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Ranking the top 24 hip-hop NBA songs: Drops from ball references to cultural lore A panel of The Athletic writers ranked 24 of the greatest NBA drops in lyrics that spanned almost five decades worth of hip-hop music.

The NBA and hip-hop were made for each other. @curlyfro.bsky.social Jason Jones and Tony Jones rated the top 24 NBA hip-hop drops. We could have done 240! Drop yours in the comments.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

No sport embodies hip-hop more than basketball.

No genre embodies basketball more than hip-hop.

From park DJs fueling fast breaks to NBA name-drops in rap bars, the two have been intertwined for decades.

@curlyfro.bsky.social and Jason Jones on the connection: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

sounds like some m— actually i gotta go.

The business of Angel Reese: acting, modeling, branding and, of course, basketball

Angel Reese has become one of basketball’s busiest stars. With the help of her team, she’s growing her brand through acting, modeling, business partnerships, and of course, basketball.

A look inside the business of Angel Reese (free to read):

www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...

NBA trade deadline 2026 live tracker, updates: Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks, latest news, rumors

Follow The Athletic’s NBA beat reporters and national experts across the country as they give you the latest intel on the NBA Trade Deadline:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

A Negro League veteran, the third-oldest living major leaguer, died at 99 A veteran of the Negro National League died Tuesday at 99, making him the third-oldest major leaguer at the time.

RIP Ron Teasley.

that missing comma is my enemy.

The debuts of Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the league’s first Black players didn’t garner headlines 75 years ago.

ahead of the NBA’s inaugural Pioneers Day, I’m re-sharing their story:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...

i’m late as hell but omg this just made me smile.

Hail Mary The rise and fall of the National Women's Football League Britani de la Cretaz & Lyndsey D'Arcangelo

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev: A Novel Dawnie Walton

Drop the killer reads that other people put on your radar.

These are two phenomenal books I picked up a few years back solely because @curlyfro.bsky.social talked them up on Twitter.

Tyrese Haliburton was injured at the worst time imaginable. But then his world opened up Rehabbing from a devastating Achilles injury has opened up new worlds for the Pacers' star guard — and brought new resolve.

I spent the entire 2025 NBA postseason covering Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. It was a special run with a devastating ending.

We talked recently about his journey back, finding community and deeper connections, and exploring new hobbies:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...

EXCLUSIVE: It's been tough for Tyrese Haliburton to move on. He was injured at the worst time imaginable.

Now closer to his return from an Achilles rupture, Haliburton is able to reflect on the journey with new clarity.

He spoke with @curlyfro.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...

The NBA integrated 75 years ago with the debuts of three Black players The stories and legacies of Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton have been woven into the fabric of the NBA.

Wonderful work from @curlyfro.bsky.social and James Jackson on NBA pioneers Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, who broke the league's color barrier in the '50s, & are being honored during the NBA's 75th anniversary season. In
@theathletic.com:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...

i remember this! the people behind us talked all game and left early. 😭

omg.

Myles Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer, is 'the backbone' for the franchise and community

Though he isn’t a quote-unquote-superstar, it’s Myles Turner’s jersey that hangs in local bars. Turner is a beloved figure in Indianapolis for his longevity and his loyalty.

my latest on what the longest tenured Pacer means to the team and the fans:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...

Our live blog doesn't miss a thing www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

How Pacers’ ‘wear-down effect’ has drained playoff opponents: ‘We want to make it hard’ The Pacers have used their depth and speed to fly around in transition and the half court to force opponents to make mistakes late in games.

Indiana’s use of intensity, pace, physicality and high pressure has become a strategy it’s known for in this year’s playoffs.

How Pacers’ ‘wear-down effect’ has drained playoff opponents: ‘We want to make it hard’

teamed up with Eric Nehm:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...

hello. good time to reheat this.

Tyrese Haliburton uses 'extra fuel' from his doubters when the Pacers need him most

Ask anyone in basketball circles five years ago about the impact Tyrese Haliburton would have on the NBA, and it’s likely none would’ve said he’d lead a team to the NBA Finals.

But in these playoffs so far, Haliburton has delivered when IND needed him most.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...

Pascal Siakam leans on his championship credentials to will Pacers into NBA Finals

The moment Pascal Siakam raised the Larry Bird Trophy next to Reggie Miller in front of a sold-out, gold-out crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the kid from Cameroon joined the rich fabric of Indiana basketball forever.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/639...

Pacers remain confident despite Game 5 dud vs. Knicks: 'We just weren't us'

With a chance to clinch their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, the Indiana Pacers couldn’t meet the moment at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. And they looked listless in the process.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/639...

Today, yapping about another Pacers win. Good lord, Pascal Siakam. He was tremendous. And Sheppard + Bradley flew past expectations. That's how the Pacers win, and why they're up 2-0.

Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/2Wd2...
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j5o...

Watch Nembhard.

Secondary rim protector, peel switching, plugging gaps, flooding to the blocks, bluffing from the strong-side corner, taking smart fouls against Robinson, etc.

Not only the best on-ball defender for the Pacers. Also, the best off-ball defender for the Pacers. (h/t guarding Hart)

Pascal Siakam's 'special game' puts Pacers in driver's seat as they head home for Game 3

Pascal Siakam is a relatively quiet guy, choosing instead to let his game do the talking. On Friday night against the Knicks, and in front of a hostile Madison Square Garden crowd, his game was loud.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/637...

Aaron Nesmith’s historic heater flipped Game 1. He’s only been rehearsing the moment for years "Every team in the NBA wants a guy like Aaron Nesmith," Pacers teammate Tyrese Haliburton said of the Game 1 hero.

Aaron Nesmith hit a record number of 3s Wednesday night to help the Indiana Pacers comeback to beat the Knicks in Game 1.

He’s only been rehearsing the moment for years

www.nytimes.com/athletic/637...

Memorable moments in Knicks-Pacers rivalry: 4-point plays, 9 seconds and trolling Spike Lee

Memorable moments in Knicks-Pacers rivalry: 4-point play, 9 seconds and trolling Spike

www.nytimes.com/athletic/637...

What has to happen for the Knicks to win the East? How about the Pacers?

What should both teams be most worried about? Who are the x-factors?

And more...

Answering five burning questions on the ECF with @jledwardsiii.bsky.social and @curlyfro.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/636...

“World can’t hold me, too much ambition. Always knew it’d be like this when I was in the kitchen,” the Pacers rapped along with Jay-Z in their locker room. Now they’re on to the next one.

Love @curlyfro.bsky.social’s coverage of the Pacers playoff run