Latest news with #LarryO'Brien
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Larry O'Brien trophy visits the Sharks as NBA Finals approach
The iconic Larry O'Brien basketball NBA Championship Trophy made a special visit to Durban this month. The visit thrilled South African sports fans by dropping in on the Sharks rugby team. This marks another exciting stop on the trophy's global tour ahead of the 2025 NBA Finals, which tip off on 5 June. The Larry O'Brien Trophy, a symbol of basketball excellence. It has been captivating fans worldwide as the NBA Playoffs enter their final, nail-biting stages. The trophy itself is a masterpiece, crafted from nearly 16 pounds of sterling silver with a 24-karat gold overlay, according to the NBA. Its design is elegant yet dynamic, etched to resemble a basketball net with a regulation-size ball perched on the rim. HISTORY OF THE TROPHY The trophy's history dates back to 1978, when it replaced the Walter A. Brown Trophy. In 1984, it was renamed in honour of Larry O'Brien, the NBA commissioner from 1975 to 1984. Larry played a pivotal role in expanding the league and introducing the three-point shot. Larry O'Brien's legacy is etched not only in the trophy but also in the growth of basketball worldwide. 'Larry was a visionary who helped shape the NBA into the global phenomenon it is today,' said a spokesperson from NBA Africa. 'Having the trophy here in Durban is a testament to basketball's expanding reach. It is the passion that inspires in South Africa.' South African basketball fans have plenty to cheer for beyond the NBA Finals. The local team, Made By Basketball (MBB), is led by 1986 NBA champion Sam Vincent. The team is gearing up for the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) Nile Conference. The conference kicks off in Kigali on Saturday. MBB's journey could bring top-tier basketball to South African soil during the BAL Playoffs and Finals at SunBet Arena in Pretoria from 6 to 14 June. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster, priced affordably for local fans eager to witness high-level competition live. 'The Larry O'Brien Trophy's visit energises our players and fans alike,' said Sam Vincent. 'It's a reminder of what's possible with hard work and dedication. We hope to bring that same spirit to the BAL and make South Africa proud.' With the NBA Finals just around the corner and the BAL season heating up, basketball is firmly on the South African sports map. The Larry O'Brien Trophy tour is a celebration of basketball's growing influence and a call to fans to embrace the game's excitement. As the countdown to 5 June 5 continues, South African fans can look forward to thrilling NBA action on ESPN and NBA League Pass. The Larry O'Brien Trophy's visit to Durban is a shining example of basketball's unifying power, inspiring a new generation of players and supporters across the continent. In the words of a Sharks player who got to see the trophy up close: 'Holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy felt surreal. It's a symbol of greatness, and now it's part of our story here in South Africa.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Anthony Edwards Stayed Up Watching Film Until 3:00 AM After Game 1 Loss
As one of four teams remaining in this NBA postseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves are within reach of the Larry O'Brien trophy. But after a blowout loss in Game 1, young star Anthony Edwards is feeling the heat. According to Andscape's Marc Spears, the Timberwolves star stayed up until the early hours of the morning to watch film of the Game 1 loss alongside an assistant coach. "Anthony Edwards typically has played a little better in his second game than he has in each of their previous two series against the Lakers and Warriors," said Spears. "People close to him say they expect him to do that again tonight. After they lost in Game 1, he and an assistant coach watched game film at a nearby hotel until 3 am. So he's definitely more mentally prepared for this next game." Advertisement Edwards, 23, was drafted first overall by the Timberwolves in 2020. After a standout season at Georgia, Edwards took his talents to the NBA, where he blossomed into a star right away. In just four years in the league, Edwards already has a stacked resume as a 3x All-Star, All-NBA player, and 1x Olympic gold medalist. To date, Anthony has yet to reach the NBA Finals but this current playoff run is perhaps the best chance he's ever had of getting there. As the sixth seed in the playoffs, the Timberwolves came in as the underdogs to win the West but now they are just four wins away after beating the Lakers and Warriors in the first two rounds. With averages of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the regular season, we knew Edwards was going to take his game up a notch in the playoffs but it still wasn't enough to avoid defeat in Game 1. In perhaps their worst game of the entire playoffs so far, the Timberwolves lost by 26 points on the road with a final score of 114-88. Edwards, who has been a hero throughout the playoffs, finished with just 18 points and nine rebounds on 38.5% shooting and four turnovers. Much to his surprise, he only took nine shots in the game. Advertisement Frankly, it was an unacceptable performance for Edwards, and he'll need to be better for the Timberwolves to have a chance in the series. After Game 1, it's clear that the size, length, and speed of the Thunder is going to be a problem for Minnesota and we already saw how much it disrupted Edwards' rhythm. The good news for the Timberwolves is that Edwards' competitive nature kept him up all night looking for solutions. With his season on the line, Edwards knows that his performance in Game 2 will make or break their season and he wants to ensure that he gets the results he wants this time. Tonight, the odds are against OKC holding Edwards to under 20 points but it'll likely take more than that for Ant to secure the win. Against the top team in the West, Edwards will need to go nuclear to pull off the upset and keep his season alive. Fortunately, he'll also have some help in the form of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Only time will tell if it's enough to make a difference in the outcome of the series. Related: Wild Data Exposes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander In Comparison To Anthony Edwards
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Pacers vs. Knicks: Blueprint for each team to win the NBA Eastern Conference finals
Pacers vs. Knicks: Blueprint for each team to win the NBA Eastern Conference finals Show Caption Hide Caption Who will be the X Factor in the Pacers-Knicks Eastern Conference Finals? The Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Pacers might get tight. Here are the players who we think might be able to break through and tilt the series. In many ways, the Eastern Conference finals is a battle of contrasting styles. The Indiana Pacers love to speed up the game, while the New York Knicks tend to play deliberately. The series will be determined by the team that dictates its style. The stakes are high. If the Pacers win the series, they would be making their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000 and would have a chance to win their first Larry O'Brien trophy. New York, meanwhile, would be making its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, with the chance to win its first title since 1973. ANALYSIS: Thunder vs. Timberwolves: Western Conference finals storylines, X-factors to watch MORE: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to Game 1 win vs. Timberwolves Here are blueprints for how the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks can each win the Eastern Conference finals: How the Pacers win Indiana thrives when it sprints out in transition and gets quick — and relatively uncontested — attempts early in the shot clock. It compromises opposing transition defenses and allows Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton to probe through coverages to find open teammates. Whether that results in trailers getting open looks from the perimeter or opportunities to drive and attack the basket, this is how the Pacers like to score. They win if they find a way to crack New York's transition defense and speed up the game. Rebounding is another issue for Indiana; the Pacers tied for 27th this season in rebounds per game (41.8) and they can sometimes get overwhelmed on the glass. The interesting thing is that the Pacers, by and large, have managed this deficit by racing out in transition. Case in point: Indiana lost the rebounding battle in the conference semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers by a combined margin of -21 and Indiana still won in five games. How the Knicks win New York is an extremely cohesive team, one whose starters led the NBA for five-man lineups in minutes played (940), points (2,283), field goals made (868) and attempted (1,718), 3-pointers made (220) and attempted (605), rebounds (815) and assists (574). When the Knicks are playing team basketball and swinging it around, and when All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson is looking to score and feed his teammates, New York is tough to beat. If the Knicks let the ball stagnate at Brunson or center Karl-Anthony Towns, the entire offense loses its versatility and effectiveness and players become relegated to standing in the corners. Above all else, the Knicks absolutely need to stay committed to whole-team transition defense. While every player will be necessary, this does figure to be a series in which lengthy defensive-minded wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges take on a lot of this work.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant Trade Rumors Get Massive Update Amid Suns' Uncertainty
With the NBA Playoffs well underway, only eight teams remain in the hunt for the Larry O'Brien. While the conference semifinals -- on both sides of the bracket -- are bringing chaos, plenty of teams are more intrigued with the draft lottery and pending offseason moves. Advertisement The Phoenix Suns, who missed the playoffs despite having Kevin Durant and Devin Booker leading the way, are one of those teams. Mat Ishbia's arrival brought uber-aggressive transactions that didn't pan out, and now it seems Durant is on his way out with a trade this offseason. Booker's future, somehow, is in jeopardy, though the superstar guard wants to remain in The Valley for his entire career. While the superstar guard might remain in Phoenix, the franchise's future is bleak and moving on from Durant and Bradley Beal might be the Suns' only way forward at this point. Kevin DurantGetty Images There have been some rumblings that a Durant trade isn't entirely set in stone, depending on who the club hires as the next head coach, though it still seems incredibly likely. Advertisement His trade rumors got an update on Monday. Durant trade rumors get crucial update With the offseason approaching and plenty of player movement set to happen, Durant's interest in being traded to the Houston Rockets is increasing, according to The Athletic. The problem? The Rockets have reservations on their end. Many times, clubs have sold out young talent or depth in favor of a superstar, which didn't pan out. Durant is getting older. The Rockets will pay a supreme price for a superstar that's much older than other options. However, Houston took a first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors, with a glaring lack of superstar talent, which could have gotten them over the edge in the series. Advertisement While Durant might be confident he can take a team like the Rockets over the edge -- fresh off them being the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference -- the club rightfully has reservations. Giannis Antetokounmpo's availability also doesn't help Durant's case here, nor the Suns' case.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Anthony Edwards' injury scare shows fragile nature of NBA playoffs — and how it could all come down to one star
MINNEAPOLIS — The fragility of contending in the NBA playoffs was illustrated in the hush of the Target Center crowd, in their collective eyes looking at the far end across from the Golden State Warriors bench, across from an NBA legend wearing street clothes instead of a team uniform. The frailty of Anthony Edwards' right ankle, or strength of it, stood between the Minnesota Timberwolves feeling like the Larry O'Brien trophy is open for anyone to claim or misery — not just for one night but for their future. You believe the NBA held its collective breath, one game after Stephen Curry's hamstring injury sullied the possibility of this being a full-throated star-studded series, losing a young marquee star in these playoffs felt cruel. Not like this. Edwards was supposed to take down another monument on equal terms, on fair ground, to prove his worthiness for all the acclaim his game deserves. Or the old lion was supposed to roar again, staving off the new guard for one more spring. That's already in jeopardy. The Timberwolves and their fans have seen Edwards crash land before, but he always popped back up — with the baited breath in those between moments as the price for unfathomable athleticism combined with zero fear of consequences. In that moment, the game and series felt like it was for the taking for the Warriors. The mindset could've easily shifted from being able to survive but seeing a path to win this thing and getting Curry to rest for the next series — a star for a star, as sterile as it sounds. 'I ain't gonna lie, I didn't move … I just looked up. I thought, 'He'll be alright',' Timberwolves guard Mike Conley said. But even Conley made the trot down, with teammates and even Draymond Green coming over to check. Edwards was brought to his feet by two Timberwolves staffers, barely putting weight on that plant foot that was inadvertently landed on by Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis. He exited from the same tunnel Curry did two nights before, as Curry was desperately trying to run it off, hoping he would be back. The 37-year-old could not, and now has to wait around a week with the hope his team can stay alive. The 23-year-old popped out of the locker room during halftime and onto the floor 26 realtime minutes later — it probably felt like hours to the faithful who know their hopes are on Edwards' back. 'This one I was really worried about, actually,' Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. 'There's lots of ways being an elite athlete pay off, being able to shake those things off is one of them. This one I was planning on not seeing him the rest of the game.' To everyone's surprise, it wasn't a broken foot or high-ankle sprain. Edwards emerged to help the Timberwolves tie their series with a 117-93 win, before heading to San Francisco for two games. Edwards scored 20 with nine rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes and a team-high +20. That production didn't seem possible to the outside world, while he was going through exercises with Wolves physical therapist David Hines as the Timberwolves didn't rule him as out or even 'doubtful.' 'Any time I turn my ankle, we do ankle modes,' Edwards said. 'Once we got to the third movement in my ankle, I'm like, 'I'm starting to feel good, you tape it, I'll see how I feel'. He does a great job of making sure I'm good before I get out there.' Maybe Edwards loves the movie 'Matilda' because he believes in the magic of youth, the imagination of the moment and belief in the impossible. He limped around a little in the locker room but looked like himself in those 24 minutes afterwards that tied the series and restored some faith in those nervous corners. Timberwolves teammate Josh Minott bellowed next to Edwards as reporters gathered around his locker: 'My man's got an immortal ankle.' Even if we know he doesn't, Edwards believes he does and with that the Timberwolves are not just in this series but possess as good a shot as anyone, if they can keep it together. But those heart-stopping moments sit differently with everyone. Edwards has a long runway in front of him, hopefully a decade or more to contend, to cash in, to be the hunter and hunted in this title chase. For Conley, he's months older than Curry, turning 38 before next season begins. These moments are fleeting, and as the wise veteran he has the task of impressing urgency into his younger teammates, that tomorrow isn't always promised. With Boston looking vulnerable, Oklahoma City not looking like a juggernaut and Cleveland on the ropes, these NBA playoffs appear to be wide open. 'The message I've gathered from watching the league over the last week: This thing is anybody's for that taking you know,' Conley told Yahoo Sports. 'Why not us? Why not? Why can't we do it?' 'My urgency is at an all-time high. These guys are urgent. Just make them understand you don't get this chance too often. I'm on my last couple of runs. I want them to feel that.' Arguably Conley's best chance for a title was thwarted by his own injury with the Memphis Grizzlies. Already wearing a face mask in the 2015 playoffs following a collision with then-Portland guard CJ McCollum, Conley returned following facial surgery to play against the young Golden State Warriors in Round 2. He took a hit to the face from Draymond Green during the Grizzlies' Game 2 win that tied the series, aggravating the injury. Conley was vulnerable before that, so it only worsened things. Those Warriors weren't yet household names and the Grizzlies of Conley, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Tony Allen were battle-tested. But the Grizzlies' 2-1 lead dissipated in three straight losses, and the Warriors went on to win the first of their four titles that June. Conley's health, along with Allen's knee injury, aided in the loss. 'I know, 10 years ago, I was in this spot, and I'm thinking, we got a shot,' Conley said. 'And then boom, injuries, Tony Allen injuries, you know, all this stuff, and it's like, oh, this might have been my chance.' Conley was 28 but Gasol, Randolph and Allen were each older than 30. And little did we all know those Warriors were ascending to heights we hadn't seen since the Bulls and Lakers teams of the last 30 years. 'When I heard about Steph, I hate that because I know how fragile this game is with me. I hate injuries for anybody,' Conley told Yahoo Sports. 'He's the same age as me, so I know what he's feeling. Because he would be out there tomorrow if he could be.' 'I want to compete against the best and beat the best at all times.' But he can't and that provides an opening for Conley, for Edwards, for the Timberwolves. What the NBA, its fans and the collective public lose in a potential clash, the Timberwolves gain in opportunity — even if Curry re-emerges later in the series. 'Man, it's almost like when you wake up, when you thank the Lord for another day, you thank the Lord for the opportunities, that you got to be grateful for this thing,' Conley said. 'Really just super grateful every time I get a chance.' The reason Conley is here, the reason Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert are here, is because of Edwards. Nothing moves without him and the Timberwolves can't move on without him. But with him, anything is possible — even Matilda magic. 'He's built so different,' Conley said. 'If I felt it was serious thing I would definitely feel man oh man, please don't let this be what I think it is. Not too many chances you get at this thing, not too many chances you get with a guy like this.' But they have another day, and maybe many more this spring.
