Besteestores

Lakers pound Grizzlies by 40 advance to Round 2 of NBA playoffs
https://besteestores.com/lakers-pound-grizzlies-by-40-advance-to-round-2-of-nba-playoffs/

2023 Grateful Dad Like A Regular Dad But Cooler shirt
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2023 New York Knicks Playoffs 1team 1 goal 2gether Shirt
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38 years 1985 2023 Radiohead signatures thank you for the memories shirt
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How the Kraken pushed defending champion Avalanche to brink of elimination
https://besteestores.com/how-the-kraken-pushed-defending-champion-avalanche-to-brink-of-elimination/

Five things you should know about the Saints' first-round pick Bryan Bresee of Clemson
https://besteestores.com/five-things-you-should-know-about-the-saints-first-round-pick-bryan-bresee-of-clemson/

Heat Rally Again to Win in OT Eliminate Top Seeded Bucks
https://besteestores.com/heat-rally-again-to-win-in-ot-eliminate-top-seeded-bucks/

Knicks oust Cavs for 1st playoff series win since '13
https://besteestores.com/knicks-oust-cavs-for-1st-playoff-series-win-since-13/

Islanders beat Hurricanes cut playoff series deficit to 3-2
https://besteestores.com/islanders-beat-hurricanes-cut-playoff-series-deficit-to-3-2/

PJ Harvey proclaims new single ‘A Child’s Question August’
https://besteestores.com/pj-harvey-proclaims-new-single-a-childs-question-august/

LeBron James' first career 20-20 line powers Lakers' OT win
https://besteestores.com/lebron-james-first-career-20-20-line-powers-lakers-ot-win/

Knicks' defense muscles up on Cavs in Game 3 romp at MSG
https://besteestores.com/knicks-defense-muscles-up-on-cavs-in-game-3-romp-at-msg/

Gervonta Davis Ryan Garcia make weight then need to be restrained
https://besteestores.com/gervonta-davis-ryan-garcia-make-weight-then-need-to-be-restrained/

Stephen Curry on Warriors' Game 3 win 'We gave ourselves life'
https://besteestores.com/stephen-curry-on-warriors-game-3-win-we-gave-ourselves-life/

Bucks make up for Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence in G2 rout
https://besteestores.com/bucks-make-up-for-giannis-antetokounmpos-absence-in-g2-rout/

Cavaliers’ Defense Clamps Down Against Knicks to Even Series
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Bruins Start on Right Foot with Game 1 Win

BOSTON - It's not often that the Bruins have been without Patrice Bergeron for a playoff game.

Since being sidelined for most of the 2007-08 season due to a severe concussion, the 19-year NHL veteran had missed just three of a possible 160 postseason contests. Bergeron, of course, famously played through broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a separated shoulder during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

So, when Bergeron was declared out for Game 1 of the Bruins' first-round series against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, it was certainly a bit of a shock to the system.

" different for sure," acknowledged Brad Marchand, when asked what it was like without his longtime linemate.

But as they have all season long, the Bruins battled through.

Despite the absence of their captain, the Black & Gold rallied together for a series-opening 3-1 victory over the Panthers at TD Garden, behind 31 saves from Linus Ullmark and a goal apiece from Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Jake DeBrusk.

"The same as it's been all year," said Charlie McAvoy, who picked up an assist and landed a game-high eight hits in a team-high 22:28 of ice time. "Knowing that we trust in our depth and we trust in each other that whoever's going out there is going to get the job done. We believe in one another, and we believe that whoever it is, they're going to help pull their weight."

The Bruins also had their captain keeping a close eye on the proceedings, as Bergeron maintained a presence around the locker room before, during, and after the game.

"He was around all day and kind of talked to us before the game," said DeBrusk, whose tally gave Boston a 3-1 lead with 2:28 left in the second. "He was watching here in the room. Obviously, such a presence. You can tell how bad he wants to be out there, and he can't wait to get back in the mix.

"You can tell he's itching to get back - and it's one of those things that we take as a team, and it kind of gives you a boost seeing him around. We want to do it for him. That was the main goal at the start of the year."

Coach Jim Montgomery also had high praise for the rest of the Bruins' leadership core, as well as for Pavel Zacha, who subbed in for Bergeron for most of the night between Marchand and DeBrusk as the top-line center."It speaks of the leadership underneath Patrice, and it also speaks to our depth," said Montgomery. "We're very confident with Zacha in the middle and we know in the future. He's going to be an excellent top two center for us. He showed that tonight."

Bertuzzi Debuts

While Boston was without its most experienced playoff veteran in Bergeron, the Black & Gold got some critical contributions from its least experienced postseason player. Tyler Bertuzzi, making his playoff debut on Monday night, picked up a pair of assists in the win and was, arguably, Boston's best forward.

"When we acquired him, we thought he was a guy that was made for the playoffs," said Montgomery. "And I thought his first shift, he laid out two huge hits and he just kept on making plays. The puck seems to follow him, and he makes plays and makes real good decisions with it."

Bertuzzi's first assist was a thing of beauty. With Boston on the power play, the 28-year-old was camped out as the net-front man and was in perfect position to corral David Krejci's one-time blast from the left-wing circle. Bertuzzi then quickly delivered a terrific behind-the-back feed to Pastrnak, who tapped the puck into an open goal.

"He has made his career in those areas in junior hockey and the American League," said Montgomery. "He was MVP of the playoffs in the American League, and this is his first opportunity to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and I think you can see that he's a playoff performer.

"And that play on the power play goal, his hockey sense, he has real elite poise in and around the net. A lot of guys would have taken that and tried to stuff it in the net on the back hand, and he just pops it over for an empty-net goal."

Marchand, who famously battled with Bertuzzi during the latter's time in Detroit, echoed his coach's sentiments about the winger being a "playoff-type player."

"He did great. He's a competitor, and he battles extremely hard," said Marchand. "I don't think there's any question marks about him. He's won in the past. He was incredible in the Calder run that they had . He's just one of those guys that you hate to play against. He brings it every night. His compete level is through the roof. So, a guy that you knew was going to show up and be a playoff-type player."

A Milestone for Marchy

Marchand, meanwhile, made his own contributions with his 50th career postseason goal to give Boston a 2-1 lead at 3:41 of the second when he sneaked a wrister through the glove of Florida goalie Alex Lyon off a rush down the left side. The winger became just the second player in Bruins history to hit the 50-goal mark in the playoffs, joining Cam Neely (55).

"You never know. Come playoff time, you never want to pass up a shot," said Marchand, whose marker was his 11th career playoff game winner, tying Neely for most in Bruins history. "That's just kind of the way that playoffs work out. Sometimes those shots go in. Sometimes they don't. But, nice to build off of."

Marchand also became one of eight active players in the league to score 50 playoff goals, joining Alex Ovechkin (72), Sidney Crosby (71), Evgeni Malkin (67), Joe Pavelski (64), Nikita Kucherov (52), Patrick Kane (52), and Corey Perry (51).

"It's always good to start the first game with a win," said Marchand. "We haven't accomplished anything yet. Each game that goes on is harder and harder to win. They're going to push back. All good teams do. They've got a lot of really good players in that group that are competitive. That second game is always a tough one.

"It's good to start the way that we did, but we can be better, and we need to be better because they're going to come out really hard the next game, and we've got to be able to match that."

Ullmark Stands Tall

After going without a win in his first two playoff games last season in the B's opening-round game against Carolina, Ullmark broke through with a 31-save showing in Game 1 for his first-ever postseason victory."It was nice to get the first game here at the Garden," said Ullmark. "It was a little bit more pleasant than starting away for your first one. So, yeah, I felt a little more comfortable playing in this one.""I thought he was excellent," added Montgomery. "I thought he was cool, calm, just real confident, seeing the puck really well, steering rebounds. It looked like there was a lot of chaos at our net; they took a lot of shots at bad angles and he's just great at steering pucks to bad areas or smothering them up. It really provides us a lot of confidence, allows us to control the chaos, so to speak."Ullmark had not played since leaving Boston's penultimate regular-season game last Tuesday with an injury. His status for Game 1 was not known until he led the team out for warmups."Felt good," he said. "Felt terrific this morning, and once we did that, it was showtime."

Wait, There's More

DeBrusk put the Bruins ahead, 3-1, late in the second when he scored on an unusual play in which he poked home a loose puck that was on top of Lyon's pads before a whistle was blown. It was the winger's 19th career playoff tally. "It went low to high, and then I just tried to get to the net, tried to fight for space, and I just saw the puck," said DeBrusk. "I just saw the puck on his pad. I think I was getting checked, and I just tried to dive to get it…obviously, the pad of the goaltender is interference, so I was trying to go over top of it, and I saw it go in. I knew it was going to be kind of a close call. As soon as I saw the replay, I was happy I did what I wanted to do."

Derek Forbort returned to the lineup after missing a month with a lower-body injury. Matt Grzelcyk was a healthy scratch on the back end. "Well, Forby's so good at a D-zone coverage and his penalty kill, and he showed that today," said Montgomery. "And down the stretch there with the last 4-5 minutes, he's out there with Carlo killing a lot of important minutes for us, especially in a pulled-goalie situation."Garnet Hathaway had a goal wiped off the board late in the third for goaltender interference. The shift ahead of the goal was a puck possession masterclass from Charlie Coyle, which garnered praise from Montgomery. "I think it's hard to match up, that's what it does for the other team," Montgomery said of Boston's bottom six. "What it does for our team, it just gives us energy. Same thing with the Nosek line, they had some great shifts, and I know it was a disallowed goal, but that was an incredible shift and that's the depth we have. I can move people around, have Hathaway, Nosek and Coyle go out there and kill a minute of three and a half minutes left in the game."

Per NHL Stats, the Bruins are 10-1 in the postseason when both Marchand and Pastrnak score in the same game.

Pastrnak's 31 playoff goals are tied with Ovechkin for sixth-most in the NHL since 2017 and equal Wayne Cashman for 12th in Bruins history. His tally on Monday night was his 12th career playoff power-play marker, tying Ken Hodge, David Krejci, and Ray Bourque for sixth on the B's all-time list.
https://besteestores.com/bruins-start-on-right-foot-with-game-1-win/

Kings Beat Warriors 114-106 to Take 2-0 Series Lead

As the referees went to the replay monitor to determine whether Draymond Green should be ejected for his hard stomp, the Sacramento Kings took that time to regroup and make sure they didn't lose focus down the stretch.

De'Aaron Fox and crew took over from there and delivered the Kings a 2-0 series lead that has the defending NBA champions reeling.

Fox scored 24 points and made a backbreaking 3-pointer that led the playoff newcomer Kings to a 114-106 win Monday night for their second straight victory over the Golden State Warriors.

“I think that brought us together,” Fox said. “We huddled up and were like, 'We have to win this game.' Everybody thought he’d be ejected. When that happens, usually that team comes together and goes on a run. But we were able to negate that.”

The Kings closed the game strong after Green was ejected for a flagrant foul against Domantas Sabonis. They became the first team to take a 2-0 series lead over the Warriors in the Stephen Curry era.

The Warriors will try to get back into the series when it shifts less than 90 miles southwest to San Francisco for Game 3 on Thursday night.

“Got to embrace it,” Curry said. “You do this for as long as we have … we have to stay together and locked in.”

The game got heated in the fourth quarter when Green stomped on Sabonis' chest with 7:03 to play, leading to an ejection for a flagrant foul

During the review, fans in Sacramento yelled derogatory chants toward Green, who egged them on by waving his hands, holding a hand to his ear calling for louder cheers and standing on a chair.

“My leg got grabbed,” Green said. “Second time in two nights. Referees just watch it. I've got to land my foot somewhere. I’m not the most flexible person, so it’s not stretching that far. … I can only step so far.”

Sabonis finished the game but coach Mike Brown said he was undergoing X-rays afterward to make sure there wasn't damage to his ribs or lungs.

Now it will be up to the NBA to determine whether an ejection is all that was warranted or if Green will face a possible suspension.

“It was a flagrant-2 for sure,” Brown said. "It’ll be interesting to see with what the NBA does after they review it.

The Warriors fought back to tie the game before the Kings went on a 17-8 run to run away with it to the delight of the towel-waving crowd.

Fox's 3-pointer made it 107-101 with 2:17 to play and the Kings were in control from there. Davion Mitchell put it away with another 3 that made it 112-103 with 1:18 left.

“The big 3 in the corner was honestly the nail in the coffin,” Fox said of Mitchell's shot.

Sabonis added 24 points for Sacramento, and Malik Monk scored 18 off the bench.

Curry led the Warriors with 28 points but shot just 3 of 13 from 3-point range as Golden State struggled to get going offensively. The Warriors committed 22 turnovers.

“They played better than we did down the stretch,” coach Steve Kerr said. “They played more physical than us tonight.”

The crowd in success-starved Sacramento wasn't quite as loud at the start as in the series opener when fans celebrated the franchise's first playoff game following a record drought of 16 seasons.

The crowd started to get into it in the second quarter thanks to another spark off the bench from Monk, who scored 32 points in the opener. Monk hit three 3-pointers in the first 2:04 of the period to help fuel a 23-8 run that turned a six-point deficit into a nine-point lead.

Golden State fought back and tied it on a 3 by Curry before allowing the final six points of the quarter to trail 58-52 at halftime.

The Kings built the lead to 14 points in the third quarter before the Warriors scored eight in a row. Sacramento led 83-75 heading into the fourth.

SLOPPY START

The teams got off to a sloppy start with each committing nine turnovers in the first quarter. The 18 combined turnovers in the first period were the most in any game in more than six seasons and the most in a playoff game since at least the 2001-02 season.

The Kings also missed their first 11 3-pointers before Fox made one late in the first.

TIP-INS

Warriors: Andrew Wiggins was back in the starting lineup in his second game back following an absence of more than two months to deal with an undisclosed family matter. Wiggins scored 22 points. ... Golden State committed five fouls in the first 1:42 of the third quarter.

Kings: Sacramento's 41 points in the second quarter marked the eighth time a team scored at least 40 in one quarter of a playoff game against the Warriors in Kerr's tenure.
https://besteestores.com/kings-beat-warriors-114-106-to-take-2-0-series-lead/

Frank Ocean’s Return The Elusive Singer Takes the Stage For an Enigmatic Coachella Set

Frank Ocean hasn’t performed in six years, but the reluctant superstar returned to the stage at Coachella on Saturday during a headlining show that was sometimes emotional and sometimes baffling. Ocean’s performance was one of the most anticipated sets of the festival this year, and it closed out the three-day music event on an enigmatic note.

Earlier in the day, Coachella released an announcement saying that Ocean’s set wouldn’t be livestreamed on YouTube like the rest of the festival, disappointing many fans at home who were hoping to catch the rare opportunity to see Ocean. Fans who did make it to Coachella began flocking to the MainStage area as early as 9:30 p.m. to get decent seats to the show, which was scheduled for 10:05 p.m. However, the crowd grew bigger and more restless as they waited for more than an hour — and many feared Ocean might not show up since he has canceled numerous appearances and tour performances in the past.

Ocean finally began playing shortly after 11 p.m., opening abruptly with “Novacane.” The rendition was stunning and pitch-perfect, though Ocean sat in the middle of the stage with his face hidden in a blue hoodie, his back partially turned toward the crowd. Most of the stage was covered by a massive screen, and fans only got a glimpse of the singer through camera angles of him performing from behind it.

There were long silent pauses between songs like “Crack Rock” and “White Ferrari,” with Ocean barely saying anything and keeping his interaction with the audience to a minimum. The first time he did speak, he offered an ambiguous album update: “I want to talk about why I’m here because it’s not because of a new album… Not that there’s not a new album,” he said.

Slowly, he began opening up more, sharing an emotional memory about the festival, which he first performed at 11 years ago before releasing Channel Orange. He talked about attending with his late brother Ryan Breaux, who died in a a car accident in 2020.

“My brother and I came to this festival a lot. I feel like I was dragged by him sometimes because I didn’t want to get a respiratory infection… I would always come here, and one of my fondest memories is watching Rae Sremmurd with my brother… and Travis in that tent,” he said. “I know he would be so excited to be here with all of us. I want to say thank you for the support and the years and the love all this time. Now I’ll get back to the songs.”

Later, he turned the show over to DJ Crystal Mess, who performed an EDM-powered interlude of several of his songs. The cameras rolled over to a security guard dancing and Ocean holding the green baby doll he’s known for carrying around and which he brought to the 2019 Met Gala.

He tok the mic and shared why he wanted to include the club interlude. “This is fucking chaotic, but so much fun… Looking back I feel like in 2020 when I was just starting to throw parties in little clubs in New York before shit started going down, I was having a good time listening to new music with DJs coming in on their shit… it’s become part of my weekly practice with homer radio. It’s good that it’s not always all about me so I wanted to bring a little of that,” he explained.

He also made way for a young piano player who took the stage and lip synced to his songs. “This is Josiah. He’s playing my inner child,” Ocean explained. The piano player replied, “What’s up, Coachella?” making for a sweet moment during the set.

Ocean also played an acoustic version of “Self-Control” and the beginning of “Nikes.” He also mouthed the lyrics to “Nights” into the camera.

A short while later, while performing a cover of “At Your Best (You Are Love),” Ocean announced, “Guys, I’m being told it’s curfew so that’s the end of the show.” The stage screen went completely black, leaving fans chanting, “One more song!” However, Ocean cut the performance off there and left the stage.

This is the first time the musician hits a stage since 2017, when he performed several music festivals in Europe, along with an appearance at Los Angeles’ FYF Fest.

Ocean was originally slated to co-headline the 2020 festival with Rage Against the Machine and Travis Scott, but after Coachella was rescheduled to spring of 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ocean was not available for the new dates. While Coachella organizers usually do not reveal lineup details so far in advance, he fest’s co-founder Paul Tollett revealed Ocean would perform in 2023 during an interview in 2021.
https://besteestores.com/frank-oceans-return-the-elusive-singer-takes-the-stage-for-an-enigmatic-coachella-set/

LeBron James credits Lakers' supporting cast for Game 1 win

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the fourth quarter of Sunday's Game 1 of their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies clinging to a six-point lead.

In the first 11 minutes of the final frame, LeBron James and Anthony Davis attempted just one shot apiece.

And yet L.A. ran away with a 128-112 victory as a bench player and a guy who went undrafted out of college just two years ago took over.

Rui Hachimura scored nine of his 29 points in the fourth, tying Mychal Thompson's Lakers franchise record for most points by a substitute in a playoff game. Austin Reaves went 5-for-5 in the fourth, including scoring nine straight points late in the quarter, en route to 23 points total.

"It was our supporting cast that won us the game tonight," said James, who had 21 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.

The Lakers needed the extra effort from their roster with things looking dicey at halftime. Davis, who finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks and 3 steals to become the first player since Tim Duncan nearly 20 years ago to put up that type of postseason statline, suffered a stinger to his right shoulder and had to exit the game late in the second quarter.

The Lakers trailed by six at the time.

Then Hachimura went 4-for-4 from 3 in six minutes of playing time in the third quarter and L.A. was back in control. The fourth-year forward, acquired in a trade with Washington in late January, said they were all shots he specifically practiced coming into the series, with Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy scouting the gaps in the Grizzlies' defense that Hachimura could target.

"The way they guard me, they're going to be in the paint so I got to be ready to shoot those kind of shots," Hachimura said.

Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane confirmed as much, while directing a challenge toward Hachimura for Game 2.

"That was our game plan going in -- make him hit shots and he did," Bane said. "Tip your cap. It's probably the best game he's had in his career. It's a seven-game series. Let's see if he can do it again Wednesday."

Reaves, who signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in the summer of 2021 after he went undrafted out of Oklahoma and was later converted to a full-fledged member of the team before the season began, closed things out.

"You dream about being on a stage like this," Reaves said. "And I got hot late and I had fun."

It was the first time the Lakers had four players score 20 or more in the playoffs since May 15, 1988, when James Worth, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Byron Scott did it. And D'Angelo Russell (19 points, seven assists) nearly made it five.

While L.A. won 10 of its past 12 games, including Tuesday's play-in win over Minnesota to secure the No. 7 seed against No. 2 Memphis, there were signs of slippage. The Lakers didn't look sharp in their final four regular-season games, which included a loss to the Clippers, and their effort against Minnesota was disjointed at best and undisciplined at worst.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham said his team used the four-day break between the win over the Wolves and Game 1 against Memphis to recalibrate.

"The last week of the season or so, the play-in game, possessions got away from us," Ham said. "We threw away possessions with no pass or one pass and then shot."

L.A. locked in after a team address by James and Davis about the increased intensity that the playoffs require, and seemingly has recaptured the momentum that got it to the playoffs in the first place.

"How can we best extract the most production as we can out of this group?" Ham said, explaining the aim of the time off. "And this is how. This is what's going to work against this team and what we need to explore; this is what we need to leave to the side. I thought it was a combination of all of that -- being fresh and taking a deep, hard look at our offense and what's been good and what's been bad."

While the Lakers started the series off with a statement win, stealing home-court advantage from the Grizzlies as they attempt to become the first No. 7 seed to pull off a first-round upset since San Antonio in 2010, James focused on some of the bad from Sunday. He pointed out that L.A.'s 16 turnovers led to 15 points for the Grizzlies and took responsibility for the five he had himself.

"I thought the guys definitely understood that assignment and were really good tonight," James said. "But I think we can be even better."
https://besteestores.com/lebron-james-credits-lakers-supporting-cast-for-game-1-win/

Blink 182 Brings Rock Back to Coachella in a Big Way With Late-Breaking Set

Over the last two decades, Coachella has maintained its trend-setting reputation by hosting special guests, surprise sets and unexpected reunions before other fests get ahold of them. But never before have the three converged the way they did tonight, when the reunited classic lineup of Blink 182 played its first show in almost a decade at an hour-long set in the Sahara Tent announced just a day before the festival’s start.

Entering to “Also Sprach Zarathustra” — aka the theme to “2001” — Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, playing together for the first time since DeLonge left the band in 2014, wasted no time reembracing the juvenile, fun, ridiculous double-time punk-pop that made them breakthrough radio stars in the late ‘90s and early aughts, opening with “Family Reunion” — a song whose lyrics are unprintable in a family publication. The band shared the same Jackass-style ease they did 20 years ago in their prime, with DeLonge and Hoppus cracking wise about genitals, the Dalai Llama and UTIs as they blasted through their set. “Rock Show” was an early highlight: as the biggest rock band on an international-pop-leaning bill, it was near-nostalgic to hear a giant shouty singalong, and the audience would only scream along louder as the set built its way to the moody “I Miss You” and the seminal hit “What’s My Age Again.” Though Barker hurt a finger earlier this year, forcing the postponement of the band’s tour, there was no sign of injury here — his playing felt crisp and precise, and the band felt tight and rehearsed.

It’s pretty incredible that Blink, once pop-punks bubble-gum stepchild, have become genre forebears, but it’s also undeniable: the set brought together both the younger and more classic Coachella demos in a way Blackpink or even Frank Ocean are unlikely to do later this weekend. Was it a sign that rock is ripe for a Coachella comeback? Maybe — or, more likely, it’s proof that no matter the generation, it feels good to put your arms around your friends and sing at the top of your lungs to a hit you’ve always loved, played by the original artist for the first time in a long time.
https://besteestores.com/blink-182-brings-rock-back-to-coachella-in-a-big-way-with-late-breaking-set/

Heat rally to stun Bulls will face Bucks in first round

Jimmy Butler fell to the floor and released a cathartic yell as he converted a layup and got fouled with 2:17 remaining in the fourth quarter of Friday's Eastern Conference play-in game, giving the Miami Heat a lead over the Chicago Bulls they would not relinquish.

About a minute later in the game, Butler made the pass that led to a 3-pointer from Max Strus, extending Miami's lead during a dominant stretch run from the Heat in a 102-91 victory over the Bulls to clinch the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Butler and Strus each scored 31 points and the Heat outscored the Bulls 15-1 over the final three minutes of the game.

"That's what my team needed me to do," Butler said after the game. "Find a way."

Miami advances into the playoffs with a victory and earns a first-round matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA's top overall seed. Game 1 begins Sunday in Milwaukee.

"This week, with two games -- it feels like we're in round two already," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "And we just earned the right now to start the playoffs."

The Heat led by 14 points in the first quarter and had a double-digit lead in the third, then the Bulls took the lead headed into the fourth quarter. But with five minutes remaining, the score was tied, setting the Heat up for a position they have been familiar with this season.

Miami played in a league-high 54 clutch games this season and won 32 of them while the Bulls won 15, the fewest of any of the 20 teams to make the postseason.

"Nothing new for us," said Strus, who with Butler became the first pair of Heat teammates with 30 points in a playoff or play-in game since LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in 2013. "Those are situations we're used to and have been in all year."

Although Bam Adebayo went 1-for-9 from the field for eight points, Butler credited him for being a catalyst for the Heat's defensive effort, especially down the stretch. Chicago shot 5-for-12 when contested by Adebayo, including 2-for-5 in the fourth quarter.

"The game isn't only depending on shots falling," Adebayo said. "I feel like I had a big impact on that game even though my shots weren't falling."

This will be the fourth time the Heat and Bucks will meet in the playoffs; the previous three times the winner has gone on to reach the NBA Finals. The Bucks won the 2021 NBA championship after beating the Heat in the first round and Miami won a championship in 2013 after a first-round victory against the Bucks.

"You're talking about an MVP in , all the shooting, how together they are, they've been together for a while," Butler said. "It's going to be tough; it is. Milwaukee has some great fans that are always showing up and showing out. So, we've got to play damn near perfect basketball, which we're capable of. Play hard, stick together through the good, through the bad. We are one and I think we're going to be okay. Let this season go, let the play-in go. 0-0 and get to work."

Meanwhile, the Bulls season ends on the brink of the playoffs after rallying in the second half of the season.

Chicago was seven games under .500 at the All-Star break, but went 14-9 to close the season to earn the East's No. 10 seed. In Wednesday's play-in game, the Bulls trailed by 19 points in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors before storming back to extend their season to Friday's matchup with Miami.

But the Bulls did not have one more comeback in them. Zach LaVine scored 15 points and struggled to shoot just 6-of-20 from the field. Coby White hit a 3-pointer with 3:47 remaining in the game to put the Bulls up 90-87. It was the last field goal Chicago converted all game.

"This one hurt," said Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan, who finished with 26 points. "It sucks. It shouldn't have ended like that. We gave ourselves an opportunity to win a game. We were up. We can't make the mistakes that we made, especially in a game like this. Now we're sitting in our reality with nothing to do."
https://besteestores.com/heat-rally-to-stun-bulls-will-face-bucks-in-first-round/

Jonathan Toews 'soaks in' cheers in final game with Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews took a couple of small laps and waved to the fans as they chanted "Jonny! Jonny!" He patted his heart and held his stick in the air as the crowd roared.

Toews played one last game with Chicago on Thursday, closing out a wildly successful run that included three Stanley Cup championships in 15 seasons. The captain was showered with cheers all night long as the Blackhawks lost 5-4 to the Philadelphia Flyers in their season finale.

"It's almost hard to accept that love and that praise," Toews said. "So I tried my best to just soak it in."

General manager Kyle Davidson announced earlier in the day that the team would not re-sign Toews, who turns 35 on April 29. The center is eligible for free agency after agreeing to an $84 million, eight-year contract extension in July 2014.

"I think words fail to adequately summarize everything that Jonathan's done for the organization, the amazing memories that he provided," Davidson said. "He'll be a Blackhawk forever."

Once nicknamed "Captain Serious" -- a reputation that faded away as he showed more of his personality over the years -- Toews could decide to retire after missing a chunk of this season with what he described as symptoms of long COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome. He also missed the 2020-21 season because of those same health issues.

"The thought of playing for another team right now is so far in the back of my mind right now, especially after that moment," Toews said. "I always thought I'd retire a Blackhawk and part of me still believes in that, so we'll see."

Toews' last game with Chicago was against the team he faced in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, when he led the Blackhawks to their first championship in 49 years.

He heard loud, prolonged cheers when he was introduced with the starting lineup, and every time he was shown on the overhead videoboard. The reception reached another level when Toews scored a power-play goal in the second period, leading to a thunderous round of applause.

It was Toews' first goal since Jan. 28 and No. 15 on the season. He has 372 goals and 511 assists in 1,067 regular-season games -- all with Chicago.

"There's absolutely no hard feelings," he said. "I have nothing but love and gratitude for the Blackhawks."

Toews was selected by Chicago with the No. 3 pick in the 2006 draft, one of the first markers in the team's rise to the top of the NHL. He was just 20 years old when he became the 34th captain in team history in July 2008.

"He's definitely our team leader, and he's been the leader here for a long time," first-year coach Luke Richardson said. "It was always fun to watch him play. I was always a fan, but to have a chance to work with him this year was absolutely amazing."

Toews was part of a core group that helped Chicago put together the best stretch in franchise history, also winning the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015. The Blackhawks also made it to the Western Conference finals in 2014, losing to the Los Angeles Kings in an epic seven-game series.

But the franchise has fallen on hard times of late. It is among the worst teams in the NHL this year, in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and a chance to take Connor Bedard.

Toews' departure comes in the wake of a February trade that shipped star forward Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers.

"I don't know if it's necessarily putting the past behind us. It's moreso clearing the deck to some extent to allow the organic growth for young players into leadership roles," Davidson said. "Offer this new era of Blackhawks player the same opportunity that Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, they were all offered when they came in the league."

Following a series of conversations, Davidson said he told Toews of the decision while the team was in Seattle last week. The GM also said he had talked to CEO Danny Wirtz, the son of Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz, about the move.

"Danny and Rocky spoke with Jonathan, not about this, just to kind of reminisce about what was lived and experienced and just to show that respect and share in the memories that were made together," Davidson said. "So, when you're moving on from someone like Jonathan Toews, they have to be involved. They have to be, given the status and stature of the player."
https://besteestores.com/jonathan-toews-soaks-in-cheers-in-final-game-with-blackhawks/

‘The Marvels’ First Trailer Brie Larson Leads an All Female Superhero Trio in ‘Captain Marvel’ Sequel

Brie Larson is back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for “The Marvels,” the sequel to 2019’s “Captain Marvel.” This time, Larson shares the spotlight with fellow female MCU stars Teyonah Parris from “WandaVision” and Iman Vellani from “Ms. Marvel.”

The anticipated follow-up to Carol Danvers’ origin story takes place after the Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel,” which introduced Vellani as Kamala Khan, a.k.a. the young, New Jersey superhero Ms. Marvel.

Prior to the first “The Marvels'” trailer release, the first look at the film was shown exclusively to panel attendees at the 2022 D23 Expo. The initial footage offers insight into the aftermath of the “Ms. Marvel” post-credits scene, where Kamala seemingly swapped places with Carol. “The Marvels” teaser picked up shortly thereafter, with Captain Monica Rambeau (Parris) working as an astronaut for Saber Space Station alongside Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). When Monica hits a jump point in the space continuum, she morphs into Ms. Marvel, confirming she, Carol and Kamala share a unique set of transformative powers.

The official “The Marvels” synopsis from Marvel Studios reads: “Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe.”

After helming 2021’s “Candyman” reboot, director Nia DaCosta will make her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut with “The Marvels” — a feat that makes her the first Black woman, and fourth woman, to direct a film in the MCU. DaCosta co-wrote the screenplay with Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik and Zeb Wells.

South Korean actor Park Seo-joon, best known for his roles in “Parasite” and the TV series “Itaewon Class,” also stars in the film. Other confirmed cast members include Saagar Shaikh, Zenoiba Shroff and Mohan Kapur as Kamala’s older brother, mother and father, respectively, along with Zawe Ashton in an undisclosed villain role. Goose, the fan-favorite Flerken, will also make a return to the screen.

After a delay from this summer, “The Marvels” hits theaters on Nov. 10, 2023. Watch the official trailer below.
https://besteestores.com/the-marvels-first-trailer-brie-larson-leads-an-all-female-superhero-trio-in-captain-marvel-sequel/

Miami Heat's Final Injury Report And Starting Lineup Against The Atlanta Hawks

On Tuesday evening, the Miami Heat are hosting the Atlanta Hawks for the play-in tournament.

For the game, the Heat have finalized their injury report and starting lineup.

The Heat have ruled out Nikola Jovic, while both Max Strus and Kyle Lowry have been upgraded to available.

The Heat's starting lineup has been relayed by Underdog NBA.

Underdog NBA: "Lineup alert: Heat will start Vincent, Herro, Strus, Butler, Adebayo on Tuesday."

Lineup alert: Heat will start Vincent, Herro, Strus, Butler, Adebayo on Tuesday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) April 11, 2023

Last year, the Heat made the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three seasons (they lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games).

After a tough start to the 2022-23 season, the Heat were able to finish as the seventh seed with a 44-38 record.

They are 6-4 over their last ten games and a very good 27-14 in the 41 games they hosted on their home floor in Miami, Florida.

As for the Hawks, they are the eighth seed with a 41-41 record.

They went 5-5 over their final ten games and are in the middle of a two-game losing streak.

On the road, the Hawks have struggled, going just 17-24 in 41 games played away from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

They have made the NBA Playoffs in each of the last two seasons and went to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.

The Heat defeated the Hawks in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs in five games.

Whoever wins Tuesday's game will be the seventh seed and face off with the Boston Celtics in the playoffs.

 
https://besteestores.com/miami-heats-final-injury-report-and-starting-lineup-against-the-atlanta-hawks/

6 people are dead and 8 are injured after a shooting in downtown Louisville

A gunman killed five people and eight others were injured during a Monday morning shooting in downtown Louisville, authorities said.

The din of the morning rush hour was shattered by the sound of gunfire from the Old National Bank Building, just across the street from Louisville Slugger Field.

Emergency calls first came in around 8:30 a.m., and police responded within three minutes of being dispatched.

Responding officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, 25-year-old Connor Sturgeon, who was shot and killed by police, according to Louisville Metro Police Department Interim Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel.

Sturgeon was an employee of the bank and used a rifle to carry out the attack, she added. Gwinn-Villaroel said she did not yet know how the gunman obtained the weapon. She said the attack was livestreamed online.

"Today, I'm hurt," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said, "and I'm hurting. And I know so many people out there are as well."

The victims and the suspect were bank employees

Louisville authorities identified four victims killed in the shooting on Monday afternoon as 40-year-old Joshua Barrick, 63-year-old Thomas Elliott, 64-year-old James Tutt and Juliana Farmer. (Authorities gave differing ages for Farmer and a differing spelling for Elliott.)

Elliott was a senior vice president at Old National Bank, according to a LinkedIn page of the same name, and Beshear said they were close friends.

"Tommy Elliott helped me build my law career, helped me become governor, gave me advice on being a good dad," an emotional Beshear told reporters.

On Monday evening, police said 57-year-old Deanna Eckert had also died. Eckert was an executive administrative officer at the bank, according to a LinkedIn profile of the same name.

Nine victims were rushed the University of Louisville Hospital with injuries, including three police officers, the hospital said.

Three people were treated and released, another three were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and another three were in critical condition on Monday afternoon. Five of the patients were treated for gunshot wounds.

Officer Nickolas Wilt, who had just graduated from the police academy on March 31, was among those wounded in the attack. Wilt was shot in the head and underwent brain surgery, Gwinn-Villaroel said.

Officer Nickolas Wilt, a new officer to the LMPD, ran towards the gunfire today to save lives. He remains in critical condition after being shot in the head. pic.twitter.com/yPNZBfAl7I

— LMPD (@LMPD) April 10, 2023

"I've been down there with the family and given my love and support, been with all of the families today to show our love and support for them, and anything else they need from LMPD we will provide that," she added.

The shooting occurred at the Old National Bank Building, a multistory building with a bank on the first floor and commercial space and residences higher up.

Authorities said all the victims were either bank employees or police officers.

Officials expressed grief over the deadly attack

News of the shooting drew messages of support and grief from within the Louisville community and beyond, as well as calls for changes to the country's gun laws.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the shooting a "horrific tragedy" and an "evil act of gun violence."

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, said he and his wife Elaine were "devastated" by news of the attack and praying for the victims.

President Biden said in a statement that the nation was again "in mourning after a senseless act of gun violence," and that he and first lady Jill Biden were praying for the victims and grateful to the responding officers.

Biden also called on Congress to pass stricter gun safety laws. "How many more Americans must die before Republicans in Congress will act to protect our communities?" he said.

Late last month, a new Kentucky law took effect that bars state and local law enforcement from assisting in any federal bans on guns, ammunition or firearms accessories.

Kentucky's Republican-majority legislature approved the legislation, and it became law after Beshear, a Democrat, neither signed nor vetoed it.

There have been 146 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, according to data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive.

 
https://besteestores.com/6-people-are-dead-and-8-are-injured-after-a-shooting-in-downtown-louisville/

Black Sabbath legend Geezer Butler units launch date for memoir ‘Into The Void’

Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler has set a launch date for his upcoming memoir, Into The Void: From Birth To Black Sabbath.

The memoir will hint the founding Black Sabbath bassist’s private {and professional} life. The latter subject will embody a recount of Black Sabbath’s a number of line-up adjustments and inside struggles, in addition to the band’s “beginnings as a scrappy blues quartet”, in line with the e book’s synopsis.

The e book shall be launched this yr on June 6 2023, one thing Butler described on Instagram as “6/6/6” as “2×3=6”.

In the total submit, which you’ll see beneath, Butler wrote: “After spending my total life creating reminiscences, to ultimately put aside how reserved I’m, I’ve put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

“The recollection of my life (thus far) is coming out 6/6/23. Yes, I know that 2×3=6. Although unintentional, having that as a release date suits me fine.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler)

The official synopsis for the e book provides: “Into The Void sees Geezer inform his facet of the Sabbath story for the primary time, from early days as a scrappy blues quartet by to the various lineup adjustments, the record-breaking excursions and the worldwide hell-raising with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward.

“Featuring Geezer’s candid reflections on his working-class childhood in Luftwaffe-battered Birmingham, his almost-life as an accountant and his fascination with horror, religion and the occult, Into the Void will also include 30 photos from Geezer’s personal collection – some never-before-published.”

In a press release in regards to the e book, Butler stated: “I’m incredibly lucky to have spent the last five decades making music and playing to fans all over the world. From my early days in Aston to adventures and antics with Black Sabbath, this book has brought up memories I thought were gone forever.”

Speaking in regards to the launch to The Bookseller, HarperNonFiction publishing director Kelly Ellis added: “Geezer Butler’s story is likely one of the final nice rock ‘n’ roll tales to be informed and I’m glad to be the fortunate editor who will get to publish it.

“As a founding member of Black Sabbath, Geezer has lived through some of music history’s most extraordinary moments. In many ways it reads like a fairy tale of how four unassuming lads from Aston, Birmingham went on to conquer the world. It’s one hell of a read.”

Into the Void marks the third memoir written by a member of Black Sabbath’s unique line-up. Ozzy Osbourne’s I Am Ozzy arrived in 2009, whereas Iron Man: My Journey by Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath by Tony Iommi was launched in 2011. Ronnie James Dio – who first served because the band’s vocalist between 1979 to 1982 – had his memoir, Rainbow within the Dark: The Autobiography, posthumously launched in 2021.

News of Butler’s autobiography first emerged in March 2021. In April of final yr, the bassist revealed he had accomplished the primary draft.

 
https://besteestores.com/black-sabbath-legend-geezer-butler-units-launch-date-for-memoir-into-the-void/

Knee Jerk Reactions Ravens Sign Odell Beckham Jr

On Sunday evening, Odell Beckham Jr. announced that he was joining the Baltimore Ravens, posting a picture of his young son in a Ravens jersey and hat on his Instagram page. (The jersey, we should note, was a Lamar Jackson jersey.)

Odell Beckham Jr. already recruiting @Lj_era8 to return? His kid with a No. 8 purple jersey is a nice touch 😎 pic.twitter.com/6IXlDDnKoG

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) April 9, 2023

Here are some details of the deal.

More details on Odell Beckham Jr.‘s one-year deal with the #Ravens:

$13.835 million signing bonus

$1.165 million base salary

$3M in reachable incentives

So OBJ will make at least $15 million and as much as $18M on the deal negotiated by agent Zeke Sandhu. https://t.co/z6S8tkjvP1

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 9, 2023

RSR staff react to the news here.

Darin McCann

This wasn’t the big receiver move I was hoping for, but it’s definitely a big move.

The Ravens have delivered on their promise of changing the team’s receiving room for the 2023 season — just how good that will actually look is still to be determined.

Assuming full health of Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman, along with the addition of Nelson Agholor, the Ravens certainly look to be better on paper. But health is a very real thing, as Ravens’ fans know all too well. This should not stop the team from adding a receiver in the first two days of the draft, but this is overall a good thing. They are better now than they were in January, and this could be a top-half unit next year.

It’s a big swing by General Manager Eric DeCosta. It was definitely time to take one.

Kevin McNelis

Initially, my reaction is that I would rather have landed DeAndre Hopkins if the choice was between the two, especially at that price tag. If I had to guess, the deciding factor was that the Ravens didn’t have to give up any assets to land OBJ, and that the contract numbers are likely very heavy on incentives.

With a number like that, maybe I can hold out hope that it means Lamar has finally relented, signed a contract, and lowered the team’s cap number. What’s more likely is that there could be a corresponding cut or a Draft-day trade to accommodate, and I’m not looking forward to when the other shoe drops.

The toughest sell for me on this is the uncertainty. One of the largest obstacles for receiver depth for Baltimore has been health, and a receiver on the wrong side of 30 with an ACL tear gives me heartburn. Here’s hoping this is finally the season we see OBJ capture some of his former glory.

Rob Shields

The Easter bunny brought a late day present for Ravens fans.

This is a very interesting move. OBJ hasn’t played much the last two years but he brings a big upside and immense natural talent to a team that needed another real weapon on the outside.

My first reaction to hearing this is that this has to mean Lamar is back. It’s hard for me to believe that OBJ would come here with Tyler Huntley, Anthony Brown, Carson Wentz or whoever throwing to him.

OBJ is an ultra competitive guy that wants to win and wants his stats. Those things don’t happen if Lamar isn’t here.

Ron Toothe

All of us, myself first and foremost, have been critical of the Ravens’ approach to this off-season. It’s funny the difference one day, or one move, can make. Odell Beckham in purple and black is something fans have been dreaming about for well over a year now, and it almost feels surreal that it’s finally come to fruition. The funny thing is, while adding a name of this caliber to your receiver corps is an immediate shot in the arm for a franchise much in need of one, it may not even be the biggest takeaway from this deal.

The biggest takeaway could actually be in the form of the ever relevant Lamar Jackson situation, which now takes a major step in the right direction. I’d be hard pressed to believe that A.) Eric DeCosta would shell out this kind of money and B.) That Odell would even consider the Ravens a possibility, if there was a large amount of doubt as to whether or not #8 will be there come August. If there was even a question in Lamar’s mind as to whether he would consider a hold out or not, this move can very easily be seen as an olive branch, the team reaching across the isle and saying “We want you here, and we’re gonna surround you with talent to help you win a Super Bowl.”

While it may not be $200+ million guaranteed, it’s a heck of a first step in the right direction in a situation that’s seen nothing but backwards momentum all throughout this offseason. Of course, all of this is just conjecture at this point, and we won’t really know until we hear from Lamar himself on the matter, but at least for today the Ravens Flock should be ecstatic about what 2023-24 could possibly bring.

Chris Schisler

The Ravens have to get a lot of credit here. You just have to give Eric DeCosta a hand. With all the talk over the years that receivers didn’t want to come to Baltimore and the Lamar Jackson situation hanging over the franchise, you just didn’t see this coming. Odell Beckham Jr. is a talented receiver. The Ravens have given the fans exactly what they asked for.

Beckham Jr. comes with some concerns, and most of them are related to injury. If healthy, Beckham is a difference maker for the offense. He can give even some of the best defensive backs fits. Just look at how different the Rams offense was with him and without him when they edged out the Bengals in the Super Bowl. Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman can play off each other very well. You have your number one and number two wide receivers. It’s a game changer.

The Ravens now have made a major investment at wide receiver. In an offseason where we really couldn’t expect much because of the situation with the franchise quarterback the Ravens have signed two receivers. The second of which, is a big splash. I liked the Agholor deal. At that price why not. I love the Beckham Jr. signing though. This is the Ravens standing up for themselves and doing something about the problem. If Beckham Jr. stays relatively healthy and just misses a game here or there, this is a huge win for Baltimore. He’s a matchup problem for defenses.

Chad Racine

Considering the current cap situation for the Ravens as well as very limited draft capital, this was a big move. Odell is not the player he once was but, along with a healthy Bateman and Agholor the unit should be vastly improved. I’m really surprised as I was expecting him to sign with the Jets. I have to wonder if this is a tipping point that might make Lamar accept an extension. The Ravens still need to draft a receiver early in my opinion and keep taking chances. This move should also calm the fans down a little bit.

Jared Pinder

OBJ is the biggest boom or bust wide receiver signing of this cycle. If he is anything like he was before the injury this is a steal. While the 18 million reported seems high, the base is only around 13. It is also only a one year deal.

This is shocking to me. I really thought the Ravens were out of it with OBJ supposed to take a meeting with the Jets tomorrow.

Either way the Ravens did what the fans wanted: they spent money on a real receiver. While I might question if Odell is healthy enough to contribute for a full season and if this actually means Lamar is back or not, the Ravens had to be bold.

They couldn’t just go into next year without improving the weapons and now they have.

This also means that the Ravens can draft with two hands now instead of praying one receiver falls to them.

The Ravens signed a quality receiver, and that alone should help calm the fan base down a bit.

 
https://besteestores.com/knee-jerk-reactions-ravens-sign-odell-beckham-jr/

‘THINGS CHANGE’ AS MAVERICKS HOPE STEP BACK WILL VAULT THEM FORWARD

What the Mavericks did Friday was make a decision that gives them the best chance to protect a valuable asset.

They switched gears and elected to sit six key players, including Kyrie Irving and, for almost three full quarters, Luka Dončić.

The bottom line is that a top-10 draft pick is worth more than a long-shot try in the play-in tournament and an even longer-shot try that they would have had if they could have made the playoffs.

If they are in this to win championships, doing everything possible to keep that draft pick is the No. 1 priority.

It’s no different than protecting a star player when they are injured. You do whatever you have to.

The Mavericks lost 115-112 to Chicago on Friday and were officially eliminated from any postseason action.

Before the game, the team announced that Irving was one of five key players who would sit out against the Bulls while Dončić was shelved after one quarter and one possession in the second quarter on “I Feel Slovenia Night” at American Airlines Center.

Coach Jason Kidd said it was an “organizational decision” to switch gears and emphasize the future of the franchise rather than push all in on an Oklahoma City loss to Memphis on Sunday, which is what would have been needed (along with two Mavericks’ wins) to get into the play-in tournament.

“It’s not so much waving the white flag,” Kidd said postgame. “Decisions sometimes are hard in this business. And you have to make hard decisions and we’re trying to build a championship team and sometimes, you got to take a step back.

“We trust (governor Mark) Cuban and Nico (Harrison, general manager) to put the pieces together to put us in a position to win a championship and so that’s just starting the process today.”

It’s certainly not the first time this has been done, nor will it be the last.

Kidd outlined the process before Friday’s tipoff about how the desire of Dončić to play until there was no hope of the postseason now had to change to do whatever the Mavericks could to protect their first-round draft pick, which remains theirs only if it is in the top 10. Missing the postseason obviously helps that goal.

“Things change,” Kidd said pregame. “We still have to be professionals, go out there and put our best foot forward with who can play. We were fighting for our lives, and understand this is the situation we’re in.

“But the organization has made a decision to change and so we have to go by that. That’s just something that happens. We talked about that this afternoon and the guys that are playing are going to go out and try to play to win. You got to be pros. You can’t cheat the game. And so, those guys that are playing are out there to win and we’ll go from there.”

The Mavericks’ decision may have been made Friday, but it was rooted much, much earlier. Go back to all the bad losses they had to teams they felt they should have beaten in November, December and January.

Or just look at eight losses in their last 10 games in the past three weeks.

On Friday, in addition to Irving (right foot), sitting out were Tim Hardaway Jr. (left ankle), Maxi Kleber (right hamstring), Josh Green (rest) and Christian Wood (rest).

Luka’s availability is a result not only of the numerous Slovenians who were at the game, but also his desire to play.

“He wanted to play,” Kidd said pregame. “So, understanding that, we talked about the minutes, especially with the other guys that are not playing. That’s what we came to as an agreement. He wanted to play. The minutes will be normal for him in that first run. From there, he’s done.”

This is a major change from Tuesday, when Dončić said that “When there’s still a chance, I’m going to play.”

Said Kidd on Friday: “We all said that. We want to have the opportunity to find a way to get in and we want to play until told otherwise. And today’s the day we’ve been told that we’re doing something different. He’s going to participate in the first quarter and then he’s done for the season.”

“Things change fast here. He’s going to play this quarter and then we’ll see where we sit going into Sunday, but most likely, he’ll be out.”

The Mavericks went into Friday’s play in 11th place in the Western Conference. Teams that finish seventh through 10th go to the play-in tournament. Oklahoma City has one game left on Sunday against Memphis, but that game is moot now.

The loss Friday ended any potential drama on Sunday.

The Mavericks have been disappointed with the twist the season has taken since acquiring Irving before the February trade deadline. They entered Friday’s game with a 9-16 record since Irving’s first game at the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 8.

They also feel like the talent on the roster to do some damage in the playoffs if they could have gotten there. Last year, they got hot a tthe right time and reached the Western Conference finals.

This year, there will be no such run.

Kidd said changes will be coming, as they do every offseason.

It’s just going to start a lot earlier than the Mavericks had hoped it would.
https://besteestores.com/things-change-as-mavericks-hope-step-back-will-vault-them-forward/

Lakers Final Injury Report And Starting Lineup On Tuesday Night

On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers are taking on the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

For the game, they have finalized their injury report and starting lineup.

The Lakers have ruled out D'Angelo Russell, Mo Bamba and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Meanwhile, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have both been upgraded to available.

Their starting lineup has been relayed by Underdog NBA.

Underdog NBA: "Lineup alert: Lakers will start Schroder, Reaves, James, Vanderbilt, Davis on Tuesday."

Lineup alert: Lakers will start Schroder, Reaves, James, Vanderbilt, Davis on Tuesday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) April 5, 2023

The Lakers come into the night playing very well over the last few weeks.

They are 7-3 in their previous ten games and in the middle of a three-game winning streak.

Following the trading deadline, the Lakers have completely turned around their season, and they are the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a 40-38 record in 78 games.

On the road, they are 19-20 in 39 games, and the Lakers are only a half-game back of the sixth seed (the final guaranteed playoff spot).

Meanwhile, the Jazz are the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 36-42 record in 78 games.

They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak and are 3-7 in their last ten games.

At home, the Jazz have been good, going 22-16 in the 38 games they have played in Salt Lake City.

Last season, the Lakers went 33-49 and missed the NBA Playoffs, while the Jazz lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

That said, the Jazz are a much different team after trading Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell over the offseason.

 
https://besteestores.com/lakers-final-injury-report-and-starting-lineup-on-tuesday-night/