Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. We’re here to talk about the daily happenings in the NBA!
The Pistons and the Bucks kneeled on the first possession of their game.
Let’s be real here; it just doesn’t feel right to talk about sports right now. There are much bigger things going on in this country.
I’ll still talk about what went on in the NBA on a Wednesday night. And I usually lead off with one big basketball topic whether it’s the surprising start by the Knicks or Stephen Curry going off for a career-high in points. But it’s about the LIVES of these men that are being affected.
First off, the man who shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin is getting off scot-free. This is the very same shooting that the NBA and WNBA stopped for because, as we know, the awareness to protect black lives was a condition to resuming the season. And of course, since this country continues to be broken, this issue has continued.
And yes, we know about the mob that invaded the Capitol. It’s domestic terrorism, really. It’s a cult that’s for that joke of a president (I’m not even going to say that creature’s name). Those people quickly turned their backs on the police after they tried to stop them (blue lives matter, right?). We all know that if black people did the same thing, they would be shot down immediately. But most of them pretty much walked into the Capitol. It’s the very definition of white privilege.
And most of the players, who are black, can’t be comfortable with this. I’m surprised they decided to play, which I understand because people need distractions from what’s going on. But at the same time, these athletes are people first. And especially for those who are black, it is disheartening that, once again, the white people who shoot down black people get yet another slap on the wrist. It sucks.
That’s why the Celtics and Heat players had a meeting before they ultimately decided to play the game. We saw the Pistons and Bucks players kneel on the first possession of their game. The Raptors and Suns interlocked arms during the national anthem. There were so many tweets and statements about what happened on Wednesday. The NBA spoke out and they were very loud and clear about all of this.
These are issues that can’t be ignored. Maybe the NBA will go on as scheduled today. But don’t be surprised if it doesn’t. The players are feeling all sorts of emotions right now and it’s hard for black athletes to function when their people are treated as third-rate citizens.
Bullet Passes
I’ll do my best to talk hoops but Bradley Beal went for 60 points in a loss against Philadelphia. But Beal was only held to three points in the 4th as the Sixers went on a late run to go to 7-1.
It’s hard to believe that Gordon Hayward never had a 40-point game until Wednesday. He went for 44 in the Hornets‘ win over the Hawks.
After being hot the previous two games, Stephen Curry got held to 13 points in the Warriors‘ loss against the Clippers. But it is an encouraging sign that they were able to keep it close. That means the Dubs don’t have to rely too much on Steph. Maybe they’re going to be okay. Maybe.
You got to make your free throws. George Hill certainly did.
Knicks are 5-3. Suns are 6-2. NEW BLOOD RISING.
Hot mic alert. Before the postgame in Houston went to commercial, you can hear Rockets great and analyst Calvin Murphy say, “He quit,” in reference to James Harden. Yikes.
Uhm.. volume up 🔊 pic.twitter.com/ZXzeadHUQv
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) January 7, 2021
A huge bummer is that Markelle Fultz tore his ACL and is out for the season. I really really hate that he’s gone through so much in his young NBA career. And just when he was finally showing a lot of promise, this happens. I really hope he gets through this latest setback.
NBA Scoreboard
Jan. 6, 2021
Watch This Play
Boston and Miami were tied. Celtics ball. Marcus Smart went for a point blank shot that missed but it was rookie Payton Pritchard to the rescue!
Payton Pritchard hits a game-winning bucket to beat the Heat. pic.twitter.com/N7TFL4KN31
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 7, 2021
I believe that’s three game-winners in 6 wins for Boston this season. These guys are cutting it close!
We’ll see how the league reacts on Thursday.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.