標籤: delivers

Carmelo Hayes has spoken out about WWE NXT fans, saying that the crowd that helped make him one of the brand’s top stars is ultimately loyal to no one.

Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Hayes reflected on his time in NXT from 2021 to 2024 and gave an unfiltered perspective on the nature of that audience and what it takes to survive in that environment.

“That crowd is still the same today,” Hayes said. “They’re never yours. They’re hot right now, and I knew it and I understood it and it was one of those things where I even did a promo with Trick Williams where it’s like they love you and then when the next guy’s turn comes, they’ll switch on you, and it’s true. That crowd, they’ll build you up but they’ll also break you down.”

During his NXT run, Hayes built one of the most decorated resumes in the recent history of the brand. He won the NXT Breakout Tournament in 2021, captured the NXT Cruiserweight Championship – becoming the last holder of that title – and held the NXT North American Championship twice before winning the NXT Championship. Despite that level of success, Hayes was clear-eyed about crowd loyalty throughout.

The reference to Trick Williams is particularly notable and will be remembered by longtime NXT fans. Hayes and Williams were closely associated during their NXT run, with their partnership and eventual rivalry becoming one of the brand’s best storylines. Hayes saw firsthand how the NXT crowd changed their love, which gave him an understanding of how quickly audiences can move on.

Hayes has been on the main roster as a member of the SmackDown brand since April 2024. He recently completed a run as United States champion. As for Williams, he has been a bright spot on the SmackDown roster and will challenge Sami Zayn for the US Title at WrestleMania.

The Detroit Pistons will have to live without Cade Cunningham for the foreseeable future as the star is suffering from a collapsed lung.

The Pistons announced in a statement Thursday that Cunningham will be out for at least two weeks due to the injury.

“After further testing, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with pneumothorax of the left lung. Cunningham exited in the first quarter of Tuesday’s game vs. the Wizards. He will be reevaluated in two weeks.”

@DetroitPistons Today announced the following medical update on guard Cade Cunningham: pic.twitter.com/BNUh9hlgT7

– Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) 19 March 2026

Following the injury announcement, the NBA world expressed its concern and sent its prayers to Cunningham, who earned a second All-Star award amid a stellar season for the Pistons.

On Friday morning, Cade Cunningham took to Instagram, where he sent out a message to everyone.

“Appreciate everyone who reached out” Cunningham saidAdding a prayer emoji. “Everything happens for a reason. God’s timing never misses. Living in the present and taking it day by day. The later becomes even greater.”

cad on ig 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qC6t8CQaKZ

– Pistons Jack (@pistons_jack) 20 March 2026

Many have criticized the NBA’s 65-game rule for end-of-season NBA awards eligibility, including MVP and All-NBA team selections.

Cunningham has played 61 games so far, and if he misses the remainder of the regular season, he will fall four games short of qualifying for the season-ending NBA awards.

In 61 appearances this season, Cade Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Pistons, while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three.

Entering March 20, the Detroit Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 50–19. They are just five games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best overall record in the NBA, and Cade Cunningham was receiving serious MVP consideration with his team’s play.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday in what should be a competitive matchup between the two Western Conference teams. It’s also Luka Doncic’s birthday, and he’s preparing to continue his birthday streak.

During Doncic’s eight-year career, Saturday’s game will mark the sixth time he has played on his birthday. The now 27-year-old guard has recorded 30 or more points in the last three games played on his birthday. He scored 39 points in 2023, 30 points in 2024 and 31 points in 2025.

birthday luca 🤝 luca magic

Dončić on this day in the last 3 years:
▪️ 39 PTS (2023)
▪️ 30 PTS (2024)
▪️ 31 PTS (2025)

What does he have in store for his 27th night in the Bay today? 👀

Red/GSW | 8:30pm ET on ABC pic.twitter.com/igXpLif6hs

– NBA (@NBA) 28 February 2026

Luka Doncic should have a great chance to score at least 30 points against the Warriors. Especially considering he’s averaging a league-high 32.7 points per game. This is the third time in his career so far that he is averaging more than 30 points per game. The six-time All-Star is averaging 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals per contest, while shooting 47.0% from the floor and 35.7% from beyond the three-point line.

They will also have a chance to break the Lakers’ three-game losing streak. It’s been a tough stretch for Los Angeles lately, as the last two losses have been by three points or less. The Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns both beat LA thanks to some clutch shots and leads in the final seconds of those games.

The Lakers and Warriors are set to tip off at 8:30 PM EST. It will be in Golden State, making it the second consecutive road game for Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

It took several years, but Pat Riley finally earned his own statue outside the Crypto.com Arena for his iconic tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining other icons of this iconic franchise.

He was a larger-than-life figure during his two-decade tenure in Los Angeles. Now, it’s become more literal with an eight-foot bronze tribute. It was unveiled at a ceremony before the Lakers host the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

It was a perfect fit, as Riley led the Lakers to four titles, two of which were at the expense of the Celtics.

Riley, 80, who started out as a TV analyst for the Purple & Gold, was extremely grateful for the generous praise.

“I’m so grateful. I really am. It’s beyond grateful. I’m so grateful to be honored and to be with the giants whose shoulders I jumped on and who lifted me up,” Riley said in a report by Khobi Price of the New York Post.

In addition to Riley, the Lakers have also created statues for NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and play-by-play commentator Chick Hearn.

Riley, who has served as team president of the Miami Heat since 1995 and has not held a position with the Lakers since leaving in 1990, remains a respected member of the team.

He led the Lakers to their dynastic run in the 1980s and gave birth to the “Showtime” era with his thrilling and fast-paced style. They were as shiny as his slicked back hair and designer suit.

Riley was a perfect fit for Hollywood, helping shape a culture where excellence wasn’t expected, it was expected. Now, his legacy remains even more enduring.