Basketball

Kevin Garnett put on a SHOW off-camera on the set of the new Adam Sandler movie, "Uncut Gems" -- hooping out of his mind during a pick-up game ... and it was AWESOME!!

KG has a major role in the flick, which is about a degenerate sports gambler who gets into major problems when his debts spiral out of control.

Garnett plays himself ... and we had heard that during downtime on the set, he stayed in his role and just murdered people on a basketball court they used in the movie.

So, when we saw "Uncut Gems" director Josh Safdie at the Alice Tully Center in L.A. on Thursday, we asked him about the rumors ... and yeah, it's all true, baby!!

"Kevin doesn't know how to do anything but play at 100%," Safdie told us.

No, Sandler didn't play in the game with Garnett ... but Safdie says they all sat on the set and watched KG go off.

WNBA star Jonquel Jones is the first player in WNBA history to record a 30-15 game in the Finals ... and she's revealing her secret weapon after her dominant performance -- her adorable dog!!

The Connecticut Sun forward was an absolute beast in Game 2 of the Finals on Tuesday ... posting 32 points and 18 rebounds to single-handedly take down the Washington Mystics and tie up the series.

TMZ Sports spoke with JJ on Thursday at Reagan National Airport ... and she just so happened to have her INCREDIBLY CUTE doggy, Rylo, with her.

So, of course ... we had to chop it up with Jonquel about her 4-legged friend ... and she says she's able to take Rylo with her everywhere she goes!!

"He's my son, so I'd want to take him anywhere I can take him," Jones tells us.

Naturally, after a dominant game like she just had, we had to ask if young Rylo brings her some additional good luck on road trips ... and she says "most definitely!!"

We take it we're gonna see Rylo around a LOT during the rest of the series.

Social media can make careers ... and it can also kill them -- and Nick Young thinks Instagram is partly to blame for Carmelo Anthony's unemployment status.

Tons of huge NBA stars have questioned why 35-year-old Melo hasn't signed with an NBA team since his short run with the Houston Rockets last season.

In fact, Dwyane Wade told us just yesterday Melo can still play at a high level and should be back in the league.

Swaggy P agrees ... saying Melo "still has a lot of basketball left in him" -- but suggests the real reason he's without a squad is because of the 'gram.

"I think it got a lot to do with Instagram ... how he's being treated. Every time he shoots the ball its a meme. It's kinda funny, but it kinda messed him up."

Dwyane Wade tells TMZ Sports he couldn't have won that championship in Miami without Shaquille O'Neal -- despite what Damian Lillard said in his dis track aimed at the Big Fella.

Don't get it twisted ... D-Wade means no disrespect to Lillard -- in fact, he really likes the rap battle going on between the two NBA superstars. But, he had to set the record straight.

Remember, Dame dropped a reference to Wade in his dis track this week ... saying:

"Said yourself that I'm a Tesla, no longer need Diesel gas. Kinda like the Cavs ain't really need Disel's ass. And even in Miami, won that [championship] on the strength of Flash."

So, when we saw Wade leaving the Topanga Mall in L.A., we had to ask if Lillard was telling the truth ... could you have won that ring WITHOUT Shaq?!

"No, not at that time," Wade said ... "I was young in the league trying to figure it out."

"I needed somebody like Shaq to help me ... gimme me the keys and let me drive the car. I appreciate him doing that."

Wade says he doesn't think the rap battle is personal ... it's just entertainment made by two talented rappers. He's clearly getting a kick out of it.

But, there's more in this clip ... we also spoke with Wade about his good friend Carmelo Anthony and if he thinks Melo still has what it takes to play in the NBA.

Wade goes to bat for Melo and even talks to us about possible landing spots for the 35-year-old.

The bad news ... Wade doesn't seem optimistic that Anthony will team up with his other close friend LeBron James because the Lakers roster is already filled up.

But, he clearly hopes Melo gets a shot so he can go out the right way ... like the legend that he is.

Oh, and if you're a sneaker head ... check out Wade's footwear. He's showing off his new Li-Ning collab with Rick Ross and they're pretty sick.

Damian Lillard just dropped a new diss track to respond to Shaq ... and it GOES HARD.

The song is called "Reign Reign Go Away" and it's pretty solid. He clowns Shaq's movie career -- from "Blue Chips" to "Kazaam" -- makes fun of Shaq's physique and then mocks his NBA championship count, with a strong Kobe Bryant reference.

"Kobe won you those rings though."

You're gonna want to listen to this!! Here are some choice lines ...

-- "I finna tangle with the Diesel. You're jealous of me and I see you."

-- "All the money in the world but they traded you for Penny."

-- "I'm new school, got new hits. Space Jam, not Blue Chips. Hangman, your shoe's sh*t."

Remember, this all started because Shaquille O'Neal put out his own diss track aimed at the NBA superstar ... after Lillard said people don't consider O'Neal as a "real rapper."

LeBron James says the NCAA bill that CA governor Gavin Newsom just signed is going to change "countless" lives ... and he's praising the guy for coming on his show to put pen to paper.

Newsom joined LBJ on "The Shop" this week ... and put his signature on a law that will allow athletes at California universities to profit off their names and likenesses without penalty for the first time ever.

Of course ... the bill was STRONGLY opposed by NCAA officials, who said it would create an unfair advantage and blur the "distinction between college and professional athletes."

But, Newsom clearly disagreed ... and LeBron was fired up to help give him the platform to make the public signing.

With LaMelo Ball reportedly open to signing a shoe contract outside of the Big Baller Brand, TMZ Sports has learned Nike has a serious interest in working with the 18-year-old.

Our Nike sources tell us ... the company is actively scouting the youngest Ball brother and even has a scout in Australia monitoring him as plays pro ball overseas.

We're told Nike has not made a formal offer at this point, but the interest is real -- and we're guessing the fact Melo has been rocking Nike shoes lately is a good sign for the Swoosh.

Of course, things could get dicey with LaVar Ball who says he's deadly serious about reviving the Big Baller Brand after a disastrous first run.

Lonzo Ball has taken his career into his own hands ... saying he's "making all the decisions now" ... and taking control from LaVar.

The New Orleans Pelicans star -- who LaVar recently referred to as "damaged goods" -- told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski he's not letting his dad get involved in his business decisions anymore ... and their relationship will improve because of it.

"My dad has always been talking my whole life. It's nothing different to me," Zo says.

"I think what makes it easier is that I'm controlling everything now. You really can't tell me what to do. This is my life, my career. I'm making all the decisions now. I chose to go to CAA. I just think me becoming my own man is going to make it easier, honestly."

Zo also spoke about the career advice he's given his younger brother, LaMelo ... and he basically told the top hoops prospect to be his own man and not let Dad take over.

"I told him, make sure he takes control of his career. Now," Lonzo said. "Don't wait like I did. Hopefully that helps him. He seems like he's taking it all in. I'm excited for him."

Lonzo says if he could go back in time, he'd take meetings with shoe brands like Nike and Adidas instead of boxing them out for the family business ... although he doesn't regret sticking with BBB.

Zo also addressed the infamous "damaged goods" scene from their "Ball in the Family" reality show ... saying it's all out of love.

Former #1 overall pick Markelle Fultz is desperately trying to salvage his NBA career ... and he turned to Kobe Bryant for help, spending the summer at Mamba's training facility.

Fultz -- who was drafted before NBA stars like Jayson Tatum, De'Aaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell -- has seen his career get off to a super shaky start.

Over 2 seasons, Fultz -- who's now on the Orlando Magic -- has only played in 33 games (he started 15) ... averaging only 7.7 points per game, 3.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds.

But, Markelle -- who's still a ridiculously young 21-year-old with supreme talent -- is trying to turn the bust ship around ... and he's looking to Kobe for help.

Fultz spent a good chunk of the summer at MAMBA Sports Academy in Southern California ... working daily with the academy's trainers.

We're told Markelle even had a sit-down with Kobe ... where Bryant schooled Fultz on the "Mamba Mentality" -- which in KB's words means to "constantly try to be the best version of yourself."

Will Kobe's greatness rub off on Fultz? Stay tuned. NBA season kicks off next month.

Here's a cool Lakers team-building exercise ... LeBron James, Anthony Davis and a bunch of their L.A. teammates hit up a WNBA playoff game in Vegas on Tuesday -- and they bro'd out HARD!!!

The Aces took on the Washington Mystics at the Mandalay Bay Events Center ... and to get acquainted with each other, the Lakers made a date night out of it.

LBJ, AD, Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard (good to see Howard getting along with his teammates!) and a few other Lakers studs were there ... and as you can see in the pics -- they had a blast!!

Of course, WNBA games are becoming SUPER popular among athletes ... even Warriors forward Draymond Green was spotted courtside.

In fact, Raiders owner Mark Davis was also there!!

The on-the-court action lived up to the hype ... the Mystics beat the Aces, 94-90, winning their playoff series over Vegas, 3-1.

By the way, Elena Delle Donne did her best LeBron impression in the game ... scoring 25 points with 6 rebounds in 37 minutes.

Andre Emmett was held up at gunpoint and then tried to run for his life before he was chased, shot in the back and killed in Dallas ... new video shows.

The Dallas Police Dept. released footage captured by a Ring Doorbell near the murder scene showing the ex-NBA player and BIG3 star apparently being pulled out of his car by gunmen on Monday morning.

It all went down at Emmett's home in Old East Dallas where you can see a group of men yelling at the 37-year-old while he sits in his silver Range Rover.

As they approach the car, Emmett clearly knew he was in imminent danger and immediately tried to run away from the scene ... but one of the men pulled out a gun and opened fire.

Ex-college basketball and BIG3 star Andre Emmett was shot and killed in Dallas on Monday morning ... TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was 37 years old.

According to Dallas PD ... Emmett was approached by 2 suspects while sitting in his car in front of his house around 2:30 AM on Monday. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and an altercation ensued.

Cops say Emmett was gunned down while trying to run away from the suspects ... and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Emmett -- the 35th pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2004 NBA Draft -- was the 2nd leading scorer in the 3-on-3 league this past season while playing for 3's Company.

"The BIG3 is in a state of shock over the sudden and tragic death of Andre Emmett," the league said in a statement. "Andre was a member of the BIG3 family for two seasons and never without a smile on his face."

"His kindness towards others and easy-going demeanor made him a joy to be around."

Emmett briefly played for the Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets ... and played several years overseas.

Emmett was a star at Texas Tech under Bob Knight ... and was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2018.

#RIP

Milwaukee Bucks Owner Wes Edens obviously isn't afraid of commitment ... because he just told our cameras he's ready to make a lifelong pact with his star, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"We want to be a part of his life for the rest of his basketball career."

That is what Edens told our cameras when we got him out in New York City promoting his new tequila, Cincoro -- which he launched with other NBA owners including Michael Jordan ... adding that it is not just the MVP's game that makes him want to basketball marry him, but his makeup as a man.

"He's an amazing guy, he's amazing to the organization, he's amazing to his family."

Here's the thing ... it seems like the love goes both ways, the nearly 7-feet-tall Greek Freak recently said he wants to have a career like Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan ... staying in one place forever.

Kawhi Leonard is officially on the prowl for his new home ... checking out some of the best available cribs in Los Angeles ... starting with an incredible $10 million pad!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Clippers superstar has been lookin' for a place to hang his hat recently ... exploring all the nicest houses L.A. has to offer (and there's a lot).

Leonard was spotted visiting a spot on the Sunset Strip earlier this week ... and we gotta say, the dude has great taste.

The home -- listed by Dustin Nicholas of the Nicholas Property Group -- has HUGE windows, high ceilings, a chef's kitchen ... and, of course, a pool and sundeck.

The crib is listed at $9,995,000 ... but remember, the dude's in a 3-year, $103 million contract.

Jeanie Buss is teaming up with Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck to launch a new tequila company ... but don't worry, Laker Nation -- she still wants to WHOOP that Boston ass!!!

The Lakers owner spoke with TMZ Sports at Catch Steak in NYC about the launch of their new tequila, Cincoro -- along with Michael Jordan and Milwaukee Bucks owner Wes Edens.

Buss says even though all the owners are gettin' chummy and bonding over Cincoro booze, they're all focused on destroying each other when the season comes around.

"Just because we created a tequila doesn't mean I don't wanna beat him on the court ... and that is the whole goal, is to always beat the Celtics," Jeanie says. "And, he knows that and he wants to beat me too!!!"

"This is what the world needs to know, that even the people that you compete with, at the end of the day, you can lay down your swords and come together and be friends and respect each other. It's always important to respect your opponent."

Aww ... that's touching as hell, Jeanie.

Kevin Durant is clearly recovering well after tearing his Achilles ... TMZ Sports got the guy walking around in NYC this week -- and he's showing no signs of a limp!!!

Of course, it's only been about 12 weeks since the NBA superstar had surgery to fix his right leg ... but from the looks of things, he's healing up nicely.

It's been a pretty crappy few months since he tore his Achilles on June 10 during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals ... we got him shortly after surgery, and he looked pretty miserable.

Even last month, when we shot him walking out of Catch restaurant in L.A. ... he had significant hitch in his giddy up.

But, this week, dude seems to be moving around fine ... which is good news for his new team, the Brooklyn Nets, who inked the guy to a 4-year, $164 MILLION deal!!

Kevin is expected to miss the entire season this year recovering ... but if he keeps healing up this way -- maybe there's a chance Kyrie will be passing him the rock this season after all?