標籤: Rip

A notable NBA expert detailed a major problem with the Oklahoma City Thunder that has them seemingly dethroned by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Playoffs.

After winning the franchise’s first NBA championship last spring, the Thunder had a big target on their back. However, because they have reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a core that is still very young, there were questions about whether any team was good enough to defeat them this season.

Well, as the campaign progressed, it became clear that Spurs could be strong enough to dethrone the champions. Victor Wembanyama is developing into an absolute monster, and San Antonio also has a talent-rich young core. Furthermore, the Spurs are 4-1 against the Thunder this season.

However, OKC star Jalen Williams missed many of those games and has only played in 33 this season. Certainly, now that he’s back healthy, the Thunder will look like the team that won it all last year. Or maybe not.

Is Jalen Williams a bust in 2025-26?

On Saturday, Yahoo Sports NBA expert Kevin O’Connor posted an interesting video on why this isn’t the same Thunder team as last year, and that’s because Williams isn’t playing like he did in 2024-25 when he had a huge role in their trip to the championship.

O’Connor says Williams’ evolution from a mid-range specialist to a dangerous three-point shooter was really important for OKC last year. His long range shooting had to be respected by the opponents. However, their number has been significantly reduced to three in 2025-26.

Last year, he was shooting 37%, but that has dropped to 30% this season. Furthermore, he is back to his mid-range game and is taking very few shots from long distance. Additionally, he is shooting 41% from the field, down from 46% last season.

NBA insiders speculate that the injuries that have limited him all year — recovering from offseason wrist surgery and hamstring problems — could have a big impact on his approach to offense. He claims he is very concerned that the player from last spring needs to return if the Thunder are to get back to the Finals.

The report opens the door to further speculation that Spurs are set for an unexpected finals run this spring.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Throughout his life and career, Kobe Bryant has made friends, enemies, and foes. Surely, everyone knows about them roller coaster relationship With Shaquille O’Neal. But one of his closest relationships Was with Richard “Rip” Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons.

on wednesday, hamilton reflect on His years with Bryant, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. They both grew up in Philadelphia, but Hamilton shared how he and Bryant had to prove to themselves that they were tough enough. This is mainly because Bryant spent most of his childhood in Italy and the Hamilton suburb of Coatesville.

“We have to come out and be a lot better,” Hamilton said. “We have to compete at a higher level.”

Hamilton attended Coatesville Area High School, while Bryant attended Lower Merion High School. Bryant defeated Hamilton in the district championship game. Bryant and Hamilton both played AAU basketball together and were roommates.

Additionally, both were McDonald’s All-Americans.

Rip Hamilton talks about his close relationship with the late Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/DrPYyN0zV7

– NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) 4 March 2026

In 1996, Bryant led Lower Merion to the state championship. Soon after, he decided to leave college and pursue his NBA dreams. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the LA Lakers.

Meanwhile, Hamilton attended UConn. In 1999, he helped lead the Huskies to the national championship. That same year, Hamilton was drafted by the Washington Wizards.

In 2004, the two old friends met in the NBA Finals when Hamilton was playing with the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons defeated the Lakers in five games, a series that marked the end of the Kobe/Shaq era in Los Angeles.