Virgil Villanueva Articles - Page 52

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens heaped praise on Kemba Walker, calling him “one of the best leaders” he has ever been around. "He's one of the best leaders I've been around. He brings the most out of the guys he's playing with." – #Celtics Brad Stevens when asked about Kemba Walker's leadership. — A. […]

Boston Celtics big man Enes Kanter has defended New York Knicks owner James Dolan from the fans who seem to blame him for everything. Kanter believes that the people blaming Dolan for the Knicks’ fate for the past several seasons are wrong, noting how he’s really good friends with the owner. Enes Kanter defended James […]

Former NBA player-turned-analyst Chauncey Billups compared Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura to Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers. Head coach Doc Rivers quickly shut down the comparison, however, asking for analysts to let Hachimura come into his own. Rivers believes that it’s too early to compare Hachimura — the ninth overall pick in the […]

After their 114-100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic shared his thoughts on facing his idol LeBron James for the second time this season. Per George Efkarpides of Eurohoops.net, Doncic will never lose his admiration for James, noting that the four-time MVP was his idol growing up. Luka […]

Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis is probable to play against the Phoenix Suns on Friday due to right knee soreness. Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle shared the news after their practice on Wednesday — a session that Porzingis missed. The Mavs have been cautious about Porzingis’ health, and for very good reasons. He’s seen as […]

Despite being shorthanded for the last several games, the Toronto Raptors have been able to manage thanks to their bench. But for Fred VanVleet, once the team becomes fully healthy, then the true challenge for the bench begins. “They have the talent and that is what we have been looking for,” VanVleet said of the […]

Defense has been the main element that has made the Toronto Raptors one of the top teams in the NBA today. Head coach Nick Nurse commended the veterans for getting the newcomers up to speed on playing the level of defense that he wants the whole team to play. “You guys heard me complaining about […]

It was a tense night at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday as Anthony Davis made his return to New Orleans. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is no stranger to homecomings like this. And after the game, James shared his thoughts on the matter, noting that there were still some cheers amid all the […]

After their thrilling victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis reluctantly visited his old locker room. Apparently, head coach Alvin Gentry invited AD, who then said that he doesn’t want any beef with his former teammates. After being reluctant, Anthony Davis just walked into Pelicans’ locker room after being invited […]

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has forged his name into the history books once again as just the fourth player in NBA history with 33,000 career points. James joins Kobe Bryant, Karl, Malone, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only four players to score 33,000 points. Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for becoming the […]

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens is in awe of Kemba Walker’s first game after the scary neck injury. In their 121-110 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Walker dropped 39 points, six rebounds and four assists. After the game, Stevens commended Walker’s huge shots that allowed the Celtics to stay in the game. […]

Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors got his first view of New York Knicks rookie RJ Barrett on Wednesday. From VanVleet’s perspective, the third overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft has the capacity to be a ‘good young player in the league.’ The Knicks guard has all the tools to succeed but it’s really […]

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James hurt his knee after a scary knee-to-knee collision with Josh Hart of the New Orleans Pelicans. Peep the incident below. Notice how James grimaced in pain while on the floor after the collision. SCARY MOMENT FOR LEBRON JAMES. 🤕 pic.twitter.com/Jypvn6C0So — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 28, 2019 James had to […]

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker welcomed Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura with a nasty block. Booker is not necessarily known for his defense, but he came out of nowhere to swat Hachimura’s dunk. Rui — the Wizards’ ninth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — fell to the floor clueless as to what happened. […]

At this point in his career, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets isn’t reading criticisms of him being out of shape. “I don’t read anything anymore,” Jokic said, per Mike Singer of the Denver Post. “I stopped.” “It doesn’t bother me,” Jokic said. “People are … they assume things, and they cannot be right or […]

Ahead of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James hinted it’ll be a revenge game will ensue in Anthony Davis’ return to Louisiana. Peep James’ Instagram story below, particularly the hashtags at the bottom. Is LeBron James hinting at a revenge game for how long it took the Pelicans […]

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse — who’ll also helm the Canadian basketball team as they try to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — spoke about the recent commitments of Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Per Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun, Nurse is ecstatic about the additions of the up and […]

In just his second year in the NBA, Dallas Mavericks phenom Luka Doncic is already turning the heads of his colleagues. Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George — one of the league’s top defenders — is one of those who are impressed by the rapid rise of the Mavs’ youngster. In George’s opinion, Luka is […]

After their win over the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard shared their strategy on how they tried to contain Luka Doncic. Per Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, George shared that the strategy was to keep multiple bodies on Doncic and to make sure that he doesn’t get […]

Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics believes that Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is ‘definitely the greatest shooter of all time.’ Smart wrote a piece for The Players’ Tribune entitled ‘The 5 Toughest Players I’ve Ever Guarded.’ The list does not have an order, but it includes Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, […]

The LA Clippers snapped the Dallas Mavericks’ five-game winning streak on Tuesday. Star guard Luka Doncic flocked to Twitter to express his thoughts on the tough loss. Bounce back! — Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) November 27, 2019 In the 114-99 loss, Doncic put up 22 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. He was 4-of-14 from the […]

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers believes that Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is a combination of James Harden, Larry Bird and LeBron James Before the Clippers played the Mavs on Tuesday, Rivers was asked about a comparison for Doncic’s playing style. In response, the veteran champion coach said he sees some LeBron, Bird […]

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic wasn’t too pleased with the call against him by the referees. As he headed to the bench, Doncic appeared to yell some foul words to the referee. Peep the clip below and be the judge. Did he drop the F-word? Or was he cursing in Slovenian? Luka Doncic appears to […]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets have committed to playing for Team Canada in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Via Twitter, Alexander announced the good news. I've known and made a promise to myself that representing my country is something I will continue to do and as my […]

Despite being pummeled by the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine is still in awe of Carmelo Anthony, calling him ‘one of the best players ever.’ In his fourth game back, Anthony put on a vintage performance with 25 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. He was 10-of-20 from the field, […]

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gained a place in franchise history — first place, that is — with at least 33 points and 14 assists in under 36 minutes played against the San Antonio Spurs. According to #Lakers PR, LeBron James is the first player in franchise history with at least 33 points and […]

Despite the spate of injuries that derailed Derrick Rose’s career, Markelle Fultz of the Orlando Magic believes that the Detroit Pistons guard is a Hall of Famer. “He’s a Hall of Famer in my eyes,” the 21-year-old Fultz said of the 31-year-old Rose, per John Denton of nba.com. “I got a chance to meet him […]

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James got MVP chants from the AT&T Center crowd after their win over the San Antonio Spurs. James was doing a post-game interview when the “M-V-P” chants grew louder and louder. “MVP” chants breakout in San Antonio for LeBron James during his post game interview 👀 pic.twitter.com/mP2v8F6Mnj — Sharperz (@sharperzus) […]

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid did not score a single point in their loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday. It’s the first time that it occurred in his NBA career, and he never thought that it would happen. After the game, Embiid acknowledged the fact that a player will have some good games and […]

Although the Boston Celtics snagged the victory against the Sacramento Kings, Marcus Smart is still “disappointed” that Buddy Hield had a career night at their expense. Per Jay King of The Athletic, Smart wasn’t completely satisfied with their victory over the Kings on Monday. As someone who takes pride in his defense, Smart isn’t happy […]

Ex-NBA player Shane Battier has been inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski — Battier’s head coach in college — even shared a tribute for Shane before he was honored in the event. More than Battier’s individual and team accomplishments, coach K called him a true leader both […]

New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale is impressed by how the Brooklyn Nets built their roster. After losing to the crosstown rivals on Sunday, Fizdale talked about what the Knicks organization can learn from their neighbors when it comes to building a roster that is capable of competing in the playoffs and attracting top […]

Veteran forward Paul Millsap has claimed that his team — the Denver Nuggets — has ‘one of the best benches in the league’ After their 116-104 win on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns, Millsap shared his thoughts on how big the bench was in the game and in the young 2019-20 season. Peep the clip […]

Sacramento Kings’ long-time TV voice Grant Napear denied the rumor that Vlade Divac passed on Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft because of the general manager’s dislike of the guard’s father. On Twitter, Napear tagged the news as “irresponsible” and “100% untrue.” The report quoted ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who said that Divac is not […]

Golden State Warriors big man Kevon Looney has played just one game in the 2019-20 season. He’s already practicing but is not yet ready to play. Per Nick Friedell of ESPN, Looney revealed that he’s been dealing with a nerve condition for the last 2-3 years. Kevon Looney says he’s been dealing with a nerve […]

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has been turning heads due to his recent performances. It has garnered the attention of ex-NBA players-turned analysts Kendrick Perkins and Caron Butler, who argued who is better between the Mavs youngster and NBA icon Magic Johnson. Butler detailed Johnson’s accomplishments when he was just 20-years-old. However, while Luka is […]

LA Clippers guard Lou Williams put on his Kawhi Leonard impression in welcoming the Staples Center crowd. Peep the clip below per Sports Illustrated. Notice how Williams smiled at his own antics. Lou Williams did Kawhi Leonard's 'Hey, hey hey!' before saying Happy Thanksgiving to Clippers fans 😂😂pic.twitter.com/37wdtyVXgT — Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 25, 2019 […]

After the Dallas Mavericks’ big won over the Houston Rockets capped by his stellar individual performance, Luka Doncic shared his thoughts on his match up with James Harden. Per Salman Ali of ClutchPoints, the Mavs’ sophomore sensation tagged Harden as a ‘top three’ player in the NBA. Luka Doncic on matchup up with James Harden: […]

Bradon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans managed to score despite being hit by two Phoenix Suns defenders en route to an and-one opportunity. At that point in the game, Ingram had scored the last seven points for the Pelicans. Brandon Ingram is ready to go home with a win 😤#WontBowDown pic.twitter.com/h0bcJuwLMH — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) […]