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Celtics Fans Rejoice Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown's Heroics in Win vs. LeBron, Lakers

Dec 14, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics grabs the rebound during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 13, 2022 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics grabs the rebound during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 13, 2022 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeBron James and Anthony Davis are NBA legends and future Hall of Famers, but they weren't the best duo in the building during the latest edition of the rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

That title—and the victory—goes to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Tatum (44 points, nine rebounds and six assists) and Brown (25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three steals) each stuffed the stat sheet while leading Boston to a 122-118 overtime win over the Lakers.

Boston, which made the NBA Finals last season, improved to an NBA-best 22-7 on the campaign and is in championship-or-bust mode with that pairing spearheading the effort on a nightly basis.

They received nothing but praise from social media following the latest showing:

It seemed like Boston wouldn't need late heroics from its superstars when it built a 15-point halftime lead, but the Lakers came storming back behind strong efforts from James (33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists) and Davis (37 points and 12 rebounds).

Los Angeles turned a six-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter into a 13-point lead with fewer than five minutes remaining, but Boston closed on a 17-4 run that saw Davis miss two free throws that could have iced it in the last 30 seconds and Tatum drill a step-back jumper over James to force overtime.

It was Brown's turn to play hero in the extra period with a personal 7-0 run to push a one-point advantage to eight that all but ended it.

The duo was unstoppable with the game on the line and provided the rest of the league with yet another reminder that the road to the championship may just run through Boston this season.

Lakers' Anthony Davis Roasted by NBA Fans for Missing Clutch FTs in Loss to Celtics

Dec 14, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 11: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 11: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Anthony Davis was brilliant during Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics with 37 points and 12 rebounds behind 13-of-24 shooting from the field.

But it was two missed shots that stood out the most.

Davis went to the free-throw line with 28 seconds remaining and the Los Angeles Lakers holding on to a two-point lead after a dramatic back-and-forth that saw multiple comebacks. Rather than ice the game away, he missed both and left the door wide open.

Jayson Tatum took advantage by tying the contest with a jumper over LeBron James, and the Celtics eventually won 122-118 in overtime.

Davis couldn't stop thinking about the missed free throws after the game, and James was nothing but supportive of his All-Star teammate:

That didn't stop some of the criticism Davis received from social media:

https://twitter.com/___Colb___/status/1602900764183216128

It was a back-and-forth contest well before crunch time, as the Celtics built a 15-point halftime lead only for the Lakers to come charging back. Los Angeles turned a six-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter into a 13-point lead with fewer than five minutes remaining, but Boston closed on a 17-4 run with Tatum and Marcus Smart scoring 14 of those points to force overtime.

The Celtics then controlled much of the extra period, and Jaylen Brown's three-pointer to push the lead to eight in the last minute all but ended it.

The stars came out to play with Tatum dropping 44 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists, while Brown stuffed the stat sheet with 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three steals. James countered on the other side with 33 points, nine assists and nine rebounds.

Yet the contest was defined by Davis' missed opportunity near the end of regulation.

Warriors' Draymond Green Says Fan Threatened His Life During Bucks Game

Dec 14, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 13, 2022 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 13, 2022 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

Basketball took something of a back seat Tuesday when Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green had a fan removed from Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum during a game against the Bucks.

Green explained after the game that he took such actions because the fan threatened his life, per C.J. Holmes of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Bucks released a statement following the game that said they are "investigating the situation and we're conferring with the NBA," per Kendra Andrews of ESPN.

A fan first started jawing at Green when Giannis Antetokounmpo was on the free-throw line in the third quarter, and the Michigan State product then had that person removed when Stephen Curry was on the line during the next stoppage in play.

"There are no real consequences," Green said of fans' behavior. "Yeah, you can't come back to the game, or even if you get arrested, nothing really happens ... you just hope it gets to a point where these leagues can work with legislators to implement laws, because that's the only thing that's really going to correct the issue."

The comments and latest incident came after the NBA fined the four-time All-Star $25,000 earlier this month for the language he used toward a fan during a game against the Dallas Mavericks.

As for Tuesday's contest, the Bucks won 128-111 and improved to 20-7 on the campaign.

Green finished with just two points on 1-of-3 shooting from the field but impacted the game in other ways with seven assists and six rebounds.

Golden State has dealt with some inconsistency to start the season and fell to just 14-14 overall and 1-3 in the last four. It was the first contest of a six-game Eastern Conference road trip for the reigning champions, who will be in Indiana to face the Pacers on Wednesday.

NBA Twitter Says Steph Curry, Warriors Let Refs 'Get to Them' in Loss vs. Bucks

Dec 14, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the first half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the first half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors are an experienced team used to overcoming adversity, so seeing the reigning NBA champions lose their composure isn't a typical occurrence.

However, that's exactly what happened to the Warriors in Tuesday's 128-111 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Golden State grew frustrated with the referees early in the game and never recovered, trailing by as many as 26 in the blowout.

The whistles started flying early and often, as the Warriors were called for three technical fouls in the first quarter alone. Golden State was unhappy with the free throw disparity, as none of its players made it to the line until late in the second quarter.

The Warriors shot just 19 free throws on the night, while Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo shot 17 by himself on his way to a game-high 30 points.

Warriors star point guard Stephen Curry was among those to receive a technical foul when he surprisingly let his anger get the better of him after a referee didn't call what he thought was an obvious foul on a three-pointer. Golden State finished with five techs, while three were called on Milwaukee.

Fans online called out the Warriors for letting the referees throw them off their game in what was supposed to be an exciting matchup against an Eastern Conference powerhouse:

https://twitter.com/KerithBurke/status/1602849165838467072
https://twitter.com/freegamep_/status/1602832888118099970

At 14-14, Golden State has struggled to find consistency this season. Perhaps the slow start is just a championship hangover, but at this point, it's starting to become concerning.

The Warriors have the expectations of contending for a title once again, but there are multiple issues they need to fix if they want to achieve their goal.

Golden State will look to bounce back in the second matchup of its six-game road trip on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers (14-14).

Suns' Deandre Ayton Ruled Out vs. Rockets with Ankle Injury

Dec 14, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The shorthanded Phoenix Suns received more worrisome injury news during Tuesday's game against the Houston Rockets.

Phoenix announced big man Deandre Ayton (left ankle) and guard Cameron Payne (right foot) were ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Ayton played 15 minutes and was just 2-of-10 from the field, while Payne played eight minutes with nine points off the bench prior to the early departure.

The Suns were already without three-time All-Star Devin Booker because of left hamstring tightness.

Booker also missed Sunday's overtime loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

That loss to the Pelicans extended Phoenix's losing streak to four games and was the fifth loss in the last six contests following a blistering 15-6 start. The team is under the microscope this season after finishing the 2021-22 campaign with the best record in the NBA, only to lose in the second round of the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks.

It is still far too early to panic, but losing Ayton, in particular, would be a blow for the struggling Suns.

The Arizona product is averaging 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game behind 63.2 percent shooting from the field this season. He is a double-double threat every time he steps on the floor and someone who can finish lobs from Chris Paul, control the glass and provide a solid interior presence on both ends.

As for Payne, he adds important backcourt depth during a season that has already seen Paul and Booker miss time.

The Murray State product, who consistently provides a spark off the bench, is averaging a career-high 12.8 points and 5.5 assists a night this season.

Look for Bismack Biyombo to see more time if Ayton is sidelined for long, while Landry Shamet will assume more of the responsibilities in the backcourt if Payne is out.

Warriors' Draymond Green Has Fan Removed From Courtside vs. Bucks

Dec 14, 2022
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green shoots past Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green shoots past Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green had a fan removed during his team's 128-111 road loss against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday evening.

Green explained to reporters what happened after the game.

ESPN's Kendra Andrews provided more context on the interaction between the fan and Green prior to the ejection, which occurred while Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo shot free throws.

The TNT broadcast showed Green emphatically going to the officials and pointing to the fan in question. Security was then seen speaking with the fan, who then left the seat.

Green previously had an interaction with a fan at a Nov. 29 road game against the Dallas Mavericks, and it led to a $25,000 fine.

The fan, Alykhan Rehmatullah, told Green on Twitter that he would match $25,000 to charity.

"You don't see that happen," Green told Andrews about the match, which he also called "a cool gesture."

Green, a four-time All-Star and NBA champion, has been in the NBA for 11 seasons.

Eric Gordon Trade Rumors: Rockets in Early Talks with 6 Teams About Veteran SG

Dec 14, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 5: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 5, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 5: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 5, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets are rebuilding around their young players and could look to move Eric Gordon ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline as a result.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported the Rockets have discussed a potential Gordon trade "with roughly a half dozen teams." Feigen noted the guard "is expected to be among the top targets for contenders."

The reasons to trade Gordon seem clear on the surface.

Houston has the worst record in the Western Conference at 8-18 and is in the early stages of a rebuild centered around franchise cornerstones Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. Gordon, who turns 34 years old this month, will be well past his prime before the team is a realistic championship contender, so getting future assets back in a trade would be ideal.

However, Feigen noted there are some complications to such discussions.

Next season is non-guaranteed on Gordon's contract, and Houston is not in desperate need of creating cap space. What's more, the team would prefer first-round picks in future seasons since it already has two in the upcoming draft.

Throw in the desire to avoid bringing in players with longer contracts or veterans who would eat into the youngsters' playing time, and the Rockets have a smaller window of possible trade options with Gordon than it would first appear.

Yet he would be an asset to any contender.

The 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 12.1 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game behind 34.7 percent shooting from three-point range. The percentage from the outside is somewhat concerning, but he is a career 37 percent shooter from deep and just connected on 41.2 percent of his triples last season.

It is not a stretch to expect his percentage to approach his career totals as the season progresses, and he is someone who can take advantage of openings created by more prominent teammates with that shooting stroke.

Gordon has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans and Rockets during his career but could be adding a fourth team to his resume depending on Houston's approach to the trade deadline.

Nets' Kevin Durant Praises Wizards' Bradley Beal as 'A Hall of Fame, All-Star Player'

Dec 13, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 2: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 2, 2022 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 2: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 2, 2022 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has high praise for Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal.

"He's a Hall of Fame, All-Star player. Take that away from your team, you're trying to figure out where that impact's gonna come from," Durant told reporters after Beal missed Monday's Nets-Wizards game with a hamstring injury.

Beal has been limited by injury to 18 games this season but is in his most efficient scoring campaign, shooting a career-high 52.2 percent. While his scoring is down to 22.9 points per game, his lowest since 2017-18, that's largely because a strong Wizards offense has allowed him to tone down his attacks to the rim.

As far as Beal's Hall of Fame credentials, that's probably a stretch. He's made just three All-Star teams and one All-NBA team, and the Wizards have not gotten past the second round of the playoffs during his tenure with the franchise.

Even though the Basketball Hall of Fame has a lower barrier of entry than its football and baseball counterparts, Beal would have to write a strong second half to his career to make it to Springfield, Massachusetts.

That said, Beal is the type of player who can function in any lineup in any situation. He's a perfect fit for the Hall of Very Very Good, just not quite on the HOF level.

Warriors, Knicks, Lakers, Bulls and Celtics Headline NBA Valuation Rankings for 2022

Dec 13, 2022
FILE - Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after guard Klay Thompson, right, shot a 3-point basket during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in San Francisco, June 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn, File)
FILE - Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after guard Klay Thompson, right, shot a 3-point basket during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in San Francisco, June 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn, File)

The Golden State Warriors were once an NBA laughingstock.

Now they're the class of the league.

Sportico released its NBA franchise valuations Tuesday, and the Warriors are by far the most valuable team at $7.56 billion. That marks a 25 percent increase from 2021 and puts them nearly $1 billion ahead of the New York Knicks.

  1. Golden State Warriors ($7.56 billion)
  2. New York Knicks ($6.58 billion)
  3. Los Angeles Lakers ($6.44 billion)
  4. Chicago Bulls ($4.09 billion)
  5. Boston Celtics ($3.92 billion)
  6. Brooklyn Nets ($3.86 billion)
  7. Los Angeles Clippers ($3.73 billion)
  8. Toronto Raptors ($3.34 billion)
  9. Houston Rockets ($3.3 billion)
  10. Dallas Mavericks ($3.26 billion)

This is the first time the Knicks have fallen to the second spot in the team valuation rankings. Despite having not won a championship in nearly 50 years and being mismanaged by governor James Dolan, the Knicks remain consistently relevant thanks to their prime New York City location and the aura of Madison Square Garden.

The Warriors' ascent to the top spot is a testament to a strong ownership group and a generational superstar.

Joe Lacob's group of investors bought the Warriors 12 years ago for $450 million. The franchise was largely ignored on the national scale and had made the playoffs just once since 1994.

A few strokes of drafting genius from the front office, highlighted by the arrival of Stephen Curry, combined with the bustling Bay Area tech community turned the Warriors into an NBA juggernaut. The Warriors are worth about 17 times what Lacob paid for them, and he could likely get even more on the open market if the franchise came up for sale.

Franchise valuations across sports have long undersold their actual sale price, as the combination of safety of investment and scarcity drives up bidding.

NBA Exec Talks Market for Russell Westbrook; Compares Lakers PG to Allen Iverson

Dec 13, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 9: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a play during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 9, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 9: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a play during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 9, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Two months into his first real foray into being a sixth man off the bench, Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is earning high marks for his play from people in the NBA.

One high-ranking team executive told Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix that Westbrook's willingness to come off the bench "will change how people view him" around the league.

"If he's willing to be a change-of-pace point guard, to play less minutes, to have defensive energy, top-tier teams are going to be interested in him this summer. The Iverson comparisons are fair," the executive said. "Allen could have played three or four more years if he had been willing to come off the bench. He would have had a field day against second units. Westbrook can do the same."

There have been comparisons made between Westbrook and Iverson for a long time. Iverson's NBA career came to an abrupt end after the 2009-10 season in part because he was unhappy about coming off the bench.

When Lakers head coach Darvin Ham first experimented using Westbrook off the bench during the preseason, the former NBA MVP suffered a hamstring injury that he blamed on sitting for too long after pregame warmups.

"I've been doing the same thing for 14 years straight," Westbrook told reporters. "Honestly, I didn't even know what to do pregame. Being honest, I was trying to figure out how to stay warm and loose. ... That's something I just wasn't accustomed to."

After starting the first three games of the season, Westbrook has come off the bench in each of his next 25 games. The nine-time All-Star is averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 25 games since Oct. 28. He's shooting 42.0 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range.

The results haven't been stellar, but it's at least an indication he can be a productive player in a different role.

Westbrook is still playing almost 28 minutes per game during this stretch.

Being willing to take on a different role at this later stage of his career shows other teams that Westbrook is capable of doing what's in the best interest of the team.

This is a crucial step for a player who may or may not finish this season with the Lakers, is also going to be a free agent next summer and presumably wants to make a good impression on teams that might be interested in signing him.

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