Kyrie Irving snaps back after NBA guru drops haymaker on newest Maverick

Bill Simmons recently had some choice words for D'Angelo Russell ahead of his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, and Kyrie Irving isn't putting up with it. On a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," Simmons went after Russell, particularly his consistency, by comparing him to a friend who overstays his welcome.

"He’s your buddy that comes to visit and it’s really great when he is only there for one day and by day six you’re like, ah, I’m ready for him to leave," Simmons said. "That’s DLo."

Irving saw an aggregation of this quote on X, and he made it clear that he wasn't a fan of what Simmons had to say.

Kyrie Irving boldly backs up D'Angelo Russell

Irving is known as one of the top leaders of the team, especially as he spends time sidelined due to the torn ACL that he suffered back in March, and he never refrains from standing up for his teammates when needed, on and off the court. Russell has received his fair share of doubt ahead of his first year in Dallas, as fans and media have been concerned that he won't be able to be dynamic enough to replace Irving's production until he returns.

He quickly proved that he will be a great Irving replacement in his first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as he finished with five points and five assists, and he followed this up with seven points and five assists last night against the Charlotte Hornets. His playmaking is looking excellent, and this is what could help lead him to having an excellent first season in Dallas.

Whether he's throwing a lob from half court to Cooper Flagg for an emphatic slam or throwing a pocket pass to a cutting big man in transition, he has proven that he is going to be a reliable stopgap point guard. Russell's playmaking and passing have been magnified within the Mavericks' offense, and he has exemplified that he is willing to switch his playstyle to fit what they need, and Irving's defense of Russell is how every Mavs fan is feeling.

Russell isn't constantly calling his own number and trying to be a primary scoring option, even though he can do that when needed, and his play to begin the year is going to be one of the Mavs' biggest X-factors. He just needs to maximize the play of those around him while taking care of the basketball and being a steady hand and leader, and if the two preseason games have shown anything, they have proved that he can do that.

Russell has the pieces around him to lead a strong offensive force, as Flagg, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II will likely join him in the starting lineup, and Simmons' take on Russell could end up blowing up in his face.

It goes without saying that Russell has had his fair share of struggles in some previous stops, and his new role in Dallas will give him the chance to show that situation and fit are everything. Russell signed with the Mavericks despite having the chance to earn more elsewhere, and his bold bet on himself is what could have Simmons eating his words at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

49ers star Jauan Jennings’ blunt reaction to heated moments with Kyle Shanahan

The San Francisco 49ers’ injury-weary season encountered a fresh setback in Week 6, resulting in a 30-19 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before 62,411 fans. Amid the team’s struggles, wide receiver Jauan Jennings was at the center of an on-field confrontation with head coach Kyle Shanahan.

The sideline confrontation occurred late in the first half with San Francisco trailing 20-16. Reports indicate that Shanahan confronted Jennings after a play in which teammate Demarcus Robinson dropped a pass, but later redeemed himself with a 31-yard reception. The exchange escalated quickly, requiring intervention from the team’s sideline staff and Shanahan's security detail to de-escalate the situation.

When asked about the incident after the game, Jennings said, “Ask him,” (h/t Vic Tafur of The Athletic).

Shanahan, meanwhile, gave more than a two-word response.

“It was just an intense, competitive conversation between two people at the end of the second quarter, but we're good,” he said.

Jennings played through significant injuries, including ankle, shoulder, and rib issues, even revealing after the game that he was carrying five broken ribs. As a result, the 28-year-old's contributions were limited, catching only one pass for seven yards on three targets. He also committed a false start to start the second half and drew two penalties, exceeding his single reception for the game.

Before Sunday, Jennings had started three games this season, collecting nine receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown. On the season, he now totals 10 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Jennings is in the final year of a two-year, $15.4 million deal signed in May 2024, with incentives potentially boosting his 2025 salary to $10.5 million. He requested a trade during the offseason, leaving his future with the team uncertain, a situation the team later resolved. After a career-high 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns last season, Jennings’ role has expanded. However, injuries and limited practice time, having participated in only two full sessions since the regular season began, have affected his performance and may impact his free agency value.

The 49ers roster has been decimated by injuries. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy missed Sunday's game as he continues to recover from a toe injury, and defensive stars Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and Fred Warner (broken and dislocated ankle) are out for the season. Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle have also been dealing with injuries.

Despite this, San Francisco has maintained a 4-2 record. They will take on the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 7.

Continue reading