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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.
Following in the footsteps of Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who made an impassioned plea for our elected officials to do something, the Heat just provided a friendly reminder that we can do the same thing, and they even told us how. Polling regularly shows that a majority of Americans support universal background checks, among other more stringent gun control measures. It’s about time the people we put in office start listening. If the Heat’s message only gets one extra person to make that call, then it was worth it.
The Tip-Off
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
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.
One to Watch
(All odds via Tipico.)
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
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