NBA Click & Roll: Basketball, politics collide as Gregg Popovich, Kings speak out
Welcome to Paste BN Sports' NBA Click & Roll newsletter.
This is where we bring you exclusive content from Paste BN's NBA reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt, including updates on all their exploits on the NBA beat. Plus, we catch you up on the *biggest* moments, quotes and news from the week.
QUICK DISH: THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
A preemptive apology to the "shut up and dribble" crowd.
- Two Sacramento Kings games were interrupted this week after protesters of the Stephon Clark shooting blocked the entrance to Golden 1 Center. That led to an impromptu, heartfelt speech from Kings owner Vivek Ranadive showing support for the protesters. A behind-the-scenes look at that hectic first night.
- Kings and Celtics players then put together a moving PSA and donned #StephonClark shirts ahead of Sunday's game. Kings veteran Garrett Temple acknowledged police are under difficult circumstances but said they must face penalties for fatal shootings.
- On the other side of the country, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich slammed Donald Trump for his "cowardice" while leaving Washington during the March for our Lives over the weekend. Popovich, who took his team to visit the Supreme Court, then wondered if the Second Amendment is actually still serving its purpose.
- Is it crazy to think that the Warriors could use a break this season? Steph Curry is out for at least the first round of the playoffs, according to coach Steve Kerr, with a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Dare we say a first-round win is no longer a lock? We dare!
- Ditto for the Celtics, who'll be without Kyrie Irving for 3-6 weeks.
- Fultz back! The curious case of No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz took a surprise turn for the positive. He played his first game in months and showed some predictable rust, BUT ... he played his first game in months.
- Contrary to popular belief, the Wizards actually aren't a better team without All-Star John Wall.
- We were delighted to find out New Zealand native Steven Adams has a soft spot for fellow New Zealand native Lorde.
- Things are kind of weird in San Antonio. The model franchise might miss the postseason, and Kawhi Leonard's injury is still unresolved. Tony Parker, who is back, said his injury was "100 times worse" than Leonard's. This is not typically something you say about a teammate's injury. Manu Ginobili is operating as if Leonard is done for the year.
- The Cavs (might be) are alright. Earlier this week, LeBron did something that's never been done before in NBA history. Despite possibly his most impressive season, considering all the tumult in Cleveland, he's still not going to win the MVP — unless he's the one who's voting, that is.
IN THE NEWS
- G League player Zeke Upshaw of the Grand Rapids Drive died on Monday after experiencing "sudden cardiac arrest" in a game over the weekend.
- A former Mavericks employee said in a first-person essay she thinks owner Mark Cuban knew about the rampant sexual harassment going on within his organization.
BEN SIMMONS VS. MAGIC JOHNSON
- 76ers rookie Ben Simmons is the Rookie of the Year favorite (apologies, Donovan Mitchell fans). He's also extremely close to matching the numbers Magic put up his rookie season.
To hear Mitchell discuss his case, check out this week's NBA A to Z podcast.
ROCKETS ROLLING
- Houston set a franchise record with its 61st win on Tuesday night. Was there any doubt which team would top our weekly power rankings? The real surprise comes at No. 2, where the Warriors are no longer the second-hottest team in the league.
Check back next week for everything you missed throughout the Association