Game 7 memories from stars and celebs: Kobe Bryant stands out
OKLAHOMA CITY — Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night had a number of sports celebrities — from outside the basketball world, even — thinking of one player.
Kobe Bryant.
Bryant played in only one Game 7 of a finals, that coming in 2010, but for plenty in the sports world his 23-point, 15-rebound effort that led the Los Angeles Lakers to an 83-79 win over the Boston Celtics for his fifth and final championship still stands out as the quintessential moment from ultimate games.
The NBA asked celebrities and star athletes what Game 7 makes them think of, and some of the responses got right to the point.
'Kobe,' soccer legend David Beckham said.
'What do I think?? I think Lakers 2010 — Pau (Gasol) and Kobe,' tennis star Carlos Alcaraz said.
Another tennis great, Novak Djokovic, said he thought of Lakers-Celtics in 2010 and the Cleveland-Golden State finale where LeBron James and Kyrie Irving came up big late for the Cavaliers in 2016.
'I'm thinking about electric atmosphere on the stands, no one is seated for the whole game,' Djokovic said. 'I'm thinking about Kobe and Gasol stellar performance in Game 7 of 2010 Lakers-Celtics and I'm thinking about LeBron's block and Irving's 3 pointer to seal the deal for Cavs vs Warriors Game 7 in 2016 thriller.'
Part of the lore of the Cleveland-Golden State finale in 2016 wasn't just James getting a chase-down block against the Warriors' Andre Iguodala in the final moments. It was also ABC announcer Mike Breen's description of the call.
Tennis player Ben Shelton and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua both remembered Breen's line perfectly: 'Blocked by James,' they both responded.
A selection of other responses collected by the NBA:
'Where legends are born.' — tennis' Frances Tiafoe.
'This is basketball, the game that everybody wants to watch. Can't wait !!!!!!!' — soccer star Kylian Mbappé.
''All eyes.' It's my stage.' — Colorado football coach and former NFL and MLB star Deion Sanders.
'GOAT TIME.' — NFL legend Jerry Rice.
'When I hear the words Game 7, I automatically think of the epic and legendary 3-pointer that Ray Allen made in Game 6 to force Game 7, where my Miami Heat team went on to win the NBA Finals championship.' — rapper Flo Rida.
'It's About to Go Down!!! Who will become legend? MJ, Kobe, Bron ... who's next?' — Cedric the Entertainer.
'Control what you can control mentality! I just wanted to make sure I did all the little things for my team.' — Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade.
'Everything you ever worked on and worked for is all in this one moment. Take it play by play ... leave it all on the court.' — former Heat guard Mario Chalmers.
'Play into the emotion. Don't expect fair. Expect the unimaginable.' — Cleveland's Iman Shumpert, part of the 2016 Cavs win.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How to watch Seattle Sounders vs Paris Saint-Germain: TV channel and live stream for Club World Cup today
Paris Saint-Germain will close out their Club World Cup group stage campaign today, meeting the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. The Parisiens have had mixed fortunes in the United States, producing a formidable 4-0 win over ten-man Atletico Madrid in their opener before falling to a frustrated 1-0 loss to Botafogo. Advertisement Igor Jesus, reportedly set to join Nottingham Forest this summer, was the goalscorer in the Botafogo defeat. Luis Enrique, though, highlighted the efforts of their back-line as a defining factor in the result. 'Botafogo was the team that defended us best all season, obviously in our League and in the Champions League,' he said. 'They made a low block from the start and were very efficient, united. We didn't generate as many chances as usual.' The champions of Europe could not muster a response to his first-half strike, failing to convert any of their 16 shots, 10 corners, and 75% possession. Despite enjoying home pitch advantage for much of the competition, Seattle sit bottom of Group B with zero points. They are not yet eliminated, though, thanks to the middling fortunes of Atletico and PSG, and could still qualify with a win. Advertisement Goal difference is not an issue, either, as any win would see them surpass Atletico's tally of -2. How to watch Seattle Sounders vs PSG Live stream: Viewers can watch the action live online via the DAZN website. Kick-off is at 8pm this evening. DAZN is the global broadcaster of the new-look Club World Cup. No subscription is required to watch the game, with the entire tournament available to their 'Freemium' members, which means you only need to sign up for a free DAZN account. Live blog: Follow the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog!
Black America Web
31 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Kevin Durant Learned of Trade To Houston Rockets During Fanatics Fest Interview, NBA X Reacts
Source: Slaven Vlasic / Getty / Kevin Durant Kevin Durant will be hooping in Houston. The now-former member of the Phoenix Suns learned about his trade while being interviewed by Taylor Rooks at Fanatics Fest. These are one of those moments where you truly appreciate sports, particularly the NBA trade machine, because it's absolutely wild. Durant seemed surprised as fans and Rooks broke the news that the two-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star would be heading to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year's draft, and five second-round picks. ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news of the blockbuster trade Sunday afternoon, which was news to Durant. ESPN reports, 'the trade can be formally completed when the new league year begins July 6.' When he was asked if the news was real, Durant played coy, saying he didn't have a clue, adding, 'We're gonna see, man, we're gonna see.' The trade is indeed real, and it will see Durant join a Houston Rockets team that has been on the rise since hiring Ime Udoka as its coach. The Rockets finished 2nd in the Western Conference and hope the addition of Durant makes them a legit contender for the NBA title, which could either go to the Oklahoma City Thunder or Indiana Pacers tonight when Game 7 of the NBA Finals tips off. The Rockets were also one of Durant's three preferred landing spots, along with the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. The deal also reunites Druant with Udoka; they share a strong relationship, thanks to their time together in Brooklyn and with USA Basketball. The move also marks the end of the Phoenix Suns' experiments, which saw Durant team up with Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, a pairing that never really amounted to the feared big three many thought it would be when KD and Beal became members of the Suns. NBA X, specifically Rockets fans, have been reacting to the news as well; you can see those reactions in the gallery below. Kevin Durant Learned of Trade To Houston Rockets During Fanatics Fest Interview, NBA X Reacts was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
31 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Kevin Durant Reportedly Traded To The Houston Rockets, Social Media In Shambles
Source: Chris Coduto / Getty Kevin Durant's days as a member of the Phoenix Suns are officially over. ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania reports that the 15-time All-Star has been traded to the Houston Rockets. In exchange, it appears the Suns are looking to the future, getting some younger talent in 2021's second overall pick, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a gang of draft picks. 'The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks,' writes Charania. The move comes after a two-and-a-half-year stint with the Suns, where he was paired with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in an experiment that failed to recreate its own Western Conference Big Three. They finished the 2024-25 season in 11th place with a 36-46 record. Even in last year's playoffs, where they were 6th in the West, they were swept by the Anthony Edwards-led Minnesota Timberwolves. Rumors that Durant wanted out of Phoenix have heightened over recent weeks, as he's been mulling over trade options with his top destinations being the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. This will be Durant's fourth team, and despite entering his 18th season, he averaged 26 points last year, proving he still has a lot to offer and some valuable playoff experience as well. See how social media is reacting to the trade below. Kevin Durant Reportedly Traded To The Houston Rockets, Social Media In Shambles was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
