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Maybe you eat, sleep and breathe basketball.
Maybe you don’t.
Regardless, you should at the very least know where things stand in the series and be able to make an educated comment or two about how we got there.
Thusly, we’re teaming up with Samsung 837 on Courtside Commentary, a quick-and-dirty Finals primer delivering you six nuggets of Naismith-ian knowledge throughout the series.
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Has Golden State “figured out” LeBron James? The Warriors have now beaten the Cavaliers in seven straight games, including Sunday’s 110-77 win. Give credit this time to Draymond Green: hard to believe, but a Splash Bro has yet to net 20 points in a game in the series. And it doesn’t seem to matter.
Further reading:
It’s pretty obvious that Cleveland’s Golden State imitation is not working
Good defense: Jerry West (aka “The Logo”) offers a passionate response to LeBron’s critics
The key to a Cavs comeback? Figuring out Golden State’s “death” lineup.
THIS IS THE FUTURE OF RETAIL
“A scene from TRON.” “The playground of the future.” “An experiential wonderland.” Those are but three of the phrases our NY editor once used to describe 837, a Meatpacking District experiment in retail hosted by our friends at Samsung. Inside: virtual reality roller coasters, a fully loaded recording studio, a sci-fi kitchen and a three story screen made of 96 55-inch screens. The kicker: nothing is for sale. Want to check it out for yourself? Head to 837 Washington Street.
MAD LIB: JARED SULLINGER
Forward, Boston Celtics
PHOTO BY MADDIE MEYER | GETTY IMAGES
Playing pro ball is a dream come true. I never thought it would be this much fun actually participating in my own dream. Sometimes when I play in New York I like to visit Philippe’s because their sautéed chicken is my favorite. When I’m on the road, the show I most like to binge watch is Martin. My favorite character is Cole because of his humor. If there’s one thing I can’t live without during the season, it is my phone. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the world.
SUMMER SERIES KICKOFF
Last week, Samsung 837 shut down two New York City blocks to kick off their jam-packed Summer Series with a concert by Gwen Stefani and Diplo. Dubbed “A Galaxy of Possibility,” the performance showcased the release of the Samsung GearFit2 as well as the unbound potential of the space itself. Phantogram, Tegan & Sara and St. Lucia are all scheduled to appear later this summer; check out the full events program (and register to attend) at the official 837 site.
FROM THE TRAINING ROOM …
Player nutrition has come a long way since the days of Jordan and Bird playing H-O-R-S-E for Big Macs. Players these days know that in order to get the most out of their bodies, they have to monitor what they put into them. In order to make that happen, they often seek help from experts. Here are some dietary and nutritional tips from three of the best in the biz.
HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION
“Being properly hydrated is essential to optimal performance and recovery,” says LA Clippers team nutritionist Meg Mangano. “It helps everything in the body work better, and it is the most impactful yet least threatening goal to begin with. Individual needs vary, but the general recommendation is to consume 1/2-1 ounce per pound of body weight in fluids per day (200 pounds = 100-200 ounces per day).”
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
“We can always pop a multivitamin, but getting our vitamins and minerals from our foods is preferred,” says Lindsay Langford, a sport dietitian at St. Vincent Sports Performance who consults for the Indiana Pacers. “Absorption rate is typically higher than a capsule format, so look to dress your plate in ‘color’ for a full array of vitamins and minerals that aid a full array of bodily functions and needs.”
CARB UP
“While carbohydrates have become stigmatized as evil these days, they are necessary for the athletes I train, both pre- and post-workout,” says “Hoops Whisperer” Idan Ravin, a training guru who’s worked with Steph and LeBron. Langford agrees: “Carbohydrates are still the bodies preferred and primary energy source. If you’re training, be sure to pack the ‘bookends’ of your workout with carbs.”
BUY THIS THING
Indoor Mini Basketball Kit by KILLSPENCER
The plastic-and-mesh setup of your bedroom-breaking youth this is not. In its palce: a black maple backboard with 24k gold rim. Because growing up doesn’t have to mean an end to dunking on unsuspecting children.
