Image Credit : @twitter/@RafaelNadal

Rafael Nadal who is a defending champion of the US Open has already withdrawn from the US Open 2020 due to safety concern of Corona virus.  

Rafael Nadal giving his reason that he challenges of moving immediately from hardcourt tennis to clay was a huge factor in his decision to skip US Open. Nadal is defending champion of the US Open and French Open. He gave a reason that if he play in hardcourt could trouble him on the clay.

Nadal said," The health situation is the first basic inconvenience when making my decision. The situation seems not in full control, so in this case after consulting with my team, we decided to skip the US Open. Second the schedule is challanging after many months without competing."

He also said," going from hardcourt to clay with hardly any time for preparation is dangerous for my body and my future. Then it is a matter of a personal spirit. The situation is as it is and my spirit was not high enough to travel to New York and compete. If I am going to compete all my senses have to be focused on competition to perform at my best and it would have been difficult to achieve that."

Rafael Nadal's former coach and uncle Toni said," Rafael Nadal may hurt his chance to win Roland Garros chances by skipping US Open."

Now, Rafael Nadal is not playing in US Open giving a reason that he prefered Roland Garros over US Open and some concern about Corona virus. Roger Federer also missed US Open due to an injury. This is the first time in last 15 years where those 2 players didn't play in any Majors. Djokovic is yet to commit for the US Open. 

Now, If  Djokovic choose to play his in this US Open, he has best chances to take it's title telly to 18. An Absence of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer could give a huge chances to young players to win Majors.

Former Champion Stan Wawrinka and Martin Del Potro are not playing in the US Open. This Years ,US Open has to play without many superstars.   

Tennis

                                                                                                      Image Credit : @twitter/@Lakers

Lakers LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma all get a momentum at the right moment. They all score 25+ points in a game in a win over Nuggets 124-121. Lakers lost last their 3 games which could be not good for their confidence but today's game against Denver Nuggets could boost their confidence specially Anthony Davis who scored only 34 points in his last 3 games.    

What a game and what  a clutch shot by Kyle Kuzma at the last moment of a game. 

First and Second Quarter 

In the first quarter Lakers got 6 points lead where Anthony Davis scored 12 points with 5 rebounds and Dion Waiters added 7 points in the first quarter.

In the Second Quarter Lakers took 5 points lead with score of 64 - 59 where Anthony Davis added 17 points with 6 rebounds and 3 steals. LeBron James made 13 points with 5 assists. and Dion Waiters scored 12 points. 

3rd Quarter 

Nuggets started 3rd quarter with 4-0 run in a game before LeBron drained a 3 pointer. 9 minutes left in the quarter Jokic tied a game with his jumper but Lakers lead extended with green's 3-pointer. 7:17 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, Before Lakers took a time out Nuggets cut a lead to only one point. 6.27 minutes left in the 3rd quarter LeBron find Kuzma for 3 pointer but in the next possession Nuggets replied with Jocic's 3 pointer. 

5:20 left in the quarter Murray's 2 points play give Nuggets a lead.  Morris 3 pointer gave 3 points lead to the Lakers. 2:26 minutes left in quarter Anthony Davis 2 free-throws gave 5 points lead to Lakers. Kyle Kuzma with stealing a ball and run towards the rim with making a 2 handed dunk. Monte Morris's 3 pointer tied a game at the end of third game before both teams missing too many shots.

4th Quarter 

 Lakers first to score in the first quarter when Howard made 1 free throws out of 2. 10.12 left in quarter LeBron jumper gave 3 points lead to Lakers. 9:07 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Nuggets took lead 93-92. 

8:30 minutes left in quarter, LeBron James' 3 pointer tied a game at 95-95. 7:25 minutes remaining in the quarter, Howard dunked and drew a foul. His three points play cut  a lead to 1 points but Morris 2 points play gave Nuggets 3 points lead. Dozie's 2 free throws gave 5 points lead to Nuggets. 4:31 left in quarter what a pass by Morris to Plumlee who was cutting through bucket. 

2:30 minutes to go when Keita scored a open 3 pointer for 5 points lead to Nuggets. 2:12 minutes left in a quarter when Danny Green scored another 3 pointer to cut  a lead to 2 points but Morris had other ideas and he replied with 3 pointer to take 5 points lead back. 1:13 left in quarter Anthony Davis made a block and drew foul to score 2 free throws. Anthony Davis' 2 free throws cut a lead to 1 point. 45.7 to go in the quarter LeBron James drove through the rim, scored a bucket and drew a foul. A huge play by LeBron to give Lakers a lead at crucial moment of the game. 

LeBron missed a 3 pointer at huge moment of the game before Dozier drew a foul on Kyle Kuzma who was standing on a lane. Dozier made only one free throw for Nuggets to tied a game. 0.4 to go in the quarter, What a shot by Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Davis feed Kyle Kuzma who went to the right side of the court and finished with a huge 3 point shot to give  3 points lead and a win to the Lakers.  

Started the game. Ended the game. #KuzControl for the win. pic.twitter.com/hxkvt2oWYE

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 11, 2020

For Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James scored 29 points with 12 assists and only 1 rebounds. meanwhile Anthony Davis regained his form and he scored 27 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks . Danny Green scored 11 points and Waiters scored 12 points. 

For Denver Nuggets 8 players scored in a double figure. Dozier scored Nuggets high 18 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Murray and Morris each scored 14 points. Porter Jr scored 15 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Jokic scored 12 points with only 1 rebounds which was rare to see for any big to grab only one rebound. Millsap added 13 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Plumlee made 11 points and Diop added 10 points in a game. All players scored for Denver Nuggets in a game. Bench players scored more than half points for Nuggets.  

Next Game :

Los Angeles Lakers will play Sacramento Kings which is only be a practice game for Los Angeles Lakers for the play offs as Kings out of the play offs race and Lakers tops the West.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs Sacramento Kings

Denver Nuggets Vs Los Angeles Clippers

NBA

                                                                                                            Image Credit : @twitter/@spurs

New Orleans Pelicans is a young team, they need to learn a lot and they will. They have very good young players who could become a superstar in the future like Zion Williamson, Lanzo Ball, Brandon Ingram etc.

After a loss against San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Pelicans is out of play offs race. Now Orleans Pelicans is in the 12th place of Western Conference. They have only 2 games to play and 2 games behind Portland Trail Blazers. Portland Trail Blazer won their game against Philadelphia 76ers which means Pelicans is officially out of play offs race.    

After resuming NBA season in Bubble environment, New Orleans Pelicans won only 2 games out of 6 games. Zion Williamson has to wait until the next year to play in the playoffs if he will play next season without any injury.    

New Orleans Pelicans is the team which were most exited after resuming NBA season in Orlando knowing that they have best chances to make into play offs but all went wrong. They didn't play as they want to play. An injury concern about Zion Williamson put minute restriction on him to play in a game and that cost New Orleans Pelicans. If Zion Williamson had played more than 30 minutes in all of his games after resuming NBA season, New Orleans Pelicans had batter chances to make into the play offs. 

San Antonio Spurs has some chances to make into the play offs. They are now 1 game behind 8th seed Memphis Grizzlies and 0.5 game behind Portland means if any team will lose one of their remaining games and San Antonio win all of their games than they have chance. 

In a game against Pelicans DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Murray added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Derrick White made 16 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Rudy Gay scored 19 points coming of the bench. Belinelli also scored 14 points. 

For New Orleans Pelicans JJ Redick scored game high and season high 31 points coming off the bench and he made 8 3 pointers in a game. Zion Williamson played 27 minutes in a game and scored 25 points. Ingram added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Derrick Favors score 10 points with 12 rebounds and 1 assist. 

Next Game : 

San Antonio Spurs Vs Houston Rockets 

New Orleans Pelicans Vs Sacramento Kings

Portland Trail Blazers Vs Philadelphia 76ers  

                                      Image Credit : @twitter/@trailblazers

In other crucial game between Portland and 76ers which was important for the play offs where Portland won against 76ers 124-121. Now Portland is just 0.5 game behind Memphis Grizzlies. Damian Lillard scored 51 points with 3 rebounds and 7 assists. 

Damian Lillard joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor and James Harden to score at least five 50 points games in a season in NBA History. Carmelo also made a history with moving into the 15th place in all time scoring list passing John Havlicek and Paul Pierce.  

Ben Simmons didn't play in a game due to knee injury and Joel Embiid played only 6 minutes in a game. Joel Embiid left a game facing ankle injury. Missing 2 all stars due to injury which could be a big problem for Philadelphia 76ers.

For 76ers Josh Rchardson scored 34 points with 5 rebounds and 6 assists.  Harris and Horford added 16 and 15 points in a game. Alec Burks scored 20 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists coming off the bench.

 Next Game :

with the some hope to make into the play offs Portland Trail Blazzers will play Dallas Mavericks who is playing superb and it will be tough for Portland to win.

Philadephia 76er Vs Phoenix Suns  

NBA

                                                                                                                      Image Credit : @twitter

Last year's MVP award winner Giannis Antetokounmpo, runner up James Harden and LeBron James selected as finalists for this year's KIA MVP award. Giannis Antetokounmpo is also selected for the Defensive Player Of The Year. 

NBA also list out other awards of 2019-2020 season like Kia NBA Rookie Of the year, Kia NBA Defensive Player Of The Year, Kia NBA Sixth Man Award, Kia NBA Most Improved Player and NBA Coach Of The Year.

MVP award finalists are selected by Sportswriters and Broadcasters of United State and Canada.

NBA Most Valuable Player :

1. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

3. James Harden (Houston Rockets)

Last year Giannis won MVP award and before that James Harden did it. This season Giannis leads his team to the top of the Eastern Conference. LeBron James also leads his Los Angeles Lakers to the top of the Western Conference but Giannis Antentokounmpo is heavy favourite to win MVP award this year. If Giannis will win Kia Most Valuable Player award this season means he will become back to back MVP award winner after Stephen Curry won back to back MVP award in seasons of 2014-15, 2015-16 and before Curry LeBron James won back to back MVP awards with Miami Heat in seasons of 2011-12,2012-13.

This season Giannis averaged 29.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1 steal and 1.1 blocks per game.

James Harden averaged 34.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.9 blocks per game. 

LeBron James averaged 25.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.

Kia NBA Rookie Of the Year :

1. Jo Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) :

Jo Morant is the most favorite to win this award with averaging 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks per game. His Memphis Grizzlies team is in the 8th place in the Western Conference which make his statement to win this award is nearly possible.  

2. Zion Williamson(New Orleans Pelicans) :

Before the start of the NBA season Zion Williamson regarded as top favorite to win this award but he caught up in so many injury issues. Zion Williamson gave very good performance when he played in this season. Zion averaged 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. His team New Orleans Pelicans is in the 11th place in the Western Conference and he didn't play as many games as Jo Morant this season. These are the main reason where everyone will select Jo Morant over if Zion will not win Rookie Of The Year award.

3. Kendrick Nunn (Miami Heat) :

Kendrick Nunn also has some chance but he is playing with very good team. He averaged 15.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks per game.   

Kia NBA Defensive Player Of The Year :

Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) : 

This season Anthony Davis is become the pillar of the Los Angeles Lakers. If it's from the offensive end or defensive end. Anthony Davis delivered it from the both ends for Los Angeles Lakers but particularly he did a great job in defense for Lakers. Anthony Davis made 2.3 blocks per game and 1.4 steals per game.  

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) : 

Favorite to win MVP award and selected for the finalist of Defensive Player Of the Year this season. Gainnis Antetokounmpo made 1.1 and 1 steal per game. 

Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz) : 

Rudy Gobert made 2 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. He is making strong case to win this award but it looks like he will be fall behind from Anthony Davis and Giannis. 

This years Anthony Davis has the best chance to win this award. 

Kia NBA Most Improved Player :

Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks) :

Luka Doncic played only two season in the NBA and become the superstar of the NBA at the age of only 21 years. Last season of the NBA Luka averaged 23.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks. This season Luka averaged 30.9  points, 10.1 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.2 blocks per game. He scored nearly 7 more points per game this season than the last season and He nearly to score triple-double in this season.   

Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) : 

This is the another star making player who is doing very good for his team Miami Heat. Adebayo scored 16.1 points per game with 10.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1..2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game compared to last seasons 8.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. He improved in all category this season from the last season. 

Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans) :

This is the 4th season for Brandon Ingram in the NBA and he is improving himself a lot that is why he is here. In the Los Angeles Lakers he was unable to show his full potential but with the New Orleans Pelicans he doing great. He averaged this season 23.9 points with 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. Last season he averaged 18.3 points per game with 5.1 rebounds, 3 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.6 blocks.  

Luka Doncic and Bam Adebayo improved a lot from the last season which means this is going to be tough to decide between them.

Kia NBA Sixth Man Of TheYear :

Montrezl Harrell (Los Angeles Clippers) :

Montrez Harrell is doing a great for Los Angeles Clippers this season coming of the bench. He scored 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. This is a very good number for any who player who are not a part of starting lineup for a team.  

Lou Williams ( Los Angeles Clippers) :  

Lou Williams won this award in the last 2 seasons and this season he made into the top 3 for Most Improved Player Of The Year. He averaged 18.2 points with 3.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocks per game.

Dennis Schroder ( Oklahoma City Thunder) :

Dennis Schroder scored 18.9 points per game with 3.7 rebounds, 4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks per game. His team is standing in the 5th place of the Western Conference.

This time Lou Williams has less chance to win this award. Montrezl Harrell is the one who has best chances to win this award because of he played great at the both end of the game, means on the offensive side and defensive side.

Kia NBA Coach Of The Year :

Mike Budenholzer(Milwaukee Bucks) :

Mike Bundenholzer managed his team very well and trained them well to top the East. Now Milwaukee Bucks is one of the favorite to win NBA title with only one superstar Giannis. Bucks has other star but not the superstar compare to other teams. With Only one superstar they managed to top the East and also has a chance to win NBA title tells you that how wonderfully Mike is doing his job as a coach for Milwaukee Bucks. 

Billy Donavon (Oklahoma City Thunder) :

Billly Donavon's team is in the 5th place in the tough West. With one superstar Chrish Paul who is getting older and no other great player in a team Billy tried his best for OKC. In the last season they have 2 superstars - Russell Westbrook and Paul George but they failed to do what people expected from them but this season they did better than what everyone has expected from them. 

Nick Nurse(Toronto Raptors) : 

Nick Nurse's team holding the title of champion in NBA and they are doing great in the East. Toronto Raptors sealed the 2nd seed in the East with record of 50-19 and some games yet to play in the NBA. They don't have any top 10 player in their team but they have some stars who play like superstar for Toronto and Nick Nurse always giving his best to manage this all players to give his team best result. His team is not favorite to make into the finals of the NBA but they are dark horse which can surprise any team.   

NBA

                                                                                                    Image From : @Twitter/@okcthunder

Lakers lost their game to OKC by a huge margin of 19 points. A first time in this season Los Angeles Lakers never led in a game. Some children from 'I Promise' school visible in a game in  virtual way. This is a school which is supported by LeBron James. 

In a game, Lakers outscored by Oklahoma city thunder in the first quarter by scoring 26-18. Another bad night for Lakers from the long range, They scored from the long range 5 times out of 37. OKC was also bad from the 3 point range, They made only 5 out of 24 with shooting percentage of 20.8. 

Lakers missed so many free throws in a game making 19 out of 29  with free throws percentage of 65.5. OKC made 32 free throws out of 36 with free throws percentage of 88.9. OKC beat Lakers in every field of a game. 

In the starting line of Lakers only LeBron James  was able to  score in double figure. Anthony Davis scored only 9 points playing 29 minutes in a game. Kyle Kuzma and Waiters were the other players who scored in double figures. Waiter scored most of his points in the fourth quarter. 

Both team secured their position in the play offs and Lakers clinched the top seed in the Western conference means they were playing this game as practice game for the play offs. Now Lakers lost back to back games, Not they only lost games but all are with huge margin which could effect Lakers confidence and chemistry. 

86 points are the lowest score by Lakers this season and also OKC's opponents. Fewest points allowed by OKC to Lakers since 2016.

OKC will face Memphis Grizzlies in their next game who falls to Utah Jazz. This is their 4th loss after resuming NBA in Orlando. Now they have only 1 game advantage over Portland Trail Blazers.

What a game by Chrish Paul 

21p | 66.7% FG | 7r | 6a | Midrange Magic

Chris Paul with the @OGandE Power Play of the Game. pic.twitter.com/eP77OAZBJR

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 6, 2020

Next Game :

Los Angeles Lakers Vs Houston Rockets

Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Memphis Grizzlies

For Los Angeles Lakers :

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
James	19	11	4
Davis	9	8	5
Green	9	5	1
Kuzma	10	3	0
Waiters	14	2	2

For Oklahoma City Thunder :

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Chrish Paul	21	7	6
Adams	18	7	2
Alexander	13	7	5
Dort	14	4	0
Gallinari	19	7	0

  

NBA

                                                                                               Image From :@Twitter/@PelicansNBA

Memphis Grizzlies lost their last 3 games and they have now only 2 game advantage over 9th and 10th seeded team Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers. After loss against Pelicans, Pelicans also not far from play offs race. If Memphis will lose their other games and any team from the 3 of them will win their match they will qualify for the play offs. Now play offs race for Western Conference become more competitive.

In the play in series  9th number team in the Western Conference needs to win two times against 8th seeded team in the West. Meanwhile 8th seeded team needs to win only one game to advance in the play offs. San Antonio Spurs falls to Philadelphia 76ers. 

Zion Williamson scored 23 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. In his last two games, he missed many minutes which cost his team and they lost but in this game Zion Williamson played 25 minutes which is good news for New Orleans Pelicans. 

New Orleans Pelicans bench player did a great job in this game scoring 38 points combine in a game. 

New Orleans Pelicans gets the easiest matches, They will face Kings two time, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizard and Orlando Magic While Memphis Grizzlies have toughest matches. They will face Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. All Teams are better than them so they have very less chances to win remaining games. 

Next Game :

New Orleans Pelicans Vs Kings

Memphis Grizzlies Vs Utah Jazz

For New Orleans Pelicans :

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Ingram	24	7	5
Zion Williomson	23	7	5
Holiday	15	4	3
Redick	16	2	2
Hart	15	7	0

For Memphis Grizzlies :

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Ja Morant	11	5	8
Jackson Jr	22	2	2
Jonas	13	13	1
Brooks	15	5	3
Allen	17	1	2
Clarke	10	8	1

 

NBA

Los Angeles Lakers gets an easy win over Utah Jazz. In the Last  game against Toronto Raptors Los Angeles Lakers had no answer Kyle Lowry and Toronto players. Anthony Davis struggled against Raptors but that not happened against Utah Jazz. Anthony Davis scored only 14 points in that game against Toronto Raptors with just 6 boards.

After this win Lakers clinch number 1 seed in the West after six years and even they also missed play offs in these years.

In the first half of the game Lakers got 2 points lead over Utah Jazz 58-56 where Anthony Davis scored 23 points with 7 rebounds and 2 steals, LeBron James scored 10 points with 6 assists. 

2:02 left in the fourth quarter Rudy made 2 free throws who fouled by LeBron James and cut a lead to 6 points but Lakers come back with 3 pointer and lead extended to 9 points. Utah Jazz came back with their own three and cut a lead to 6 points. Anthony Davis had other idea when just under 43 minutes remaining in a game he scored from a long range and drew a foul. 4 points play for Anthony Davis and 40 points for Anthony Davis. Once again Utah Jazz came with their own 3 when Mitchell made 3 pointer and drew a foul. 4 points play for Mitchel and cut a lead to 6 points. 

LeBron James 10 games away from reaching 1000 games for scoring more than 10+ points in a game.

After 1984 Lakers secured number 1 seed 12 times and by doing this they won titles 6 times in those 12 number one seeding.  

For Utah Jazz Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.  This is the 19th game of Donovan Mitchell where he scored more than 30 points in a game. 

Los Angeles Lakers did a great job, shooting a ball with the percentage of 50 making 41 out of 82 meanwhile Utah Jazz made 37 shots from 83. Los Angeles Lakers not great in the 3 point shooting but better than last game against Toronto where they missed 30 3-pointers out of 40. Utah Jazz also had a bad shooting from a long range where they made 12 out of 43 with shooting percentage of 27. Lakers did a slightly better in defense by stealing a ball 12 times compared to Utah's 8. They both blocks a ball 3 times in a game.  

Next Game :

Los Angeles Lakers Vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Utah Jazz Vs Memphis Grizzlies

For Lakers :

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Anthony Davis	42	12	4
LeBron James	22	8	9
Caldwell-Pope	10	4	1
Howard	11	5	0
Kuzma	9	1	1

For Utah Jazz :    

 

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Mitchell	33	5	4
Gobert	16	13	2
Conley Jr	24	2	8
O'Neale	5	13	5

NBA