https://www.givemesport.com Basketball News & Rumors Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:15:19 GMT en-US hourly 60 It may still be early but Minnesota Timberwolves fans finally have something to cheer about. Things weren't always like this, however. Just last year, this team barely made the playoffs; they fought their way out of the Play-In tournament and made it to the eighth seed, only to then be eliminated by the eventual NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:15:19 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/are-the-minnesota-timberwolves-contenders-or-pretenders/ Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker is in the midst of a career season in 2023-24. In his ninth campaign, Booker has shown significant improvement as a franchise player and lead playmaker, clearing up doubts about how the team would mesh after acquiring Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 20:00:19 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/devin-booker-is-a-surefire-mvp-candidate-in-2024/ If the Los Angeles Lakers make a move to acquire Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine in a blockbuster deal, do not expect Austin Reaves to be one of the players they trade away.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:45:19 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/la-lakers-not-interested-in-dealing-austin-reaves-in-potential-zach-lavine-trade/ When the Phoenix Suns made the blockbuster trade to bring three-time NBA All-Star, Bradley Beal to Arizona, they likely weren’t expecting his availability to be so much of a concern. Having participated in only three games for the Suns so far this season, NBA journalist Mark Medina argues that his presence on the court might be the difference between the star-studded group, featuring Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, progressing deep through the playoffs, or not.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:34:28 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/bradley-beal-could-be-the-difference-maker-in-phoenix-suns-title-hopes/ Week 6 of the 2023-24 NBA season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, characterized by standout performances and unexpected downfalls. At the forefront are the Minnesota Timberwolves, who impressed with their robust defense and emerged as the primary winners of the week. Their strategic and cohesive play has not just contained opponents but also elevated their overall game.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:01:21 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-winners-and-losers-of-week-6/ The Sacramento Kings’ aim for this season is to pick up where they left off last year, after they made the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2006. If they are to return to the postseason for a second consecutive season, though, they will need their All-Star point-guard De’Aaron Fox to lead the way, something which NBA writer Mark Medina has shared that the 25-year-old has been doing in practice, as well as taking on a mentorship role to his younger teammates during the off-season.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:01:21 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/deaaron-fox-sets-the-tone-for-sacramento-kings-after-growing-as-a-leader/ Basketball fans tuning in for an exciting slate of NBA action were not disappointed this weekend, as the league's biggest and brightest stars came out to play. With some incredible scoring displays, dominant all-around performances, and clutch heroics, there was something to appreciate for hoops lovers of all tastes.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 22:43:08 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/top-5-performances-of-the-weekend-in-the-nba/ The Golden State Warriors are not only proud of the legacy they’ve built in the NBA; they also boast some of the best and most memorable scoring games in league history.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 19:30:22 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ranking-the-best-scoring-performances-in-golden-state-warriors-history/ The NBA has long been a global stage for extraordinary talent, attracting players from around the world to showcase their skills on the hardwood. In the annals of NBA history, a select group of international players has left an indelible mark, earning their place among the league's all-time greats. From towering centers to dynamic point guards, this article embarks on a journey to celebrate the top 10 international NBA players who have mesmerized fans, shattered records, and redefined the game with their incredible abilities.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 15:01:19 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ranking-the-10-best-international-nba-players-of-all-time/ Under the expert guidance of Roy Williams, the University of North Carolina's (UNC) basketball program flourished. Throughout his tenure, there have been multiple players who have thrived at the university, a testament to Williams' remarkable ability to recruit and cultivate exceptional talent.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 18:01:20 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/top-10-players-mentored-by-unc-coach-roy-williams/ When Mike Krzyzewski, known in basketball circles as "Coach K", stepped into the role of head coach at Duke University in 1980, he embarked on a journey that would etch his name indelibly into the annals of college basketball history. With a coaching career that spanned over four decades at Duke, Coach K transformed the Blue Devils into a perennial powerhouse, amassing five NCAA Championships, 12 Final Four appearances, and 15 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament titles. His 1,170 career wins stand as a testament to his enduring excellence and strategic acumen. Beyond the collegiate realm, Coach K also left an unforgettable mark on international basketball.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 16:30:20 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/top-nba-players-coached-by-coach-k/ This past Tuesday marked the ending of the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament's (IST) group stage, where four teams from each conference progressed to the quarter-finals. In these knockout stages, all games are single-elimination, meaning that the losers of each matchup below will be eliminated from trophy contention.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:49:43 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/breaking-down-the-2023-nba-in-season-tournament-quarter-finals/ Kevin Durant’s time with the Golden State Warriors was relatively brief, lasting all of three seasons, but those years could well be considered some of the most impactful for the organization. Led under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors established themselves as perhaps one of the greatest dynasties the NBA has ever seen, boasting a star-studded core that also included Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:04:22 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/draymond-green-more-important-than-kevin-durant-was-for-golden-state-warriors/ In the early stages of the 2023-24 NBA season, many teams have demonstrated that they have the potential to go far in the playoffs, while others have shown that they won't be close to contending. It's still too early to accurately predict the outcome of the regular season, but the first full month of play has highlighted the dominant teams and the weaker ones.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:37:43 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-monthly-power-rankings/ Klay Thompson has been one of the most dependable scorers alongside Stephen Curry for the Golden State Warriors, which has seen them win four NBA titles in a decade. After sustaining two season-ending injuries in back-to-back seasons two years ago, he has not looked the same, explosive scorer since his return to the court. However, this season in particular has seen the sharpshooter turn into a shadow of himself, and NBA insider Mark Medina attributes his poor scoring form to him ‘trying too hard’ to prove he is healthy again.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 01:58:55 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/klay-thompson-trying-too-hard-to-prove-his-health-amid-shooting-woes/ The L.A. Clippers didn’t feel as though having three NBA All-Stars in their starting five was enough, so they made a blockbuster trade to acquire James Harden to take their tally to four. However, since the 34-year-old’s acquisition from the Philadelphia 76ers, hasn’t exactly been plain-sailing for the Clips, where they are only just clinging on to the final Play-In tournament seed, leading NBA journalist Mark Medina to believe that they are ‘a desperate team that made a desperate trade’.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:06:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/la-clippers-james-harden-trade-desperate/ During his team's 29-point loss to the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 19, Detroit Pistons big man and former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman had the opportunity to do something he hasn't done much of since hearing his name called during the 2020 NBA Draft. That is, log significant minutes in an actual regular-season game for his team. He showed flashes, too, of the skills that prompted the Golden State Warriors to go off the beaten path and select him ahead of Charlotte Hornets' star LaMelo Ball.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:29:04 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/detroit-pistons-james-wiseman-is-firmly-in-bust-territory/ Through their first 19 games, the Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves trailing by double-digit margins at the end of the first quarter on eight occasions. As a result, superstar LeBron James has been forced to take on more minutes than originally planned, with NBA insider Mark Medina arguing that with the Purple and Gold ‘digging themselves into a hole’ on a nightly basis, his health and durability could soon become a concern.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:05:57 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/la-lakers-terrible-first-quarter-team-affecting-lebron-james-durability/ After nothing short of a calamitous outing last year, things didn’t look as though they could get any worse for this young Detroit Pistons team. Alas, the Motor City crew appear not to have improved too much either, where they currently find themselves in the midst of a 14-game losing streak, with NBA journalist Mark Medina not convinced that there is an end in sight to their poor form and struggles any time soon.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 23:00:14 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/detroit-pistons-unpleasantly-surprising-form-expected-to-continue/ The fifth week of the NBA season is officially behind us, and we already have plenty of confirmed spots for the second round of the In-Season Tournament. The Indiana Pacers, who make up one of the league's best offenses, were among the first set of teams to qualify out of their group, alongside the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:38:39 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-storylines-from-week-5-in-the-nba/ LeBron James has had many great teammates over the years, including Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. However, one teammate that has largely gone under the radar is point-guard Alex Caruso, formerly of the Los Angeles Lakers and now with the Chicago Bulls, who NBA insider Mark Medina argues to have had the ‘best on-court chemistry’ with James in their three-year tenure together in the Purple and Gold.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:05:23 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/alex-caruso-best-on-court-chemistry-with-lebron-james-amid-trade-rumors/ The New York Knicks were in a bad way during the third quarter of their home bout with the Miami Heat on Friday night. At the 3:40 mark of the period, a Jimmy Butler free throw had pushed the visitors' lead to a game-high 21 points. At that point, Knicks super-sub Immanuel Quickley caught a glimpse of the scoreboard and knew that something had to be done (and quick).

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:51:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/new-york-knick-immanuel-quickley-early-sixth-man-of-year-case/ The 2023-24 NBA season is already one month old and there have been a slew of rookies making an impact on their respective teams. The 2023 Draft class featured generational talents like Victor Wembanyama, but there have also been a few surprises.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:12:11 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/top-5-nba-rookies-so-far-this-season/ Draymond Green has built up quite a reputation over his career as a member of the Golden State Warriors for picking up a plethora of technical fouls, ejections and even suspensions. In his latest tirade, his chokehold on Minnesota Timberwolves’ center Rudy Gobert in an on-court altercation, which didn’t initially involve either player, saw him receive a five-game suspension. Reflecting on the incident, NBA journalist Mark Medina believes that enough is enough and the 34-year-old ‘simply has to be better’ going forward.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:53:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/draymond-green-suspension-reaction-golden-state-warriors/ Despite a 36-point night from embattled star Zach LaVine, the Chicago Bulls dropped a 121-108 decision to the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Friday. It was a particularly rough performance for the Windy City crew, too, as they trailed for all but a handful of first-quarter possessions.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:54:28 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/demar-derozan-bulls-beyond-frustrated/ Through the early part of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers’ continuity experiment appears to be narrowing LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ championship window together, with inconsistency from role players and starting five alike, and the unpredictability of what type of shooting performance the team will put on.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:00:15 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/chicago-bulls-alex-caruso-trade-candidate-for-la-lakers/ The Washington Wizards have got off to a disastrous start in this 2023-24 campaign, where they are currently tied with their Eastern Conference counterparts, the Detroit Pistons, for the worst record in the entire NBA after having started 3-14. While they ended up engaging in a lot of trade deals over the off-season, with their most notable incoming being Jordan Poole, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that that move, in particular, was only "Part A" of the rebuilding process, with "Part B" likely to come as the Wizards near the trade deadline.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:00:15 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/washington-wizards-jordan-poole-trade-part-a-roster-blow-up/ Week 5 of the 2023-24 NBA season has just wrapped up, and it was defined by key moments that could go a long way toward shaping the rest of the year. The Orlando Magic lead the winners' circle as their impressive 5-0 record in the last week was propelled by the No. 2 ranked defense in the league.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 22:43:21 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/orlando-magic-headline-nba-best-teams-of-week-5/ The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a delightful surprise in the 2023-24 NBA season. Led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and top rookie, Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have established themselves as an upper-echelon team in the Western Conference. After appearing in the 2023 Play-In Tournament, it seemed like the team was on the cusp of breaking through. Now with a more complete roster, promising development from their younger players, and a strong start to the season, the Thunder could very well be title contenders.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:43:09 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/why-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-are-true-championship-contenders/ When the drama between Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers finally ended with the seven-time All-Star landing with the Milwaukee Bucks, it felt as though the long-suffering legend would finally have a chance to compete for an NBA championship. After all, he was joining a Bucks team that was only a few years removed from hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. More than that, though, he would be joining forces with a transcendent talent and one of the top-five players in the game in Giannis Antetokounmpo.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:55:27 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/giannis-antetokounmpo-and-damian-lillard-partnership-is-still-a-work-in-progress/ The Houston Rockets have been one of the most surprising teams in the Western Conference in the first quarter of the 2023-24 regular season, where they are currently in the mix and battling for a Play-In tournament spot. While the Rockets acquired veterans’ Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks during free-agency, it is their third-year Center, Alperen Şengün, who NBA journalist Mark Medina argues has been the most impressive player for the youthful team so far after he has seen a significant jump in his on-court production.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:50:48 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/alperen-sengun-most-improved-player-contender-despite-premature-nikola-jokic-comparisons/ The 2023-2024 NBA Rookie of the Year award wasn't supposed to be a tight race. Many expected the San Antonio Spurs' No. 1 overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, to end the debate before it could even really start. Through the first few games of the season, it appeared that the hunch was correct. Wembanyama seemed to be every bit as uniquely dominant as promised, showing why he was the most coveted prospect since LeBron James.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:50:35 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/san-antonio-spurs-jeremy-sochan-stunting-victor-wembanyama/ The Golden State Warriors have struggled mightily to start this season, with many of their offensive weapons suffering shooting slumps early on. After Draymond Green received a five-game suspension for ‘escalating an on-court altercation’, the Warriors have also seen a decline on the defensive side of the ball, with NBA writer Mark Medina arguing that the 33-year-old’s absence has brought with it a loss of defensive ‘organization, ‘intensity’, and his ‘playmaking’.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:30:14 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/draymond-green-playmaking-big-loss-golden-state-warriors/ What Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been able to do in this, his 21st season in the NBA, has been nothing short of incredible in a historical context. The GOAT candidate is less than a week removed from dropping 37 points on 14-of-19 shooting, to go along with eight assists, six rebounds and three steals during a nail-biting win over the upstart Houston Rockets on Nov. 19, and he did it at the ripe old age of 38.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 01:55:45 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/wrestling-legend-ric-flair-defends-lebron-james-after-lakers-star-is-compared-to-old-iphone/ Marred by injuries to start the year, the Los Angeles Lakers look to be getting back on track, where they now sit comfortably over .500 with a 10-7 record through their first 17 games. While franchise cornerstones LeBron James and Anthony Davis have played at superb levels to begin the campaign, there has been a lot of chatter over whether the deep supporting cast could keep up and help take some of the load off of their leading stars. With the overall roster beginning to return to health, NBA insider Mark Medina argues that various players have stepped up to support James and Davis, but D’Angelo Russell has stood out above the rest.

]]> Sun, 26 Nov 2023 23:47:21 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/dangelo-russell-stepped-up-support-lebron-james-anthony-davis/ The Miami Heat sought to capitalize on their historic NBA Finals run last season, but things got off to a dreadful start to start their 2023-24 regular season campaign, losing four of their first five games. However, in almost no time at all, the Heat dug in deep, and despite losing some key members of their rotation to injury, they somehow snapped their losing skid and went on a seven-game winning streak, having now won nine of their last 12 games, something which NBA journalist Mark Medina attributes to the ‘resilience’ of ‘Heat Culture’.

]]> Sun, 26 Nov 2023 20:30:16 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/miami-heat-culture-tyler-herro-injury-update/ The 2023-24 NBA season is well underway, and the landscape of the league has substantially changed as a result of trades, free agent signings, and new rookie talent. While many roster moves came during the offseason, teams have until Feb. 8 to tinker with their rosters and make the right trades to improve, retool, or lean fully into a rebuild. As usual, there will be overachieving teams and disappointing ones.

]]> Sun, 26 Nov 2023 16:30:16 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-nba-players-who-could-get-dealt-by-the-trade-deadline/ The Philadelphia 76ers are currently sitting pretty in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 10-5 record, despite their early-season trade of James Harden. While their new duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey appear to be a seamless fit, the Sixers have cap space and expiring contracts aplenty, and could yet be tempted to convert some of that cap flexibility into an All-Star arrival in order to bolster their title chances, such as Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. Life in Chicago doesn’t appear to be as sunny as it is in Philadelphia, and with LaVine’s recent admission that he would be open to a move elsewhere, NBA journalist Mark Medina believes the Sixers could be a ‘realistic’ landing spot for the 28-year-old.

]]> Sat, 25 Nov 2023 23:30:11 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/philadelphia-76ers-zach-lavine-trade-realistic-possibility/ The Charlotte Hornets have picked up where they left off from last season – fighting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with the prospect of yet another lottery draft pick on the horizon if they don’t turn things around… or so it seems. Despite currently occupying a 5-9 losing record, the Hornets are only two games back of a play-in tournament spot largely thanks to their franchise star, LaMelo Ball, who has come out of the blocks early and is fully healthy. As such, it has prompted NBA insider Mark Medina to consider whether the 22-year-old’s current form is sustainable and if so, in-turn, he could lead them to a play-in tournament spot come the end of the season.

]]> Sat, 25 Nov 2023 18:58:06 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/charlotte-hornets-tipped-to-make-play-in-tournament-with-sustainable-lamelo-ball/ Many days have passed since word of a potential Chicago Bulls teardown began to spread on the hoops blogosphere with nary a move having been made. Of course, there's nothing inherently odd about that — multiple months remain until the NBA's February trade deadline, which is when the lion's share of activity always takes place. Still, the report from Shams Charania and Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic indicating that there's a level of openness to a move from both the Bulls and their star player, Zach LaVine, has got people talking.

]]> Sat, 25 Nov 2023 17:17:05 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/bulls-zach-lavine-may-have-limited-market/ The NBA In-Season Tournament brought along some new court designs in order for fans to differentiate the new event from the regular season games. While some courts have been neatly designed, others have been a pain to look at.

]]> Sat, 25 Nov 2023 15:30:14 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ranking-the-5-worst-nba-in-season-tournament-courts/ The New Orleans Pelicans roster for the 2023-24 NBA season is loaded with talent and should be able to contend for the NBA Finals. Over the past few seasons, injuries have derailed the Louisiana-based team and prevented them from reaching their true potential. With All-Star Zion Williamson back in full force, there's never been a clearer time for the Pelicans to take control of their destiny.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:56:35 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/are-the-new-orleans-pelicans-legitimate-nba-title-contenders/ As many had predicted prior to the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, the Boston Celtics are looking like early title favorites after getting off to a blistering start where they sit atop the league standings. While their roster runs very deep, though, NBA insider Mark Medina isn’t opposed to the Celtics bolstering their second unit further, especially after the loss of defensive prowess, Grant Williams, but argues that if the front-office choose to go in that direction, then they need to be careful not to ‘mess with continuity’ that has proved a success thus far.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:53:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/boston-celtics-potential-bench-upgrades-nba/ It has been 10 months since three-time All-Defensive First Team pick, two-time blocks leader, and NBA champion Serge Ibaka has played in North America. Thanks to injuries, age, and the league's ever-changing tides, Ibaka had to look to Europe for a spot to ply his hardwood trade.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 17:32:23 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/serge-ibaka-says-playing-defense-in-europe-is-harder-than-the-nba/ Over the years, the NBA has been home to some of the most intense individual rivalries in sports history. Michael Jordan versus Isiah Thomas was must-watch TV, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady duking it out was always a sight to behold, and who can forget the duels between Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson?

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 16:02:14 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/why-chet-holmgren-vs-victor-wembanyama-will-be-the-next-big-rivalry-in-the-nba/ Given the up-and-down (mostly the latter) nature of their campaign so far — not to mention the trade rumors that have surrounded them in recent weeks — it's easy to question whether the Chicago Bulls are headed toward a seismic shift. Fans and pundits alike have been calling for moves since it became clear that Lonzo Ball's injury would prevent him from seeing the court at all. Now, though, the hardwood intelligentsia is calling for a bigger shakeup.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:56:39 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/alex-caruso-speaks-out-bulls-trade-rumors/ Only a month into the NBA season, it's still way too early to make any real calls on what the NBA landscape will look like come springtime and the end of the regular season. However, with every week that passes, teams and players start to become more consistent, giving us a more realistic glimpse of what the rest of the season may look like.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 21:57:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-awards-watch-one-month-into-the-season/ The Minnesota Timberwolves have never advanced to the NBA Finals. They came close in 2004 when the Kevin Garnett-led team reached the Western Conference Finals. Since then, Minnesota has largely been an afterthought in the league, failing to reach those heights again. When the Timberwolves acquired All-Star Rudy Gobert in 2022, it signaled a change in direction. It finally seemed like the Timberwolves were once again ready to take the next step.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 21:18:11 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/how-the-minnesota-timberwolves-can-win-their-first-nba-championship-in-2024/ The 2023-24 NBA season is underway and with its first month behind it, quite a few teams have found themselves struggling mightily. Should they remain this bad throughout the year, they will have to reconsider their roster composition and make moves to better position themselves for future success.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 20:58:11 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/one-player-each-of-the-bottom-5-nba-teams-should-consider-trading/ Anyone who follows NBA basketball with any level of consistency can tell you that San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich does things his own way. From the often steely manner in which he conducts himself with the press to his no-nonsense coaching style, he has never been one to cater to others' expectations of what a coach should or shouldn't be. However, he was in rare form during Wednesday's bout between the Spurs and the L.A. Clippers at Frost Bank Center, and now he's going viral as a result.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:58:50 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/gregg-popovich-mid-game-defense-kawhi-leonard/ After a hot start to the 2023-24 NBA season, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to dominate the Eastern Conference and contend for the title by the end of the year. They have been the clear favorites to come out of the conference from the get-go, thanks to their uber-talented rosters.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:58:13 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/3-reasons-the-celtics-can-edge-out-the-76ers-for-eastern-conference-supremacy/ The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a slow start in the 2023-24 NBA season. While many are downplaying the team's early struggles and comparing it to how they started the 2022-23 campaign, there are other reasons to be concerned this time around.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:52:17 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/3-reasons-why-los-angeles-lakers-should-be-concerned-by-slow-start/ The Orlando Magic are making a strong case for being one of the most positively surprising teams in the NBA this season, with them firmly cementing themselves in the playoff hunt based on their performances in this early portion of the 2023-24 regular season. While their start may be a bit of a shock to the system of those around the league, internally though, the Magic have expected this all along. Speaking with NBA insider Mark Medina, fourth-year point-guard, Cole Anthony, has praised his younger teammates, and believes that Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, in particular, could be tipped for All-Star bids as early as this season.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:11:50 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/cole-anthony-backing-paolo-banchero-and-franz-wagner-for-nba-all-star-bids/ The 2023-24 NBA season could be the year Luka Dončić wins his first MVP trophy. A franchise player for the Dallas Mavericks ever since he was drafted in 2018, Dončić's incredible production and overall impact on the game has been clear. However, the league's most coveted individual prize has eluded him thus far. With a much-improved supporting cast this season, that could very well change.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:54:41 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-reasons-luka-doncic-will-win-2024-nba-mvp/ Adam Silver and the NBA have finally had enough. They've finally brought the book down on the Charlotte Hornets. According to multiple sources, the league has informed LaMelo Ball and the Hornets that the star point guard must cover up one of his tattoos.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:34:31 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-shows-its-hypocrisy-with-rulings-on-charlotte-hornets/ It wasn't that long ago that the Utah Jazz were a regular playoff team, giving other squads in the West a tough time in each game. Now their once franchise cornerstone, Donovan Mitchell, is a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, perennial Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Joe Ingles is a rotation piece for the Orlando Magic.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:42:20 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/how-the-utah-jazz-can-get-out-of-lottery-purgatory/ The NBA Draft is one of the biggest events in the off-season. It has the ability to give fans a sense of hope and happiness, but could also lead to tough years down the line. Whether a team is drafting a generational talent or a bust, it is a momentous occasion. Over the years, several teams have built incredible rosters through the draft, and in 2023, one team that has benefited from good scouting is the Oklahoma City Thunder.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:43:41 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-thunder-are-building-through-the-draft-similar-to-the-golden-state-warriors-of-old/ It is inconceivable to consider anybody other than Stephen Curry going down as the greatest ever player in Golden State Warriors’ history when his career is all said and done, even though the late, great Wilt Chamberlain played for the franchise. While he has made himself known as the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, league insider Mark Medina believes that the 34-year-old sharpshooter’s longevity has long been overlooked, with his ‘maniacal’ and ‘disciplined’ regiment playing a large part in why he is able to still perform at such an elite level.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:16:58 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/steph-curry-golden-state-warriors-overlooked-longevity/ After a poor start to the 2023-24 season, albeit nowhere as near as poor as the year prior, many wondered whether the Los Angeles Lakers had a made a mistake in going down the route of roster continuity. However, nobody can dispute the sheer amount of injuries that the Purple and Gold have had to deal with simultaneously, and it is only now that their absentees are returning that this Lakers team looks to be on the right track after all. As a result, NBA insider Mark Medina argues that the Lakers have had to be patient in this early part of the season, knowing that their injury concerns would only be temporary.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:52:48 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/la-lakers-back-on-winning-track-after-temporary-injuries/ NBA Purgatory is an interesting place, featuring an unexpectedly diverse collection of franchises. All of whom have their own unique reasons for being there. Some of these teams are simply in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and are in search for a lottery pick to help jump start that. Others have been stuck there forever. Or at least that’s what it feels like.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:51:29 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-charlotte-hornets-could-be-climbing-out-of-nba-purgatory/ Tom Thibodeau’s New York Knicks embody the heart and grit of the city they play in. Following an impressive 47-win season, topped off by an opening-round win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in last year's playoffs, it's fair to question whether New York will break through and win the entire conference in 2024.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:40:52 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/how-the-new-york-knicks-can-win-the-eastern-conference-in-2023-24/ Following the Los Angeles Lakers' run to the Western Conference Finals last season, some would say that LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the crew are officially back in the business of legitimately competing for NBA championships. The team winning nine of its first 16 games — including six of its last seven after Tuesday's blowout win over the Utah Jazz — serves to fuel the fires of those who believe the Lakers will be in the mix during the advanced stages of postseason play once again in 2023-24. On the other hand, winning is always the expectation in La La Land, the Lakers still have a quirky roster, and the team losing five of its first eight games to begin the campaign undoubtedly gave some of the more pessimistic fans in Laker Nation pause.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:37:30 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lakers-focusing-internal-improvement-trade/ The NBA Draft provides hope: Hope for fans of teams that just trudged their way through a miserable season; hope that all the losses they racked up in the previous regular season might just give them the extra lottery odds needed to land a consequential draft pick; hope that whichever prospects they came away with might turn into franchise cornerstones someday soon.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:19:55 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/why-2023-nba-draft-lottery-picks-playing-time/ Getting injured is a normal occurrence in the NBA due to the high level of physicality and pace of the game. However, not all injuries are equal, with some facing worse setbacks compared to others.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:44:20 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-players-overcame-potentially-career-ending-injuries/ The Orlando Magic have been a bad time for several years now. The team did make the playoffs during the 2020 Bubble season, but the days of Tracy McGrady and Dwight Howard are long gone. The Magic have been stockpiling lottery picks for many seasons, but this year, those young players are starting to make a big impact on the long-struggling team.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:19:28 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/youth-movement-orlando-magic-nba-surprising-team/ The 2023-24 NBA season is underway and several NBA superstars have impressed. One group that fans around the world are looking at is this year's sophomore players. The 2022 Draft class has plenty of soon-to-be superstars in their ranks. The likes of Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, and Bennedict Mathurin are just a few of the players who have made waves.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:41:46 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-sophomores-who-have-greatly-improved-this-season/ To recount the journey that Houston Rockets wing Dillon Brooks has been on over the last sixth or so months is to tell a tale of incredible extremes. Given the way in which he conducts himself on the court — as well as in the press room — though, "extreme" feels very on-brand for a chronicling of Brooks' hardwood exploits.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:37:56 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/dillon-brooks-says-memphis-grizzlies-have-no-swagger/ The experiment with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan leading the line for the Chicago Bulls looks set to be coming to an end after a tenure of mediocrity and only one playoff series in the three seasons in which the duo have played together. After only the first game of this 2023-24 campaign, the Bulls held a players-only meeting, which NBA insider Mark Medina sees as a ‘huge red flag’ and things have only continued to trend downwards since.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:08:47 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/chicago-bulls-players-only-meeting-after-first-game-huge-red-flag/ It has been one heck of a week for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, a franchise mainstay and All-Star-level player whose future suddenly seems even more murky than his underperforming team's present. After entering the 2023-24 NBA season with hopes of helping the Windy City crew turn things around and get back into the playoff mix, the 28-year-old instead finds himself embroiled in controversy on multiple fronts.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:00:23 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/bulls-coach-defends-zach-lavine-amid-trade-rumors-walk-off-incident/ Nobody really expected the Philadelphia 76ers to remain genuine championship contenders after trading away their disgruntled all-star, James Harden, to the L.A. Clippers. However, one month on from the blockbuster deal, despite it still being very early on in the season, the Sixers still look as though they have a legitimate chance of making a deep playoff run. In regard to the deal itself, NBA writer Mark Medina argues that the Sixers got as good of a deal as they could get, but that they potentially lack a complimentary co-star to form alongside franchise big, Joel Embiid.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:15 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/philadelphia-76ers-return-package-for-james-harden/ After a month into the NBA season, it’s safe to say that Victor Wembanyama has lived up to the hype as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Over the past few weeks, the San Antonio Spurs rookie has blown everyone’s minds by using his size and skill to dominate opposing squads, as well as break records in the league.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 20:55:38 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-nba-milestones-victor-wembanyama-has-already-reached/ After a month of NBA action, fans are already seeing which stars are already exceeding expectations. On the other hand, there are some names that looked promising in the offseason but have been performing like duds these past few weeks.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:44:37 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-most-disappointing-players-1-month-into-2023-24-season/ It has been tough sledding for the Golden State Warriors over the first month of the 2023-24 NBA season. Before the campaign tipped off, there had been a lot of talk from the team and its players about moving on from the doldrums of last season (on and off the court), however, a recent six-game losing streak has resulted in more tense times for the Dub Nation citizenry. Thankfully, Chris Paul was there to serve as a savior of sorts on Monday night.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:22:42 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/chris-paul-picked-a-good-time-to-have-his-best-game-as-a-warrior/ The Detroit Pistons haven't had much luck in terms of the NBA Draft, at least not in the past few decades. In the 1980s, they were able to build a perennial title contender by hitting big on many of their draft picks at that time.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:10:19 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/detroit-pistons-failing-build-around-cade-cunningham/ The Portland Trail Blazers spent several seasons trying to win back with a core based around Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. As good as Lillard and McCollum are, the NBA's Western Conference is extremely tough and Portland was never able to reach their goals.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:39:47 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/blazers-giving-shaedon-sharpe-the-on-ramp-he-needs-to-become-a-star/ While Christian Wood has mainly been known for his offensive prowess over the past few years, he has undertaken a new kind of bench role for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, with his work on the defensive end of the ball being more of a focal point so far. Despite his overall numbers being down, NBA insider Mark Medina believes that the 28-year-old has made a ‘really good positive impression’ on head coach Darvin Ham, who explains that with the help of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Wood has embraced the Purple and Gold’s winning mentality.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:37:04 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/lebron-james-anthony-davis-have-helped-christian-wood-embody-la-lakers-mentality/ Right before any NBA season starts, there are a number of teams projected to dominate in the league or do better compared to the previous campaign. The 2023-24 season is no different. But as usual, there are a number of teams that fail to live up to those expectations.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:07:37 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-most-disappointing-teams-a-month-into-the-2023-24-nba-season/ For all the progress that the Cleveland Cavaliers made during the 2022-23 season — they won 50-plus games and qualified for postseason play for the first time since 2017-18 — it's difficult not to look back on the effort as something of a disappointment after the team was dominated and dismissed by the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. That failure to live up to heightened expectations has extended into 2023-24, too, as the Cavs sit at a ho-hum 7-6 record.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:30:04 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/donovan-mitchell-looking-like-dark-horse-mvp-candidate/ The Phoenix Suns received some troubling news on Friday when it was revealed that star shooting guard Bradley Beal would be out of action for at least another three weeks due to what was being described as a lower back strain. It's the same injury that has limited the 30-year-old to just three appearances for his new squad (and has seemingly affected his play when he has actually been on the court).

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:39:31 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/bradley-beal-injury-could-be-worse/ In assessing Zach LaVine's trajectory with the Chicago Bulls to date, one would be hard-pressed to say that he hasn't grown by leaps and bounds since joining the franchise at the tender age of 22 ahead of the 2017-18 campaign. The UCLA product grew gradually from being a Slam Dunk Contest winner and a nice player on a bad team to a max-money earner, a franchise cornerstone and one of the game's most electrifying offensive performers.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:14:25 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/zach-lavines-postgame-walk-off-a-sign-hes-not-long-for-bulls/ Life for Klay Thompson with the Golden State Warriors has been difficult as of late, struggling to connect on more of his shots than ever before and ultimately being an unreliable scoring option for Stephen Curry and the rest of his teammates. The reasoning for this is unknown, but NBA insider Mark Medina attributes this dip in form to the 33-year-old ‘trying too hard’ to show he is healthy by ‘forcing up shots’, and not playing to his strengths as a ‘really good two-way player’.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:54:27 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/klay-thompson-trying-too-hard-with-golden-state-warriors/ The L.A. Clippers took a huge gamble when they traded away a large part of their roster depth in order to bring James Harden back home to the City of Angels, but having gone 2-6 so far since his arrival, there is a number of things to be concerned about. Most notably, how long it will take for the All-Star four of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook alongside the 34-year-old to put a string of wins together as a group. According to NBA insider Mark Medina, though, after speaking with Harden’s high school coach, Scott Pera, it could take as many as 30 games for the 10-time All-Star to become fully ingratiated with his new team, almost a third of the season.

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:30:34 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/james-harden-high-school-coach-predicts-30-games-settle-la-clippers/ The Orlando Magic deserve more attention around the league. Led by Paolo Banchero, the reigning Rookie of the Year, and Franz Wagner, Orlando has the roster to return to the postseason this spring.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:49:48 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-reasons-the-orlando-magic-will-make-the-playoffs-this-season/ The NBA In-Season Tournament is underway, and it has certainly added interest to the regular season so far. Aside from the fact that teams are fighting for a new trophy, though, another thing that has caught the intrigue of fans is the new court designs introduced for the tournament.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:18:41 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/ranking-the-top-5-nba-in-season-tournament-courts/ It’s no secret Jordan Poole isn’t having the best time of his life right now. After being traded by the Golden State Warriors to the Washington Wizards in the offseason, the once-promising prospect is already souring his stay in D.C.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:54:18 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-teams-that-should-trade-for-jordan-poole/ The 2023-24 season is off to a great start, and just about a dozen games in, there have been several disappointments and surprises all over the league. Whether it's the Milwaukee Bucks' struggles or the complete downfall of the Los Angeles Clippers, there have been plenty of storylines to keep the fans engaged. However, if there is one thing that has remained consistent over the past four seasons, it is the performance of Nikola Jokić.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:21:49 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nikola-joki-looks-to-be-on-course-to-win-his-third-mvp/ It's officially been one month since the start of the NBA's regular season, and we might be coming off the most eventful week of basketball yet, including several games going into overtime, blowouts, great consecutive individual performances from players and many other memorable moments.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:56:57 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/5-storylines-from-week-4-in-the-nba/ Los Angeles Lakers’ continuity formula that they chose to prioritize when selecting their roster pieces this off-season looked all but certain to have been perhaps the wrong decision through this early phase of the season. However, the Lakers have since won five of their last six games, with NBA writer Mark Medina attributing their new-found form to their injury list shrinking, with important role players beginning to return to action, while also highlighting that a starting line-up adjustment made by head coach Darvin Ham has proved pivotal for their recent success.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:37:53 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/la-lakers-moving-in-the-right-direction-after-unsustainable-formula/ For a team that has been at or near the top of the NBA Championship discussion for several years running, the Boston Celtics experienced a significant amount of turnover during the latest offseason. Gone are Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, and Robert Williams III; in their place, we now have Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and a host of new depth pieces. The moves look to be paying off, too, as the Beantowners currently hold a league-best 11-2 record.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:47:11 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/celtics-tatum-is-cementing-himself-as-a-top-5-player-in-the-nba/ Week 4 of the 2023-24 NBA season has unfolded with its share of surprises and revelations. In the spotlight are teams that have either soared to new heights or faced unexpected hurdles. The Golden State Warriors' journey this week epitomizes a worrying struggle, as they grappled with their sixth consecutive loss in a gripping overtime battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This defeat underscores the challenges the Warriors are facing, a stark contrast to their historical dominance in the league.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:04:12 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/nba-winners-and-losers-of-the-week-4/ Houston Rockets guard Dillon Brooks has been enjoying his time with the team in his first season, but decided to take one more look back on his six-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:22:05 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/dillon-brooks-didnt-appreciate-being-memphis-grizzlies-scapegoat/ The Golden State Warriors enjoyed a stellar 5-1 start to the season, until they didn’t, where they are now currently in the midst of a six-game losing streak. However, while Stephen Curry has been… well, Stephen Curry, another member of the Bay Area team has been a particular stand out. Thirty-eight-year-old Chris Paul has had to get to grips with learning a new system and style of play since his arrival back in July, but so far, he looks to have made a seamless transition into life as a member of the Warriors. Having held conversations with Warriors’ assistant coach Bruce Fraser, NBA writer Mark Medina relays that CP3 has asked a lot of questions and been very ‘inquisitive’, which may have played a role in how quickly he has been able to adapt to his new roles.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:10:00 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/inquisitive-chris-paul-eager-to-learn-golden-state-warriors-style-of-play/ Indiana Pacers deserve all the credit that they are receiving from around the league right now, having looked like one of the standout teams in the Eastern Conference to begin the season, largely due to the breakout season of fourth-year guard, Tyrese Haliburton. With his exquisite play on the court and his unselfishness in finding his teammates with great efficiency, this has prompted NBA writer Mark Medina to ‘seriously look’ at the Pacers as a team that could perhaps contend during the post-season.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:40:07 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/indiana-pacers-great-chemistry-starts-with-tyrese-haliburton/ Washington Wizards have appeared to be in a rebuilding process for a very, very long time, having failed to make the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. However, after trading away their franchise star, Bradley Beal, during the summer off-season and flipping their returning assets for Jordan Poole, there was an element of optimism for this new, young roster. However, with an ugly 2-10 start to the season, NBA writer Mark Medina believes their record is very much reflective of the team still being ‘in the middle of a rebuilding project’.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 22:06:09 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/washington-wizards-ugly-start-to-the-season-a-reflection-of-rebuilding-project/ The aforementioned title is an interesting, albeit similarly confusing one. After all, it was just months ago that the residents of Sacramento rejoiced as the bright purple beam lit the dusky skies of the NBA playoffs after every Kings win.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:45:55 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/the-sacramento-kings-may-have-already-reached-their-ceiling/ The Los Angeles Clippers sacrificed a tremendous amount of roster depth in order to pull off a trade for 10-time All-Star, James Harden. However, so far, the move hasn’t paid off, with L.A. losing six of their last seven games since the 34-year-old’s acquisition. The star-studded squad’s lack of chemistry is as clear as day for all to see, which has been deemed as a ‘huge concern’ for their playoff aspirations by NBA writer Mark Medina.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:44:53 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/huge-concern-over-la-clippers-lack-of-chemistry-with-james-harden/ New York Knicks star Julius Randle has had something of an up-and-down relationship with the fans in the Big Apple since joining the team back in 2019, and the roller-coaster is in full effect again here in 2023-24. Over the first several games of the campaign, the two-time All-Star had one of the worst stretches of his career on both sides of the ball, a downturn he credited to offseason ankle surgery and the subsequent rehabilitation process.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:00:39 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/knicks-julius-randle-rounding-back-into-form-is-bad-news-for-the-east/ The Memphis Grizzlies were dealt another major blow on Friday when it was revealed that de facto starting point guard Marcus Smart would be out for three-to-five weeks as a result of a sprained left foot. Smart joins a growing list of players who are dealing with bumps and bruises for the 3-9 Grizz.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 18:44:58 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/memphis-grizzlies-approaching-lost-season/ The Boston Celtics have been firing on all cylinders to begin the 2023-24 NBA season, winning 10 of their first 12 games and ranking among the top four league-wide in both offensive rating (119.2) and defensive rating (106.5). Jayson Tatum has been playing on another level, too, leading the Association in net rating (21.5) and total plus/minus (plus-176) while averaging an impressive 27.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per outing. However, things may be on the verge of getting harder for the Beantowners after Jaylen Brown hit the injury report with an adductor strain on Saturday.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 18:29:54 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/jaylen-brown-right-to-slam-in-season-tournaments-courts/ The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up a 108-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. This improved their overall record to 6-6, currently good for eighth in the Eastern Conference.

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 18:17:29 GMT https://www.givemesport.com/cleveland-cavaliers-still-figuring-things-out-amidst-slow-start-to-the-season/