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The Celtics’ Title Triumph: A Potential Challenge for the NBA League

Published

6 months ago

June 24, 2024

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The entire NBA league faces a potential challenge from the Celtics’ title fight

Boston ruled the 2023/24 NBA season, finishing with an impressive record of 80 wins from 101 games. Led by Brad Stevens, the team added two former All-Stars, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and embarked on a historic series. The Celtics lost just three games on the way to the title, and their net rating was the best since the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan and the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry and Kevin Durant.

The duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, also known as the “Jay Team,” led this superior team. In the decisive game, Tatum scored 31 points and 11 assists, while Brown contributed 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Holiday and White delivered 29 points and 19 rebounds each, their defensive performance forming a steady threat. Al Horford, who had gone titleless in 186 playoff games, lifted the championship trophy. Porzingis returned from injury and scored two field goals. Hauser hit crucial three-pointers and Pritchard attempted a “Hail Mary” from the midfield in the chaotic TD Garden.

The youngest coach to lead a team to a title since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976, 35-year-old Joe Mazzulla led this team to victory. Despite calls for his firing the previous year, he led and motivated the team to overcome the past.

When Jayson Tatum spoke into the microphone after winning the title, it was a clear joke to the critics who had attacked this team, especially the “Jays,” their star duo. Jaylen Brown’s record-breaking contract, which he signed shortly after the elimination against Miami in the Conference Finals, had confused many. Brown signed a five-year, $304 million deal, while Tatum is expected to sign a slightly higher offer in the summer.

Accepting the Finals MVP trophy from Commissioner Adam Silver, Brown acknowledged Tatum’s role: “This award is a testament to teamwork and I share it with my colleagues and my partner, Jayson Tatum. He has been with me since the beginning. We had numerous playoff disappointments and many questions about our compatibility. But we ignored the noise and continued to work.” Since Brown’s rookie season in 2016-17, Boston had reached the Conference Finals six times and the NBA Finals twice before winning this year. Their 107 playoff games without a title are a new NBA record.

“We’ve stuck together through the thin and the thin,” Brown says. “We’ve played together for seven years now and overcome numerous challenges. The media said we could work together or win. But we ignored the noise and stuck to the work. I trust him and he trusts me. And together we got it done.” Tatum and Brown first practiced together in the lead-up to the season. “We’re past the stage of making All-Star games and All-NBA teams,” Tatum recalls. “That was great, but it wasn’t enough. It was time to make the necessary sacrifices, points, shots, whatever it took to build the best team in the league.”

Before them, many successful duos had come close to winning the NBA Championship, but ultimately failed to win. The pairings of Karl Malone and John Stockton in Utah, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor in Los Angeles, Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter in Portland, and even Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City had never made it to the Finals. The duos of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp had spent several years in the playoffs without winning the title themselves. The “Jays” were on the verge of dissolution before they reached the summit of the NBA.

Tatum recalled: “Our talent was always underestimated.” They reached the Conference Finals twice in their first three years. But people seemed to overlook our youthful inexperience. They lost and were criticized by the media: “They lost, they can work together. Trade Brown.” Nobody believed in us except Brad Stevens. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Stevens, a 47-year-old coach, led the Celtics from 2013 to 2021, then took over as president and general manager from Danny Ainge, who left for Utah. Ainge, the original architect of that team, rebuilt after the 2008 title, trading stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn for future draft picks, which were Brown and Tatum. Ainge hired Stevens as head coach at Butler University in 2013 and promoted him to Boston the next year, signing Brown (2016) and Tatum (2017) with the third pick in the draft.

Stevens’ calm, strategic leadership transformed the Celtics into a top team. Star players like Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker arrived, but Boston failed to achieve the success they were looking for. When Ainge left, the team teetered on the brink of chaos. Stevens stepped into the front office and stabilized the situation. Ime Udoka was hired and fired as coach, Mazzulla was promoted from assistant to head coach. Instead of acting on constant critics and breaking up Brown, Stevens remained patient with his young duo, whom he had mentored since their NBA debut.

As a manager, he had built a nearly invincible team around his two new leaders. He brought back veteran Al Horford, whom he had coached in Boston from 2016 to 2019. A trade with San Antonio brought All-Defensive guard Derrick White to Beantown two years ago. Ultimately, Stevens’ masterstroke was trading two key players and two draft picks for combo guard Jrue Holiday, the 2021 NBA champion. He then traded rookie and fan favorite Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis. The terrible lineup was complete.

New Celtics dynasty on the horizon?

Boston’s title was the result of years of visionary work. From Ainge to Stevens. From Stevens to Mazzulla. Patience and continuity pay off. With a pillar of quality throughout the franchise – generous team owners, smart management, innovative training, the best starting lineup in the NBA – it seems possible for a sustained series of success.

However, there are no guarantees of a title in this league. The competition is fierce. From Denver to Dallas, Milwaukee to Philadelphia, to up-and-coming teams like Minnesota, Oklahoma City and New York, or veteran teams like Phoenix, LA and Miami. At least ten teams will play a role in the championship decision in the coming years. In the last six years, a new champion has been crowned every year. Since the Warriors were champions in 2017 and 2018, there has been no accumulation of championships. Since 2019, no champion has made it to the final series again. The last triple win was more than 20 years ago. (Lakers 2000, 2001 and 2002).

The era of dynasties currently seems to be over. Stevens and Co. are working in Boston to potentially reverse that trend. All key players are under long-term contracts. Tatum and White will be extended this summer; Horford has announced his intention to play his 18th professional season; Brown, Holiday, Porzingis and Pritchard are signed until at least 2026. Mazzulla will not lose any of his key players, which is a rarity for reigning champions. The Celtics enter the 2024/25 season as overwhelming favorites. Titles are simply the expectation in Boston now: “As long as we reach number 18 once – from then on we will chase number 19. That’s just the way it is.”**

Also read:

2024-06-24 18:07:29
#Celtics #championship #pose #challenge #entire #NBA

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SPORTS

The Truth About the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 Match

Published

24 hours ago

December 21, 2024

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In one way or the other, almost every Nigerian has heard of the mythical match between India Vs. Nigeria that ended with 99 goals to 1 with India being victorious.

Before the advent of the internet, this story successfully thrived among Nigerians, but with the emergence of the internet and easy access to social media, the truth behind the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match was revealed.

Though there are different accounts of the match, but they all have the following in common:

That the match ended with India scoring 99 goals and Nigeria scoring just one goal.
That Nigerians were unable to kick the ball because the football kept turning to a lion which scared them away…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
2. That Indians later agreed that if Nigeria could score one goal, they would concede defeat.
3. That Samuel Okwaraji scored the winning goal and lost his life in the process because the ball turned into stone as he was about to kick it.
4. That FIFA banned India from soccer because they used juju (black magic) in that match.
Why did people believe the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match story?

Even with the absence of the internet back then, this kind of claims should be immediately recognized as lies, the kind of lies they call “big fat lies”. But most people like to acknowledge this story as true with the fact that no one has ever seen India play in an International Football Match. Since no one actually saw India participate in most international soccer games, this gave a little credence to the story.

Another reason this lie thrived for long was that credible information was not easily accessible in Nigeria unlike now that even a 4-year-old child can debunk false claims within minutes with the help of Google. This Nigeria Vs India match story would have been fabricated by one community elder to children during an evening gathering; that’s our take at OldNaija.

What Actually Happened!

On the 12th of August 1989, Nigeria lost one of her best footballers, Sam Okwaraji who died during a football match. We wrote about how he died on the pitch and you can read it here. Sam Okwaraji was the player rumoured to have lost his life in that game when in truth he died during a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Angola in the 77th minute. He collapsed and died of cognitive heart failure. May his soul rest in peace. AMEN!

Samuel Okwaraji (circled)

So, that is the only truthful thing about the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match story, the fact that a Nigerian player died during a football match. That is what these lies was fabricated around. The match was not against India, Nigeria did not lose the match and as you must have guessed, and there were no lions or ball turning into a stone.

Meme by Campus Bro

Nevertheless, one cannot deny that this kind of story made one’s childhood as a Nigerian. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Before we go,

Why was India Banned by FIFA?

India was never banned by FIFA. It was India that withdrew from the tournament themselves. Here is how it happened.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) made it clear to India that they would not be allowed to play in the 1950 FIFA World Cup without footwear.

Then something happened. You see, when determining the make-up of the 1950 World Cup, FIFA determined that obviously the two defending finalists, Brazil and Italy, would be guaranteed slots. That left fourteen slots that needed to be filled.

FIFA decided that seven of those slots would come from Europe, six would come from the Americas and one would come from Asia.

The problem was that of the four Asian teams that were invited to the World Cup, three of them (the Philippines, Indonesia and Burma) withdrew from the tournament before the qualification round.

Therefore, India earned an automatic slot within the World Cup. It would be India’s first time appearing in the World Cup but India, too, withdrew from the tournament because FIFA would not allow them to compete barefoot.

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SPORTS

SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

Published

2 months ago

November 5, 2024

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

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SPORTS

NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

Published

2 months ago

October 12, 2024

1oo9t

In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.

Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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