Tag: basketball

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NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves are about to shock the world

The NBA Playoffs are reaching a crucial point as we are a few games into round two. So far, round two has had a historically unprecedented start as every underdog currently leads or is tied in their series, giving them a major advantage as home-court switches. With all the attention on the Pacers and the Knicks, it is time to put some respect on the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Currently tied 1-1 in their series against the Golden State Warriors, the Timberwolves are in a prime position to go on an NBA Finals run. With Steph Curry out likely until game six, the Timberwolves should have no problem making it to the Western Conference Finals. Then, they would face either the Thunder or the Nuggets, both teams that would be heavily favored against the Timberwolves. Despite what most believe, I think it is important to look closely at the Timberwolves’ roster in comparison to their opposition in the West because I believe they would be a bad matchup for any other team. 

Starting with Anthony Edwards, a player who many argue looks like the next coming of Michael Jordan. When watching Anthony Edwards, it is clear that he has the full offensive package, being the most explosive and versatile offensive player in the league. Most people, however, don’t realize that he is an elite perimeter defender who can give the opposing team’s best player a rough night. Moving deeper into their starting lineup, the Timberwolves have Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle at the forward positions. Combined, these two players bring a solid balance of defense and offense, but most importantly, they complement Anthony Edwards’ game very nicely. Those three players alone give the opposing team a lot to deal with, but the true X-Factor is the center from France, Rudy Gobert. Being a four-time defensive player of the year, Gobert makes it almost impossible for opposing players to score in the paint. This will come in clutch when facing either Shai Gilegious Alexander or Nikola Jokic, two elite players who rely on their interior scoring ability. Additionally, since he is seven feet tall, Gobert poses a serious offensive threat when the opposing defense is putting all its efforts into slowing down Anthony Edwards. This was proven a few nights ago when Gobert had a 27-point–24 rebound game. 

Although the Timberwolves are a six-seed and historically bad in the playoffs, this team has the potential to win the title this year. Anthony Edwards beat Kevin Durant in last years playoffs, LeBron and Luka in round one this year, and is well on his way in beating Steph Curry. By the time the season is over, the torch will be passed as Anthony Edwards will have his first ring and will be on his way to being the next NBA legend.

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CBB

Three March Madness games that could bust your bracket

It is finally March which means the most unpredictable tournament in sports takes place as the March Madness bracket was announced today. For the first time in a few years, it feels like this year’s NCAA tournament is up for grabs as there is no singular dominant team like we have had with UConn in the past few years. With the First Four starting on Tuesday and the first round starting on Thursday, it is time to start thinking about which upsets to pick. Historically, the 5 seed vs. 12 and 6 seed vs. 11 seed have been prone to upsets, but in recent years we have also seen more major upsets of 1 and 2 seeds. There are three games that you need to pick the upset to keep your bracket perfect.

4 Texas A&M vs. 13 Yale

We have seen both Yale and their Ivy League rival Princeton have big wins in this tournament in back-to-back years. When it comes to these Ivy League teams, their offense thrives in big moments and is very difficult for their opponents to handle. Last year, Yale shocked the world by beating Auburn in the first round of the tournament, an upset no one saw coming. This year, however, everyone should be on upset watch. So far this season, Yale has put up a strong fight against numerous power conference opponents including Purdue and Minnesota. Matched up against Texas A&M, a team that has been up and down through the year, Yale should be able to ride the momentum they have built up and win this game. 

12 McNeese vs. 5 Clemson

Picking McNeese to pull off the upset might be questionable to some, especially considering that they were a popular upset pick last year just to get blown out. This year however is different. McNeese went 27-6 and finished first in the Southland conference. Although they lost to Alabama, one of the top teams in the country, they held their own and made it a close game. In March Madness, all they need is to make it a close game, and then their high-powered offense can take over in the biggest moment. The closest comparison to McNeese is 2024 Furman who pulled off a major upset over Virginia. For Clemson, they have not been very impressive this year, only having five quad-one wins. Although McNeese is a very beatable team at times, if they can get hot at the right moment, we could witness a major upset here.

4 Arizona vs. 13 Akron

The Akron Zips are one of the most high-powered offenses in the country, finishing eighth in points per game among every school. Although the Zips have yet to win a NCAA Tournament game, this year is their best opportunity. They are on a hot streak currently, winning the MAC in multiple thriller games. This team is experienced in close games and will be able to hit the big shots when they need to. The Arizona Wildcats however are not a team to underestimate as they have put together a very impressive season. If they can take an early lead, it might be too much for Akron to handle. However, I expect Akron to keep this game close, in which case a big upset could be brewing.

Although it may be tempting to pick all three of these upsets in your bracket as it is March Madness, statistically speaking, only one or two of these will actually happen. With March Madness being so unpredictable, we will have to wait and see if these games bust peoples brackets

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NBA

Luka to LA: The trade heard around the world

At 11 pm last night, the NBA world was shocked as Dallas Mavericks superstar, Luka Doncic, had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Now that it is confirmed that Shams Charania was not hacked, and the trade is real, it is safe to say that this will go down as the biggest trade in NBA history. 

Although there are many strong opinions regarding this trade, one thing is clear, this was a desperate move by Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Currently sitting at the eighth seed in the Western Conference, it looked to be difficult for the Mavs to make a deep playoff run this season. Whether it is because of his looming contract extension or his poor conditioning, Harrison didn’t feel Doncic was fit to lead the team back to glory. This is shocking given that Doncic led the Mavs to the NBA Finals just a season ago. Either way, Harrison believes that Anthony Davis’ big defensive presence will instill a defensive culture in Dallas. Although this is probably true, trading your 25-year-old MVP-caliber player for a 31-year-old injury-prone player is a terrible idea. Only time will tell if Anthony Davis paired with Kyrie Irving will even be better for the Mavs to win now. 

For the Lakers, this is an all-time great trade. Although they have been successful this season, sitting fifth in the west, they did not have the talent to beat the OKC Thunder or Denver Nuggets in a seven-game series. Anthony Davis had been playing at an elite level, but his age was starting to show, and injuries are an inevitability for him. Pairing Doncic with LeBron James not only cements the Lakers as a top team in the NBA, but it also sets up the Lakers with their superstar for the next ten years. When LeBron inevitably retires in the next few years, the Lakers will have Doncic to build around. 

This trade is yet another example of the rich getting richer in the NBA. The Lakers went from Magic and Kareem to Kobe and Shaq, to LeBron and Davis, to now LeBron and Luka. We will have to wait and see how both the Lakers and the Mavericks look on the court after this trade, but less than 24 hours after this trade it looks like the Lakers won this trade by a landslide.

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NBA

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton Has Become the Best Point Guard in the NBA

When considering the best young players in the NBA, most fans think of names like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Ja Morant. It’s about time that we introduce a new player to this list, Indiana Pacers point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. His ascension over the last three years has been featured in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament as he has dominated the tournament and made headlines.

In just his second NBA season, Tyrese Haliburton was a part of a pivotal trade between the Sacramento Kings and the Indiana Pacers. Being traded to the Pacers was a game-changer for Haliburton as he became the number one offensive player for the Pacers immediately. In his first full season with the Pacers, Haliburton showcased his dominance, averaging 20 points and 10 assists per game. Despite Haliburton’s elite offensive season, he still went under the radar for many NBA fans and media outlets. 

So far this season, Tyrese Haliburton has elevated his game to the next level. Scoring has become easy as Haliburton is averaging a career high 27 points per game. Notably, Haliburton impacts his scoring from outside the arc, shown by his league leading 44% three-point percentage. Haliburton combines his scoring ability with his elite playmaking. He leads the league with 12.1 assists per game. Haliburton has been the driving force behind the Pacers maintaining the highest scoring offense in NBA history. 

Through his stellar play on the court, Haliburton has used the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament to build up his name. With the In-Season Tournament bringing new meaning to the NBA regular season, the viewership has been at an all-time high. Haliburton has showcased his talents to the larger audience, leading the Pacers to an undefeated record. They eliminated big market teams including the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers now look forward to playing the Los Angeles Lakers in the In-Season Tournament Finals. While his name was under the radar before the tournament started, fans now believe Haliburton can beat Lebron James and the Lakers.

While many are still reluctant to say it, Tyrese Haliburton has proven that he is the modern-day Magic Johnson. This may feel like an overreaction, but Haliburton’s game has been strikingly like these NBA legends. Like Magic Johnson, Haliburton is a tall point guard who creates openings for his teammates. Much like Magic Johnson, Haliburton prioritizes winning games.  What elevates Halliburton is his scoring ability which is necessary in 2023. Alongside his elite playmaking skills, Haliburton still takes many shots.

Arguably the best point guard in the NBA right now, Haliburton’s main goal is winning more games. He has a chance at the biggest win of his career as he takes on the Lakers tonight in the In-Season Tournament Final.