T-Wolves' Rudy Gobert Gifts $50, Signed Card to 450+ Employees at Target Center
Dec 20, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 14: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on December 14, 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)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert showed his holiday spirit Monday, gifting Target Center employees $50 each to thank them for their work:
More than 450 employees, including ushers, security, concessions staff and more, also each received a signed card from Gobert, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
Gobert is in his first season with the Timberwolves after an offseason trade from the Utah Jazz. The three-time All-Star has a history of helping people who work behind the scenes. In January, he gifted $50 and a card to employees at Utah's Vivint Arena. He also donated $200,000 to a relief fund for Vivint Arena employees in 2020 after the NBA season was suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even in a new location, Gobert's generosity has remained.
Donovan Mitchell Discusses Racial Issues in Utah, Says It Was 'Draining on My Energy'
Dec 20, 2022
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 14: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball up the court during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 14, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell said it's "comforting" being in Cleveland after dealing with racial issues as a member of the Utah Jazz, per Marc J. Spears of Andscape:
It's no secret there's a lot of stuff that I dealt with being in Utah off the floor. If I'm being honest with you, I never really said this, but it was draining. It was just draining on my energy just because you can't sit in your room and cheer for me and then do all these different things. I'm not saying specifically every fan, but I just feel like it was a lot of things.
Mitchell spent his first five NBA seasons with the Jazz, earning three All-Star selections before an offseason trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He noted that having a larger proportion of "people that look like me" in the crowds at Cavs games is a "blessing" after playing in front of predominantly white crowds in Utah. A census in 2021 estimated the white population in Salt Lake City at 72.5 percent, whereas Cleveland was said to have 47.4 percent Black or African American residents.
"I tried my best to make sure I invite young Black and brown kids to games, to be around the community," he said. "But just to not see us there, it was definitely tough. And being in Cleveland now, you see us courtside. It's just refreshing."
Mitchell said he experienced multiple off-court issues in Utah, including criticism from an Instagram post about Juneteenth and being called out by Utah Senate President Stuart Adams.
"As far as Utah, it became a lot to have to deal with on a nightly basis," Mitchell said. "I got pulled over once. I got an attitude from a cop until I gave him my ID. And that forever made me wonder what happens to the young Black kid in Utah that doesn't have that power to just be like, 'This is who I am.' And that was one of the things for me that I took to heart."
The 26-year-old, who originally hails from New York, has enjoyed his time with the Cavaliers and spending time in the community, noting he has attended a high school game (as he previously did in Utah) in addition to other sporting events.
Mitchell is also thriving on the court, averaging a career-best 29.3 points per game while helping Cleveland start the year with a 21-11 record.
On Jan. 10, he returns to Salt Lake City with the Cavaliers to take on the Jazz. Mitchell said he is "excited" to return: "You're there for five years. You lay roots there as far as relationships you build in the organization and with different people in the community. To come back again and play in front of the crowd will be dope."
Wally Szczerbiak Calls Tyrese Haliburton a 'Wannabe Fake All-Star' After Missed Shot
Dec 20, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 23: Former NBA player, Wally Szczerbiak attends the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wally Szczerbiak did not hold back when it came to Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton missed a potential go-ahead jumper in the final seconds of Sunday's 109-106 loss to the New York Knicks. Szczerbiak, who works for the Knicks' television broadcasts, called Haliburton "mister supposed wannabe fake All-Star" before suggesting New York players are more deserving of making this season's All-Star Game (h/t Basket News).
"He's a very good player; he's not going to make the All-Star team," he said. "Guys like Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson will make it over Tyrese Haliburton, and tonight we saw why."
Haliburton finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists, although he was just 5-of-16 from the field.
Still, he is very much in All-Star contention with averages of 19.5 points, a league-leading 10.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals for a Pacers team that is in position to make the play-in tournament at 15-16.
The 22-year-old has not achieved that honor yet but could be in line to make far more All-Star Games during his career than the one that Szczerbiak did during a 10-season career that included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Damian Lillard Reflects on Breaking Clyde Drexler's Blazers All-Time Scoring Record
Dec 20, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 17: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on December 17, 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)
Damian Lillard is the greatest scorer in Portland Trail Blazers history.
The guard needed just 21 points during Monday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder to pass Clyde Drexler's franchise record of 18,040 points. He tied the record with a three-pointer in the third quarter and later secured it with a free throw.
"It's a great feeling to reach the top," Lillard said, per ESPN. "It's been a goal of mine, and the list has so many players, great history of our organization, so to finally be No. 1 is a special accomplishment that I'm proud of."
Unfortunately for Portland, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoiled its night with a buzzer-beater to give the Thunder the 123-121 win.
Still, much of the focus was on Lillard after he finished with 28 points, six assists and three rebounds on 9-of-17 shooting from the field and 6-of-12 shooting from deep.
"No disrespect to Clyde—he's one of the all-time greats—but even if Dame didn't pass him, I feel like Dame is still the greatest Blazer ever," center Jusuf Nurkić said, per Jason Quick of The Athletic. "When you put everything together—the way he plays the game, what he does off the court, everything—he's a one of a kind player. Hopefully he retires here."
Lillard didn't shy from the record ahead of the contest.
"It means something to me in my heart," he told reporters. "To have something in the history books and record books, it will mean something."
Both Lillard and Drexler are members of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, and the latter is a Hall of Famer with an NBA title he won with the Houston Rockets. Lillard is still working on that championship, but he will surely join his fellow Trail Blazers great in the Hall of Fame one day.
Donovan Mitchell on Rudy Gobert: 'I Don't Hate Him, and He Doesn't Hate Me'
Dec 20, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 talks to Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 8, 2022 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have moved on to different teams, and the guard explained there is no lingering hatred between the former Utah Jazz teammates.
"Honestly, basketball just didn't work," he said, per Marc J. Spears of Andscape. "We live in such a world where it has to be really negative. Basketball just didn't work. We didn't see eye to eye. We wanted to both win, but we wanted to do it two different ways. It didn't work. But as far as him and I go as people, I don't hate him, and he doesn't hate me."
Mitchell also said he will hug Gobert when they see each other, adding: "There's no hatred. There's no ill will towards any of that."
Still, there was no shortage of reports about tension between the two star players when they were together with the Jazz. Utah traded Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves this past offseason.
The pair played five seasons together and made the playoffs each time. However, the Jazz never made it past the second round during that stretch. It seemed like they finally would in 2020-21 when they finished with the best record in the NBA, but they lost to the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers in the second round.
Mitchell's Cavaliers are 21-11, which is the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Perhaps he can make a conference final in his first season without Gobert.
Twitter Deems Lakers 'Brutal to Watch' with LeBron James, More Out in Loss to Suns
Dec 20, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 19: (L-R) Russell Westbrook #0, Anthony Davis #3 and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers watch from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on December 19, 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 Los Angeles Lakers were without their star trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook on Monday night against the Phoenix Suns, and the game played out exactly as expected.
The depleted Lakers limped to a 130-104 loss in a game where they trailed by as many as 27 points. Los Angeles allowed Phoenix to blow the game open early, as the team didn't hold a lead after the 8:25 mark of the first quarter.
Dennis Schroder led the Lakers with 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting. Kendrick Nunn added 17 points off the bench, while Lonnie Walker IV and Thomas Bryant chipped in 16 points apiece.
Los Angeles was doomed by its defense, as the Suns shot 51.3 percent from beyond the arc and got at least 15 points from all five of their starters. Chris Paul turned back the clock with a 28-point, eight-assist performance to lead the way.
Fans on social media let loose on the Lakers for their ugly performance on Monday night:
I know the Lakers have a ton of guys out, but even bearing that in mind, their current bench unit is BRUTAL to watch. Suns up 19
While Davis is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury, the Lakers have to hope that James and Westbrook return to the court sooner rather than later so they can try to stay afloat in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles (13-17) will look to bounce back when it visits the Sacramento Kings (16-12) on Wednesday.
NBA G League Showcase 2022 Results: Top Scores, Highlights and Stats from Monday
Dec 20, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 19: Devin Cannady #31 of the South Bay Lakers shoots a three point basket during the game against the Maine Celtics during the 2022-23 G League Winter Showcase on December 19, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Less than a week remains until the NBA celebrates Christmas, one of the biggest days on its calendar. In the meantime, the NBA G League's 2022 Winter Showcase tipped off Monday in Las Vegas.
The four-day event includes the Showcase Cup, which pits eight of the G League's best teams against one another for a $100,000 prize.
The four quarterfinal contests were spread across Monday night.
Showcase Cup Results
No. 8 Maine Celtics 112, No. 1 South Bay Lakers 106
No. 7 Windy City Bulls 102, No. 2 Rio Grande Valley Vipers 96
No. 4 Ontario Clippers 121, No. 5 Iowa Wolves 95
No. 6 Cleveland Charge 120, No. 3 College Park Skyhawks 104
Monday Recap
Denzel Valentine led the way for the Maine Celtics as they took down the top-seeded South Bay Lakers 112-106.
Valentine posted a game-high 25 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. He took over in the fourth quarter, hitting three straight three-pointers as the Celtics outpaced the Lakers 27-20 to hit the 111 points necessary to win under the Elam Ending rule.
Mfiondu Kabengele cleaned up a miss by Kamar Baldwin for the decisive bucket.
South Bay didn't have much of an answer for Kabengele, who posted a double-double (18 points and 10 rebounds) and missed just three of his 11 shot attempts.
The Lakers had to dig out of a deep hole after allowing 40 points in the first quarter. They clawed their way back in the third and took an 86-85 lead into the final frame. Miles Simon's squad ran out of steam in the fourth as Valentine's hot shooting turned the tide.
Bryce Hamilton (19 points) and LJ Figueroa (18 points) were the leading scorers for South Bay, while Shaquille Harrison's 10 assists were nearly half of his team's overall total (24).
Windy City was led by a balanced offensive night, with seven players contributing double-digit points, led by Malcolm Hill's 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Ethan Thompson added 15 points off the bench, while Trevor Hudgins (27 points) and Louis King (21 points) had big nights for Rio Grande in the loss.
Ontario was paced by a huge night from both Brandon Boston Jr. and Nate Darling, with the pair scoring 33 points apiece in the team's 121-95 blowout win over Iowa.
Javonte Cook led the way for Wolves with 20 points, while PJ Dozier (19 points, 13 boards) and D.J. Carton (12 points, 13 assists) each went for double-doubles.
NBA Rumors: Rockets' Eric Gordon More Likely to Be Traded This Season Than in Past
Dec 19, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 17: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 17, 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)
Eric Gordon's time with the Houston Rockets may finally be nearing a close.
With the team in a complete rebuild after a 9-20 start and with young players to build around, Gordon is the "most-asked-about player on the Rockets roster from contenders," according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Per that report: "The Rockets have turned down offers for Gordon at every possible juncture—the draft, offseason and trade deadline—but a resolution to this saga may finally be had this season. Team and league sources tell The Athletic the Rockets are more inclined to moving the 33-year-old than at any point over the past two seasons."
While Gordon has remained a starter for the Rockets, averaging 29.6 minutes per game across 25 starts, his effectiveness has waned. For the year, Gordon is posting 11.8 points, 2.4 assists and two rebounds per game while shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three.
His scoring output is currently the lowest average of his career. He's on a different career timeline than young players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Şengün, among others.
And Gordon reportedly wants a change in scenery. Per that report, the veteran guard "has made no secret of his desire to return to winning, contending ways and he's made his preference for a move to a contender known during the offseason, but he's since remained professional and patient."
"This might finally be the year for EG," an Eastern Conference told Iko. "His contract is essentially expiring with next season being non-guaranteed and he's on a big number. Houston can use that to take on some bad money and get an asset from some teams, but other teams still have real interest in him because he can help a contender. He's a shot creator who can play on and off the ball. Good shooter who can handle it and pass enough. Going into a winning situation should rejuvenate him some too. He's a pro and a team guy."
Gordon's set to make $20.9 million next season, though it's non-guaranteed.
The veteran guard thrived in the past as a role player during the James Harden era, so it's established that he can fit a contending team well. The question will be which team makes a move to land him. Certainly, it appears that his stay in Houston has reached its natural conclusion.
Lakers' LeBron James, Russell Westbrook Won't Play vs. Suns Because of Injuries
Dec 19, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 6: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 6, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (left ankle soreness) and Russell Westbrook (left foot soreness) in Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns because of injuries.
Austin Reaves (ankle sprain) will also be sidelined.
James has averaged 27.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game in his 20th NBA season and fifth with the Lakers. He's an 18-time All-Star, 18-time All-NBA team member, four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP, among other accolades.
However, the37-year-old has been forced to the sideline on numerous occasions this year.
James was ruled out for the Lakers' Dec. 7 game against the Toronto Raptors with left ankle soreness. He played 36 minutes the night before against the Cleveland Cavaliers and dropped 21 points and 17 rebounds in 36 minutes.
He sat out the Lakers' Nov. 7 matchup with the Utah Jazz because of left foot soreness. He returned two days later against the Los Angeles Clippers but departed in the fourth quarter with a left adductor strain and missed the next five games. He returned Nov. 25 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, Westbrook is averaging 14.5 points, 7.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game this season. Since taking on a bench role, he averaged 15.0 points on 41.3 percent shooting, 8.0 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 25 appearances.
Not having James or Westbrook means Los Angeles will be without serious star power against Phoenix, as Anthony Davis is reportedly sidelined for multiple weeks with a foot injury. For the season, the 29-year-old is averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
Mavs Exec Views Josh Green as 3rd-Most Important Player After Luka Dončić, Dinwiddie
Dec 19, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 27: Josh Green #8 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 27, 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)
Now into his third season in the NBA, Josh Green has yet to make a breakthrough since the Dallas Mavericks selected him in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft. But that doesn't mean he still isn't valued highly within the organization.
The Athletic's Tim Cato reported the Mavs "would be very hesitant to trade Green at this point" and that one member of the front office said the 22-year-old is "the team's third-most important player after [Luka] Dončić and [Spencer] Dinwiddie."
Green is nursing an elbow injury that has forced him to miss five games. Before going down, he showcased his clear potential to Dallas. Through 25 appearances, he's averaging 7.0 points and 1.2 assists while shooting 58.3 percent overall and 44.4 percent from three-point range.
Cato explained why his skill set is also something the Mavericks badly need.
"The best teams are filled with athletes like [Green], players you have to run off the line due to their three-point ability but who can do something once they're chased away from it," he wrote. "... Dallas just doesn't have enough players like Green to completely shift away from this 3-centric approach."
Upgrades to the supporting cast around Dončić are clearly required. Dallas is 15-15 and ninth in the Western Conference, and the backcourt still has a Jalen Brunson-shaped void after he signed with the New York Knicks.
A trade of some sort feels inevitable, but Green for all intents and purposes appears to be untouchable.
