Happy Mother’s Day

Posted By Riah May 12, 2023

Happy Mother’s Day

Mom, the universal word for caregiver, provider, rock, friend. Moms are the needed glue that keep us together. From an athlete perspective, mom is the motivator, the manager at times and just there to pick you up off the ground when needed after a loss or celebrate during a win.

Most of the time, once we make it big, we want to highlight the people that mean most to us and keep us going.

Moms are also the advocates! Fighting for us and standing up for us.

My mom has always been there for me. So many times whether it’s giving advice, stepping in on my behalf, or just giving me a much needed hug. We are now in the process of publishing our first cookbook together. (coming soon).

From an athlete perspective, mom is the biggest supporter, #1 overall fan and usually at every game. Cheering Loudly, Proudly and just supporting her child no matter what sport it is.

As you know most moms if not all wear multiple hats while still working full time jobs. Being a mom is a full time job in itself. I hope any mom reading this knows how appreciated, loved, and needed you are.

We love you dearly!

To all athlete moms, thanks for the late nights, dinners, team lunches, team hugs, posters, and just being our extra motivational coach. 🙂

This blog is super short and sweet 🙂

Happy Mother’s Day- this weekend is yours

SO LIVE IT UP

Thanks for reading!

Announcement: I have a huge blog post coming next month! Can’t wait to share it with you

*Pics/vids courtesy of google images*

Mother’s Day Gifts:

XOBYKAMIAH: https://xobykamiah.com/shop

Kamiah is doing a giveaway use code: MAMA at checkout for 15% off and entry 🙂

SAKSUHN: https://strictly-speaking-6.myshopify.com/collections/all

The comeback series shirts are only available for 1 month.. get yours while supplies last. Shipping usually 24-48 hours after purchase. The rest of the catalog is available indefinitely! 🙂 Happy Shopping!!

Jimmy Butler

Posted By Riah May 5, 2023

Jimmy Butler
Picture Courtesy of Google Images

Jimmy Butler!! A dynamic scorer, can beat you from anywhere on the floor, and can just take over the game. A fellow Marquette alumn, Jimmy has made his presence known.

Playing for team like the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and now the Miami Heat. In his first season with the Heat he helped lead them to the NBA finals where they lost to the Lakers. Now the heat are once again in the hunt for another title run facing the Knicks in Round 2. The series is currently tied 1-1.

Jimmy’s journey is unique in his own right he wasn’t heavily recruited and ended up playing at junior college where he was able to shine. Your journey is not going to be like everyone else’s but you can still thrive and prosper with hard work, dedication, & perseverance.

Jimmy is a super humble guy. He is funny! Always himself and makes the game fun again. He is someone I really enjoy watching play.

In his downtime, he started his own coffee business Big Face coffee in 2021, from his love of the beverage. It is an online business that Jimmy thought of not to make money but to continue to build connections.

We relate in that way because when I started my consulting business in 2020, I knew my main focus was to be able to help others grow their businesses or be another resource of support. Money will always come. I always say and agree it’s never about the money for me. I know what it’s like to wonder where the next break is coming from. The joy and satisfaction I get from seeing others succeed is more than money can ever give me.

Picture Courtesy of CNBC
Picture Courtesy of CNBC

I wish Jimmy all the success and luck in the playoffs! The knicks/ heat series feels like it can go 7 games. Jimmy is currently out due to an ankle sprain. He has been rehabbing and resting, so hopefully he will available for game 3 and the rest of the series as it shifts to Miami.

I just wanted to write a quick post 🙂

Be sure to follow Jimmy on IG & Twitter- @jimmybutler to keep up with him 🙂

Any comments/ suggestions or anything you want me to write about leave it below or tweet me @bballmypassion

As always I appreciate my readers!

Be sure to follow my business on IG: @mariahscreativeconsulting

Thanks Again for reading! Until Monday! 😉

*Pics/Videos Courtesy of Google Images, CNBC*

google.com, pub-8869351951298256, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

GSW: A solidified dynasty?

Posted By Riah May 1, 2023

GSW: A solidified dynasty?

In 2013, the Golden State Warriors lost to Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs ousting them out of the first round and on a rebuild. Coach Jackson was relieved of his duties and Coach Steve Kerr was introduced. In the last 10 years, the Warriors have appeared in multiple finals, won 4 championships, set numerous records including a 73 win season passing the 72 win chicago bulls. Their leader Stephen Curry with 2 MVP’s and 1 finals MVP (2022 Champions). The argument is always posed is Golden State a solidified dynasty with the likes of the Lakers, Bulls, Celtics. I mean what is left for them to prove honestly. Let’s talk about….

The 2014-2015 NBA season, the warriors finally broke the curse and won their first championship and since than have been a nemesis, underdog, the team no wants to meet in the playoffs or even the regular season. Through injuries, ups and downs, struggles on the road, the warriors proved their name true time and time again. Curry with multiple ankle injuries, Thompson with his achilles/acl injuries etc. They just find a way to win and dominate and prove everyone wrong. I love watching this team and their bond. Steph, Draymond, and Klay are the only three teammates in recent years that have been dedicated to stay together as long as they have. If it’s not broke then it doesn’t need fixing. Even with the addition of KD, their chemistry and bond never wavered. No matter where the warriors are seeded they always find a way to come out on top. 4 championships later, the argument remains, Are the warriors one of the best dynasty’s. My answer yes! At this point there shouldn’t even be a debate but it should be when it’s all said and done and Curry, Green, Thompson are no longer playing where will they rank? I think at least top 5 all time. I mean Stephen Curry lol.. Need I say more!

Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter ever. The way he has taken care of his body over the course of his career and to sustain it is a testament to his dedication to the game. It is so fun to watch him play. I have had the pleasure of watching him in person and it’s worth every penny. He puts on the show and just dominates. From his ball handling skills to just pure shooting ability, he is one of the best of all time and especially in the last 10 years. He has proven time and time again by his game alone that he and his team deserve respect. If you know Steph’s journey then you know it is more than just basketball and who he plays for (represents). His platform is his way of showcasing not only his talent but faith that God can do anything and use anyone for his honor and glory.

Thompson, Looney, Green have all solidified their legacies as well. I mean let’s just look at last season. Warriors started in the Play in and ended up winning the championship despite the odds. Everyone from newcomers Poole, Payton II etc. all showed up big for their team and helped bring the championship back to the Bay.

As the Warriors prepare for another Lebron /Steph matchup this time Bron on the Lakers, the question is posed how will they fair? This lakers team is slightly different from their 2020 Championship roster but I think it will be a good challenge for them. The warriors are the team to beat but honestly once they get going, on a run, and steph takes over they are really hard to beat. Steph now 35 and the Lebron now 38, I’m excited for the matchup ahead. Hopefully the Warriors can cruise past LA in their quest for Championship #5. Let me know your thoughts….

It’s time to put some respect on the Warriors.

Love Them, Envy Them, They are here to stay adding to their already solidified legacy. 🙂

As always thanks for reading!

Leave a comment or tweet me @bballmypassion

*Pics/Vids courtesy of Google Images*

NBA Playoffs: My Recap so far :)

Posted By Riah April 24, 2023

NBA Playoffs: My Recap So far :)

With the 2023 NBA playoffs currently underway, I wanted to give my recap on all things playoff related.

The NBA Playoffs are a sight to see as we watch great matchups, players rise to the occasion, unfortunate injuries, and of course the media giving us their breakdown of each team.

Let’s start in the East!

The Milwaukee Bucks being the overall #1 seed is the high favorite. Miami winning the 8th seed in the play-in tournament is giving them a run for their money currently up 2-1 with a game 4 happening tonight. Giannis has been out the last two games due to a bruised tail bone. He is set to make his return. Will Miami go up 3-1 and continue their momentum & potential upset? Or will the bucks get back in the series and tie it up. With another crushing injury to role player Vic Oladipo, will his absence affect Miami’s quest to move on to the second round. I think both teams matchup well but if Miami jumps out to a hot start they have a chance to continue to dominate.

Philadelphia took care of Brooklyn in 4 games and they await their opponents for round 2.

How about the New York Knicks?!! They have the right chemistry and pieces I think to go deep in the playoffs. The addition of Jalen Brunson was a good one. I am keeping my eye on them.

Boston is one game away from securing their second round spot after going up 3-1 on the Hawks. Game 5 is a MUST WIN for them. Trae Young can shoot lights out but has been struggling. I hope he can find his mojo and help his team fight back in this series.

On to the western conference…… 🙂 My favorite conference, It’s really anyone’s game.

Denver is the quiet favorite right now. They aren’t being discussed as much as the Lakers, Warriors, Grizzlies, Suns. Minnesota fought back and now have a chance in this series down 2-1 instead of 3-0. ( no team has come back from 3-0). Stats don’t lie lol. The next game will be fun now that the Timberwolves have some life.

The Suns are looking to wrap up their series with the Clippers. With Kawhi and Paul both being out indefinitely due to injuries, it’s looking like KD and Phoenix are ready to move on and prep for round 2 which will be the winner of the Denver/Minnesota series.

Alright, Drama & Entertainment time lol. I think you know where I’m going.

Boy oh Boy- Tell me you watched game 4 for the Lakers/Grizzlies.

I think Dillon ended up with his foot in his mouth. We all know what he said. The lesson here don’t ever poke the bear or be disrespectful to the point an opponent has to shut you up. The lakers did just that scoring 40+ in the first quarter as a team. Lebron finished the game with 25 points. He played the most aggressive last game than ever before. The Grizzlies have been the talk of the league due to their chatty behavior with no deep playoff run to show for it. Will that continue to hurt them? Ja is going to be Ja every game but I will say this his style of play will continue to cause him harm than good injury wise. I never want to see a player get hurt and it’s okay to adjust your game a tad and still keep your essence. Ja is one of my favorite players but I don’t want to see him get seriously hurt trying to make a statement. I honestly think the Lakers are going to win this series with how everything is going as they have a 2-1 series lead.

Lastly, the defending Golden State Warriors, barely won. They were able to tie up their series with the Kings 2-2. A gutted team win that literally could’ve went any other way. Championship teams with experience know how to pull out gritty wins. No team has beaten the Warriors at home since Boston did in the finals last year and they still pulled it out. No one even has the Warriors winning another championship this year. I lowkey love the underdog route, no matter how they are seeded they always find a way to win and just kick the champion mentality in high gear. The suspension of Draymond for Game 3 fueled them, his unselfishness to come off the bench in Game 4 helped keep the momentum. The Kings who haven’t been in the playoffs in 17 years are fighting, dominating and not backing down from the challenge of playing the champs. It’s honestly a really good series. De’Aaron Fox unfortunately has a fractured finger on his shooting hand and as of right now is doubtful for Wednesday’s game. If he is out, we will have to see how the Kings respond but the offense runs through him. He is dominant and just a pure scorer. I like watching him.

The question now is..does this secure the Warriors a second round spot if Fox can’t play. I honestly say stick to the game plan and take it one game at a time especially with how bad the road games have been for the warriors. Let’s not discuss the refs. LOL If you know you know.

I’m excited for the rest of the playoff games. I love watching and engaging. Each game is different.

Let me know who you are rooting for and who you think will win this year’s championship. Drop a comment or tweet me @bballmypassion

As always thanks for reading 🙂

*Picture courtesy of google images*