Latest news with #RunItBack
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Knicks Wouldn't Reach ECF Without KAT': Ex-NBA Player Defends Karl-Anthony Towns Amid Criticism
'Knicks Wouldn't Reach ECF Without KAT': Ex-NBA Player Defends Karl-Anthony Towns Amid Criticism originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The New York Knicks saw a massive shift in their roster when they made a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns. Although Towns' impact was largely positive, the big man has faced a lot of criticism, bearing the blame for New York's exit from the playoffs. In light of this, former NBA player Lou Williams had to step in to defend the forward. While speaking on "Run It Back", he said: Advertisement "Get off KAT's back. We also gotta stop allowing X and Instagram to be our GMs... There ain't a lot of KATs lying around that you can just get rid of and feel like you're going to have a better opportunity to win." "If you've got an opportunity to get a Giannis or somebody, sure. You take a look at everything. But that was his first season as a New York Knick, and they got to the ECF. There's a lot of adjustments to be made." Williams acknowledged Towns' defensive shortcomings, a point of concern for the Knicks, but he added that this was one among many mistakes that accumulated, eventually resulting in a loss. He then added to his statement by saying, "If it wasn't for KAT, y'all would've been sent home 72 hours earlier anyways. So give these guys credit and give them an opportunity to get better and grow." Advertisement Towns' performance in the ECF could be considered consistent. His ability to stretch the floor, along with his sustained offensive output in the paint during Game 5 of the ECF, was crucial in keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Knicks' big man recorded 24 points and 13 rebounds for the game while shooting 50% from the field, attempting only four shots from beyond the arc. The 29-year-old practically reinvented himself with the Knicks. While he was already considered one of the best sharpshooting big men in the league, Towns showcased an aggression that was highly beneficial for the team during the ECF series. Towns notched an average of 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in the regular season. Although these numbers did take a bit of a hit in the playoffs, the change wasn't drastic enough to garner the kind of scrutiny that he has. Advertisement Regardless, the Knicks find themselves in a strange position heading into the offseason. After a commendable run through the playoffs, New York will still be looking to shake things up to improve. The Knicks are rumored to be making some personnel changes. While head coach Tom Thibodeau seems to have the support of the franchise, the team may see some major adjustments. With links to superstars in trade rumors forming the narrative of the offseason, the organization will attempt to build a roster that can secure a championship for the city. Related: NFL Legend Comes Under Fire For Claiming Jalen Brunson Is Better Than Stephen Curry This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder get eye-opening 2015-16 Warriors comparison before NBA Finals
The post Thunder get eye-opening 2015-16 Warriors comparison before NBA Finals appeared first on ClutchPoints. The NBA Finals are set to begin this week between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder were the first team to punch their ticket to the finals after in defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder have been an impressive team all season, and before the start of the NBA Finals, they've drawn comparisons to another great team in the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. Advertisement During a recent episode of 'Run It Back,' FanDuel's NBA themed program, former NBA player Lou Williams detailed why he believes comparisons between this season's Thunder and the 2015-16 Warriors are valid. 'They've had a great year. And they've been able to somewhat fly under the radar because of the expectations that we've had for this team. We expected them to be a good team,' Williams said. 'They've been quietly racking up win after win in the regular season, and have been dominant in the postseason as well. . .that 15-16 Warriors team, they felt like they were unbeatable. . .they've been just as dominant as the 15-16 Warriors group.' With history as a reminder, that 2015-16 Warriors was in fact beatable as they surrendered a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals and were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers. But during the regular season, that Warriors team set an NBA record of 73-9, surpassing the Chicago Bulls mark of 72-10 as the best finish in NBA regular season history. As dominant as the Thunder were in the regular season, they're obviously hoping for a different fate than that of the 2015-16 Warriors, as they prepare for the NBA Finals. But Williams didn't just draw comparisons between that Warriors team and the Thunder. He also suggested that the Thunder could be looked upon very favorably if they win a championship this season. Advertisement 'You got the Bulls and some of those classic legacy teams in the 90s and the early 2000s,' Williams said. 'If they can finish it, if they can go out and get a championship, they put themselves in that conversation along with the rest of those historic teams.' Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Thunder and the Pacers is set for Thursday, June 5.


Newsweek
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
DeMarcus Cousins Compares Thunder to Prime Warriors Team
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The NBA Finals will commence on Thursday when the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder, will take on the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers. More Thunder news: Thunder Have Chance to Match Michael Jordan's Bulls in Historic NBA Feat The two teams will look to earn their first title in franchise history (at least the first for the Thunder under their current name). Nevertheless, these two teams will give it their all to be crowned champions of the 2024-25 season. While the NBA Finals have yet to start, many are already crowning the Thunder as the new champions, as they are the heavy favorites in this series. Oklahoma City has all the tools to get the job done, not only for this season but for years to come, that is, if you have former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins is all in on this Thunder squad — so much so that he didn't hold back during his recent appearance on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back." The former All-NBA big man went as far as to say that this Thunder team has the potential to become an even greater dynasty than the Golden State Warriors of the 2010s. Aaron Wiggins #21 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder react on the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025... Aaron Wiggins #21 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder react on the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. More Photo by"I think we're looking at the beginning of a dynasty anyway," Cousins said. "Let's say they don't win it this year. You're gonna say they're not gonna be the favorite next season? It's absolutely the start of a dynasty. I think it's a dynasty that'll be even more powerful than what we saw with the Warriors. "When the Warriors were in the heyday and they had everything rolling, they never had the assets that this Thunder team has. This Thunder team is probably built to be successful for the next 10-12 years, which is unheard of in the NBA." Boogie Cousins on the OKC Thunder: "It's a dynasty that'll be even more powerful than what we saw with the Warriors."@boogiecousins | @MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons — Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) June 4, 2025 That is a bold take to have, especially considering how much the Warriors have shaped the league and contributed to its current state. The 2010s Warriors reigned supreme, winning four titles in a span of eight seasons. At their peak, the Warriors went to six finals, including five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals from 2015-19. The Thunder have a long way to go, but they are heading in the right direction. They are four wins away from their first title in Oklahoma City. If they can do that against a scrappy and well-coached Pacers team, then maybe that could put them over the top to challenge the Warriors' dynasty. More NBA news: Artist Will Move Kobe and Gianna Bryant Mural After Second Vandalization Dan Hurley Makes Position Clear as Knicks Begin Coaching Search LeBron James' 'Mind the Game' Podcast Takes Massive Shot at Brian Windhorst For more Thunder and NBA news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports


New York Post
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Michelle Beadle blindsided by Stephen A. Smith taking over her SiriusXM slot: ‘A little embarrassing'
Michelle Beadle said it was 'a little embarrassing' to learn that her SiriusXM radio show is being replaced by one of Stephen A. Smith's new programs, which are launching this September. During Wednesday's installment of her and Cody Decker's show, 'Beadle and Decker' — which airs every weekday from 12-3 p.m. ET on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel — Beadle explained that she and Decker found out that Smith's show would take over their time slot a few hours before the news came out on Wednesday. 'Yeah, so the cat's out of the bag, I guess we're talking about it,' Beadle said, adding that she and Decker were 'coming in hot' and doing the show because they were contractually obligated. 4 Michelle Beadle poses for a photo at SiriusXM at Super Bowl LVIII on February 7, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images for SiriusXM 'We weren't supposed to, just as a heads up. We were only given a few hours notice, but we weren't told any details, we were promised that no details would be released. We didn't even know who was taking our place in the lineup, just that it was going to be announced that a new show was being added. 'Unbeknownst to us, The Hollywood Reporter, of course, had all the details,' Beadle continued. 'So it was a little embarrassing, I'm not going to lie. I've been in this business for 20-plus years, I've been treated poorly a couple times, this didn't feel good, I'm not gonna lie.' 4 Stephen A. Smith on the sideline during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals on May 26, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NBAE via Getty Images Beadle — who formerly hosted ESPN's ' NBA Countdown' before leaving the network in 2019 — did not mention Smith. She is also the host of 'Run It Back,' an NBA-focused talk show on FanDuel TV with former players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams. Smith announced his multi-year agreement with SiriusXM during an appearance on 'The Howard Stern Show' on Wednesday, and The Hollywood Reporter followed with additional details. 4 Michelle Beadle and Cody Decker at their show, 'Beadle & Decker' at the SiriusXM Studios on August 22, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images Smith will offer his takes on the biggest sports headlines in his Mad Dog Sports Radio show, launching Sept. 2. His second show, described as a 'weekly current events, pop culture and social commentary-focused show,' will debut in September at an exact date that has not yet been announced. Smith also hosts his own YouTube show — separate from ESPN — where he discusses pop culture and politics, among other things. 4 Stephen A. Smith and Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo speak on SiriusXM at Super Bowl LVIII on February 7, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images for SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio channel is run by Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo, who appears regularly on ESPN's 'First Take' with Smith. Smith's deal with SiriusXM comes after he signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN in March, according to The Athletic. 'To say that I'm excited would be an understatement,' Smith said of his deal with SiriusXM. 'I've been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I'm loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of Pop Culture, Politics and Social Commentary…let's just say it doesn't get any better than that. 'September can't come soon enough. It's been a long time since I've been in radio…especially going back and forth with the callers. Can't wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I'm coming!'


Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jalen Brunson vs Tyrese Haliburton: NBA analysts are divided over Eastern Conference finals rivals amid Indiana Pacers' dominance
Jalen Brunson vs Tyrese Haliburton: NBA analysts are divided over Eastern Conference finals rivals amid Indiana Pacers' dominance (Images Source: Getty Images) The NBA conference finals are grabbing wide attention amid intense rivalry. Recently, Run It Back featured a strong declaration that caught everyone's interest. Since then, the conversation has gone crazy on sports shows, in podcasts, and on social media. Among all of it, two young stars stand out: Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton. Both are showing fantastically. Both are guiding their respective teams. While the fans are divided over the best among the two, NBA analysts have shared their surprising opinions on the show. Jalen Brunson 's strong playoff run is getting big attention Sports analyst Alan Hahn spoke about it on the ESPN morning show Get Up on May 27, 2025. According to him, Jalen Brunson is a bigger star than Tyrese Haliburton. Very soon after, this case sparked intense arguments online. Dunk Central shared the video on Twitter, and it became popular very quickly. Jalen Brunson is on the New York Knicks team. His scoring average was 28.7 points each game . Brown got a special moment on April 30, 2025, during Game 5 of the playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Brunson contributed to his team's victory by scoring 41 points that night. Starting his NBA career in 2018 with the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson In the 2022 season, he signed with the New York Knicks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rugas no pescoço? Esse truque caseiro pode ajudar (Tente isso hoje à noite) Revista & Saúde Saiba Mais Undo After that, he has been in charge. At Madison Square Garden, people yell 'MVP' as soon as James goes on the court. He is reliable and will lead when the big plays need to be made. Tyrese Haliburton is shining, but still has time to grow The Indiana Pacers' lead point guard is Tyrese Haliburton. On average last season, he had 10.9 assists and 20.1 points per game. He led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA playoffs for the first time in four years. Haliburton was also voted onto the NBA All-Star roster this season. The Sacramento Kings chose him in 2020, before he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022. Since joining the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton's play has gotten better each year. People recognize him by his great passes, solid decisions and calmness. But he hasn't helped his team advance as far as the playoffs would allow. Brian Windhorst, reporting for NBA Today on ESPN on May 27, 2025, shared his opinion. He pointed out that Haliburton is good, but it's Jalen Brunson who leads the team when it's crunch time. This added to the existing discussion. Right now, both fans and experts are continuing the discussion. Although he still has to prove it, Jalen Brunson's strong playoff run is attracting attention around the league. Also Read: Karl-Anthony Towns' girlfriend Jordyn Woods reveals unknown details about New York Knicks star in a couple's quiz Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.