The 2024 NBA playoffs captivated fans around the world with intense matchups and unforgettable moments. With only 16 of the 30 teams making it to the postseason, the competition resulted in several intriguing storylines: The Boston Celtics extended their profound streak, making their tenth consecutive playoff appearance, the longest active run in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks returned to the playoffs after missing the 2023 season, while the Golden State Warriors, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the number one seed in the Western Conference for the first time since 2013, whereas the Brooklyn Nets missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Charlotte Hornets, continued their playoff drought, missing the postseason for the eighth consecutive year, the longest current drought in the league.
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Two Most Valuable Players
Ultimately, the postseason resulted in an NBA Finals showcase between the Western Conference’s fifth seed, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the Boston Celtics. Luka Dončić, the standout playmaker for the Mavericks, led the team to the playoffs with an impressive stat line average of 28.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. On the other hand, Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics to the playoffs with averages of 25.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. While both athletes have been phenomenal on the court, their contributions to society and their communities are equally important and commendable.
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Dončić’s On Court Achievements
Luka Dončić, #77 for the Dallas Mavericks, was the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Before his NBA journey, the Slovenian prodigy led Spain’s Real Madrid to the 2018 EuroLeague title, becoming the youngest player to earn EuroLeague Final Four MVP honors. Since joining the NBA, Dončić has been nothing short of sensational, racking up historic stats and achievements in his first two seasons. He posted the second-highest scoring average (24.2 ppg) by a player before turning 21, trailing only LeBron James (25.0 ppg). Dončić earned Kia Rookie of the Year honors in the 2018-19 season and became the first player since Tim Duncan in 1998-99 to earn All-NBA First Team honors in either his first or second season. Beyond his on-court talents, Luka is also making significant contributions off the court, demonstrating his commitment to making a difference in his community.
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The Luka Dončić Foundation (LDF) is “dedicated to bettering the health and well-being of children through the power of play”. The foundation believes every child deserves the opportunity to play, recognizing that it is crucial for unlocking a child’s social, cognitive, creative, physical, and emotional potential. The LDF furthers this by providing children with various play opportunities, therapeutic support, and engaging play challenges, ensuring they can thrive and grow completely.
During the 2022 holiday season, LDF hosted a surprise event for 200 pediatric patients at Dallas’ Scottish Rite for Children, featuring games, gifts, and activities. That same year, while on the road in Cleveland, Luka arranged for toys, Jordan clothing, and goodie bags to be delivered to local children. Additionally, he purchased lower-bowl tickets for hospital staff to attend the LA Lakers game on Christmas. Luka’s generosity extends beyond local efforts to his hometown of Ljubljana, Slovenia. On December 21st and 22nd of 2024, he organized holiday deliveries and treats for approximately 150 patients at two hospitals, UKC Maribor Pediatrics and the Hospital for Children.
In 2024, Luka Dončić was honored with the Bob Lanier Award for April, recognizing his unwavering commitment to positively impacting his community throughout the season. This reputable award pays tribute to Bob Lanier, an NBA League Office Executive and NBA Cares Ambassador for over 30 years. In addition, recipients are awarded the David Robinson trophy, and their organization receives a $10,000 donation from the NBA. “Basketball has given me so much, and I have a big responsibility to give back by helping wherever I can,” said Dončić. “It means everything to me to keep growing my foundation’s work… I hope we can make an even bigger impact next year.” On and off the court, Luka Dončić’s contributions have been exceptional, demonstrating his abiding commitment to making memorable impacts in the lives of children worldwide.
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Jayson Tatum, #0 for the Boston Celtics, was the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Before his NBA journey, Tatum spent a year at Duke University (2016-2017), a powerhouse in college basketball. During his singular collegiate season, Tatum averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, ranking second in both categories on his team and among Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) freshmen. His impressive performance earned him ACC Rookie of the Week honors three times. He finished his season ranked fourth on Duke’s freshman charts in free throws made (118), fifth in rebound average (7.3), and sixth in scoring average (16.8).
Tatum’s stellar college career paved the way for his entry into the NBA, where he continued to excel and make history. In the 2019-2020 season, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the first time on February 10th and later earned Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors for February. Capping off his growing list of accolades, Tatum became the youngest player in franchise history to earn All-NBA honors, being named to the All-NBA Third Team. Jayson excels on the court and channels his energy into inspiring the youth to follow their dreams and make a difference, just like he has.
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The Jayson Tatum Foundation
The Jayson Tatum Foundation (JTF) is dedicated to investing in the next generation, aiming not only to help them achieve their dreams and aspirations but also to inspire them to drive positive change within their communities. The foundation supports children, by supplying them with crucial school supplies, proper winter clothing, and holiday toys. Additionally, JTF runs camps and leadership programs that equip kids with the skills and inspiration to make positive choices both on and off the court. Through these initiatives, the foundation creates opportunities for youth and families to realize their dreams and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Jayson Tatum excels on the court and dedicates significant energy to inspiring and supporting the youth through his foundation’s annual philanthropic events. One notable event is the “Daddy & Deuce Toy + Coat Drive,” where the foundation, alongside generous donors, provides outerwear and gifts to over 500 underprivileged children during the holidays, including Celtics basketballs, Beats headphones, bikes, blankets, and more. Another key event is the “Daddy & Deuce Thanksgiving Turkey + Fixings Giveaway,” which distributes free Thanksgiving packages, complete with a turkey, non-perishables, and fresh produce, to families in need. In 2023, the Jayson Tatum Foundation distributed 550 of these packages.
Additionally, the “Zero Limits Scholarship” is a testament to Tatum’s commitment to education. In the summer of 2023, the foundation awarded $10,000 in scholarships to five deserving students from his hometown, in the St. Louis metropolitan area, helping alleviate the financial burden on their families. Through these and other thoughtful initiatives, the Jayson Tatum Foundation significantly impacts the lives of many young individuals and their families.
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More Than an Athlete
As the 2024 NBA Finals draws to a close, it’s crucial to recognize these individuals, and athletes in general, as more than just competitors in their sport. They not only take pride in excelling on the court but also in making a significant impact off it. Being a professional athlete is an impressive opportunity, so few get to experience it, and it is important for these individuals to give back to the communities that have supported them. Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum are prime examples of NBA players making a profound difference beyond the court, embodying the spirit of using their platforms for productive change. Their contributions inspire us to see athletes as integral models, dedicated to working hard and bettering the world around them.
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
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Kaili Spooner’s passion lies in sports journalism and Black TV/Film, and her writing strongly aligns with The Hollywood Insider’s values of delivering factual and in-depth coverage. While her future career goal is to be a sports journalist and do social media work for the NBA/WNBA, for now, she balances her academic pursuits with being a collegiate volleyball player at SSU and unwinding with her favorite comedy and drama sitcoms at home.
Kaili Spooner’s passion lies in sports journalism and Black TV/Film, and her writing strongly aligns with The Hollywood Insider’s values of delivering factual and in-depth coverage. While her future career goal is to be a sports journalist and do social media work for the NBA/WNBA, for now, she balances her academic pursuits with being a collegiate volleyball player at SSU and unwinding with her favorite comedy and drama sitcoms at home.
