Tag: Malika Andrews

‘We’re capable of anything’: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks Thunder championship aspirations

‘We’re capable of anything’: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks Thunder championship aspirations.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (43-19) have been one of the best teams in the league this season. With a little over a month left in the 2023-24 regular season, they’re tied for first place in the Western Conference standings.

The peripherals view the Thunder as a serious title contender despite their youthful roster. They rank in the top five in net rating, offensive rating and defensive rating. The Boston Celtics are the only other team that meets this criteria.

The Thunder also possess the second-best point differential in the league (plus-7.6). Only the Celtics have a higher mark (plus-11.2).

A significant reason the Thunder graduated to contender status so rapidly is the play of MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 25-year-old took a major step this season, blossoming into one of the best players in the league last year.

In 61 games, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 31.3 points on 54.6% shooting, 6.5 assists and 5.6 rebounds. He has shot 37.7% from 3 on 3.3 attempts. He’s also averaged a league-leading 2.1 steals.

In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Gilgeous-Alexander said winning a title within the next five years would be a successful run for him. In terms of OKC’s title odds this season, it sounds like he’s a stout believer in them.

“We’re capable of anything,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

The Thunder’s inexperience has folks wary about their championship odds this season, citing the rule of thumb that a core needs battle scars and postseason shortcomings before winning a title.

Considering the numbers the Thunder have put up this season, their successful campaign has been pretty unprecedented. If anybody can go against the grain, this year’s Thunder can do that.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

The order was granted later Friday, …

The order was granted later Friday, with a judge saying Rondo must stay at least 500 feet away from the woman and the children, and must temporarily surrender any firearms to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN’s Malika Andrews that the league is aware of what allegedly happened and is “in the process of gathering more information.” Messages left by ESPN to Rondo’s representatives weren’t immediately returned.

Desmond Bane: We are going to come in Minnesota… and take over your trap

Malika Andrews: Desmond Bane on NBA Today: “We gon’ come in Minnesota and we gon’ walk in your trap and take over your trap.” pic.twitter.com/trCz1sTWcW Source: Twitter @malika_andrews What’s the buzz on Twitter? Drew Hill @ DrewHill_DM Bane on NBA …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Bane on NBA Today about Steven Adams:
“He’s a great vet. There’s not a lot of guys in the league that has the type of career he’s had that is willing to step aside and let younger guys in the rotation, given that the series might not fit his game.” – 5:15 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Desmond Bane on NBA Today: “We gon’ come in Minnesota and we gon’ walk in your trap and take over your trap.” pic.twitter.com/trCz1sTWcW – 4:42 PM

JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from April 21:
– N. Jokic: 37 pts, 18 reb, 3 stl
– D. Mitchell: 32 pts, 2 reb, 6 ast
– J. Brunson: 31 pts, 5 ast, 12-22 fg
– S. Curry: 27 pts, 3 reb, 6 ast
– J. Poole: 27 pts, 3 ast, 9-13 fg
– D. Bane: 26 pts, 6 reb, 2 blk
– B. Clarke: 20 pts, 8 reb, 29 min – 10:08 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Desmond Bane last night:
✅ 26 PTS
✅ 6 REB
✅ 7-15 3P
Bane set @Memphis Grizzlies postseason records for 3P made and attempted. pic.twitter.com/t0e2c5TVzY – 9:51 AM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
I love when young players step up and shine on the NBA’s biggest stage.
It’s been so much fun watching Jordan Poole, Brandon Ingram, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Desmond Bane, etc. show what they can do. – 1:28 AM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
“This kid Bane is becoming my favorite player in the NBA.”
– Charles Barkley on TNT – 1:13 AM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Believe it, Memphis fans, that happened.
Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke and Tyus Jones come up huge so that Ja Morant can get his wish to send the Wolves fans home mad.
“That’s why we are the deepest team in the league and so good,” Morant said. dailymemphian.com/section/sports… – 11:46 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Desmond Bane said it’s the No. 1 weirdest basketball game that he has ever played in…”I have never been down 20 twice and won…it was just a weird game…” – 10:55 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Me: “Where did that rank in terms of weirdest games you’ve ever played?”
Desmond Bane: “No. 1. I ain’t never been down 20 twice.” – 10:55 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Desmond Bane really slipped to 30. I’ll never understand that. Just because he played four years and has short arms 😭 – 10:17 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Desmond Bane tonight:
26 PTS
6 REB
7-15 3P
That’s the most 3s in a playoff game in Memphis history. pic.twitter.com/bEFNmV7fWY – 10:03 PM

Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Desmond Bane knocks down his 7th three to give the Grizzlies their largest lead, 93-88. – 9:50 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
That left-handed pass by Ja Morant to Desmond Bane in the corner might be the best pass this game. Somehow, we’re tied. – 9:39 PM
Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Desmond Bane has tied the game. – 9:38 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Been a bad night for Ja, and pretty much everyone else not named Bane. – 9:05 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Jenkins starting this 3rd qtr with:
Morant, Bane, Brooks, Jackson Jr. and Clarke – 8:56 PM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Bane 3s and Grizzlies defense finally generating turnovers got Grizzlies back in it. Will home crowd summon same intensity to start second half? – 8:52 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Minnesota Offensive fouls and shot clock violation…Karl Anthony Towns going to the bench with 3 fouls… Bane hitting 3s..good way to end 2nd qtr. – 8:40 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Halftime:
Timberwolves 51 Grizzlies 44
The Grizzlies trailed by as many 26 points. Ended the 2nd quarter on a 23-4 run. A wild game of runs so far. Desmond Bane leads Memphis with 16 points. – 8:40 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Desmond Bane giving it his all! – 8:36 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Desmond Bane is so good, man. What a shooter. – 8:36 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Desmond Bane is going nuclear. He’s the saving grace right now – 8:36 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
DESMOND. BANE. 👀 – 8:36 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Grizzlies sub patterns are thrown off with the foul trouble. Desmond Bane just exited and had to check back in with Dillon Brooks picking up his second foul. Ja Morant left the game about 3 minutes earlier than normal because of two fouls. – 7:51 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
We might see a lot of Desmond Bane 3-point attempts this fame if they continue to double Ja Morant the way that they have. – 7:45 PM
Geoff Calkins @geoff_calkins
Bane finally breaks the ice. (A metaphor that works here in Minnesota). – 7:44 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
The Grizzlies are starting Kyle Anderson over Steven Adams because they believe that gives them a better way of guarding KAT.
On the other end though, the Wolves can now take DLo off Bane and put him on Anderson. Pat Bev now on Bane (previously Ja) and Ant is taking Ja. – 7:43 PM
Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
Kyle Anderson will start for the Grizzlies along with Morant, Bane, Brooks and Jackson. Same lineup Memphis used to start the 2nd half of Game 2. – 7:16 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Grizz starters:
Brooks
Jackson
Bane
Morant
…
Anderson – 7:16 PM

More on this storyline

Eddy Curry: I’m not ashamed or upset about my career. A lot of times, I get met with anger. I think people wanted my career to go a certain way. It’s like if you’re mad that I didn’t do this or that, how do you think I feel? I’m here now. There’s nothing I can do about it. It’s not like I can go sign with a team and try to correct this or that. It is what it is. I’m trying to build from here on. I think people still harbor this real anger about my career. I find that intriguing. -via HoopsHype / April 22, 2022
Mark Giannotto: A very confident and comfortable Ja Morant after today’s shootaround, when asked if Grizzlies want to steal one in Minnesota like Minnesota did in Memphis. “I’m looking to steal two. We got Game 3 and 4 here, right?” -via Twitter @mgiannotto / April 21, 2022

Kyrie Irving purchases courtside seats for Nets vs. Knicks, expected to attend game

Malika Andrews: As reported on ABC: Kyrie Irving is expected to be in Barclays Center today but he will not be on the bench with the team. He will be sitting in his purchased, courtside seats. Source: Twitter @malika_andrews What’s the buzz on …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kyrie Irving making his way to his seats late second quarter. A “Free Kyrie!” chant breaks out as he walks by. – 1:59 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving is in the building. – 1:58 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Do a Who’s in the House for Kyrie Irving @barclayscenter – 1:50 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Do a ‘Who’s In The House’ for Kyrie @barclayscenter – 1:47 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets lead the Knicks 35-30. Kevin Durant has 16 points. Brooklyn has eight assists on 13 field goals. Good ball movement so far. No sign of Kyrie Irving yet. – 1:39 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Wonder if Kyrie is checking out the Crown Club before he makes his way to his seats. – 1:30 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Someone tell Kyrie to wear his jersey and shorts to the game today. – 1:30 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
“MVP” chants in the building, so maybe Kyrie brought Jokic with him. – 1:14 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Hypothetical: If Kyrie Irving were to walk across the court from is courtside seats and join in the huddle, what happens? Can he do that and just walk back to his seats? Does security have to stop him when the Nets wouldn’t have a problem with it? – 1:11 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
As reported on ABC: Kyrie Irving is expected to be in Barclays Center today but he will not be on the bench with the team. He will be sitting in his purchased, courtside seats. – 1:07 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from Barclays. Nets-Knicks tip shortly. Currently trying to find Kyrie as if he’s Waldo. This will mark his first Nets game of the season…as a fan. On the court, BK is going for its third straight win. With Magic & Blazers this week, the runway is there for some wins. – 12:59 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
The Kyrie Irving situation is certainly the center of attention.
Here’s one ? I don’t understand
Why is Irving allowed to attend work (and practice) at the Nets practice facility that is located in Brooklyn but not play home games that are also located in Brooklyn? – 12:58 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Nets neeeeeed to show Kyrie on the Jumbotron today – 12:58 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Kyrie is going to be somewhere in Barclay’s today, even though he can’t play. Taking bets on where he will sit. Courtside? Behind the basket? Luxury suite? Press box? OK, it won’t be the press box. – 12:56 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving will sit courtside, maskless, to watch Nets game Sunday he can’t play in nba.nbcsports.com/2022/03/13/kyr… – 12:47 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Kyrie Irving is expected to attend today’s Nets game at the Barclay Center as a spectator, per @Shams Charania. pic.twitter.com/3vcRKGHMie – 12:40 PM

John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
I’m neither a virus expert nor familiar w/ the mayor’s/city’s thinking, but I imagine the logic behind the Kyrie can’t play/can watch thing starts w/ this: You’re more likely to get compliance by threatening a person’s job than threatening their ability to go out. – 12:28 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Don’t let a senseless NYC rule distract you from the fact that Kyrie Irving willingly chose and continues to choose this path.
It’s a dumb rule.
But Kyrie isn’t a victim or martyr here either. – 12:21 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“His conditioning has improved.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving. – 11:25 AM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Steve Nash says he hasn’t seen Kyrie Irving yet but expects him at Barclays Center today. Can watch game against Knicks but can’t play in it. – 11:24 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Steve Nash admits Kyrie Irving is irreplaceable. – 11:23 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Steve Nash says he expects Kyrie Irving to be at Barclays Center in the stands today for Knicks-Nets. Due to his vaccination status and NYC’s vaccine mandates, Irving can’t play on the court today but he can watch the game as a spectator. – 11:22 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says he believes Kyrie will be here today at Barclays to watch the game. – 11:21 AM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving is expected to sit courtside to support teammates at Nets-Knicks on Sunday afternoon at Barclays Center.
Irving is able to attend the game as a spectator, move freely, maskless … but cannot play due to private sector mandate. – 11:21 AM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Steve Nash believes Kyrie Irving is coming to Barclays (for what would be his first appearance as a spectator) isn’t sure if he’s here yet. Doesn’t want to wade into the situation with an opinion. – 11:21 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash said he hasn’t seen Kyrie Irving today, but expects him to be in the building as the new rules allow him into Barclays Center, but not on the court. – 11:21 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I’m just going to stay out of it.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving not being allowed to play at Barclays Center. – 11:20 AM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
Toronto passing Cleveland would be big for the Nets since they wouldn’t have to travel to Toronto for the play-in and not have Kyrie in that game. Instead would face Cleveland with Kyrie. – 11:39 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Just like us all, Andre Drummond still doesn’t understand why Kyrie Irving can’t play home games.
Andre Drummond: “MAKE IT MAKE SENSE…”
Via Instagram pic.twitter.com/qSQNdYuIpi – 10:02 PM

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
It wouldn’t be too complicated if Kyrie Irving had just gotten the vaccine but you really can’t make sense of a policy that allows him to sit in the stands to watch a college basketball game but prohibits him from playing a NBA game in the same building. pic.twitter.com/YwLmEokIKP – 9:02 PM

Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
Kyrie is sitting inside Barclays for the Duke game but can’t play there tomorrow against the Knicks. Makes perfect sense. – 8:46 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Under the current vaccine mandate, Kyrie Irving is only eligible for 4 of the Nets’ last 15 games. They won 2 out of 3 with him. It’s time to find out what they are without him. For ⁦@NYDNSports⁩ nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 8:03 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Why are the @Brooklyn Nets so dangerous in the post-season?
@adaniels33 tells @Rick Kamla it’s because of performances like Kyrie Irving this past Tuesday night
#NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/cEzCaSZltg – 5:45 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
No surprise, but Kyrie Irving is out against the Knicks tomorrow. He’ll be allowed to sit on the bench and watch, though. – 3:04 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
No LaMarcus Aldridge (hip), Ben Simmons (back) or Kyrie Irving (ineligible) tomorrow against the Knicks. – 3:02 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Per Nets PR:
Status Report for Knicks game:
Aldridge (right hip impingement) – OUT
Duke Jr. (left ankle sprain) – OUT
Harris (left ankle surgery) – OUT
Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT
Irving – OUT – 3:01 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets status report against the Knicks tomorrow: Aldridge (right hip impingement) – OUT
Duke Jr. (left ankle sprain) – OUT
Harris (left ankle surgery) – OUT
Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT
Irving – OUT – 3:01 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2015, the @Cleveland Cavaliers Kyrie Irving scored a career-high and franchise-record 57 points in a win over the Spurs.
Irving shot 7-7 on 3P and 10-10 on FT. He and Steve Smith are the only players in NBA history to make at least five 3P and 10 FT in a game without a miss. pic.twitter.com/0yYAF1e0nQ – 2:31 PM

More on this storyline

Kyrie Irving’s out-of-town residency status does not exempt him from any New York City vaccine mandates, the Daily News has learned. An Adams administration official told The News that Irving, the Nets’ unvaccinated superstar guard, will still be covered by the city’s private employer vaccine mandate even when the Key2NYC requirement for indoor spaces is set to be lifted on March 7. He will not be able to play in games at Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden — unless he manages to get a religious or health exemption from the private employer mandate. -via New York Daily News / March 3, 2022

Malika Andrews: The roar for Klay …