Latest news with #Magic
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Larry's gonna kill you tomorrow, there's no Magic here" - Magic Johnson recalls a wild interaction with airport staff in Boston
"Larry's gonna kill you tomorrow, there's no Magic here" - Magic Johnson recalls a wild interaction with airport staff in Boston originally appeared on Basketball Network. Rivalries in the NBA constantly stir intense emotions, but few match the historical weight and drama of the Boston Celtics' and Los Angeles Lakers' rivalry. Moreover, this rivalry was at its most intense in the 1980s, mainly because both teams were led by generational talents. Fans didn't leave a chance to boast their hero's supremacy when the other dared to step on their territory. Magic Johnson learned this the hard way during the 1984 NBA Finals. As soon as he set foot in Boston, he learned that Larry Bird would always be a more dominant force over him. Magic was told clearly that Boston was 'Bird's Town' The 1984 NBA Finals marked the first time in five years, since Magic and Bird entered the league, that they were bound to battle it out on the biggest stage. While Celtics fans boasted about Larry edging out Magic for the Rookie of the Year award, Lakers fans were content with Johnson leading the franchise to a title in 1980 as the Finals MVP. But now, with the title on the line, it felt like everything - from bragging rights to legacy - was up for grabs. Put simply, the stakes couldn't have been higher. Magic later recalled just how hostile the environment was in Boston. Right from the moment he stepped foot in the city, the local Celtics fans reminded him that his trickery wouldn't work, and no matter how hard he tried to emerge as the best player, it would always be Bird who will come out on top. "When that game was coming up, two-three weeks out, people were preparing then. As soon as we hit town, it was like the devil hidden town. It was like, 'Oh, Oh, the devil is here,'" Magic recalled while holding onto his laughter. "I mean the baggage guys at the airport, 'Oh, Magic? Larry's gonna kill you tomorrow. There's no Magic here, this is Larry Bird's town.'" Magic Johnson still managed to leave an impression Despite the early taunts and pressure from the Boston crowd, Magic stayed locked in. In Game 1 of the 1984 NBA Finals, he let his performance speak louder than any insult. Johnson finished with 18 points on a highly efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Moreover, the star point guard also dished out 10 assists and came up with a game-high four steals, helping the Lakers secure a 115-109 win, despite a second-half push by the Celtics. To Bird's credit, he had a better performance in that game, logging 24 points and 14 rebounds. So, while it was Magic who showed his testament early on, Bird made sure that his loyal fans didn't have to bow their heads down to the Lakers' point guard that year as he dropped a series-high 27.4 points nd 14 rebounds to lead the Celtics to a miraculous win. Even though the Celtics had the last laugh that year, Magic's stories from that series remain a vivid reminder of how ruthless the atmosphere could be in those days. Each visit to Boston or LA felt like entering a warzone, especially for the likes of Magic and story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Magic rookie Noah Penda shares wholesome memory of watching Dwight Howard growing up
Orlando Magic rookie forward Noah Penda revealed Tuesday on X that he grew up watching Dwight Howard when the future Hall of Famer was with the franchise. Howard spent the first eight years of his career with the Magic, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2009. He was inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame in March after leaving as the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, free throws and minutes. The No. 1 pick in 2004 established himself as one of the most dominant players in the NBA on both sides of the ball during his tenure with the Magic. Penda wanted to emulate Howard because of that ability and is honored to join the team that he first played for. Penda was named the LNB Pro A Best Young Player last season with Le Mans Sarthe, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals on 44.7% shooting from the field in 30 games. The 32nd pick ranked fourth in the league in steals and 13th in rebounding. The 6-foot-7 Frenchman debuted with the Magic in the NBA Summer League, averaging 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, three assists and 1.7 steals on 51.7% shooting from the field in three games. He neared a double-double on July 13 with nine points and 14 rebounds. Penda was highly touted entering the draft because of his scoring, defensive versatility and length, boasting a 7-foot wingspan. He is eager to get to work with the team and is hopeful that he can impact games just as Howard once did.
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Best "Bluey" Fan Theories
No matter your age, there's something incredibly comforting about kicking back and watching a few (or a few dozen) episodes of Bluey. The hit Australian animated series consistently ranks at the top of the streaming charts. Viewers all around the world simply can't get enough of the Heeler family. Recently over on the lively r/bluey subreddit, Reddit user Rhylan209 posed a great question: "What unproven Bluey theories do you believe?" The answers are fascinating. Here are some of the most intriguing: "I think Bandit and Chili 'accidentally' double-booked babysitters on purpose to set up Rad and Frisky because they knew they needed to meet someone and would be perfect for each other." "The reason all the adults are so quick to play along is because they're dogs, and that's how dogs socialize." "Bandit wasn't actually leaving to take a new job in 'The Sign,' but he was supposed to go into witness protection. The popular fan theory that Bandit has been stealing artifacts and selling them on the black market is true. As is the theory that Chilli helps to smuggle them through airport security. What wasn't as widely known is that their neighbor Pat has been working undercover and the reason he's so close to the Heeler family is he was gathering evidence which he used to flip them to get them to testify against the ringleader." "Imagination is real in Bluey's world. By 'is real' I mean the characters, things, effects, and rule systems imagined manifest and take hold of reality. It explains why everyone is always willing to play along, even when it seems like it's a game they really don't want to play, and also why they know exactly how to play along." "Dad was stressed during 'Stickbird' because he was contemplating the potential of moving." "The whole show is just future Bluey telling her own kid/s stories of how she grew up. That's why there's actual magic (see 'Fairies' and 'Magic'), why all the grown-ups are always kind and play along with the games the kids play, why Calypso has this mystic aura about her, why the family is always having wild adventures, and why every story has a happy ending. Also explains why the house is endlessly big and always has room for their weird shenanigans." "Chilli is a massive fan of Star Wars. 'Magic' was something she, Brandy, and Mort came up with after watching the movies and seeing the Force." "Bandit, Chilli, and Pat were all in an improv comedy troupe while in university, or sometime shortly after. This explains why Pat is, without question, ALWAYS down to get in on whatever game invades his lawn. Bandit and Chilli (to a lesser extent) have been pulling him in on shenanigans for over a decade, and at some point, 'Yes, and' is just second nature." "Chippy had a DUI, and that's why Cherry had to drive him." "Judo isn't around half the time because her parents are divorced and she's with her dad sometimes." "Judo has two moms, and they are divorced. The Heelers say 'Wendy' and 'Judo's mom' and some instances (like in 'Baby Race') I think it's interchangeable, and then some instances (like 'Sticky Gecko'), I wonder if it's not." "Nana and Bob are LOADED. They bought Bandit the house as a gift when he achieved his PhD." "Neither Jean Luc nor Mackenzie is the father of Bluey's future daughter. The kid's features are easily found in other members of the Heeler family, and the dad is probably someone she met in university or something." "The child at the end of 'Surprise' is Bandit and Chilli's adopted daughter." "I believe that Stripe and Trixie are heading for a divorce." "Stripe either a) works in real estate, or b) his family moved not too long before the show takes place, which is why Muffin knows what the 'For Sale' sign is." "I like the theory that [the Heeler house] was the house Bandit grew up in, and Nana and Bob sold it to Bandit and Chilli for a reasonable price when they got married. Nana living in a condo tracks really well to a retirement downsizing, plus Bandit says he visited the creek by their house as a young kid." "Bandit was a Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne fan." "All the kids that are in Calypso's daycare have some sort of neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, etc.) and she's a behavioral specialist of some sort." "Bluey is set in the 2010s." "Bandit's [new] job was in Perth, so he assumed Rad would be there to help out." "It was Brandi who freed Bandit from the jinx curse." And finally: "Bluey grows up to be Blue from Blue's Clues." Bluey is available to stream on Disney+.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Sixers big man Dwight Howard ranked No. 63 on all-time list
For one season in his Hall of Fame career, Dwight Howard was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. The 8-time All-Star served as the backup to Joel Embiid in the 2020-21 season and helped the Sixers earn the No. 1 seed in the East before falling to the Atlanta Hawks in the East semifinals. In his one season in Philadelphia, Howard averaged 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds and nearly a block a game coming off the bench. He fully embraced his role as the team's backup center and was a positive player in the locker room day in and day out. He wasn't the dominant superstar he once was in his heyday, but Howard was certainly capable of producing. HoopsHype put together a ranking of the top 79 players in the history of the game with Howard was ranked No. 63 on the list: At one time, Dwight Howard was the best big man in the NBA, an era that lasted for multiple seasons during his time with the Magic. Howard was an awe-inspiring athlete for his size, who would often sky for rebounds, block shots or finish alley-oops. Like Gasol, Howard was another glaring omission from the NBA75 list despite being a Top 11 rebounder ever, ranking 15th all-time in blocks and having three Defensive Player of the Year awards. But that might have to do with him not being that well-liked by coaches and teammates during his time in the league. Howard was also a huge playoff performer, coming up big both when he was a star with the Magic (he impressively led them to the Finals in 2008-09) and as a role player with the Lakers, finally winning a title in 2019-20. Howard's one season with the Sixers wasn't particularly memorable, but it's clear that his impact on the game's history has been recognized. He is one of the best centers in NBA history and he should receive the respect he deserves as such.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Kingdom' Director Gowtam Tinnanuri opens up on 'Kingdom' universe plans; OTT prequel in progress —here is what we know
Picture Credit: X Vijay Deverakonda and Gowtam Tinnanuri 's 'Kingdom' is basking in success upon its release on July 31. The action drama film has already been announced to be a two-part franchise. Recently, the 'Jersey' director shared that before the team dives into 'Kingdom: Part 2,' Gowtam has something special in mind. OTT prequel in the works According to a Gulte report, Gowtam Tinnanuri now intends to make a standalone OTT prequel revolving around Sethu's character. Due to runtime restrictions, the filmmaker shared that several subplots in Part 1 were either cut or modified. Before Sethu takes center stage in the sequel, this prequel would help to fill in those narrative gaps and provide viewers with a greater understanding of the mysterious character. Focus on Sethu's character The character of Sethu is expected to play a pivotal role going forward, and Gowtam hinted that a well-known actor has been cast in the role. While the team is yet to make an official announcement. There is speculation that a third part of the film could also be in the works. 'Kingdom' has generally been well-received for Vijay 's intense performance, its musical score, and its cinematography. After multiple postponements from earlier dates in March, May, and early July. It features a story centered on Constable Surya "Suri," portrayed by Vijay, who goes undercover to dismantle a smuggling gang led by his estranged brother. To his surprise, he finds out that the gang's leader is his estranged brother, Siva. The film also stars Bhagyashri Borse and Satyadev in key roles and features music by Anirudh Ravichander. Meanwhile, the director has already wrapped up 'Magic,' a musical drama slated for release soon, and plans to complete a love story project before reuniting with Vijay for the next chapter of 'Kingdom.' On the other hand, Vijay has also announced two more projects tentatively named 'SVC59' and 'VD14.'
