Beyond The Press
Posts
🏀 Legal Trouble

🏀 Legal Trouble

January 04, 2023

Good morning Beyond The Press family! We had yet another masterclass performance in the NBA last night as Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 55 points in a win over the Wizards. This is actually the 14th 50+ point game by an NBA player this season! Which reiterates the overreaching question, does the NBA have a scoring problem? Continuing on, all-star point guard Ja Morant seems to have gotten himself into some legal trouble and is getting sued after allegedly punching a teen during a basketball game in Tennessee. Not a great look for the young superstar. And finally, Dejounte Murray and Jania Meshell have a kid on the way! Oh and yes, that is NBA YoungBoy's Baby Mama! We got it all today on BTP so sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Happy Humpday!

CAREER HIGH

Giannis Sets a Career High Continuing the Wild NBA Scoring Streak

Giannis Antetokounmpo must’ve had FOMO watching all these other star players put up 50+ points and decided it was his turn. Last night Antetokounmpo dropped a career-high 55-points, leading the shorthanded Bucks past the Wizards.

In addition to setting this new career high, Antetokounmpo delivered in the game's biggest moments. He scored 12 of the Bucks’ final 14 points to seal the W while chipping in 10 boards and seven assists. He’s also now scored at least 40 points in the Bucks' last three games, averaging a staggering 47.6 points and 17.3 rebounds per game.

While Antetokounmpo’s 55-piece was phenomenal in its own right, it also speaks to the conversation about how scoring is way up this year. We’re less than halfway through the season, and yet, there have been a whopping fourteen 50-point games, whereas last year, there were only nineteen all year. Players have been particularly hot as of late too, as four different guys have put up 50+ points in the last four days alone. Those players are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, Klay Thompson, and Luka Doncic.

LEGAL TROUBLE

Ja Morant Sued After Allegedly Punching a Minor

Can’t say anyone saw this one coming. According to TMZ Sports, Ja Morant, one of the most popular and likable players in the NBA, allegedly attacked a 17-year-old at a basketball game. The altercation is said to have occurred after a heated argument broke out on Morant’s home court when the plaintiff claims he “accidentally” threw a basketball at Morant’s face causing the All-Star point guard to retaliate.

The plaintiff alleges that afterward, Morant struck him "with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground," and "continued sticking him while on the ground." Morant reportedly doesn't deny striking the teen but claims he did so in self-defense after the plaintiff “intentionally” threw the ball at him and approached him "as if he wanted to fight." Morant also reportedly told the police that the plaintiff verbally threatened him before leaving, going as far as to say he would “light [Morant's] house up.”

This lawsuit was filed in September, but less than a month later, and following a police investigation, the District Attorney declined to prosecute. Court records show the case has been sealed, so it's unclear at this time what damages the plaintiff is seeking. It will be interesting to see if this impacts Morant’s popularity, as he recently became the newest Nike athlete with a signature shoe.

NEW BORN

Dajounte Murray Expecting Kid with NBA YoungBoy's Baby Mama

Dejounte Murray’s family is growing! Murray and his girlfriend, Jania Meshell, announced they are expecting a daughter due this April. For those of you who don’t know, Meshell is a model and influencer who might best be known as the former partner of rapper NBA YoungBoy and the mother of one of his children. Like Meshell, Murray was also a single parent before they started dating, after fathering a daughter named Riley from a previous relationship.

Murray and Meshell have been dating on and off for a few years now, with the model even getting multiple tattoos dedicated to Murray and even getting one removed when they were broken up. But things between the two seem to be on great terms again, and given how doting Murray is of Riley on his Instagram, it seems like Meshell made a great choice in a partner. Congrats to the happy couple!

THE RUMOR MILL

NBA Trade Rumors: 3 teams that would greatly benefit from Alex Caruso

Lakers: NBA Pundit Proposes Deal to Send LeBron James Back To Miami Heat

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

January 4, 2000: A day after accepting the head coaching job at the New York Jets, Bill Belichick resigns and moves to the New England Patriots