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Does Celtics Star Tatum Still Need to Prove Anything?

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Does Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Still Need to Prove Anything?

After years of building, the Boston Celtics finally hit the jackpot last season, clinching an NBA championship. At the heart of that success is Jayson Tatum, the third overall pick from the 2017 NBA Draft who’s proven himself the standout star of his class.

Paired with Jaylen Brown, they’ve been the bedrock of this Celtics squad, with key additions like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis last year turning them into title winners. Now, they’re pegged as favorites to repeat in 2025.

But even with a ring on his finger, does Tatum still have doubters to silence?

Tatum’s long been seen as Boston’s top dog, outshining Brown in the pecking order, even if he didn’t snag Finals MVP or Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors.

At 26, he’s got a championship under his belt, but the question lingers: is there more for him to prove? Absolutely and last summer’s Olympics with Team USA is the perfect case in point. Fresh off a title and ranked among the NBA’s elite top five, Tatum suited up for his country expecting to shine.

Instead, he barely saw the court, sidelined alongside Tyrese Haliburton while others took the spotlight in crunch time.

That snub lit a fire under him. “That clearly made Tatum mad,” and you can see it in his game this season.

He’s sharpened his three-point shooting a weak spot Team USA flagged pouring in 27 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game so far. It’s a statement: he’s not done growing. Even with three straight First-team All-NBA nods, the Olympic benching showed there are still folks who don’t fully buy into his greatness.

Tatum’s not just chasing respect he wants to be the best, period, not just the fifth-best guy on the list.

To grab that crown, he knows it’s about piling up more titles with Boston. If he stays healthy, he’s got a solid five-year window to make it happen, leading a Celtics team that’s loaded for success.

Sure, he’s proven he can win, but Tatum’s sights are set higher—silencing every last doubter and cementing his name at the top of the league. With his drive and this roster, he’s in prime position to keep the championship train rolling.

Boston returns from All-Star break looking to continue hot streak

The Boston Celtics are hitting the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their first game since the All-Star break, aiming to keep their hot streak alive with just 27 games left in the regular season.

These two rivals have had wildly different vibes lately—Boston rolled into the break winning seven of their last eight, while Philly stumbled, dropping seven of their past eight.

Despite their opposite trajectories, the season series is deadlocked at one win apiece. Now, after a breather, the 76ers are itching to protect their home turf, especially after letting a 26-point lead slip away in their February 2 clash with the Celtics.

That collapse still stings, and with a five-game losing skid weighing them down—capped by a tight 100-96 loss to the Nets—Philly’s desperate for a turnaround.

The Celtics, on the other hand, cruised into the break with a 116-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Jayson Tatum was a force, dropping 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 29 points on an efficient 10-16 from the field.

Boston’s got momentum, but facing a hungry Philly squad on their home court promises a fierce battle as both teams kick off the stretch run.

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic’s MVP Case

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic's MVP Case

The Denver Nuggets secured a crucial road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night in a high-stakes battle featuring two of the NBA’s top MVP contenders.

Nikola Jokic once again showcased his dominance, delivering an effortless yet staggering 35-point, 18-rebound, and eight-assist performance to outduel Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Following the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in making his case for Jokic in the MVP conversation.

“If you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs and I put Player A and Player B on paper, and you had no idea that the guy that’s averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top-three in the three major statistical categories things that no one’s ever done he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10,” Malone said.

Then, with added emphasis, he continued: “And if you don’t think so, then I think you guys are all full of s—.”

Despite Jokic’s brilliance, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the frontrunner for this year’s MVP award.

However, Malone was quick to praise the Thunder star, acknowledging his greatness while also standing firmly behind his own player.

With a significant portion of the season still to play, Jokic and the Nuggets have a chance to maintain their momentum.

If they continue their red-hot form, voters may reconsider and ultimately decide that the Serbian big man deserves a fourth MVP instead of crowning a new face.

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Wizards Rookie Matches Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic With NBA Milestone

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Wizards Rookie Matches Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic With NBA Milestone

Washington Wizards’ rookie Carlton “Bub” Carrington has etched his name into NBA history, joining an exclusive club alongside legends Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic.

In Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Carrington became just the third player in league history to record over 250 assists and 100 three-pointers before turning 20 years old.

Despite the Wizards’ 104-119 loss in Toronto, the 19-year-old added to his impressive resume by dishing out five assists and knocking down a three-pointer in 26 minutes of action.

His latest feat not only places him in elite company with Bryant and Doncic but also cements his place in Wizards history. Carrington is now the second-fastest rookie in franchise history to reach 100 three-pointers, achieving the milestone in 62 games.

The only player to do it faster? Bradley Beal, who hit the mark in 60 games during the 2012-13 season.

Carrington was originally selected 14th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft before being traded to Washington, along with Malcolm Brogdon, in exchange for Deni Avdija. Since joining the Wizards, he has steadily carved out a key role on the team.

So far this season, Carrington has played in 62 games, starting in 42 of them. He is averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 29.3 minutes per game, while shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc.

For a young player still finding his footing in the league, Carrington’s rapid rise and record-breaking performances suggest a bright future ahead in Washington.

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Steph Curry Makes History With Unprecedented Career Move

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Steph Curry Makes History With Unprecedented Career Move

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has once again made history, this time off the court.

On Monday, March 10, Davidson College announced that Curry has taken on a new role as one of the assistant general managers for their basketball program, alongside fellow alumnus Matt Berman.

Curry’s decision is unprecedented, making him the first active player in major U.S. professional sports to accept an administrative position with an NCAA team, according to ESPN.

“The Davidson experience is top notch,” Curry said in a statement released by the school. “My journey from when I got to Davidson in 2006 to now demonstrated that I had the opportunity to play basketball at the highest level, got a great education, an amazing network through the Davidson alumni and continue to wave the Davidson flag. I want very talented, high character student-athletes to have that same experience.”

Assistant GM Role and the NIL Era

With the rapid evolution of college sports under the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules, Davidson is looking to leverage Curry’s influence and leadership to strengthen their basketball program within the competitive Atlantic 10 conference.

As part of his commitment, Curry, along with his wife Ayesha and longtime Davidson supporters Don, Matt, and Erica Berman, will launch an eight-figure initiative known as the Curry-Berman Fund, designed to support both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

In his new advisory role as assistant general manager, Curry will provide guidance to Davidson’s basketball teams, offering mentorship and strategic insights.

“The goal for this is to invest in the next student-athlete that’s coming into Davidson today,” Curry said. “They don’t have to take cuts on what the market says they deserve to be part of the brand of what it means to be a Davidson scholar-athlete with integrity in your academic experience.”

He emphasized the importance of education and long-term opportunities for student-athletes, adding: “The commitment to a four-year graduation process provides countless opportunities professionally in sports or as a game changer in life. And that leads into my role as an assistant GM with Matt Berman – our ability to be a resource and a sounding board for the program, but also support each student-athlete, to develop personal relationships with each of them to help guide them every step of the way through their Davidson experience.”

A Full Circle Moment for Curry

Davidson College played a crucial role in Curry’s rise to basketball stardom after he was overlooked by the bigger ACC programs in the region.

During his time at Davidson, Curry set the NCAA single-season record for three-pointers as a sophomore and won conference player of the year honors twice before declaring for the NBA Draft after his junior year.

Selected by the Warriors with the No. 7 pick in 2009, Curry has since built a legendary career, winning four NBA championships, an Olympic gold medal, and earning recognition as the greatest shooter in basketball history. Despite his immense success, he never forgot his roots.

A testament to his dedication, Curry kept a promise to his mother to finish his studies. In 2022, he completed his undergraduate degree as part of Davidson’s class of 2010, taking online courses to fulfill his academic requirements.

Now, Curry has officially come full circle, returning to Davidson not just as an alumnus but as an active leader, working to shape the next generation of Wildcats.

His involvement is a game-changer, setting a new precedent for how professional athletes can give back to their collegiate programs while still playing at the highest level.

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