SR – NBA Prime Time Preview: Miami Heat at Los Angeles Clippers

SR – NBA Prime Time Preview: Miami Heat at Los Angeles Clippers

Featured

by | Feb 6, 2020 | Featured, NBA

Aside from Miami Heat fans winning the top news headline of the trade deadline just a couple of minutes ago, they still have a tough game against the team that handed them their second home loss on the year just a couple of days ago as their 34-15 Heat will do battle against the 35-15 Los Angeles Clippers for the start of a five-game Western road trip right before the beginning of All-Star break, and this matchup tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET.

So, assessing that news that dominated all the sports talk shows in the most recent hour: the Memphis Grizzlies are sending longtime holdout Andre Iguodala to the Heat in a blockbuster trade, as the one-time All-Star and 2015 Finals MVP heads down to South Beach to further bolster the rugged identity of Erik Spoelstra’s defensive rotations that have garnered the respect of all competitors in the East, as Miami is currently fourth in the conference.

As it goes for this game, The Clippers see these Heat for the second and final time, and in the last matchup Kawhi Leonard had his first career triple-double and they won that game without Paul George. Miami will play the role of the undermanned underdog tonight, since both PG and the Klaw will share the same frontcourt to make life difficult for Jimmy Butler and Kendrick Nunn as Miami will be without Meyers Leonard, Tyler Herro and Justise Winslow for this game.

It’s yet to be determined if Miami will play with the same energy and intensity that forced the Clippers to grind out a victory in all four quarters in their last game just 10 days ago, but if they can replicate their second-half effort displayed against Philly in Monday’s 31-point win over the dysfunctional Sixers, this could very well be a toss-up between two teams that have practically identical records at this point in the season.

Feb 6, 2020 No Comments
NBA Four-Team, 12 Player Trade Brings Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks

NBA Four-Team, 12 Player Trade Brings Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks

Featured

by | Feb 6, 2020 | Featured, NBA

With the NBA trade deadline draws nearer, NBA teams are really assessing themselves to see what it is they need to truly accomplish their goals this season thus far. The first trade so far set the bar high for the next potential trades to come, with four-teams being involved, sending 12 players to new teams around the league. These teams include the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Atlanta Hawks.

The Rockets will be acquiring Robert Covington, Jordan Bell, and a 2nd Round Pick from the Timberwolves, while they receive a hefty acquisition in Malik Beasley, Evan Turner, Juancho Hernangomez, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 1st Round Pick. The Nuggets will be receiving Gerald Green, Shabazz Napier, Noah Vonleh, Keita Bates Diop, and a 1st Round Pick as well. Lastly, and perhaps the biggest part of this trade was sending the Rockets’ Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks alongside Nene.

It goes without saying that all teams included can walk away satisfied with their new pieces respectively, with a solid two-way player such as Covington going to the Rockets. The Timberwolves are seeking a solution in their point guard situation, hoping that they’re taking steps in the right direction, while the Nuggets seek to potentially deepen their bench with solid players such as Green and Napier. As for the Hawks, they have very much found themselves a solid player at the Center position to play alongside John Collins in the frontcourt.

This is only the first of potentially many trades to be made before the deadline approaches, which should be on all NBA fans’ radars until then.

Feb 6, 2020 No Comments
NBA Prime Time Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Prime Time Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers

Featured

by | Feb 5, 2020 | Featured, NBA

The 22-27 San Antonio Spurs stay put in the city of Angels to continue their road trip, facing the 37-11 Lakers on the second leg of their visit to the Staples Center at 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT.

For the first time in what feels like forever, the Lakers have a shot to send the Spurs back to San Antonio with a winless record against them for the entire season. The series between these two longtime rivals sees the Lakers at 2-0 against San Antonio on the year and though things always have a way of turning in the right direction for a Gregg Popovich-coached team at this point in the season, an imbalanced roster that’s practically defunct in their second unit’s scoring ability may spell nothing but positives for a Lakers team that’s just looking for a return to normalcy following the passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant last Sunday.

To do that, however, the Lakers will have to keep their hands up to the left and right hooks the Spurs will continuously swing at them, for the Kawhi-and-Paul George-endowed Clippers needed all four quarters to overcome a resilient San Antonio basketball team. But then again, these are the Western-best Lakers team, packed with LeBron James and the almost-unguardable Anthony Davis who is quickly becoming a confident three-level scorer.

Also, DeMar Derozan isn’t too fond of coming away with positive results when facing a Lebron-led squad, as told by James’s domineering display of decadence against Derozan when the Cavs used to eliminate the Raptors in the playoffs back in the day as if it was second nature.

When looking at this matchup, it’s important to recognize the lengthy and proficient perimeter defenders that the Spurs put on the floor to likely combat the efficient perimeter offense from that of former Spur Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and others. But, the perfect antidote to that kind of defensive coverage is strong dribble penetration and off-ball cuts to the cup, more than likely executed with that LBJ-AD pick and roll that defenders have head-scratchingly failed to wall off all season.

The Lakers are coming off of a somber, two-game stretch that involved a home loss to the Trail Blazers in what was otherwise the most emotional night of the season, and then responded lionheartedly with a redemptive blowout over the Kings just a night later. We’ll see if the King can keep the winning going in the second slot of TNT basketball tonight.

Feb 5, 2020 No Comments
SR – NBA Prime Time Preview: Milwaukee Bucks at New Orleans Pelicans

SR – NBA Prime Time Preview: Milwaukee Bucks at New Orleans Pelicans

Featured

by | Feb 5, 2020 | Featured, NBA

Get ready to witness the TNT debut of Zion Williamson in what is shaping up to be a jam-packed fireworks show of dazzling dunks and highlights galore between the 20-30 New Orleans Pelicans and the visiting 42-7 Milwaukee Bucks, live at 7:30 p.m. ET.

So the narrative (Cliche’) of the unstoppable force (Zion) clashing with the unmoveable force (Giannis Antetokounmpo) is probably the most applicable mantra in the book to describe this one. The league’s best team (record-wise) who also display the league’s 2nd-best offense and best defense takes a trip to the Big Easy to take on a different foe than the one they faced back in early December, as they’ll look to go 2 – 0 against a young, impressionable Pelicans team whose limit is anything higher than the sky.

Of course, the Pels find themselves near the bottom of the pack in the seasonal marathon that is the Western Conference. That might be reason enough for David Griffin to wave the white flag on a season that sees his Pelicans a whole 10 games under an even and commendable record. And had it not been for the sudden Goliathic ascension of ROY award candidate Zion Williamson, that may have well been the case on an otherwise demure year.

His beastly 6-6, 284-lb frame has been the mismatch most coaches can’t maneuver around, and it’s only a matter of time before he really strings together his offensive repertoire against the different defensive man-to-man and zone coverages that opposing coaching staffs will throw at him on a nightly schedule to try and counter his explosion and size. So far in his first six tastes of NBA pace, he’s been just that: a demon on the boards that is insufferably difficult to box out for both offensive and defensive rebounds, and a bulldozer when he ducks his head and drives to the rim.

Now, the singular question persists: can you do that against the likes of the tallest and most defensively efficient team in the league in the Milwaukee Bucks? Going into this one, the Pels are 4-3 in their last seven games and with Zion, a respectable 3-3. And as reality itself suggests, the Pelicans aren’t as far from prosperity as you might expect. Positioned at 11th in the Western standings, they’re only a meek five games out of that eighth seed, and in a division as topsy-turvy as the Southwest, don’t be surprised if you look up one day and see the Pelicans taking over a playoff seed later this year.

It looks like playing with the uptempo pace of Williamson is to be an acquired taste when spacing the floor enough so that Jrue Holiday (hypothetically, if he isn’t dealt before Thursday’s trade deadline), and Brandon Ingram can help make easy offense on the wings and atop the key. But for an offense that’s pieces are spending their first year together, they haven’t done all that bad, peeking just outside a spot of the top-15 most offensively-efficient teams in the league.

And In case you haven’t been watching these Pelicans, their latest starting lineup of Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Derrick Favors posted a +29.1 Net Rating in 73 minutes of combined action.

But do remember: this Bucks team is good. Like, really, really, really good. And the most shocking thing? They are proven winners when Antetokounmpo doesn’t even suit up (Don’t worry – he’s playing, that’s just for dramatic effect) and though he has the obvious advantage in overall skill as opposed to Williamson’s growing prowess, tonight is still must-see television for both casual and hardcore fans of the game as they’ll go head-to-head for the first of probably 500 times in their careers.

This is certainly an opportunity for the good to get better when the Pelicans face the best defensive team in basketball, but who knows, on TNT primetime nights, the unthinkable happens more often than not.

Feb 5, 2020 No Comments
Joe Freshgoods and New Balance reveal ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ collection

Joe Freshgoods and New Balance reveal ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ collection

Celebs

by | Feb 4, 2020 | Celebs, Featured, Sneaker Releases

NBA All-Star is a historic time for on-court wear. From the “Big Bang” LeBrons to the “Galaxy” KD 4s, some of the most memorable kicks of All-Star weekend come on court. There may be debate over whether the year’s best All-Star kicks came on or off the court but they definitely come from this Joe Freshgoods x New Balance collaboration. Chicago native Joe Freshgoods has joined forces with New Balance for All-Star Weekend. Alongside a pair of incredible colorways of the New Balance 992 and Kawhi’s Omn1s, Joe’s Don’t Be Mad imprint collides with New Balance for the “No Emotions are Emotions” collection. 

The tonal 992s could be seen as Valentine’s Day inspired since it falls during All-Star weekend but the shades of red are actually meant to mimic the anatomy of the heart, even coming with an extra pair of blue laces seemingly inspired by veins. The shoes tie into Joe’s passion for tie-dye with the colorful sole insert. The ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ mantra comes full circle on the New Balance Omn1s that Kawhi has already been spotted hooping in. The gradient from tan to pink is as subtle as the stoic ‘emoji’ style faces that harken to Joe’s own smiley face logo, the Omn1s reflect both Kawhi’s demeanor on the floor and Joe’s approach to work. In an interview with Complex, Joe explained the meaning saying, 

“It’s pretty much for people in a world that don’t speak loudly about what they’re going to do. They just do it. You know what I’m saying? I think sometimes people are known for always having to be loud and vocal to get a point across. So I think, what ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ means to me it’s just like, we’re not going to talk about what we’re going to do. We’re not going to create a scene. We just going to get it done. And that’s kind of my whole narrative around All-Star Weekend. It’s just like, I’m going to just keep showing these brands, these companies, that we are just gonna get it done.”

The collection does more than just get it done. The shades of red and pink spill over into the gear as well giving a vibrancy to the collection, it even features a ‘Don’t Be Mad’ Kawhi Leonard jersey and tie-dye pants resonate the same energy as the 992s. The New Balance x Joe Freshgoods collection will only be available in Chicago during All-Star weekend. Bring your tents if you plan on copping this impeccable collaboration. 

 

Feb 4, 2020 No Comments
The Weekly Drop Pt. 26

The Weekly Drop Pt. 26

Celebs

by | Feb 4, 2020 | Celebs, Featured

This week has been a little difficult for us all following the loss of Kob Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and the seven others in that tragic accident. This week’s playlist cover art is dedicated to the man, the Father, the Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant. Rest In Paradise.

This week in music we’ve seen the return of a Legend in Lil Wayne who took 24 seconds of silence on the 8th track in memory of Kobe, Tinashe has released the original “KOBE LA version” of her song “Hopscotch” from her album Songs for You. In this original version, she says the “L.A. like I’m Kobe,” this version was posted to her Sound Cloud page with the message “Rest in power Gigi and Kobe Bryant.” Chief Keef released a single entitled “Kobe,” and the tributes continue as Meek Mills enlist Roddy Ricch on “Letter to Nipsey.”  Here are a few of the songs that stuck out to me in the playlist:

Image result for Sway With Me - Saweetie feat. Galxara"

As DC Comics Birds of Prey is slated to hit theaters this Thursday, of course, another track off the movie’s office soundtrack drops. This time it was Saweetie and Galxara with “Sway With Me,” with an accompanying music video showing the duo up to no good. A high-energy, Latin-infused feminist anthem that gives the listener an electrifying brass section, robust rhythmic punches, and a manipulated vocal introducing the famed “Sway” hook sampled from Dean Martin then GALXARA’s vocals take it from there.

Image result for Just Like Jay- K. Michelle"

Durning the Love and Hip-Hop, LA Reunion show K. Michelle spoke about trying her hand at Country music and the track entitled ” Just Like Jay,” featured in her fifth studio album ‘All Monsters Are Human’  doesn’t disappoint. Accompanied by a visual, this single is tonally reminiscent of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” this single is definitely a hit. Speaking about personal topics with lyrics like, ”I walked away from Atlantic because they wanted me to be Mary J, and the whole time I was thinking who the hell gone be K” or “Crucified for my mistakes, make me wanna walk away. Maybe I should walk away, fade to black just like Jay, ooh ‘Cause y’all don’t love me anyway, so I’ll fade to black just like Jay,” a direct reference to the iconic Jay-Z’s “Fade To Black” documentary and his The Black Album. K. Michelle put her heart and soul into this song and if that any indication this album will be one to be on the lookout for.

Image result for Generous- Amber Mark"

Amber Mark is back with “Generous,” as the follow up to “What If,” which released back in June 2018. The New York-based singer’ who according to Pitchfork her soulful pop will make you dance and cry at the same time. Generous- Amber Mark  Milca P. of Hot New Hip Hop said it best on “Generous,” Mark a slow burner delicately details the anticipation of a bedroom rendezvous. Continuing to create fan anticipation for her full-length album.

Image result for Dinosaurs In Love -Fenn Rosenthal, Tom Rosenthal"

One of the cutest songs on this playlist is sung by 4-year-old Fenn Rosenthal, it’s a song about dinosaurs in love but the reason it’s becoming a viral hit was its dark ending. Tom Rosenthal shared this adoral video of his daughter Fenn’s original song “Dinosaurs In Love.” Tom tweet said    “…my nearly 4-year-old daughter, recorded her first ever solo song today. She came up with all the words herself and I helped her a little bit with the tune. It’s called ‘Dinosaurs in Love’.” Moved by Fenn’s heartbreaking song on Tuesday Jimmy Fallon did his rendition of the song.

Image result for Back To It - Josie Dunne"

Josie Dunne is a 22-year old breakout singer, with a supernatural ability to take listeners on a vibrant journey. Having worked as a professional songwriter since age 16, and now on the cusp of releasing her soul-baring second EP  ‘Late Teens Early Twenties,’  Dunne says in so many ways we have been and are continuing to play witnesses in real time to her self-discovery. “Back To It,”  is a classic ballad of someone realizing that its time for a change and this current relationship just isn’t it.

Image result for Fkn Around- Phony Ppl feat. Meg Thee Stallion"

It has been a month since we saw Megan Thee Stallion’s Tiny Desk Concert with the Brooklyn neo-soul band Phony Ppl during the performance, they debuted a brand new collaboration called “Fkn Around.” Today, they’re finally sharing the studio version of the song, a smoothly funky jam about fucking around.

Image result for Rodeo- Lil Nas X feat. Nas"

Lil Nas dropped the remix of his 7 EP track “Rodeo” with new verses from rap icon Nas. Debuting the track during his performance at the 62nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles fans now have the opportunity to stream it on all platforms.

Image result for salem roses to his ex"

This is a song about gratitude as Salem is so thankful that her current boyfriend broke up with his ex. states she would be best friends with her boyfriend’s ex and send her roses with a note thanking her for making him the best. Just a little shade was thrown seeing as his ex doesn’t know what she lost and one woman’s trash is anyone treasure.

This playlist has exactly 81 singles from the week of January 27th – February 2nd. Find your new favorite song to add to your rotation. Check out the playlist below:

 

Feb 4, 2020 No Comments