Harrison Posts Words

Episode Reference: Harrison Talks Pod The Portland Trail Blazers entered this season with a clear direction—rebuild mode. After trading away Damian Lillard, expectations were low. But now, as the season nears its end, the Blazers are exceeding all expectations. Their recent surge includes a 4-game win streak and impressive victories over teams like the Nuggets and Grizzlies. So, the big question remains: Should they lean into the future, or should they chase a play-in spot now? 1. Blazers Exceeding Expectations At the start of the season, it seemed like the Blazers were fully embracing a rebuild. The second full season after the Lillard trade signaled that they were in it for the long haul. But fast forward to today, and the Blazers are riding a wave of momentum. The 4-game win streak has surprised many, and those wins over top teams like the Nuggets and Grizzlies have shown they’re capable of more than just rebuilding. 2. Deni Avdija’s Breakout Performance One of the brightest ...

Episode Reference: Harrison Talks Pod The Phoenix Suns are hanging on by a thread. Sitting at 34-37, they’re tied for 10th place in the Western Conference, barely holding onto a play-in spot. With the most difficult schedule ahead, some big questions remain: Can they turn it around? Let’s dive into the big picture and where the Suns stand as the playoff race heats up. 1. Big Picture - Season Overview This is the Suns' toughest season in five years , no doubt. It's been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, and consistency continues to be a problem. Even with a 3-game win streak, the long-term stability of this team is still up for debate. 2. Booker’s Emotional Toll When your franchise player, Devin Booker, is visibly frustrated after a tough loss to the Lakers, you know there’s tension brewing. His public frustration is a clear sign of something deeper: possible chemistry issues or leadership struggles. With Booker feeling the weight of the season, is it affecting the t...

The latest episode of Harrison Talks Pod spotlighted the chaotic situations shaking up the NBA—and the Dallas Mavericks might be dealing with the wildest one yet. With injuries piling up, the Mavs are dangerously close to a league-forced forfeit, something rarely seen in modern NBA history. Let’s discuss how Dallas got here and what it could mean for the Western Conference playoff picture. Mavs’ Injury Nightmare Explained Dallas is battling a severe injury crisis, with key players like Kyrie Irving (out for the season with an ACL injury), Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Dante Exum, Maxence-Prosper, and Jaden Hardy all sidelined. As a result, the Mavs are flirting with falling below the NBA’s minimum requirement of eight available players, a scenario that could trigger an automatic forfeit under league rules. Making matters worse, two-way players Kessler Edwards and Brandon Williams are nearing the limit of how many NBA games they can play without being con...

In the latest episode of Harrison Talks Pod , I discussed the growing controversy surrounding player rest and competitive integrity in the NBA—and now, two teams are at the center of it all. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers are both under investigation for potential violations of the NBA’s Player Participation Policy (PPP), raising fresh debates about how teams manage injuries and rest down the stretch. OKC Thunder’s Star Rest Controversy On March 7th, the Thunder rested all five starters, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, against the Trail Blazers, while most of these players suited up in the games immediately before and after. The NBA’s PPP states that teams can only rest one “star player” per game and must avoid excessive rest that could impact playoff races or fan engagement. OKC’s situation is now under review, with some speculating they could follow the Utah Jazz, who were fined $100k earlier this season. The Thunder listed players with various...

The Lakers faced a tough challenge against the Celtics, falling 101-111 in a game that showcased Boston’s dominance and highlighted key concerns for L.A. LeBron James had a near triple-double performance, but his late-game injury raises serious questions about the Lakers’ immediate future. Here are three major takeaways from the game and what LeBron’s injury means for the Lakers going forward. (This post is based on a podcast segment from Harrison Talks Pod —be sure to check it out for a deeper dive!) 1. LeBron’s Injury Could Derail the Lakers’ Momentum LeBron James put up an impressive stat line (22 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists) before leaving the game in the fourth quarter due to a groin strain. While early reports suggest it’s not as severe as his 2018 groin injury, he is expected to miss at least 1-2 weeks. This is a huge blow for the Lakers, especially with upcoming games against top-tier opponents like the Nuggets and Bucks. Why It Matters: LeBron has been the Lakers' most ...

This post comes from a recent segment on Harrison Talks Pod , where I broke down the heated MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić. After back-to-back matchups between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets—each winning one—it’s time to reassess where both stars stand. Jokić, a three-time MVP, remains a statistical anomaly, but Gilgeous-Alexander is making a serious case as the best guard in the league on the best team in the West. Who has the edge in the MVP conversation with both players leading top Western Conference teams? Let’s dive in. Thunder Take Game 1: Shai’s MVP Moment? In the first game of this two-game series, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show. He dropped 40 points, handed out eight assists, and shot a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. This marked his third consecutive 40+ point game and his 11th of the season, highlighting just how dominant he’s been offensively. Jalen Williams also stepped up, contributing 26 points, nine rebo...

With the explosion of sports content online, it's easy to wonder—does writing matter as much anymore? After all, there are so many options for sports media these days, from podcasts to YouTube channels, and social media updates to streaming platforms. But here’s the thing: authentic, written sports media matters more than ever. In an age where authenticity is paramount, the right words have the power to connect with fans in a way that visuals alone can’t always replicate. If you're a true fan of the NBA, or any sport, you’re likely craving insightful, engaging content that doesn’t just regurgitate stats and talking points, but speaks to the heart of the game. Finding Your Voice in Sports Writing When I started writing about the NBA, I had no idea where to begin. It wasn’t enough to simply watch the games or read the latest analysis. I knew writing was something I enjoyed and something that I wanted to pursue, but I didn’t understand the process or my voice. I quickly realized t...

Originally discussed on the expanded segment of Harrison Talks Pod , where we explored 4 players having surprising seasons. Malik Beasley and Christian Braun Shaking Up the League While defense has been a huge spotlight of this segment, this season has seen some surprising offensive performances that have truly shaken things up. Malik Beasley and Christian Braun are two players who have emerged from unexpected places, proving that offensive firepower can come from anywhere. Let’s explore how these two players have made huge strides and surprised the league with their performances. Malik Beasley - The NBA’s Biggest Surprise Shooter Malik Beasley has turned heads this season with his incredible shooting ability, making him one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive weapons. While initially seen as a potential trade piece for the Pistons, Beasley has not only secured a pivotal role but has also redefined what it means to be a bench shooter. Beasley has been lights out from beyond the arc, ...

Originally discussed on the expanded segment of Harrison Talks Pod , where we explored 4 players having surprising seasons. Defensive Surprises of the NBA: Dyson Daniels and Evan Mobley Making Waves The 2024 NBA season has brought us several surprises, especially on the defensive end. Two players I’m excited to discuss this week are Dyson Daniels, the dynamic guard leading the league in steals, and Evan Mobley, the young big man whose defensive prowess has vaulted him to the top of the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Let’s dive into their stellar performances and analyze why these two players are shaking up the DPOY race. Dyson Daniels - The Defensive Juggernaut Dyson Daniels' leap into the defensive spotlight this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his defensive versatility, Daniels has emerged as one of the NBA's most disruptive forces, and he's not just doing it in one area. His numbers tell the story: Leading the NBA with 3 steals per game...

  Sports blogging isn’t just about reporting scores or sharing opinions—it’s about creating content that keeps fans engaged, sparks discussions, and builds a loyal audience. Whether you’re covering the NBA, NFL, or any other league, the quality of your writing can make or break your blog’s success. In an era where social media and big sports media dominate the conversation, how can your blog stand out? The answer lies in engaging, well-written, and consistent content . Why I Got into Sports Blogging I’ve been a lifelong sports fan, with a deep love for the NBA and a passion for writing that started early. Growing up in Saint Louis, I was always drawn to sports journalism, fascinated by the way great writers could break down games, analyze players, and tell compelling stories that bring the sport to life. Blogging has been a part of my journey for as long as I can remember, and my current blog, Harrison Posts Words , was born from my NBA podcast and a desire to connect with fellow b...