What’s your favorite part of Olympic basketball? Is it seeing Team USA’s star-studded squad tear through their opponents? Is it watching your favorite NBA players compete for their home nations? Or is it getting to witness the best hoopers in the world run around like a bunch of kids at summer camp?

Either way, let’s just say we’ve been Enjoying the Games.

Today’s Lineup

Playing Knockout

Team USA advances to knockout round in Paris with 104-83 win over Puerto Rico

The biggest story leading into this year’s Olympics was the union of the NBA’s “Big 3” of LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant onto the same roster for the first time ever. But amid all that hype, one young stud proclaimed himself the #1 option… and it turns out he might’ve been telling the truth.

On Saturday, Team USA continued their Olympic dominance with a 21-point drubbing of Puerto Rico. Despite trailing at the end of the first quarter, the Americans woke up to deliver another sizeable victory, this time led by Anthony Edwards’ 26 PTS on 11/15 shooting—not to mention the calmest windmill you’ll ever see.

After the game, Ant paid homage to the USA’s Big Three, saying that playing alongside them was the “best feeling ever.” As if that wasn’t enough, Ant might also be having more fun than anyone in Paris, becoming the U.S.’s #1 table tennis fan and overall living his best life:

Happy Trails, Gordon!

Former All-Star Gordon Hayward announced his retirement over the weekend after one of the most underrated careers we’ve seen in the modern game. After nearly leading Butler to a national championship in college (we still haven’t forgotten this shot), Hayward was drafted ninth overall by the Jazz in 2010.

Hayward was known for his ability to score at all three levels, and he became one of the early darlings of the analytics movement with his lights-out efficiency (including a 59.5% true-shooting percentage during his All-Star year!). In 2017, he signed with Boston to reunite with college coach Brad Stevens, and though his gruesome injury in his first game with the Celtics will be what some remember him for, we’ll remember that his career did not end that night—Hayward still went on to play six more seasons of quality ball, including a 19 PPG, 58% true shooting season in Charlotte in 2021.

We wish Gordon all the best in retirement, and thank him for all he’s given to the game! 🎉

Kobe and GiGi 💜💛 

The loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the seven others with them in 2020 remains one of the greatest tragedies to strike the basketball community. Kobe was an icon of the game, and more importantly, a proud father and supportive leader of his daughter’s basketball dreams.

Over the weekend, the Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe and GiGi outside their arena to celebrate 8/2/24, a holiday that combines the two numbers Kobe wore during his career, #8 and #24, and Gianna’s #2. A touching tribute to the pair gone far too soon. ♥️

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us! This week, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and do something that scares you. You never know what could be on the other side! See you soon.

-Walker Carnathan