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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

The Defector Crewneck Sweatshirt Is Back In Stock

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Merch v3

Profile Pic

Chris Thompson

Joel Embiid covers his face with a towel.

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Joel Embiid Is A Finite Resource

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Ray Ratto

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics collides with Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics – Game Seven

That’s Gotta Hurt

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David Roth

Ja Morant reacts to a call during the Grizzlies first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 26, 2023.

Los Angeles Lakers v Memphis Grizzlies – Game Five

Grizzlies Suspend Ja Morant After He Plays With A Handgun On Instagram Live Again

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Patrick Redford

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 11: Devin Booker #1 stands with head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game six of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets v Phoenix Suns – Game Six

The Suns Did It Again


<p>Visual Editor. Runs <a href="http://defectorstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defectorstore.com</a>. Philadelphia-based, if you couldn’t tell.</p>


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Dan McQuade

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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The Sixers Had Another Nightmare Finish Against Boston

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference semi-finals on May 11, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Jayson Tatum Hit The Shots When It Mattered

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Giri Nathan

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The Bucks’ Playoff Defeat Has Caused Giannis To Massively Think

Quentin Grimes steals the ball from Jimmy Butler

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Quentin Grimes Ignored The Pain And Stole The Ball

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 10: LeBron James #6 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during Game 5 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors on May 10, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

2023 NBA Playoffs – Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors

Lakers-Warriors Is A Series Searching For A Story

Oh No, Shaquille O’Neal Is Still Evading The FTX Lawsuit!

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to the media after the game against the Boston Celtics during the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Joel Embiid Is Showing Up His Biggest Critic: Joel Embiid

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Tom Ley

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The Nuggets Need Jamal Murray Pulling Face

Los Angeles, CA - May 08: Lakers forward LeBron James forces Warriors guard Stephen Curry to turn over the ball with less than tweo seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 8,, 2023. Los Angeles on Monday, May 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Lakers host Golden State Warriors for Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monnday, May 8, 2023

The Warriors Blew It

2023 NBA Playoffs – 	Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers

Lonnie Walker IV Rewarded LeBron James’s Trust

TORONTO, ON- MAY 7 - Toronto Maple Leafs fans leave after the Leafs fall 3-2 in Florida for game three in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, Toronto fans gathered at Maple Leaf Square outside Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. May 7, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto Maple Leafs fans leave after the Leafs fall 3-2 in Florida for game three in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, Toronto fans gathered at Maple Leaf Square

The Leafs Are The Hockey Knicks, Unless It’s The Other Way Around

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Luis Paez-Pumar

Max Strus #31 of the Miami Heat grabs the rebound during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks on May 8, 2023 at Kaseya Center in Miami,

2023 NBA Playoffs – New York Knicks v Miami Heat

The Heat Sapped New York’s Will To Live One Rebound At A Time

PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 7: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets slightly stares at Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia before would Ishbia theatrically fall back into his seat after Suns player Josh Okogie (2) flew into the stands during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

DENVER NUGGETS VS PHOENIX SUNS, NBA PLAYOFFS

Let’s All Agree That Nikola Jokic Shoving Mat Ishbia Was Good Fun

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 07: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after defeating the Boston Celtics in overtime of game four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 07, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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James Harden Knows

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 05: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers falls to the court after colliding with Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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The Celtics Own The Sixers

Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on April 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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Mike Budenholzer Takes The Fall For The Bucks’ Playoff Flameout

It All Comes Down To Anthony Davis

Malik Monk prepares to push the button that illuminates the beam after Sacramento's win against Golden State in Game 2 of their NBA Playoffs series.

Podcasts

The Beam Shines For All, With Patrick Redford

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball during Game Two of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns on May 1, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Media Meltdowns

Denver Post Columnist: Nikola Jokic’s Underwear Shows Why He Deserves MVP

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors – Game One

Jordan Poole, Off The Deep End

DENVER, CO - MAY 1: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

2023 NBA Playoffs – Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Is A Big Strong Guy