Sports
After another amazing night, LeBron James is poised to reach No. 2 on NBA scoring list
LeBron James spun and launched a 3 seemingly towards the rafters, the ball in some way discovering the backboard earlier than pushing by means of the online.
It was a part of one other wild offensive evening for the Lakers’ finest participant — an enormous shot throughout a stretch when he was scoring in each attainable approach.
This evening was totally different from most. This time, the Lakers gained, beating the Raptors 128-123 in extra time.
It’s been the unusual undercurrent to James’ superb season, his offensive mastery coming at a time when it’s been unable to constantly affect profitable. The Lakers’ different issues, the accidents, unhealthy matches, rotten luck and flawed roster — even this offensive groove hasn’t been capable of overcome all that.
In order James strikes to the doorstep of the No. 2 spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring listing, it’s good to do it with some optimistic vibes after an excellent win in Toronto.
“Profitable is what’s most essential to me and what’s all the time been most essential to me,” James mentioned. “However the one factor I’ve been capable of do is hold the enjoyment of the sport. … I perceive that we’re taking plenty of losses this season and regardless of the case could also be. However the pleasure of the sport and going on the market and competing is so rattling enjoyable, prefer it’s so enjoyable.
“And clearly the frustration of shedding and issues of that nature clearly within the warmth of the battle, you’re feeling it that approach, nevertheless it’s a pleasure to play the sport. And it’s a pleasure to go on the market and play at this degree at this level in my profession, so I’m nonetheless having a blast.”
It’s primarily a lock that James will take Karl Malone’s spot on the all-time leaderboard in his subsequent recreation, trailing Malone by simply 17 factors. His standing for Saturday’s recreation towards the Wizards in Washington can be determined this morning.
If he doesn’t play, he’d have an opportunity to achieve the milestone in Cleveland on Monday.
“He simply needs to win, and he needs to dominate the sport any approach that he can.” Lakers coach Frank Vogel mentioned pregame. “So clearly he’s actually grown as a fringe shooter, and he’s actually grown at this stage of his profession to attain as a receiver, and never simply initiating something. And people are two actually outstanding late profession changes that he’s made that I feel he must be counseled for.
“And clearly we’re not having a fantastic season, however I don’t know the place we’d be with out what he’s doing by way of scoring the basketball. So it’s actually outstanding. He continues to defy the percentages and present all people his greatness.”
He confirmed these evolutions explicitly late towards the Raptors, taking part in off of Russell Westbrook, nonetheless dominating when the Lakers wanted him to take over — scoring 16 of his 36 factors within the fourth quarter — and even performing because the Lakers’ major rim protector.
“That’s a part of what makes him the best, is his skill to simply [make] no matter play is critical, no matter aspect of the ground, whether or not it’s the additional move, the massive three, the free throws, the defensive task of guarding one of the best man or making the assistance aspect block like he did tonight, arising with massive rebounds,” Vogel mentioned after the win. “It’s simply … it’s outstanding how he can affect each single play in any approach you may affect a play.”
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Quickly, seemingly both Saturday or Monday, he’ll have one other milestone to bolster his case as the best.
“I imply it’s superb, as everybody’s been capable of see,” Avery Bradley mentioned. “From even the beginning of his profession and me being a fan, a child in highschool, to taking part in towards him and now having a chance to be on his workforce. It’s simply unimaginable to now be part of, and he’s only a particular participant.
“To me, best ever.”
Sports
Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports
There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA.
The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal.
In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run.
Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days.
KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE
Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media.
“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X.
Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign.
He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well.
Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games.
The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest.
The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency.
Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night.
New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason.
That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.
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Sports
Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79
WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.
His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.
Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”
Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.
Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.
Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.
Sports
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach
The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night.
The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton.
And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach.
Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean.
Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware.
Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean.
PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS
Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building.
So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal.
Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done.
He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016.
Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club.
The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.
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