There was only one season in which the trio of [autotag]Rex Pflueger[/autotag], [autotag]John Mooney[/autotag] and [autotag]Matt Ryan[/autotag] played together at Notre Dame. That was the 2016-17 season, the last time the Irish made the NCAA Tournament before this past year. However, that was enough to make all of them good friends because Pflueger tweeted out this photo:
It appears the three were at Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. The photos had to have been taken the day before these were posted because that series wasn’t in action the night of the tweet. Plus, you can see that the tweet was sent from California, so the conclusion is easy to come to.
It’s nice to see the strong brotherhood that college basketball provides on display. It always seemingly comes together after players have left their respective programs. No one at FTX Arena probably recognized them, but that’s probably how they wanted it. After all, it’s nice to watch basketball with your friends and not be bothered.
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The Heat urged people to call their senators, and told them how.
Welcome to Layup Lines, our daily NBA newsletter where we’ll prep you for a tip-off of tonight’s action, from what to watch to bets to make. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every afternoon.
What’s up y’all. This is Prince here for today’s Layup Lines, and before we get into tonight’s playoff action, I want to step away from the court for a second to talk about what the Miami Heat did before last night’s game.
Using the large platform afforded to them by the popularity of the NBA and an Eastern Conference Finals with the Boston Celtics, the Heat gave an important call to action in the wake of the tragic shooting this week at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. After a moment of silence for the 21 victims – including 19 children – Miami’s public address announcer asked that the tens of thousands in attendance at FTX Arena and the millions more watching at home to contact their senators.
“The Heat urges you to contact your state senators by calling 202-224-3121 to leave a message demanding their support for common sense gun laws. You can also make change at the ballot box. Visit Heat.com/vote to register and let your voice be heard this fall.”
The message was simple and something people have been doing for years already. But these tragedies happen so often that it’s easy to feel helpless about them. Surely, if our political leaders cared enough, we wouldn’t still be worrying about the safety of our kids and teachers at school…or our own safety in a place of worship or a grocery store. The shooting in Uvalde was just 10 days after the racist attack in Buffalo that left 10 people dead.
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t find many things to be more annoying than when former NBA players levy criticism against the state of the current game or players, especially when that former player is a legend. So when I saw that James Worthy was the latest to do so, my initial reaction was to shake my head and keep it moving.
But you know what? Worthy’s description of today’s players — however silly — doesn’t sound so bad and might’ve described one of our current legends to a T, as our guy Bryan Kalbrosky wrote.
“The three-time NBA champion thinks that all players do now is practice 3-pointers, get tattoos and tweet. That’s an outstanding lifestyle and something that is going to resonate with a lot of basketball fans!
One fan noticed that Worthy’s description of a modern hooper reminded them of Kevin Durant — and, of course, KD replied. The Brooklyn superstar noted that he had a sharp midrange game.”
OK, so maybe KD practices more than the three. But it is indeed a new day, Mr. Worthy.
Mavericks (+230) vs. Warriors (-6.5, -120), O/U 215.5, 9 PM ET
The Mavericks are still on life support, but they’re breathing a little better now after avoiding a sweep in Game 4. Returning to Golden State with a chance to further extend this series, I don’t really love their chances. The Warriors got the obligatory loss in a closeout game out the way, and they’re undefeated at home this postseason. I think they’ll cover this spread.
Who’s in and out?
— Otto Porter (foot) is questionable
Shootaround
— Joel Embiid’s tweet about the Heat Wednesday sent Twitter into a frenzy, but it might’ve just been a troll job
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