NBA Top Shot Video of Giannis Layup in 2014 with Bucks Sells for $137K
Mar 7, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The first NBA Top Shot moment sold at Goldin Auctions was a six-figure buy.
The price continues the rise of Top Shot, a digital highlights marketplace that utilizes blockchain technology to allow fans to "own" moments from games. It has seen a massive rise in popularity in recent months, thanks in large part to the non-fungible token (NFT) market.
The NBA and NBPA have a partnership with Top Shot, which was founded by Dapper Labs, the Vancouver-based company that is also responsible for the popular CryptoKitties video game.
The NBA All-Star Game is often an amalgamation of elite hoopers past, present and future. Sure, they're all technically present stars. But some are still ascending, some are elegantly declining and others are at their apexes...
Giannis on Team LeBron's Starting 5: 'Yeah, It's over Guys'
Mar 5, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to drive past Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 111-104. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is confident Team LeBron is heading toward a victory in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game after Thursday night's roster draft.
James explained there's no magic formula for picking a winning squad, though he's 3-0 since the format moved to player captains picking the rosters in 2018.
"I just try to pick players that can complement one another," Jamessaidon the TNT broadcast. "We're out on the floor, just try to play the game the right way. It's an All-Star Game, so it's going to be some shenanigans out there, but for the majority of the game, we just play the right way and try to get a win."
One of the night's most surprising moments came at the end of the draft when the two players left on the board were the representatives from the NBA-leading Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
James defended himself and Durant, jokingly chalking it up to the franchise's history.
"I just want to say something, because there's no slander to the Utah Jazz," he said. "But you guys got to understand, just like in video games growing up, we never played with Utah. Even as great as Karl Malone and John Stockton were, we never would have picked those guys. Never."
Although James' starting lineup does look a bit stronger on paper, Team Durant features an explosive group of bench scorers, led by James Harden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxOpAjmx26c
Given the condensed regular-season schedule, the game's head coaches—the Jazz's Quin Snyder for Team LeBron and the Sixers' Doc Rivers for Team Durant—are probably going to spread the minutes out as evenly as possible with all 12 players on both sides seeing plenty of run.
So it's likely the starting lineups will only be out there together for the first couple of minutes. LeBron's starting unit is almost assuredly going to return for crunch time, but the Durant group may go with some small-ball looks during the "Elam Ending" format as it tries to generate some extra offense.
Tip off for the All-Star Game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta is scheduled for Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
NBA All-Star Game 2021 Rosters Revealed After LeBron vs. Durant Draft
Mar 4, 2021
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the second half of the NBA All-Star basketball game Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Huh)
The life of NBA general managers would be significantly easier if they only had to choose players from a preselected list of All-Stars, but the drafting skills of LeBron James and Kevin Durant were put to the test during TNT's Inside the NBA on Thursday.
James and Durant are the two captains for this year's NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta as the top vote-getters and drafted their teams.
As the top vote-getter, James earned the No. 1 overall pick of the first round, which was used to draft the eight other starters. KD got the first pick of the second round, which was used to draft the reserves.
Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis was named as the injury replacement for Durant, which elevated Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum into the starter pool. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker was named as the injury replacement for Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis.
James is looking to defend his All-Star crown after defeating Giannis Antetokounmpo's team in a classic last year in Chicago.
Team LeBron won 157-155 in a back-and-forth thriller that featured plenty of drama because of the Elam Ending. That type of finish to a game turns off the clock and sets a target score for the teams to reach, which ideally eliminates late fouling that drags out the end.
It will once again be in place in Atlanta for Sunday's game.
The contest will be about more than just the league's best players going back-and-forth for bragging rights on the All-Star stage. It will also raise awareness and honor historically Black colleges and universities.
The NBA's release explained the game, "will highlight the importance of HBCUs and raise awareness around the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. In addition, All-Star will feature special performances by HBCU musical groups and unique storytelling and content by distinguished alumni and students."
Sunday will also be a busy day of basketball beyond the game. The skills competition and three-point contest will take place during the pregame, while the dunk contest will take place at halftime.
Giannis and His Agent Talked Trades, 'Every Single Option' Before Bucks Contract
Mar 4, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his representatives left no stone unturned before the two-time NBA MVP made the decision to re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks in December.
Per Adam Caparell of Complex.com, Antetokounmpo explained the process that he and his agent, Alex Saratsis, went through during the offseason as they were negotiating an extension with Milwaukee.
"The most important thing he told me is that he wanted me to be happy and to be comfortable with my choice," said Antetokounmpo. "We talked about every single option for months, but at the end of the day, he knows me, and knows what matters the most to me and my family."
Antetokounmpo had until Dec. 22 to decide if he wanted to sign a supermax deal with the Bucks. If he declined the offer, the 26-year-old would have played out the final year of his previous contract and been eligible for free agency this summer.
Opposing teams seemed to be planning for the hope and possibility that they would have a chance to at least make an offer to the five-time All-Star.
ESPN'sBrian Windhorstreported last October that the Dallas Mavericks "want to have a third star" and were going to "be at the head of the line in pursuing Giannis." The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat were alsomentionedas possible suitors if he became available.
Despite the uncertainty around Antetokounmpo's deal for most of the offseason, ESPN'sTim Bontempsreported that Milwaukee would not attempt to trade him if he didn't sign.
"Instead, the Bucks will try to improve their roster and use the next year to show Antetokounmpo why he should stay," Bontemps wrote.
The Bucks did make a big move during the offseason to acquire Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Antetokounmpo ended any suspense about his future on Dec. 21 when heofficially signeda five-year, $228 million contract to stay in Milwaukee.
The Bucks had the NBA's best record during the regular season in each of the previous two years but were eliminated from the playoffs before reaching the NBA Finals. Their record isn't as good so far this season (21-14) as it was in those past years, but they have thesecond-best net rating(+6.3) in the league and are the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
NBA All-Star Game 2021: TV Schedule, Time and LeBron vs. Durant Mock Draft
Mar 3, 2021
Eastern Conference's LeBron James (6), of the Miami Heat, pressures Western Conference's Kevin Durant (35), of the Oklahoma City Thunder, during the NBA All-Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Basketball's biggest and brightest stars are mere days away from taking over Atlanta for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
But there are All-Star rosters to assemble before then.
That duty falls on the shoulders of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, named the game's two captains by virtue of being the highest vote-getters in their respective conferences. Durant will retain that honor despite being sidelined from the actual contest by a nagging hamstring injury.
James and Durant will make their selections during Thursday night's televised draft on TNT (8 p.m. ET). Fans who don't want to wait that long to see the rosters are in luck, as we're breaking out our crystal ball for a Team LeBron vs. Team Durant mock draft here.
NBA All-Star Game 2021 Schedule
When: Sunday, March 7 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: State Farm Arena in Atlanta
TV: TNT
Live Stream: Watch TNT
Team LeBron vs. Team Durant Mock Draft
Starters
As the overall leader in fan votes, James will get the first pick from the starter pool. Given the plethora of top-shelf talent available, there isn't a wrong pick.
But there might be a right one. James could do himself a ton of favors by starting off his squad with the reigning two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"In a game full of lobs and dunks, Antetokounmpo is a dream come true," ESPN's Kevin Pelton wrote. "He is by far the best dunker among the starters and probably the best defensive rebounder too."
The fact Antetokounmpo's motor only runs on full-throttle also means he'll be bringing it the entire game. James should want that on his team—and to not have to worry about defending Antetokounmpo.
For Durant, his first pick feels obvious: former running-mate Stephen Curry. He has seen the Chef's firepower firsthand and knows few (if any) offensive forces are as powerful.
James could mimic Durant's thinking by snagging his own former championship partner, Kyrie Irving. Durant could then come right back with Kawhi Leonard, who always seems to find an extra gear against James.
If James goes for the best player available here, Joel Embiid might be the pick. He's been nothing short of awesome this season, and good lord, a James-Antetokounmpo-Embiid frontcourt sounds ferocious. For Durant, answering that pick by adding Nikola Jokic seems the logical move to make, pushing the offensive ceiling even higher.
James could round out his starting five with Bradley Beal, whose shot-making might address the only question mark with this lineup. Durant could then close out the starter draft with Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum, Durant's replacement in the starting lineup.
Starting Lineups
Team LeBron
LeBron James
Kyrie Irving
Bradley Beal
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Joel Embiid
Team Durant
Stephen Curry
Luka Doncic
Kawhi Leonard
Jayson Tatum
Nikola Jokic
Reserves
The first pick of the reserve round goes to Durant, and he should be quick to pounce on Brooklyn Nets teammate James Harden. Imagine a defense facing Harden at one backcourt spot and Curry at the other. That's the definition of poison-picking.
James could counter by sending his already absurd size-athleticism combo into the stratosphere with Zion Williamson. Get those two out there with Antetokounmpo and Embiid and it might be game over.
That might nudge Durant toward a big, athletic defender, making Ben Simmons the next selection. Send Damian Lillard to Team LeBron, and Durant could go back to the defensive end with Paul George.
James could be hunting for more offense, and few provide it in more fiery outbursts than Devin Booker, who should be particularly heated after getting passed over in the initial All-Star selections. Durant might go back to the defensive well again with Rudy Gobert, who might be the only player physically equipped to deal with all of Team LeBron's length and explosiveness.
That leaves James' close friend Chris Paul there for the taking, while Durant can respond with rising two-way wing Jaylen Brown. James could increase his team's excitement with Donovan Mitchell, and Durant could do the same with Zach LaVine, whose combination of dunk-contest hops and three-point contest touch seems perfect for this environment.
As a jumbo-sized playmaker himself, James might appreciate Julius Randle's ability to serve as a 6'8" secondary shot-creator. After Durant perks up his own ball-movement with Domantas Sabonis, James can close out the draft with Nikola Vucevic, Orlando's 6'11" offensive hub who can score from the post to the perimeter.
This weekend, the 2021 NBA All-Star Game will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, without the usual glitz and glamor we've come to expect from the event. Nevertheless, the league revealed the starters and 14 reserves last month...
Giannis Antetokounmpo Drops 36 as Bucks Top Kawhi Leonard, Clippers in Thriller
Feb 28, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts in the final seconds of the second half of an NBA basketball game against the LA ClippersSunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 105-100. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Kawhi Leonard vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Two legitimate contenders in the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks. Who would blink first?
The Clippers did. Led by the Greek Freak, Milwaukee defeated Los Angeles 105-100 in a matchup of two of the league's best teams.
Milwaukee moved to 21-13 on the season, third in the Eastern Conference with the win, while the Clippers dropped to 24-12, third in the West.
Sunday did mark the return of Jrue Holiday for the Bucks after he missed 10 games because of the NBA's health and safety protocols. He didn't play a major role, posting just two points off the bench (1-of-5 from the field), though his return in general is a major boost for a Bucks team hunting for the top spot in the East.
Key Stats
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL: 36 points, 14 rebounds, five assists
Khris Middleton, MIL: 19 points, eight assists, six rebounds
At one point in the fourth quarter, the Greek Freak accounted for 10 straight points for the Bucks. He had 17 points in total in the quarter, including a massive dunk with just 10 seconds remaining to put the Bucks up three.
I must say this was one of Giannis most impressive wins!!! He finally took over in the 4th and dominated on both ends of the floor! Carry on...
He wasn't without fault himself, as his perimeter shooting remains an issue. He came into Sunday's game hitting on just 28.6 percent of his threes, and he didn't improve on that percentage against the Clippers (2-of-7 from three).
As hard as Giannis has worked to develop a 3-point shot, I wonder if that's ever going to be a better option when defenses sag off then just going into a handoff to get another player an uncontested 3.
It's hard to knock him too much, given how devastating he is as a scorer around the basket, coupled with the defensive impact he has as a rim protector. Without him, the Bucks get blown out on Sunday.
Still, teams can dare Giannis to shoot from deep, packing the paint to contest his drives to the hoop. On Sunday, he was good enough to overcome those struggles.
Kawhi Couldn't Find the Touch Late
While Giannis was excellent in the fourth quarter, Leonard couldn't quite keep up.
Leonard was generally excellent on Sunday, leading the Clippers in scoring. He kept them in the game on an afternoon where George struggled (7-of-21 from the field).
Losing to the Bucks on the road is nothing to lose sleep over. But the Clippers struggles to score in the half court late in the contest will be a storyline for this team if it continues.
What's Next?
The Clippers face another tough Eastern Conference foe on Tuesday when they travel to Boston to face the struggling Celtics (16-17) at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. Milwaukee gets another West contender that same day when they travel to Denver to face the Nuggets (18-15) at 9 p.m. ET.
The NBA standings may seem like the only form of report card we need. They're dispassionate, and they tell us exactly how every team grades out by the metrics that ultimately matter most: wins and losses...
Giannis on Khris Middleton's All-Star Game Snub: 'Bottom Line, He's an All-Star'
Feb 24, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Khris Middleton question a referee during the second quarter of their 111-100 loss to the Boston Celtics in an NBA basketball game in Boston, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo praised teammate Khris Middleton after he wasn't selected as one of the Eastern Conference All-Star reserves Tuesday.
"Actually, it was kind of surprising," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "To me, Khris is an All-Star. All-Star player. Not to disrespect any of the other players that made the team, they're all having great, great seasons, but Khris is an All-Star. Bottom line, he's an All-Star."
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer also expressed his support for the ninth-year forward following Tuesday night's 139-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves:
"We feel like Khris is an All-Star. We feel like he deserves it. The numbers and everything, his efficiency and what he does in a game on both ends of the court is very special. But you never want to take away from, you know, there's a lot of guys that are deserving. The players that were selected, I would never say they are not always deserving, but he's in our locker room. He's with us. We certainly feel like he's an All-Star and proven it and proved it again this year."
Middleton added he was "a little disappointed" by being left off the All-Star roster but congratulated those who were selected instead.
The 29-year-old Texas A&M product, who made the All-Star Game each of the past two years, joined the Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker and Utah Jazz's Mike Conley Jr. among the top players who weren't voted to make the trip to Atlanta for the midseason showcase.
Middleton has averaged 20.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals across 32 appearances. He's shooting 49.8 percent from the field, including 43.4 percent from three-point range, and he ranks second to the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James among small forwards in ESPN's offensive RPM.
While he put together a strong case for a third straight All-Star selection, and he could still make it if players are removed because of injury, both the East and West groups are stacked, so it's just as difficult to argue against any of the choices made by the fans and coaches.
Middleton, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are back in action Thursday night when they host All-Star Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans in a nationally broadcast game on TNT.
