The 3 point King; 4000 and counting…

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There are always certain where were you moments in sports that you just never forget as well as players.

Stephen Curry is definitely one of those players who leaves you speechless with a jaw dropping moment.

For example, the 2016 game winner he hit against OKC with Mike Breen on the call, by far one of my favorite plays in his career.

Steph has solidified himself as one of the all-time greats. December 14, 2021 in Madison Square Garden, he officially became the All- Time 3 point leader in NBA history surpassing none other than Ray Allen. That night was super fun, emotional, and one I won’t forget. Watching a player since college, his growth, the countless amount of criticism he receives on a day and day out basis, and constantly have to prove himself.

You would think a 4x NBA Champion, Finals MVP, NBA MVP, 3 point leader, Gold Medalist wouldn’t have to constantly prove himself over and over again but what do we always say, if you don’t have at least one hater are you really doing it right? LOL….

From three pointer number 1 to 2,974 ( passing Ray Allen) to 4,000+ it is amazing to just state the fact that the amount of work, strength, confidence, and conditioning goes into such an achievement. Keep in mind these are MADE three point shots, just imagine where the number would be if he didn’t miss. It is very astounding. I am always in constant awe whenever I get a chance to watch the chef cook it up on the court. I have also been blessed to see him in person as well. My hope is to get to another game before he hangs it up.

March 13, 2025 at home against Sacramento, Stephen solidified himself once again by hitting the 4,000 three point milestone. Congrats Steph! Keep changing the game for good and moving the needle. I feel like Steph at this stage in his career now is honestly in some of the best shape he has been in just overall stamina and his teammates. Having a good on the court team structure as well as trust makes for milestones like this truly inspiring. His teammates, coaches, trainers trust him to do his job but also have lots of fun along the way.

I can’t wait to see what’s next for Steph, I’m pushing for championship number 5. If the warriors would get it done, He will join the exclusive company: Magic, Kareem, Michael, Kobe, just to name a few. I know that is the one title he is seeking. With the playoffs on the horizon the western conference is going to be as competitive as ever. If any team can do it , Golden State can…Remember 2022?! Never ever count them out! With the 3 point king on their side.

Again Congratulations Steph on accomplishing a huge milestone. Your impact on the game is definitely seen, imitated, and imagined. There is only one Chef Curry! Keep shooting and when it’s all said and done on your hall of fame career, I can’t wait to see what the overall All-Time 3 point number ends up being.

Celebrate this moment and Kill it in the playoffs 🙂

As always I appreciate my readers! Check back with me next week. We head to the NCAA and celebrate the UCONN Huskies!! 🙂

*pics/vids courtesy of google/youtube*

GSW: A solidified dynasty?

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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*

The Hate is Real…..

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The NBA Finals are underway with the 2 time defending Champion Golden State Warriors taking on Rookie Coach Nick Nurse and the Toronto Raptors.

I remember listening to a interview by Coach Kerr and he mentioned trying to 3 peat is really hard to do. It is a constant battle but it can be done. Coach Kerr knows what he is talking about he is a 6 time champ with the bulls being a key piece for one of their games.

The goal all season for Golden State has been to win another championship and basically shut all the haters up. Let your haters be your motivators and for whatever reason, everyone and their mama hates on GSW.

I get it the NBA is a business and mostly for entertainment now but if you want my honesty put some respect on their name. There was a time when the Warriors under Don Nelson struggled to make the playoffs and if they did they were booted out round 1. (yes, I have been watching and riding the warriors since the struggle years). Now that they are so dominant, it’s nothing but criticism, not as much praise. Analysts make it worse but that is their job sometimes, feed into the hype and continue the narrative.

Are you mad at the fact you have to face them every year? Are you mad that they have dominant shooters and defenders when they are HOT and shooting lights out. Golden State can destroy teams on both ends of the court and it’s fun to watch. You blink and they are up 30 in the 3rd quarter. We need that intensity the rest of these finals…BLOW THE RAPTORS OUT!…

With the Finals this year and injuries pouring in, the question becomes can the Warriors finish it? My answer: HECK YES! It just won’t be a cake walk. Yes I wanted them to sweep Toronto, but the NBA wants to drag this series out as long as it can go. I believe it will go 6 games with Golden State closing it out and winning it at Oracle. This being the last season the Warriors play in Oakland, it will be bittersweet to finish at home in front of your crowd.

Stephen Curry gets the most hate and it’s inspiring how he deals with it. Andre Iguodala said it best: ” I like Steph, I never see the hate he gets because people are jealous of what he has, I am going to do everything I can to protect his legacy” . Andre for one is a real one, real brother, real teammate. His statement shows me that the relationships and respect the Warriors have is real, not a lot of teams can say that. Stephen is the leader, his faith is strong, his character is stronger.  I can see why people are jealous of him and get frustrated when they have to play him but remember his journey has always been as the underdog. He fuels off that but I think it pushes him to rise to the occasion. Game 3, Stephen scored a playoff career high 47 points with assists and rebounds. If his teammates would have made some of the shots they missed , they might have pulled it out. But hey, take it one game at a time. Game 4 will be quite different especially if GSW gets Klay Thompson & Kevin Durant back. Kevon Looney  they really needed but he is out due to a injury caused by a foul which I think could have been prevented. I hope he gets healthy soon.

Warriors are going to do it! I want them to pull this out, They are the defending champs and 3 peating will make them apart of an elite club. The last team to 3-peat was the Lakers in 2002.(2000-2002). The Warriors will continue to fight..they got this!

The Hate is Real….but the confidence, strength, and heart of a champ is realer…

Thanks so much for reading!

Leave Comments, Thoughts below or tweet me @bballmypassion

*Pics/Videos courtesy of Google Images*

Live Life..Leave your legacy

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These past couple of weeks have hit the sports and entertainment world by unfortunate storm. The music world lost a legend in Ermias Asghedom aka Nipsey Hussle. Sunday, March 31,2019, Nipsey’s life was taken from us by someone he knew, broke bread with, possibly even shared some of his success with. For me, however it made me stop, re-evaluate my life, my relationships, my own legacy.

Questions posing in my head: Why did this happen to someone doing so much for his community, for his people, honestly for the world. He impacted almost everyone he met or didn’t meet including Barack Obama. CRAZY! but it shows the kind of heart he had. His impact on the world and specifically the South Central LA area where he grew up and passed away, Nipsey left his imprint. Another question I asked myself is Why are people (the people that say they ride for you) are sometimes always the ones the most jealous or intimidated by your success? I often pride myself with treating everyone how I would like to be treated, but in life it will never be that way. I have learned how to do deal.

From a sport’s perspective: Music bridges the gap and makes sports games lots of fun. For players and teams, music gets you in the zone, gets you game time ready to put on a show. Music is therapeutic in a sense that it helps you block out unnecessary noise (haters, rumors, unwanted news).

Losing a loved one is difficult, as much as you grow up, live life, and make memories the person who is no longer on this earth, you always tend to imagine what life would be like if they were still here. YOU NEVER GET OVER LOSING THEM….The grieving may stop, but as long as I live, they are always on my mind. I have unfortunately dealt with the loss of losing a sibling so I know all to well the non-stop grieving. I know what it’s like to have success and then 2 seconds late I am wishing my brother was here to share the success with me. I always give those I love, all the appreciation and all the praise while I can, some times it is the most random moments but it is always from the heart.

Last question I found myself asking: What will my legacy be? When I leave this earth, what am I leaving behind? We all see the ongoing legacy of Nipsey Hussle, It is his brand The Marathon Clothing, All money in No money out label, his community outreach,vector 90 for STEM, All of his music( go listen), and his Smile…I have listened to his music prior to his death but one thing I wish I did was tap into him more. Now that he is gone, I just have to make sure that the marathon continues in my life..Keep grinding..staying dedicated, working hard, and being patient.

I wanted to leave you guys with one of my favorite interviews! 🙂 Stephen Curry has this 5 minutes from home series on YouTube where he speaks with athletes, students, celebs anyone making a difference in the community. They meet after a game at Oracle and talk and get some food( my favorite part lol). I love the whole interview aspect but the food segment is always my favorite part, so I know what food trucks to try next time I am in LA!. Thanks Steph! 🙂

Nip &Steph -click to watch lol 🙂

I just wanted to shed some light on a awesome human being, humanitarian and artist who also helped bridge the gap between hip hop and sports! Music makes us feel good but Sports also makes us feel good and come together.

Live your Life….Leave your Legacy!

Thanks to all my readers, I appreciate it!

Next Week: NBA Playoffs…:)

R.I.H. Ermias Joseph Asghedom-Nipsey Hussle

August 15,1985-March 31, 2019

*Pictures/Video Courtesy of Google Images/Youtube*

Buzz City All-Star Recap

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all star 19

NBA All-Star 2019 Weekend is one big party! This year it was hosted in Charlotte, NC. The home of Golden State Warriors Guard Stephen Curry and his brother Portland Trailblazers guard Seth Curry. It was a family reunion for them. It was also numerous first time all-star as well such as Kemba Walker(first time as a starter), Karl Anthony Townes, De’angelo Russell to name a few.

The weekend is typically three days and has multiple events but the big events most fans watch include: The celebrity all- star game, the rising skills challenge on Friday night, All-Star Saturday night which includes: the taco bell skills change, 3 point contest (my favorite event), and the dunk contest. The weekend concludes with the All-Star Game Sunday night.

steph curry

Two of the biggest highlights for me during the weekend included the 3 point contest and the dunk contest.  The 3 point contest showcased one of my favorite players Steph Curry who drained 10 straight 3’s in the first round. Although he did it again in the 2nd round it wasn’t enough to beat Joe Harris who edged him out by two points. The cool part is that we know how great of a shooter Steph is, the awe-amazing part is that their are more shooters out there who got to showcase their talent, hard work, effortlessness, and most importantly how much fun it was. I was literally yelling at my TV. lol It was really was fun to watch. Attending an NBA All-Star weekend in person is definitely on my bucket list. 🙂

The next best highlight for me was when Hamidou Diallo literally dunked over Shaq. There was alot of doubt in the room when he was getting this dunk set up. Diallo executed and well the rest is history. He made the dunk contest exciting and brought the energy. I know he will return and have more creative dunks in his bag. Great Job Diallo!

dunk

This year, the NBA All-Star Game was a product of a NBA style Draft, where Lebron  and Giannis were both captains and were able to pick their teammates. Lebron’s team however had a few extra players than Giannis team. The game was still fun and both teams donated to their respective charities. A win in every way! Giving back is definitely a big highlight throughout the weekend. Putting a smile on a child’s face as well being out in the community giving up your time to help those in need. The game featured lots of dunks, including a bounce pass from Steph down the lane to Giannis whose head ended up above the rim for a spectacular finish! Team Giannis had a big 20 point lead throughout most of the game until, KD arrived and got hot scoring 31 points to help lead Team Lebron to victory #2 in this team style format.

Legends: Two of the NBA greatest players and future hall of famers Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks who has made 21 All-Star appearances in his career and another favorite player of mine Dwyane Wade who has made 13 all- star appearances. Dirk hasn’t officially announced his retirement from the game but has been leaning toward it, Dwyane however announced that this will be his final season and that he is at peace with where the game is going. They were honored with their own all-star uniform jersey’s by the commissioner who personally chose them to this year’s festivities and all of the players, teams represented. It was cool to watch but also bittersweet that two of the games best players are no longer going to be on the court. You have to cherish every moment you have while you still can! Cheers Dirk & Dwyane on phenomenal careers! You made your presence known and your legacy will live on!

legends

One final thought: Kevin Durant was voted NBA All-Star MVP for the second time in his career, he is an amazing player to watch plus when he is hot..he is hot!…Durant-All-Star

This weekend always goes by so fast, but it is thoroughly enjoyable, As the 2nd half of the season kicks off, the grind now kicks into high gear. This is the final 25-26 games for teams to make the final push to playoffs and for some legends before they say goodbye one last time.!

If you watched all star weekend what were some of your favorite moments?

As always I appreciate each and every one of you who has read my blog, commented, followed me. I am sorry I have been away for so long but I am back with brand new content! Meet me here next thursday as I shine a light on Bradley Beal and his new role now that John Wall is out with a injury.

*Pics/Videos courtesy of Google Images*

Passion, Perseverance

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Hey Guys!

So it’s been a minute since my last blog but I’m back!

I’ve been so busy with my new job that I sometimes I forget to blog but I will try to set aside a day a week to blog, so if you have topics you want me to write about sport related let me know 🙂

I was sitting in my kickoff 2017 meeting with my staff and co-workers and the person presenting gave us 3 P’s.

  • People
  • Passion, Perseverance
  • Product

The P that stuck out to me is the title of this blog, Passion and Perseverance which then made me think about athletes who had to overcome some sort of obstacle to get them where they want to go for their career.

I  began to think about Michael Jordan, who as we all know was cut from his high school team but ended up becoming one of the greatest basketball players to ever live. Then was Stephen Curry, who is a dominating scorer in the league right now and almost unable to guard. I think about how people criticized his size and weight and doubted him from the beginning of his career. Curry has now silenced his doubters by winning a championship and two MVP Awards one of which was a unanimous vote by the league which says ALOT.!

I was at work all day dealing with some clients who were ultimately testing my passion and love for people as well trying to steal the joy I had. After dealing with my 2pm appointment, I was ready to just give up and go home for the day. Something on the inside was like Mariah you got this just go take someone else. My manager comes and grabs me and I’m with someone else and that experience was good. Although I didn’t sell anything, at the end of the day I didn’t give up or throw in the towel.

I used Michael and Steph as my reminders in my head that they didn’t achieve the success that has come to them overnight, it took practice, repetition, faith, and just belief they can be the greatest players they can be. It also takes time to get where you need to be so today just was a test for me. I am sure I will have more tests along the way.

So I leave you all with this, whatever difficulty you may be facing day and day out, don’t forget the reason you started the career path you are on. Always remember the passion driving you and that obstacles may try to stop you but as long as you persevere, you will see success on the other side! 🙂

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and as always if you have comments/suggestions you can comment below or tweet me @bballmypassion.

*Pics/Vids Courtesy of Google*scurry-780x520

USA Basketball

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It has been a minute since I blogged but I wanted to at least have a couple posts for the month of August.:)

This week USA Basketball held its annual mini training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada where 34 of the NBA’s elite met up to work on their game but also get a feel for what it is to come next summer.

Some of these players include: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Chris Paul and the list goes on. All of these talented men are vying for a spot for the men’s national team to compete for gold in Brazil next summer.

NBA TV aired Real Training Camp which took a live look at the practice and the players coming together.

Last Night USAB held its annual exhibition game for the fans and coaches just to give everyone a feel of a potential team to compete in Rio. It will be very exciting to see who will be selected as no spot on this team is guaranteed.

We should have an idea of who will be on the official roster July 2016. I can’t wait and believe its about to be an Olympic year yet again.

Who do you have on your USAB roster? You can only choose 12 out of the 34… Hard I know lol

Stay tuned as NBA season is just around the corner and most of these men pictured above will be monitored all season long to hopefully secure their spot on this coveted team.

Go USA !!!!

This was a short post, I will have a longer post next week 🙂 I appreciate you all reading!!

Be sure to follow me on twitter:@bballmypassion and let me know what you would like to see next

*Pictures/Videos courtesy of google images*