Riana Mercado Articles - Page 5

It’s hard to imagine that Carmelo Anthony had trouble finding himself a spot for an NBA team this season. In his 17th NBA season, the 10-time All-Star was once again clutch. Portland Trail Blazers’ usual two-guard CJ McCollum took over point duties for an injured Damian Lillard and sealed the deal with a pick-and-pop play, […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder has been one of, if not the biggest surprises this season. In addition to currently having the sixth spot, their 34-year-old starting point guard Chris Paul was selected an All-Star, his first since 2016. In fact, they grabbed another win on Sunday night with a 131-103 blowout against the San Antonio Spurs. […]

In only 11 games played, first overall pick Zion Williamson is proving doubters wrong. The New Orleans Pelicans rookie is only logging around 27 minutes a game, and yet recently made history as the youngest player in the NBA to score 20+ points in seven straight games. The record was previously held by Carmelo Anthony […]

Los Angeles Lakers backup point guard Alex Caruso continued to prove he’s more than just a meme with a putback dunk over the Grizzlies that got the crowd on their feet. Caruso seemed to fly in for the rebound after Anthony Davis missed on the line, but surprised everyone when he opted to put the […]

In Friday’s game against the Orlando Magic, Kristaps Porzingis etched his name on the Mavs’ record books with his 24-point, 10-rebound, five-assist and five-block performance. The sharpshooting big man became only the second player in franchise history to achieve such numbers, following in the footsteps of NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. Porzingis was the third player […]

DeMarre Carroll’s time with the San Antonio Spurs was confusing, to say the least. It was thus no surprise when news came that he’d been bought out, and will instead play for the small-ball Rockets in the latter half of the season. Long-time head coach Gregg Popovich later claimed that this move was about the Spurs […]

In a flashy first day of a three-day celebration in South Beach, the Miami Heat finally began the jersey retirement of one of their all-time legends Dwyane Wade. After an iconic 16-year career, the team officially put Wade’s No. 3 on the rafters of the AmericanAirlines Arena. https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1231063343881969664 The event was labeled “The Flashback,” during […]

The Boston Celtics played their first game since an eventful All-Star break, and routed the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Gordon Hayward led the way with 29 points, ending the game 127-117. Consequently, Hayward and teammates Daniel Theis, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum made history as the first time four starters to have scored […]

Although some fans have labeled the end of the All-Star game as anticlimactic, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis was no doubt clutch. The Lakers big man made a game-winning free throw that won Team LeBron the game at 157-155. Kyle Lowry from Team Giannis committed a personal foul on the last possession, and sent […]

The audience had their picks as to who was going to win the first-ever Kobe Bryant MVP award. The choice seemed obvious this time around, as superstar forward Kawhi Leonard showed out in the All-Star game with eight made threes. Leonard was one short of Clippers teammate Paul George’s record of nine threes in a […]

Team Giannis and Team LeBron are no longer playing around with the last quarter on the way. With the game on the line, defense has been key for both sides, and captain Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to think so. Consequently, he electrified the crowd as he blocked fellow captain LeBron James’ attempted fadeaway jumper. Giannis put […]

It has been a busy weekend at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois as players and fans alike gathered for the All-Star weekend. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Bulls’ front office has begun a widespread search for a new general manager. Chicago Bulls fans are surely disappointed as to the organization’s weekend involvement. Zach Lavine […]

Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young and Dallas Mavericks point forward Luka Doncic have been pitted against each other ever since they were drafted back in 2018. After all, the Hawks had originally picked Doncic, and the Mavs drafted Young. They were almost immediately traded for one another, and have both put up impressive numbers […]

When the All-Star reserves were announced, many fans and players felt that Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker got snubbed once again. After all, the 23-year-old is having another impressive season. Now, with Damian Lillard out due to injury, Booker got his first All-Star nod in his fifth season. He will finally play in Monday’s game […]

In an interview after winning Rising Stars MVP, Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges was asked whether he’s staying for the remainder of the All-Star Weekend. The small forward said yes without hesitation. He then boldly added that it was to watch Hornets teammate Devonte’ Graham win the three-point contest. “I’m going to watch Devonte’ win […]

Ever since Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Dallas Mavericks point-forward Luka Doncic were traded for each other in the 2018 NBA draft, people have had never-ending comparisons between the two guards. It seems, however, that both the Hawks and Mavs won the exchange. Both players represented their teams in the Rising Stars Challenge in […]

The Rising Stars Challenge recently concluded, and first overall pick Zion Williamson did not disappoint. The Pelicans rookie showed out on Friday night at Chicago, Illinois, ending the game with 14 points and noteworthy slams. In fact, the 19-year-old’s performance even left the backboard tilted. When asked subsequently about the temporary equipment damage, Zion replied, […]

The recently concluded Rising Stars Challenge had its fair share of entertainment, including half-court shots, 20-point performances, and high-flying dunks. Charlotte Hornets sophomore Miles Bridges of Team USA especially shined in the second half. The Hornets forward tweeted, “Alright bet” at halftime, and exploded from then on. He then followed up with a series of […]

Damian Lillard has been on a shooting tear as of late, and teammate Hassan Whiteside wanted everyone to know. Whiteside interjected during a postgame interview with Lillard and shouted, “Shooter! Shooter!” towards the camera, pointing at his teammate. Dame's been on a tear and Whiteside wants everyone to know 😎 pic.twitter.com/llwAcFwwdx — NBA on ESPN […]

When Memphis Grizzlies sent Andre Iguodala to the Miami Heat on trade deadline, everyone predicted a primarily defensive role off the bench for the 36-year-old veteran. True enough, Iguodala immediately showed up on the defensive end in Sunday night’s game against the Portland Trailblazers. The two-time All-Defensive team member made his debut with less than […]

Director Spike Lee stepped into the Oscars red carpet on Sunday night while donning a custom purple and gold suit as a tribute to the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. The suit’s colors were a nod to the Lakers, where the Black Mamba spent his entire 20-year basketball career. The front and back […]

Trae Young had another All-Star caliber performance on Sunday night against the New York Knicks, leading the way for the Atlanta Hawks with 48 points. With nine 40-point games this season alone, the Hawks sophomore became one of the three players in NBA history with at least ten 40-point games before turning 22 — joining […]

Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard got furious after the referees did not call an obvious goaltend by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert on an attempted game-tying lay-in. With less than 20 seconds left on the clock, a made basket would have tied the game. Instead, the no-call cost the Blazers a heartbreaking 117-114 loss […]

Golden State Warriors’ general manager Bob Myers finally spoke regarding the recent blockbuster trade, which involved sending D’Angelo Russell to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the audio clip, Myers admitted that he felt bad about the trade. However, he hopes the All-star point guard is “in a place where he’s just there.” Warriors's GM Bob Myers on […]

The Boston Celtics have a lot to be proud of this season, including having two All-Star representatives in Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum. The latter notably continues to impress, including making history as the youngest Celtic with eight-straight 20-point games. Tatum achieved the rare feat during Friday’s close win over the Atlanta Hawks at TD […]

Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin posted a humorous Instagram tribute for now-Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond. In exchange for the big man, the Pistons received guard Brandon Knight, backup center John Henson, and a 2023 second-round draft pick. Griffin wished for his Pistons teammate of two years “nothing but the best.” The 30-year-old also reiterated […]

Former Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade took to Twitter and reacted to Wednesday night’s biggest trade news. The highlight, of course, was Miami’s acquisition of 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala. Wade noted the move as a “great pickup.” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Iguodala will sign a two-year, $30 million extension as part of […]

Miami Heat All-star Jimmy Butler spoke to reporters after his team’s acquisition of Andre Iguodala. He spoke highly of the veteran, saying he’s “super smart” and that “there’s nothing he cannot do.” Additionally, Butler noted that everyone’s “winning level is going up” under the three-time NBA champion’s influence. He’s super smart. There’s nothing he cannot […]

Harbor Day School honored the late Gigi Bryant, daughter of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, by retiring her No. 2 jersey. Vanessa Bryant posted videos and photos of the ceremony, which was held at the school gym in Corona del Mar, California. Gigi and his dad were among the nine victims of the tragic […]

The Minnesota Timberwolves recently took part in a big four-team, 12-player agreement on Tuesday night, notably trading small forward Robert Covington to the Rockets. Following Minnesota’s 127-120 loss to the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night, the team’s young center Karl-Anthony Towns spoke to reporters about the trade, saying that “it was difficult.” According to Chris Hine, […]

After watching on the sidelines as his Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers, running back LeSean McCoy made sure to honor Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. McCoy notably donned a No.8 Lakers jersey –which Kobe wore in the early part of his career — while celebrating with […]

The Los Angeles Clippers have had one of the better off-seasons in the league after acquiring superstars Kawhi Leonard, who recently led the Raptors on a championship run, and Paul George, who was traded by the Thunder on July. Even after these dream summer signings, the Clippers are still reportedly pursuing options to complete their […]

When the Golden State Warriors acquired D’Angelo Russell during the offseason, no one had predicted that the team would be in its current state. And so, unbelievably, the Warriors are currently standing at the bottom of the league, and are now in pace to get a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Injuries have […]

It has been a week since a helicopter crash in Calabasas led to Kobe Bryant’s untimely death, and yet his impactful legacy continues to live on in players not only across the NBA, but also across the world of sports. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who notably had a personal workout in 2018 with the […]

Los Angeles Lakers icon and NBA legend Magic Johnson took to Twitter to congratulate Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who won his first championship on Sunday’s Super Bowl LIV. All eyes were glued at the the quarterback and his Chiefs, who overcame a 10-point third quarter deficit against the San Francisco 49ers and scored […]

Super Bowl LIV was undoubtedly highly anticipated, and the game did not disappoint. Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens had never been louder, as the Kansas City Chiefs staged a come-from-behind 31-20 win to take home the Super Bowl championship against the San Francisco 49ers. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the game, […]

This week’s announcement of All-star starters and reserves featured a lot of first-timers. Some fans were elated, some were surprised, while others cried foul at what they saw as big snubs. Among the notable snubs are the Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, Phoenix Suns sharpshooter Devin Booker, and Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. Wizards […]

The Houston Rockets grabbed a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night at Toyota Center. In the process, they became the first team to play an entire game without a player listed taller than 6-foot-6 since the New York Knicks in 1963. Houston played their small-ball lineup after their usual starting center Clint Capela […]

After Kyrie Irving went missing in action following the death of his friend and NBA legend Kobe Bryant, the point guard went back in uniform with an explosive dedication. On Friday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls, he broke several records after leading his team to a decisive win at 133-118. His 54 points are […]