RIP Jerry West. Plus, will the Celtics sweep the NBA Finals?
The man, the myth, the logo: Jerry West dies at 86
The sports world, basketball in particular, is mourning the loss of NBA legend Jerry West, who died Wednesday at the age of 86. If you don’t know the career-Los Angeles Laker, you’re definitely familiar with his image. Jerry West is the man who inspired the NBA logo.
West retired in 1974, before joining the Lakers’ coaching staff, but ultimately, he made a significant impact on the game as an executive. West worked in the front office of multiple NBA franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. He’s among conversations for the greatest basketball player of all time, not the greatest coach, but some consider him to be the best basketball man to ever walk the earth.
And as the basketball world mourns his loss, players are reacting to his death, and remembering the wisdom he shared.
The comeback that almost was.
The Celtics played without Kristaps Porzingis, who was ruled out with an injury, and just when the Mavs thought they were capitalizing on the moment, star Luka Doncic fouled out. It was the first time Doncic fouled out this season, and the first time in his postseason career.
Sure, the series isn’t over. But no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit. Game 4 is Friday at 8:30 p.m. (ET) in Dallas.
Other Top Stories:
The Florida Panthers are well on their way to hoisting the Stanley Cup. The Panthers have a 2-0 lead over the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL Finals. While their flight to Edmonton was delayed by Florida weather, the Panthers are headed to Canada for Game 3 on Thursday.
Call it a snub? Some were up in arms this week over the Olympics committee’s decision not to include WNBA star rookie Caitlin Clark on their roster. Others argued the rookie had no place on the team. Clark responded with respect for the organization, saying she would be rooting for the team to win gold. Meanwhile, Team USA’s response had a little more snark. If it wasn’t a snub, their response sure made it seem like one.
Top Video:
If your coworker came to work and told you they had to guard Steph Curry in their regular pickup game, would you believe them? Luckily, for this Folsom, Calif. group of guys, there’s video evidence.