by Sarah Wolff ’28 and Dorothée Durivage ’28 on February 12, 2026

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Sports

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Kawhi Leonard

There were more than just a few snubs in the initial 2026 National Basketball Association All-Star Game roster. However, Kawhi Leonard’s absence was one that gained the most attention, so much so that he was later added to the roster as a corrective measure for the new format. I do recognize this reform, as
key players like James Harden have been left completely off the list. Still, to not include a player
like Leonard in the initial voting process was absurd. He has had arguably the best statistical season
of his career, and for coaches to find that other Western Conference players were better equipped
for the challenge felt unfair. This was a decision that many basketball fans, analysts, and even 
Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue have called out. As the first half of the 2025–2026 season comes to a close, Leonard has undoubtedly proved himself. He is currently averaging a career-high 28 points per game (No. 7 in the NBA), with 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals (No. 2 in the NBA). These numbers are tangible evidence that not only make him one of the best league performers, but also place him on par with, or even better than, the players who were initially selected. There were two key points that critics of the voting highlighted. First, amidst all the players not initially selected for the game, Leonard’s scoring average was the highest. It’s the first time in NBA history that someone with his averages has not been selected for the team. Second, despite being out a few games due to injury, Leonard was actually on the court more than several selected All-Stars. For example, Damian Lillard is participating in the 3-point contest, although he hasn’t played a minute this season. Among all NBA fan communities, Leonard was no doubt one of the most deserving All-Stars, disregarding any sort of fame narrative. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue publicly expressed his dismay about this decision, saying, “But Kawhi, I think, to me, the last six weeks has been the best player in the NBA. Like you said, 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, and 90 percent from the free throw line, averaging 28 points per game, and what he’s done to bring his team out of the hole. We started 6–21 and to be where we’re at today, it was just tough to see.” Lue’s attitude was shared by many fans and commentators, many of whom felt that Leonard’s greatness was overlooked to secure legacy picks such as LeBron James. As I mentioned, Leonard was not initially selected through the traditional voting process, but was later added to the All-Star player pool by Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA commissioner.. So what does this mean? Does a player performing at an All-Star level not get the chance to be recognized until the league steps in? Leonard was an obvious pick for the 2026 All-Star game, and his snub is the blueprint example of how reputation and relationships may matter just as much as performance in the league.
– Sarah Wolff ’28
Sports Staff

Michael Porter, Jr.

Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter, Jr. was snubbed from a spot on this year’s National Basketball Association All-Star Team. 27-year-old Porter is having his best personal season to date, which led many to think that he might be deserving of his first spot on the All-Star roster this year. However, no Nets players were selected to be a part of this year’s team, which is surprising considering the Eastern Conference votes. Porter was ranked No. 9 in fan votes and No. 10 by both players and the media. Ultimately, NBA coaches also decided not to name Porter as a reserve, which may be the most shocking choice of all considering his season so far. Porter is leading the team in terms of points, averaging 25 per game. After starting 48 games this season, he has started the most out of any player on the Nets. This season, Porter has also been averaging 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. His best month of the season was in December when he averaged 28.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Sadly, Porter’s performance since then has not been as stellar. Since the new year, he is down to averaging 23.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, which could not have helped his chances of making it to the All-Star game. After hearing that he did not make the roster, Porter, who has been a very important player in the Nets’ rebuild this season, said, “I thought I had a chance, for sure. But I knew it was out of my control. I know the record probably plays a part in it, even though there’s guys that are in there that don’t have the most amazing record.”. His reaction shows that he was a deserving athlete for this year’s All-Star game, making his absence even more surprising. 
– Dorothée Durivage ’28
Sports Staff

by Sarah Wolff ’28 on February 5, 2026

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Sports - NBA

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At this point, professional basketball has become just as much about business as it is about athletic excellence. However, few ventures display that better than the empire of player-started basketball shoe lines. Among the most successful are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. While each line differently depicts each player’s philosophy, they all illustrate how shoes can uphold legacy, success, and fan loyalty.

First and foremost, Jordan’s Air Jordan line remains the groundwork of the NBA sneaker industry. In 1984, when Nike made a revolutionary partnership with Jordan, they took a huge risk by centering their marketing around one athlete. As we know, that gamble paid off immensely. Nike built the Air Jordan brand to present Jordan as not only a player, but also as a symbol of excellence and hard work. The shoes were designed to stand out visually and technologically, and they did just that. Decades after Jordan’s retirement, the Air Jordan brand still makes billions of dollars annually, testifying that its culture and trade are unbeatable.

James entered the shoe business in a very different era. James first debuted his model with Nike in 2003, with his business technique focusing heavily on progression and evolution. 

James’s shoes are made for durability and power, calling to athletes who value performance as much as style. Business-wise, with each development of his personal brand and career milestones comes a sneaker. This works to keep the line relevant year after year, championship after championship. The key to the effectiveness of James’s shoes is their ability to adjust while maintaining a legacy that isn’t over.

Bryant’s sneaker line lived up to the precision and performance he taught through his trademark phrase, “Mamba Mentality.” Bryant worked hard on his shoe and was involved in the design process as he wanted to make sure the shoe was lightweight and receptive. His shoes may not have been best sellers, but because of his strategy, they are certainly some of the most respected on the court.

Durant’s shoe line, especially with his Nike KD models, reflects a different approach from the previous three. With a modern, character-driven strategy, Durant’s brand works closely with his unique story and journey as a person and player. His shoes are typically more popular among younger athletes because they seem to be more accessible in price and style.

The last addition to this list is Curry’s brand. Unlike some professional athletes, Curry’s brand is not surrounded by media hype or celebrity culture. Instead, it’s built on his absolute obsession with the game and unwavering work ethic. His deal with Under Armour, although he has just joined the previous four at Nike, mirrored Curry’s style of play—prioritizing support, comfort, and movement. His authenticity earns him a spot on this list, as fans and players see Curry as someone who simply wants to be on the court, perfecting his craft.

In terms of cultural impact, sustainability, and business effectiveness, to claim that any brand but Jordan’s is the greatest overall would be hard to get behind. However, each player’s process and approach express a different path to success, and together, they prove how Basketball shoes can become powerful testaments to a player’s identity and legacy.

by Izzy Mignardi ’27 and Dorothée Durivage ’28 on December 11, 2025

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Sports

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NBA

Christmas is just around the corner and holiday magic can be felt anywhere. The NBA is no exception, as it has annually played games on Christmas Day since the league’s inception in the late 1940s. As tradition wants it, Christmas games are the perfect opportunity to spotlight the top teams, rivalries, and stars, bringing in some of the best ratings of the season. This year’s games will be no different; the league has set up five consecutive nationally televised games. In an attempt to highlight special narratives and heated rivalries, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be playing against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, pitting two competitive Eastern Conference teams against each other. The Knicks have played the most Christmas Day games out of all 30 NBA teams, with this game marking their 58th appearance. The league’s defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, will be receiving the San Antonio Spurs in Oklahoma City for an opportunity to play against the Spurs’ rising star, Victor Wembanyama. Christmas Day’s main rivalry will take place in Los Angeles when the Lakers face the Houston Rockets, with two rival stars, LeBron James and Kevin Durant, fighting for their team’s win. LA’s Lakers are tied with the Knicks for the team with the most wins on the holiday, with 25 each. The NBA’s youngest player, Cooper Flagg, will be making his first appearance in a Christmas Day game since being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks last June. Dallas will travel to San Francisco for their game against the Golden State Warriors. With a Western Conference meeting to close off this Holiday’s games, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be heading to Denver to play the Nuggets, pitting Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic against each other. This game in the West will close out a 13-hour run of nonstop games for the league, making it a day packed with exciting matchups. 
– Dorothée Durivage ’28
Sports Staff

NFL

Turkey in the oven, cranberry sauce on the stove, family around the table, and football on the TV. Thanksgiving Day football is an American pastime, a staple of the holiday. Even those who couldn’t care less about the sport find comfort in the sound of the games on TV while holiday preparations begin.

This year, while food was still in the oven, the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 31–24. Then, the game might have been muted while dinner was served as the Dallas Cowboys beat the Kansas City Chiefs in a tight game, with a final score of 31–28. Finally, as the holiday came to a close, the Cincinnati Bengals won against the Baltimore Ravens 32–14.

Whether or not your team is playing, the games bring together everyone in the house. An argument or two might arise if someone wants to flip channels back and forth to the parade. Like the parade, the games and the holiday are forever linked. This tradition is one incomparable to any other sport, because not only does it unite (or divide) families in their homes, but it unites people across the country. 57.2 million people tuned into the Cowboys vs. Chiefs 4:30 p.m. game, making it the most viewed regular season game in NFL history. 

Other sports, like basketball, average around 5.25 million viewers on their holiday games, proving that Thanksgiving Day football is truly unparalleled in its importance for sports fans and non-sports fans alike.
– Izzy Mignardi ’27
Sports Staff

by Sarah Wolff ’28 on November 6, 2025

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Sports

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Insight From PC Professor Dr. Patrick Kelly

The world of professional basketball is currently facing one of its most serious scandals in years. Just a few weeks ago, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, along with over 30 others, were arrested for being involved in a separate federal investigation into illegal sports betting. To gain a better understanding of the case’s implications, I spoke to someone with impressive knowledge of this topic. Dr. Patrick Kelly,  professor of accountancy and the Director of the Ethics in Business Education Program here at Providence College, has long studied issues of integrity in business and sports. He told me he was not surprised this happened, noting that the current structure of legalized sports betting in the U.S. is essentially setting itself up for abuse and cases like these.  

In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, and since then, it has grown at an unbelievably rapid pace. In just seven years, 39 states and the District of Columbia have legalized some form of sports betting. Kelly explained how troubling this is, considering that legalized casino gambling first began almost a century ago, in 1931, but then grew to 40 states in the last 40 years. For sports betting to grow so quickly in a significantly smaller amount of time is a huge concern. With inconsistent state regulations governing sports betting, it’s no secret that oversight just hasn’t kept up. Kelly made it clear that variable state-by-state regulation is not the right way to approach this, and it ultimately creates an uneven system that results in potential problems.  

Kelly also spoke about the rise of prop bets—bets on specific in-game events rather than the outcome. Bettors can place wagers on anything from who will score the first basket to who will or won’t be playing as well as certain statistics like number of points, rebounds, assists, or fouls. These bets have the potential to increase athletic engagement and revenue, but they also create opportunities for manipulation by sports bettors using insider information shared by a player who has control of what happens in the game. This type of betting lies at the heart of the recent charges against Rozier. Illegal “spot-fixing,” another term Kelly discussed, occurs when players manipulate a specific, small moment during games for betting purposes, which is another way that sports bettors might benefit from insider information. Such instances affect the integrity of the game, which is considered a fundamental principle in sports.  

However, Kelly emphasized that the real problem here that sets this scandal apart from others is the fact that it involves an active player and coach. This isn’t only about people who used to be in the NBA or have ties to it; this concerns two people currently involved in the league, one of whom was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame after a successful playing career. For background, Billups was arrested on federal charges of money laundering and wire fraud, having ties to an underground, mafia-backed poker ring that supposedly used his fame status to bring wealthy bettors into rigged games. The FBI claims that he, along with former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, helped with these games. Rozier, on the other hand, was arrested on federal charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud after allegedly giving up confidential information about his health and team information to bettors who placed large prop bets on him. The FBI found suspicious betting patterns based on games where Rozier left early, raising some questions about whether he may have purposely performed a certain way for money. The investigation into Rozier, Kelly notes, is a bit different as it has been ongoing for months. A few months before his arrest, the NBA reportedly conducted its own investigation into Rozier but did not penalize him. This obviously raised questions about the league’s ability to internally monitor its players and coaches.  

When concluding my interview with Kelly, he told me the main thing to remember is that these individuals are innocent until proven guilty. As of now, these are all allegations, and it is incredibly important to let the legal system operate accordingly. However, Kelly was very clear when he told me that “all of the sports leagues have to be very concerned with what just happened.” 

by Chris Sama ’27 on November 6, 2025

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Sports

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On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Houston Rockets took on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The Rockets won 128–101, making their record  3–2 and the Celtics 3–4. Kevin Durant finished the game with 26 points in the first three quarters for the Rockets, later sitting out in the fourth. He was a hard matchup for the Celtics; he created his own shots with ease as  Celtics defenders struggled to guard against his height and speed throughout the game. Alperen Sengun finished the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists for the Rockets. He was also a challenge for the Celtics’ defense, as none of the centers or forwards had the physicality to stop Sengun under the basket.

The Rockets shot 57 percent at halftime and pulled away early in this game. The Celtics looked disorganized on defense, having issues primarily on breakaways and in the paint. Without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have been struggling to find a leader who could take over his role. Jaylen Brown is the Celtics’ next best star to Tatum, but he doesn’t truly play as a leader. Although Brown had five assists this game, he spent most of his time with the ball and was trying to get crazy shots off by himself. He ended up having five turnovers.

The Celtics especially broke down during the beginning of the third quarter. They had a string of technical fouls, with head coach Joe Mazzulla receiving the first with 9:07 left. Shortly after, there was a three-second violation in the paint on the Celtics, giving the Rockets another free throw. Finally, Chris Boucher got a technical foul for flopping, and Durant capitalized on all of the free throws awarded to him. The Rockets’ win underscored the Rockets’ growing chemistry and the Celtics’ ongoing search for consistency without Tatum on the floor.

by Chris Sama ’27 on October 30, 2025

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Sports

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#10 Victor Wembanyama: Slenderman

In 2023, Victor Wembanyama showed up as the fictional character Slenderman to the Footprint Center in Phoenix to play against the Phoenix Suns on Halloween. He put up 18 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks for the San Antonio Spurs, who won 115–114 against the Suns when Keldon Johnson stole the ball from Kevin Durant and scored a contested layup with 1.2 seconds left in the game.

#9 Steph Curry: “Billy” from Saw

On Oct. 29, 2017, Steph Curry arrived at Oracle Arena on a tricycle dressed up as the puppet Billy from the movie Saw. The Golden State Warriors faced off against the Detroit Pistons and lost 115–107. Curry played well, shooting 11/17 from the field and putting up 27 points, eight assists, and six rebounds.

#8 Lebron James: Jason Voorhees

In 2018, Lebron James showed up in a Jason Voorhees costume before the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on Halloween. The Lakers won 114–113 at home, and Lebron put up 29 points, six assists, and three steals.

#7 Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Hulk

In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo wore a Hulk costume in a post-game conference after the Milwaukee Bucks played against the Miami Heat on Oct. 30. The Bucks beat the Heat 122–114 at home, and Giannis put up 33 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

#6 Damian Lillard: Stone Cold Steve Austin

In 2018, Damian Lillard showed up in a Stone Cold Steve Austin costume before the Portland Trailblazers played the Washington Wizards in Oregon on Oct. 22. The Wizards beat the Trailblazers 125–124, and Lillard put up 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

#5 Paul George: Waldo

On Halloween in 2023, Paul George dressed up as Waldo from the “Where’s Waldo”? cartoon puzzle sketch series before and after the LA Clippers played the Orlando Magic in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 118–102 against the Magic, and George put up 27 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds.

#4 JJ Redick: Emmet from The Lego Movie

On Halloween in 2019, JJ Redick dressed up as Emmet from The Lego Movie before the Denver Nuggets played the New Orleans Pelicans in Louisiana. The Pelicans beat the Nuggets 122–107, and Redick put up seven points, two assists, and two rebounds.

#3 Pascal Siakam: Andre 3000

In 2024, Pascal Siakam dressed up as Andre 3000 the day after the Indiana Pacers played the Boston Celtics in Indiana on Oct. 30. The Pacers beat the Celtics in OT 135–132, and Siakam won the game, scoring a three-pointer with 6.1 seconds left. Siakam put up 29 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

#2 JaVale McGee: The Grinch

In 2018, JaVale McGee showed up dressed as the Grinch before the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on Halloween, the same game when LeBron dressed up as Jason. The Lakers won 114–113 at home, and McGee put up a double-double with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and one assist.

#1 Jordan Clarkson: Jack Skellington

On Halloween in 2022, Jordan Clarkson dressed up as Jack Skellington from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas when the Utah Jazz played the Memphis Grizzlies. The Jazz won 121–105 against the Grizzlies, and Clarkson put up 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

by Flagg Taylor ‘27 and Chris Sama ’27 on September 25, 2025

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Sports

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Providence College Investigates: NBA

Nuggets: Flagg Taylor

For the past decade, the Western Conference has been stacked with all-star talent, and this year is no different. However, the team that had the best offseason didn’t go out and get stars; their front office added much-needed depth and versatility to both ends of the floor. The Denver Nuggets made smart moves to continue to build around their star, Nikola Jokić. Jokić has proven in 2023 that with the right players around him, he can dominate the league and bring championships to Denver. By no means were the Nuggets a bad team last season, but they were certainly not at the standard of their championship team in 2023. The Nuggets’ signings this summer completely refreshed their roster, making them stand out among last season’s successful teams. The Houston Rockets, who finished No. 2 in regular season standings last season, made a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the current defending champs, retained their squad.  I believe we will see another historical season from Jokić with all the roles around him filled, and therefore great success from the Denver Nuggets. 

The first key signing for the Nuggets was the acquisition of Bruce Brown, who was a member of the 2023 championship squad. Brown will bring back championship experience— he has guaranteed chemistry and acts as a great glue guy. He is a gritty defender, shoots the ball well, and is a smart player: the perfect guy to come off the bench to provide energy and experience. 

The most important moves this offseason for the Nuggets were two key trades. The first was a one-player swap with the Sacramento Kings, trading away Dario Šarič and acquiring Jonas Valančiūnas. Valančiūnas is an underrated veteran big and will be the perfect backup for Jokič, a role that was completely unfulfilled last season. Valančiūnas will allow Jokič to rest and still provide a big presence down low. The second trade—the Nuggets’ best acquisition—was getting Cameron Johnson from the Nets. The Nuggets gave up Michael Porter, Jr. and an unprotected first-round pick in 2032. Johnson will be an immediate upgrade from Porter. He can shoot the ball just as well, but provides a much bigger presence on defense. Johnson is one of the best “three and D” players in the NBA. 

The Nuggets’ offseason was extremely intentional, and they succeeded in building a highly versatile roster around Jokic while retaining key guys like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. It will be a tight race for first in the West between the Nuggets and the Thunder. 

Knicks: Chris Sama

The Knicks improved greatly this offseason and solved some key problems that could lead them to a championship. Their new head coach, Mike Brown, is a good replacement for the former head coach, Tom Thibodeau. Brown revived the Kings—after they faced 16 years with no playoff appearances—by developing their best players, like De’Aaron Fox, into stars and establishing a solid offense. Brown is best known for his defense with prior teams he coached, most notably leading the Cavaliers in 2007 to the finals against the Spurs. Although LeBron was the only star on this roster, Brown was able to get this team to the finals by emphasizing paint protection and prioritizing help defense. Brown fits perfectly with the Knicks, alongside stars like Karl Anthony Towns, who Brown could develop into a great rim protector. Although the Knicks have had relatively consistent depth, with key role players on the bench in the past seasons, such as Miles “Deuce” McBride and Josh Hart—who later became a starter—Thibodeau did not utilize his bench as much. Last season, the Knicks were last in both points off the bench, with 21.7 per game, and bench minutes, with 63.5 per game. Brown is known for developing players to have greater roles, which will give the starters more time to rest and be healthy for the remainder of the season, especially when it matters for the playoffs. Although Thibodeau was a great coach who brought the Knicks to the playoffs four of his five seasons coaching them, Brown has an established track record with playoff performance as a veteran coach, and he fits well into the Knicks’ culture. The Knicks also signed some key players this offseason, namely Jordan Clarkson, who has averaged roughly 17.1 points per game in the 2024-25 season. Veteran guard Malcom Brogdon provides depth for Jalen Brunson and Clarkson, and is a reliable playmaker, averaging 4.1 assists per game. In short, Brown becoming the new head coach of the Knicks, as well as picking up important role-players to give the Knicks even more depth, is why they have had the best offseason this year. The Knicks needed a more well-rounded team as they were overly relying on starters such as Brunson, who faced a series of minor injuries last season, and Mitchell Robinson, who injured his ankle. Less pressure on the starters, developing players into becoming better defenders, and a more consistent bench could definitely lead the Knicks to a championship.

by npatano on May 5, 2022

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Uncategorized

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Who Will Win NBA MVP?

Will Murphy ’23

Sports Staff

Giannis Antetokounmpo

As the NBA playoffs continue to ramp up, the announcement of awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year loom. The three finalists for the MVP award have already been announced: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Out of the three, one player stands out for his tremendous impact on both ends of the court. While all three players are offensive superstars, Antetokounmpo is on another level on defense, as he is perennially under consideration for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Antetokounmpo has saved the Bucks countless points with his athleticism as he’s able to cover more ground than anyone else due to his almost seven-foot stature, allowing him to erase any opponent’s scoring opportunities in the blink of an eye. His rim protection is also elite; averaging over one block per game, he effortlessly rises to meet opponents at the rim and turns them away with ease. 

His defensive impact is strengthened by his consistent anticipation of where the ball is heading next, allowing him to rack up steals which often lead to highlight reel break-away dunks. Antetokounmpo’s defensive contributions cannot be overstated, and his team reaps the benefits, boasting the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. 

Antetokounmpo also uses his unique combination of strength, size, and athleticism to wreak havoc on the boards. Few players in the league can out-rebound him, and the ability to close out possessions on defense and create extra possessions on offense is invaluable to the Bucks. 

Oftentimes, opposing teams will be forced to double-team immediately when Antetokounmpo catches the ball, which helps him create easy looks for his teammates, whether it be finding cutters streaking towards the rim or shooters spotting up on the three-point line. Antetokounmpo averages almost six assists per game, which is particularly impressive considering his position. 

Although Giannis’s facilitating and rebounding are equally impressive facets of his game, his ability to put points on the board may be his most valuable trait. Whenever Milwaukee is in dire need of a bucket, they know exactly who to turn to; Antetokounmpo, and more often than not, he delivers. Antetokounmpo averaged a hair under 30 points per game this year, 29.9, which was good for second in the league. 

Overall, Antetokounmpo’s multifaceted impact on the game cannot be denied, nor can his indispensable value to the Bucks, making him deserving of the 2022 NBA MVP.

Patrick Walsh ’24

Sports Staff

Nikola Jokić

With the NBA regular season coming to an end, only a few players are in the most valuable player conversation. One of the most dominant players in today’s game is Serbian native Nikola Jokić. 

Jokić, on paper, is a center or power forward because of his enormous size and strength. However, as the leader of this team, he has learned to play every position and dominate anywhere he is asked to play. Another star player for the Nuggets, Jamal Murray, went down with a torn ACL in April 2021. This put even more pressure on The Joker to lead his team to the postseason in hopes of a championship. Jokić is respected throughout the entire NBA because he is one of the few players who can take complete control of a game and consistently score play after play. He is most effective inside the paint because of his reachability and aggressiveness to get to the free-throw line or finish a possession with a bucket, but he can also hit shots from beyond the arch, which is why he is a dual-threat two-way player. 

Jokić is going for his second straight MVP, but his resume is even more impressive than last season. Jokić averaged 27.1 points per game, 13.8 rebounds per game, and 7.9 assists this season. He has also produced a league-leading 19 triple-doubles to put him at 73 for his career and seventh most all time. Nikola Jokić has tough competition with Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, hungry for hardware. They have similar play styles to Jokić and are the best players on their respective teams. Antetokounmpo hopes to accept his third MVP award, while Embiid is looking for his first. This three-horse is as close as it gets. However, Jokić is the clear answer to get it done because he is the most consistent player out of the three and has put his franchise on the map as a postseason team that does not go quietly. He has completely transformed a franchise that struggled to win games, and he has picked up his game in the areas he is least consistent in. He now averages more steals and three-point shots per game, and he is shooting inside the three-point line at 63 percent, a career-best. 

The Nuggets were recently eliminated from the playoffs by the red-hot, sharpshooting Golden State Warriors. The series went just five games, but Jokić was on his game and was able to give his team a chance by averaging about 31 points per game. As hard as it is to win MVP once, being able to continue to dominate and win the year after is something special, and Jokić is more than deserving of this award.

by npatano on April 21, 2022

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Sports

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Providence College Investigates

Justin Bishop ‘24

Sports Staff

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have set themselves up to be the next champions of the NBA Playoffs. 

The Celtics are in their first season with their new management and front office after Brad Stevens took over as General Manager and Danny Ainge, the former GM, decided to retire after 18 years at the position. 

Brad Stevens’ first move as General Manager was to fill his previous role of Head Coach and he did so with Ime Udoka. Udoka is a former player that bounced around five teams over seven years, but found his calling as a coach. He started coaching as an assistant in San Antonio under the legendary coach Greg Popovich, where he then climbed his way to the top and landed the Celtics head coaching job this past offseason. 

The team started the first half of the season very slowly going 20-21, but something clicked amongst the players as they finished the season with a record of 51-31. 

The Celtics made history by having the best end of season record by any team in history that was below .500 percent winning at the halfway mark. This simply means they finished the second half of the season better than any other team that was below .500 percent at game 41 of the season, in history. This proves that the Celtics can turn it on at any point down the line. They created a system where they know what works and clearly have the talent to pull off a championship run. 

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need no explanation for what they bring to the table, because they both bring everything, offense and defense, they are franchise caliber players that are 24 and 25 respectively. 

Two other names to keep an eye out for this series are Marcus Smart and Al Horford. Smart is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and will most likely win it this year after being snubbed last year. Al Horford is back on the Celtics, after spending the last year with Conference rival the Philadelphia 76ers, he is a reliable big man who can play Center or Power Forward and give you 10 or more  points and rebounds a night with ease. 

The Celtics will face off against the Brooklyn Nets, who knocked Boston out of the playoffs last year in the first round. Notable players on the Nets are ex-Celtic Kyrie Irving and superstar/former MVP Kevin Durant. 

Celtics fans will let Irving hear it in the two games in Boston and it will be interesting to see what happens, but the Celtics will win in four games and move on to face most likely the Milwaukee Bucks and then match up against the Miami Heat and then play either the Memphis Grizzlies or Phoenix Suns for the NBA Championship.

 

Patrick Walsh ’24

Sports Staff

Phoenix Suns

This year the Phoenix Suns will be crowned champions of the NBA. 

This year’s season has been the definition of a revenge season for the Suns. They have not skipped a beat and have dominated the NBA all season, posting an NBA-best 64-18 record. That record is tied with the 1973 Boston Celtics for the sixth spot in the NBA’s best all-time records. This team is one of the most complete teams in the league because of their depth: they are stacked top to bottom. 

Leading the way is three-time All-Star, Devin Booker, who averages just over 26 points per game. The veteran point guard, Chris Paul, is the backbone of this team who averages a double-double nearly every game, and center Deandre Ayton, a former number one overall pick in 2018, is a dynamic presence down low. 

The Suns are made up of hardworking, strategic players who find ways to win, no matter the opponent. Some of the young players that have played major roles in the Sun’s success are Cameron Payne, Cameron Johnson, and Mikal Bridges. These players  have stepped up to start several games because of injuries and have been able to eat up minutes and perform well so that the stars of the team are less pressured.

Some of the leaders of this team, Paul, Jae Crowder, and Booker, speak very highly of their teammates and have shown the chemistry they have created as a team all season. Having good leaders on and off the court makes a big impact on your team, providing examples for newer players as far as what is expected on and off the court. 

The Suns are also backed up with an incredible fan base that loves packing Footprint Arena on game day. The players feed off the energy from the crowd and are very thankful for the Phoenix faithful. “This crowd is crazy,” point guard Chris Paul said. “It’s crazy to have all the fans in there. The energy it’s nothing like it. I told the guys this is why we fought so hard in the regular season to get home-court advantage, and I think we truly have that with our fan base.”  

Last season, the Suns came just short to the Milwaukee Bucks in a series that was very entertaining. For Suns fans, it was devastating. For NBA fans around the world, it was bittersweet because one of the league’s best players of this decade, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was able to bring home his first championship. However, Chris Paul, a legend of the game, was left with nothing to show for an unbelievable playoff run. 

Paul and the Suns are determined to finish what they started last season and they understand there are no other suitable goals except celebrating a trophy and raising a banner in Phoenix.

 

by The Cowl Editor on November 18, 2021

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Sports

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Providence College Investigates

Will Murphy ‘23

Sports Staff

Ja Morant

Ja Morant has begun this season with the Memphis Grizzlies scorching hot. Morant appears poised to lead the Grizzlies on a playoff run, thanks to the considerable improvements that have been evident in all aspects of his game. The three-point shot, once a hole in Morant’s game, has developed into an asset. He now makes almost two three-pointers per game on five attempts, shooting around 35 percent. Morant is even more dangerous off the bounce because defenders must respect his jumper. One crucial characteristic of an MVP is their ability to improve the play of their teammates, an area in which Morant excels. He consistently blows by his primary defender and forces the defense to collapse on him in the paint, and his vision allows him to kick the ball out to wide-open shooters at the three-point line. Morant is top ten in assists in the league, something that has been invaluable for a Grizzlies squad with many capable shooters who are comfortable spotting up and awaiting a dime from Morant.

Morant is also fearless when attacking the rim, willing to climb the ladder against rim protectors even when he’s often almost an entire foot shorter. This willingness to slash to the basket leads to countless momentum-swinging dunks that often end up as highlights on SportsCenter’s Top Ten Plays. His scoring has also seen an impressive jump from 19 points per game last year to almost 27 this year, which is good for fifth in the league. What’s more is that he has been able to boost his scoring volume rather efficiently, shooting just a shade under 49 percent from the field, which is extremely impressive for a lead guard tasked with being his team’s primary shot creator.

Morant is also one of the best rebounding guards in the league, bringing down six per game. A point guard’s ability to grab rebounds is an asset for a team, allowing them to push the ball up the court quickly before the defense gets set without needing an outlet pass from a center to a guard. MVPs are not only difference-makers on offense, but impactful defenders. At point guard, he guards the opponent’s elite playmakers. His elite lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of even the shiftiest guards. He also has a knack for timing steals perfectly, in the league’s top 15 in steals per game at just under two. Morant will likely be the best player on the court each game this year, but even in games when he’s not, he will be the most valuable to his team, which is why Morant will take home the 2021-2022 MVP award.

Leo Hainline ’22

Sports Co-Editor

Stephen Curry

Right now, there is no better basketball player in the world than Stephen Curry. The Warriors star has led his team to a league-best 11-2 record without fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson and the team’s raw but talented center James Wiseman. No signs suggest that Curry will slow down this season and he has established himself as the rightful favorite to win the NBA’s 2021-2022 MVP award.

Curry is second in the league in points-per-game average at 28.1, trailing only Kevin Durant, who is providing 6.7 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.2 made 3’s a contest. These statistics are on pace to surpass his 2014-2015 MVP campaign numbers and are similar to his 2015-2016 statistics, a season in which he led the Warriors to a record-breaking 73-9 regular season record while recording 30.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds a game. Despite posting similar individual numbers last season, Curry finished third in MVP voting behind winner Nikola Jokic and runner-up Joel Embiid. The main factor preventing Curry from winning his third MVP this past season was the Warriors 39-33 record and failure to make the playoffs. Judging from the first month of the season, this year is a different story for Golden State.

The Warriors have a legitimate chance to grab for the one-seed in the competitive Western Conference, an achievement that would undoubtedly reward Curry with this third MVP trophy. What would make this feat even more remarkable is the fact that without Curry, the Warriors would probably be a sub-50 team. There is no single player who contributes more to his team’s success.

What further helps Curry’s case is that he has already broken NBA records this season. At only 33 years old, he has broken Ray Allen’s record for most three-pointers made in the history of the NBA. Do not be surprised if Curry continues to set and break records this season, adding to his resume and making him the clear choice for NBA MVP. Furthermore, Curry is the type of player who people enjoy watching and adds to the game of basketball. His shooting and general offensive skill is objectively fun to watch, and Curry is one of the most likable athletes in the world. This will only help his case for winning the prestigious award.

Curry’s play this season has been literally the most valuable out of any player in the league. Continued production out of the Warriors’ point guard will seal his position as the award’s frontrunner, and he will walk away from the 2021-2022 season with his third, and likely not final, MVP trophy.