Basketball
Western Conference Preview: Too Many Chickens in a Small Pen
he Wild West (U.S.) It never stops. The conference presents a bright red 2023 playoff with many decisive and interesting first round playoffs.of Denver Nuggets They were great dominators in the regular season. Nbabut Nikola Jokic and his group have yet to confirm the levels shown in the 2020 bubble. phoenix suns (Four), golden state warriors (6) and los angeles lakers (7) Crouched in an atypical position for their status and roster.
The danger should not be taken lightly. Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings, two teams with less experience but many discussions after signing a very solid season in the league.transfer of Kevin Durant, being newcomers and largely untested on the Suns, seem to have sorted out their favorite groups that many see as a great fit for the Arizona franchise to win the ring.with the reigning champion Stephen Curry The leading group appears to be arriving in top form. lebron jamesThe fight is already in the first round and is expected to be fierce and surprising. we will see…
(1) Denver Nuggets – Timberwolves/Thunder (8)
The West’s premier team, which has held the top of the table with an iron fist since December, has only shown signs of decline in the past few weeks. They say throw them away and focus on yourself, 2020 bubbleThose conference finals were their roof, but their health has haunted them ever since. There is. On paper, they should easily pull off a first-round encounter against two somewhat awkward, but much friendlier, teams.yes Nikola Jokic With a magic wand, you can dream big in Denver.
Key
x factor
Jamal Murray
🔝 The stellar point guard took the 2020 playoffs by storm, but his injuries plagued the team’s path until this season. Now healthy and 100% again in the postseason His level of ability to make a difference and take decisions in tight finishes, no matter how much teams are drawn to MVP Jokic.
na
🆚 3-1 against Minnesota and 2-2 against Oklahoma City in the regular season.
🔮 4-1 to Denver.
“People try to talk, let them say what they want. Focus on who you are.”
(4) Phoenix Suns – Los Angeles Clippers (5)
A beautiful necktie if it’s not injured.frustration of Paul George Despite having an enviable team and talent, it can be devastating for some clippers Kawai Leonard, big four of Sans.built-in Kevin Durant It makes the Arizona franchise one of the biggest contenders in the ring and presents a difficult puzzle for opposing teams to solve. KD is a big threat to the team. Devin Booker As executor of the will, Chris Paul in the direction Deandre Ayton in paint. Choosing which weapons do the most damage is important, not how to avoid damage.
Key
x factor
Chris Paul
🔝 The veteran point guard is still chasing the starting ring, but his most recent attempt has had problems with his health. Given the nature of the group and his KD and Booker shooting prowess, his ability to score when he’s free could tip the scales in favor of Phoenix.
🆚 2-2, regular season tie (KD inexperienced)
📋 45-37 vs. 44-38 (balanced)
🏀 114.5 (14) vs. 114.0 (17) (aggressive rating)
⚔️ 112.3 (7) vs. 113.6 (17) (ERA)
➕ 2.2 (9) vs. 0.5 (17) (net rating)
In LA, we can stick with the fact that the new Suns have yet to battle adversity. Russell Westbrookone is made of lime and the other is made of sand, and can be given an extra boost or even sunk. Michal Bridges and Jae Crowder, But the idea is that it’s compensated for by the tremendous efficiency of his offense. Too many things have to go wrong if the Clippers really want to get these Suns into trouble.
🔮 4-2 to Phoenix.
“Having a KD puts some pressure on everyone.
(3) Memphis Grizzlies – Los Angeles Lakers (7)
he hype It’s justified enough to believe that the circumstances surrounding the Lakers could suddenly ruin a season for the much more stable and competitive Grizzlies across the course. rice field play in In a game that required them to face Minnesota in a Game 7 playoff atmosphere. Overcome 2-10 starts Since the end of the market in February, the season ended with 18 wins and 9 losses, which is the highest record in western Japan. The new additions have improved the balance of the group, allowing them to finish with one of the best defenses in the entire league in the final stages.
Key
x factor
Anthony Davis
🔝 Nothing is expected from LeBron other than his continued prominence in these playoffs. The version Anthony Davis can offer raises some questions as his fragile physique has knocked him out multiple times in the heat of the season. It’s a big threat.
🆚 1-2 in favor of LA in the regular season
📋 51-31 vs. 43-39 (balanced)
🏀 114.7 (11) vs. 113.9 (19) (aggressive rating)
⚔️ 110.7 (3) vs. 113.2 (12) (ERA)
➕ 4.0 (4) vs. 0.7 (16) (net rating)
But Memphis is one of the most contentious teams in the tournament. They don’t wrinkle and are avid believers in their chances against a veteran Los Angeles team who are theoretically armed to fight for the ring year after year. , rivals are disappointed. The duel will be one of the most lively in the first round. LeBron James and Ja Morant I promise to open a bag of popcorn. An important factor is Stephen Adams, starting center in Memphis.There are many incentives – let’s see one in action Santi Aldama– Get hooked on TV to see if the Lakers can put on the challenger’s suit again, or if not, it’s the Grizzlies who can impose their best rhythm and cohesion all year long.
🔮 3-4 in Los Angeles.
“We don’t want to stay here. Now we want to be ambitious and make noise in these playoffs.”
(3) Sacramento Kings – Golden State Warriors (6)
Great season for Sacramento then back in the playoffs 16 years of drought, can be seen in the first round of the postseason and go to hell unseen. This is a team that even the favorite Suns wanted to avoid. The Golden State Warriors have been through a lot this season, but they’re back with all their sharp weapons for their moment of truth.of splash bros they are at their source, draymond green Run the show on and off the pitch, jordan poole is the joint leader of the equally dangerous second unit. Adding the following return to all of these, Andrew Wigginsa major player who has been sidelined in recent months for personal reasons, but there is little reason not to believe in his chances.
Key
x factor
Andrew Wiggins
🔝 He’s been in the spotlight in the past, but missing most of the regular season this season underscored the importance of the forward to Golden State’s ambitions. I don’t know, but I already know that I can participate in the first round.
🆚 1-3 in favor of Golden State in the regular season
📋 48-34 vs. 44-38 (balanced)
🏀 118.6 (1) vs. 115.1 (10) (aggressive rating)
⚔️ 116.0 (24) vs. 113.4 (14) (ERA)
➕ 2.6 (8) vs. 1.7 (11) (net rating)
I have no experience with the Kings, but I really want to.They believe in the message of coaches who are experienced and champions Mike BrownIn their minds, no one needs to beat them. That attitude is the hope they have on top of their devastating attack that broke the league record for all-time efficiency. Even without a lot of spotlights and superstars, the group has exceeded expectations all year long. If that’s good enough against the current champion, that’s another thing.🔮 Golden State is 2-4.
“The playoff experience has to be lived. You can’t tell it or train it. You have to experience it, but the group has to believe in itself.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
I have been working as a sports journalist for about 6 years now. I currently work as an author at Sportish, which is a sports news website. I mainly cover sports news and I love writing about all aspects of the sport. I also have experience working as a broadcast journalist, so I have some great insights into how sport is reported and presented.
Kirill Elatontsev may greatly regret his choice.
The departure of Russian center Kirill Elatontsev to the USA became one of the most discussed stories of the winter. A player with a valid long-term contract with Lokomotiv-Kuban suddenly appeared in the application of the University of Oklahoma and soon made his debut in the NCAA. This is an almost unprecedented case for Russian basketball. And for Kirill himself – a chance to start all over again.
A move that no one expected
Elatontsev, 23, was officially recruited by the Oklahoma Sooners, who expect him to quickly fit into the program.
— First of all, we are glad that Kirill is here, since a considerable distance has been covered. He will give us depth, which is extremely important. He’s older and has played against some really tough opponents, which will help us in conference games as well. In addition, he is skilled and has excellent instincts under the rim. “We are encouraged by his transition and are working to ensure that he quickly adapts to our program and system,” journalist Josh Callaway quotes Oklahoma coach Porter Moser as saying on his social media page.
Kirill’s debut took place immediately: on the night of December 30, Moscow time, he played 18 minutes in a match against Mississippi Valley State University. Oklahoma defeated the opponent with a score of 93:69, and the Russian scored 6 points and made 4 rebounds.
How it all started: from health problems to accusations of simulation
The formal conflict started on the night of November 8. Lokomotiv-Kuban reported that Kirill called an ambulance without notifying the medical headquarters. The examination – both at the club and in the clinic – did not reveal any serious problems, and hospitalization was not required. Lokomotiv-Kuban assessed the situation as a possible feigning of illness and a violation of discipline.
For the player, this was the first high-profile episode of the season, which he already missed due to problems with his foot. But in the fall there were rumors that the best young player in the VTB League in recent years was considering leaving for the NCAA. At the time it seemed frivolous. Now it’s reality.
The club’s reaction: “a dangerous precedent” and appeals to all authorities
After it became known that Elatontsev left Russia and signed up for the NCAA, Loko published a big statement. His key points:
The player has a valid contract until 2029, registered with the RFB.
The club called leaving without approval a gross violation of labor obligations.
History, according to the club, creates a dangerous precedent for Russian sports.
Official appeals and documents have been sent to the RFB, FIBA and NCAA.
The case is being reviewed by the Player Status Commission and the National Center for Arbitration for Sports.
Separately, it was reported that the club contacted FIBA to block Elatontsev’s transfer to teams under the auspices of the federation.
Loko emphasizes that investments in players cannot be “cancelled for the sake of short-term personal interests.” Essentially, the club is afraid that other young players will see Elatontsev’s departure as a path to going abroad, bypassing negotiations.
Legal background: claim to the military registration and enlistment office
Amid the basketball conflict, another layer of history has emerged. It turned out that Elatontsev filed a lawsuit against the Krasnodar military registration and enlistment office. He disputes the legality of the subpoena, which he says was issued while he was studying full-time. The document also mentions “misuse of budget funds” on the part of the department. It is difficult to say to what extent this episode is related to his departure to the United States, but it is obvious that the talented basketball player is mired in legal conflicts.
Elatontsev is at great risk by fleeing to the United States in violation of contractual obligations and not resolving issues with the military registration and enlistment office at home. It will be extremely difficult for him to build a successful career in the NBA, because it is too late to begin adapting to American basketball at 23 years old. Elatontsev has a chance to make a name for himself in the NCAA, get an overseas education and stay in the USA. But this story is unlikely to be associated with basketball at the highest level.
Source: Sportbox
I am a sports journalist who has been writing for a news website since 2015. My work primarily focuses on sports news, but I have also written about other topics such as technology and the arts. I have an extensive background in journalism, having worked as a reporter for a local newspaper before moving to a news website.
Four games were played in the NBA regular season on the night of December 30-31.
Utah hosted and lost to Boston.
Jazz started the game well, took the lead from the beginning and increased the difference to 10 points in the middle of the first quarter: 24:14. As a result, Utah won the first quarter with a score of 38:31. The visiting team started the second quarter better and made a move with 18:2 to not only take the lead, but also take the lead by 9 points (49:40). However, at the big break, Utah managed to turn the game around and made a move at 16:3 to take the lead again at 58:55. It was Jazz who entered the big break as the leader with 64:59.
The third quarter was even. Neither team could make serious progress and the lead changed 12 times. The result is 99:96 in favor of Boston. Thus, the fate of the match was decided in the fourth quarter. The guest team gained a 6-point lead at 103:97 in the first quarter, then kept their opponent within two shots for a long time, and towards the end of the match, they increased their advantage to double digits with 129:119.
Svyatoslav Mikhayyuk In this match, he rested by sitting on the bench for the entire match.
The most productive player of the Celtics was White, who scored 27 points, while Brown also had a double-double with 23 points + 10 assists.
Detroit defeated the Lakers on the road.
The Pistons only allowed the home team to take leads of 6:5 and 9:8 at the beginning of the first quarter, then they were ahead throughout the whole game and gradually increased their advantage, reaching 26 points (122:96) by the middle of the fourth quarter. As a result, Detroit won with a score of 128:106.
Doncic, who made 11 assists in the match, also scored 30 points and scored a double-double, but this did not benefit his team much. The most productive name for Detroit was Cunningham, who had a double-double with 27 points + 11 assists.
NBA. Regular season, December 31
Utah – Boston – 119:129 (38:31, 26:28, 32:40, 23:30)
Utah: George (37 + 7 assists), Nurkic (26 + 8 rebounds + 8 assists), Markkanen (22 + 9 rebounds), Sensabaugh (5), Hendricks (3) – start; Filipovski (10), Collier (7 + 8 assists), Clayton (7), Williams (2).
Boston: White (27 + 7 rebounds + 6 assists + 7 blocks), Brown (23 + 10 assists), Pritchard (18 + 6 assists), Keta (12), Walsh (6) – starts; Simons (20), Garza (15), Houser (5), Gonzalez (3), Scheierman (0).
Lakers-Detroit-106:128 (30:36, 35:34, 23:26, 18:32)
Lakers: Doncic (30 + 11 assists + 8 losses), James (17 + 5 losses), Ayton (10), Larevia (9), Smart (6) – starts; Hayes (13), Knecht (10), Vanderbilt (8 + 8 rebounds), Smith (3), Thiero (0), James Jr. (0), Kleber (0).
of Detroit: Cunningham (27 + 11 assists + 5 losses), Düren (14 + 8 rebounds + 5 steals + 5 losses), Thompson (7), Harris (7), D. Robinson (6) – start; Sasser (19), Stewart (15), Holland (11 + 7 rebounds), Ivey (9), Green (8), Reed (3), Lanier (2), Jenkins (0).
Memphis – Philadelphia – 136:139 Overtime (40:34, 32:38, 28:31, 28:25, 8:11)
Memphis: Morant (40), Coward (28 + 16 rebounds), Jaren Jackson (15 + 12 rebounds), Wells (14), Koloko (0) – start; Aldama (15 + 4 blocked shots), Spencer (7), Jackson (6), Landale (6), Small (5).
Philadelphia: Maxey (34 + 12 assists), Embiid (34 + 10 rebounds + 8 assists), Edgecombe (25), George (17), Barlow (12) – start; Grimes (11), Bona (4), McCain (2), Edwards (0).
Clippers – Sacramento – 131:90 (34:20, 39:20, 27:31, 31:19)
cutting machines: Leonard (33), Harden (21), Collins (16), Dunn (10), B. Lopez (8) – starter; Niederhaeuser (16), D. Jones (8), Senders (7), Miller (6), Brown (3), Batum (3), Christie (0).
sacramento: Westbrook (12), Reynaud (12 + 12 rebounds), Murray (11), DeRozan (8 + 7 rebounds), Achiuwa (0) – start; Clifford (18), Schroeder (11), Eubanks (6), Carter (4), McDermott (3), Monk (3 + 5 turnovers), Ellis (2).
tournament tables
Western Conference
Eastern Conference
Source: Sport UA
Ralph Bean is a writer for Sportish. Ralph has written about sports news for the last two years, and is currently an author on the site. He enjoys writing about sports, and hopes to cover more stories in the future.
On December 30, four matches were played in the 19th round of the Euroleague regular championship.
Hapoel Tel Aviv lost sensationally at home to Zalgiris.
The home team started the match successfully, quickly took the lead by 7 points, 9:2, and was ahead +12 – 25:13 towards the end of the first quarter. Only after this did the Lithuanians begin to close the gap. They made a 9:0 move at the intersection of the first and second quarters and came back with one shot at 25:22. After that, Hapoel again managed to lead by 9 points at 35:26, but even before the big break Zalgiris was ahead by 1 point at 40:39.
In the third quarter, the Lithuanians quickly took the lead and then made a 10:0 move to pull away by 11 points, 58:47. In fact, this decided the fate of the match, because afterwards Zalgiris maintained a double-digit advantage in the score and took the match to victory 93:80.
The most productive player of the winning team was Williams-Gross, who scored 17 points.
In the main match of the matchday, Barcelona lost to Monaco.
Monegasques started the game well and were ahead by 9 points in the first quarter – 22:13. They increased the advantage in the second 10 minutes and brought the score to 21 points at 47:26. At the big break, Barça reduced the difference to -17 – 30:47, but could not increase this local success further in the third quarter. Monaco then calmly controlled the course of the game, retained the double-digit advantage and won a landslide victory – 90:74.
James scored 19 points for Monaco and became the team’s top scorer.
Europa League. Regular season. 19th round, 30 December
Hapoel Tel Aviv – Zalgiris – 80:93 (25:18, 15:21, 13:24, 27:30)
Hapoel: Jones (18+5 assists), Bryant (14 points + 4 rebounds + 1 assist), Oturu (12+2+1), Motley (10+3+2), Blakeney (9+2 rebounds), Wainwright (9+3+6), Madar (4+3+5), Malcolm (4).
Zalgiris: Williams-Gross (17+2+4), Wright (15+3 rebounds), Francisco (13+2+8), Tubelis (12+8 rebounds), Brazdeikis (10+3 rebounds), Butkevicius (9), Law (8+2 rebounds), Sol (7+6+2), Ulanovas (2+4+2), Biruttis (2 rebounds + 1 assist).
ASVEL – Paris – 94:89 (20:23, 21:23, 20:18, 33:25)
ASVEL: Watson (28+3+1), De Colo (17+5+5), Harrison (10+5+1), Ndiae (9+9+2), Massa (8+6+1), Yurtel (8+1+8), Vautier (7+4 rebounds), Traore (4+2 rebounds), Lighty (2+1 rebounds), Jackson (1+1+1), Ajins (3 rebounds + 2 assists).
Paris: Heaphy (26+4+7), Herrera (11+4 rebounds), Willis (10+2 assists), Robinson (8+2+5), Fae (8+4 rebounds), Dokossi (6+1 rebounds), Morgan (6+7+2), Cavalier (5+5+1), Stevens (5+7+1), M’Baye (2+1+2), Ouattara (2+3+1).
Barcelona – Monaco – 74:90 (13:22, 17:25, 23:22, 21:21)
barcelona: Brizuela (25+1 rebounds), Norris (14+4+2), Fal (8+6 rebounds), Panther (8+2+4), Hernangomez (7+3 rebounds), Cale (7+3+1), Laprovittola (2+1 rebounds), Satoranski (2+4+4), Parra (1+3 rebounds), Marcos (2 assists).
Monaco: James (19+4+5), Hayes (15+5+1), Mirotic (13+4 rebounds), Okobo (12+4+5), Diallo (9+4 rebounds), Nedovic (8+1+1), Theis (7+4+3), Strazel (5+1+2), Blossomgame (2+5+2), Tarpey (2 rebounds).
Valencia – Partizan – 86:73 (18:22, 25:21, 22:20, 21:10)
Valencia: Thompson (17+3+6), Badio (14+1+3), Rivers (14+7 rebounds), Montero (13+3 rebounds), Pradilla (11+7+2), Costello (9+2 rebounds), Sakho (5+7+1), Taylor (2+1+2), Key (1+1 assist), Moore (2 rebounds + 2 assists), Puerto (2 rebounds + 1 assist).
Partisan: Bonga (17+7+2), Brown (15+2+2), Jones (9+6+1), Washington (7), Parker (7+4+1), Fernando (6+3 rebounds), Osetkowski (6+2+3), Payne (6+1+4), Calathes (4 rebounds + 6 assists).
tournament table
Source: Sport UA
Ralph Bean is a writer for Sportish. Ralph has written about sports news for the last two years, and is currently an author on the site. He enjoys writing about sports, and hopes to cover more stories in the future.
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