You know they talk about pure hoopers and skill. If you had to draft a starting five, with guys like Jamal and yourself, who would you pick? Pure hoopers—how many players? Five hoopers, is that what you’re saying? KEVIN DURANT: I’m going to leave out a lot of dudes, but if I had to pick five off the top—because you’re just putting me on the spot like that—I’mma go: Kyrie Irving at the one. It’s a debate between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan at the two. I know you’re from Chicago, so you might hear this and get confused, but purely skill-wise—Kobe. Yeah, Kobe. He’s got that three-ball, he can handle, he’s got the wiggle, and he can do all the technical stuff MJ can do. So, it’s a toss-up, but I’mma go with Kobe at the two. Alright, for the three, I’mma go Melo—no, actually, I’mma go T-Mac. Yeah, T-Mac at my three. T-Mac at the three, for sure. I’ll have to play the four since it’s my team. And at the five, I’mma go KG. I think KG is underrated, man. Too underrated. He’s just so underrated.
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant on addition of Nick Richards:
“He’s a strong presence in the paint, a big body that can wreak havoc down there and cause some problems with his rim protection. Getting his hands on the basketball on the offensive glass and then finishing above the rim. It’s – 12:20 PM
Kevin Durant on addition of Nick Richards:
“He’s a strong presence in the paint, a big body that can wreak havoc down there and cause some problems with his rim protection. Getting his hands on the basketball on the offensive glass and then finishing above the rim. It’s – 12:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Phoenix Suns can have this lineup after today’s trade:
Devin Booker
Ryan Dunn
Kevin Durant
Oso Ighodaro
Nick Richards
Just one of my many thoughts about the trade.
By the way. I’m in process of going premium. So I don’t have to keep video tweets to 2 minutes, 20 seconds. #Suns pic.x.com/Uuom8NeOAV – 9:24 PM
Phoenix Suns can have this lineup after today’s trade:
Devin Booker
Ryan Dunn
Kevin Durant
Oso Ighodaro
Nick Richards
Just one of my many thoughts about the trade.
By the way. I’m in process of going premium. So I don’t have to keep video tweets to 2 minutes, 20 seconds. #Suns pic.x.com/Uuom8NeOAV – 9:24 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
“When you turn on that film and watch us on the court together, that’s some sh*t you can teach a team.”
– KD reflecting on his time in Brooklyn
pic.x.com/Ettpe5xAAZ – 9:19 PM
“When you turn on that film and watch us on the court together, that’s some sh*t you can teach a team.”
– KD reflecting on his time in Brooklyn
pic.x.com/Ettpe5xAAZ – 9:19 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Giannis Antetokounmpo passed Dwight Howard in scoring last night for No. 56 all-time.
Devin Booker (28) moved ahead of Tim Hardaway for No. 146.
Also: Kevin Durant is No. 61 in blocks, which is pretty damn high for a perimeter player. – 9:20 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo passed Dwight Howard in scoring last night for No. 56 all-time.
Devin Booker (28) moved ahead of Tim Hardaway for No. 146.
Also: Kevin Durant is No. 61 in blocks, which is pretty damn high for a perimeter player. – 9:20 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“When I get going, sometimes it might stall the offense when I start making 4 or 5 shots in a row and people are watching me play.”
Kevin Durant 14 points in 3rd on 6-of-7 FGs as the Suns took nine-point lead, but trailed by two after 3.
“I’m nitpicking at this point.” #Suns pic.x.com/wZUmIDCEkk – 7:02 AM
“When I get going, sometimes it might stall the offense when I start making 4 or 5 shots in a row and people are watching me play.”
Kevin Durant 14 points in 3rd on 6-of-7 FGs as the Suns took nine-point lead, but trailed by two after 3.
“I’m nitpicking at this point.” #Suns pic.x.com/wZUmIDCEkk – 7:02 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“When I get going, sometimes it might stall the offense when I start making 4 of 5 shots in a row and people are watching me play.”
Kevin Durant 14 points in 3rd on 6-of-7 FGs as the Suns took 9-point lead, but trailed by two after 3.
“I’m nitpicking at this point.” #Suns pic.x.com/hvJ1GJOsW4 – 12:21 AM
“When I get going, sometimes it might stall the offense when I start making 4 of 5 shots in a row and people are watching me play.”
Kevin Durant 14 points in 3rd on 6-of-7 FGs as the Suns took 9-point lead, but trailed by two after 3.
“I’m nitpicking at this point.” #Suns pic.x.com/hvJ1GJOsW4 – 12:21 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“2nd chance points and fouls.”
Kevin Durant as Suns blew 9-point lead in 3rd of loss.
Atlanta 27 points off 20 offensive rebounds.
On Trae Young’s 43-piece: “He just got downhill on the pick-and-roll. We were playing in the drop a lot. He kind of got whatever he wanted.” #Suns pic.x.com/vL2nCbXPgR – 12:15 AM
“2nd chance points and fouls.”
Kevin Durant as Suns blew 9-point lead in 3rd of loss.
Atlanta 27 points off 20 offensive rebounds.
On Trae Young’s 43-piece: “He just got downhill on the pick-and-roll. We were playing in the drop a lot. He kind of got whatever he wanted.” #Suns pic.x.com/vL2nCbXPgR – 12:15 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
KD and Book in the loss:
31 PTS 35 PTS
9 REB 5 AST
6 AST 3 STL pic.x.com/6u34ETkVVd – 9:52 PM
KD and Book in the loss:
31 PTS 35 PTS
9 REB 5 AST
6 AST 3 STL pic.x.com/6u34ETkVVd – 9:52 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Beal, Allen, Durant in.
So Suns have those three with Plumlee and Booker. #Suns – 9:38 PM
Beal, Allen, Durant in.
So Suns have those three with Plumlee and Booker. #Suns – 9:38 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Beal back on the bench with the stretch tape working the ankle as Dunn checks in.
Durant getting a break as well as Plumlee is in. #Suns – 9:34 PM
Beal back on the bench with the stretch tape working the ankle as Dunn checks in.
Durant getting a break as well as Plumlee is in. #Suns – 9:34 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns back within 2. Kevin Durant’s up to 31 points on 13-of-20 shooting, and a lot of these aren’t even touching net. Suns might need every bit of it with the way they’re defending and giving up offensive boards – 9:33 PM
Suns back within 2. Kevin Durant’s up to 31 points on 13-of-20 shooting, and a lot of these aren’t even touching net. Suns might need every bit of it with the way they’re defending and giving up offensive boards – 9:33 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant is tired, but found a way to get into the lane and score in traffic.
Suns down two. Timeout Atlanta with 7:05 left in the game. #Suns – 9:32 PM
Durant is tired, but found a way to get into the lane and score in traffic.
Suns down two. Timeout Atlanta with 7:05 left in the game. #Suns – 9:32 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns go with Jones, Beal, Booker, Ighodaro and Durant.
Ighodaro FTs. Suns down six. #Suns – 9:27 PM
Suns go with Jones, Beal, Booker, Ighodaro and Durant.
Ighodaro FTs. Suns down six. #Suns – 9:27 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: ATL 89, PHX 87
Durant: 27 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Blk, 2 Stl, 11-18 FG
Booker: 21 Pts, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 7-14 FG, 5-9 3P
Dunn: 14 Pts, 6-10 FG
Young: 30 Pts, 5 Ast, 3 Stl, 10-24 FG, 4-9 3P
Hawks close 3Q on 14-3 run to take the lead back – 9:20 PM
End of 3Q: ATL 89, PHX 87
Durant: 27 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Blk, 2 Stl, 11-18 FG
Booker: 21 Pts, 3 Ast, 3 Stl, 7-14 FG, 5-9 3P
Dunn: 14 Pts, 6-10 FG
Young: 30 Pts, 5 Ast, 3 Stl, 10-24 FG, 4-9 3P
Hawks close 3Q on 14-3 run to take the lead back – 9:20 PM
Lauren L. Williams @WilliamsLaurenL
What a sequence from Vit Krejci to force Kevin Durant to lose the ball then hit a second chance 3 on the other end to put the Hawks up 89-87. Then Krejci forces Durant to miss his first FG of the quarter – 9:19 PM
What a sequence from Vit Krejci to force Kevin Durant to lose the ball then hit a second chance 3 on the other end to put the Hawks up 89-87. Then Krejci forces Durant to miss his first FG of the quarter – 9:19 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Some ridiculous shot-making for Kevin Durant tonight. That last one from the baseline was wild – 9:18 PM
Some ridiculous shot-making for Kevin Durant tonight. That last one from the baseline was wild – 9:18 PM
Lauren L. Williams @WilliamsLaurenL
Kevin Durant has not missed a field goal in the second half. He’s 5/5, with 12 of his 25 points coming in the 3rd. – 9:08 PM
Kevin Durant has not missed a field goal in the second half. He’s 5/5, with 12 of his 25 points coming in the 3rd. – 9:08 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Beal is back on the bench. Sitting at the end of it.
Suns up 84-77 as Durant is cooking. Has 25. #Suns – 9:08 PM
Beal is back on the bench. Sitting at the end of it.
Suns up 84-77 as Durant is cooking. Has 25. #Suns – 9:08 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
KD goes baseline for the FINISH 💥
(via @Suns)
pic.x.com/lwGwW3x22g – 9:04 PM
KD goes baseline for the FINISH 💥
(via @Suns)
pic.x.com/lwGwW3x22g – 9:04 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant in his world and the Hawks are struggling in it.
Has 23. Suns up six. #Suns – 9:02 PM
Durant in his world and the Hawks are struggling in it.
Has 23. Suns up six. #Suns – 9:02 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Signs of life from the Suns to start the 3Q, kicking it off on a 13-5 run to tie the game up. Great and-1 dunk from KD. Defense has been more locked in and forced some turnovers too – 8:56 PM
Signs of life from the Suns to start the 3Q, kicking it off on a 13-5 run to tie the game up. Great and-1 dunk from KD. Defense has been more locked in and forced some turnovers too – 8:56 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns down 64-56 at half.
ATL: Young 20 points, Okongwu 11 points, 7 rebounds.
PHX: Booker 15 points, Durant 11.
Turnovers: Suns 8 (led to 11 Atlanta points). Hawks 5 (led to 8 Phoenix points).
3PT: Suns 6-of-17, Hawks 9-of-19. pic.x.com/WoI61cjDFb – 8:39 PM
Suns down 64-56 at half.
ATL: Young 20 points, Okongwu 11 points, 7 rebounds.
PHX: Booker 15 points, Durant 11.
Turnovers: Suns 8 (led to 11 Atlanta points). Hawks 5 (led to 8 Phoenix points).
3PT: Suns 6-of-17, Hawks 9-of-19. pic.x.com/WoI61cjDFb – 8:39 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: ATL 64, PHX 56
Booker: 15 Pts, 5-11 FG, 3-6 3P
Durant: 13 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Blk, 5-11 FG
Dunn: 9 Pts, 4-7 FG
Young: 20 Pts, 4 Ast, 7-15 FG, 4-6 3P – 8:34 PM
Halftime: ATL 64, PHX 56
Booker: 15 Pts, 5-11 FG, 3-6 3P
Durant: 13 Pts, 4 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Blk, 5-11 FG
Dunn: 9 Pts, 4-7 FG
Young: 20 Pts, 4 Ast, 7-15 FG, 4-6 3P – 8:34 PM
Lauren L. Williams @WilliamsLaurenL
5:20, 2Q — Garrison Mathews picks up his 3rd foul trying to draw a charge.
Risacher returns to the game, along with Kevin Durant.
Clint Capela is at the scorer’s table. – 8:23 PM
5:20, 2Q — Garrison Mathews picks up his 3rd foul trying to draw a charge.
Risacher returns to the game, along with Kevin Durant.
Clint Capela is at the scorer’s table. – 8:23 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker 3 off baseline screen by Jones to free him up.
Okongwu had three straight baskets for Hawks with Plumlee in the game.
Durant set to check in for Dunn. #Suns – 8:22 PM
Booker 3 off baseline screen by Jones to free him up.
Okongwu had three straight baskets for Hawks with Plumlee in the game.
Durant set to check in for Dunn. #Suns – 8:22 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Figure Durant will check in around 6 minute mark.
Suns have Jones, Dunn, Beal, Booker and Plumlee on floor now. Down 45-39. #Suns – 8:20 PM
Figure Durant will check in around 6 minute mark.
Suns have Jones, Dunn, Beal, Booker and Plumlee on floor now. Down 45-39. #Suns – 8:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Dunn has a team-high 9 along with Durant.
Suns down 10. #Suns pic.x.com/lSNsoTXrMy – 8:18 PM
Dunn has a team-high 9 along with Durant.
Suns down 10. #Suns pic.x.com/lSNsoTXrMy – 8:18 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns starting lineup vs. Hawks:
Tyus Jones
Devin Booker
Ryan Dunn
Kevin Durant
Mason Plumlee. #Suns – 7:05 PM
Suns starting lineup vs. Hawks:
Tyus Jones
Devin Booker
Ryan Dunn
Kevin Durant
Mason Plumlee. #Suns – 7:05 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Immanuel Quickley (hip) and Ja’Kobe Walter (G-League) the only #Raptors absences among their regulars vs. Boston tomorrow. – 5:45 PM
Immanuel Quickley (hip) and Ja’Kobe Walter (G-League) the only #Raptors absences among their regulars vs. Boston tomorrow. – 5:45 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Suns since benching Beal and Nurkic:
Book — 26.6 PPG | 8.8 APG
KD — 24.8 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 5.2 APG
Beal — 17.4 PPG | 4.2 APG | 53.0 FG%
4-1 record. pic.x.com/jsVEXJeXLB – 12:28 PM
The Suns since benching Beal and Nurkic:
Book — 26.6 PPG | 8.8 APG
KD — 24.8 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 5.2 APG
Beal — 17.4 PPG | 4.2 APG | 53.0 FG%
4-1 record. pic.x.com/jsVEXJeXLB – 12:28 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Stephen Curry passed Allen Iverson in points (No. 28 now) and Kobe Bryant in assists last night (No. 35).
Also: Mike Conley is Top 30 all-time in assists after moving ahead of Reggie Theus and John Lucas. – 5:34 AM
Stephen Curry passed Allen Iverson in points (No. 28 now) and Kobe Bryant in assists last night (No. 35).
Also: Mike Conley is Top 30 all-time in assists after moving ahead of Reggie Theus and John Lucas. – 5:34 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns-Pistons start change gives Durant, Booker more time to catch Commanders, Lions in NFL playoffs (w/video) #Suns #Pistons #NFLPlayoffs #NFL azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 8:48 PM
Suns-Pistons start change gives Durant, Booker more time to catch Commanders, Lions in NFL playoffs (w/video) #Suns #Pistons #NFLPlayoffs #NFL azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 8:48 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We had to dig in.”
“Must win.”
“A lot of activity.”
“He trusts me.”
“It felt good.”
“Vibes always been good.”
Recap of Suns comeback vs. Charlotte with highlights, comments from Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Mike Budenholzer, Oso Ighodaro, Royce O’Neale and Kevin Durant. #Suns pic.x.com/mZO6hge4X3 – 5:03 PM
“We had to dig in.”
“Must win.”
“A lot of activity.”
“He trusts me.”
“It felt good.”
“Vibes always been good.”
Recap of Suns comeback vs. Charlotte with highlights, comments from Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Mike Budenholzer, Oso Ighodaro, Royce O’Neale and Kevin Durant. #Suns pic.x.com/mZO6hge4X3 – 5:03 PM
Lauren L. Williams @WilliamsLaurenL
For tomorrow’s game vs. Phoenix:
Questionable
Bogdan Bogdanovic (right knee inflammation)
Trae Young (illness)
Out
Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder surgery)
Jalen Johnson (right shoulder inflammation)
Larry Nance Jr. (right hand surgery)
Cody Zeller (not with team) – 5:02 PM
For tomorrow’s game vs. Phoenix:
Questionable
Bogdan Bogdanovic (right knee inflammation)
Trae Young (illness)
Out
Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder surgery)
Jalen Johnson (right shoulder inflammation)
Larry Nance Jr. (right hand surgery)
Cody Zeller (not with team) – 5:02 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker (26.6 PPG, 8.8 APG, 4.6 RPG, 47.1 FG%, 31 3P%, 4-1 record) and Kevin Durant (24.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 53.3 FG%, 30 3P%) were both nominated for Western Conference Player of the Week.
Domantas Sabonis (22.0 PPG, 20.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 61 FG%, 75 3P%, 3-0 record) won – 3:35 PM
Devin Booker (26.6 PPG, 8.8 APG, 4.6 RPG, 47.1 FG%, 31 3P%, 4-1 record) and Kevin Durant (24.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 53.3 FG%, 30 3P%) were both nominated for Western Conference Player of the Week.
Domantas Sabonis (22.0 PPG, 20.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 61 FG%, 75 3P%, 3-0 record) won – 3:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant and Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro had “long talk” after Memphis loss as Jaren Jackson Jr. had huge game.
“He was pissed about it. His passion and enthusiasm of wanting to get better. I saw it that night. I’ve always seen it, but it was very evident after the game.” #Suns pic.x.com/uqE3YGac86 – 12:59 PM
Kevin Durant and Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro had “long talk” after Memphis loss as Jaren Jackson Jr. had huge game.
“He was pissed about it. His passion and enthusiasm of wanting to get better. I saw it that night. I’ve always seen it, but it was very evident after the game.” #Suns pic.x.com/uqE3YGac86 – 12:59 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
In 2025, Zach LaVine has more 30-point games than
Steph Curry
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Anthony Davis
Damian Lillard
Joel Embiid
Donovan Mitchell
Ja Morant
James Harden
combined. pic.x.com/NRwEknHQ66 – 12:58 PM
In 2025, Zach LaVine has more 30-point games than
Steph Curry
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Anthony Davis
Damian Lillard
Joel Embiid
Donovan Mitchell
Ja Morant
James Harden
combined. pic.x.com/NRwEknHQ66 – 12:58 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“The 1st possession of the game, you start double teaming when I get in the post.”
Kevin Durant on Charlotte’s strategy to double him in Suns win Sunday over Hornets.
“They just telling us they’d rather live with my teammates shooting open shots, which is crazy to me.” #Suns pic.x.com/K8Ub7Mrrdm – 12:57 PM
“The 1st possession of the game, you start double teaming when I get in the post.”
Kevin Durant on Charlotte’s strategy to double him in Suns win Sunday over Hornets.
“They just telling us they’d rather live with my teammates shooting open shots, which is crazy to me.” #Suns pic.x.com/K8Ub7Mrrdm – 12:57 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Sure people in the arena thought I was going to shoot, but I try to make the right play as much as I can. Play the game the way it’s presented to me.”
Kevin Durant on finding Oso Ighodaro for late dunk in Suns win over Hornets. #Suns pic.x.com/6vKhndUBWV – 12:56 PM
“Sure people in the arena thought I was going to shoot, but I try to make the right play as much as I can. Play the game the way it’s presented to me.”
Kevin Durant on finding Oso Ighodaro for late dunk in Suns win over Hornets. #Suns pic.x.com/6vKhndUBWV – 12:56 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“They’re going to double- or triple-team him. So sometimes I’m going to be wide open, and he trusts me. He’s a good passer and an unselfish player and I just had to finish.”
Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro on dunk off Kevin Durant pass late in Sunday’s win over Hornets. #Suns pic.x.com/b5YjfqFwWk – 12:51 PM
“They’re going to double- or triple-team him. So sometimes I’m going to be wide open, and he trusts me. He’s a good passer and an unselfish player and I just had to finish.”
Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro on dunk off Kevin Durant pass late in Sunday’s win over Hornets. #Suns pic.x.com/b5YjfqFwWk – 12:51 PM
More on this storyline
Kevin Durant on other countries catching up: So, people are going to try to switch the narrative or hype some shit up, but in reality, we’ve been dominating these dudes this whole time. And they finally get closer than 20 points, and now you’re saying they’re catching up? Nah, that doesn’t make sense. -via YouTube / January 16, 2025
Kevin Durant on other countries catching up: This basketball sh*t is ours. We created this s**t for real. Like, the best players come from the places we come from. You know what I’m saying? We set the standard for what being great in basketball is. A lot of these dudes who haven’t been through that grind before don’t understand what it’s like getting up every day and being a professional basketball player—how hard that s**t is. Not just on the court, but also how much s**t you’ve got to deal with in your whole ecosystem, being in this life. -via YouTube / January 16, 2025
In a recent interview with Out The Mud Podcast, the future Hall of Famer spoke about his decision to leave Oklahoma City. Durant: “I understood why people was pissed off, but I couldn’t make a decision based off of what other people wanted to do… It’s not one reason why you make a big decision like that…. I wanted a new experience, I wanted to play a different way, a different style. I wanted to live in a different city… All I knew was OKC… I just wanted to experience what life was like with a different organization. On top of having the opportunity to play with some of the best players, that knew how to play, that matched my skillset.” -via Sports Illustrated / January 16, 2025
Clutch Points: “I love Kobe [Bryant], God rest his soul, but he’s not top-3 [all-time] in most people’s eyes. I don’t even understand how this is even an argument with him & LeBron [James]. I would rank Kevin Durant above Kobe.” —Chandler Parsons (via @RunItBackFDTV) -via Twitter / January 14, 2025
Jorge Sierra: Stephen Curry passed Allen Iverson in points (No. 28 now) and Kobe Bryant in assists last night (No. 35). Also: Mike Conley is Top 30 all-time in assists after moving ahead of Reggie Theus and John Lucas. -via Bluesky / January 14, 2025
Derek Fisher: I think that second year in 2001, that’s when it really shifted a little bit. I think Kobe really felt like he was being asked to sacrifice a little too much. You have to remember, Kobe really saw himself—and ultimately became—one of the GOATs. Right? None of the guys on that list were the second guy. I mean, if you really go down the list of players we have GOAT conversations about, I don’t know if any of those guys were the second guy. In 2001, Kobe started to feel like, “In order for me to be the GOAT that I know I’m capable of being, I’m willing to put the time in. I’m willing to wake up at 4 in the morning, get no sleep, train hard, play in every game, play through injuries, and do everything to become one of the greatest players of all time. Why am I being asked to do less and be less when my teammate—who is capable of just as much or more greatness—isn’t maybe investing that same level of time, energy, etc.?” I think that was the year when it changed a little bit—from the healthy tension that great teams need, to more of a dynamic where one guy is maybe standing in the way of the other. -via YouTube / January 8, 2025
When Travis asked James who guarded him, the Los Angeles Lakers star definitively said, “Nobody, I was unguardable,” setting off an eruption of laughter from the Kelce brothers. “I was in Chicago at MJ’s court, it was called ‘Hoops,’” James said before referencing an interview Artest had with Paul George about James’ dominance. “When I finally got out there, I was busting ass, man,” James said. “I was nervous, I was nervous as hell being out there with MJ and the rest of those guys, but I was like, ‘I’m about to go crazy,’ and I did.” -via New York Times / January 15, 2025
LeBron James appeared on Wednesday’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce and finally opened up about the famously mysterious pick-up game he played in with Michael Jordan as a high schooler. James said the game happened in 2001, and he and Jordan played with NBA vets Antoine Walker, Penny Hardaway, Ron Artest and Michael Finley. Grainy photos from the game showing James and Jordan sharing the court have surfaced on social media over the years, but video footage of the contest has never emerged. -via New York Times / January 15, 2025
Jorge Sierra: LaMelo Ball is taking the most shots per minute since Wilt Chamberlain in 1965 🤯 Wilt Chamberlain (1961-62): 0.814 Elgin Baylor (1961-62): 0.746 Wilt Chamberlain (1964-65): 0.731 Wilt Chamberlain (1962-63): 0.728 LAMELO BALL (2024-25): 0.727 Michael Jordan (1985-86): 0.727 -via Bluesky / January 12, 2025