Author: lehang

Brooklyn Beckham has shared a photo of the Los Angeles wildfires burning close to his family’s $3.8million condo.
David and Victoria Beckham‘s eldest son lives in LA with his US actress wife Nicola Peltz.

Brooklyn, 25, shared a photo from a window of the Peltz family’s LA condo with fires seen approaching in the distance and added a broken-heart emoji. It’s not known if they have evacuated.
The couple divide their time between the Beckham home in London, Nicola’s parents’ estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Peltz family’s luxury apartment in an exclusive Los Angeles condominium complex where Rihanna bought a $21million penthouse.

Pre-Brooklyn, Nicola had her own bachelorette apartment in LA but they now have access to the family property, which is in her mother Claudia’s name.

Claudia owns a swish three-bed, five-bathroom apartment on the 11th floor of The Century, in Century City, which she purchased for $3.8million in 2012.

The couple divide their time between the Beckham home in London, Nicola’s parents’ estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Peltz family’s luxury apartment in an exclusive Los Angeles condominium complex where Rihanna bought a $21million penthouse.

Pre-Brooklyn, Nicola had her own bachelorette apartment in LA but they now have access to the family property, which is in her mother Claudia’s name.

Claudia owns a swish three-bed, five-bathroom apartment on the 11th floor of The Century, in Century City, which she purchased for $3.8million in 2012.

Brooklyn Beckham has shared a photo of the Los Angeles wildfires burning close to his family’s $3.8million condo

The couple divide their time between New York, Nicola’s parents’ estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and the family’s luxury apartment in an exclusive Los Angeles condominium complex
The Century is one of LA’s most exclusive celeb condominiums with past and present residents including Denzel Washington, Paula Abdul and Candy Spelling.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s parents have said they are ‘heartbroken’ as wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles.

The couple have strong connections to the city, having once lived there when David played for LA Galaxy.

Fashion designer Victoria wrote on Instagram on Thursday morning: ‘Seeing the devastation and loss caused by these wildfires is truly heartbreaking.’

‘Los Angeles holds such a special place in our family’s hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially those who have lost their homes or loved ones.’

‘We are immensely grateful to the brave firefighters and first responders who are risking their lives to protect others. Please stay safe and look after each other during this devastating time. Victoria x’

Brooklyn’s dad David also shared an Instagram post about the fires on Thursday, writing: ‘LA is such a special place for my family.’

‘I’m heartbroken to wake up to more horrific stories and pictures and I’m thinking of everyone there including many friends and colleagues who are facing these devastating fires.

Nicola’s mother Claudia owns a swish three-bed, five-bathroom apartment on the 11th floor of The Century, in Century City, which she purchased for $3.8million in 2012

Victoria Beckham has said she is ‘heartbroken’ as wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles

The Spice Girl and her family have strong connections to the city, having once lived there when her husband David played for LA Galaxy

Victoria, David and their other children Cruz, Romeo and Harper spent Christmas with Brooklyn and Nicola at the Peltz family estate in Miami

‘My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected, their loved ones and sending gratitude to the first responders and emergency services for their courage in such a challenging situation.
Sending all my love and please support organisations helping on the ground.’

Brooklyn and Nicola got rid of their own $10.5million Beverly Hills mansion in 2022.

The two bought the property in June 2021, only to sell it 14 months later for $9.25million, taking a $1.25million hit.

 Nicola later admitted that the purchase, five months after they began dating, was ‘silly.’

‘We sold it because we were like, ‘Oh, we’re going to go to Florida for a while’. And then we’re like, ‘No, just kidding, we have to be in LA for work,’ she told Cosmopolitan.
‘It was so silly of us. And now we’re saving up money to get our dream house.’

Hollywood Boulevard has been evacuated with 100,000 people told to flee with six wildfires raging as the apocalyptic skies of Los Angeles continue to fill with smoke.

Two new blazes broke out overnight in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City – forcing first responders to redeploy their already-scarce resources to the burnt landscape.

The National Guard has been deployed and could send in military personnel to assist, amid revelations that heroic firefighters are ‘triaging’ homes and neighborhoods.

The LA Fire Department issued an evacuation order for people in an area within Hollywood Boulevard to the south, Mulholland Drive to the north, the 101 Freeway to the east and Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west – all iconic addresses in showbiz.

David also shared an Instagram post about the fires on Thursday, writing: ‘LA is such a special place for my family. I’m heartbroken to wake up to more horrific stories and pictures’

On Wednesday night Victoria shared a photo of her husband David posing with his Emmy Award in the family’s London home

The latest fires mean huge swathes of iconic southern California real estate from Malibu to Santa Monica, and from Pacific Palisades to Runyon Canyon, are ablaze – impacting millions caught off guard by the unprecedented spread and carnage.

At least five people have lost their lives in the disaster so far – with 2,000 structures obliterated and thousands of people left with nothing but ash across the city.
More than 130,000 people are under evacuation orders while Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Miles Teller, Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton are among the stars who have lost homes.

 Billy Crystal and his wife Janice lost their home of 45 years in the Palisades Fire.

King James extended support amid the South Californian crisis. The extreme Santa Ana winds, reaching up to 100 mph, have left the people unsettled in the Southland, as multiple wildfires spread across the region. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, who had traveled to Texas for a regular season match-up against the Mavericks last night, sent a heartfelt note for SoCal. Importantly, LeBron James‘ message came hours after his coach JJ Redick revealed chilling details about his family’s evacuation in the Palisades and a crucial update on their return flight.

James took to his X handle and wrote, “Praying for everyone in Southern California!! !” with a horde of praying emojis. Importantly, this wasn’t a courtesy post, especially after staying in closed quarters with a member of an affected family. Ahead of tonight’s game, JJ said, “I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now… That’s where I live.” 

Praying for everyone in Southern California!! !
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 8, 2025

JJ Redick also added, “Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming [Tuesday night], I know a lot of people are scared.” However, after the game, the star coach didn’t have the same optimistic tone. It could be mostly because of the frustrating loss against the short-handed Mavs.

Nevertheless, when a reporter asked if the team had given any update on his return flight, especially after he mentioned his family’s situation, Redick said, “I haven’t been updated on anything. I haven’t even looked at my phone yet so sorry.” Moreover, TNT reported that there would be a delay in the Lakers’ flight to LA, but it will surely take off on Tuesday night despite the smoke-filled sky in California.

Before LeBron James & JJ Redick, Steve Kerr dropped an update on his mother

California has four NBA teams: the LA Lakers, the LA Clippers, the Sacramento Kings, and the Warriors. The blaze began around 10:30 AM on Tuesday, and quickly engulfed the Los Angeles hillside on its way, where plenty of celebrities live, including JJ Redick’s family. While around 30,000 people were evacuated, the wildfire had affected around 13,000 structures.

One of them was Steve Kerr’s 90-year-old mom, Ann, who was safely evacuated. Speaking of the situation, the Warriors coach said, “I want to send my thoughts and condolences to everybody in Los Angeles dealing with the fires… Everything I’m seeing and reading is just terrifying what’s happening down there. So, just want to send thoughts to everyone who’s going through the devastation of the fire.”

Unfortunately, both Kerr and Redick didn’t have the expected results tonight, losing embarrassingly. Speaking of it, Kerr added, “Obviously the game is secondary to that and to many things in life. Perspective is important.” Undoubtedly, the South Californian wildfire issue is a much bigger issue than a regular season game result. We at Essentially Sports extend our thoughts to the families affected by the fire.

Jan 6, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo had an eventful Monday night.

On the way to a 128-104 victory against the Toronto Raptors, Anetetokounmpo attempted to block an RJ Barrett layup late in the second quarter. On the attempt, Giannis seemed to catch his pinky on the rim and checked out of the game.

Visibly uncomfortable, the two-time MVP returned to the contest with a wrap on his finger. By doing so, he clinched a historic triple-double, per AP News’ Tim Reynolds. No player has ever posted an 11-point, 12-rebound, and 13-assist triple-double in league history.

After the game, that was not the cause of the most discussion among reporters, rather the health of the Greek superstar was the hot topic at the press conference. Head coach Doc Rivers spoke on Antetokounmpo.

“He needed stitches. He didn’t want to come out because he felt like he could finish, but it kept bleeding. It definitely was affecting him. You could see it really was hurting his ballhandling a little bit,” Rivers said. “I think he’s good. I just think it’s stitches, but I actually don’t know where. I think it’s somewhere on his hand.”

Antetokounmpo required three stitches on his right hand.

After the game, Antetokounmpo did not seem to be concerned, telling reporters that he was “fine” and was not going to “overthink” this injury.

The power forward was previously listed as a game-time decision as they look toward tonight’s matchup with the San Antonio Spurs but has been upgraded to probable according to Rivers.

Other ailing Bucks upgraded to available are Khris Middleton, despite surprisingly being listed as out Monday night due to ankle tendinitis, and Andre Jackson Jr., who despite a setback in his back injury will be available for Wednesday.

Antetokounmpo is enjoying an MVP-caliber season, once again. He leads the league in scoring with 31.6 points per game, and is sixth in the league in rebounds with 11.6 per game. Before the injury-impacted Monday night performance, he was averaging 32.3 points per game.

Middleton is another Buck who is a high-impact player, when available. In 12 appearances this season, he is averaging 12.7 points per game on 40.4% shooting from the three-point line.

At 18-16, which is good for the No.5 seed in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee needs all the help they can get as they make another playoff push.

“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” lamented the “Vampires” actor.

James Woods on CNN; Los Angeles wildfires. Photo: CNN; Justin Sullivan/Getty

James Woods is mourning the loss of his newly renovated Pacific Palisades home.

In the wake of the wildfires still raging through southern California, the Vampires actor fought back tears as he recounted evacuating from his Los Angeles property, which he now knows has been destroyed by the flames.

“Our beautiful little house,” Woods lamented during an on-air interview with CNN’s Pamela Brown. He explained that he and his wife, Sara Miller-Woods, spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic living in a hotel before extending their stay while their home was being renovated. They returned to the fixed-up space just last month.

“We finally had it done, and we were swimming everyday and my blood pressure was going down,” Woods shared, his voice cracking with emotion. “If you ever saw the views from that house before this fire, they were just… It was paradise. And our neighbors, we knew them all.”

He added, “One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone.”

Woods also recounted the evacuation of his neighborhood, sharing that after he and his wife were forced to leave their home with only “the clothes on our backs,” he grew concerned for their 94-year-old neighbor, who has dementia and lives alone. Looking to confirm his safety, Woods contacted the police, to request a wellness check. He claims authorities found the elderly man still at home, in his pantry.

“He’d been left alone,” Woods said. “There was so much chaos, it was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us.”

James Woods.Charley Gallay/Getty

Of the neighbor’s current status, he confirmed, “He’s okay. They found him, he’s in the hospital, he’s great.”

At another point, Woods grew emotional as he described his 9-year-old niece’s response to learning that his home had burned down.

“She came out with her little Yeti piggybank for us to rebuild our house,” he shared.

As the conversation progressed, Woods became overwhelmed more than once, and apologized to Brown when he needed a moment to calm down.

“I thought I would be stronger than this,” Woods said, wiping tears from his eyes.

“Strength is not measured by whether you hold in crying or not,” Brown replied. “Strength is what you are doing now in helping your neighbors and shining a light on the great, amazing work of all those firefighters and emergency crews.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as multiple wildfires continue to blaze through Los Angeles County. The largest of the blazes, the Palisades Fire, broke out near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Tuesday morning and has burned at least 2,900 acres. According to the Associated Press, approximately 30,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate.

On Tuesday, the Nixon and Virgin Suicides actor used social media to document the evacuation, sharing photos that he took before fleeing his home, and additional pictures per security cameras around his home.

“To all the wonderful people who’ve reached out to us, thank you for being so concerned. Just letting you know that we were able to evacuate successfully,” Woods wrote on Tuesday night. “I do not know at this moment if our home is still standing, but sadly houses on our little street are not.”

In a subsequent post, he acknowledged his newly renovated home but added, “There is no possession as priceless as friends and good neighbors during a tragedy. I can’t believe the blessings we enjoy, and I am humbly grateful.”

The actor, who hasn’t appeared in a film since being dropped by his agent in 2017, also went on to deny that the raging fires are in any way related to climate change, calling one X user a “liberal idiot” for suggesting otherwise.

“This fire is not from ‘climate change,’ you ignorant asshole,” he wrote. “It’s because liberal idiots like you elect liberal idiots like Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass. One doesn’t understand the first thing about fire management and the other can’t fill the water reservoirs.”

Woods most recently served as a producer on Christopher Nolan’s Best Picture-winning blockbuster, Oppenheimer. Following the film’s Oscar triumph, he admitted that he was asked to “basically remain invisible” when it came to his involvement in the film, due to his vocal support for President-elect Donald Trump.

“I just, I stepped back and, basically, you know, took one for the team,” Woods said in 2024.

WNBA players are not only known for their skill on the court but also for their luxurious homes, which reflect their success and hard-earned achievements. These athletes lead extraordinary lives, and their residences tell powerful stories of ambition, overcoming adversity, and embracing a well-deserved lifestyle. From Caitlyn Clark’s serene and comfortable mansion in Iowa to the grand beachside homes of legends like Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Britney Griner, these properties provide a glimpse into the personal worlds of some of the most influential women in sports.

Caitlyn Clark, one of the brightest rising stars in women’s basketball, calls a beautiful two-story mansion in West Des Moines, Iowa her home. Located in a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood, her home embodies the simplicity and warmth of Midwestern life. Built in 2001, the 3,200 square-foot mansion features four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, making it the perfect retreat after the intensity of her basketball career.

Caitlyn’s home is designed with both elegance and practicality in mind, offering a space to unwind and recharge. The wood floors and soft lighting greet visitors in the foyer, while the spacious design allows for moments of solitude and intimate gatherings with family and friends. Outside, the house sits on a 0.29-acre lot, with a cozy back patio ideal for enjoying the summer evenings or hosting a small barbecue. Caitlyn’s home is a symbol of her humility and hard work, reflecting the grounded nature of someone who values both family and focus.

Moving to the coast, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi resides in the stunning beachfront property in Manhattan Beach, California, where she and her wife, Penny Taylor, enjoy the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The house, which is available for rent at an eye-watering $155,000 per month, offers a lifestyle more than just a place to live. Spanning 2,122 square feet, it boasts three bedrooms and a design that merges relaxed coastal vibes with sophisticated luxury. The open-plan kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring high-end appliances and custom cabinetry, while the adjacent dining area creates a perfect setting for intimate gatherings.

The expansive living room is complemented by a balcony where guests can take in breathtaking views of the ocean, creating a peaceful environment for Diana to unwind after a demanding season. The home’s primary suite offers its own private balcony, along with a spa-inspired bathroom, including a soaking tub and glass shower, providing a true sanctuary for relaxation. Diana’s beachfront retreat not only offers comfort and elegance but also serves as a reminder of her well-earned success, where every sunset and wave provides her with the inspiration to keep pushing forward.

Candace Parker, another WNBA superstar, recently made headlines with her purchase of a $4 million modern farmhouse in the upscale Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. This 6,300 square-foot estate exudes luxury while remaining approachable and grounded, much like Candace herself. The property includes five spacious bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, making it perfect for family and guests. The open-concept design of the first floor allows for seamless transitions between the living room, dining area, kitchen, and wet bar, which is ideal for entertaining.

Candace’s basement is equipped with a 10-seat home theater, perfect for watching games or enjoying a family movie night. The exterior is equally impressive, with a backyard featuring a sparkling pool, barbecue pit, and even a basketball court where Candace can practice or teach her daughter some skills. Nestled in the hills of Los Angeles, the home provides a balance between privacy and proximity to the vibrant city, allowing Candace to enjoy both the quiet retreat and the excitement of the city.

In Phoenix, Arizona, Britney Griner’s home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and peace after a year of challenges. Purchased for $475,000 in 2018, this 3,000 square-foot property is spacious and well-suited for the 6’9” athlete. The layout of the house is open, with a gourmet kitchen featuring upgraded granite countertops and a large island, perfect for meal prepping or socializing.

Griner’s home provides the comfort she needs to relax and recharge, with plenty of space to entertain guests. Phoenix, known for its sunny climate, is reflected in the home’s design, which takes full advantage of the warm desert environment. The house is a symbol of Britney’s journey, offering her a space of calm and stability after everything she has faced. The home’s cozy yet modern vibe makes it the ideal place for someone who values peace, security, and comfort.

Aja Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP, also calls a beautiful house in Las Vegas her home. Purchased in 2022 for $730,000, Aja’s home features 3,200 square feet of modern living space. With four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, the home is designed to offer both style and comfort. The large living area flows into a state-of-the-art kitchen, perfect for entertaining. The open, spacious design reflects Aja’s energetic personality, creating a space that is both vibrant and peaceful.

The exterior is perfectly suited for the Las Vegas lifestyle, with a low-maintenance yard and a patio area ideal for reflection and relaxation after a tough game. Las Vegas offers the best of both worlds: the excitement of the city combined with the peaceful solitude of home. Aja’s house mirrors her bold and dynamic character, offering her the perfect place to recharge after an action-packed career on the court.

These homes are more than just places of residence—they represent the journey and success of some of the most influential women in the world of sports. From Caitlyn Clark’s understated elegance in Iowa to Diana Taurasi’s serene beachfront retreat in California, each house tells the story of perseverance, triumph, and the balance between ambition and relaxation. Whether it’s hosting family gatherings, unwinding after a game, or finding inspiration in their surroundings, these homes provide a glimpse into the lives of WNBA players, showcasing the fruits of their labor and the joy they find in their well-earned success.

Caitlin Clark Reveals She Fulfilled a Lifelong Dream for Her Parents Before Marriage—Photo #3 Sparks Debate

Caitlin Clark, the basketball sensation known for her record-breaking performances and down-to-earth personality, has once again captured the public’s attention. This time, it’s not for her moves on the court but for a deeply personal revelation. In a recent interview, Clark shared that she had fulfilled a lifelong dream for her parents, making headlines and touching hearts. However, one particular photo from the announcement has sparked a wave of debates online.

A Dream Come True for Her Parents

In a heartfelt moment, Caitlin Clark revealed to the press that she had recently accomplished something incredibly meaningful: fulfilling a dream her parents had held for years. While she did not disclose the exact details, sources close to Clark suggest that it involved securing a dream home for her family, a gesture of gratitude for their unwavering support throughout her career.

“My parents have sacrificed so much for me to pursue my dreams,” Clark said. “This was my way of giving back and saying thank you. They deserve it all.”

Her emotional statement resonated with fans, many of whom praised her for prioritizing family and staying humble despite her immense success.

The Photo That Sparked Controversy

As part of the announcement, a series of photos was shared online, showcasing Clark with her parents in what appeared to be a celebratory moment. While most of the images were widely praised, one particular photo, labeled “Photo #3,” ignited a heated debate.

The photo shows Clark holding a symbolic key while posing with her parents in front of the new home. Critics were quick to point out that the luxurious nature of the home and the timing of the announcement—just before her rumored wedding—felt “too staged” or “overly performative.”

On the other hand, her supporters defended her actions, emphasizing that athletes often face intense public scrutiny and deserve to celebrate their achievements and personal milestones.

Fan Reactions

Social media platforms were ablaze with reactions, both supportive and critical.

“Caitlin Clark is a role model. She worked hard to give back to her parents. People need to stop nitpicking,” one fan tweeted.

“I love Caitlin, but this feels like it’s more about PR than genuine gratitude,” another commented, sparking a thread of debates about the pressures of fame and public perception.

Despite the controversy, many fans praised her act of kindness, calling it a testament to her character and values.

Balancing Fame and Family

Caitlin Clark’s decision to share this personal milestone highlights the unique challenges of living life in the public eye. As one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball, every move she makes is scrutinized, even acts of kindness.

For Clark, however, the moment was less about public opinion and more about honoring her parents. “They’ve been my biggest supporters since day one. This is just the beginning of how I plan to give back to them,” she said in her interview.

What’s Next for Caitlin Clark?

As speculation about her upcoming wedding continues to grow, Caitlin Clark remains focused on balancing her personal life with her professional career. With the WNBA season around the corner, fans are eager to see how she’ll continue to dominate on the court while navigating life’s milestones off of it.

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark’s gesture of gratitude toward her parents has proven to be both a heartwarming and polarizing moment. Whether celebrated or critiqued, it’s a reminder of the unique pressures faced by public figures. Yet through it all, Clark remains steadfast in her values, proving once again why she’s not just a basketball star but a role model for millions.

As for “Photo #3,” the debate will likely continue—but if there’s one thing Caitlin Clark has shown, it’s that she’s not afraid to keep moving forward, on and off the court.

We need a cover album ASAP.

It’s no secret (or at least it shouldn’t be anyway), that Zach Top is emerging himself as one of the biggest country artists in the genre. While Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan overwhelmingly dominate streaming numbers, Top is bringing back that traditional 80’s and 90’s sound country music fans clearly still crave, and doing it extremely well I might add.

While his original music, especially the songs from his recent sophomore studio album, “Cold Beer & Country Music,” are nothing short of incredible, the man does every artist before him justice when he adds his smooth and twangy vocals into the mix. From his acoustic covers of George Strait’s “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” and “Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her” (you can watch that here), to his live performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Nobody To Blame,” Top just doesn’t miss.

And recently, I did a quick deep dive on Zach’s YouTube account and discovered a cover of George Strait’s 1991 #1 hit, “You Know Me Better Than That.”

The song was written by Anna Lisa Graham, as well as Tony Haselden, and was released in June of 1991 as the second single off The King’s eleventh studio album, “Chill Of An Early Fall.” While “You Know Me Better Than That” often gets overlooked in Strait’s lengthy discography, to me it’s one of his best uptempo tracks and currently boasts nearly 12 million streams on Spotify alone.

While this might not be the most exciting cover that Top has uploaded to social media, it’s definitely worth watching. Check it out for yourself here:

Giannis Antetokounmpo spends much of his summer vacation exploring various Greek islands with his family. Recently, the NBA star and his brothers visited Mykonos, where they were photographed swimming at a popular beach.

On the “Island of the Winds,” Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex bask in the sun and enjoy the water. Upon spotting the paparazzi, they strike comical poses.

In one photo, Thanasis playfully gives Giannis a sunburn, while in another, he poses humorously, showcasing the camera that’s capturing him.

 

The Bucks got some mixed news on the injury front on Wednesday.

Jan 6, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to turn their play around. They have lost four of their last six games, but they are coming off a 128-104 victory over the Raptors. Milwaukee won that game despite having their best player get hurt in the middle of the contest.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was hurt when he suffered a cut on his right pinkie. It actually required three stitches, but he was able to return to the game. While he only finished with 11 points, he also had 12 rebounds and 13 assists to record a triple-double. That pinkie isn’t an issue ahead of their game against the Spurs on Wednesday.

Khris Middleton missed the game against Toronto as they continued to manage his workload as he continues his recovery from his bilateral ankle surgeries. This was a rest day as he tries to work himself back into basketball shape, specifically for the playoffs in April.

Ahead of the game against San Antonio, the injury report has seen Antetkounmpo downgraded and Middleton upgraded. Both are listed as probable. Antetokounmpo is listed there because of his normal right patella tendinopathy, not his pinkie issue. Middleton is listed there because of the bilateral ankle injury management.

The Bucks are hoping to have both available for this game. This is a time in their schedule in which they can start to make some headway in the East. Right now, they sit at fifth. Even so, they are just two games ahead of the tenth spot. The Eastern Conference is extremely bunched up.

Middleton is likely to return in this game; however, he will come off the bench as we learned head coach Doc Rivers informed Middleton of the change earlier this week.

Milwaukee needs to have their best players on the court at the same time for more than just two games at a time. They have to get themselves healthy so they can solidify their spot in the playoffs. Making a move or two at the deadline might help them survive games where they don’t have everyone together.

As far as this game against the Spurs goes, they have their hands full. Victor Wembanyama, has already established himself as one of the best players in the league. Defending him is going to be tough, especially if Antetokounmpo can’t go.

These are the kinds of games that the Bucks have to win if they want to be a contender to win the NBA Championship. The Spurs are a good team. Milwaukee needs to prove they are closer to being an elite team.

The superstar big man suffered the ailment against the Toronto Raptors on Monday.

Jan 6, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Eight-time All-NBA Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an ominous injury while trying to block a layup attempt from Toronto small forward RJ Barrett in the contest’s second quarter.

The 30-year-old caught his pinky on the rim of the Raptors’ basket and ultimately had to check out of the contest. His pinky had to be stitched up, and he eventually checked back in wearing a wrap around the finger. Antetokounmpo notched an 11-point, 12-rebound, 13-assist triple-double, reportedly the first ever in league history, Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press reports.
When asked after the game about the finger, the two-time league MVP seemed to be in a relatively good mood.

“I feel great. I got some stitches in my finger. I told my wife. My wife’s still with me. She still likes me, so we won the game, good day,” Antetokounmpo said, employing a decidedly glass-half-full perspective.

When asked how he thinks the stitches could impact his play over at least the next few games as his finger recuperates, Antetokounmpo was quick to submit another joke.

“Yeah, I might not be able to make threes now. Oh my goodness,” Antetokounmpo said.

Antetokounmpo is, historically, a sub-par 3-point shooter. His most efficient season from long range was his rookie year, 2013-14, when he made 34.7 percent of his 1.5 triple tries a night. Since then, he’s only cleared 30 percent shooting from distance three times, and he hasn’t even done that since 2020-21. Across the last four seasons, the eight-time All-Star has been making a scant 28 percent of his 2.4 triple tries a night. This year, Antetokoumpo is connecting on 20 percent of his 0.7 long range looks per bout.

For now, it appears unlikely that this finger ailment will cause Antetokounmpo to miss much time — if any.

On the season, Antetokounmpo appears to be making a concerted push for his third MVP award, which would mark his first such honor since 2020.

This year, the 6-foot-11 big man is averaging a league-most 31.6 points on 60.2 percent shooting from the field and 60.5 percent shooting from the foul line, 11.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 0.8 steals a night across his 28 healthy contests. But the Bucks probably need to win more for Antetokounmpo to pick up that kind of hardware again.