Tag: NBA Playoffs 2022

Jayson Tatum’s son hilariously left Grant Williams hanging in the locker room and it was hilarious

Deuce Tatum, man. He’s a savage. Already.

Jayson Tatum has been the Celtics’ biggest name this postseason. There’s no debating that.  But Grant Williams has been the unsung hero for the Boston Celtics throughout their playoff run.

He’s done everything for them from doing the dirty work on the defensive end to jacking up countless 3-pointers to even sneaking into opposing team huddles to try and disrupt their flow.

Williams has been the bellwether for the Celtics’ success. If he’s playing well, then they’re probably playing well. When he’s not? They’re probably not either.

He definitely played well in Game 2 against the Heat. Williams checked in with about 5 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. The Celtics proceeded to go on a 57-27 run. In just 18 minutes, Williams finished the game at +30.

You’d think that’d be good enough to earn him a few daps in the locker room, right? When the game was over and everyone was celebrating, Williams walked by all his teammate’s lockers and gave them daps.

But there was one person who absolutely refused to show Williams some love. And that was Jayson Tatum’s son, Deuce.

Instead of dapping him up, Deuce just stared a hole into his face. And then walked away.

It was simultaneously the most adorable, yet, the most savage thing I’ve ever seen. He just doesn’t rock with Grant like that. Wow.

Like, look at his face y’all.

He’s totally like “you’d better step away from me, buddy.” Not playing any games with Grant. When kids don’t like you, they don’t like you. And they do not hesitate to show it.

This is hilarious, man. Everyone loved this.

Payton Pritchard, who is only 6-foot-1, hilariously gestured that the Heat’s Tyler Herro is ‘too small’

No one can say Pritchard lacks confidence, that’s for sure.

By common adult male standards, the Celtics’ Payton Pritchard is actually pretty tall at 6-foot-1. In fact, if he walked amongst a majority of the human population, he’d almost certainly be in the 90th percentile when it comes to height.

But in the NBA — where almost every squad has multiple seven-foot players and forwards with seven-foot wingspans — Pritchard is, to put it nicely: A man among giants. That didn’t stop the Celtics’ (+1) backup guard from touting his height and confidence against the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

With Boston pulling away late in the first half, Pritchard drove on Tyler Herro before rising to make an easy jumper in the key.

A routine play. It happens.

What doesn’t happen is a 6-foot-1 guard (Pritchard) gesturing that a 6-foot-5 player (Herro) is “too small” to defend him.

Oh my goodness. You really have to have the competitive juices flowing to bust out the “too small” as one of the actual smallest players on the court.

As the Celtics cemented their lead, NBA fans couldn’t help but laugh at Pritchard’s bravado.

Spencer Dinwiddie will hilariously earn an extra dollar if the Mavericks win the NBA title

Not a million. Not $100,000. One. Dollar.

The Mavericks are only halfway to a championship, but you’d forgive Spencer Dinwiddie if he started to look ahead.

Dinwiddie, of course, was traded to Dallas near this year’s NBA trade deadline. While there was a bit of a rough start to his tenure with the Mavs, there don’t seem to be any issues now. The 29-year-old veteran has been a rock of late, most recently complementing the star power of Luka Doncic as Dallas upset the heavily-favored Suns on their floor.

Now, if Dallas manages to upend the Warriors (-5.5) in the Western Conference Finals and then beat either the Heat or Celtics in the NBA Finals, Dinwiddie has a lucrative title bonus waiting for him:

One dollar. As in… 20 nickels. 10 dimes. 100 pennies.

Yes, that’s not a misprint.

It’s not clear whether Dinwiddie is serious about the dollar bonus for a title or if this was something he merely accepted while still negotiating with the Wizards last off-season. Because, you know, as usual, the Wizards aren’t winning any games in June or May for a while.

But hey: Even with inflation, a dollar probably still gets you a decent candy bar! A ring and a crunchy Twix. What a potential combo for Dinwiddie and the Mavs.

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Luka Doncic smiling at Devin Booker became an instant meme during Mavericks’ Game 7 blowout

Luka gets the last laugh over the Suns.

In advance of their Game 7, the Suns spent a lot of time trolling the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic. Phoenix’s arguably best player, Devin Booker, in particular, really poked the bear.

Hmm, it would appear that trolling of one of the NBA’s very best players was a mistake!

On Sunday, the Mavericks absolutely tore the Suns apart in a stunning 123-90 blowout. From the jump, it was never that close either — the Mavs led by 10 points after the first quarter and just kept stacking onto that margin without mercy.

As per usual, Dallas was led by Doncic, who chipped in a casual 35 points, 10 boards, and four assists. It seems the Mavs’ superstar was indeed paying attention to Booker’s chirping:

Matters got so bad for Phoenix, that folks were even digging up Doncic’s joyous smile at Booker during the Mavs’ previous win from Game 6 in Dallas.

Take this photoshop from TNT, who broadcasted Game 7:

Whatever you do, Devin: Do NOT look at him. It won’t end well. You’ll only get even more upset at your team’s massive Game 7 collapse.

Of course, NBA fans were delighted to see Doncic’s trolling smile at Booker resurface. They turned the funny “Luka Special” moment into an instant viral sensation at the Suns’ expense.

David Aldridge casually corrected Jeff Van Gundy after he misquoted Pat Riley’s playoff mantra

Note to self: Never, ever mess with Aldridge’s basketball knowledge.

Jeff Van Gundy has built a reputation on being one of the NBA’s more outspoken color analysts. As part of ESPN’s lead broadcast team, the former Knicks and Rockets coach usually brings an acerbic edge to the games he helps call.

While it may not always be correct per se, Van Gundy’s commentary is seldom out of bounds. Better said: He’s respectful and not afraid to speak his mind.

During the Celtics’ 108-91 win over the Bucks on Sunday afternoon, Van Gundy did actually cross one line. While comparing Boston’s tremendous depth and Milwaukee’s shorthanded status, Van Gundy absolutely butchered a famous quote from Hall of Fame head coach Pat Riley:

Uh, I could be wrong, but I don’t think that’s what Riley said about playoff rotations, Jeff!

Van Gundy’s blunder — in the middle of a huge game, no less — was so disastrous that legendary reporter David Aldridge just had to correct him. In public. And with some sass:

In some capacity, Aldridge has covered all facets of professional basketball (NBA, WNBA, etc.) for nearly three decades. In essence, he’s definitely had more than his fair share of conversations and interactions with Riley.

So, yeah, I think I’m going to trust Aldridge as a source on what Riley said as opposed to Van Gundy. No offense, coach. And a word of advice: Before saying it out loud to millions of people, it might be better to come prepared with the full quote next time.

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Celtics’ Jayson Tatum appeared to call Grayson Allen a [expletive] during Game 7 win over Bucks

Things seemed to get a little heated between the two former Duke teammates.

In many ways, the Celtics-Bucks second-round series was something of a coming-of-age for Jayson Tatum.

Sure, there’ll never be a shortage of storylines in a matchup between the defending NBA champion Bucks and a stellar Boston squad (-5 favorites coming in). Even still, it’s tough to overshadow a 24-year-old (!) superstar like Tatum coming into his own.

As the Celtics — and their bench — finally pulled away from the Bucks in a 109-81 win, you could tell Tatum was feeling himself. And understandably so. All those competitive juices were flowing.

Tatum was so locked in near the end of the first half that he even appeared to have choice words for his former Duke teammate, Grayson Allen.

Warning, NSFW language in the tweet below. 

Oh, wow. Has someone been watching a little George Carlin in their spare time?

To be fair to Tatum, he was probably reacting in the heat of the moment of a tense Game 7. Sometimes you fight with your friends. It happens. That said, given his history, Allen probably did something to Tatum that would warrant such a response.

Naturally, NBA fans loved Tatum chirping one of the league’s more notorious villains.

Warning, NSFW: Language

Grant Williams hilariously snuck into the Bucks’ huddle and proceeded to enjoy the Game 7 of his life

Gather enemy intel, and make buckets. A foolproof plan.

The Celtics entered their Game 7 with a ton of pressure

Milwaukee (+5) and Giannis Antetokounmpo were the defending champs. Even with an official superstar evolution from Jayson Tatum, Boston had already lost a tough Game 1 and Game 5 at home. With everything on the line, another defeat in front of a raucous TD Garden crowd would’ve been too much to bear.

Thankfully, the Celtics had Grant Williams on their side — one of the NBA’s top role players. He saved his very best tricks for when the Celtics needed a clutch performance from a bench player.

Like, for example, sneaking into a Bucks’ huddle to see what plans they had for the Celtics’ stifling defense:

Oh, Williams. You sly dog, you. I, for one, also really appreciate Jrue Holiday acknowledging Williams’ presence with only a hip check as Antetokounmpo looks on without blinking.

Williams clearly found out all the Bucks’ blueprints to pull an upset as the Celtics wound up winning a 109-81 laugher. They will play the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Given his sneakiness, that Williams chipped in a timely 27 points with seven threes might not be a coincidence.

Then again, Williams’ intrusion is probably what it feels like to play against the Celtics. Every time you think you have a moment to relax and catch your breath, one of their players is almost literally breathing down your neck. Watch out, Miami.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Jayson Tatum had his superstar moment with 46-point masterclass to save Celtics season vs. Bucks

Jayson Tatum, take a bow, sir.

At only 24-years-old, Jayson Tatum still has an entire promising career ahead. Dunks. Cold-blooded threes. Countless accolades. Maybe even a title or two. It’s all out in the open.

But for as gifted as Tatum is, we’ve wondered when he’d finally play like it in a do-or-die situation. When would he finally put the Celtics on his back and become the unstoppable star everyone knows he’s capable of being?

We got our answer on Friday night, with the Celtics down 3-2 against the Bucks (-1.5 point favorites coming in) in Milwaukee. Tatum went off for a 46-point (seven 3s!), nine-rebound, four-assist legendary performance in a 108-95 win to force Game 7.

By the Celtics’ lofty standards, Tatum now has the third-most points in an elimination game in franchise history. Whoa.

Every time the Bucks made a run or kept themselves within striking distance, Tatum returned with a kill shot. The way superstars always do.

Tatum simply could not miss when Milwaukee cut it to four with just over eight minutes to go. From any angle. With 11 straight points over the next few possessions, he essentially singlehandedly gave the Celtics breathing room by himself.

Tatum was so special and so locked in against the defending champs that he made a legendary performance on the other side irrelevant.

The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo — the reigning Finals MVP — dropped one of the only 40-point, 20-rebound playoff games in over two decades. Because of Tatum, it didn’t even matter!

We don’t know what will happen when Tatum’s Celtics and Antetokounmpo’s Bucks meet for an epic Game 7 on Sunday. But after Tatum’s all-time clutch showing in Game 6, we do know that you never count out superstars like him.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Jrue Holiday saved the Bucks in Game 5 with 2 unbelievable clutch defensive plays on Marcus Smart

Holiday is a defensive superhero.

Entering the Bucks and Celtics’ pivotal Game 5 matchup, most wouldn’t have blamed you if you rode with Boston.

After the Celtics (-4.5 favorites entering Wednesday evening) stormed back to tie the series in Milwaukee, it seemed like the defending champs were out of gas. Without Khris Middleton, the Bucks seemed destined to sink.

But these are the playoffs. Never underestimate the heart of a champion.

The Bucks came to the TD Garden on a mission, pounding the Celtics from wire to wire. They even led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter. But Milwaukee needed a defensive hero when the Celtics made an inevitable run. Boston was in a position to win the game in the final moments, and someone had to make a play.

As Marcus Smart drove to the basket with the Celtics down, Jrue Holiday  saved the day.

Ah, but it wasn’t over. Now, the Celtics would get another chance to tie the game, and still with plenty of time. Perhaps Smart — ironically the Defensive Player of the Year with all things considered — could redeem himself?

Holiday said NO.

Imagine so casually stealing the ball at half court, on the same player, with the game on the line. You shouldn’t imagine it because only guys like Holiday are capable of such defensive wizardry.

Here’s another angle of the steal after the fact:

Indeed, it is art.

Do you know what else art is? A 110-107 win and 3-2 series lead for the Bucks as they go back to Milwaukee.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Jason Kidd throws shade at Chris Paul about ‘being taught’ how to draw fouls

Kidd really wants this series to get spicy.

After the first two games of their second-round series, it looked like the Suns would roll the Mavericks off the floor. Phoenix exposed everything wrong with Dallas, and it seemed a sweep was inevitable.

Two games and a half-week later, and we have a tie series at two games apiece. Go figure.

Sunday saw Dallas (who were +3 underdogs) in cruise control at home. Aside from an early Suns flurry, Luka Doncic and Co. never let up in a convincing 103-94 win. In the post-game, Jason Kidd had some interesting comments when breaking down the Mavs’ approach in the clutch.

The coach took a shot, again, at Chris Paul:

It’s worth noting that this is mostly unprompted aside from on-court play. Paul hasn’t directly addressed anything Kidd has said (other matters not withstanding). Yet, here Kidd is, saying his squad is benefitting from the same sorts of underhanded play that Paul usually enjoys!

Talk about leaving no room for the imagination.

Kidd’s shot at Paul after Game 4 is right in line with his shot at Paul after Game 3: He wished the Taurus (learning new things!) point guard well on his May 6th birthday following another win.

I don’t know what Kidd will say to Paul if the Mavericks eliminate the Suns, but color me intrigued. What’s next: He says Isaiah Thomas was better? The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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