Paige has been tremendous defensively in this first half. Sucks the Breeze had to challenge that block in the first place. Stood up AT on a possession in the first quarter too. A fantastic all around game from her so far on both sides, she is just 1 of 1. #Unrivaled

"I woulda punched her" - Lisa Leslie 🐐 #Unrivaled

Pathetic OT by South Carolina (and wtf was that last play of the 4th) but the shot making from Chavez in OT was jaw dropping. Incredible. Big win for Oklahoma after 3 straight losses. #ncaaw

VIBES FROM BOOK & JALEN 😁

Does this #Unrivaled ref need to get his face so close to the camera every time? I'm legit getting jumpscared

The Detroit Pistons when a team plays physically against them

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH UNRIVALED 3X3 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: A THREAD In this post, I unhinge my brain and dump out all the reasons why you should, as a subscriber to HBO, use that sub not only for Heated Rivalry rewatches but for #unrivaledwbb. Unrivaled needs your help and your eyeballs! 1/

This week, I wrote my thoughts on each #Unrivaled team and their games after an exciting week one open.substack.com/pub/garththo...

Ignoring the defensive mistake going into halftime, Notre Dame gets a bit of a lead thanks to Hidalgo hitting some shots and then as the defense pressures, she finds open shooters and they hit shots. Ball movement is always important. Less overdribbling & her not forcing it is good. #ncaaw

Ball don't lie. Let's go #Suns

Whenever Chelsea Gray is done playing in #Unrivaled they’re going to need to put that #12 jersey up in the rafters.

Me watching Breeze/Phantom #Unrivaled

Jalen Green will be healthy by the time the refs have this one figured out, folks.

I didn't mind paying for TSN+ last year to watch #Unrivaled but I'm also happy to pay free.99 and watch on YouTube instead. If you're not American, you can watch Unrivaled for free on their Youtube channel. Good hoops. www.youtube.com/@UnrivaledBa...

Vanderbilt deserved to win that game because LSU played so bad but man there were some blown calls at the end. LSU with back to back losses against ranked teams after playing a bunch of cupcake games to start their season. Intrigued to watch how/if they bounce back in the coming weeks. #ncaawbb

Book & Nash talking hoops 🧠 📍 Verizon 5G Performance Center

I cannot believe I just saw Dillon Brooks throw a pass to Mark Williams out of a shot. Feels like the first assist he's had for the big guy all year lmao #suns

Suns are committing crimes against basketball in the first quarter. This is just awful.

Oso slipping there was definitely instant karma for pushing Trey lol.

These refs are not letting Booker participate in the game. Yet Suns up 10 at halftime. I would like to watch an NBA game where the refs aren't the stars of the show.

I have really wanted to see the Suns use Mark Williams more (and harped on it in my last substack post 🤓), what a great game for him. Leading the team in shot attempts and back to back dunks off of drives before that timeout. He works his ass off and runs the floor, have to reward him! #suns #nba

Fleming taking advantage of some first half minutes. A little off on the two threes, but then makes up for it with a nice drive and a fastbreak. Love seeing that aggression. #suns

That win has to feel good for the Suns. Controlled the game from early on after losing to the refs in the last one. Got some garbage time minutes for Fleming and Maluach. Brooks having a redeeming game against Bron. Some terrific ball movement, really outclassed them offensively. Merry Christmas

☝🏼😌 Win or lose: #Suns 🎄🏀🌹

This week, I wrote about my early season thoughts on the Phoenix Suns: open.substack.com/pub/garththo... #nba #suns

What a fun game between the Spurs and Knicks. Perhaps a future finals matchup? Many criticize the importance of nba cup games but this is some great competitive hoops

JJ complaining about a call the Lakers didn't get while the Lakers are shooting free throws sums this game up nicely.

Have to ensure the Lakers get a sufficient amount of free throws before halftime or the refs don't get their Christmas bonus.

Wemby is getting assaulted out there, incredibly physical game.

I'm quite convinced that UConn is going to have a perfect season and go back to back #ncaawbb

Dillon Brooks waving his pinkie in the background while the refs say it was out on a pinkie finger is what makes him elite #suns

This week I wrote about the general topic of caring about sports. I spent a lot of time re-writing this and contemplating my tone as it's something I think about a lot and still don't have a conclusive perspective on. open.substack.com/pub/garththo...

Insane that the refs overturned that out of bounds into a foul on Oso. He hit Thompson's arm going for the ball while the ball wasn't remotely in Thompson's control and it was nearly out of bounds (plus it was off Thompson last). So dumb.

Rough half of basketball for Hidalgo.

look at Dillon Brooks go!

Halfway through the first quarter and I can't wait for the Suns to pass the ball to Mark Williams for the first time.

Kalkbrenner just had an enormous block and then a couple possessions later got absolutely posterized by Clowney. The highs and lows of being a shot blocking big #nba

I don’t understand why I’ve seen numerous nba “experts” and “analysts” knock Maluach and/or knock the Suns for picking him. Reed Sheppard didn’t play at all last year and he’s pretty good this year - that happens in the NBA a lot. People are so quick to get their takes off. He’s 19.

Book has to play better than this when DT and Penny are in attendance.

What a great start for the Suns, forcing turnovers and putting the Nuggets on the back foot.

"Where's Reggie Miller?"

I don't think I watched a single second of the Suns/Thunder in the second half last year so this game is exceeding my expectations.

Suns seem to be committing more unforced turnovers than forced ones. Passes being sent with too much zip or off the mark. But they’re playing with a level of energy that’s kept them in the game. Big question is will the Thunders shooting turn around. Low scoring but fast pace.

Dort grabbing and holding Booker into a steal on one end then Booker getting called for a foul on SGA on the other end when SGA jumps into him and Book doesn't leave his feet perfectly encapsulates why the Thunder are an awful team to watch and why I don't like the NBA very much anymore

Suns getting cooked early

Suns playing 8v5 in the first half. Pretty sure JB DeRosa hates the Suns and specifically Booker. I have no idea how that wasn't overturned. Meanwhile Fox 8-8 from the line.

Jazzy going to be kicking herself for missing that layup. Not the best game from her but continues to show flashes, especially defensively. Not seeing any number one option in her game but with JuJu and Saniyah that won't be necessary #ncaawbb

The Blazers are turning the ball over like the Suns would last year. Just a lot of unforced errors that the Suns have (generally) capitalized on. Still a close enough game that you can't feel comfortable, especially coming off of choking against the Hawks the other night.

Meaningful Rasheer Fleming minutes! Woohoo!

THIS TEAM