January 31st, 2025 - Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Russell Westbrook all came to Philly for the final game in January. It was certainly an honor for The Machine to play among those great players!

The Machine definitely made a serious impression! He performed well in what was potentially an all-time classic game! The Sixers won in DOUBLE overtime! Epic!

The Machine had the following stats:

• 33 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists
• Teammate Grade: A

The Machine is slowly having an all-time great rookie season! This is a night he'll never forget.

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🌎My Thoughts on the Sports World Today🌎

In the real world, there's a UFC Fight Night in Canada, and the NBA Playoffs officially begin! I personally consider the Play-In the Playoffs too, but it is admittedly odd a little. I won't care if someone doesn't consider the Play-In the Playoffs. I guess technically they aren't but that's just how I feel.

Tonight's UFC Fight Night is up in Canada. #11 Gibert Burns faces rising Canadian prospect Mike Malott. Gilbert Burns has lost four straight but is still ranked #11. It goes to show that his level of competition has been excellent as he's lost to only top contenders. It also goes to show how respected in the sport he is. It's been over three years since Burns last won a fight. At 39 years old I can't imagine he's got a lot of tread on the tires. Mike Malott is big and dangerous and I fear he'll handle Burns well. I think Malott wins but if Burns is thinking this is his last fight, I think he'll get it done. Burns hasn't made any legit retirement claims but has thought about it a bit. I just hope he retires with a win. Should be a good fight.

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In the NBA, the Play-In round has concluded and it was pretty fun! I think as time goes on, these games add to the history of the sport. Like for example, hypothetically, if the Hornets and Heat end up being strong contenders down the line in the next couple of years, their epic Play-In will be fun to look back on!

But yes today so far the Cavs beat the Raptors in their first game which isn't surprising. I imagine the Cavs will sweep the Raptors. The Nuggets then beat the Timberwolves in their first. The Nuggets and Timberwolves always play each other tough. I look forward to the rest of those games. It's a shame that one of them will be eliminated so early.

As of writing this post the Knicks are beating the Hawks 55-52 in their first contest. A little snapshot in sports history for ya! I think the Hawks could give the Knicks a lot of trouble. The Hawks are better than a lot of people realize.

The Rockets play the highly injured Lakers in about seventy-five minutes from now. The Rockets should win but ya never know. Even an older LeBron James is good and maybe Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves will return. Kevin Durant has a chance to improve his legacy which is highly odd in my opinion. Can he lead a team being the main guy? I don't think so but we'll have to see I guess. Right now he's sort of just a better Carmelo Anthony right now. Still an all-time great, but not even close to top 15 all time. Might not even be top 20.

Anyway, a good night of sports ahead indeed!

The sports world never sleeps, till next time!