressed their backing by shouting "Fire Nico." This chant targeted the individual responsible for trading away Doncic—Nico Harrison.

Last night wasn’t your typical comeback when an athlete is at the peak of their career. Both LeBron James and Kevin Durant faced off against their old squads, which led to a tense atmosphere filled with animosity. Their return brought together feelings of affection and sorrow. Doncic along with the audience weren’t anticipating this event. Nonetheless, here they were facing this situation head-on as he provided everyone one final performance before their next encounter.

Although this match held significant importance for both Doncic and the Mavericks supporters, it was equally vital for the Lakers. Securing the victory would ensure the Lakers' place in the playoffs.

With a record of 49-31, the squad holds down the third seed position as they have two more games remaining.

Looking for more articles like this? Follow Diwida |on MSN to discover additional exclusive NBA content we offer.

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Lakers Respond to Emotionally Charged Mavericks Victory With Luka Doncic News

Although it was clearly an emotionally charged evening for the Lakers when they played in Dallas on Wednesday, they still had work to do. They required one more victory to secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference and guarantee their avoidance of the high-stakes play-in tournament this season.

Moreover, securing a victory was crucial for maintaining their grip on the third seed in the Western Conference, guaranteeing them an opening-series advantage at home. With just two games left—a match against the Rockets on Friday and another versus the Trail Blazers on Sunday—they couldn’t afford to slip up.

And then there was the situation where Luka Doncic played his inaugural game against the Dallas team, just two months following his career took an unexpected turn due to being unexpectedly traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers.

The mission has been completed across all fronts as the Lakers defeated the Mavericks, 112-97. Luka Doncic led the charge with an impressive 45-point performance, hitting 16 of his 28 shots, and finishing with a plus-minus rating of +26 for the game.

The Lakers made special note of the Doncic showing, his best of the 2024-25 season, as the team showed on Twitter/X with the caption: "Season-High for Luka."

Doncic was visibly shaken before the start of the game, watching a video recapping the seven seasons he played with the Mavericks before the trade was made.

"So many emotions, I can't even explain it," Doncic told ESPN after the game. "As a young kid I came here in the NBA and they made me feel like home. Just a lot of great, great memories. ... I don't know how I did it. When I was watching that video, I was like, 'There's no way I am playing this game.' But all my teammates had my back, they really supported me."

And with a season-high in scoring to go with a win, it worked out for Doncic and his Lakers teammates.

Connected: Trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers Would Come at a High Price in Salary



Josh Giddey Makes NBA History in Electric Heat-Bulls Clash

On Wednesday evening, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Miami Heat at the United Center.

The Bulls emerged victorious with a score of 119-111.

Josh Giddey dominated with 28 points, 15 rebounds, ten assists, two steals, and three blocks, hitting 11 out of 19 shots overall and 3 out of 6 from beyond the arc, all within his 40 minutes on the court.

He also created an historic moment in the NBA.

Via Underdog NBA:

NBA players historically who have achieved at least 28 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in a single game:

Josh Giddey (tonight)

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Larry Bird

Giddey has joined LeBron James and Nikola Jokic as the sole players achieving 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists for the season.

The article was initially posted on www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak as Josh Giddey Made NBA History During Heat-Bulls Match .



Dončić's Return Sparks Showdown: Lakers Triumph Over Mavericks

A brilliant opening period from Luka Dončić in his comeback game against Dallas aided the team Lakers defeat the Mavericks and secure their first playoff spot since 2020 on Wednesday with an 112-97 victory.

Luka Dončić scored 31 of his 45 points in the first half. LeBron James had 27 points, most of those coming in a strong fourth quarter, to go with his seven rebounds and three assists. Austin Reaves had a quiet night with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Rui Hachimura tallied 15 points with a 3-for-7 effort from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith contributed five points along with five assists.

Feelings ran strong as the match began with Mavericks supporters enthusiastically supporting whenever Luka got possession of the ball. The Lakers struggled with some easy opportunities and their gameplay appeared rushed and disorganized.

Eventually, LA adjusted to Luka’s dominant performance where he led the team with seven points. The game then became competitive with both teams trading leads, and when they called the first timeout, the Mavericks held a slim two-point advantage.

Naji Marshall and Dereck Lively II contributed 11 out of Dallas' initial 24 points. However, Anthony Davis, who is a champion with the Lakers and familiar to them, had only managed to score two points so far for the Mavericks.

Luka found solace with his long-range shooting, making three out of his initial four attempts from beyond the arc.

In Los Angeles' offensive struggles, they managed only a 38% field goal percentage collectively. The team started poorly in the opening period, with two turnovers that allowed the Mavericks to take a lead of four points.

In the second quarter, Vando kicked things off with some tenacious defense. He intercepted the ball and swiftly passed it to LeBron for a smooth layup. Following this, Dorian delivered a remarkable assist to Vando, who completed an exhilarating slam dunk.

The play that got everybody roaring was when Austin tossed a lob to LeBron for the emphatic slam.

When Luka returned to the court, he promptly scored four consecutive points to even the score. Following his theft, he passed the ball to Dorian, who attempted a three-pointer from deep. Although Dorian’s shot fell short, Austin rushed in for an electrifying follow-up slam that left everybody stunned.

The Lakers had run off eight consecutive points when former acquaintance Max Christie sank a three-pointer. The Mavericks then responded with a swift four-point spurt, which injected new energy into their play.

Luka subsequently tallied five consecutive points, aiding in halting that brief surge. Meanwhile, Marshall kept up his impressive shooting for Dallas, amassing a total of 15 points. By the half’s end, the team clad in purple and gold led by a margin of three points.

In the second half, Los Angeles began struggling with their shooting and played at a much slower pace until they eventually perked up when Luka scored four consecutive points. Following a three-point shot by Rui, the Lakers' lead had grown to nine points.

Los Angeles' defense against Anthony Davis was stifling. They consistently doubled teamed him, which led to poor passes and turnovers. Following a Mavericks timeout, Marshall hit a jump shot, helping to stem their losing streak.

LeBron added four points and Rui contributed five more, which helped maintain Los Angeles' advantage. Their substantial 13-point lead had dwindled to just seven as Dallas mounted a rally with about three minutes remaining in the period.

Until Luka sank a floating shot, the Lakers had gone without points for three minutes. Despite the Mavericks mounting several attempts to narrow their substantial lead, Los Angeles managed to maintain control. By the close of the quarter, the Lakers held onto a seven-point advantage.

The concluding period started poorly for the Lakers since they missed their initial shot, allowing the Mavericks to score six consecutive points. With a dunk by Christie, Dallas grabbed the lead by one point. In response, LeBron made a layup to reclaim the lead for Los Angeles.

A persistent weakness for Los Angeles has always been turnovers. These mistakes have been haunting them, with the Mavericks capitalizing on every opportunity. After a three-point shot by ex-Splash Brother Klay Thompson following another turnover, Dallas forced Los Angeles to call a timeout.

Coming out of the timeout, Rui hit a jump shot near the basket. Following an 9-0 surge by the Lakers, PJ Washington consecutive scoring streak amounted to six points for Dallas.

It was of no consequence, however, since Los Angeles maintained pressure with LeBron leading the offensive charge. He managed to score several tough layups despite the presence of numerous Mavericks defenders.

In the final moments of the game, Luka dominated with seven points, accompanied by continuous cheers from both his teammates and the Dallas supporters.

Key Takeaways:

Having Luka take over in the first half and LeBron taking charge in the second half is quite an amazing advantage. We're grinning from ear to ear, unable to fathom that this is really our reality.

Groups with size could pose significant challenges for the Lakers, but when they tighten their defense and play suffocatingly, they manage to navigate these problems effectively, just like we've observed.

The Lakers' upcoming game will be versus the Houston Rockets On Friday at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.

You can follow Karin on Twitter there. @KarinAbcarians .



Dončić's Return Sparks Showdown: Lakers Triumph Over Mavericks

A brilliant first-half performance from Luka Dončić in his comeback game against Dallas aided the team. Lakers defeat the Mavericks and secure their first playoff spot since 2020 on Wednesday with an 112-97 victory.

Luka Dončić scored 31 of his 45 points in the first half. LeBron James had 27 points, most of those coming in a strong fourth quarter, to go with his seven rebounds and three assists. Austin Reaves had a quiet night with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Rui Hachimura tallied 15 points with a field goal of 3 out of 7. Dorian Finney-Smith contributed five points along with five assists.

Feelings ran strong as the match began with Mavericks supporters enthusiastically supporting whenever Luka received possession. The Lakers failed to convert several easy chances and appeared flustered throughout their play.

Eventually, LA got accustomed to the game dynamics as Luka emerged as the top scorer with seven points. The contest then became intensely competitive, and when they called the first timeout, the Mavericks led by two points.

Naji Marshall and Dereck Lively II contributed 11 out of Dallas' initial 24 points. Anthony Davis, a champion with the Lakers and an acquaintance of the team, had only managed to score two points early on for the Mavericks.

Luka found solace with his long-range shooting, successfully making three out of his initial four attempts from beyond the arch.

In Los Angeles' offensive struggle, they managed only a 38% field goal percentage collectively. The team started poorly in the opening period, with two turnovers that allowed the Mavericks to take a lead of four points.

In the second quarter, Vando kicked things off with some tenacious defense. He intercepted the ball and swiftly passed it to LeBron for a successful layup. Following this, Dorian delivered a remarkable assist to Vando, who then completed a powerful dunk.

The play that got everybody roaring with approval was when Austin tossed a lob pass to LeBron, who finished it off with an emphatic slam dunk.

When Luka returned to the court, he promptly scored four consecutive points to even the score. Following his theft, Luka passed the ball to Dorian, who attempted a three-pointer but couldn’t make it go in. However, Austin rushed over for an emphatic follow-up slam that left everybody stunned.

The Lakers had run off eight consecutive points when former acquaintance Max Christie sank a three-pointer. The Mavericks responded with a swift four-point spurt, which injected them with renewed energy.

Luka subsequently tallied five consecutive points, aiding in halting that brief surge. Meanwhile, Marshall kept up his impressive shooting for Dallas, amassing a total of 15 points. By the half’s end, the team clad in purple and gold led by a margin of three points.

In the second half, Los Angeles began by misfiring on their shots and played at a much slower pace until they eventually perked up when Luka scored four consecutive points. Following a three-point shot by Rui, the Lakers' lead had grown to nine points.

Los Angeles' defense against Anthony Davis was stifling. They consistently doubled teamed him, which led to poor passing decisions and turnovers. After a(timeout taken by the Mavericks), Marshall managed to score with a jump shot, helping stem their losing streak.

LeBron contributed four points, and Rui added five more, which helped extend Los Angeles' advantage. Their lead had been reduced from 13 points to just seven when Dallas went on an scoring spree with about three minutes remaining in the period.

Until Luka sank a floater, the Lakers had gone through a three-minute scoring drought. Despite the Mavericks mounting several attempts to narrow their sizable lead, Los Angeles managed to maintain control throughout. By the close of the third quarter, the Lakers held onto a seven-point advantage.

The concluding period started poorly for the Lakers since they missed their initial shot and the Mavericks went on to score six consecutive points. With a dunk from Christie, Dallas grabbed the lead by one point. In response, LeBron made a layup to reclaim the lead for the Lakers.

A recurring weakness for Los Angeles has consistently been turnovers. These mistakes have cost them dearly, with the Mavericks capitalizing on every opportunity. Following a 3-point shot by ex-Splash Brother Klay Thompson from one such turnover, Dallas prompted Los Angeles to call a timeout.

Coming out of the timeout, Rui hit a jump shot near the basket. Following an 9-0 surge by the Lakers, PJ Washington consecutive scoring streak amounted to six points for Dallas.

It was inconsequential, however, since Los Angeles maintained pressure with LeBron leading the offensive surge. He managed to score several tough layups despite the presence of numerous Mavericks defenders.

In the final moments of the match, Luka dominated with seven points, accompanied by ceaseless encouragement from both his fellow players and the crowd in Dallas.

Key Takeaways:

Having Luka shine in the first half and LeBron take over in the second half is truly an amazing advantage. We're beaming with joy throughout it all; it feels surreal living this dream.

Teams that have depth can cause the Lakers consistent problems, but if they tighten up their defense and play suffocatingly, they manage to navigate these challenges quite effectively as demonstrated before.

The Lakers' upcoming game will be versus the Houston Rockets On Friday at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.

You can follow Karin on Twitter there. @KarinAbcarians .



Doncic's Stellar 45-Point Performance Powers Lakers Past Mavericks in Dallas Homecoming, 112-97

On an emotionally charged evening, the Dallas Mavericks welcomed the Los Angeles Lakers to the American Airlines Center, marking Luka Doncic’s return for the first time since his trade in February. Emotions ran high prior to the match, with Doncic shedding tears during a commemorative video tribute; these feelings continued affecting him throughout the opening quarter.

For their 46th distinct starting lineup this season, the Mavericks began with Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II, whereas the Lakers sent out Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes onto the court.

READ MORE: Crowd at Mavericks yells 'Fire Nico' as Luka Doncic returns against the Lakers

Dončić displayed his emotions openly yet started strong, scoring 14 points in the opening quarter on 5-of-9 shooting, along with grabbing several rebounds and dishing out an assist. However, Dallas managed to stay close thanks to long-range shots from Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Spencer Dinwiddie.

As soon as Dončić went to sit out for a break, the Lakers struggled to maintain control over the ball. This allowed the Mavericks, particularly Naji Marshall, to swiftly advance up the court and reach the hoop easily. By the close of the opening period, the Mavericks held a narrow advantage at 28-26, with Dončić topping the scorer’s list. Despite this, Marshall was not too distant behind, having racked up nine points himself.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Dallas extended their lead to as many as six points thanks largely to strong performances inside from Daniel Gafford and Naji Marshall. However, once Luka Dončić returned to the court, he promptly led a run to even things out again. Adding to the excitement was an unexpected alley-oop dunk by Austin Reaves, eliciting quite a response from LeBron James.

Dončić and Dorian Finney-Smith, who previously played for the Mavericks, hit consecutive three-pointers to give the Lakers their biggest lead of five points early in the game. Dončić maintained his scoring spree with a last-second three-pointer at the end of the quarter and made several trips to the free-throw line; by then, he had scored more points in this half than in his initial matchup against his old team in Los Angeles during February. Despite Dončić’s efforts, Dallas managed to stay close thanks largely to him. The Lakers held a slim advantage of 58-55 heading into halftime, fueled primarily by Dončić’s 31 points. In contrast, Anthony Davis contributed only four points throughout the period.

LEARN MORE: LeBron James Makes NBA History in Mavericks vs Lakers Game

Early in the third quarter, Dallas tied the game when Anthony Davis made a difficult reverse layup. However, the Lakers countered with a 9-0 surge. Luka Doncic accounted for seven of those points, contributing four himself and finding Rui Hachimura with an impressive behind-the-back, two-bounce assist during their fast break. Shortly thereafter, LeBron James drove to the hoop, extending the Lakers' lead to double digits.

The Lakers extended their advantage when Rui Hachimura scored consecutive buckets, pushing the lead to 13 points and prompting another timeout from coach Jason Kidd. However, after this break, his team emerged firing off a 7-0 streak, narrowing the gap down to just six points as they managed to contain the Lakers’ scoring effectively. Nevertheless, the Lakers regained some momentum midway through the period thanks to a swift series of scores by Doncic, securing an 83-76 edge heading into the final quarter.

The Mavericks initiated the final quarter with an 8-0 surge, primarily focusing on layups near the basket. This scoring burst allowed them to seize their initial advantage since halftime, coinciding with Anthony Davis becoming increasingly dominant. Subsequently, Klay Thompson responded defensively before sinking a fast-break three-pointer, which compelled coach JJ Redick to call for a timeout.

When Doncic returned to the court, the previous dynamics were swiftly restored, as the Lakers embarked on a 9-0 scoring streak led largely by LeBron James, giving them a commanding seven-point advantage. Following this surge, both teams' offensive strategies began to click again once P.J. Washington found his rhythm. However, James maintained their substantial lead with an agile drive for a layup that deftly bounced off the backboard. He then made another strong finish at the rim despite taking contact, extending their edge to ten points with roughly four minutes remaining. From there, the Lakers comfortably held onto their lead; when Doncic departed amidst applause, the final score stood at Lakers 112, Mavericks 97.

For the Mavericks, Naji Marshall performed impressively as their starting point guard, ending up with 23 points and dishing out 8 assists. He was supported closely by P.J. Washington who contributed 14 points, Anthony Davis adding a double-double of 13 points along with 11 rebounds and 6 assists, Max Christie scoring 11 points, and Daniel Gafford chipping in with 10 points.

Luka Doncic topped the scoring with 45 points, achieving an impressive 16 out of 28 from the field, along with contributing 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. He was closely trailed by LeBron James who scored 27 points, Rui Hachimura adding 15 points, and Austin Reaves chipping in with 11 points.

Dallas will remain at home to face the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

READ MORE: Lakers' Luka Doncic returns to face Mavericks and sheds tears

Stick with MavericksGameday for more Free coverage of the Dallas Mavericks games throughout the 2024-25 Season

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More Dallas Mavericks News

  • The longest-serving Mavericks player thinks the team should retire Luka Doncic's jersey.
  • During the 2011 NBA Finals against the Mavericks, Miami Heat champions experienced a locker room breakdown.
  • Mavericks' Klay Thompson discusses potential retirement scenarios
  • The Lakers player believed the rumor about trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic was just a joke.

This piece was initially published on www.si.com/nba/mavericks as Luka Doncic's 45 points lead Lakers over Mavericks in his Dallas return, 112-97 .



Adelman Signals Nuggets Are Still "In the Mix" After Malone's Firing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In his initial gathering with the team following Mike Malone’s dismissal, Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman stressed the importance of maintaining unity and keeping their focus on securing a playoff spot.

On Wednesday, prior to their matchup with the Kings in Sacramento, Adelman addressed the team and stressed that the Nuggets remain part of the tightly contested playoff competition in the Western Conference.

The past 30 hours have been quite chaotic and very stressful for all involved," stated Adelman, who served as Malone’s lead assistant. "However, the key point is that we must remain united. It was beneficial for everyone to gather in one place and acknowledge that our recent performance has fallen short of expectations. This realization applies not only to the players but also to every individual associated with us.

After leading the Nuggets to their sole NBA title two campaigns ago, Malone was relieved of his duties on Tuesday. This move comes as the team aims to recover from a downturn that saw Denver plummet from being second in the Western Conference down to sharing fourth place with four other teams before their match against the Kings scheduled for Wednesday.

Should the Nuggets triumph in their last three regular-season matches, they might rise as high as the third spot in the Western Conference standings.

We are right in the middle of things here," Adelman stated. "I believe people often overlook this fact. We still possess an excellent opportunity to achieve something remarkable. This has been discussed with the team, and they appear confident, which leads me to anticipate a strong performance tonight.

Besides dismissing Malone, the Nuggets notified general manager Calvin Booth that his contract would not be renewed.

The Nuggets' president and Governor Josh Kroenke also addressed the players, conveying a straightforward message.

"To put it succinctly: Improve," Adelman stated when questioned about Kroenke’s message.

Even with the end-of-season turmoil, Adelson mentioned that the Nuggets haven't got a lot of time to dwell on the newest drama.

It’s just another NBA moment, you have to handle it," Adelman stated. "We’ll strive to make the most of this situation and get things back on track.

“We have to get to a better level to play in that tournament. The West is ridiculous. And if you want to go into that tournament not playing at your best, you’ll be done quick.

Adelman admitted to having conversations with Malone following the termination, yet chose not to elaborate further. He instead used this moment to commend the individual he has collaborated with over eight years.

What he has done for this team makes him the best coach in history; you can't dispute that," Adelson stated. "In terms of win percentages, championships reached, and the knowledge I gained from his guidance, which helped my development as a coach, speaks volumes.

What we're experiencing right now, whether you call it the national narrative or something else, I see it as an incredible journey. He isn’t finished yet. It’s an honor to serve under him and an honor to hold this position and do my absolute best.

___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba



Doncic's Epic Shot Over Davis Goes Viral in Lakers-Mavericks Clash

On Wednesday night, Luka Doncic will be participating in his inaugural match in Dallas following the major exchange deal struck between the Lakers and Mavericks earlier this year.

In the opening period, Doncic managed to make a challenging basket over Anthony Davis, which gained significant attention on social media platforms.

Via The NBA : "Signature Luka Stepback.

He's scored 11 quickly upon returning to Dallas!

1Q on ESPN"

While playing for 11 minutes, Doncic recorded 14 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, with a shooting percentage of 5/9 from the field and 3/5 from beyond the arc.

Via Underdog NBA: Luka Dončić's performance in the first quarter against the Mavericks:

14 PTS

5-9 FG

3-5 3PT

In 7 out of his 27 games with the Lakers, Luka has scored 14 or more points in the first quarter.

In his initial 26 games with the Lakers, Doncic is putting up averages of 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, connecting on 42.2% of shots from the floor and 36.0% from beyond the arc.

Via The NBA:

Luka Dončić nets his initial points upon his comeback to Dallas!

Lakers/Mavericks underway on ESPN"

Doncic was with Dallas for seven years.

He led the team to the Western Conference finals on two occasions (as well as taking them to the NBA Finals once).

Through Jovan Buha from The Athletic

Q1 ended with the Mavericks at 30 points and the Lakers trailing behind at 26.

Luka Doncic tops the scoring charts with 14 points. He's had great accuracy with his jump shots coming from various spots on the court (5 out of 9 field goals, 3 out of 5 three-point attempts). Los Angeles' turnovers have really hurt them; five of these led to six points for Dallas. Additionally, the Mavericks' overall size advantage has made an impact early in the game.

This piece was initially released on www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak as Luka Doncic's Basket Over Anthony Davis Became an Internet Sensation During the Lakers-Mavericks Match .



Will Florida Basketball Defend Their Title in 2025-26? Oddsmakers and Early Top 25 Polls Weigh In

While Florida basketball and its fans continue to bask in the glow of the program’s third national championship, attention has already begun to shift to next season.

Ultimately, the age of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) along with the transfer portal leaves little room for celebration. If the coach Todd Golden If he and his team do not swiftly shift their focus, the Gators could miss out on securing some of the top transfer players.

Repeating is UF basketball’s MO. Before UConn’s previous season, Florida The last time such repetition occurred was during the 2006-07 season. The Florida Gators team from that year kept all members of its starting lineup intact. In contrast, this current group will definitely see the departure of Aliyah Martin, Walter Clayton Jr., and Will Richard, as they have used up their remaining eligibility.

Despite this, the "Gator Boys" remain well-placed for achievement in the 2025-26 season. How do the odds makers and preseason Top 25 rankings view them?

What are the chances of Florida basketball repeating their success in the 2025-26 season?

Bet MGM Florida has odds of +2000 to defend their title, alongside BYU, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, and Alabama. Among these teams, UF is the sole one to have reached this year’s Final Four.

In front of the Gators are Houston with odds at +900, Duke at +1000, UConn at +1400, Auburn also at +1600, Purdue at +1600 as well, and Louisville at +1800.

This places the Gators beneath all three of their Final Four counterparts and in a tie for second place within the SEC. The University of Florida’s recruitment class ranks lower than those of other programs, coming in at number thirty-one nationwide with commitments from Fort Lauderdale guard Alex Lloyd and Hawthorne/Montverde Academy forward CJ Ingram.

All the teams ranking above Florida, excluding Purdue and Louisville, boast higher-rated recruiting classes. Purdue brings back Braden Smith, while Louisville has added Xavier transfer Ryan Conwell.

How high does Florida rank in early pre-season top 25 rankings?

The Gators' ranking differs depending on the poll. According to Fox Sports’ John Fanta, UF is ranked 13th nationally, placing them third in their conference, trailing only No. 9 Alabama and No. 11 Auburn.

According to USA Today, Florida ranks slightly above at number 8 and holds the second position within the conference following Alabama. The piece mentions that although losing Clayton is significant, Florida gains an advantage with the comeback of majority of their interior players.

ESPN ranks the Gators at number 19, mentioning they will come back with a significantly altered starting lineup. However, this projection does not account for possible transfers and assumes the potential departure of Alex Condon, who may consider entering the NBA draft.

The roster includes Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, Denzel Aberdeen, Urban Klavzar, and CJ Ingram.

In conclusion, CBS Sports ranks Florida at number nine, pointing out that the team retains seven of their top ten scorers.

Which players return for UF in the 2025-26 season?

The sole three Gators set to depart are the three starting guards. Aberdeen will step in to fill one spot. Klavzar, freshmen Isaiah Brown, Lloyd, Ingram, or any transfer player might claim the remaining two positions.

So long as Condon comes back, the Gators will have their whole frontcourt returning. This lineup includes Condon, Haugh, Chinyelu, and Micah Handlogten.

Noah Ram reports on high school sports in the Gainesville area as well as University of Florida athletics for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com, and the USA TODAY Network. Reach out to him via email for more information. Nram@gannett.com and follow him @Noah_ram1 on X/Twitter.

The article initially appeared in The Gainesville Sun. Will Florida basketball defend their title in the 2025-26 season? Here’s what the odds makers and early preseason rankings suggest.



Texas Tech's JT Toppin Shocks NBA with $4M College Stay

JT Toppin Declines NBA Draft for Enormous NIL Agreement with Texas Tech

Surprisingly, Texas Tech basketball standout JT Toppin has declared his intention to come back for another year of college, choosing not to enter the 2025 NBA Draft. This decision, which shocked many, is heavily influenced by a lucrative NIL deal worth approximately $4 million. Toppin’s return to the Red Raiders is one of the clearest examples yet of how NIL money is changing the landscape of NCAA basketball and influencing top prospects to stay in college rather than turn pro.

An Exceptional Campaign with Texas Tech and the NCAA Tournament

JT Toppin’s path so far has been truly remarkable. Following an outstanding first year at New Mexico during which he explored his options for entering the NBA Draft, Toppin moved to Texas Tech through the transfer portal. During his sophomore season, he demonstrated remarkable abilities, notably during the NCAA Tournament when he achieved three successive triple-doubles, scoring 20 points each time, which propelled Texas Tech into the Elite Eight. This display confirmed him as one of the premier centers in collegiate hoops.

The Effect of NIL on the 2025 NBA Draft

Toppin's choice to go back to college rather than joining the NBA Draft underscores the increasing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements. Before the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation rules, athletes such as Toppin probably would have headed straight for professional basketball, motivated by the potential earnings in the NBA. Now, with NIL enabling college athletes to benefit financially from their personal brand and abilities, Toppin stands to rake in almost twice the amount that typical rookie NBA players receive in their initial season. Such substantial monetary motivation is altering the way collegiate stars perceive their career paths, particularly when their chances at making it big in the NBA aren’t so certain.

NIL Altering the Playbook for College Basketball Athletes

According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, Toppin’s $4 million endorsement deal under the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy nearly doubles the previous record set during the last off-season. Last year's top earner was Baylor Scheierman, who secured approximately $2.5 million as a first-round prospect for the 2024 NBA Draft. The expansion of NIL compensation is significantly impacting the quality and number of players entering the NBA through the draft. Athletes such as Toppin, who could potentially be picked in the latter stages because of their physical attributes or abilities, now possess economic incentives to remain in college. This allows them to enhance their earnings opportunities and maintain their prospects for joining the NBA.

The Upcoming Trends in NCAA Basketball and NBA Drafts

JT Toppin’s situation foreshadows what lies ahead for both men's and women's NCAA basketball. The impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights is now reaching into the realm of women's basketball as well. Top female talents such as Olivia Miles opt to remain in collegiate play rather than joining the WNBA draft. With NIL compensation continuing to increase, athletes like Toppin along with numerous others prefer staying in college not only to develop their personal brands but also to secure greater earnings. The world of both collegiate basketball and the NBA Draft is changing quickly, with the 2025 draft serving as a crucial measure of how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation influences the trajectory of elite players.

AsNIL continues to grow, it's evident that the landscape of college basketball—and consequently the NBA Draft—is undergoing significant changes. Players such as Toppin now have the opportunity to remain in collegiate play, earning substantial sums while honing their abilities, which can rival the worth of a pro deal. The financial aspect carries more weight than ever before, making college basketball an increasingly appealing choice for numerous promising talents.



Ex- NBA Champ Reveals Why Lakers' Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Is Misjudged in the GOAT Debate

The former two-time NBA champion Mychal Thompson sheds light on why Los Angeles Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar frequently gets overlooked in conversations about the greatest player of all time.

There’s no denying Kareem Abdul – Jabbar’s positioned among the everlasting legends, not merely because of Los Angeles Lakers but in NBA From his supremacy in high school through his outstanding professional career, Abdul-Jabbar assembled a portfolio that very few could match. Nevertheless, in discussions about who is the greatest of all time, his name often gets overlooked. Mychal Thompson , who has won the NBA championship twice, recently expressed his views on why this occurs.

Appearing on “ Run it Back, Thompson mentioned that Abdul-Jabbar is underappreciated since current audiences did not witness his performances and frequently lack knowledge of his remarkable accomplishments. Additionally, he pointed out that numerous fans are unfamiliar with his legacy. NBA The memories begin during Michael Jordan’s era.

“ Teenagers believe that the NBA began when Michael Jordan became part of the league. ,” Thompson said. “ In my opinion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stands as the ultimate basketball great. He was undoubtedly the top performer during his high school days. At the collegiate level, he towered over all competitors effortlessly. When examining his professional record with six MVP awards and five Finals MVP honors, I believe he tops them all. He's simply the best there ever was.

Thompson, who was once a teammate of Abdul-Jabbar, noted that as years go by, fewer people from Kareem’s time remain to support his position in the debate over the greatest of all time (GOAT). “ It seems like we're growing older. A lot of us veterans are passing away, so there aren’t many of us remaining who can truly advocate for Kareem and Wilt. ,” Thompson added.

A generational problem

Thompson, who happens to be the father of Golden State Warriors' ace player Klay Thompson, feels that Abdul-Jabbar’s omission from discussions about the greatest players ever is due to generational differences. In his view, numerous contemporary analysts and enthusiasts tend to concentrate solely on athletes from their own formative years, often overlooking the sport’s storied past.

“ And you have so many younger individuals... everyone has a podcast nowadays, and everyone acts like an expert commentator, mostly seeming to be in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. ,” Thompson said. “ They only recall Michael Jordan and LeBron James. And remember that basketball has been around for many years before those players joined the league. ”.

Thompson also emphasized Bill Russell’s amazing heritage, showcasing his unparalleled title wins. " Why is Bill Russell often overlooked? He won an impressive 11 championships in just 13 years. Think anyone will go up to that? No. ,” he added.

The cycle of generational forgetting

This gap between generations isn't something new.Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade shared a comparable viewpoint back in 2022 during an episode of the " Armchair Expert Podcast: Wade suggested that coming generations might not remember Michael Jordan and LeBron James, similar to how contemporary fans frequently disregard Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy.

“ We won’t be the ones talking about the greatest of all time. ,” Wade said. “ When I watched players compete today, I realized I considered myself skilled... but they outshine me significantly. As the game keeps progressing, we'll inevitably witness unprecedented developments. Moreover, the upcoming talents will only be getting more youthful. And people will overlook Jordan just as we've overlooked Kareem. ”.



Jeff Dowtin Jr. Stars in Career Night as Sixers Triumph Over Wizards

WASHINGTON -- The Philadelphia 76ers They don't have much to play for at this point in the season. They went into Wednesday's game against them with Washington Wizards on an 12-game losing skid and merely going through the motions during this underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.

These individuals are NBA players; they're pros. They have immense pride in their sport, as demonstrated notably by someone like Jeff Dowtin Jr., who scored his career-best 30 points during a game on Wednesday. 122-103 victory against the Wizards The victory ended the losing streak and assisted Philadelphia in securing their first win since March 16, which was in Dallas.

During a four-minute span in the third quarter, Dowtin scored 11 points by making all four of his shots, with three of those being from beyond the arc. His contribution provided the Sixers with the boost they required. Adding to the significance of this display was that it took place in front of his loved ones since he attended high school in Washington, D.C., which made the moment even more special for him.

After securing the victory, Dowtin stated, 'It means a great deal because I have numerous relatives around, so I'm particularly pleased to perform in front of them.' He continued, ‘This must be one of my initial experiences playing a professional match at home with such an audience, which makes it significant. There were certainly many emotions involved.’

On a two-way contract with the Sixers, Dowtin has mostly been sidelined during games this season and frequently kept inactive to ensure he remains available as the campaign progresses toward its conclusion—a common hurdle associated with such agreements. Prior to Wednesday, he hadn’t seen action since March 26.

It's quite an extensive challenge, however, I believe the most crucial aspect has been maintaining a consistent routine throughout the entire season," Dowtin stated. "I feel this has significantly benefited me. Regardless of whether I am active or sitting out, keeping up with my usual workout schedule, staying committed, and continuing to train remains important.

Fortunately for Dowtin, the Sixers boast a specialized player development team focused on individuals like him, ensuring he remains prepared whenever his moment arrives.

"I owe much of my success this year to the player development team," he concluded. "They've kept me in top shape, maintaining readiness and composure, encouraging aggression while boosting my confidence. Their workout routines over the course of the year have ensured I'm game-ready, whether I’m sitting out for days or weeks. Kudos to them; they helped keep me primed.”

Dowtin has one remaining game for his eligibility, so he will participate either on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks or in the season finale against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

The article initially appeared on Sixers Wire. Jeff Dowtin Jr. responds with a standout performance to guide the Sixers past the Wizards.



Magic Johnson Unveils the Secret Behind Pat Riley’s Spectacular Showtime Lakers Era

In the 1980s, the Los Angeles Lakers thrived under Coach Pat Riley’s leadership, and now one of the squad's brightest luminaries, Magic Johnson, shares insights into their triumph.

Magic Johnson is frequently cited by ex-players and commentators as the top point guard of all time NBA He excelled during the 1980s throughout his history. Los Angeles Lakers , coached by Pat Riley , making an unforgettable impact on the league’s history. He has now disclosed one of the keys to that success.

Pat is upfront and honest, Johnson mentioned in a recent interview on theصندVMLINUX Legends of Sport Podcast. “ Whether it's Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Michael Cooper, Byron Scott, Kurt Rambis, Bob McAdoo, you can call them all. If you failed to adhere to the guidelines or messed up on a task, regardless of whether they were the star player or the twelfth member of the team, You're going to receive the same level of commitment from Pat Riley. “

Magic proceeded to talk about how Riley insisted on excellence from the players, urging them to achieve their peak performance. “ He let us contribute our thoughts, which is why he was such an excellent coach. since we were always destined to be ready, He insisted that we follow his playbook, covering both offensive and defensive strategies. ,” said the former guard. And then put in 150% effort and be both aggressive and intense simultaneously.

At the same moment, the Lakers The legend recognized Riley’s capability to assert his leadership. Pat is a firm believer in maintaining control over every aspect. He excelled at achieving this level of command. Pat felt strongly that everybody needed to stay concentrated with the ultimate aim of winning, explained Johnson. “He wanted to make sure that every detail was under his control. I really appreciate how he coached us intensively, pushing us towards excellence. The specifics are important to him."

Magic Johnson’s significant commendation of Pat Riley

During the same interview, Magic Johnson commended his previous Lakers mentor and acknowledged the influence Riley has exerted. NBA . I'm simply delighted that I had the opportunity to play under Pat Riley, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest basketball coaches ever. stated the previous point guard.

“ I mean, who could say that, right? Move from being among the top two or three greatest coaches in history to becoming one of the finest executives of all time. as well. You talk about greatness He performed that role as a coach and is now undertaking the same responsibilities as an executive. Only Pat Riley ,” Magic concluded.

Pat Riley: A Lakers legend

When it comes to iconic figures in the NBA, few can rival Pat Riley. His career spans multiple roles within the organization—including player, media commentator, assistant coach, head coach, and executive—wherever he goes, success seems to follow him, with championship titles marking his journey in each capacity.

As a member of the 1972 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers squad, he enjoyed success during his playing career. Following his retirement and after spending some time as an auxiliary commentator, he transitioned into serving as an aide. Paul Westhead During their championship season in 1980, he later assumed the role of head coach for the Lakers in 1981, leading the team into a glorious period.

The Showtime Lakers featured two of the all-time greats, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in addition to other stars such as James Worthy and Michael Cooper They ruled the NBA throughout the 1980s, along with the Boston Celtics , making it to the Finals seven times and securing four championship titles.

Riley after the Lakers

Following his departure from the Lakers in 1990, Riley assumed the role of head coach. New York Knicks , turning them into powerful competitors for Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and guiding them to the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets in 1994.

In 1996, Riley departed from New York to settle in Miami, where he took up the roles of president and head coach. Heat , guiding them to their inaugural NBA championship title in 2006, with Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade Since 2008, Riley has ceased being the head coach but continues as the president of the Heat, maintaining a pivotal role in the team's successful era. Erik Spoelstra , leading the team to consecutive championships in 2012 and 2013.

More must-reads:

  • Lakers icon Shaquille O'Neal critiques LeBron James' staying power, claiming that the modern-day NBA is too lenient.
  • NBA Update: Lakers' JJ Redick speaks candidly about squad's performance during unsuccessful rally against Warriors
  • The Lakers' head coach, JJ Redick, delivers straightforward comments about the NBA's Most Improved Player award.


Luka Doncic Returns to Dallas: A Symphony of Sights and Sounds

Sixty-six days ago, Luka Doncic 's career changed forever.

Following his tenure of six and a half years with the Dallas Mavericks In 2019, after claiming Rookie of the Year honors, being selected for five All-NBA teams, and guiding the team to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011, something unimaginable occurred.

On February 2 at midnight, Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a major agreement for Anthony Davis , Max Christie And drafting rights for a 2029 Lakers first-rounder were included. This deal was so stunning that it left many athletes across the league astonished. thought it was counterfeit on social media .

He ultimately returned to the American Airlines Center to play against his previous team on Wednesday. Dončić was outstanding, scoring 45 points along with grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. 112-97 The Lakers emerge victorious. According to Diwida Research, his 45 points rank as the third highest score by a player in their initial away game against their previous team in NBA history.

These are the scenes and noises from the Lakers guard's comeback game in Dallas.

The sports community lauds Doncic's play.

The former Los Angeles Lakers player Pau Gasol showed his backing for Doncic following his impressive performance. Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes was traded In February, following the Doncic trade, the Mavericks included this player. He took care to acknowledge his ex-teammate publicly.

Supporters demonstrate affection as Doncic leaves the court

Following an impressive showing in his comeback, Doncic got a standing ovation when he was substituted out with 1 minute and 34 seconds remaining in the contest.

The homage paid to Dallas elicits an emotional and joyous reaction.

Doncic said he'd expect a lot of emotions Playing against his old team on the road for the first time, when Dallas honored the 26-year-old, Doncic dabbed at his eyes during his introduction by the public address announcer.

Joining a new team but keeping the same pre-game ritual.

Dončić maintained his usual pre-game ritual — after he sank a half-court shot, the fans cheered him, similar to how the Lakers' coaches did push-ups.

Luka was greeted with applause as he entered the arena.

Supporters started applauding the Lakers' star as he acknowledged the employees and the Mavericks guard. Klay Thompson .

Are you a Mavs supporter or a Luka enthusiast?

One supporter decided to take action personally, utilizing duct tape and a marker to humorously transform Luka Doncic's Mavericks jersey into a Lakers one.

Luka makes his way to the American Airlines Center

Wearing an all-black outfit upon his arrival, Doncic walked past a showcase that displayed pictures of the three previous Mavericks players involved in the major trade -- which included him, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris -- accompanied by the caption: "Thank you for the memories."

Mavericks pack the arena with shirts for spectators

On each seat in the American Airlines Center is a white T-shirt with the text "Hvala za vse," which is Slovenian for "thank you for everything" -- a special message from the franchise to Doncic.



Lakers' Luka Doncic Speaks Candidly About the Trade for Anthony Davis

DALLAS — The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 in Luka Doncic His return to the American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening saw Doncic overcome initial emotions. heartwarming tribute video to score 45 points in the win. Lakers head coach JJ Redick referred to Luka’s ability to play at an elite level amid the emotions “super-human.” Doncic, who was traded for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick, was asked about AD after the game.

We were traded for one another, so everyone will start comparing us," Luka Doncic said to reporters. "He's (Davis) an incredible player, and I believe he'll excel significantly in Dallas.

In his debut game against his old squad, Davis notched 13 points along with 11 rebounds. As for Doncic, this wasn't actually his initial encounter with the Mavericks since he had participated in their previous meeting in late February when Dallas faced off against Los Angeles. Nonetheless, AD missed out on that particular matchup due to an injury.

Davis likely wished he had performed better against the Lakers. Despite this, the Lakers showcased remarkable defensive play against both AD and the Mavericks. Consequently, Dallas managed just 97 points in their loss.

Luka Doncic is set as the key player despite the Lakers defeating the Mavericks.

Overall, the Lakers' offense experienced fluctuations, yet Luka Doncic remained consistently focused throughout the game. Notably, he managed to score an impressive 31 points in just the first half.

Luka Doncic undeniably made an impact. On Wednesday evening in Dallas, the Mavericks marked the sole NBA franchise he had represented until an unexpected trade occurred in early February.

The supporters in Dallas greeted Doncic warmly upon his return to his former playing venue. They applauded every time he received the ball and roared even louder whenever he put points on the board on Wednesday evening. While the crowd also showed their appreciation for the Mavericks' team members, all eyes were undoubtedly fixed on Doncic throughout the game.

The supporters in Dallas greeted Doncic warmly upon his return to his former playing venue. They applauded every time he received the ball and roared even louder whenever he made a basket on Wednesday evening. While the crowd also showed appreciation for the Mavericks' team members, all eyes were undoubtedly fixed on Doncic throughout the game.

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Related: Lakers' Magic Johnson praises Luka Doncic's outstanding performance against the Mavericks

Related: Lakers' LeBron James' Quick Response After Major Victory With Luka Doncic Against Mavericks

The post Lakers' Luka Doncic speaks frankly about being exchanged for Anthony Davis. appeared first on Diwida | .



Bulls' Billy Donovan Analyzes Josh Giddey's Meteoric Rise in 2025

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bulls has overseen a remarkable resurgence over the last few months. The squad had faced challenges throughout the entire season, and just prior to the All-Star break, they made a significant move by trading their star player, Zach LaVine. Many believed this signaled that the Bulls were intentionally losing games. However, contrary to those expectations, the team has improved significantly. Numerous players have risen to the occasion and are currently exhibiting outstanding play, potentially indicating a new era for the franchise. Josh Giddey is the one who has made the largest leap forward.

Josh Giddey has been on an incredible streak. Since the All-Star break, he has been averaging 14.3 points per game for the season. Before February, his highest monthly average stood at 13.9 points in December. However, Giddey upped his performance significantly with an average of 19.8 points per game in February and further improved to 20.3 points per game in March. Additionally, he maintained a remarkable shooting percentage of 53.6% from beyond the arc throughout February.

"Extremely, extremely competitive. He [Giddey] focuses on the shooting aspect, as that was clearly something he needed to work on since entering the league," said the Bulls' head coach. Billy Donovan On Friday, he told the press, "He's put in a lot of effort into this. His self-belief and confidence have reached an impressive level, allowing him to execute effectively. We've identified suitable shot opportunities for him within the painted areas based on our current style of play. It appears that his field-goal percentage has improved since he focuses on taking higher-probability shots. This player truly stands out as an exceptional passer. He has successfully learned to mesh with players like Coby [White], along with others such as Vooch [Nikola Vučević]."

The development that Josh Giddey and the Bulls have shown over the last few months has been quite remarkable to observe. Chicago will participate in the play-in tournament. Once more, and they are hitting their stride with some of their finest basketball just when it counts the most. If the Bulls can Conclude the season strongly and advance a position or two in the rankings; this would put them in an advantageous situation. They ought to be more robust during the post-season and might have the potential to make a deep playoff push.

The progress shown by Josh Giddey and the Bulls during the last few months has been fascinating to observe. Chicago will participate in the play-in tournament. Once more, and they are hitting their stride with some of their finest basketball just when it counts the most. If the Bulls can Conclude the season strongly and advance one or two positions in the rankings; this would put them in an advantageous position. They ought to be more robust during the post-season play and might have a chance to push for playoff contention.

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Related: The Chicago Bulls' Lonzo Ball is moving closer to returning from his injury when they face the Portland Trail Blazers.

Related: Blazers versus Bulls forecast, betting odds, selection, point spread – April 4, 2025

The post Bulls' coach Billy Donovan analyzes Josh Giddey’s significant improvement in 2025. appeared first on News.Diwida | .



Photo of CBS’ Tracy Wolfson Standing Next to Florida’s 7’9’’ Center is Too Good

The Florida Gators men's basketball team is currently battling UConn, the two-time defending champs, in the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Gators have title hopes of their own this year as they are the No. 1 seed in the West region and are one of the favorites to win it all.

The Gators have the tallest player in the tournament in 7'9'' center Olivier Rioux. While the freshman likely won't see any playing time, he has had some viral moments this year thanks to his height.

Now he has another one as CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson shared a photo of her standing next to Rioux. Their size difference is pretty wild:

Too good.

The Gators are looking to win their first national title since 2007.

More College Basketball on Sports Illstrated

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Photo of CBS’ Tracy Wolfson Standing Next to Florida’s 7’9’’ Center is Too Good .



Knicks' $220M Gamble: Can It Pave the Way for Kevin Durant?

The New York Knicks are reportedly included in Kevin Durant’s list of favored landing spots. The experienced All-Star player is anticipated to be moved during the upcoming off-season.

As per Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, securing Durant would probably necessitate including Karl-Anthony Towns in the trade. Last summer, the Knicks used up much of their tradable assets, particularly through the transaction aimed at obtaining Mikal Bridges, which depleted their available resources significantly.

Any scenario involving Kevin Durant joining the New York Knicks hinges on them wanting to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns and the Suns (or another team) being interested. really Favale noted this in his writing. "Replacing Towns with Durant could potentially strengthen the defense, particularly if New York feels confident about keeping Mitchell Robinson fit (a very uncertain proposition), or if they have enough resources left to acquire another, more resilient big man."

Favale continued.

“Framed this way, the Knicks’ potential interest isn’t nearly as far-fetched as it initially seems. Would they be willing to make a semi-nuclear shift just one year into the KAT experience? And is he enough to serve as the primary anchor of a KD trade? Both are entirely separate matters.”

Towns is one of the best shooting big men in NBA history. He’s thrived throughout his first season in New York. It’s highly unlikely the front office would move on from Towns for an aging Durant.

Nevertheless, if adding Durant is viewed as the move to bring a championship to the franchise, the Knicks could explore their options.

Knicks Among Durant’s Favored Landing Spots

Based on ESPN’s Shams Charania , New York is one of a select few locations Durant would favor if the situation arises. Phoenix Suns decide to trade him.

“One thing to keep in mind, back at the NBA Trade Deadline in February, Minnesota, Miami, New York, San Antonio, and Houston were among the teams, I’m told, there was mutual interest between Durant and those teams,” Charania said. “I expect those teams and potentially others to be back in the fray this summer.”

Durant will enter the final year of his four-year $194 million deal Next season, he will be turning 37 years old. Thus, any team acquiring him would surely seek guarantees that he plans to sign an extension to prolong his time with the franchise.

Townships Have Flourished in New York

Although it is reasonable to consider Towns as the top potential trading option, the Knicks should seriously think about keeping the 29-year-old center. This season, in 68 games, Towns has been putting up averages of 24.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His shooting percentages stand at 52.1% from the field and an impressive 42.4% from three-point range.

Moreover, Towns has developed a strong alliance with Jalen Brunson. As perCleaning The Glass, The Knicks are scoring 6.5 more points per 100 possessions when this pair plays together. Actually, New York’s offense is among the top 8% in the league as Brunson and Towns lead the charge.

Therefore, the Knicks need to explore alternative strategies to attract Durant to Madison Square Garden. If not, the franchise might be best served sticking with their current roster. This approach would allow them to benefit from a consistent lineup aimed at boosting their chances for a title run next season.

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