Latest news with #Hardaway
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise draws unexpected comparison to Magic legend Penny Hardaway
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image credit: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander/Instagram) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , the Oklahoma City Thunder guard, has completed his transformation from promising rookie to NBA superstar. After winning the 2024–25 MVP award, leading the league in scoring (32.7 PPG), and taking the Thunder to their first NBA Finals since 2012, an early career comparison to Orlando Magic legend Penny Hardaway now seems prophetic. Was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander predicted to be the 'next Penny Hardway'? During Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 's rookie season with the LA Clippers, a team staffer made a surprising claim—that the young guard could become "the next Penny Hardaway." At the time, the comparison was met with skepticism. Hardaway was a generational talent who led the Magic to the Finals at 23, earned multiple All-NBA First Team selections, and was on a Hall of Fame trajectory before injuries derailed his prime. Now, the parallels are undeniable. Why the Hardaway comparison holds up Both players share a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Here's how their careers align: Key similarities between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Penny Hardaway - Size and position: Both stand around 6'6' with the ability to play point guard - All-around impact: Elite scorers who also facilitate for teammates - Winning influence: Transformed their teams into contenders early in their careers Statistical comparison between Shai and Penny Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Image via: Nate Billings/ AP Player PPG RPG APG All-NBA Selections Finals Appearances Penny Hardaway 19.0 4.7 6.3 3 (2 First Team) 1 (1995) SGA (2024–25) 32.7 5.5 6.8 3 (1 First Team) 1 (2025) Beyond stats, both players changed the trajectory of their franchises. Hardaway led the Magic to their first Finals in just his second season. Similarly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the Thunder from rebuilders to title contenders. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like It might kill off the whole industry': What's at stake as US-China tariff war hits SE Asia CNA Read More Undo The evolution of SGA's game that made him live up to the expectations Early in his career, Gilgeous-Alexander was seen as a solid but unspectacular prospect. His gradual improvement—from efficient scorer to MVP-caliber superstar—mirrors Hardaway's ascent. Key developments in his game include: - Elite scoring: Improved from 23.7 PPG in 2022–23 to 32.7 PPG in 2024–25 - Clutch performance: Ranked among the league's best in fourth-quarter scoring - Defensive growth: Became a lockdown perimeter defender A full-circle moment for the Thunder star What once seemed like an exaggerated comparison now looks like foresight. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not only matched Hardaway's early-career success but surpassed it in some areas. As the Thunder compete for a championship, SGA's legacy continues to grow—validating that bold prediction from his rookie year. Also read: NBA Free Agency Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Target $10.46 million San Antonio Spurs star as Kyrie Irving's Injury Shakes Up Backcourt Plans After ACL Setback The NBA Finals will be another opportunity for him to cement his place among the game's greats, just as Hardaway did nearly 30 years ago.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former 4x NBA All-Star Reflects on His Time With the Magic
During the early years of the Orlando Magic, the franchise struck gold when it formed a dynamic duo. They had back-to-back lottery picks in the early 1990s and drafted center Shaquille O'Neal and guard Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway. With the two stars, the Magic became instant contenders. In Hardaway's rookie season, the Magic made its first playoff appearance. The team was led by O'Neal, who finished fourth in MVP voting in his sophomore year. In the 1994-95 campaign, Orlando surprised everyone when they made it to the NBA Finals. Advertisement Although the Magic was eventually swept by the Houston Rockets, the young team showed promise. Unfortunately for Orlando, O'Neal opted to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 and left his co-star. Team Westbrook legend Penny Hardaway and Team Westbrook forward Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever high-five during the 2015 NBA All-Star Shooting Stars competition at Barclays Donnan-Imagn Images Nearly 30 years since the O'Neal-Hardaway breakup, people still reminisce about what the duo did in just four years. In the recent episode of "The OGs Show," the former four-time All-Star had a moment of reflection about his time with Shaq. 'We had to be one of the teams that had the best roster that didn't win a championship, honestly,' Hardaway said. 'That team was special. The early years was just like rock stars.' Advertisement 'That was a crew, man. They put that team together. It was unfortunate that we didn't stay together. The big fella got wooed by the Lakers.' In the end, the current Memphis Tigers head coach said he understood why O'Neal couldn't reject the glitz and glamour of L.A. The former LSU standout went on to win three straight titles with the late Kobe Bryant as a member of the Lakers. Hardaway, though, stayed in Orlando until 1999. Injuries derailed his career as he played for the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks before retiring in 2006. In the 2007-08 season, the 6-foot-7 guard came out of retirement and joined the Miami Heat to reunite with Shaq. Related: Magic Star Paolo Banchero Sends Clear Message on Future
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Louisville basketball, Memphis renew rivalry with six-game series. What to know
The Louisville-Memphis basketball rivalry is back on. The Cardinals on Thursday announced a six-year series through the 2030-31 season with the Tigers, beginning with a Dec. 13 game at the KFC Yum! Center. Tipoff time and TV designation have not yet been determined. Advertisement U of L will play Memphis at the FedExForum in 2026-27. Dates and venues for the remaining four games of the series "are still being finalized," a team spokesperson said in a news release. Linked by the Missouri Valley Conference, the Metro Conference and Conference USA, the Cards and Tigers have played 90 times dating back to 1949. Louisville has faced only one opponent more across its 111-year history, Cincinnati. It's been a while. This year's meeting will be U of L and Memphis' first since Dec. 16, 2017, at Madison Square Garden. The Cards won that game, 81-72, to take first place in the Gotham Classic. Louisville holds a 54-36 lead in the all-time series with the Tigers. It hasn't hosted Memphis at the Yum! Center since Jan. 9, 2014. Advertisement Last summer, assistant coach Brian Kloman spoke about the possibility of renewing the rivalry during an interview with Cardinal Companion on X, formerly Twitter. "No promises," Pat Kelsey's longest-tenured staff member said, "but we are working toward it, for sure." Mission accomplished. Louisville Cardinals forward Ray Spalding (13) scores against Memphis Tigers guard Jamal Johnson (1) in the second half at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. "Renewing this rivalry with Louisville means everything — not just for Memphis, but for college basketball as a whole," Tigers coach Penny Hardaway said in a statement Thursday. "These are the kinds of games that bring out the best in both programs, energize fan bases and are the reason players want to come to Memphis. Advertisement "There's real history and passion between us and we are thrilled to help bring it back and give our fans — and the sport — something special to look forward to the next six years." Memphis is fresh off Hardaway's best run yet at the helm of his alma mater; although it ended in a first-round NCAA Tournament exit. The Tigers went 29-6 and won both the American Athletic Conference's regular-season and tournament titles, earning a No. 5 seed in March Madness. Former Louisville assistant Nolan Smith joined Hardaway's staff after the firing of Kenny Payne last spring. In addition to this game against Memphis, the Cards have made official two others in the nonconference portion of their 2025-26 schedule: Nov. 11 vs. Kentucky and Dec. 16 at Tennessee. Advertisement U of L and Indiana have reportedly agreed to play Dec. 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. At the Final Four in April, former coach Rick Pitino told reporters St. John's was "negotiating with Louisville to bring them in very early in the season" for a game at Madison Square Garden. Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@ and follow him on X at @brooksHolton. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball schedule 2025-26: UofL adds series with Memphis
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA playoffs: Knicks beat Pistons in Game 4 after controversial no-call that set off coach J.B. Bickerstaff
The New York Knicks escaped Detroit on Sunday afternoon with a wild one-point win, which pushed them to a 3-1 lead in their opening-round playoff series with the Pistons. The win came after a controversial no-call in the final seconds that sent Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff storming after the officials on the court at Little Caesars Arena while Knicks players celebrated. The missed call was so blatant that both the officials calling the game admitted their mistake later on Sunday, and the league admitted as much on Monday in the Last Two Minute Report. The Pistons had the ball down by a point with 11.1 seconds left on the clock and were looking for a game-winner. Pistons star Cade Cunningham took a shot from the left elbow, but was off the mark. After a scramble for the ball under the rim, the Pistons kicked it out to Tim Hardaway Jr. in the corner. He had just enough time to put up a shot before the buzzer sounded. As Hardaway faked first, he drew a lot of contact from Knicks guard Josh Hart as he went up for the shot. Hardaway was actually knocked into a row of photographers on the baseline, and his shot missed the rim entirely. The official who was standing right next to Hardaway and Hart didn't call a foul. KNICKS HANG ON IN WILD ENDING 😱TAKE 3-1 SERIES LEAD 🗽 — NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025 Did the pistons get robbed? No call on Tim Hardaway's final shot of the is called a foul 99% of the time. #NYvsDET — Benchwarmer Sports (@bwsportsmemes) April 27, 2025 The Knicks escaped with the 94-93 win. Bickerstaff charged out onto the floor to scream at the officials for not calling a foul there, but they ignored him and walked off the court. Knicks players celebrated around them. After the game, even the officials admitted they had made a mistake. 'During live play, it was judged that Josh Hart made a legal defensive play,' crew chief David Guthrie said when asked about the final play. 'After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called.' The NBA confirmed as much on Monday, too, and said that Hart made "body contact to Hardaway Jr. during his shooting motion that is more than marginal." Hart didn't hesitate to admit that he bumped into Hardaway, either. 'Did I make contact with him? Yeah, I made contact with him,' Hart said. 'Was it legal? I don't know. We'll let the two-minute report say that. He shot faked, I felt like I kind of got there. I felt like I was kind of straight up … At the end of the game, it's tough — especially that kind of play, bodies flying.' Josh Hart on Tim Hardaway Jr.'s jumper at the end of Game 4"Did I make contact with him? Yeah, I made contact with him. Was it legal? I don't know. We'll let the two-minute report say that" — Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 27, 2025 Regardless, it's too late now to change anything. The Knicks, despite the missed call, walked out of Detroit with the win. Jalen Brunson, who left the game briefly in the second half with what looked like a bad leg injury, led the Knicks with 32 points and 11 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added 27 points and nine rebounds, and Hart finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Though the Knicks got the win, the Pistons outrebounded them by 16 and outscored them in the paint by 16 points. Cunningham had 25 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Detroit. He's now just the second player in franchise history to have a playoff triple-double. Tobias Harris added 18 points and eight rebounds, and Hardaway had 14 points. He went just 4-of-13 from behind the arc, too. The Knicks will have a chance to close out the Pistons in Game 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA playoffs: Knicks beat Pistons in Game 4 after controversial no-call that set off coach J.B. Bickerstaff
The New York Knicks escaped Detroit on Sunday afternoon with a wild one-point win, which pushed them to a 3-1 lead in their opening-round playoff series with the Pistons. The win came after a controversial no-call in the final seconds that sent Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff storming after the officials on the court at Little Caesars Arena while Knicks players celebrated. The missed call was so blatant that both the officials calling the game admitted their mistake later on Sunday, and the league admitted as much on Monday in the Last Two Minute Report. The Pistons had the ball down by a point with 11.1 seconds left on the clock and were looking for a game-winner. Pistons star Cade Cunningham took a shot from the left elbow, but was off the mark. After a scramble for the ball under the rim, the Pistons kicked it out to Tim Hardaway Jr. in the corner. He had just enough time to put up a shot before the buzzer sounded. As Hardaway faked first, he drew a lot of contact from Knicks guard Josh Hart as he went up for the shot. Hardaway was actually knocked into a row of photographers on the baseline, and his shot missed the rim entirely. The official who was standing right next to Hardaway and Hart didn't call a foul. KNICKS HANG ON IN WILD ENDING 😱TAKE 3-1 SERIES LEAD 🗽 — NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025 Did the pistons get robbed? No call on Tim Hardaway's final shot of the is called a foul 99% of the time. #NYvsDET — Benchwarmer Sports (@bwsportsmemes) April 27, 2025 The Knicks escaped with the 94-93 win. Bickerstaff charged out onto the floor to scream at the officials for not calling a foul there, but they ignored him and walked off the court. Knicks players celebrated around them. After the game, even the officials admitted they had made a mistake. 'During live play, it was judged that Josh Hart made a legal defensive play,' crew chief David Guthrie said when asked about the final play. 'After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called.' The NBA confirmed as much on Monday, too, and said that Hart made "body contact to Hardaway Jr. during his shooting motion that is more than marginal." Hart didn't hesitate to admit that he bumped into Hardaway, either. 'Did I make contact with him? Yeah, I made contact with him,' Hart said. 'Was it legal? I don't know. We'll let the two-minute report say that. He shot faked, I felt like I kind of got there. I felt like I was kind of straight up … At the end of the game, it's tough — especially that kind of play, bodies flying.' Josh Hart on Tim Hardaway Jr.'s jumper at the end of Game 4"Did I make contact with him? Yeah, I made contact with him. Was it legal? I don't know. We'll let the two-minute report say that" — Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 27, 2025 Regardless, it's too late now to change anything. The Knicks, despite the missed call, walked out of Detroit with the win. Jalen Brunson, who left the game briefly in the second half with what looked like a bad leg injury, led the Knicks with 32 points and 11 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added 27 points and nine rebounds, and Hart finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Though the Knicks got the win, the Pistons outrebounded them by 16 and outscored them in the paint by 16 points. Cunningham had 25 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Detroit. He's now just the second player in franchise history to have a playoff triple-double. Tobias Harris added 18 points and eight rebounds, and Hardaway had 14 points. He went just 4-of-13 from behind the arc, too. The Knicks will have a chance to close out the Pistons in Game 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
