Miami Heat defeats San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 to win second consecutive NBA title
With a season, a playoffs, an NBA Finals and a Game 7 that will echo for years to come, the Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 95-88 on Thursday night at AmericanAirlines Arena to win its second NBA championship in a row and cap the most exciting two weeks in South Florida sports history.
LeBron James played stunning, brilliant basketball to earn the NBA Finals MVP for the second year in a row, and Dwyane Wade, who played throughout the playoffs despite knee problems, saved his best for the final game of a grueling postseason. James finished with 37 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, going 12 of 23 from the field, 5 of 10 from three-point range and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. Wade had 23 points, 10 rebounds and an assist and made 11 of his 21 attempts.
“Listen, I can’t worry about what everybody says about me,” James said on the stage as an arena rocked around him and white confetti and streamers floated through every inch of air space in the building. “I’m LeBron James, from Akron, Ohio, from the inner city. I’m not even supposed to be here. That’s enough. Every night I walk into the locker room, I see a No. 6 with James on the back, I’m blessed. So what everybody says about me off the court, don’t matter. I ain’t got no worries.”
People won’t think about criticizing James’ game after Thursday. Beginning now, he begins his march to become not only one of the greatest ever to play the game but the best.
To repeat as champions, the Heat had to win back-to-back games for the first time since Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Miami won Game 7s in back-to-back series, providing South Florida with one of the exhilarating rides professional sports can offer.
It was the Heat’s first Finals Game 7 in the 25-year history of the franchise and it was a classic, every bit as good as the entire series as a whole. The teams seemed to swap the lead on nearly every possession throughout the third quarter and the final period provided nail-biting drama until the final minute. Game 7 was tied 11 times and the lead changed hands seven times.
“This was a tremendous game,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “It wouldn’t end any other way.”
James, who scored 22 points in the second half, nailed a 19-foot jumper with 27.9 seconds left to give the Heat a 92-88 lead and then, to seal the championship, stole a pass from Manu Ginobili after a timeout. He then made a pair of free throws to kick-start the celebration.
Mario Chalmers banked in a three-pointer at the third quarter to give the Heat a 72-71 lead. From there, the madness began. Consider this for a measure of how crazy Game 7 truly was: Only five players scored for the Heat yet James, Wade, Chalmers and Shane Battier outscored the Spurs 92-88.
Shane Battier, who redeemed himself 1,000 times over for his performance in the Eastern Conference finals, scored 18 points, going 6 of 8 from three-point range. Chalmers had 14 points. Chris Andersen had three points to round out the uneven scoring. Ray Allen, Mike Miller, Chris Bosh combined to go 0 of 14 combined.
“It’s better to be timely than good,” Battier said.
For Tim Duncan, the four-time NBA champion, it was his first time to be defeated in a Finals series in his career. Duncan finished with 24 points, going 8 of 18 from the field,
Alongside the 1972 undefeated Dolphins, the 2013 championship Heat will go down as one of the greatest professional sports teams in South Florida history. The unforgettable run began with a franchise-best 66-win regular season, which included a 27-game winning streak, and ended on a makeshift stage in the middle of AmericanAirlines Arena with Heat owner Micky Arison raising his franchise’s third Larry O’Brien Trophy.
“Go party,” someone screamed into the stage’s microphone to the 19,900 fans in attendance and the entire city watching at homes and parties and bars throughout South Florida.
Thursday night marked the seven-year anniversary of the Heat’s first championship. In that time, Miami has celebrated more NBA titles than any other city in the country. But this party was different. It was ecstasy borne from endurance and wonderment crafted by willpower.
For Heat players, coaches and fans, the back-and-forth nature of the final month of the postseason was a gut-wrenching exercise in preservation and sanity. Beginning on May 22nd and not ending until the final game on the last possible day of the postseason, the Heat swapped wins for losses and kept an entire city wrapped in dueling emotional states of despair and joy.
Last year, when the Heat won its first title of the Big 3 Era and put to rest the pain of 2011, James said the struggle was the toughest thing he had ever accomplished. This run to the title was exponentially more difficult and the sweetness of victory resonated throughout the region deep into the night.
James’ transcendent stretch of greatness since the beginning of the 2011-12 regular season has been a masterstroke of legendary athletic excellence. He’s won it all two years running — the championship, the MVP and the NBA Finals MVP — becoming the first player to win all three in back-to-back seasons since Michael Jordan in 1991 and 1992.
It was an instant classic from beginning to end despite the low scoring in the first quarter (Heat 18, Spurs 16).
Nervous tension permeated throughout the building at tipoff and the feeling manifested itself on the court.
The Heat shot 36.8 percent from the floor in the opening period and the Spurs were 7 of 22 from the floor to begin the game.
The governors came off the engines in the second quarter with Wade and James combining for 21 of the Heat’s final 23 points in the period.
Congrats Miami Heat!
Ciara Rocks The Cover Of Fader Magazine
"Body Party" singer Ciara covers the June/July Summer issue of FADER magazine where she touts her long-delayed album Ciara (July 9th). Inside, the singer, who was recently served with court documents during an LA Pride Event, opens up about her romance with rapper Future, who recently landed the cover of The Source.
While Ciara's feud with Rihanna has been well-documented, Future was asked by
MTV News if it's had an impact on his relationship with the bad gyal, whom he worked with on "Loveeeeeee Song". He said, "We never shot a video, we never performed it. I don't know whether it was because of that situation or if just the time hasn't come up." Hmmm...considering the shade Riri throws at Ciara, we're pretty sure THAT "relationship" has been discussed by team Rihanna. And with quotables galore.
The rapper also said he's cautious about talking about Ciara too much because he doesn't want their love to overshadow his music.
Sometimes it's hard to open up about your personal life, your relationship because you always want the music to be in the forefront. You want the music to be the biggest carrier of everything that you represent."
Oh wells!
Taylor Swift Throws Shade At Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
Taylor Swift sends out a mean girl tweet throwing shade towards Kim Kardashian and Kanye West new baby, ”Yo I’m happy for you and imma let you finish but Beyonce had one of the best labors of all time. This is a cute attack, but this tweet has been deleted. So maybe Taylor had a change of heart after she posted the hilarious tweet.
Was this mean or sweet revenge??
Jay Z’ Announces New Album “Magna Carta Holy Grail”
Jay-Z announced his upcoming album, Magna Carta Holy Grail. The album will be dropping July 4th.
The icon announced the news through a Samsung commercial which played during The NBA Finals Game 5 (Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs).
Be among the first million to download the app on June 24th. Check out the video of Jay-Z in the studio with Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Rick Rubin.
HOVA NATION RISE UP!
Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan Reveal First Pic Of Baby Everly
Channing Tatum, 33, is now a proud dad to precious baby girl Evelyn, 16 days, and he couldn’t wait to show off his baby girl! But instead of sharing their baby via paid magazine pics, the Magic Mike actor and his wife Jenna Dewan, 32, decided to reveal the first photo of their baby on social media.
The first-time parents’ baby girl has garnered a lot of interest and attention, but the former Step Up costars chose not to sell the first pic of their gorgeous daughter to a magazine. Instead, they took a very 21st-century approach and revealed the pic on Channing’s Facebook account.
On Father’s Day, June 16, People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive shared the pic with a heart-warming message.
“First Father’s Day with my girls!” he wrote on his Facebook page. The photo shows the proud dad lovingly cradling his sleeping baby girl in his arm, while the new mom looks on. Baby Everly is dressed in a gorgeous white dress, and definitely has both of her parents’ good looks.
The happy couple welcomed their first child on May 31 in London, where Channing is filming is new film Jupiter Ascending.
They initially kept the baby’s name a gender a secret, but later revealed that they named their baby girl Evelyn! He posted on his website:
“Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Channing Tatum are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Everly Tatum, who was born on May 31st in London. Sending love and light to Chan, Jenna and Ms. Everly!”
Jennifer Lopez makes her assistant sleep in the same bed with her: needy diva?
Lopez regularly brings Casper Smart with her to events. Lopez does not like to be alone. She’s a serial monogamist and she falls hard and fast for seemingly whomever guy is in the right place at the right time, hence her current relationship. So does it shock you that Lopez is unable to sleep alone? When her very young bought and paid for backup dancer isn’t available to fill the bill, she’s said to make her female assistant sleep in the same bed with her. Allegedly there’s no funny business going on, it’s just Jenny from the manse needing company.
The superstar freely admits she’s got a real problem with sleeping alone. “But it has nothing to do with sex,” reports my inside source. “When Jennifer and her ex Marc Anthony were traveling all over South America taping for their 2012 show ‘Q’Viva,” Casper often didn’t accompany her – and when he wasn’t around, she’d ask her female cousin/assistant, Tiana, to spend the next right next to her because ‘I just get so lonely in bed!’”
[From The National Enquirer, print edition, June 24, 2013]
It’s her cousin, so maybe Lopez feels like she’s known her all her life and it’s no biggie to ask her to sleep in the same bed, but still that sounds ridiculous. The lady is also Lopez’s assistant, and this is really stepping over a line. You know who does that? Lady Gaga. The story came out when her ex assistant filed a lawsuit against Gaga for unpaid wages. Gaga’s assistant claimed she “felt it was required” to share the bed with Gaga. If this story about Lopez is true, her assistant probably feels the same way.
In other J.Lo news, it was thought that she might be returning to American Idol after she was seen meeting with Ryan Seacrest. A source tells E! News “That’s not happening.” Lopez’s reluctance to return to Idol may have something to do with her movie career. She was live on a radio station when she got a phone call informing her that she’d earned a film role she was hoping for. TMZ has the footage where she happily freaks out and says “it’s a small movie, but it’s a great role and a lot of people wanted it.” Maybe that has something to do with why she’s not returning to Idol.
SPOTTED: Lady GaGa Hits The Hamptons Ahead of ‘ARTPOP’
The Hamptons welcomed ‘Disco Heaven’ maestra Lady GaGa hours ago, when she hit the exclusive spot for what appeared to be a brief shopping trip during her stay there.
She is currently located in East Hampton- as work continues on her forthcoming LP ‘ARTPOP’ and after she reportedly picked up a few goods at Khajak Keledjian‘s Intermix.
Looking for a Splif? Tyra Banks Spotted Hitting Up A Cannabis Shop With A Mystery Man
Model diva Tyra Banks was spotted makeup free and in a jogging suit on Abbot Kinney Boulevard near Venice Beach. She had just had some lunch with this hottie of a mystery guy (clearly her new boo as they were also spotted holding hands later on) and was on her way to a marijuana shop.
She was seen looking around inside The Farmacy, a shop that has (according to their website), "A superb [range of] California grown medical cannabis, cannabis infused products, and other high quality global organic medicine."
So could it possibly be something non-cannabis related in that brown bag she carried out? Possibly. But we're going with the assumption she copped a lil stash for some relaxation.
Now the real question is who this man is. Because we all know Tyra likes to remind the world--like she recently did on Twitter--that her biological clock is ticking extra loudly. Somebody give this woman some babies already...
Sanaa Lathan Attends New Myspace Launch Event In L.A.
The New Myspace Launch Event was held the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. Actress Sanaa Lathan was one of the celebs spotted making an appearance at the party, which featured a performance from Pharrell Williams. The 41-year-old beauty rock’d a floral print spaghetti strap dress and red pumps, while posing for pics as she hit the black carpet.
Catch a few more pics of Sanaa inside.
Nice and Comfy!
ULTIMATE SHADE! Demi Moore showing off photos of Ashton Kutcher’s small package?
This story originates in Star Magazine, so it’s entirely possible that it’s creative fiction, but if so, score for Star! This is highly entertaining. Plus it’s backed up by plenty of supportive evidence, like Ashton tweeting photos of Demi’s ass to the world, and Brittany Murphy telling everyone that Ashton has a small peen. Put together Ashton and Demi’s penchant to photograph and videotape everything with Demi’s need for revenge and you have a pretty convincing case that Demi would do this. She’s allegedly showing photos of Ashton’s manhood to friends, who are mocking how small it is. Oh snap.
Friends claim Demi, 50, is getting her revenge on Ashton, 35, by showing off his, um, shortcomings. According to an insider, Demi has some revealing images of Ashton on her phone that appear to show he’s lacking in a certain department. Demi had previously confided, the friend adds, that Ashton was sexy but not the most well-equipped lover she’s ever had – and the photos seem to back up the claim. “Demi is still hurting that Ashton cheated and then rebounded so soon after their split,” a friend says. “It could just be the angle, but these photos don’t leave a big impression.” Demi isn’t the first ex to discuss Ashton’s manhood. In 2003, the late Brittany Murphy went on a talk show and hinted that Ashton wasn’t well-hung and then apologized for the comment.
[From Star Magazine, print edition, June 24, 2013]
I can buy that Ashton is compensating for something, and that Demi is more than happy to point this out to people. The worst Demi probably can do is show friends the photos, because if she leaked them online you know that Ashton would retaliate by posting some embarrassing photos of her. This reminds me of that photo app, Snapchat, that deletes photos 10 seconds after you send them to someone. It’s really easy to take a screenshot on an iPhone or iPad, though, you just hit the round button and the power button at the same time, and that’s an easy way to keep a photo forever. Plus you can of course take a compromising photo or video in person. Gah I bet Ashton and Demi have sex tapes galore. They’re just the type to tape themselves and mug for the cameras. I don’t even want to think about it.
This makes me wonder – are these two going to finalize their divorce at some point? It’s been nearly 6 months and we still haven’t heard about it.
Amanda Bynes Publicist Puts Her on Blast Says This is All an Act
That is messed up that her own publicist put her on blast, but people were wondering if this was all an act or a ploy for attention with her Twitter antics and it has now been confirmed. Her Publicist released text messages where she states that this is all for show.
All because you want the world to love you, you go on these rants and attack different people on Twitter so the tabloids can talk about you and speculate if something is wrong, or to feel sorry for you. This should infuriate her fans, especially the people who were genuinely concerned of her well being. Wow just sad.
Robin Thicke Unwraps ‘Blurred Lines’ Album Cover & Tracklist
There is nothing unclear about Robin Thicke‘s current success. ‘
The Soul-filled crooner has hit the top of the charts in over 20 countries with the surprise smash — which most recently earned him his first Hot 100 #1 in the US.
Naturally, the track’s performance has cooked up quite the buzz for its parent album – also titled ‘Blurred Lines’. Due on July 9th, the set features production from the likes of Timbaland, Dr. Luke, and Pharell Williams.
And as if that wasn’t enough to whet appetites, Thicke has revealed the official cover (above) and tracklisting for the LP – which you can find below…
‘Blurred Lines’ Tracklisting
1. ‘Blurred Lines’ (feat. T.I. and Pharrell)
2. ‘Take It Easy On Me’
3. ‘Ooo La La ‘
4. ‘Ain’t No Hat 4 That’
5. ‘Get In My Way’
6. ‘Give It 2 U’ (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
7. ‘Feel Good’
8. ‘Go Stupid 4 U’
9. ’4 The Rest Of My Life’
10. ‘Top Of The World’
11. ‘The Good Life’
Thoughts?
Petition Launched To Remove Nicci Gilbert From ‘R&B Divas’, Nicci Blames Executive Producer: I’m Being Edited Unfairly
There are three sides to every story. And from the outside looking in (*raises hands*), it’s pretty tough to remain objective and see what the real truth is, nonetheless, we shall try and paint the picture of the drama surrounding R&B Divas (Atlanta). As you know one of the show’s creators, Nicci Gilbert is one of the break-out stars, entertaining and controversial. And from what we hear, she not only has issues with cast mate Syleena Johnson, but things aren’t going too well behind-the-scenes. This week, a petition was launched, requesting that TV One remove Nicci from the show.
A fan of the show, Glen Whitcroft, says he’s responsible for the petition.
Nicci points the finger at the show’s executive producer, Phil Thornton. Friday afternoon, she went on twitter, giving folk a rant of sorts about why she’s upset with the direction of this season. She wrote:
This whole issue started when they disrespected my daughter in Season 1. Now they r disrepecting HER CHARITY EVENT!..OKAY HERE WE GO THEN … It’s so sad when u work for years to create something amazing like this & because u refused to be disrespected u get a public lashing … But when u start lashing at my family it becomes a different game…BRANDY does NOT DESERVE THIS … Being a Black Woman who speaks her mind and tells THE TRUTH has its benefits & it’s disadvantages…I’m bouta BENEFIT from it & GO ALL IN! I don’t care enough about being famous to have to become famous this way… shame on u for destroying friendships#Fb … You think I’m a b!tch wait till u meet KHARMA…#FB Y’all just have know idea & it’s heartbreaking to watch this “divide and conquer theory” turn special into ordinary #FB I can promise u that next season it won’t be me but unless changes are made it will be someone else & none of us deserve that #FB
She then explained the rant above, pointing the finger at the show’s executive producer:
Sorry I just saw a series of disrespectful tweets from the producer I brought on board @phillionaire and had to RANT. If I have to be the woman u see on TV to be successful Ill Pass…Something that doeant degrade me and humiliate my family will come along. People cant play fair so they play dirty…Id rather go thru the fire and come out brighter #FB
She also suggests that she’s been edited unfairly and shared a screen shot from Phil.
She continued:
I didnt know 8 years ago When I created NO EGO ENT I would have to endure this kind of public humiliation and disrespect but GOD DID #AMEN
So what’s Phil’s side of the story? His wasn’t as lengthy, but from his stance, his goal of this season was to bring more unity, hence him asking Angie Stone to join the cast. He noted on twitter:
What do we THINK? Well, y’all know I don’t play favorites around here and picking sides isn’t my cup of tea. Here’s what I do know, issues between Nicci and Phil aren’t new. Nicci briefly mentioned having some issues with one of the producers, during our interview at the beginning of the season. However, she did not state any names and unfortunately the cast had two separate events. Anywho, stay tuned!
Dawn Richard Reveals New Album Title, Due Date
We may be on the horizon of a highly anticipated reunion of Danity Kane, but that has not stopped a certain Dawn Richard from pushing her solo agenda.
Kicking off 2013 with the explosive, ‘Bombs’ featured EP ‘GoldenHeart’, now Richard has taken to Twitter to tease its forthcoming follow-up.
Christened ‘BlackHeart’ and said to be the second in a trilogy of albums, the announcement of its accompanying era was escorted by a date that sent fans into a frenzy. Her success in 2013 may have only just begun…
Well, roll on October! If the offerings of ‘Blackheart’ are anywhere near the melting pot of funk, hip hop, R&B, and pop, then we welcome it with open arms. As ‘Golden’ certainly gave fans their initial taste of what Richard was capable of on the solo tip, here’s hoping its follow-up is what blasts her into the well-deserved spotlight she deserves.
This, followed up by a long overdue Danity Kane reunion, could spell a great season for the ‘Save Me From U’ songstress!
Keshia Knight Pulliam Hosts A Private Pamper Party To Benefit Her Kamp Kizzy
Keshia has been helping children through her Kamp Kizzy Foundation for years. And in Atlanta, she hosted a Pamper Party at The Posh Spot with her celeb friends to benefit those kiddies. And she did so through her and Arian Simone's new company called The A-List Experience--a members only club that hosts monthly intimate events with celebs in attendance so members will have access to fab folks and gifts.
Each event gives 10% to a charity, and Keshia's foundation was first up for the funds. And she actually have 100% of the funds to her charity.
Her celeb friends like LeToya Luckett, Kandi Burruss and Arian Simone made a fabulous appearance.
Judge Hatchett stopped by for a mani/pedi.
Ne-Yo's fiancee Monyetta loves an event doesn't she?
Keshia and her cute shorts and blazer posed it up after the event. Loves her.
And it's a great cause as well.
He’ll BE Back! Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Be Making A Comeback In The Terminator 5
Arnold is coming back to reprise his role in the Terminator 5, he made the official announcement while in Australia. He stated that he is very happy that the studio wants him to be apart of the film. As you know this was Arnold’s break out role back in 1984.
I guess he is trying to get back into acting since taking a break from being in the political spot light plus the whole fathering another child while he was married to Maria at the time. Letting all the negative press die down. But back in 2003 he did make a comeback for the third film of the series Rise of The Machines. He is also doing a sequel of the movie with Danny Devito Twins….. Good to see Arnold coming back in a positive way.
Michelle Williams TEASES New Single "If We Had Your Eyes"
Michelle Williams is gearing up for her new inspiration (gospel) album. And she released the teaser for her first single "If We Had Your Eyes”
With a gorgeous single cover (shot by Derek Blanks) to accompany her new music, "If We Had Your Eyes", Michelle Williams is gearing up to enter the gospel game again. She will be releasing her yet-to-be-titled album via EOne, and she gave this little message to her fans recently:
Michelle's single will be released on June 24th. Are you feeling the sound of her new track?
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘Men At Work’
Okay, gun to the head and gun to your loved one’s heads, you have to pick one to sleep with
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
