Hoops Heat Magazine

​ HOOPS 006 - COOPER FLAGG. DECEMBER SPOTLIGHT: THE ELITE TRIFECTA 01 January 2026 By: Omphile Ramaube. COVER STORY: COOPER FLAGG — THE RISE OF A GENERATIONAL ROOKIE THE PHENOM ARRIVES When the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, basketball fans knew something special was coming but few could predict just how fast he’d grow into a league-shaking force.  From raw prospect to December headline maker, Flagg’s rookie season has become one of the most compelling stories in the NBA.  NBA.com EARLY SEASON: LEARNING THE ROPES Flagg’s transition to the NBA wasn’t flawless like many young stars, he experienced adjustment pains early on, struggling with consistency and the sheer speed of the pro game. But those growing pains quickly turned into positive signs as he began to find his rhythm. Sources/CBS Sports BREAKOUT MOMENTS This month, Flagg has had multiple nights where the world leaned in. 30-point masterclass vs. Denver: He exploded against the Nugget...

​ THROWBACK HOOPS 006 - JEREMY LIN. 01 January 2026 By: Omphile Ramaube. COVER STORY: LINSANITYV Linsanity (2012) When the NBA wasn’t ready and neither was the world. Jeremy Lin went from end of the bench to global superstar in weeks. His game-winning shot vs. Toronto and 38-point night vs. the Lakers shocked the league. It was one of the most unexpected runs ever. Features Kobe Bryant’s Redemption Run (2008–2010) After losing the 2008 Finals to the Celtics, Kobe came back on a mission. The Lakers won back to back championships in 2009 and 2010, with Kobe earning two Finals MVPs. The 2010 Finals Game 7 vs. Boston wasn’t pretty statistically, but it cemented Kobe’s legacy as a closer and leader. Derrick Rose’s MVP Rise (2011) At just 22 years old, Derrick Rose became the youngest MVP ever. He led the Bulls to 62 wins and took down LeBron’s Heat in the regular season. His explosive style and humble personality made him one of the most loved players in the league. LeBron James’ “Decision”...

​ NBA INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION: NBA CHRISTMAS DAY CLASSICS Cover Story Relive the Magic of Christmas Day Games: 1995, 2011, and 2016 Christmas Day in the NBA is a time for unforgettable moments. Let's revisit three iconic games that defined the holiday. SPECIAL EDITION: NBA CHRISTMAS DAY LEGENDS Headliners Kobe's Showtime Kobe Bryant scores 38 points, leads LA Lakers past Miami Heat 102-87 (2009) King's Dominance LeBron James posts 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists in Cleveland Cavaliers' 89-81 win over Golden State Warriors (2016) Harden's Scoring Spree James Harden drops 53 points, helps Houston Rockets beat San Antonio Spurs 109-114 (2018) Game Highlights Kobe Bryant: 38 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists (2009) LeBron James: 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists (2016) James Harden: 53 points, 7 rebounds, 17 assists (2018) Quotes - "Kobe was a one-of-a-kind player."  — Pau Gasol (2009) “LeBron's greatness is unmatched."  — David Griffin, Cavaliers GM (201...

​ THROWBACK HOOPS — Issue 006. - 21 DEC 2025 Cover Story THE ADMIRAL'S REIGN David Robinson Dominates the '95 Season, Earns MVP Honors David Robinson was unstoppable in the '95 season. The Admiral averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 62-20 record and the best mark in the Western Conference. Robinson's impressive play earned him the NBA Most Valuable Player award, the first time a Spur had received the honor. "He's the best player in the league," said Spurs coach Bob Hill. "He's a freak athlete with incredible skills." Robinson's dominance was evident on both ends of the court. He was named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team, alongside the great Dennis Rodman. The Spurs advanced to the Western Conference Finals, but fell to the eventual champion Houston Rockets. Stats 27.6 PPG 10.8 RPG 3.2 BPG 62-20 Record Quote "He's the best player in the league....

​ NBA Insider Magazine Headlines Thunder Advances Oklahoma City Thunder defeats San Antonio Spurs, heads to NBA Cup final. Jokić Dominates Nikola Jokić scores 40 points, 12 rebounds in Denver Nuggets' win over Atlanta Hawks. LeBron's Solid Game LeBron James scores 29 points in Los Angeles Lakers' win over Philadelphia 76ers.  Player of the Week Jaren Jackson Jr.  (Memphis Grizzlies): 28 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists in win over Minnesota Timberwolves. Injury Report Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) out with left calf strain. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) out with ankle injury. Anthony Edwards (MinnesotaTimberwolves) out with foot injury.  Championship Highlights New York Knicks defeat San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in NBA Cup final Jalen Brunson named MVP, averages 29 points per game in tournament OG Anunoby leads Knicks with 28 points Mitchell Robinson grabs 15 rebounds Tournament Standings New York Knicks NBA Cup champions, first title since 1973 San Antonio Spurs Runner-up...

​ NCAA Basketball Magazine Headline Purdue Falls to Iowa State, Duke Keeps Rolling Top Stories Purdue Boilermakers Ranked No. 1 The Boilermakers are currently ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll, with a 7-0 start and impressive defense. Iowa State's Upset Win The Cyclones upset top-ranked Purdue 81-58, showcasing their strong team chemistry and defense. Duke's Strong Start The Blue Devils are 8-0, with standout performances from freshman Cam Boozer, who's leading the National Player of the Year race. Michigan's Dominance The Wolverines are ranked No. 3, with a dominant win over Central Michigan 82-40. Tennessee's Unbeaten Streak The Vols are 12-0, trailing for only 43:39 out of 480 minutes this season. Recent Results No. 25 Arkansas defeated No. 6 Louisville  89-80 No. 12 Alabama beat Clemson 90-84 Virginia defeated Texas 88-69 BYU beat Cal Baptist 91-60 UCLA edged Washington 82-80

​ NBA Insider Headline Thunder Strikes, Nuggets Make Epic Comeback Lakers News LeBron James Has opted into his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. The Lakers are currently 17-6, ranked 2nd in the Western Conference. Game Highlights Oklahoma City Thunder Won 132-111 against the Dallas Mavericks, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 33 points Denver Nuggets Came back from a 23-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Hawks 134-133, with Nikola Jokić scoring 40 points Cleveland Cavaliers Beat the San Antonio Spurs 130-117, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 28 points Memphis Grizzlies Beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-98, with Cedric Coward scoring 23 points Injury Report Franz Wagner Out with a knee injury Alex Sarr Sidelined with an adductor injury Anthony Davis Out 7-10 days with left calf strain LeBron James and Luka Dončić Out for the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New Orleans Pelicans Today's Games Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves at 4:30 PM P...