Browsing: responsibility

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was blunt when taking accountability for the team’s season-opening 129-108 loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

“I take responsibility for that bulls–t,” Lue said while walking out of his press conference after the game, per Clippers reporter Justin Russo.

Los Angeles never held a lead at any point in the contest, trailing by as many as 37 points during the lopsided defeat.

It was a surprising result considering the Clippers are entering the year with postseason aspirations once again after compiling a 50-32 record during their 2024-25 campaign.

Meanwhile, Utah’s 17-65 record last season marked the team’s worst finish in franchise history.

The Jazz opened Wednesday’s game with a 19-9 edge and didn’t slow down, eventually leading 43-19 at the end of the first quarter.

Los Angeles was never able to cut the deficit to single digits for the remainder of the contest. The Clippers finished the game with 108 points, while the Jazz scored 108 points through three quarters.

Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal both struggled for Los Angeles, as they combined to finish with a mere 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

James Harden racked up 15 points and 11 assists, but shot just 2-of-9 from three-point territory.

Utah won with a balanced scoring effort, as three different players recorded at least 20 points. The Jazz were led by center Walker Kessler, who finished with 22 points and nine rebounds while racking up four blocks without missing a shot.

Los Angeles owned the league’s No. 3 defensive rating last season, but couldn’t slow down Utah’s offense throughout the game (via NBA.com). The Jazz shot 55.2 percent from the field as a team.

Lue’s squad will be looking to quickly bounce back in a Friday matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Tip-off is at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Source link

Bellerin’s influence stretches far beyond the pitch. He has consistently used his large social media following and public appearances to advocate for climate action, encourage more ethical consumption and drive community change.

“I feel with power comes responsibility. Every time someone puts a microphone next to you, there’s a chance to talk about issues, to generate conversation,” he says.

Growing up surrounded by nature, Bellerin credits his upbringing for sparking a lifelong connection with the environment – one that continues to shape his daily decisions, from transportation, to becoming a vegan, to his fashion choices.

“I’ve been consuming second-hand clothes and shoes for a really long time. I remember once it took me six months to decide to buy a pair of shoes I saw in a shop next to where I parked,” he says.

“I wear those shoes almost all the time. It’s about giving what you consume a good life and, when you’re done, giving it another life.

“We’re constantly bombarded by advertising that creates a false sense of need.”

Bellerin acknowledges that some essentials like clothing, food and travel are necessary and enrich our lives. But the key, he says, is to question whether we truly need something before buying it.

“It’s a fundamental part of me. I’m always reflecting,” he says. “If I can share that with others, I can help create a better, safer environment for everyone.”

Source link

New Orleans Pelicans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars might have watched some Spider-Manthis offseason, at least if his advice for franchise player Zion Williamson is any indication.

“The main thing that I’ve talked to Zion about is just responsibility and accountability,” Dumars told reporters Monday. “What I’ve said to him is ‘with greatness comes responsibility. You don’t get to be great and not responsible.’ And so it’s just been a heavy emphasis on that. Just being accountable and responsible for what you do. It’s not enough just to be talented.”

Dumars certainly understands the accountability it takes to be great in the NBA, as he was a Hall of Fame player who won two championships and an NBA Finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons.

There is no doubt Williamson has the talent to be a Hall of Famer himself, as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft can take over games with a combination of gravity-defying dunks, powerful low-post moves and timely rebounding.

Yet injuries have largely prevented him from fully living up to expectations.

He missed the entire 2021-22 campaign, played 24 games as a rookie in 2019-20, 29 games in 2022-23 and 30 games last season. He has never played more than 70 games in a single season, and questions about his conditioning have been a storyline at times in his career.

Any chance the Pelicans have at bouncing back from last season’s 21-61 effort and competing in the daunting Western Conference falls on Williamson’s shoulders. He is the clear-cut No. 1 option in the offense, and having him healthy and available is the most important thing for their season.

Dumars’ comments suggest he has made it a priority to make sure Williamson is ready to assume a leadership role within the organization.

Now it is up to the Duke product to take that to heart.

Source link

Thursday saw a brutal loss by the Mets that capped off a brutal series.Already in the midst of a five-game losing…