The Toronto Raptors are off to a rocky start despite their explosive offense. Their high-scoring attack, fueled by an impressive assist rate and a focus on driving to the basket, has yet to translate into wins. This is largely due to a porous defense that is allowing an NBA-worst 124.7 points per game. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Raptors struggle to close out games, leaving them with a 2-7 record.
The NBA season tipped off with a flurry of exciting action, featuring Damian Lillard’s dominant performance leading the Milwaukee Bucks to victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, a thrilling overtime win for the Phoenix Suns against the Los Angeles Clippers, and several other captivating matchups. Read on for a comprehensive recap of the opening night’s key moments and standout performances.
Chauncey Billups and Vince Carter joined a star-studded 2024 class inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Sunday. The ceremony honored 13 inductees, including seven players, two coaches, and four contributors. Billups and Carter were two of the most decorated players in the class, showcasing exceptional skills and achievements throughout their illustrious careers.
The WNBA is making significant changes to its playoff format, expanding the Finals to a best-of-seven series and introducing other adjustments aimed at enhancing fan experience and player well-being. The league also boasted record-breaking attendance and viewership figures for the 2024 season.
NBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist Joel Embiid has signed a massive contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, committing to the franchise for the rest of his career. Embiid, alongside his teammates Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, forms a formidable Big Three that the 76ers believe will lead them to an NBA championship, ending a championship drought dating back to 1983.
The Super Kings Academy is expanding its reach with a new center in Vellore, while the Basketball Without Borders Asia 2024 camp brings together top young talent in Perth, Australia. Meanwhile, Vansh Nandal has secured a victory in the AITA men’s tennis tournament.
The Indiana Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, have secured a playoff spot in the WNBA, but the exact seeding and matchups remain uncertain. The WNBA regular season concludes this week, with multiple teams vying for playoff berths and seeding. Clark has made a significant impact, setting both the single-season assist and rookie scoring records.
Avelo Airlines, a proud partner of UConn Athletics, flew the NCAA championship men’s basketball team to Washington, D.C. for a White House victory ceremony hosted by President Biden. This is the second consecutive year Avelo has flown the team to the White House, highlighting their commitment to excellence and teamwork.
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ star player and a former NBA MVP, has signed a one-year extension with the team, ensuring his presence until the 2026-27 season. This $62.6 million deal adds to his already impressive career earnings and solidifies his place as one of the NBA’s greatest players.
Take-Two Interactive’s NBA 2K25 has revealed its top 10 player ratings, showcasing a mix of international stars, seasoned veterans, and rising talents. Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the pack with a 97 overall rating, while LeBron James and Stephen Curry remain strong contenders with 95 overall ratings. The game will be available starting September 6th on various platforms.
