What You Need To Know About The NBA FInals
This is going to be good.
Photo: Instagram/nbaonespn
The NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals tip-off is on Thursday, June 1st, and our matchup this year has surprised everyone. The Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat will battle it out for the coveted Tiffany redesigned Larry O'Brien trophy (which comes with its own Louis Vuitton travel case).
Underdog Stories
The Denver Nuggets, the number one seed in the Western Conference, were dominant throughout the season. However, they don't have the big market appeal that often steals the limelight. As a result, despite their success, the Nuggets seem to fly under the radar. Even after sweeping the Lakers in the previous series, the media focused more on LeBron James' retirement than on the Nuggets' triumph.
On the other hand, the Miami Heat had a challenging season, even making it to the play-in tournament. But they embarked on an incredible underdog Cinderella run that captured the hearts of fans. Their resilience and determination have propelled them forward, reminiscent of the underdog stories we love sports.
Nikola Jokic and the Lack of Recognition
Nikola Jokic, the centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets, is a two-time league MVP. Yet, he remains underrated and overlooked by many. He could have won his third consecutive MVP this year, but regional bias seemed to work against him. Jokic is a quiet and humble superstar who lets his performance on the court do the talking. His journey into the league was exemplified by a draft night where a Taco Bell commercial overshadowed his selection at No. 41. This story speaks to the lack of respect he has endured throughout his career.
Jimmy Butler and Big Face Coffee
The Miami Heat's star player, Jimmy Butler, has driven the team's playoff run. His unwavering determination and ability to carry the team have been truly remarkable. Off the court, Butler created his brand, Big Face Coffee, during the NBA season in the COVID bubble.
Erik Spoelstra: A Staple in Miami
Erik Spoelstra, the coach of the Miami Heat, stands out as one of the longest-tenured coaches in the NBA. He has guided the team to three championships and has worked with legendary players like Shaq, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. Spoelstra's ability to strategize and lead his team has set him apart in a league where coaching stability is increasingly rare.
Mascots and Home Court Advantage
While the impact of mascots on the game may seem trivial, the Denver Nuggets mascot, Rocky, is the highest-paid mascot in the league. His energy and crowd engagement has made him a fan favorite. Furthermore, the home-court advantage for the Nuggets is amplified by their high elevation. Denver's mile-high altitude poses a challenge for visiting teams who are not accustomed to the thin air.
The clash of these two teams brings together contrasting storylines, underlining the unpredictable nature of sports. So let the battle for the title begin.
Oh, It’s On
Be 4th of July ready. Barstool Sports takes NIL to a new level, the 2nd highest-paid athlete in the world needs a job and 75 hot dogs in 10 mins - GO!
This Friday, we’re bringing you everything you need to be set up for small talk success poolside or at your Fourth Of July barbeque.
Going all out,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
After no fans last year (and an awkwardly quiet competition), the crowd might be just what the competitors need to defeat the 13-time hot dog eating champion, Joey Chestnut. Although, a Chestnut defeat is unlikely as he’s the obvious favorite after beating his own record last year by eating 75 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes The women’s champion Miki Sudo won’t be there to defend her championship as she’s pregnant with her first child, so the door is wide open for a new winner. We talk more about a “Roman Incident” and other hot dog eating traditions that would make our founding fathers so proud in this week’s podcast. DON’T SIT IN THE SPLASH ZONE
Overtime
You haven’t been able to turn on the news over the past few days without hearing about NIL (name, image and likeness) for college athletes. The NCAA announced that as of yesterday, July 1, college athletes could profit from their NIL.
A few athletes took advantage of this change from the word go. Twin women’s basketball players from Fresno State, Haley and Hanna Cavinder, who have over three million followers on TikTok already signed a deal with Boost Mobile. Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler said that he’d use this opportunity to donate a portion of what he makes to charity. One athlete, Addie Halverson, a volleyball player from Jacksonville State, reached out to Barstool Sports to see what it would take to be a "Barstool Athlete," and they've now set up a whole program to support these athletes. MONEY IN THE BANK
Sideline stat
Chris Paul has played in the NBA (National Basketball Association) for 16 years and never made it to the NBA finals until now. He and his Phoenix Suns punched their ticket to the finals Wednesday night. In his postgame interview, he talked about how he writes the words “can’t give up now” on his shoes every game. The inspiration came from a Mary Mary song. Paul, who you’ll recognize from his State Farm commercials, took a risk with the Suns - a team that hasn’t made it to the finals since 1993. AT LAST
Coaches’ corner
Though COVID restrictions are still tight in Canada, the Quebec government is allowing 3,500 fans to attend tonight’s game as the Montreal Canadiens take on the sending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the quest for their first Stanley Cup since 1993. In case you're wondering, the Lightning are up 2-0 in the series. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE
THE 5 BEST ATHLETE DADS AND THEIR EQUALLY ATHLETIC KIDS
We bet family game night was a little competitive.
It runs in the family.
Genetics are a crazy thing,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. Laila Ali had big shoes to fill when she followed in her dad’s footsteps. Her father was the one and only, the “World’s Greatest,” boxer Muhammed Ali. A boxing champion herself, she's also a television personality and fitness guru who has appeared on shows such as American Gladiator and Dancing With The Stars. LIGHT ON THEIR FEET
2. NASCAR’s (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) dynamic duo was Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Earnhardt Jr. Papa Earnhardt died from injuries sustained in a crash at the Daytona 500 at the age of 49. Earnhardt Jr. won that same race three years later in 2004. Earnhardt Jr.'s grandfather was also a NASCAR driver and his nephew races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. ONE FAST FAMILY
3. Basketball greatness runs in the family for the NBA (National Basketball Association) Champion and two-time league MVP, Stephen Curry. His father Dell, is the all-time leader in points and three pointers for the Charlotte Hornets. Steph’s youngest brother Seth plays basketball for the Portland Trail Blazers. They’re the first brothers to face off in the NBA conference finals. ONE OF THEM HAS TO BE YOUR FAVORITE KID
4. Her dad, two-time Hall of Famer Rick Flair, is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and wrestler Charlotte Flair is living up to his legacy. The college volleyball player turned WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) star has been a trailblazer for women in WWE, with nine championships to her name. “The Queen” was also the first WWE star to grace the pages of ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue. ROYAL FAMILY
5. You can’t have a list of famous fathers and their kids without mentioning the ultimate trio – the Manning crew. Dad, Archie Manning was a NFL (National Football League) quarterback for 15 years. His quarterback sons Peyton and Eli have both won two Super Bowls. Their third brother Cooper, is ‘only’ a partner in a law firm and a TV personality. Cooper’s son, Arch, is keeping the family name alive as an impressive high school football prospect. A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK
Wednesday Wisdom
It’s all the buzz today including who shot their player in the face with a paintball, all the finals drama, David Ortiz’s recovery and how the U.S. Women made history in yesterday’s game. READ