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Luka Doncic on NBA Finals Loss
June 21st, 20244 mins

Luka Doncic on NBA Finals Loss

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks were hammered in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, never leading for the whole game right from the opening tip. It was a staggering loss for Dallas fans, who never saw a lead as the Mavs hopelessly tried to stay in the game and even giving up a lot of runs that led to the 18-point loss and the end of their promising season. In a postgame interview, a reporter asked Doncic how much he was hurting for the whole series, given the fact that he has suffered multiple injuries in their series against Oklahoma City, where Doncic underperformed in most of their games. The Slovenian star was quick to answer with a brutally honest take about his performance in the series. "It doesn't matter if I was hurt, how much was I hurt. I was out there. Tried to play. I didn't do enough,” said Doncic, who is now 0-1 in the NBA Finals, and fans are A Struggle to the Finish Luka Doncic averaged 29.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in his NBA Finals debut. However, it is worth noting that despite that high scoring surge and all-around performance from the star guard, there has been a lot of talk as to how his game proved to be fatal for the Mavs as well. For starters, Doncic has been long criticized throughout the NBA Playoffs for his lack of defense. Sure, he can come up with timely steals and blocks, but we have watched the Boston Celtics blow by him with different players time after time in the Finals, which says a lot about his lack of defensive prowess in the game. Despite leading the Mavericks in all of the stat lines, Doncic has had a tough run in the game. A lethal three-point sniper like him should not have shot 11/45 from deep, and his total 23 turnovers lead Dallas, including 7 in the tough Game 5 loss. Doncic has struggled to play at the top of his game for the whole series, which has led to the defeat at the hands of the Celtics. What’s Next for Luka Doncic? Well, Luka still has three years left in his contract with the Dallas Mavericks, which makes it certain that he is slated to stay with the team for at least three more big runs. Doncic stated in his postgame interview that his priority for this summer is to get healthy, earn a chance to come up with big games for Slovenia in the Olympics, and get back to top shape when the season begins. The Dallas Mavericks won’t have to worry about Doncic leaving, at least for now. But the team has to make sure that they make the right adjustments that will give him the best chance of winning if they want him to stay beyond his current contract. For now, Doncic has had a taste of the big stage. It is a promising feat for a star at the age of 25, who also happens to be an MVP candidate and an All-Star who recently won the scoring title, and we can expect him to do bigger things in the years to come if he is going to come up with a massive win soon.


Daniel Negreanu Busts Two Bullets in WSOP
June 20th, 20242 mins

Daniel Negreanu Busts Two Bullets in WSOP

June 20, 2024 – At the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP), Daniel Negreanu is not having a good tournament run. On Tuesday, in Event #47: $100,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em, things took a turn for the worse for the poker legend. On Day 1, 95 players registered for the six-figure buy-in tournament; registration is still available for Wednesday's Day 2 session. Henrik Hecklen had the biggest stack at the end of the play, and among the 44 players who finished the session with chips were Nick Petrangelo, Jared Bleznick, and Jeremy Ausmus. In the $100k High Roller at the WSOP, Daniel Negreanu was unlucky enough to bust twice when confronted with pocket aces. He was sent to the rebuy line when, early on Day 1, his K♣J♦ ran against A♠A♣ held by John Kincaid. Later, Negreanu used his second bullet to secure his tournament exit after Sergio Aido's A♦A♥ forced him to give up despite a solid A♠9♠ on a favorable board. Daniel Negreanu's WSOP summer hasn't gone as planned, as reflected in his vlogs. Despite five cashes, including one online, none have been substantial, and he's yet to reach a final table. With losses nearing $1.9 million over consecutive WSOPs, 2024 hasn't been favorable, down over $380,000 so far. Negreanu, initially strong this year with high-roller wins and top finishes, aims to reverse his fortunes. In the WSOP $25k Fantasy Draft, he fetched $132 for Team DPMC but has contributed just 52 points, ranking 49th in the league standings.


Connecticut Lottery Teams Up with IGT to Launch Digital Platform
June 20th, 20243 mins

Connecticut Lottery Teams Up with IGT to Launch Digital Platform

June 19, 2024 – The Connecticut Lottery Corp. is able to sell lottery tickets online thanks to a statute approved by Governor Ned Lamont three years ago. The system is essentially operational but the Lottery Corp. has not disclosed the "soft launch," which is limited to the first 5,000 signups. However, the lottery website has warned of delays in delivering confirmation emails, so things aren't proceeding as planned. Nobody can predict when the lottery's many games, including Keno, will be fully available for purchase online. According to a lottery spokesperson, it might happen as soon as Thursday. The state Department of Consumer Protection, which oversees gaming, must first certify that the systems are operational. The soft launch is in place for laptop and desktop users and avid iPhone users. Android apps will be available starting in July, the lottery website said Monday. The most recent troubles at the quasi-public Lottery Corp. are reminiscent of a long list of earlier ones. These include a continuing probe into the new retail sales system, which is being managed by a recently hired outside vendor called International Game Technology PLC, based in Great Britain, or IGT, that was started late last year. However, according to state Rep. Greg Howard, R-Stonington, "They’ve made a few changes so we’ll see if they’re moving in the right direction.” 2023 Returns and Commission In the most recent fiscal year, 2022–2023, the lottery sold $1.7 billion worth of tickets, giving the state $404 million in revenue and over 2,800 retail establishments $88 million in commissions. Those are significant figures. Given that many of them originate from those who can least afford it, I hope the marketing strategy is cautious in both who it targets and how. As it has in the past, IGT, which was not operational throughout the hacking incident and app glitch, directed any inquiries to the Lottery Corp. Spokesman for Connecticut Lottery Corp. Arthur Mongillo did not address the issues other than stating that since it's a soft launch, bugs are normal. "With the regulatory nature of things and the lack of communication at times, add in a few delays such as the replacement of our gaming system, this is pretty par for the course. We don’t want to rush a product to market that’s going to be flawed," Mongillo added. On or around June 10, the lottery sales began with a soft start that received little to no media attention. A few clients were able to register via the Lottery Corp. app on their smartphones.


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James Obst Nabbed 2nd WSOP Bracelet in Stud Poker Championship
June 20th, 20242 mins

James Obst Nabbed 2nd WSOP Bracelet in Stud Poker Championship

June 19, 2024 – With the 2024 World Series of Poker closing, returning poker champion James Obst has managed to claim his second WSOP bracelet. In the $10,000 seven-card stud tournament, he defeated 107 competitors to take home the trophy and the top prize of $260,658. His total documented tournament earnings to date exceed $3.5 million. With just a Stud Hi-Lo bracelet needed to capture the Stud triple crown, Obst is one leg away from taking home his first WSOP bracelet from the $10,000 Razz Championship in 2017. After surpassing Mel Judah, Martin Kozlov, and David Steicke, Obst now has over $3.9 million in live lifetime tournament earnings, according to The Hendon Mob. This puts Obst in 10th place on the Australia All-Time Money List. Obst, who had been leading Volpe by a slim margin, surged ahead to take a two-to-one lead and then a three-to-one lead. Volpe made a comeback, but Obst rivered a full house while Volpe was forced to give way by a massive pot. On the eighth, three wagers came in, and Obst was back in the lead. When Volpe rivered a straight against Obst's trips and flush draw, he won a sizable pot of his own. However, Obst's rush put Volpe back down five to one. James Obst won his second cash of the year and now sits in 66th position on the PGT standings with 282 PGT points. With 173 PGT points, Paul Volpe joins the Top 100, while Jason Daly, who finished in third place, is 134th on the PGT leaderboard with 119 PGT points.


Online Casinos in West Virginia Revenue As Of May 2024
June 20th, 20243 mins

Online Casinos in West Virginia Revenue As Of May 2024

June 18, 2024 – The West Virginia online casino market has somewhat cooled off following a record-breaking $20.68 million in March, but there was a tiny bump in May. According to the West Virginia Lottery, the state's internet casinos have earned $17.9 million by May 2024. Its increase over April was a mere 0.007%. Comparing it to April, the rise was only 0.007%. Despite the little rise, this month's income from online casinos was the second-best in the state's history, only surpassed by March's $20.68 million. Hollywood Charles Town, which owns DraftKings Casino WV, was the top licensee in West Virginia. Just that license brought in $7.4 million. Greenbrier, which houses BetMGM and FanDuel, is just behind them at $6.4 million. Four Licenses Boost Virginia’s Overall State Revenue Online casinos are doing well in West Virginia, where four licensees account for a sizable portion of the state's income. Hollywood Charles Town had the most money ($7.4 million), closely followed by Greenbrier ($6.4 million), Mardi Gras ($3.4 million), and Mountaineer ($0.7 million). The precise profits for every location are kept secret in accordance with West Virginia's reporting regulations. Interestingly, online casino gaming has outpaced online sports betting in tax contributions. Despite online sportsbooks handling nearly $33 million, they yielded only $3.7 million in revenue, resulting in $370,762 in taxes. Beating the $20.68 Million Mark In contrast, online casinos generated $2.7 million in taxes, reflecting their substantial economic impact. Looking ahead to June 2024, West Virginia aims to surpass its previous revenue peak of $20.68 million, set in March, highlighting the growing influence of digital gaming in the state's fiscal landscape. Online Casinos Surpass Sportsbook State Revenue The significance of online casino revenue extends beyond mere financial metrics. It has notably surpassed online sports betting in tax contributions, despite sportsbooks handling nearly $33 million in wagers. The sports betting sector yielded $3.7 million in revenue, translating to $370,762 in taxes, whereas online casinos contributed significantly more with $2.7 million in tax revenue. This disparity underscores the growing economic influence of digital gaming platforms within West Virginia's fiscal framework. Looking ahead, West Virginia anticipates challenging its previous revenue peak in the coming months. March's record remains a benchmark as the state aims to capitalize on the ongoing popularity and profitability of online casino gaming. The industry's status as a crucial contributor to the state's financial stability is further cemented by its consistent capacity to earn large tax income. The regulatory landscape governing online gaming in West Virginia continues to evolve, with policies aimed at fostering growth while ensuring responsible gambling practices. The state's lottery authorities closely monitor revenue streams, albeit with some specifics of individual casino earnings undisclosed under current reporting guidelines.


GiG introduces SweepX Social Platform in the US
June 20th, 20242 mins

GiG introduces SweepX Social Platform in the US

June 20, 2024 – SweepX is a social sweepstakes casino platform solution that Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) has introduced for the US market. The US land-based sweepstakes operator Primero will be powered by the Malta-based gaming solutions business for its maiden foray into the online social sweepstakes casino sector. According to the Chief Business Officer at GiG Platform & Sportsbook, Andrew Cochrane highlighted GiG's commitment to innovation with SweepX, its latest offering in the online sweepstakes market. The platform integrates dual-wallet store management for redemptions and prize rewards, supported by GiG’s AI-driven content management technology. “As an extremely experienced turnkey solutions provider, the strength inherent in our technology and services has allowed us to develop what we consider to be the leading platform, data and AI driven solutions available within social gaming, and will help power the growth of the market across the US within the next few years,” Cochrane emphasized. About Primero Games Primero Games was established in 2009 and creates gaming equipment and software for casinos. In the US, the company operates more than 50,000 sweepstakes machines. Storm Games, a content producer, and a UK retail operator are also owned by it. A new binding head of terms for a strategic relationship with Primero Games is being released together with the launch. GiG will support the operator's entry into the online social sweepstakes casino sector as part of the agreement. Nearing the Split The announcement is made as GiG gets closer to finishing its intended company split. GiG chairman Petter Nylander stated he hoped to finish the split by Q3 in remarks made following the company's release of its Q1 results this month. GiG declared last year that it will divide its two companies, GiG Media and Platform and Sportsbook. GiG spent most of last year getting ready for the relocation, even if this hasn't happened yet. GiG has chosen to publish Q1 with the entire business in order to facilitate year-over-year comparisons.


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Evolution Seeks to Expand Its US Footprint with $75 Million Live Dealer Studio in Atlantic City
June 20th, 20245 mins

Evolution Seeks to Expand Its US Footprint with $75 Million Live Dealer Studio in Atlantic City

Evolution Gaming, the Swedish online gambling giant known especially for its live dealer casino games and renowned particularly in NJ, is poised to deepen its roots in the U.S. market with an ambitious new project in Atlantic City. The company has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art live dealer studio on Fairmount Avenue, with a proposed investment of $75 million. This strategic expansion reflects Evolution’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. online gambling sector. Currently, Evolution operates studios in several high-profile Atlantic City casinos, including Ocean Casino Resort, Tropicana, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. However, with the new standalone studio, Evolution aims to significantly bolster its presence as well as its operational capacity. The best use of land and resources for Atlantic City Evolution has already made its move and has formally tendered a land use petition to the CRDA, or the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. If you weren’t yet aware, the CRDA is responsible for allocating casino gaming taxes to benefit Atlantic City, and it holds land-use authority within the Tourism District where all nine of the city's retail casinos are situated. The proposed site for Evolution's new studio is currently occupied by a parking lot owned by the CRDA, so the plan involves Evolution either purchasing the land from the agency or acquiring it as a donation. Either way, representing Evolution in this crucial endeavor is Lloyd D. Levenson of the law firm Cooper Levenson. Levenson has emphasized the economic benefits of the project, highlighting that Evolution's workforce in the region currently stands at 850 employees. But with the new facility, the company anticipates potentially doubling its staff, projecting employment to exceed 2,000 by 2029. As everyone is well aware, Evolution’s expansion represents a significant opportunity for job creation and economic growth in Atlantic City. The new studio will not only enhance its operational capabilities but also contribute to the local economy by creating numerous new jobs, as confirmed by Levenson. Strike while the iron is hot – NJ poised for unprecedented growth in 2024 onwards Aside from this, the proposed expansion comes at a time when the online gambling industry in New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented growth – it is now the ideal time to strike while the iron is hot, as they say. For example, the state’s online casino revenue has soared in the post-COVID-19 era. Prior to the pandemic, online gambling revenue in NJ was approximately $483 million. But last year alone, it nearly quadrupled to almost $2 billion – and, what’s more amazing, the first four months of 2024 have already shown a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. In addition, New Jersey law stipulates that live dealer operations must be conducted within Atlantic City, ensuring that Evolution’s new studio will be ideally situated to comply with regulatory requirements while tapping into the booming market. The CRDA’s decision on Evolution’s proposal will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and local residents alike. The agency’s mandate to use casino taxes for the benefit of Atlantic City makes it a key player in determining the feasibility of the project. If approved, the new studio would represent a significant milestone for Evolution and the broader Atlantic City community. The facility is expected to feature cutting-edge technology and design, positioning Evolution at the forefront of the live dealer gaming industry. Additionally, the economic impact of the studio could be substantial, providing a steady stream of new jobs and stimulating local businesses. Advantages of the proposal for the greater good The potential benefits of Evolution’s expansion extend beyond employment and revenue. The company’s presence in Atlantic City could enhance the city's reputation as a hub for innovation in online gambling. By investing in advanced facilities as well as creating high-quality gaming experiences, Evolution is poised to attract more players and partners to the area. As the proposal undergoes review by the CRDA, Evolution and its advocates remain optimistic about the project’s approval. The company’s track record of successful operations in existing Atlantic City casinos and its commitment to local economic growth are likely to weigh favorably in the decision-making process. For now, though, the Atlantic City community and the online gambling industry await the CRDA’s decision with bated breath, as they know that it could pave the way for a new era of growth and innovation in New Jersey's vibrant gambling sector.


Caesars Palace Online is All Set to Reward 10 Players
June 20th, 20244 mins

Caesars Palace Online is All Set to Reward 10 Players

Caesars Palace is at it again, this time with even bigger and better prizes to boot. It has just launched another fantastic promotion for players in Michigan. Following the recent Atlantis Bahamas Getaway Package, which attracted major attention from all players to the site (and which was undoubtedly a success!), the online casino now offers an exciting new opportunity. This time, a total of ten fortunate players will get to go on a cruise and enjoy an exclusive Club Balcony Suite for two on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. But it doesn’t end there - in addition, winners will receive a $500 bonus credit that they can use on chosen slot games. What’s more, the promotion isn’t just for Michigan players – it is also available to players in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey. In order to participate, players must have a valid account with Caesars Palace Online Casino and must be at least 21 years old. The promotion started on June 1st and is set to run until June 30th of this year, allowing players to earn tier credits and qualify. How to participate and get your tier credits For those with an existing account at Caesars Palace online, participating in this promotion is easy. Whether you use your desktop or the mobile app, you have the unique chance to earn a single tier credit each time you play any of the thrilling casino games. If you go for slots, for instance, you can make a $5 wager to get a single tier credit, while live dealer and table games will give you a tier credit for every $25 wager. Moreover, the casino has highlighted five slot games from software provider High 5 Games that award three tier credits for every $5 players wager. These slots include 88 Drums, Buffalo Canyon, Bankrush Bonanza, Platinum Goddess Power Bet, and Da Vinci DeluxeWays. Set your calendars for the draw date! The drawing for the online casino bonus in Michigan is set to take place on July 5th of this year. But this bonus is somewhat different from other bonuses, because unlike prior bonuses where the prizes varied, this time, each winner will receive a Norwegian Cruise Line Club Balcony Suite Cruise plus $500 in casino credit. The cruise winners can also choose their preferred destinations, which include Alaska, the Caribbean, New England, Bermuda, Canada, or the beautiful Mexican Riviera. Keep in mind that winners will have from August 20th this year to February 20th of next year to schedule their cruise, so there’s plenty of time to set your preferred dates. But take note: while Caesars Casino will cover the full cost of the trip, winners are fully responsible for any extra charges they incur during the journey. In other words, Caesars will pay for everything except for the booze and extracurricular activities! Meanwhile, the $500 in casino credit will be credited to the accounts of the players and must be used on the specified High 5 Games slots. Along with this, the credit comes with a 10x wagering requirement, which players must meet within 5 days of receiving the credit. Good luck!


Evoke plc Introduces Newly Revamped Poker Platform for Players for WSOP 2024
June 20th, 20245 mins

Evoke plc Introduces Newly Revamped Poker Platform for Players for WSOP 2024

Evoke plc, whom everyone knew as 888 Holdings in the recent past, has just announced a significant expansion of its Poker 8 gaming platform to include WSOP.com players in New Jersey and Nevada. This move marks a new era for online poker enthusiasts in these states, who will now join their counterparts in Michigan in accessing an upgraded and more integrated poker platform. For the first time, players from all three states will be able to battle against each other, broadening the competitive landscape and enhancing the online poker experience for the states of NV, NJ, and MI. A newer and better platform with newer and better features and capabilities The new software, according to Evoke plc, promises to deliver exceptional graphics, much smoother gameplay across different devices, faster loading times, and overall improved functionality. In addition to this, the upgrade includes a robust Player Account Management system, seamlessly integrated with advanced CRM capabilities, which all ensure a more personalized and efficient experience for users. Evoke's expanded product offering in the United States now features over 175 exclusive casino games developed by its in-house studio (no less than Section 8). Among these casino games are numerous progressive jackpot slots, which, as we all know, are already popular at New Jersey online casinos. The inclusion of these games alongside the upgraded poker platform signifies a comprehensive enhancement to Evoke's digital gaming portfolio. What’s more, through the Poker 8 platform, players can now enjoy a variety of engaging features such as Mystery Bounties and Progressive Knockouts. Additionally, the platform supports simultaneous participation in multiple Omaha and Texas Hold’em cash games and tournament tables via mobile apps, offering unprecedented flexibility and engagement for users. The Chief Growth Officer at Evoke, Jeffrey Haas, highlighted the impact of the platform upgrade on the player experience in America. “The latest poker platform upgrade in America will deliver superior gameplay experiences for players in Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. We look forward to working with our partners at the World Series of Poker to leverage this technology to substantially enrich their customers’ online poker experience,” he stated. More positive changes to watch out for at WSOP 2024 One of the significant advantages of this expansion is the increase in network liquidity, which Evoke claims will enhance table availability on WSOP.com. This increased liquidity is expected to improve the "depth and breadth" of both cash games and tournament games on a daily basis, providing an even more dynamic and engaging experience for players of WSOP.com. As most everyone knows, Evoke has been powering WSOP.com since 2013, consistently supporting it with the highest-quality, invaluable software and services. This partnership has enabled Caesars to maintain its industry-leading position, with Evoke's technology playing a crucial role in its success. The latest upgrade underscores Evoke's commitment to continually advancing the online poker experience for WSOP.com players. Executive Director of the World Series of Poker Ty Stewart emphasized the significance of this rollout. Mr Stewart stated that the new product is monumental to the success of the World Series of Poker, adding that it’s just in time for WSOP 2024. He also stated that while they always strive to offer the biggest tournaments in the sector throughout the year, this is the perfect time when players can enjoy exclusive promotions, satellites, as well as online bracelet events. This strategic expansion and upgrade also comes at a pivotal time as the online poker community gears up for the 2024 World Series of Poker. The enhanced platform is expected to attract a significant influx of players eager to participate in the high-stakes tournaments and exclusive events that WSOP.com is renowned for. Evoke plc's expansion of the Poker 8 platform to include players from Nevada and New Jersey marks a significant milestone in the evolution of online poker in the United States. With cutting-edge technology, an extensive range of proprietary games, and a commitment to enhancing player experiences, Evoke plc is well-poised to redefine the online poker landscape, setting a new standard for digital gaming excellence in the US.


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Sergio Ramos Rumored to be Considering MLS Offers
June 20th, 20244 mins

Sergio Ramos Rumored to be Considering MLS Offers

At the age of 38, Sergio Ramos should already be considering retirement rather than mulling options to play for another team. With his contract slated to expire by June 30th, it seems that the star is slated to move on from the European leagues and is now even in consideration to be offered by different clubs from the Major League Soccer. While Ramos already said that he has not decided his future yet nor has made agreements with any other club, the former Real Madrid star is rumored to be considering various offers from teams in the MLS. It is already not a new trend for European stars to make their move to join the MLS, where there are more games to play and a lot of different teams to play against. Ramos wraps up his season with Sevilla after playing a total of 37 games in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals as the team finished 14th overall in the league table. While he stated that money was never an issue with the team, the poor sporting and institutional is said to be some of the reasons why he wants to move on from the team. A Historic Player on the Move Ramos began his career with Sevilla in February 2004, joining the ranks of the first-team before finally moving to Real Madrid just a year later, signing a $28.9 million deal with the team that would see him win five La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. He would go on to move out of La Liga and join Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1, where he went on to win two league titles. Aside from his domestic club feats, Ramos has been a legendary icon in Spain, helping them win the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. However, this is not the first time that a player who has enjoyed success in both La Liga and Ligue 1 is rumored to move to the MLS. It can be remembered that Lionel Messi, arguably the best football player on the planet, has won titles in La Liga, Ligue 1, and the FIFA World Cup before moving on to join Miami FC. A Future with the MLS According to sources, Sergio Ramos has already been engaged in talks with MLS club San Diego FC with the hopes of joining the club this summer before their debut campaign in 2025. San Diego is an expansion team for the MLS and will be joining the mix of teams in the league as soon as the 2024 season wraps up. The MLS presents various opportunities for Ramos, such as setting records for being a veteran player in the mix. It is also rumored that Ramos has been a target of clubs residing in the Saudi Pro League, but no clubs have been reported to have been interested in making an offer for Ramos’ services. A future link-up with Ramos for San Diego also adds him to the long list of Spanish players. As of the time of writing, there have been a total of 41 players from Spain who have managed to play in the MLS. Names such as Oriol Rosell, Victor Rodriguez, Victor Vasquez, Ilie Sanchez, and David Villa are some of the players from Spain who have managed to win a league title over the years. Who knows, maybe Ramos can add himself to that list?


Thunder Set at Top Five in Title Odds for 2024-25 Season
June 20th, 20244 mins

Thunder Set at Top Five in Title Odds for 2024-25 Season

With the season finally over, the focus now shifts for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offseason after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. OKC has been set with the fifth-best odds for the 2024-25 season in terms of winning the league title and bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Still, the Thunder have enjoyed one of the best seasons that the franchise has seen in years. OKC has won 57 games and went on to secure the no. 1 seed in the tight Western Conference. This goes without saying that head coach Mark Daigneault even won the Coach of the Year Award, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished second in the MVP voting. Being in the top five for the title odds says a lot about OKC’s potential. They have a squad full of potential and are still young in the game. A promising cap space, a treasure trove of draft picks, and four open spots can be the big difference that can make the Thunder a true contender to look out for in the coming 2024-25 season. A Season of Experimentation Has Ended OKC has been one of the hyped teams that was not even expected to make the playoffs. Initially, OKC was expected to tank for yet another top draft pick, only to shock fans and critics alike by securing the first seed by the end of the 2023-24 season, edging the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the top seed. Of course, we have seen issues from the Thunder, such as rebounding, and the dry spell in shooting that has cost them the Playoffs in the semis. Still, this is the first year that the trio of SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams have all played together. Now that they know more of one another, it cannot be denied that the expectations are starting to rise up for the Thunder as they now shift their focus into winning a title. It is the first time that OKC has secured the first seed since the 2012-13 season, and the first time that they have eclipsed 50+ wins since the 2015-16 season. Based on the FanDuel odds to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the 2024-25 season, the Thunder are slated at +1000 odds, tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the top five odds to win. Setting Expectations for OKC There are a lot of questions ahead for the Thunder’s offseason. First of all, they are armed with the 12th pick in a rich and promising draft class, which could be pivotal in their chances of winning. There’s also the different unknowns for the free agency market, which should be tempting for OKC to come up with a trade that could bring them a high-value player to boost their chances. It is also easy to overlook the development of both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, who have been special for the Thunder’s 2023-24 season. Holmgren averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks on 53% shooting and 37% from deep. Williams, on the other hand, has been phenomenal with season averages of 19.1 points, 4.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals on 54% shooting and 42.7% from three. All signs are pointing towards the Thunder making a deep playoff run once more. The 2023-24 season is the worst version you’ll see from these squad, and fans can expect them to live up to the hype of the odds set before them. For more context, the Thunder only trail the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Dallas Mavericks on that list.


Jaylen Brown Named Finals MVP in First Championship
June 20th, 20244 mins

Jaylen Brown Named Finals MVP in First Championship

From being criticized for his costly performances in the previous playoffs, Jaylen Brown has finally arrived as the best version of himself with his extraordinary performances in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, where he has embraced his flaws and finally came up with some of the best strings of massive games ever seen on the big stage. We have always commended Jayson Tatum for being the piece that has held the Celtics together as the main star of the team, with Brown mostly in the shadows, making some big performances from time to time, but now Brown has undeniably surpassed Jaylen Brown as the big star in the Celtics’ squad. With averages of 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.6 steals on 44% shooting from the field, Jaylen Brown was named the 2024 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award. Among in consideration for the award were Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving. An Finals MVP Run From the Start In 19 games in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Jaylen Brown has been superb in his run for the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. If you are not impressed, he shot a staggering 51.6% from the field, including 32.7% from three, which is a massive growth considering that he was a menace on both ends of the floor. It can be remembered that Brown was also named as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP in their series against the Indiana Pacers, where he played at a magnificent level with averages of 29.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in four games to help Boston complete the sweep. No one ever forgot his massive clutch shot in the corner in Game 1 that delivered a promising shockwave in the game and beyond. It cannot be denied that Boston has thrived well behind a promising run from Jaylen Brown this postseason. This is the biggest improvement from him over the years, and he definitely deserves to be named as the Finals MVP with all of the heroics that he has played for the Celtics in their wondrous playoff run. Cutting Down the “Left Hand” Allegations In the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Brown was heavily criticized by experts for his lack of ball security. What led to their demise at the hands of the Miami Heat back then was Brown’s lack of impressive offensive production – but what hampered him throughout the whole campaign was his ball handling. Jaylen Brown had a total of 68 assists, sure, but he also had 66 turnovers to counter that. For this one, however, Brown has trimmed down his turnovers. He had a total of 62 assists for the whole playoff run, with only 51 turnovers to counter that. This is a huge feat considering that he had an extra series and still did not surpass his total turnovers from the last season. At this point, Brown is a new player of his own version. He has become a promising star that the Celtics can rely on to carry the load and help the team win when it matters most. Sure, he has made a lot of adjustments, and this campaign proves why he deserved to be named as the Finals MVP of the Celtics’ record-setting 18th championship.


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