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Ja Morant submitted a “Dunk of the Year” nominee on Monday evening, throwing down an emphatic slam over San Antonio Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl to great acclaim. Later in the same quarter, Morant converted a buzzer-beater and had 29 points in the first half to lead Memphis to a solid lead over San Antonio. However, the third-year superstar was not done by a long shot, leading the way from wire to wire and finishing with a career-best 52 points in a 118-105 home victory.

Morant was highly efficient on the way to the 52-point outburst, shooting 22-of-30 from the floor and 4-of-4 from three-point range. Considering Morant entered the night shooting only 33 percent from long distance, his numbers should boost his season-long output, and Morant used that three-point weapon to open up the floor.

As always, Morant attacked the rim at will, getting downhill and putting pressure on the defense as a result. He was a game-best +23 on the evening and needed only 34 minutes of court time to rack up 52 points.

The crowd at FedEx Forum also showed its appreciation for Morant as he checked out to a standing ovation in the final minutes, as he somehow managed to top his 46-point effort from Saturday (which set the Grizzlies single-game scoring record for all of two days before breaking it again).

On a night when Morant had one of the best highlights of the season, he was even better in the floor game, and Memphis climbed within just one game of the Golden State Warriors for the No. 2 seed in the West. Not bad for a day’s work in the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has turned into one of the NBA’s most dominant forces and cemented his place among the all-time greats last season with his performance leading the Bucks to a championship, saving his best for last with a 50-point game to clinch his first ring.

That effort from Giannis in the postseason won over just about every skeptic of his, as even the likes of Shaq and others have given him his due props for being a dominant big man who could hold his own at any time. However, there are apparently still some who don’t believe Giannis’ game, which is about as timeless as it gets, would translate to the 80s and 90s, as Charles Oakley made headllines over the weekend when he made the outrageous claim that Giannis would’ve been a bench player “back in the day.”

It is one of the funniest examples of a player from that era downplaying the success of a current star, and on Monday night Isiah Thomas was in studio for NBA TV when they had a Bucks-Hornets game and was teed up for a question about how Giannis’ game would translate across eras. Thomas had a hilarious response to Oakley, saying Antetokounmpo would “dog you every single time you stepped on the court.”

“Dude, Giannis going around Oakley. Giannis going around all them. He dunking on them. He bigger, he faster, he stronger. You can talk all that stuff cause you don’t play no more,” Thomas said. “You can talk all that stuff cause you got gray hair and sittin on the sidelines smoking cigars talkin about what you used to do. That dude would dog you every single time you stepped on the court. Now, you may hit him hard, ok, alright, after you hit him hard you ain’t got no game. You ain’t got no game.”

You’d be hard pressed to find too many people who would side with Oakley in this argument, particularly given what we saw from Giannis in the postseason when he answered just about every question about whether he could still dominate when teams load up on him in the playoffs and try to beat him up. Previously that had been the critique of his game, but that’s been pretty well put to rest and Thomas made it abundantly clear what he, a Hall of Famer of that same era, thinks of Oakley’s assertion.

Michael Keaton has been busy lately, and not just with the Golden Globe-winning Dopesick. Like many of his generation, he’s been called back to dust off old roles. He’ll soon be seen reprising Batman not once but twice, in The Flash and the HBO Max movie Batgirl, to say nothing of exhuming his Spider-Man: Homecoming villain for Morbius. But he may have to return to yet another former gig, and it’s all thanks to Brad Pitt.

As per Deadline, Pitt’s production company Plan B Entertainment, which tends to focus on smaller, more socially conscious films like Minari, Moonlight, and The Big Short, is looking to get into the franchise business. That would explain why they’ve boarded the long-threatened sequel to Beetlejuice, the fantasy-comedy classic from Tim Burton that saw Keaton as a malicious spirit hired by a recently deceased couple (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) to scare off the new owners of their old house.

Right now, it’s not clear who would return. Keaton isn’t confirmed, nor are David, Baldwin, Winona Ryder, who played a Goth teenager who gets involved. Ditto Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Jones, who played her despised parents, as well as Burton. That makes Pitt the highest-profile name officially attached at this point, though perhaps he could step into the role once played by Keaton, giving his most spastic performance since 12 Monkeys.

(Via Deadline)

Much has been made of the third-year breakout of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. The 22-year-old made the leap from being a star-level player during is sophomore season to a bonafide superstar in 2021-22, leading the Grizzlies to a top-four seed in the Western Conference along the way. Beyond the clear effectiveness of his overall play, Morant is also a walking highlight, turning heads on a nightly basis with his patented blend of athleticism, physicality and almost reckless pursuit of the rim.

On Monday, Morant was at it again during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs, putting big man Jakob Poeltl on a memorable poster late in the second quarter, as he authored a serious Dunk of the Year candidate.

Poeltl isn’t exactly a slouch, as he is widely considered an upper-tier defender at the center position. In this clip, Morant seemingly has no regard for his presence, exploding toward the rim and finishing with authority despite Poeltl being outside the restricted area when he takes off. Morant may not be the only player in the league that could finish this dunk, but the list is not very long, and he adds this to an ever-growing array of highlight throw-downs.

For good measure, Morant showed off his perimeter skills just before the halftime break, knocking down a wild buzzer-beater to give Memphis a ten-point cushion.

For his trouble, Morant finished with 29 (!) first-half points against San Antonio, needing only 15 field goal attempts and 16 minutes to gather that lofty total. It was yet another reminder of his brilliance this season, but watching Morant dunk on a loop can be good for the soul.

Those who are intimately familiar with the New York subway system will find Michelle’s “Pose” video highly relatable. Hey, if stars like John Mulaney and LCD Soundsystem can venerate the storied public transportation system on SNL, why wouldn’t the six-piece turn to it as a backdrop themselves? The video, which is for a song taken from upcoming project, After Dinner We Talk Dreams, was choreographed by band member Emma Lee. The album will be released on March 4, just in time for the band’s upcoming tour dates opening for Mitski, as well as several headlining shows in North America and Europe.

Back in September, the group announced their album with the lead single, “Syncopate,” and followed that track up with “Mess U Made,” before releasing “Expiration Date” at the top of the year. The band features the rare of four female vocalists, Sofia D’Angelo, Layla Ku, Emma Lee and Jamee Lockard, who sing in layered harmonies, while members Julian Kaufman Charlie Kilgore are mostly focused on production. Although a press release notes that “predominantly POC and queer collective mix and match the writing and production groups amongst the six of them.” Check out the “Pose” video up top and look for Michelle’s new album coming in just a few days.

There’s been a fair amount of wacko talk about Russian president Vladimir Putin since he ordered soldiers to invade neighboring Ukraine. While most lawmakers, including the majority of Republicans, have denounced him, others have not. Former president Donald Trump called the move “savvy,” even “genius.” Tucker Carlson slammed “corrupt” Ukraine while praising Putin.

Then there’s Pat Robertson. Back in October, the infamous televangelist and former presidential candidate retired from hosting the Christian Broadcasting Network’s The 700 Club after some 60 years. But after Putin’s invasion, the now 91-year-old came back to his longtime gig to claim that it was all God’s plan.

“People say that Putin’s out of his mind. Yes, maybe so,” Robertson told viewers. “But at the same time, he’s being compelled by God. He went into the Ukraine but that wasn’t his goal. His goal was to move against Israel, ultimately.”

Robertson then laid out an elaborate theory about how Ukraine is merely a “staging area” for an end times battle in Israel. And if you don’t believe him, he says to “read your Bible” because Armageddon Time is “coming to pass.”

As per The Daily Beast, this isn’t the first time Robertson has made predictions about the end of the world as we know it. Back in 1982, he claimed “there is going to be a judgment on the world.” Over two decades later, in 2006, he predicted that the Pacific Northwest would be destroyed by a tsunami. A year later he promised there would be “mass killings.” And after Trump lost re-election in 2020, he said the result would be a planet-destroying asteroid. Perhaps needless to say, not one of these came to pass. Nor, for that matter, did Trump listen to him about simply getting over the fact that he lost in 2020.

(Via The Daily Beast)

Dear mother huddled with her children in the basement in a war zone,

As I sit in my living room reading reports from Ukraine, my thoughts scatter to many places at once. The analytical part of me wants to understand the historical and geopolitical forces that led up to this moment. The middle-aged side of me remembers with visceral tension the nuclear threats of the Cold War era. The American in me ponders what my country’s leadership should, can and will do under the circumstances.

But the mother in me—the raw, human heart of me—goes straight to you and your children.

As you sit huddled together in a basement or a subway or perhaps a leftover bomb shelter from another generation’s war, my 13-year-old son cuddles close to me on the couch. He looks at me with wide, worried eyes and asks what we would do if we were in your shoes. He’s barely old enough to know the truth, but I tell him anyway: I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.

I know that our children look to us for safety, security and reassurance, so I try to imagine what you must be telling your young children as they hear air raid sirens, explosions, gunfire from above.

“You’re OK. We’re safe here,” you tell them, not knowing if it’s true. “It’s going to be OK.”

You lie to your children because you don’t know what else to do. You’re scared, but you don’t want them to see it. If you can’t protect them from the violence on their doorstep, you will shield them as much as you can from fear and despair. You—your body, your presence—are their primary shelter and safe place, so you wrap your arms around your babies, knowing full well that your flesh is powerless against weapons of war. You know you would die for them. You worry that won’t be enough.

I am keenly aware that only the happenstance of my birthplace allows me to sit safely in my living room while you hide from violence. Whether you and your children are huddled in Ukraine or Yemen or Ethiopia or another war-torn region, geography is the only real difference between us. I didn’t choose any of this and neither did you.

None of us wants this for our children. None of us ever has.

War is hell, and women and children beat the brunt of it. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.” I’ve always appreciated his blunt honesty, but I think mothers might hate war more than soldiers. Soldiers are at least trained for the brutality, if not the futility or stupidity. There is no training that can prepare a mother to nurture her children in the violence and chaos of a war zone.

I think back over human history. How many mothers have witnessed the maiming of their children, physically or psychologically, by war? I look into my sweet son’s eyes and my heart breaks, knowing not just that he could be hurt or killed, but also knowing that corrupt men with power would eagerly turn him into a killer to satisfy their need for conquest.

Too many mothers have sent their children off to fight in fruitless wars. Too many of those children haven’t come back or have come back broken beyond repair. Too many mothers are hiding in basements with their babies in too many places, trying to keep their children’s world from falling apart. Too many, too many, too many.

My daughter and I surviving the night in Ukraine. We are real people at war with crazy dictator and we need the worldu2019s support right nownn#StandWithUkrainepic.twitter.com/FvdmY4GACj

— Oleksandra Zubal (@Oleksandra Zubal)
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No one truly wins in war, no matter the political outcome, and it’s beyond frustrating that humanity has not yet learned that armed conflict causes more problems than it solves. I’ve often wondered why don’t we force the leaders who want to wage war into a boxing ring to duke it out among themselves. It makes no less sense than sending thousands of their people to fight to the death and destroy valuable infrastructure and architecture while they’re at it.

I’m so tired of madmen playing violent games with people’s lives because they can’t figure out how to fill their soul holes. I’m so tired of their attempts to make us enemies, when all that separates us are invisible lines imagined into existence by insecure men. I’m so tired of fallen soldiers being hailed as heroes by those who sent them into battle to be sacrificed as pawns.

Imagine if moms were at the helm instead. Moms who understand that brute force is both immature and unnecessary. Moms who see all the world’s children as our own. Imagine that world, just for a moment. What a vast difference that would make.

But here we are in this moment, and all I can do is offer you my solidarity. I hate that you and your children have to go through this stupid and wasteful and tragic and maddening mess that you didn’t choose to partake in. I wish I could wave a wand and whisk us into a future where war is obsolete and unthinkable, where we truly accept that we are one human family and where we’ve chosen as a collective to create real and lasting peace. I have to believe that we’ll get there eventually.

In the meantime, you are not forgotten, wherever you are. I am not in your shoes, but please know that I and millions of mothers around the world are wrapping our arms around you and your children, praying desperately for an end to the violence and trauma.

Your children—all of our children—deserve so much better than this.

Welcome to the final edition of Euphoria Style Watch, your one-stop shop for the best outfits from Sunday night’s episode and where to find them. It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to this season-long series, if you’ve been with us from the beginning, we’ll see you in three years (we’re assuming) when the new season of Euphoria finally airs.

It’s a bittersweet goodbye but, whew — what a hell of an episode.

After a season that has at times felt disorganized and aimless, last night’s season finale saw the show finally stick the landing, and although season two leaves us with some lingering questions (are Cassie and Maddy cool? Why did we need to see Kat break up with Ethan? Is season 3 going to be a Nate Jacobs redemption arc? Is Laurie still after Rue? WHAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF ELLIOT!? Okay… so it left us with a lot of lingering questions) at least we got some closure between Rue and Jules and more importantly, Rue and Lexi.

Unfortunately, because last night’s episode was essentially a continuation of the previous week’s episode, we didn’t get a whole lot of new outfits. But we can’t let the Euphoria Style Watch go out with a whimper, what would Lexi say? So in addition to talking about this week’s best fits, we’re also going to be rounding up some of the season’s best fits from our style MVPs Fez and Maddy.

Let’s dive in!

Faye — Nike Uptempo’s And Anime Baby Tees

Against all odds (she injected heroin between her legs while calling Rue a junky when we first met her) Faye really stole our hearts this season, and given the events of last night’s episode, we imagine she’s going to play a significant part in season three.

If you’re all about internet-y e-girl style, Faye checks all the boxes and last night in addition to rocking a hand-dyed graphic baby tee by Unif Clothing, she wore probably the best sneakers in the whole series’ run, the Nike Air More Uptempo ’96 Ray Guns.

Fez may be Euphoria’s streetwear king, but Faye is the Queen of Kicks.

Find Faye’s Nike Air More Uptempos at aftermarket sites like StockX, find the anime baby tee at Unif Clothing.

Kat — Vivienne Westwood Portrait Corset

Kat was hardly a presence this season, and what we did get of her, kind of made us dislike her a little bit. Here is to hoping season three brings her back in full force, if only because she’s consistently one of the show’s most fashionable characters. Case in point this portrait adorned boned corset by Vivienne Westwood. The corset top is made of viscose and features an all-over flame print with earthy ash tones.

Find the Vivienne Westwood Portrait Corset at aftermarket sites like Poshmark.

Jules — GogoGraham

If you were eyeing Jules theater fit and wondering where it came from, you’re not alone, and according to Instagram fan account @hunterschaverscloset, the design comes courtesy of Brooklyn artist GoGo Graham. Your chance of getting Jules’ actual outfit is slim, it seems like the fashion out of Gogo Graham is made out of recycled materials, but if you’re a fan of the aesthetic, the brand’s other offerings will get you there.

Follow Gogo Graham here and shop some fashion at Gogo Graham’s Depop.

Cassie — Danielle Guizio Knit Top and Skirt

This wasn’t Cassie’s season, but you can’t deny, Sydney Sweeney’s performance as the internally tortured Cassie was the show’s best, and that’s no easy feat when you have Zendaya right there. Last night was a continuation of last week’s outfit, but if you missed it, she wore a full baby blue and lime trimmed outfit by Danielle Guizio.

Pick up the Knit Dual-Color top and skirt at Guizio.

Fez — Long-Sleeves, Lots of Long Sleeves

Last night’s finale could have focused exclusively on Fez’s storyline, and we’d still be as invested in a season three as we currently are. In fact, figuring out what is going to happen with Fez is about 75% of the reason why we’re even interested in a season three! That’s probably because without Fez — and Maddy of course — this shopping series wouldn’t exist. So even though he rocked the same boring suit he wore last episode, we can’t close the door on this season without shouting out this man’s stunning shirt game.

Throughout season two Fez wore mostly Polo Ralph Lauren rugby fits and the occasional Palace cable knit, all of which are readily available online. RIP to Supreme, which got no Fezco love this year.

Shop Ralph Lauren rugby shirts here, and the Palace cable knit here.

Maddy — Her Whole Wardrobe Was On Point All Season Long

We already covered Maddy’s fit last week, a ribbed bodysuit by Jacquemus, and that’s sold out in every color and variation, sadly. But we couldn’t leave this series without shouting out some of Maddy’s other outfits this season. If you’re ever in need of outfit inspiration for any occasion, look to Maddy.

Need something casual but still fashionable? Grab True Religion low rise jeans and a Dion Lee Crochet top like Maddy in episode six.

Looking for something edgier? Try this Isa Boulder Scan Crochet Top from episode five. Need a party fit? Try the Devon Slip Dress by Marc Jacobs (also from episode five, Maddy doesn’t fuck around). And of course, who could forget the swimsuits? Maddy wore three different swim fits throughout the season despite the first episode taking place on New Year’s Eve. You know… winter. Point being, her style game is strong.

The Lakers are having a disastrous season that hit a new low point on Sunday with a 28-point loss at home to the New Orleans Pelicans, who they are battling for a play-in position in the West.

There are a number of problems facing the Lakers, but high on the list is the lack of players capable of initiating offense beyond LeBron James. Russell Westbrook’s struggles have been well chronicled this season, but there just aren’t many guards on the roster who are able to get the team into sets. To try and remedy that issue in the only way they can at this point, the Lakers will reportedly be signing veteran guard DJ Augustin, who was bought out by the Rockets after playing in 34 games this season, and waiving DeAndre Jordan in order to clear the necessary roster spot to make that happen.

Jordan had fallen almost completely out of the Lakers rotation before playing nine minutes on Sunday that did not go well, featuring a rather hysterical outlet pass that sailed deep into the Crypto.com Arena crowd. That will be his final act as a Laker, who will also sign Wenyen Gabriel to a two-way, per Charania, to fill the vacancy in the frontcourt. He will apparently have suitors as he hits the market, with the Sixers reportedly interested as they are desperate for a backup center behind Joel Embiid.

As for Augustin, he was not particularly effective in Houston, playing just 15 minutes per game and averaging 5.4 points and 2.2 assists per game, but he’s at least another option at point guard for embattled coach Frank Vogel and has been a reliable spot-up shooter in the latter portion of his career. This move isn’t likely to change much in terms of the Lakers fortunes this season but it seems like a move that has little in the way of downside, and that, at this point, represents a mild win for a team short on them.

There’s no place like Bali, Indonesia for a rejuvenating travel experience that combines nature, delicious food, adventure, and a carefree, beachside atmosphere. From the incredible jungle views to white sand beaches to luxury accommodations to the surf, Bali truly has something for everyone — no wonder it’s so insanely popular with young expats. To learn more about what the Indonesian island has to offer for both high-end vacationers and rugged explorers, we spoke with Bali-based travel blogger and photographer Alexandra Saper.

Known as “The Wayfaress,” Saper left her corporate job as a lawyer behind to buy a one-way ticket to Bali, where she’s lived since 2018. As a travel expert who’s spent the past few years learning the ins and outs of her new home, Saper is the perfect person to give us the inside scoop on all things Bali and she’s sharing her foolproof guide on the absolute best places to stay, play, eat, and drink in Bali below.

PART I — WHERE TO STAY

Mandapa Reserve

Ubud is home to one of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotels in the entire world… and it seriously lives up to the hype. The Mandapa, which means “temple” in Sanskrit, is a sacred oasis of its own (and even has two Balinese temples located on the property). Bali’s longest river, the Ayung River, winds around the edge of the property to ensure that no matter where you go at Mandapa, you’ll be able to hear a constant soundtrack of rushing water in the background. The Riverfront Villas are breathtaking, each with a massive private infinity pool and a standalone library/study perched against the jungle cliff with, of course, the river right below you.

Mandapa’s main restaurants, Sawah Terrace and Kubu Restaurant, feature delicious Indonesian-inspired and fine-dining Mediterranean cuisine (respectively), and Ambar — the hotel’s iconic “hanging” jungle bar — serves up some of the best craft cocktails in the area. And added benefits like a sauna/steam room, luxurious spa, private butler service, and morning yoga will make it hard to ever want to leave — although if you do, you’re just a few minutes outside of Ubud center.

Munduk Cabins

Up in the misty mountains of North Bali, you’ll find Munduk Cabins tucked away amongst the trees… sort of in the middle of nowhere. There are six luxury, modern minimalist cabins to choose from, all with balconies overlooking lush jungle views. There is also an infinity pool and jacuzzi, along with a fire pit surrounded by cozy seating… perfect for roasting marshmallows or sipping wine at the end of a day exploring the nearby waterfalls, temples, and hiking trails. The perfect place to unplug, unwind, and get away from the bustle without sacrificing an ounce of comfort and luxury.

Hideout

This is one of the most unique places to stay in Bali. At Hideout in East Bali’s Sidemen Village, you can choose from seven different bamboo homes, each as Instagrammable as the next. They all have their own special features, like outdoor bathtubs, infinity pools, netted hammock beds, a river to swim in right outside the front door, and so on. No matter which you choose, you’ll be blown away by the bamboo architecture… not to mention the cute animals on-site that will keep you company during your stay.

PART II — WHERE TO PLAY

Hike Mount Batur at Sunrise

Hiking in the dark up one of Bali’s active volcanoes (don’t worry, it hasn’t erupted in over 20 years) to watch the vibrant sunrise over Mount Agung (Bali’s other, much more volatile active volcano) is an experience you can’t miss. Booking with a local guide who speaks English is an amazing way to learn about the local culture and what life is like living in this area. They’ll pick you up around 2 or 3 a.m., drive you to the base of the hike, and then you’ll make your way up the mountain for about an hour before reaching the top. The sunrises can be incredible, and you’ll be joined by a few dozen monkeys as well.

You can find more information on this hike on my blog here.

Bingin Beach in Uluwatu

The walk down the cliff is a bit of a workout (we call it the “Bingin Booty” for a reason) but it’s well worth it. The white sand beach sits against a cliffside dotted with little warungs (local cafes), coconut stands, and surf shacks, looking onto one of the best waves in Bali. The maze of white buildings dotting the cliffside gives it a “Santorini of Bali” feel. It’s such a beautiful spot to spend the day, grab a coconut and a bite at Kelly’s Warung or one of the fresh fish BBQs organized on the beach in the evenings, and watch the incredible Bingin sunset.

Banyumala Waterfall

Of all Bali’s waterfalls, this is one of my favorites because it’s not too challenging a hike. It does take a bit of effort to get to, so wear good shoes, bring water, and plan for a 30 to 40-minute walk down. This waterfall is one of the biggest ones in Bali, called Banyumala Twin Falls — named for its two main streams of water pouring down and trickling into countless little streams against the lush wall of green.

There’s a spacious area in front to put out a blanket, lay in the sun, and have a picnic, and the waterfall’s pool is especially large — great for a swim.

PART III — WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Yuki (Canggu)

Yuki is the new kid on the block but quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. An open-air dining space serving Japanese dishes and cocktails with a twist — like crispy truffle tuna sushi rolls and wasabi-infused martinis. The decor is beautiful, without taking away from the beach and waves literally right across the street. It’s as casual or dressy as you want it to be, but expect an amazing, fine-dining-quality meal and fun vibes.

Apéritif (Ubud)

For a fine-dining experience, [Apéritif is a] gorgeous colonial Dutch-style restaurant and roaring 20s-inspired cocktail bar you can’t miss. Reserve a spot for their degustation menu, serving an eclectic selection of dishes incorporating both modern flavors and local Indonesian ingredients. Plus, it looks out on the lush Ubud jungle which is spectacular.

Be sure to stay for after-dinner cocktails in their speakeasy!

Il Solatto (Uluwatu)

[Il Solatto is] a bit of a lesser-known gem. This Italian resto is one of my favorite spots for dinner and drinks in the Bukit Peninsula. They have a cool urban-style cocktail bar with amazing drinks, and a pretty outdoor garden in the back with sofas, bistro lights, and a buzzing scene most nights.

The menu features a lot of delicious seafood options, but I definitely recommend the truffle tuna tartare pasta, the burger, and the vegan sandwich. They have a DJ some nights of the week, so plan accordingly depending on whether or not you want that party vibe!