Ray Allen Goes Off On YouTuber For Farting Prank ... 'Keep It Moving!'
Ray Allen went off on a famous YouTuber after the guy attempted to pull a fart prank on the NBA Hall of Famer ... telling him, "keep it moving!"
In the video, which was posted on YouTube, Allen was picking up a few things at Target when he noticed he was being followed by Lofe, a YouTube star with nearly one million subscribers.
Lofe is seen walking over to Allen and making incessant farting noises near him as someone recorded the prank, setting the former Celtics star off.
"My man! I know you hear me," Allen is heard saying in the clip ... "You following me around trying to do some bulls**t over here. I know you hear me. Keep it moving!"
Allen continued to scold the YouTuber ... blasting the guys for recording after he asked them to stop.
The guys told Allen they were simply taking pictures of him, but the NBA champ wasn't thrilled with the explanation, saying, "I'm not cool with that."
After the exchange, Lofe claimed he was unaware he was pranking Ray Allen ... insisting he thought he was just a regular dude.
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Nia Long Blindsided by Coach Udoka ... He Let Her Move to Boston Amid Affair Investigation
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Nia Long says she's gonna need all the support she can get after getting blindsided by her fiance, Celtics Coach Ime Udoka ... who we've learned kept her in the dark about his affair, even though the team busted him months ago.
Sources connected to the team and the couple tell TMZ ... Nia had moved to Boston with Kez, her 10-year-old son with Ime, just 2 weeks ago, and the couple was house hunting.
The sad twist for Nia is that when she moved, Ime was already fully aware his affair with a married front office staffer was about to blow up. We're told Ime knew way back in July the team was aware of the affair, and was launching an investigation.
Meanwhile, we're told Nia only found out about it in the last few days ... and only because Ime knew it was about to go public.
Nia tells TMZ, through her rep Shannon Barr ... "The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me. I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children."
#ImeUdoka is corny AF. The audacity to be so messy and embarrass the Queen like this. #NiaLong is such a GEM and doesn’t deserve to be apart of this fuckery.
— Brown Sugar! (@BrownSugaryLady) September 23, 2022 @BrownSugaryLady
The social media backlash against Ime, and support for Nia, was swift as soon as the Celtics announced on Wednesday they'd be punishing him.
On Thursday night, the Celtics officially suspended him for the entire upcoming 2022-23 season.
In response, Ime said, "I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment."
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Boston Celtics Informed Of Udoka Allegations In Summer ... Team Owner Says
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The Boston Celtics had known about the allegations against Ime Udoka for a couple months at the most ... team owner Wyc Grousbeck said on Friday.
Grousbeck addressed the situation surrounding his team's head coach publicly for the first time with media members since banning Udoka on Thursday for one full year, and while he declined to get into any specifics of the case, he did say the Celtics were first made aware of the claims at some point this summer.
Grousbeck says the team immediately brought in a law firm to investigate ... and it concluded its probe on Wednesday.
After learning of the firm's findings, Grousbeck said, the Boston owner and other execs within the Celtics org. decided to suspend Udoka for the entirety of the 2022-23 season.
Grousbeck reiterated Friday that the punishment could go on longer than just one year.
Udoka is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer during his one year as Celtics coach. Neither the team nor Udoka has addressed the allegations specifically, though Udoka did issue an apology on Thursday night following the announcement of his ban.
"I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down," Udoka said. "I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment."
"Nobody can control Twitter speculation. Rampant. Bullshit. But I do think that we, as an organization, have a responsibility to make sure we're there to support them now."
— The Recount (@therecount) September 23, 2022 @therecount
— Celtics Pres. of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens on women staffers harassed due to Udoka's suspension pic.twitter.com/b2PoD8vZ3P
Udoka was hired by the Celtics in June 2021. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said they had no indication that he had been guilty of any misconduct at his previous jobs during his interview process.
"Nothing but glowing remarks," Stevens said.
Udoka had led the C's to an NBA Finals appearance in his first season with the team. Joe Mazzulla has been tapped to be the interim coach while Udoka serves his suspension.
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Boston Celtics Suspend Ime Udoka For Entire Season ... Coach Apologizes
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6:47 PM PT -- The Celtics have just suspended Ime Udoka for the entire 2022-23 season ... saying the coach violated team policies.
Udoka apologized to his players, fans and family shortly after the announcement was made.
The Celtics added that Udoka's suspension could last longer than this year -- saying in a statement, "A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date."
Udoka will begin serving his ban immediately, the team said.
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka reportedly had an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer ... and he's now facing a suspension over it all.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday night the 45-year-old was found to have had a "consensual intimate relationship" with a woman who has a role on the Celtics' staff -- a violation of Boston's franchise guidelines.
As a result, according to Woj, Udoka is facing a ban from the team that could be "significant." Udoka's job, however, is not believed to be on the line.
Further details regarding the allegations were not disclosed. Udoka and the Celtics have yet to address the report.
Udoka -- who took the Celtics job in 2021 and led the team to an NBA Finals appearance in his first year as head man -- has been in a relationship with actress Nia Long since 2010.
The couple reportedly got engaged back in 2015 -- and has one child together.
Udoka played in the NBA for nearly a decade in the early 2000s -- and began his coaching career with the Spurs following his playing days in 2012.
He later coached for the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets before joining the Celtics.
Originally Published -- 6:04 AM PT
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Dribble2Much Drake's Best Hooping Rapper ... Jump Shot's On Point 🏀
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Don't sleep on Drake's ability on the basketball court ... 'cause the hip hop superstar can flat out hoop, so says Dribble2Much, Drizzy's longtime trainer.
TMZ Sports recently talked to Dribble2Much -- AKA Johnny Stephene -- and we asked him, who is the best hooping rapper.
"Big shoutout to my boy Drake right now because listen, me and Drake have been working for several years. We're good friends, first of all, and he really loves basketball. He loves the game. The fact that he loves the game and so passionate about getting better at something that he loves, put us on the same level as far as mentality-wise."
FYI, in addition to Drake, Dribble2Much has worked with celebs like 2 Chainz (and many more), and NBA superstars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, DeMar DeRozan and Chris Paul.
Drake Debuts Renovated 3-Point Shot After Grinding with Hoops Coach
So, when the man says Drake can play ... listen.
Drake wasn't always regarded as a good player. In fact, he was routinely clowned on social media back in the day for his perceived lack of ability on the court.
But, Johnny says there's been a huge improvement.
"Listen, he's not that Drake from five years ago my man. He's got way better, man. I'm excited just because it's healthy for him to be playing and just being happy doing what he loves. That's dope."
His biggest strength?
"Shooting the ball."
Check out the full interview with Dribble2Much ... we talked about his burgeoning music career (he's been on tracks with Travis Scott and Trippie Redd). Johnny recently released a new single, "Coach Rappin" ... and will soon drop an album that features a collab with Damian Lillard.
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Ben Simmons On 76ers Drama ... Felt Like Everyone Was 'Just Trying To F*** With Me'
Ben Simmons says things got so nasty between him and the 76ers ... that at the height of their tension, it felt like everyone in the org. was "just trying to f*** with me now."
Simmons finally opened up about his breakup with Philly on JJ Redick's "The Old Man and the Three" podcast ... and he said during the worst part of their relationship back in Oct. 2021, he thought multiple high-ranking people in the franchise, including head coach Doc Rivers, were out to get him.
"I actually spoke to Doc before practice," Simmons said when recalling the infamous fall workout that he was booted from and later suspended over. "I was like, 'Doc, I'm not ready. Mentally, I'm not ready. Please, just understand that.'"
"I tried to let him know prior," Simmons continued. "He was like, 'Well, I'm going to put you in any way.'"
Simmons said early on in the practice, Rivers put him on the floor. Predictably, Simmons didn't handle it well, and Rivers kicked him out. The Sixers later banned him 1 game for it all.
He said it was just one of a few things the Sixers did that month that had rubbed him the wrong way.
"It seems like everyone's just trying to f*** with me now," Simmons said, recalling the events. "Like, I'm getting fined for not lifting weights, but, physically, I'm like one of the strongest guys on the f***ing team."
"So they're fining me for little things. It was just a buildup."
Simmons did admit "obviously I didn't handle things the right way, but also the team didn't either and the people who had that power."
The 26-year-old was ultimately traded to the Nets for James Harden in February.
Ben Simmons has taken the floor in Philly. pic.twitter.com/UCMJqkqifH
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) March 10, 2022 @SNYNets
"For me, I was trying to -- for myself, personally -- get to a good place," Simmons said of all the drama. "To get back on the floor. Getting on the floor was my priority and trying to get myself to a place where I was mentally good to do that."
"And I was in such a bad place where I was like, 'F***. Like, I'm trying to get here and you guys are, like, throwing all these other things at me to where you're not helping.' That's all I wanted was help."
Simmons did not play for the Nets following the trade -- and he eventually underwent back surgery in May. He's expected to be ready to play for Brooklyn this season.
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Robert Sarver Selling Suns After N-Word Scandal ... Adam Silver Says It's 'Right Next Step'
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3:27 PM PT -- The Suns' org. has just commented on Wednesday's news ... saying, "We agree that Robert Sarver's decision to sell the Suns and Mercury is in the best interest of the organization and community."
2:50 PM PT -- NBA star CJ McCollum, the NBPA President, is weighing in on Sarver's decision to sell his teams, saying ... "We thank Mr. Sarver for making a swift decision that was in the best interest of our sports community."
2:00 PM PT -- Like LeBron, Adam Silver is in favor of Sarver's choice to sell ... saying in a statement Wednesday afternoon, "I fully support the decision by Robert Sarver to sell the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. This is the right next step for the organization and community."
11:08 AM PT -- LeBron James is clearly a fan of Sarver's decision ... tweeting minutes ago, "I'm so proud to be a part of a league committed to progress!"
Robert Sarver will give up both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury after the NBA found he did use the n-word multiple times during his tenure as an owner in the leagues.
The 60-year-old announced in a lengthy statement on Wednesday morning that he is "beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and the Mercury" following the NBA's findings.
Suns Owner Robert Sarver Suspended 1 Year, Probe Finds He Used N-Word
"Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together -- and strengthened the Phoenix area -- through the unifying power of professional men's and women's basketball," Sarver said, before adding, "but in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible -- that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past."
In addition to using the racial epithet on at least five different occasions, the NBA also said Sarver made inappropriate comments towards women, and didn't treat his employees fairly or equally.
Commissioner Adam Silver fined Sarver $10 million and suspended him one year over it all ... and insisted the punishment was strong enough.
But, after fans and multiple star players -- including LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green -- called for more severe sanctions ... Sarver decided it was best to move on from his roles with the NBA and WNBA teams.
NAACP Rips NBA Over Robert Sarver's Fine, Suspension, 'Punishment Is A Joke!'
"I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world," Sarver said. "I want what's best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, then fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone."
"In the meantime, I will continue to work on becoming a better person, and continuing to support the community in meaningful ways. Thank you for continuing to root for the Suns and the Mercury, embracing the power that sports has to bring us together."
Originally Published -- 9:50 AM PT
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Knicks' Jalen Brunson Proposes To GF On Basketball Court ... She Said Yes!!!
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson proposed to his longtime girlfriend like a true basketball player -- getting down on one knee and poppin' the question on a hoops court -- and it worked, 'cause she said yes!!
The NBA point guard and Ali Marks shared the news on social media on Tuesday -- revealing the proposal went down at their old high school's court in Illinois.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"you are a lifetime," said Marks, who shared pics of the couple's romantic evening on the Stevenson H.S. court.
"forever," Brunson added.
While unorthodox, the proposal's venue was absolutely fitting ... considering Brunson and Marks -- who's a physical therapist -- began dating at the high school years ago.
The two were initially there on Tuesday to see Brunson be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.
Several NBA players congratulated Brunson following his reveal of the news -- and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban even claimed to have known it was going to happen.
"See how I predicted that," Cuban said. "Congrats 🎉🎉🎉"
There are a lot of new beginnings for Brunson recently ... the 26-year-old -- who had been a Dallas Maverick since 2018 -- just signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks in July.
Congrats!!!
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Jalen Hill Ex-UCLA Basketball Player Dead At 22
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Ex-UCLA basketball player Jalen Hill has tragically died at 22 years old, the school confirmed on Tuesday night.
In a tweet, the Bruins men's basketball team said it was "deeply saddened" by the passing. Head coach Mick Cronin added in a statement that the death was "heartbreaking."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time," said Cronin, who coached Hill for two seasons in Westwood. "Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon."
According to a statement from Hill's family on social media, the 6-foot-10 power forward "went missing while in Costa Rica and we have recently learned of his passing."
No further details surrounding his death were revealed.
Hill -- ranked as a top-100 recruit coming out of Centennial H.S. in Corona, Calif. -- signed with the Bruins back in 2017, but didn't play in his true freshman season after he and two other UCLA players, including LiAngelo Ball, were arrested for shoplifting while in China for a game in Nov. 2017. He was suspended indefinitely over the incident, but later rejoined the team, playing for the Bruins from 2018 to 2021.
In his UCLA career, Hill saw time in 77 games, averaging 6.5 points per game and 6.4 rebounds. He retired from basketball in 2021, saying he was battling anxiety and depression.
RIP.
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T'Wolves Anthony Edwards Fined $40K For Making Homophobic Comment
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Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been fined $40K for making a homophobic comment, the NBA announced Tuesday morning.
"Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $40,000 for using offensive and derogatory language on social media. Edwards has acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate," Byron Spruell, President of League Operations for the NBA, wrote in a statement.
Edwards got himself into hot water when he posted video of several shirtless men embracing each other, saying ... "Look at these queer ass n****s, man. Look at the world I came to."
AE also captioned the video ... "Dese n****s different." In the background of the video, a woman was heard laughing while Edwards spoke.
There was almost immediate backlash and, as the league noted, the 21-year-old former first overall pick (2020 NBA Draft) seemed to offer a heartfelt apology for his actions, saying sorry on social media.
"What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry. It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!" the NBA star said.
What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry. It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!
— Anthony Edwards (@theantedwards_) September 11, 2022 @theantedwards_
But, the NBA clearly felt a fine was still in order.
Edwards is set to make $10.73 million this upcoming season ... and will earn a gigantic deal once his rookie contract expires.
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Draymond Green Calls Out NBA Over Sarver Suspension ... 'It's Bulls***!'
LeBron James and Chris Paul aren't the only ones pissed off over Robert Sarver's suspension and fine -- you can add Draymond Green to the list, 'cause the NBA star called the punishment straight up "bulls**t!"
The Golden State Warrior forward went off on his podcast on Tuesday -- a week after the Phoenix Suns/Mercury owner was suspended for a year and fined $10 million for sexual harassment, use of the N-word, and inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees, among other alleged troubling behavior.
"This report that came out last week is the total opposite of everything the NBA stands for," Green said.
"To think that someone like Robert Sarver, acting in that manner, can continue to represent us, that's bulls**t!"
Green also ripped the notion Sarver's use of the N-word wasn't so bad because he didn't use it with racist or malicious intent.
"Stop it. That's ridiculous," Green emphatically said.
"The level of comfort you have to have to even use the word again does not validate or make it okay for Robert Sarver to use the N-word."
Green added, "This guy gets to just come back in the fold as if he's still representing us as if he's a part of us. That can't be so."
The 32-year-old says he's "very uncomfortable" knowing an owner like Sarver won't have to sell the team ... saying if the shoe were on the other foot, players would be "left out on our own to figure it out."
So, the four-time NBA champ came up with an idea ... vote Sarver out.
"What I would say is 'why don't we pose a vote?' Because that is definitely an offense that is probably grounds for being forced to sell."
Other NBA stars have spoken about the league fumbling the Sarver situation ... including LeBron, who said team owner or not, "this isn’t right."
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Kyrie Irving On COVID-19 Vax Mandates: 'Biggest Violations Of Human Rights'
Kyrie Irving is speaking out against the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine enforcement ... calling it "one of the biggest violations of human rights in history."
The Nets superstar -- one of the most well-known celebs who personally opposed getting the jab -- took to Twitter to air out his grievances, and he didn't mince his words.
Irving made the point ... if he's allowed to play for the Nets while unvaccinated (that wasn't always the case -- but is now), then he says everyone should receive the same treatment.
"If I can work and be unvaccinated, then all of my brothers and sisters who are also unvaccinated should be able to do the same, without being discriminated against, vilified, or fired," the 30-year-old NBA superstar wrote.
Of course, Kyrie only played in 29 games last season ... primarily because NYC implemented a rule which prevented Irving from working in the city without the jab.
Irving stuck to his principles and refused the shot ... and the City eventually did away with the controversial measure.
Despite public perception, Irving has repeatedly reiterated that he's not anti-vaccine ... but feels people should be allowed to make their own decisions without coercion.
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Eagles' Darius Slay Gifts INT Ball To James Harden ... Signs It Afterward!!!
Eagles star Darius Slay made sure James Harden left "Monday Night Football" a happy man -- because after intercepting Kirk Cousins, he gifted the 76ers point guard the INT football ... and then he signed it for him after the game!
Darius lived up to his "Big Play Slay" nickname on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings -- picking off two passes --- and Harden had a front-row seat to witness the defensive masterpiece.
Darius Slay INTERCEPTION at the goal line! @bigplay24slay
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2022 @NFL
📺: #MINvsPHI on ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/DYp0tOlKGX pic.twitter.com/0b37uA5Tnc
And, on Slay's first pick, the Vikings -- who had been trailing Philly 24-7 in the 3rd quarter -- were driving down the field ... but the DB stepped in front Justin Jefferson to nab Cousins' throw, and then he bolted over to James.
Souvenir for @JHarden13 🏈 @bigplay24slay
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2022 @NFL
📺: #MINvsPHI on ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/DYp0tOlKGX pic.twitter.com/39DSHFrXkY
Slay handed him the ball and slapped his hand -- all while Harden had a big smile on his face.
.@JHarden13 made sure to get that game ball signed@bigplay24slay | @Eagles pic.twitter.com/djhJ8NqcQz
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2022 @NFL
After the game, Slay found Harden in the bowels of Lincoln Financial Field and autographed the pigskin for him.
"First Eagles game was lit!" Harden said of it all on Twitter afterward. "keep ballin bro @bigplay24slay."
First Eagles game was lit! keep ballin bro @bigplay24slay pic.twitter.com/ckxN6m3k3C
— James Harden (@JHarden13) September 20, 2022 @JHarden13
Slay -- in his third season with the team -- had an epic night in the Eagles' secondary ... locking down Jefferson as Philly cruised to a 24-7 win.
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UCLA Hoops Star Amari Bailey Signs 'NIL' Deal With Apparel Company ... Partnering With Ethika
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UCLA hoops star Amari Bailey signed a lucrative 'NIL' deal with Ethika and will receive a percentage of revenue from his products ... TMZ Sports has learned.
The exact details of the deal remain unknown, but the California-based apparel company tells us the plan is for Amari to create/design underwear with the company.
"The NIL deal with Amari couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve followed Amari’s career since he was a youngster," Ethika exec Darius Burton tells us.
"I’ve always been impressed how he handles himself on and off the court. When I heard he was making the move to Southern California, I wanted to figure out a way to work with him."
Most of Ethika's deals are with professional athletes, but Burton says his belief in Bailey as a person, and not just a basketball player, is one of the reasons he chose to work with Amari.
"I have no doubt that we will do amazing things as a team, and I couldn’t be happier to have him be a part of our families," Burton said.
Bailey -- one of the top-ranked high school players from the 2022 class -- will be joining Rick Ross and Lil Wayne ... who also have deals with the brand.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Long before he was associated with Rozay and Weezy, or signed a big money endorsement deal, Bailey was still accustomed to the finer things ... he bought his mom Johanna Leia, Drake's ex-girlfriend, a '22 Porsche Cayenne worth about $70K!
Bailey, a 5-star recruit ranked in the top 15 in his high school class, signed with the Bruins in November and is expected to be an integral part of their team next season.
And, he's gonna look good while doin' it!
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Kyrie Irving On Celtics Sweep ... 'It Was Meant To Happen Like That'
Kyrie Irving seems to be at peace with the Brooklyn Nets' early exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Boston Celtics ... saying, "It was meant to happen like that."
Irving made the comments while gaming on Twitch -- as he was recalling the Celtics' 4-0 sweep of the Nets in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last season.
"We got 4-0'd, my G," Irving said. "We got 4-0'd, bro. We needed that humbling experience, especially going against the Celtics. It was already built to be that matchup."
Irving -- who faced scrutiny all season for his COVID-19 vaccine stance -- averaged 21.3 points per game alongside Kevin Durant, who led the team in scoring.
The Nets, led by their two stars, were slight favorites heading into the series ... but the budding duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown proved too much.
"Those youngins over there in Boston, I got to see them grow up," said Irving, who spent two seasons in Boston with the Celtics. "To see them doing what they did last year on the final stage, making it that far, I'm glad they had to go through us."
Kyrie said he is using the sweep as motivation moving forward and is eager to play Boston in the playoffs again.
"We gon' see them again," the Brooklyn point guard said. "We gon' have to. They gon' be where they gon' be."
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Emoni Bates Ex-Top H.S. Hoops Recruit ... Charged With 2 Felonies After Arrest
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11:57 AM PT -- EMU has just suspended Bates indefinitely over the arrest.
"We are aware of a situation involving men's basketball student-athlete Emoni Bates," the school said in a statement Monday morning. "Eastern Michigan University takes all allegations of this nature very seriously. Per department policy, he has been suspended automatically from practice and playing privileges until the legal process is resolved."
"Because this is an ongoing legal matter, the University will have no further comment at this time."
Emoni Bates -- the No. 5-ranked high school basketball player in the country in 2021 -- has been charged with two felonies after he was arrested on Sunday, TMZ Sports has confirmed.
According to court records, the 18-year-old -- who now plays for Eastern Michigan University -- was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and altering ID marks on a firearm.
The charges stem from an arrest Sunday in Superior Township, Michigan. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office told WXYZ Detroit officers initially pulled over Bates for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign -- and cops say they found a gun on him during the ensuing investigation.
Jail records show he was booked at 11:19 PM and is currently still in custody as of Monday morning.
Emoni Bates is doing THIS in his first-ever college game 🤯 pic.twitter.com/5bh90oYYZ1
— ESPN (@espn) November 10, 2021 @espn
Bates' attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN on Monday, "Reserve judgment on this ... There's way more to the story. He borrowed someone's car, was pulled over and a gun was located in the car."
Bates was a star basketball player at Ypsi Prep Academy in Michigan -- and finished his 2020-2021 season just below Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero on national H.S. rankings lists.
He ultimately signed with Memphis -- but transferred to Eastern Michigan after starting just 13 games in his freshman season.
He's expected to be a key player on this year's Eagles team.
Originally Published -- 10:24 AM PT