Latest Articles

• NBA Postpones Season in Response to Coronavirus

  Mar 11, 2020 SportZ 0 Comments

  The NBA has announced this evening that following Wednesday's games, the season will be suspended indefinitely to address coronavirus concerns. Their decision came after Utah Jazz all-star Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. According to the Associated Press, games will not continue for at least two weeks. Furthermore, any team that has played the Jazz in the past 10 days have been mandated to self-quarantine, including the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and Oklahoma City Thunder, the latter of which they were scheduled to play tonight. However, teams are still allowed to practice.

  This statement comes after extensive discussion and consideration by the NBA over the past few days regarding how to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. The NBA had warned its players and staff about the possibility of playing in empty arenas, and this was a step that was highly likely to be taken; the NCAA has already gone through with this decision for March Madness.

  The coronavirus continues to spread in the United States, now infecting over 1,000 people in this country. As the number of cases increase, it is not implausible to assume other leagues will follow in the NBA's footsteps. According to sources, the NBA will use the hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in accordance to this pandemic.

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• NBA Addresses Coronavirus Concerns

  Mar 9, 2020 SportZ 0 Comments

  Throughout the past few weeks, coronavirus has made global headlines and has caused widespread public concern. As it spreads throughout the United States, many sports associations, including the NBA, are forced to impose measures to reduce the risk of their players and coaches being infected.

  Certain methods are already starting to be enacted. According to various sources, teams are starting to limit locker room access, only allowing essential personnel to interact with the players. Additionally, each franchise is required to have several contingency plans in place by March 10, including arrangements with an infectious disease specialist and the designation of a specific facility to test for coronavirus. Recently, the league issued a warning to prepare to play in empty arenas. This has already started to happen in the EuroLeague.

  Fortunately, more drastic measures have not yet been taken. However, the reality is that as the coronavirus continues to spread, the situation will become more and more grave, and teams will have to respond accordingly. A conference call meeting between team owners has reportedly been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to discuss how to combat the virus.

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• Milwaukee Clinches Playoff Spot Earlier Than Any Other Team in History

  Feb 25, 2020 SportZ 0 Comments

  There is little doubt the Milwaukee Bucks is currently the best team in the NBA. For months, there has been speculation on whether or not they could reach 70-wins in the regular season, a historic milestone only accomplished by two teams since the league began. The Bucks are a deep roster led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is the overwhelming favorite to win back-to-back MVP, averaging 30 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, a steal, and a block in only 30.9 minutes per game. He leads the league in defensive rating and is on pace to record the highest PER in NBA history. As it stands now, a 70-win season is definitely within reach for them.

  Just a couple of days ago, on February 23rd, after only playing 56 games, Milwaukee became the first team in the league this season to clinch a playoff berth, nearly two months before it's supposed to begin. This is the earliest any team has managed to achieve this feat in at least 15 years, beating the mark set by the 2016-17 Warriors, who clinched their playoff spot on February 25th, after playing 58 games.

  At this rate, it is safe to say this year's Milwaukee Bucks squad will ultimately rank among the best all-time teams. They are a clear championship contender and the overwhelming favorite to win the Eastern Conference, despite their disappointing performance last year. Only time will tell how far they can carry this current success.

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• Masai Ujiri Sued for Alleged Assault

  Feb 10, 2020 SportZ 0 Comments

  

   

  Masai Ujiri, president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors, has been sued for damages by an Alameda County sheriff's deputy. The deputy, whose name is Alan Strickland, claims that moments after the Raptors won game 6 against the Golden State Warriros, Ujiri struck him in the face and chest with both fists as he attempted to reach the court. He and his wife, Kelly, are suing Ujiri, the Raptors, the MLSE, and the NBA on six separate counts. They seek to be rewarded general damages exceeding $75,000, punitive damages, payment of all medical an incidental expenses – to date and in the future – all proven loss of earnings, and all legal costs of filing the suit.

   

  This incident briefly made headlines shortly after its occurrence, in late-June and early-July, when Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern initially requested Ujiri be charged with battery of a peace officer. However, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office ultimately declined to press charges after an extensive investigation.

   

  There are multiple sides to this story. For example, one witness, who was reportedly standing right next to the officer, refuted the department's narrative, which stated that Ujiri had refused Strickland's request for credentials and shoved him. According to reports, he claims that no such conversation had occurred, or any for that matter. The encounter began when the officer approached Ujiri and pushed him. Ujiri managed to shove him back before bystander intervened. Furthermore, a video taken around the time of the incident shows Ujiri with his credentials in his hand.

   

  There are many factors involved in this case, including the reputation and history of both parties. Only time will tell how this lawsuit will turn out.

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• NBA All-Star Reserves Revealed

  Feb 2, 2020 SportZ 0 Comments

  

  About a week ago, the NBA announced the starters for this year's All-Star game in Chicago. For the East, there is Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Pascial Siakam of the Toronto Raptors, Joel Embiid of the Philadephia 76ers, Kemba Walker of the Boston Celtics, and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. For the West, there is James Harden of the Houston Rockets, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the LA Lakers, and Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers.

   

  A couple of days ago, the NBA finally released the reserves for each team, providing us with a full All-Star roster. The reserves for the West are Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz. The reserves for the East are Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors, Ben Simmons of the Philadephia 76ers, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks, Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, and Domantas Sabonis of the Indiana Pacers. There are a total of 9 first-time All-Stars this year, with 4 from the west and 5 from the east.

   

  Notable All-Stars snubs include Paul George, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. As one source noted, in the case of Devin Booker specifically, he is the first player to ever average 27 points and 6 assists on 60 TS% and still miss the All-Star game. Bradley Beal, on the other hand, is averaging 28.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. While there may be much disagreement and debate over the final roster, all of these players have had remarkable seasons and are all deserving All-Stars.

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