After four long months, we’ve finally made it. NBA basketball (at least in a preseason sense) is back!

Today’s Lineup

Abu Dhabi Action

While preseason games don’t count toward the chase for an NBA title, we still couldn’t be happier seeing our favorite teams and hoopers back in action. We Enjoy the moves, the sounds, and the scenes all the same—exhibition game or not.

Let’s break down some of the action…

Brown powers Celtics past Nuggets in Abu Dhabi

In a pair of clashes between the league’s last two champions, reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown showed why the Celtics are the more recent title winners, scoring 21 PTS in the second of two clashes between Boston and Denver in Abu Dhabi. It’s the third straight year the league has sent teams to the United Arab Emirates’ capital for preseason action, which is part of a larger push to grow the game worldwide. With two of basketball’s best teams showing their stuff on the international stage, there’ll be more Enjoy-ers in no time.

Wolves, Jazz earn wins

In Bronny James’ first game in a Lakers uniform, the LakeShow fell to a Timberwolves team also debuting some fresh talent—namely, Donte Divincenzo and Rob Dillingham, who combined for 32 PTS in the Wolves; win. Meanwhile, in Utah, the New Zealand Breakers were unable to crack the Jazz’s defensive front, with Utah holding the Kiwi squad to 87 points in a win.

Hawaiian Waters

As if the California weather wasn’t nice enough, the Dubs and the Clips made a trip to Honolulu on Saturday for a tropical showdown. With Steph Curry and Draymond Green each playing fewer than 15 minutes, Lindy Waters III (15 PTS) played hero for Golden State by leading all scorers, including this long-range buzzer beater for the W! Hawaii expansion team… when? 🤔

The Quest for the Crown

The WNBA Finals are nearly set, with a pair of Sunday nail-biters sending one team to the championship series while another semifinal heads to a decisive Game 5. Let’s break it down!

Liberty avenge Finals loss with win over Aces

The New York Liberty fell to the Las Vegas Aces 3-1 in last year’s WNBA Finals, with LV winning their second straight title and staking their claim as the W’s team to beat. But this season, the Libs downed Vegas in four games to advance to their second straight Finals.

New York has been the league’s best team all season, reeling off a 32-8 record behind the terrifying trio of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. It was Ionescu who led the charge on Sunday, as the former No. 1 pick poured in 22 points to lead the Libs to a series-clinching win.

Thomas stuffs stat sheet, Sun rise over Lynx to force Game 5

At halftime of Game 4, the Sun had their backs against the wall—they trailed big and were facing almost sure elimination in the series. Connecticut had little margin for error if they sought to keep their title hopes alive, but then Alyssa Thomas answered the call.

With her team behind her, the Maryland product led a Connecticut comeback charge that culminated in a 10-point victory, sending the series to a decisive Game 5 on Tuesday. Thomas finished the day with 18 PTS, 11 AST, and 8 REB, doing it all for a Sun team that needed every bit. Next up: win or go home!

Back in the Garden

Patrick Ewing, the New York Knicks’ all-time leading scorer, is returning to New York in an ambassador role where he’ll assists the team in both basketball and business operations. To celebrate his return, let’s take a look back at his legendary New York career:

1. The Frozen Envelope

While today’s top prospects may be highly touted, Ewing received a different level of hype coming out of Georgetown. So much so that many believe the league rigged the 1985 NBA Draft Lottery so Ewing would end up in New York, the NBA’s biggest market. We can’t confirm or deny this theory, but it’s the subject of a classic Mike Korzemba video, so we’ll leave the investigating up to you.

2. Buckets on Buckets

Ewing’s greatest skill was his ability to put the ball in the basket, and that was never more evident than in his 1990 season, when he averaged 28.6 PPG on 55% shooting while leading New York to 45 wins. Ewing was one of the last truly dominant post big men, but when you watch him work in the paint, it’s tough not to wish for this style of play to come back in style.

3. Playoff Battles

While it’s easy to view Ewing’s career as full of postseason heartbreak, we choose to recognize him for being a constant fixture in the crowded room that was the 1990s Eastern Conference playoffs. From his wars with the Pacers to his shot-blocking records in the 1994 Finals, Ewing left an indelible mark on both the Mecca and the league as a whole, and we’re so happy to have him back. 😎

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, try to strike up a few conversations with some people you wouldn’t otherwise talk to. You never know who could be a meaningful relationship in the making! See you soon.

-Walker Carnathan