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The Halftimerz, Chicago, IL (2025)

08/22/2025

Blake Griffin Sees No Weakness in Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg

The hype around Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is already massive — and it’s only growing.

Former NBA star Blake Griffin, himself a former No. 1 overall pick, recently gave Flagg the ultimate stamp of approval, calling him the most complete prospect to enter the league in years.

“I think he’s the most complete player we’ve seen come into the NBA in recent memory,” Griffin said on the Post Movespodcast. “He passes, he shoots, he defends, he rebounds. He seems like a great teammate and seems like a great kid.”

Griffin even went as far as to compare Flagg’s polish to last year’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, saying Flagg is entering with fewer “red flags” and an ability to guard multiple positions right away.

Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, comes to Dallas after a stellar season at Duke, where he averaged 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.4 STL, and 1.4 BLK en route to being named National Player of the Year. He wasted no time making an impression in Summer League, dropping 31 points in just his second outing.

The Mavericks are banking on Flagg to be the future face of the franchise, but he won’t have to do it alone. With veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving (recovering from a torn ACL) around him, Flagg will have mentors to lean on as he adjusts to NBA life.

Dallas may not be a championship contender yet, but with Flagg leading the way, this team has the pieces to be dangerous in the Western Conference.

Do you think Cooper Flagg will live up to the hype and make an immediate Rookie of the Year push like Wemby?

08/21/2025

History Made: Paige Bueckers Scores WNBA Rookie Record 44 Points in Classic Performance

The Dallas Wings didn't get the win, but they witnessed a performance for the ages.

Paige Bueckers, the rookie sensation from UConn, etched her name in the WNBA history books on Wednesday night, scoring a rookie record 44 points in a heartbreaking 81-80 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. While Kelsey Plum hit a buzzer-beater to seal the win for L.A., the night belonged to Bueckers and her incredible display of offensive firepower.

In a game where her teammates combined to shoot a cold 31% from the field, Bueckers put the team on her back. She shot a jaw-dropping 17-of-21 from the floor, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range and 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Her remarkable efficiency made her the first player in WNBA history to score 40 or more points while shooting at least 80% from the field.

Bueckers’ 44 points also tied Cynthia Cooper’s record for the most points by a “first-year” player, a record set in the league's inaugural season when all players were technically “first-year.” But for a true rookie, Bueckers’ performance surpassed the previous record of 40 set by Candace Parker in 2008.

Despite the loss, Bueckers' historic night was a testament to her talent and a tribute to the long road she traveled to get here. After a college career at UConn that was derailed by two major knee injuries, including a torn ACL that cost her an entire season, Bueckers’ resilience has been on full display.

"People have gotten to see the struggles... the injuries, the ups and downs," she said after the game. "For people to continue to follow me and still believe in me, it really means a lot."

While the Wings' playoff hopes have come to an end, the future looks incredibly bright with Bueckers at the helm. Dallas coach Chris Koclanes praised his young star, highlighting her poise and un-rushable pace. "She just plays at her own pace. You can't speed her up," he said.

With a game like this, the Rookie of the Year award seems all but sealed for Bueckers. What do you think was the most impressive part of her historic night?

08/21/2025

Back by Popular Demand: Thunder Unveil Stunning City Edition Uniforms & Court

Sometimes, the past is worth revisiting. And in the case of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025-26 City Edition uniforms, fans are calling it a slam dunk.

Nike and the NBA announced this year’s City Edition theme would celebrate throwback designs — honoring some of the most beloved uniforms of the past decade. For OKC, that meant no hesitation: bring back the set that captured the heart of the Thunder faithful in 2018-19.

That season’s jerseys, worn by Russell Westbrook and Paul George, paid tribute to the state’s Native American heritage. The vibrant design quickly became one of the most talked-about jerseys in the league. Now, fast forward to 2025: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are giving the uniform new life.

The modern twist? A refreshed shade of blue as the primary base, blending the nostalgia of the original with a sleeker 2025 identity.

📅 Circle the date: The Thunder will debut the uniform on Wednesday, Nov. 19, during the annual Native American Heritage Night at Paycom Center — fittingly against the Sacramento Kings.

But the jersey isn’t making its return alone. The Thunder also revealed their 2025-26 City Edition alternate court design. Rich with stylized markings and bold accents, the court pairs seamlessly with the uniform, creating an immersive game-night vibe fans won’t want to miss.

And there’s more: every Friday home game starting Dec. 5 will now be “City Nights” at Paycom Center — complete with the alternate court, the City Edition jerseys, and the electric atmosphere that only OKC can deliver.

Shai summed it up best after seeing the design: “It feels like us. It feels like OKC.”

For Thunder Nation, that’s all they needed to hear.

🔥 Question for Thunder fans: Did OKC just drop the best City Edition in the NBA this season?

08/21/2025

Another Setback: Caitlin Clark Suffers New Ankle Injury Amid Groin Rehab

The Indiana Fever's injury nightmare continues.

Just as the team is holding out hope for the return of superstar Caitlin Clark, it was revealed on Wednesday that the guard has suffered yet another injury. According to a report from The Indianapolis Star, Clark sustained a mild bone bruise in her left ankle during an individual workout session on August 7th.

The new injury, while described as "very mild," is another frustrating setback in a season already plagued by ailments for the 2024 Rookie of the Year. Clark has been sidelined for 13 consecutive games with a right groin injury and has only appeared in 13 of the Fever's 35 games this season due to a string of muscle injuries.

The news of Clark's bone bruise comes on the same day the team's head coach, Stephanie White, confirmed that Clark has not yet returned to practice, a crucial step in her recovery process. "Until (Clark) can get into practice and until you guys see her in practice, we're really status quo," White told reporters.

The timing of the ankle injury is particularly unfortunate for a Fever team that has seen its backcourt depth completely decimated. On the same day Clark suffered the bone bruise, the team also lost guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald to season ending injuries. Just 10 days later, fan-favorite Sophie Cunningham was also ruled out for the year with a torn MCL.

While there is no timetable for Clark's return, and the ankle injury is not expected to add time to her recovery from the groin issue, it's yet another hurdle in what has been a physically challenging season. Clark, who was a model of durability in college and in her rookie season, has openly spoken about the difficulty of dealing with injuries for the first time in her career.

Despite her limited time on the court, Clark has been highly productive, averaging 16.5 points and a league-leading 8.8 assists per game. The Fever have gone 11-11 without her on the floor this season, a testament to the team's resilience but also a clear indication of how much they need their star back.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the Fever are facing right now?

08/20/2025

John Wall Officially Retires After 11 Seasons

In a video posted on social media Tuesday, the five-time All-Star announced his retirement, capping off an 11-year career that made him one of the most dynamic point guards of his era.

The Washington Wizards, who drafted Wall No. 1 overall in 2010, quickly congratulated their franchise cornerstone: “Congratulations John, on a tremendous career. Once a Wizard, always a Wizard.”

~ 18.7 PPG, 8.9 APG, 4.2 RPG in 647 career games�
~ Wizards’ all-time leader in assists (5,282) & steals (976)�
~ Led Washington to 4 playoff appearances in 5 years�
~ 5 straight All-Star selections (2014–18)

NBA L.A. Clippers John Wall

08/20/2025

John Wall Officially Retires After 11 Seasons

More than two years since his last NBA appearance, John Wall has officially hung up his sneakers.

In a video posted on social media Tuesday, the five-time All-Star announced his retirement, capping off an 11-year career that made him one of the most dynamic point guards of his era.

The Washington Wizards, who drafted Wall No. 1 overall in 2010, quickly congratulated their franchise cornerstone: “Congratulations John, on a tremendous career. Once a Wizard, always a Wizard.”

The Rise of a Franchise Star
Wall wasted no time making his mark in the nation’s capital. From 2010–2019, he became the face of the Wizards, pairing with Bradley Beal to deliver the team’s most competitive stretch in decades.
~ 5 straight All-Star selections (2014–18)
~ 7th in MVP voting in 2016-17
~ Led Wizards to 4 playoff appearances in 5 years
~ Helped secure the team’s first division title in 38 years in 2017

At his peak, Wall was a blur in transition, an elite playmaker who could rack up double-digit assists while locking in defensively.

Injuries Take Their Toll
But starting in 2017, injuries began to derail Wall’s prime. A series of knee surgeries and a torn Achilles limited him to just 147 games over his final six seasons.

He missed the entire 2019–20 season and sat out 2021–22. Still, his comeback efforts with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers reminded fans of his resilience, even if he was no longer the explosive force he once was.

The Journeyman Years
~ Traded to Houston in 2020 for Russell Westbrook; played 40 games in his lone season there.
~ Signed with the Clippers in 2022, averaging 11.4 points and 5.2 assists in 34 games.
~ Traded to Memphis in 2023 but waived before suiting up.

Career by the Numbers
~ 647 games, 18.7 PPG, 8.9 APG, 4.2 RPG
~ Wizards’ all-time leader in:
~ Assists (5,282)
~ Assists per game (9.2)
~ Steals (976)

Life After Basketball

Wall hinted earlier this year that he hopes to stay close to the game possibly as a broadcaster or even a future NBA general manager.

Whatever comes next, his on-court legacy is secure: one of the fastest guards the NBA has ever seen, a true floor general, and the man who brought D.C. basketball back to relevance.
What’s your favorite John Wall moment?

The game-winner vs. Boston in 2017? His 5 straight All-Star runs? Or just his signature “Dougie” on draft night?

08/19/2025

Cunningham's Season Ends, Adding to Fever's Injury Woes

The Indiana Fever's already challenging season just took another painful turn.

The team announced on Tuesday that veteran guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season after suffering a right knee injury in Sunday's dramatic overtime victory against the Connecticut Sun. According to a report from the IndyStar, Cunningham has a torn MCL.

The injury occurred in the second quarter when Connecticut's Bria Hartley collided with Cunningham's leg while driving to the basket. Cunningham immediately fell to the court in visible pain and had to be helped to the locker room. The devastating news comes after what was shaping up to be a breakout season for Cunningham in her first year with the Fever. She arrived in Indiana as part of a four-team trade and was enjoying career-highs in shooting percentages, averaging 8.6 points per game.

Beyond her on-court production, Cunningham quickly became a fan favorite in Indiana, particularly after her viral dust-up with a flagrant 2 foul in defense of Fever superstar Caitlin Clark in June. Her social media following and jersey sales have since skyrocketed, making her a beloved figure among the passionate Fever fanbase.

With Cunningham now out for the season, the Fever's guard depth is more depleted than ever. The team, which is also without Caitlin Clark (right groin injury) and season-ending injuries to Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson, announced a series of roster moves. They have signed Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract and released fellow guard Kyra Lambert.

The Fever will now rely on Peddy and Odyssey Sims, who was signed to a hardship contract on August 10, to fill the void. The team's injury list is a grim reminder of the challenges they've faced all season, but it also opens up an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark.

The team is hopeful that Caitlin Clark will return before the end of the regular season, but her return is not imminent. The roster movement on Tuesday was not related to Clark's potential comeback.

How much will the loss of Sophie Cunningham impact the Fever's playoff push? And who do you think needs to step up in her absence?

08/19/2025

The Architect is Back: Rick Carlisle Signs Multi-Year Extension with the Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are locking in their leader.

In a move that comes as no surprise after a memorable NBA Finals run, head coach Rick Carlisle has reportedly agreed to a multi-year contract extension with the team. The news, first reported by longtime NBA insider Marc Stein, solidifies Carlisle's position as the guiding force behind one of the most exciting and unexpected resurrections in the league.

Carlisle, 65, just completed his fourth season in his second stint with the Pacers, leading the team to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. While they ultimately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game series, the journey itself captivated the basketball world. Indiana, a team that had won a combined 60 games in Carlisle's first two seasons back, broke out with a 50-win campaign and a playoff run that included thrilling series wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and the No. 1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

The success was a testament to Carlisle's brilliant offensive mind and his ability to get the most out of his roster. Led by star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who silenced his critics with a series of clutch performances, the Pacers' run-and-gun style proved to be a handful for any opponent. Haliburton's heroic game-winning jumper in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder was a moment that will live on in franchise history.

While the Pacers' future will be tested next season with Haliburton recovering from a devastating Achilles tear and Myles Turner signing with the Bucks in free agency, the team will have continuity and stability with Carlisle at the helm.

This isn't Carlisle's first time leading a team to a championship. He famously guided the Dallas Mavericks to an improbable title in 2011, defeating LeBron James and the Miami Heat. He also won a championship as a player with the Boston Celtics in 1986. With 81 career playoff wins, Carlisle is tied for 10th all-time among NBA head coaches.

The Pacers and their fans can rest easy knowing the man who orchestrated their magical run is here to stay.

What's your favorite memory from the Pacers' playoff run last season?

08/19/2025

Angel Reese Sets Sights on WNBA Championship and Olympic Gold

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese isn't playing for accolades; she's playing for hardware. In a recent interview with Elle, the forward outlined her ultimate career goals, and the message is clear: she wants to win.

"I don’t really care about records, I just want to win a championship," Reese said in an interview with Elle's Kayla Webley Adler. "The two most important goals for me before the end of my career are winning a championship and playing on the Olympic team and winning a gold medal."

Reese, who already has a national championship from her time at LSU, is no stranger to winning. But a WNBA title has proven more elusive in her first two seasons with the Sky. The team has struggled in the standings, finishing 13-27 in her rookie year and currently holding an 8-25 record this season. However, it's worth noting that Reese, a two-time All-Star, has been dealing with a back injury and has missed 10 games.

Despite the team's record, Reese has put up impressive individual numbers, averaging 13.8 points and 12.9 rebounds in her young career. She also recently became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds, a testament to her consistent production and dominance on the glass.

The Olympic dream is also a very real possibility for Reese. While she wasn't on the roster for the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the Paris Olympics, she did play a key role in the WNBA All-Stars' victory over Team USA during the 2024 All-Star festivities. With her sights set on a spot on the 2028 Olympic team, Reese has a strong chance of achieving her gold medal goal, given Team USA's eight consecutive Olympic gold medals.

Can Angel Reese lead the Chicago Sky to a championship and secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team?

08/18/2025

Alyssa Thomas Records Another Triple-Double, Leads Mercury to Victory on Storm’s Sue Bird Celebration Night

Some players rise to the occasion, and then there’s Alyssa Thomas.

In a night dedicated to Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird, Thomas put on a legendary performance of her own, notching her fifth triple-double of the season to power the Phoenix Mercury to a clutch 85-82 road victory on Sunday. The win snapped the Mercury’s two-game losing streak and allowed them to hold their ground in a tight race for playoff positioning.

Thomas finished the game with 19 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, with her biggest contributions coming in the game's most critical moments. After the Storm took a brief late lead, Thomas was a one-woman wrecking crew, scoring, assisting, and grabbing a key board to fuel a 6-0 Mercury run that put the game out of reach.

Seattle head coach Noelle Quinn, whose team was celebrating the unveiling of a statue for Sue Bird outside the arena, could only marvel at Thomas's relentless motor. "She's physical, she's smart, and she makes timely plays," Quinn said. "When someone plays that hard every possession, you can't take her out of the game. She did everything at a high-level tonight."

Thomas's triple-double is her fourth in just seven August games, a staggering pace that matches the combined total for the rest of the league this season. She is now just one triple-double away from tying her own single-season record of six, which she set two years ago with the Connecticut Sun.

While Thomas downplayed the milestone, her teammate Sami Whitcomb, who contributed 15 points, was in awe. "You don’t ever get used to it," Whitcomb said. "Teams throw everything at her, and it still happens. That says everything about how she prepares and adjusts."

Thomas also made history with her assist total, climbing to seventh on the WNBA's all-time assist leaderboard, passing legends like Becky Hammon and Skylar Diggins with her 1,717th career assist.

With the win, the Mercury remain tied with the Las Vegas Aces for fourth in the WNBA standings. With Thomas playing at an elite level, and the team back on track, Phoenix looks ready to make a serious push as the playoffs approach.

What's the most impressive part of Alyssa Thomas's game?

08/18/2025

Sue Bird Becomes the First WNBA Player Immortalized with a Statue

Seattle showed love to one of its all-time legends on Sunday as the Storm unveiled a bronze statue of Sue Bird outside Climate Pledge Arena making her the first player in WNBA history to be honored with a statue.

The unveiling took place before the Storm’s matchup with the Phoenix Mercury. And while Seattle fell short in an 85-82 loss, the day was all about Bird, who cemented her legacy not just as a Storm icon, but as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

The WNBA celebrated the historic moment on social media, writing:
“The Seattle Storm unveiled a statue honoring Sue Bird today, making her the first player in WNBA history to be recognized with a statue by her franchise.”

During her speech, Bird reflected on being the “first”:
“People keep asking me what it feels like to be the first. The truth is that I never set out to be the first at anything. But if being the first means I won’t be the last… if this statue means that 20 years from now there will be statues of other WNBA greats… then I’m proud to be the first.”

Sue Bird’s Career Resume:
• 4× WNBA Champion (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)
• 13× WNBA All-Star
• 5× All-WNBA First Team
• Storm all-time leader in points (6,803)
• WNBA all-time leader in assists (3,234)
• Played all 580 career games with Seattle

From UConn superstar to No. 1 overall pick in 2002 to a 21-year WNBA career, Bird leaves behind a legacy of winning, leadership, and excellence. And now, her presence in Seattle is immortalized forever.

Storm fans — who do you think will be the next WNBA legend to earn a statue?

08/17/2025

Luka Dončić Injury Scare Shakes Lakers Fans, But He’s OK

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić gave fans and the entire NBA world a serious scare on Saturday. Playing for Slovenia in a FIBA Eurobasket exhibition against Latvia, Dončić went down with what looked like a knee injury in the third quarter.

The play happened when teammate Gregor Hrovat backpedaled into Dončić’s planted right knee while battling for position in the lane. Dončić sat on the bench to compose himself, then walked to the locker room unassisted though clearly favoring the leg. For a moment, Lakers fans were fearing the worst for their $165 million cornerstone in a post LeBron future.

The diagnosis? A knee contusion, according to Marc Stein. Not serious.

Dončić returned to the bench in uniform with an ice bag on his knee and wanted to re-enter the game, but Slovenia’s medical staff kept him out as a precaution.

Before exiting, Dončić was putting on a show:
26 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists in just 17 minutes.

The good news only adds to what’s already been a big summer for Luka. He’s earned praise for improving his conditioning and diet, reportedly losing 31 pounds during offseason training and landing a cover story with Men’s Health.

Slovenia tips off Eurobasket play on Aug. 28 vs. Poland, where Dončić is expected to lead his national team against a field loaded with NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Lauri Markkanen, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Alperen Sengun.

For the Lakers, the sigh of relief is real. Their franchise centerpiece avoided a serious injury, and Saturday’s brief scare only highlighted just how much is riding on Luka’s health moving forward.

Lakers fans — are you confident Luka can carry the torch into the post-LeBron era?

The Halftimerz

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