J-Speaks: Franchise Record Scoring Night In "The Land"

 The Cleveland Cavaliers did not have a good first half against the visiting Chicago Bulls. They corrected that in the second half and led by a historic scoring night by their offseason acquisition.

On Monday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers (24-14) overcame a 21-point deficit late in the first half and a 65-47 first half deficit to earn a 145-134 overtime win versus the Chicago Bulls (16-21) led the Donovan Mitchell’s single-game franchise record 71 points with a career-high tying 11 assists with eight rebounds on 22/34 from the field, including 7/15 from three-point range and a career-highs 20/25 from the foul line.

Mitchell’s 71-point was also an NBA-high so far in 2022-23 campaign. It represents best scoring night of his career, regular season, or Playoffs. It topped his previous career-high of 46 points, which he accomplished three times with the Utah Jazz.

It was Mitchell’s 17^th 30-plus point game in the season, including his fourth 40-plus point game of the 2022-23 season so far.

He also joined Hall of Famers in the late Wilt Chamberlin, Elgin Baylor, and Kobe Bryant, and David Robinson, and All-Star guard for Phoenix Suns Devin Booker as the only seven players in NBA history to score 70 points or more in a game.

                Highest Scoring Games (50-Plus Points) In Cleveland Cavaliers History                 
                                            Points          Date             Opponent                     Result
Donovan Mitchell               71          1/2/2023           Vs. Bulls                       Win
LeBron James                     57          11/3/2017        At Wizards                     Win
Kyrie Irving                        57           3/12/2022         At Spurs                       Win
LeBron James                     56           3/20/2005         At Raptors                    Win
Kyrie Irving                        55           1/28/2015         Vs. Blazers                   Win
LeBron James                     55           2/20/2019          At Bucks                      Win
LeBron James                     52             2/4/2009         At Knicks                     Win
LeBron James                     52          12/10/2005          At Bucks                     Win
Darius Garland                   51          11/13/2022    Vs. Timberwolves            Win
LeBron James                     51            3/13/2009         At Kings                       Win
LeBron James                     51            1/15/2008        At Grizzlies                   Win
LeBron James                     51            1/21/2006           At Jazz                        Win
LeBron James                     50            3/5/2008          At Knicks                      Loss
Walt Wesley                        50            2/19/1971     Vs. Cincinnati Royals      Win

Highest Scoring Individual Performances Of 50 Points Or More So Far 2022-23 NBA   Season
Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 71 Points (career-high) 1/2/2023 Versus Chicago Bulls
Luka Doncic (DAL): 60 Points (career-high) 12/27/2022 Versus New York Knicks
Joel Embiid (PHI): 59 Points (career-high) 11/13/2022 Versus Utah Jazz
Devin Booker (PHX): 58 Points 12/17/2022 Versus New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis (LAL): 55 Points 12/4/2022 At Washington Wizards
Klay Thompson (GS): 54 Points 1/2/2023 Versus Atlanta Hawks
Joel Embiid (PHI): 53 Points 12/11/2022 Versus Charlotte Hornets
Pascal Siakam (TOR): 52 Points 12/21/2022 At New York Knicks
Luka Doncic: 51 Points 12/31/2022 At San Antonio Spurs
Devin Booker: 51 Points 11/30/2022 Versus Chicago Bulls
Darius Garland: 51 Points 11/13/2022 Versus Minnesota Timberwolves
Luka Doncic: 50 Points 12/23/2022 At Houston Rockets
Stephen Curry (GS): 50 Points 11/16/2022 At Phoenix Suns

Three Previous Career-High Scoring Nights By Donovan Mitchell: All With Utah Jazz
Jan. 16, 2020 At New Orleans Pelicans: 46 Points
Apr. 9, 2019 Versus Nuggets: 46 Points
Mar. 2, 2019 Versus Bucks: 46 Points

                    Highest Scoring Individual Performances NBA History                                         
                                      Date          Points              Opponent                          Result
Wilt Chamberlin       3/2/1962      100               Vs. Knicks                              W
Kobe Bryant             1/22/2006      81                Vs. Raptors                            W
Wilt Chamberlin      12/8/1961      78                 Vs. Lakers                             W
David Thompson       4/9/1994       73                 At Pistons                              L
Wilt Chamberlin    11/16/1962      73                 At Knicks                              W
Wilt Chamberlin      1/13/1962      73          At Chicago Packers                    W
Wilt Chamberlin     11/13/1962     72                 At Lakers                              L
David Robinson        4/24/1994     71            At L.A. Clippers                       W
Elgin Baylor            11/15/1960     71                At Knicks                              W
Donovan Mitchell    1/2/2023        71                Vs. Bulls                                W
Devin Booker          3/14/2017       70                At Celtics                               L
Wilt Chamberlin    3/10/1963       70         At Syracuse Nationals                 L

After scoring just five points in the opening period missing three of his four shots in the period and going 2/4 at the foul line, Mitchell scored 11 points in the second quarter on 4/6 from the field, making 2/4 from three-point range. 

Mitchell keyed the Cavaliers comeback scoring 24 of the Cavaliers 44 points in the third quarter going 6/9 from the floor and 12/12 from the charity stripe. He followed that up with 18 points in the fourth quarter on 7/11 from the field. While Mitchell went just 3/6 from the charity stripe in the period. His third miss was intentional as he was able to grab the offensive rebound and scored it off the class to tie it at 130-130 with 04.7 seconds left in regulation.

In overtime, Mitchell registered 13 points on a perfect 4/4 from the field, including 3/3 from three-point range while making both of his free throws.

The only time that Mitchell was cooled off was at the conclusion of the game where he was doused with water by his teammates, who celebrated with Mitchell on the floor of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

Before his postgame interview with Bally Sports Ohio’s sideline reporter Serena Winters, Cavaliers reserve forward Cedi Osman, who had 19 points making four triples off the bench borrowed the microphone and chanted the words with those in attendance joining in, “M-V-P! M-V-P! M-V-P!”

Mitchell said to Winters following the win, he gave credit to his teammates saying that they fought. While he was the headliner of the game with said single-game franchise record 71 points that without his teammates this would not have been possible.

Teammates like starting center in All-Star Jarrett Allen who had 21 points and eight rebounds on 9/10 from the field. Veteran All-Star reserve forward Kevin Love who had his fifth double-double on the season with 12 points and 17 rebounds, making three three-pointers. Starting forward Caris LeVert also chipped in with 10 points and five boards.

It was a total team effort by Mitchell and the Cavaliers who outscored the Bulls 98-69 in the second half and overtime

“I know I had 70 [points] and all but I wouldn’t be here without them. We wouldn’t have been in this position without guys making crucial plays,” Mitchell who played a career-high 50 minutes versus the Bulls said.

Back in the early part of September 2022, Cavaliers led by General Manager Koby Altman swung a blockbuster deal with the Utah Jazz acquiring Mitchell for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, 2022 First-Round draft pick Ochai Agbaji, 2025, 2027, and 2029 unprotected First Round Draft Picks and 2026 and 2028 Draft Pick First-Round swap rights.

The Cavaliers, who missed out on the postseason in 2021-22 felt like they needed a legitimate scorer who can put them on his back and carry them to victory when called upon.

Mitchell has been that and then some for the Cavaliers scoring 30-plus points 17 times already this season, including his fourth game with 40-plus points.

He has provided more than just scoring for the Cavaliers this season. His playmaking ability along with his prolific shooting has helped the Cavaliers to the fourth best mark in the Eastern Conference so far this season, thanks to glowing 16-4 mark at home, winning six out of their last eight contest at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

Mitchell’s playmaking ability was on full display in the win versus the Bulls as he scored or assisted on 99 of the Cavaliers 145 points, the second-best such mark in NBA history. Only Chamberlin had a better such performance in NBA history as he scored or assisted on 104 of Philadelphia Warriors 169 points in their 169-147 win over the New York Knicks on Mar. 2, 1962 at the Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, PA.

Most Points Scored And Assisted On In A Single-Game NBA History
1962 Wilt Chamberlin 104 For Philadelphia Warriors
2022 Donovan Mitchell 99 For Cleveland Cavaliers
2016 James Harden (PHI) 95 For Houston Rockets
2017 James Harden (PHI) 91 For Houston Rockets

In just his first season with the Cavaliers, Mitchell has already made his mark on the Cavaliers on both ends of the floor and has earned the respect from the Cavaliers faithful.

That effort as a scorer and playmaker that Mitchell displayed was necessary with starters in Garland and second year forward Evan Mobley out of the lineup because of a sprained right thumb and right ankle soreness respectably.  

“Honestly, it’s just finding a way to win. I told J.B., ‘You know, don’t take me out. I’m just going to try to find a way to lead us in every aspect,” Mitchell said to Winters. “Some nights it’s putting the ball in the basket. Some nights it’s defense. Some nights, it’s finding guys and just trying to find different things and I had to do a little something with Darius being out.”

“But I’m truly blessed and humbled that we got the dub and that’s all that really all that matters.”

This win by the Cavaliers came after a poor first half where they were down 21 points in the first half and were down 65-47 at intermission and Mitchell said to Winters that head coach J.B. Bickerstaff got into his players shirts about their lack of effort in the opening half. Whatever was said, he got his message across as they battled back to tie it at the end of regulation and forced overtime after Allen forced Bulls’ All-Star swingman DeMar DeRozan to a forced jump shot in the last seconds of regulation to force overtime.

After the final buzzer of regulation, the first to greet the players with a great enthusiasm that were on the floor on that final possession was Coach Bickerstaff shaking hands and high fiving his players.

Also, at the end of regulation, Mitchell said that to Winters he said to Coach Bickerstaff that they came this far that they might as well finish the job.

“We didn’t come out to great to start the first and J.B. [Bickerstaff] threw some stuff around. Screamed at us a little bit. Told us to lock in and we all did it as a group. My teammates put me in right positions and I just made the plays.”

“Crazy series of events. I appreciate the trust that he has in me. It’s a wild finish. Sometimes you got to laugh it off, you know and just go out there and continue to do what you do. Like I said, he put me in positions to be successful. My teammates did and we came out with the win.”

This amazing performance by Mitchell is on the heels of 15-point performance in the 103-102 victory at the Bulls on Saturday night on 5/16 shooting, including going 0/6 from three-point range. It was the seven time this season Mitchell scored under 20 points on the season, including in three of the past four games on 24/73 shooting. The Cavaliers dropped three of those four previous contests.

Mitchell said to Winters that he was shocked that he scored 71 points. That he had a hard time just getting up the floor the final minute-plus. But he found a way to get his team over the finish line.

The Cleveland Cavaliers entering the 2022-23 season have not made the Playoffs since reaching The Finals in 2018, the final season of now Los Angeles Lakers four-time Kia MVP LeBron James, who led them to their lone NBA title in 2016.

They just missed out on the Playoffs a season ago, losing in the 2022 Play-In Tournament at the Brooklyn Nets and versus the Atlanta Hawks last spring. They acquired Donovan Mitchell this past summer to bring their four-year postseason drought to a conclusion.

Mitchell’s 71-point performance got the shorthanded Cavaliers a victory Monday night versus the Chicago Bulls and they hope his continued great play will earn the Cavaliers their first postseason berth since 1998 without James on the roster.

Information, statistics, and quotations are courtesy of 1/2/2023 7 p.m. “Chicago Bulls versus Cleveland Cavaliers” Bally Sports Ohio With John Michael, Brad Daugherty, Serena Winters; 1/2/2023 9:30 p.m. “Cavaliers Live,” presented by Wayside Furniture With Cayleigh Griffin, Austin Carr, John Michael, and Brad Daugherty; 1/2/2023 www.nba.com/story, 9/9/2022 www.nba.com story, “Cavs Acquire Donovan Mitchell In Blockbuster Trade With Jazz,” By Tom Withers of “The Associated Press;” “Donovan Mitchell Scores Cavs’ Franchise-Record, Career-Best 71 Points In OT Win;” 1/3/2022 1 a.m. ESPN’s “Sportscenter” With Zubin Mehenti and Michael Eaves; 1/1/2023 1 a.m. NBATV’s “Gametime,” presented by State Farm With Matt Winer and Shaun Powell;  https://www.nba.com/chi-vs-cle-002220552;  https://www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/3908809/donovan-mitchell; www.statmuse.com; and http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilt_Chamberlin%27_100-point_game.

J-Speaks: The Passing Of An Actress Who Made Us Say "Cheers" And Had Us Asking The Question "Look Whose Talking?"

She first came into our lives on the silver screen on one of the most iconic movie franchises in history. She would go on to make us “Cheer” each Thursday night on the small screen from the late 1980s to the early 1990s as well as staring alongside a superstar actor in two movies that asked the question, “Look Who’s Talking.” More than anything, this actress that show us how to poke fun at yourself about something that many women battled publicly. We said goodbye to this wonderful actress at the start of this month who brought great joy to us on both the sliver and small screen.

Back on Dec. 5, 2022, Actress Kirstie Alley, a two-time Emmy-winner for her role on NBC’s sitcom “Cheers” and starred opposite famed actor John Travolta in the “Look Who’s Talking” passed away after a short battle with colon cancer. She was 41. She is survived by her two children, her son William True, 30 and her daughter Lillie, who was adopted in 1995.

The news of Alley’s passing was posted on Twitter by her William and Lillie and her manager Donovan Daughtry confirmed their mother’s death in an e-mail to “The Associated Press.”

“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce, and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” Alley’s kids said in a statement. “She was surrounded by her closet family and fought with great strength.”

“As iconic as she was on screen, she was even more amazing mother and grandmother,” Alley’s children added about their mom on Twitter said.

“We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Offit Cancer Center for their care. Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren, and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did.”

“We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

According to her family members, Alley’s battle with colon cancer came on quickly.

Her last time speaking was a video that she posted back in September, where looked healthy while offering to do celebrity greetings on the website “Cameo.”

Seven months prior, Alley made an appearance on the FOX hit show “The Masked Singer,” and was even in great spirits then as well.

In speaking with “Inside Edition’s” Jim Moret, Alley’s longtime friend for four decades and fellow actor Wally Crowder via video chat, he said that she kept her cancer battle hidden from “everybody.”

Crowder said that he learned of the news from a phone call on Dec. 1, 2022, from her secretary, who said Alley that the cancer was Stage 4, where she had done nine treatments already equivalent to three months to deal with backpain.

Crowder also shared footage of Alley riding on a motorized piece of luggage, which was part of a project they were trying to develop when she fell ill.

Just last year according to Moret, Alley left Los Angeles, CA last year selling her 7,000 square foot mansion for $8 million and moved to Clearwater, FL where she owned several properties. Clearwater, FL is also the headquarters for Scientology, where Alley is a longtime member, fiercely defended publicly and credited their program with helping her defeat her addiction to cocaine.

The church of Scientology in a statement saying that Alley was a “beloved member” and that “she will be missed.”  

It is still unknown when Alley was diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors say getting screened is essential for the prevention of colon cancer.

Dr. Paul Oberstein, oncologist at New York University (NYU) Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, it is “hard” to detect cancer if someone has not been screened because the colon is inside one’s body.

“Something can grow into the colon to quite a large size before someone will have a few symptoms such as back pain,” Dr. Oberstein said to Moret.

Dr. Oberstein also said other warning signs of someone might have colon cancer is that they have problems going to the bathroom and the cardinal sign is blood in the stools.

Alley’s first television appearance as a contestant on the 1980s version of the game show “Password Plus” alongside the famed late actress Lucille Ball.

Alley, who was born in Wichita, KS on Jan. 12, 1951, moved to Los Angeles to pursue Scientology and work as an interior designer after dropping out of Kansas State University after her sophomore year.

She made her film debut in 1982 as Vulcan Starfleet officer Lieutenant Saavik on “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” While her character was very popular, Alley chose not to continue with the role the next two film sequels, stating later that she was offered less money than. From 1983-84, Alley was a regular on the ABC television series “Masquerade.”

In 1987, Alley starred alongside former CBS’s lead star of “NCIS” Mark Harmon in the comedy film “Summer School,” which grossed over $35 million in the U.S. at the box office.

That same year, Alley got her breakout role staring opposite Ted Danson on the NBC sitcom about a bar in Boston, MA “Cheers” as Rebecca Howe as the no-nonsense manager of said Boston Bar from 1987-1993. Alley joined “Cheers” at the height of its popularity after Shelly Long, who played the bar manager love interest of Danson’s character “Sam Malone” from 1982-87.

Alley would win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress In a Comedy Series for “Cheers” in 1991 as well as People’s Choice Award For Favorite Female Television Performer and Best Actress In A Television Series-Comedy or Musical.

Danson said he remembers Alley as someone, who had a “heart of gold.”

He added, “I am so sad and so grateful of all the time she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. I will miss her.”

Alley once joked that being on the show “Cheers” was a “boys’ club.”

She told The Los Angeles Times back in 1993 with a laugh that “ ‘Cheers’ is a dictatorship.”

“It is a boy’s club and they dictate what the girls do and that is way you do it. There are no conferences about what your character is or should be. It makes people go unconscious. They just tell you what your character is doing in the script, period.”

Alley would claim a second Primetime Emmy win in 1994 for playing the title role in the CBS television film “David’s Mother.” 

Along with her role on “Cheers,” Alley starred opposite the previously mentioned Travolta in the 1989 film “Look Who’s Talking,” where she played Mollie, the mother of a baby whose inner thoughts were voiced by famed actor Bruce Willis. The film would gross $295 million nationwide.

She would reprise the same role in the movie’s sequels in the 1990 sequel “Look Who’s Talking Too” and 1993 sequel “Look Who’s Talking Now.”

Travolta, who lost his wife of nearly three decades Kelly Preston to breast cancer in 2020 said via Twitter, “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you, Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”

From 1997-2000, Alley played the role of Veronica ‘Ronnie” Chase on the NBC comedy “Veronica’s Closet,” which she also was the executive producer on.

TV Land show alum “Hot In Cleveland’s” Valerie Bertinelli Tweeted about Alley, “Oh Kristie…Rest In Peace.”

Comedian Adam Carolla said he “felt lucky” to have known Alley. 

Longtime actress Jackee Harry, who starred on the comedy “227” in the 1980s and ABC comedy “Sister, Sister” in the 1990s said of Alley, “Whether you agreed with her or not, Kirstie Alley was an undeniable talent who brought joy to many-through the screen and with her warm, hilarious spirit. RIP luv. You were one of a king.”

By the early 2000s though, Alley became more known for her weight fluctuation. She found humor from how she was treated by the public and the press over her constant weight gain and loss by reviving her Hollywood career on her on her short-lived comedy series on Showtime, “Fat Actress.”

One particular scene that really hit home with a lot of people in particular from that show was when she was trying to squeeze herself into some green pants that simply gotten too big for her and she shouted, “I need my fat pants.”

Five years later, Alley documented her candid struggles with weight on her 2010 A&E reality show, “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life.”

Six years earlier in an interview with talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey, Alley said she confronted her issues with her weight after a parking valet made the assumption that she was pregnant and asked when her due date was.

“I just said, ’11 weeks! …,” Alley said in that moment. “It hasn’t been really painful, but I think the hardest part is that I spent most of my life thin, you know? [Now]  it’s an effort to get dressed, whereas before I would just go ‘Ooh, I look good in these jeans.”

It is one thing to come to Hollywood and have one good role that people remember. Kirstie Alley came to Hollywood and had played quite a few memorable roles on both the silver and small screen. More than anything, she proved that you could have a sense of humor in something that can bring many down like when it comes to dealing with weight, especially if you are a woman.

Above all, Kirstie Alley proved that you could live a very public life and still raise a family in all of the noise of Hollywood.

Her sudden passing came out of nowhere. But while she was here, she left a lasting impression on many and was a performer that for anyone who watched her in the movie theater or on their television set left a memorable and fun mark.

“Just how loving she was and how wonderful, and how much she cared about people,” Crowder said to Moret when asked what he wanted people to know about Kirstie Alley.

Information and quotations are courtesy of 12/5/2022 People.com story, “Kirstie Alley’s 2 Kids: Everything To Know,” By Karli Bendlin; 12/6/2022 New York Newsday article “Emmy Winner For ‘Cheers’ Role Kirstie Alley 1951-2022,” By “The Associated Press;” 12/6/2022 New York Times story “ ‘Cheers’ And Tears: Kristie Dead At 71,” BY Eric Hegedus;  12/6/2022 4:30 a.m. WNBC 4 “Today In New York” with Darlene Rodriguez, Michael Gargiulo, Maria Larosa with Weather and Adelle Caballero with Traffic, with report from Tracie Strahan; 12/6/2022 7 p.m. “Inside Edition” on WCBS 2 New York With Deborah Norville, hosted by WCBS 2’s morning anchor Mary Calvi; and  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirstie_Alley.  

J-Speaks: The Passing Of A Soccer Legend

He was revered around the planet for his wonderous ability to play the game of futbol as well as transcend his sport with his profound values and inspirational personality. Whether he played during regular season in his league overseas, or during his time playing for the futbol league here in the United States or on his game’s greatest stage where the entire world would tune in every four years, this international football legend brought his best to the pitch each time he took the field. The world said goodbye at the close of this week to that legend who is credited with expanding the game of futbol here in the U.S.

On Thursday, world renowned soccer legend Pele, who full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who became known simply as “The King of the Beautiful Game” passed away from complications from multiple organ failure from colon cancer. He was 82 years old.

Just six days earlier, the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in Morumbi, Sao Paulo, Brazil where Pele, who was named FIFA Player of the Century in 2000 was being treated made a statement that his tumor, that he had surgically removed from the right side of his colon in September 2021 had advanced and required “greater care related to renal and cardiac dysfunctions.”

Pele’s funeral is scheduled for this Monday and Tuesday Jan. 2 and 3, 2023 at Santos’ Stadium in Brazil. Following the funeral, Pele will be laid to rest at Memorial Necropole Ecumenica in Santo, Sao Paulo.

Brazil declared a three-day national mourning period upon Pele’s passing. His casket will be carried through the streets of Santos this upcoming week.  

Pele as WABC 7’s New York’s weekday sports anchor Ryan Field put it on Thursday’s 5 p.m. of “Eyewitness News” life was “one well lived that left a legacy unmatched.”

That legacy on the field consisted of a soccer career resume of leading Brazil to three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970), the only player to say he won three World Cups. In the 1960 World Cup, Pele had six assists. In his World Cup career, Pele produced 12 goals and 92 hat tricks. At age 17, he became the youngest ever to win a World Cup trophy. That record still stands today.

Pele won six Serie A titles in Brazil with Santos (1961-65, 1968). His 77 total goals for his home country’s team, which was equaled by Neymar in this year’s World Cup as Brazil’s all-time scoring leader.

Pele’s 127 total goals for Santos in 1959 is thought to be the most goals by a club soccer player in one calendar year. According to FIFA, Pele recorded 1,281 total goals in 1,366 career games.

“Why God gave me this you know gift? This was a gift from God,” Pele once said of his amazing soccer career.

That gift from God came to Pele at a very young age. He made his futbol debut for Santos at the tender age 16 and a year later began his epic career scoring goals for the aforementioned Brazilian national team. It was here that Edson became better known by his nickname from his childhood “Pele.”

Pele professional soccer career began at age 15 when be played for Santos and then for the Brazilian national team one year later. In 1958 at the age of 17 became the youngest player to start in a World Cup Final scoring two goals as Brazil defeated Sweden (5-2) in Stockholm in the first of as just mentioned three World Cup championships that he won for his homeland of Brazil dazzling those in attendance and that watched on television with his fancy footwork and ability to score goals that seemed all but impossible. That ability to shoot and pass became very attractive to those that watched across the globe, compared to the more fundamental approach by those that played the game from Europe.

“When Pele scored the fifth goal in the final, I have to be honest and say I felt like applauding,” then Swedish soccer player Sigge Parling said of being a part of that moment.  

Nine years later when Pele visited Nigeria, waring factions called a 48 hour cease fire in that country’s civil war.

“The stopped the war to see soccer played in Africa. This is fantastic,” Pele once said of that moment. “It’s something you cannot explain.”  

In 1975, Pele, who had just retired from playing soccer came to America and signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL), a then ragtag franchise that played home games at Downing Stadium on Randalls Island New York, NY.

Upon Pele’s arrival, then at age 34 and seemingly his prime playing years in the rearview mirror, the Cosmos gained instant credibility and began playing their home games at the old Yankee Stadium in 1976 and then at the old stadium of the NFL’s New York Giants in 1977.

The Cosmos because of Pele drew amazing crowds on route to winning the NASL title in 1977. A crowd of 77,981 were on hand at The Meadowlands for the Cosmos Quarterfinals match against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

In a statement, the New York Cosmos said in remembering Pele that was in part that his name “will forever be synonymous with sporting artistry and genius. His lasting impact on the sport of soccer is inestimable.”

Pele’s final game came on Oct. 1, 1977, an exhibition tilt at Giants Stadium where he played one half with former team Santos and the other half with the Cosmos. The game attracted not just a big television audience, but a number of celebrities were on hand for Pele’s final game as well.

“Pele’s was the only footballer who surpassed the boundaries of logic,” Dutch star Johan Cryuff once said.

French soccer star Juist Fontaine echoed those same feelings saying, “When I saw Pele play it made me feel I should hang up my boots.”

One player that was Pele’s teammate during his time to witness the impact he had during his time with the Cosmos was Tony Picciano. The now Long Island, NY native who played with Pele with the Cosmos in 1975 says Pele was a great teammate and mentor to him and so many other soccer players. Pele’s presence also gave the sport, according to Picciano a huge boost.

Picciano told WABC 7’s CeFaan Kim on Thursday that Pele that when you put him inside the dirt and he “would grow us like an oak tree.”

“He was very good with certain players,” Picciano added about how Pele interacted with him and his teammates as well as opponents. “He really mentored some of the young players.”  

That impact Pele continues with this generation of futbol players like Lionel Messi, who said on his Instagram page when Pele passed on Thursday with a photo of the two together, “Descansa en pas, @pele: Rest in peace.”

One of the stars of this past World Cup Kylian Mbappe tweeted a photo of him and Pele that said, “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING.” 

In the years that followed retirement, Pele’s infections love for the game of soccer made sure his name would continue to be relevant. He became a businessman. A United Nations  Ambassador for Ecology and the environment and from time to time got entangled in political and financial issues. He rubbed elbows with state leaders across the globe. He even received honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth in 1997.

In 2013, Pele served as honorary president in the re-launch of the Cosmos as a member of the 21^st century version of the NASL. The Cosmos played home games at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium from 2013-2016 before their move to Brooklyn, NY.

In 2014, Pele received an honorary doctorate from Hofstra University during a conference entitled “Soccer As A Beautiful Game: Football’s Artistry, Identity and Politics” where 100 speakers and journalist from 20 countries were on hand and participated in over a dozen panels and roundtable discussions.

“My sense was that he loved the New York area,” Brenda Elsey, an associated professor of history at Hofstra University, who wrote extensively about soccer.

Elsey, who helped to put together this 2014 conference Pele should receive more credit for helping to transform soccer from a sport that went from being something that is watched an attended as a pastime sport to being one of the most popular in not just the here in the U.S. but the entire world.

To put the incredible career of Pele into perspective when he began this journey at as mentioned 16 years of age in 1956, he was a minority that came of age during a period where “hierarchies were being challenged,” Elsey said.

African nations were declaring their independence from colonizers from Europe and were beginning integration into FIFA. Black South Africans challenged apartheid and African Americans in the U.S. pushed for their civil rights.

Pele during this time period served as the symbol of a working-class individual who displayed how having a great talent and the work ethic and focus to get the most of that talent can move you up the social ladder.

Elsey said that Pele being “Black” and “the best athlete in the world’s most important sport” was vital during this period. His signing with the New York Cosmos at the height of his fame ignited a soccer boom in the U.S. that continues to this day. Pele, according to Elsey was the bridge between Long Islanders and immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean that moved within this region beginning in the 1970s.

Elsey said that she heard many stories about the impact Pele had on Long Island just from that 2014 conference from how people talked about how their parents took them to see Pele and getting lunchboxes with his face on them.

Pele also adapted quite easily to life as a celebrity in New York. While he was always gracious to fans that he ran into and was a very religious person, he adopted the style of New York sports legends from the 1970s in Hall of Fame Quarterback of New York Jets Joe Namath and two-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer and now television color analyst of New York Knicks for Madison Square Garden Network Walt “Clyde” Frazier wearing a big fur coat in the winter.

“He was very Studio 54,” Elsey said. “He was not so managed to social media like athletes today.”

While Pele has always been a global icon. In his native Brazil though, he will always be regarded as a national treasure.

“I am from Brazil. I’m sad,” Brazilian native Lucas Strabko said to Kim on Thursday night at the Pele store in Manhattan, NY about the passing of the soccer icon

“We lost our biggest idol. The greatest man of our history. Pele. Pele. And I’m in New York today. It’s so crazy see in Times Square. The most important place in the world and to see Pele’s name.”

“Pele’s means everything to Brazil. Pele’s Brazil. He is our history. He put Brazil’s name all over the world.”

A day after his passing, fans have flocking to the stadium in Santos where scored a number of his mentioned 1,281 career goals. There is also a tribute outside the Sao Paulo hospital where Pele passed.

On Thursday, the world of soccer and the sports world at large said goodbye to a legend who at the peak of his powers was and continues to be regarded as one of the best in his sport. After his playing days he was powerful enough that his name resonated more than most.

Edson “Pele” Arantes do Nascimento was a true global icon whose reach and impact have only been equaled by the likes of Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, the late Bill Russell, to name a couple.

Unlike Jordan, Gretzky, and Russell, Pele ESPN’s Soccer Play-by-Play Commentator Frenando Palomo put it was more known to people than the game of soccer itself was known.

“Its four-letter words that transcended the word of soccer. They knew about Pele before they knew about the sport,” Palomo added. “He traveled around like a traveling circus. H went to different countries, even putting his body at risk in order to play in front of thousands of people that had waited for weeks or even months for his arrival. He’s an icon. He’s a national treasure.”

ESPN Soccer analyst Taylor Twellman said of Pele greatness came from the fact that he did things “sooner” and “quicker” than anyone. Twellman also said that unlike Jordan and Gretzky whose career records in their sport have been passed, Pele’s mark of three World Cups won and over aforementioned 1,200 career goals have stood the test of time. On top of that, Brazil remains the last country to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 1958 and 1962.

“When you name the G.O.A.T.’s [Greatest Of All-Time] in other sports, there’s an argument. I’m not sure there’s really an argument,” Twellman said of Pele’s place as the best soccer player to ever play the game.

Fellow ESPN Commentator and analyst John Sutcliffe put it best about the passing of Pele that we lost “the greatest soccer player” in the history of the sport.

“If you consider that soccer or futbol is the most popular sport in the world, we lost a legend. We lost one of the biggest athletes in the history of sports.”

Information, statistics, and quotations are courtesy of 12/29/2022 5 p.m. WABC 7 “Eyewitness News At 5” With Bill Ritter, Sade Baderwina, Dani Beckstrom with Weather, with reports from sports anchor Ryan Field and CeFaan Kim; 12/30/2022 12:30 a.m. ESPN’s news crawl and “Sportscenter With Scott Van Pelt,” from Washington, D.C. with reports from Fernando Palomo, Taylor Twellman, and John Sutcliffe; 12/30/2022 5 p.m. WABC 7 “Eyewitness News At 5” With Bill Ritter, Sade Baderinwa, and Dani Beckstrom with Weather; 12/30/2022 New York’s “Newsday” articles “Brazilian Legend Pele, Superstar,” By Neil Best and “He Had L.I., Metro Roots,” By Michael O’Keefe; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pele.

J-Speaks: The Sudden Passing Of A Stellar Dancer and Entertainer

He literally danced into our lives a few years ago on what has become one of the best dance show competitions on television. He would go on to be a DJ and an executive producer on one of the most iconic daytime talk shows in television. Above all he was devoted husband and father who showed us all you can be a grounded individual who can shine in front of the world. But he also showed us that while everything might seem great on the surface that you never know what someone is dealing with behind the curtain.

Stephen “Twitch” Boss, who first came into the public eye on “So You Think You Can Dance” and as a DJ, co-host, and Executive Producer on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” from 2014-2021 died by suicide on Tuesday. He was just 40 years old and is survived by his wife and fellow dancer Alison Holker and their three children Weslie Renae (Holker’s daughter, who was adopted), Maddox, and Zaia.

Boss was found dead by a maid of an Encino, CA hotel on Tuesday, according to a report from radaronline.com. The manager of the hotel, who chose not to be named said that Mr. Boss checked into the hotel on Monday arriving without a car. Even though it has been reported that Boss died because of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the manager said he did not hear any gunshots.

When Boss failed to checkout at the designated 11 a.m. time the following day, the manager said that he sent a maid to his room and entered the room with her key. The manager told radaronline.com that Boss’ body was found unresponsive in the bathroom of the room.

The local authorities were immediately called after the maid to the manager of the horrific scene. But the manager was unable to tell the authorities where Boss’ wounds were located.

The manager told authorities that there was no suicide note visible, but Boss did have a small bag with him when he arrived at the hotel. That same bag was found in the room at the time of his death. That bag was confiscated by the police, that could contain a suicide note.

Boss and Holker’s acquaintances, celebrity friends and peers said they were “shocked” and in “disbelief” over the news of Boss’ passing adding that their hearts go out to Holker and the couples three kids.

Legendary musician and DJ McLyte said on her Instagram page, “I am soooo at a lost on this one.”

ABC News’ “Good Morning America” co-host and FOX NFL Sunday studio host Michael Strahan said on his Instagram page about “tWitch,” that he was a “real brotha.”

“You are loved and will be missed. Your legacy will always be remembered. Sending my love and condolences to Allison, his kids, and family.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama said on Instagram about ‘tWitch,’ who took part of her “Let’s Move!” campaign when she served at the White House that she was “heartbroken” when she learned of his passing.

“Stephen was an incredible force—someone who radiated kindness and positivity and made sure that people around him could feel it, too,” Mrs. Obama added.

“We felt his spirit in every dance, Every DJ set, every piece of creativity that he brought to life. My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and their three children Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”

Holker in an emotional statement, which confirmed her husband’s passing said, “Stephen lit up/ every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends, and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.

"To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt," she continued. "I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”

"Stephen, we love you; we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."

“tWitch” and Holker had just celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary over the weekend and shared heartfelt tributes about their love at the start of this week.

The couple, who served as host of “Fairy Tale Weddings” on Disney+ and Freeform from 2018-2020 also appeared recently on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” nearly four weeks ago and one of the topics discussed was about having a fourth child.

“I love the little babies. I love them,” Boss said about the possibility of he and Holker having another kid. “It’s a constant conversation.”  

Holker according to a report went to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Tuesday to inform them that her husband left their home without his car, which she said was unusual for her husband to do. It is also unclear why Holker waited until Tuesday to inform the LAPD of her husband’s disappearance when he left 24 hours earlier.  

Boss was born in Montgomery, AL and earned the nickname “tWitch”  as a young boy because he could not sit still. He graduated from Lee High School in Montgomery, AL in 2000 and went on to study Dance Performance at Southern Union State Community College and then Chapman University in Orange, CA.

In 2003, Boss was a semifinalist on MTV’s “The Wade Robson Project”  and also was a runner-up on the television talent competition show, “Star Search.” His journey as a major figure in our everyday lives on television began as a contestant on the fourth season of FOX’s reality dance competition show, “So You Think You Can Dance?” in 2008.

He also performed on ABC’s reality dance show, “Dancing With The Stars” with Holker.

Boss really shot to fame as Ellen DeGeneres’ sidekick for nearly a decade, eight years to be precise on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” where he first brought on as a guest DJ and stayed with until the shows conclusion last May. Whether he was rocking sounds as a DJ. Dancing it up, especially with the audience, “tWtich” shined on the show and gave us another reason to tune into Ellen.

“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him.”

Boss was also a film star with roles in “Stomp The Yard: Homecoming” in 2010. He also starred as Jason Hardlerson in the “Step Up” trilogy: “Step Up 3D” and “Step Up 3D” in 2010 and “Step Up Revolution” in 2014. In 2015, ‘tWitch’ was a part of “Magic Mike XXL.”

Boss was also a very popular figure on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where he shared videos of him dancing with his wife as well as videos of him and his kids dancing.

Boss and Holker were all-star dancers on Season 7 of “So You Think You Can Dance,” in 2010 and connected romantically.

“We shared a dance at the wrap party of that season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and we have been together ever since,” Boss told “People” last February.

“There was no dialogue, there was no conversation or a first hangout. Literally, we danced and we were together holding hands the very next day,” Holker added. “And we never looked back.”

The final post that Boss had on Instagram on Monday was of him and Holker dancing in front of a Christmas tree.

There will come a time where will learn why Stephen “tWitch” Boss took his own life and left behind his wife Allison Holker and their three children. Then again, we may never learn why he took his own life.

One thing that has come from this tragedy is that it is important to let someone know that if you are in crisis that there is help out there and you never be scared to ask for it.

Even if it means making a call to Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call at 988) and talking with a professional, at least you are talking to someone.

It doesn’t matter how tough of a situation you might be in, asking for help is better than suffering in silence.

In the case of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, his suffering ended with him taking his own life in a hotel room not too far from his L.A. home during one of the most precious times of the year, the Christmas holiday.

Information and quotations are courtesy of 12/14/2022 7 p.m. edition of “Inside Edition” with Deborah Norville on WCBS TV in New York, NY; 12/14/2022 www.cnn.com story, “Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, DJ for ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show,’ Dead at 40,” By Lisa Respers France and Stella Chan; Instagram post on 12/14/2022; 12/15/2022 www.radaronline.com  story, “Stephen ‘tWitch” Boss’ Body Found In Hotel Bathroom By Maid After Missing Check-Out Time;” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapman_University; and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_%22tWitch%22_Boss.  

J-Speaks: The Passing Of An NBA Champion Both On and Off The Hardwood

There are a lot of things that sports can teach you, especially professional sports. The National Basketball Association (NBA) taught one person specifically patience. It took said player a decade before he won an NBA title. As a coach he had to work as an assistant before he got another shot at being the sideline leader for another team. As a father, he had to wait two decades before his son, who was an assistant coach on a couple of his staffs during his NBA career to get his opportunity. On Sunday with his family around him.

On Sunday, Paul Silas, who played 16 seasons in the NBA for the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks (1964-69), Phoenix Suns (1969-72), Boston Celtics (1972-76), Denver Nuggets (1976-77), and Seattle Supersonics (1977-80) passed away, his family announced on Sunday and was first reported by The Boston Globe. Mr. Silas, who died from cardiac arrest was 79 years old. He is survived by his two children in Paula Silas-Guy, who told The New York Times that Mr. Silas passed away on Saturday night and current head coach of the Houston Rockets Stephen Silas, who were by his side at the time of his father’s passing.

Silas, the No. 10 pick in the Second Round of 1964 NBA Draft out of the Creighton University, where he averaged 20.5 points and 21.6 boards in three seasons played in the NBA for 16 NBA seasons and was a two-time All-Star (1972, 1975), three-time NBA champion (1972 and 1975 w/Celtics and 1979 w/Seattle Supersonics) and five-time NBA All-Defensive Selection (First-Team 1975 & 1976; Second-Team 1971-73) and was once President of National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

“We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star and head coach Paul Silas,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said on Sunday about the passing of Coach Silas. “Paul’s lasting contributions to the game are seen through the many players and coaches he inspired, including his son, Rockets head coach Stephen Silas. We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family.”

Before tip-off of Sunday night’s contest between the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks versus Houston Rockets, both Madison Square Garden in New York, NY and Toyota Center in Houston, TX held a moment of silence to remember Coach Silas, who was voted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

The Rockets defeated the Bucks (19-7) at home 97-92 on Sunday night with assistant coach John Lucas patrolling the sidelines in place of the younger Silas.

“The Fertitta Family and the Rockets organization are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Silas, father of Rockets head coach Stephen Silas,” the Rockets said in a statement via Twitter (@Houston Rockets). “Our heartfelt thoughts are with Stephen and his family during this difficult time.” 

Coach Silas returned to the Rockets sidelines for their 111-97 victory on Tuesday night versus the Phoenix Suns (16-12), their second straight win. At the conclusion of the contest, Suns head coach Monty Williams gave a warm embrace to Coach Silas. 

"I don't know if it makes it easier or not, but my dad was a coach and he would tell me to coach," Silas said in his postgame presser. "Get your butt up out there and coach. So that's what I did."  

There were also pregame moments of silence for Mr. Silas before the tilts in Philadelphia between the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers and in New Orleans between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

“For my family, he’s a god. He’s larger than life,” Hornets current head coach Steve Clifford said of Coach Silas.  

Mr. Silas began his coaching career in the NBA first with the San Diego (now Los Angeles Clippers; 1980-83). He was an assistant for 11 years with New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets (1988-89; 1992-95), New York Knicks (1989-1992), Phoenix Suns (1995-97), Charlotte Hornets (1997-99). He would not get his second shot being a head coach until 1999 when the Hornets tapped him to replace Hall of Famer Dave Cowens, who was fired after the team got off to a 4-11 start that season.

The Hornets in 1998-99 strike shortened season under Coach Silas finished 22-13 under his watch, just missing out on the Playoffs by one game.

Coach Silas became the full-time head coach the next season and was their sideline leader for three seasons and for one season when the team moved to New Orleans in 2002-03.

After being given the axe by the Pelicans, the Cleveland Cavaliers hired Coach Silas, where he coached future Hall of Famer and current Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James.

Silas two seasons with the Cavaliers was riffed with controversy as he feuded with veteran guard Eric Snow and was fired by in the middle of 2004-05 season when the team was 34-30 and No. 5 Seed in Eastern Conferenc.

Silas after spending some time working as a television analyst for ESPN, Silas was named interim head coach of the then Charlotte Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets) on Dec. 22, 2010, replacing the outgoing Hall of Famer Larry Brown and became the full-time head coach on Feb. 16, 2011.

Silas time with the then Bobcats ended when the team announced on Apr. 30, 2012 that he would not be returning for the 2012-13 season after producing the worst record for a single season in NBA history (7-59) at .106 winning percentage.

“I stayed positive. I had a positive attitude,” Silas told the Rotary Club of Charlotte while giving a speech there nine years ago. “Even though I couldn’t get the job, I said, ‘No, I’m not going to be negative. I’m going to be positive.”  

In his six seasons with the Hornets, because of the transfer of records that took place in 2014, Coach Silas compiled a 204-220 mark and is recognized as the first head coach in the history of the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans franchise.

In total, Silas compiled a 387-488 record in his head coaching career and 13-16 mark in his four Playoffs appearances, which were all with the Hornets (2000-03).

“He combined the knowledge developed over nearly 40 years as an NBA player and coach with an innate understanding of how to mix discipline with his never-ending positivity,” Hall of Famer and Chairman of the Hornets Michael Jordan said of Silas. “On or off the court, Paul’s enthusiastic and engaging personality was accompanied by an anecdote for every occasion. He was one of the all-time great people in our game, and he will be missed.”   

As a player on the court, Silas was one of the most ferocious competitive players in the league during his 16-year NBA career where he averaged 9.4 points and 9.9 rebounds, averaging a double-double for seven straight seasons and eight out of nine seasons (1969-70 w/Hawks & 1969-76 w/Suns & Celtics).

“Paul Silas was a consummate team player and an integral member of the 1974 and 1976 NBA World Championship teams,” Celtics tweeted @Celtics on Sunday afternoon. “Silas was a fierce competitor, with his tenacious rebounding and deft scoring ability around the hoop.”

As a coach, Silas was never afraid of being honest with the players he coached. But at the same time, the players he coached had a respect for him because he was always himself and what he said always came from the heart.

While he was very competitive on the hardwood as a player and on the sidelines as a coach, Mr. Silas was described by many to be one of the nicest and most caring human beings you will ever come into contact with.

Current Los Angeles Laker (11-15) LeBron James said about Coach Silas after the team’s 124-117 win at the Detroit Pistons (7-22) on Sunday night that he was “one of the greatest human being’s” he has “ever been around.”

“The start of my journey in this league started with him. His command, his principles, his attention to detail, his love for family…to hear the news was very sad.”

Coach Silas, who coached James his first two NBA seasons in his first stint with the Cavaliers has that same admiration for the four-time Kia MVP and four-time NBA champion saying he was “unbelievable.”

“At 18 years old, he knew about Bill Russell, he knew about a lot of players who came through that most players his age don’t even know. And he understood the game.”  

Another player that Coach Silas had a major effect on that he coached was Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who was an assistant on the late Paul Westphal's staff from 1995-97. 

Barkley on TNT's "Inside the NBA" said that he learned a lot about NBA hoops from Coach Silas, specifically the difference between a "good player" and a "great player." What guys strengths are. That it was necessary to know what a player can give you on a consistent basis to come up with a game plan for victory. 

The best thing Barkley, who played for the Suns from 1992-96 said that Coach Silas taught him was when he was playing for the Celtics and the late great Arnold "Red" Auerbach said that he need concentrate on being a great defender and rebounder. In that reference, Auerbach was letting Silas know then that one of the keys to being a good player is knowing what your strengths are. How to help your team win. 

Barkley referenced a story about a time when he was playing not up to par and Coach Silas is tearing into him saying, "You're supposed to be a star. You're in here stinking up the joint. You're playing awful." 

"You're a superstar. Play like a superstar," Barkley said that Coach Silas also said as he continued to tear into him.

"Barkley, who said he was embarrassed for how he was playing answered Coach Silas back by saying, "If you keep yelling at me in front of all these guys, I'm coming over there and punch you in your head." 

Silas answered back without hesitation, "You've got a head too." 

Cooler head prevailed after game when Barkley and Silas hashed things out and Barkley said it was one of his best memories of Coach Silas. 

James’ former team the Cavaliers said in a team-released statement on Sunday echoed those same sentiments about their former coach, “His engaging presence and huge personality inspired legions of NBA players and coaches.”

“We send our deepest condolences to the Silas family and everyone that loved him. Rest in power Coach!”

Among those that Coach Silas inspired to be a part of this NBA fraternity was his son Stephen, who coached alongside his dad with the Hornets both in Charlotte and New Orleans from 2000-03 and the subsequent two seasons with Cavaliers from 2003-05.

Like his father, the younger Silas was an assistant coach for nearly two decades with Washington Wizards (2005-06) as a scout and with the Golden State Warriors (2006-10), again the Bobcats/Hornets (2010-18) and then two seasons with Dallas Mavericks (2018-20) before being named head coach of the Rockets in 2020. 

Also like his father, Silas as an assistant was there at the start of the careers of three players who would go on to establish themselves as prominent offensive forces in “The Association” in two-time Kia MVP, four-time NBA champion and eight-time All-Star Stephen Curry, the No. 7 overall pick in 2009 NBA Draft. Now Dallas Mavericks’ four-time All-Star and 2019 All-NBA Third Team selection Kemba Walker, No. 9 overall pick in 2011 NBA Draft. In his two seasons with the Mavericks, Silas coached the NBA’s newest rising star in three-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA First Team selection and 2019 Kia Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic.   

Silas is now charged with developing youngsters in Jalen Green, Kevin Porter, Jr., rookie Jabari Smith, Jr., Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Kevin Martin, Jr., into a collective force that can be a championship contender.

“My dad, obviously, he was my No. 1 mentor, someone who I could lean on, ask questions and he asked questions to me,” the younger Silas said in a 2021 documentary that was produced by the Rockets about his coaching journey. “He really valued my opinion, which was kind of weird to me, me being so young and not having much experience.”

On Sunday, the NBA community said goodbye to a tremendous figure in Paul Silas, who had an impactful career both on and off the floor both as a player and coach. He played with an intensity on the hardwood that made him a true standout. He coached in a way where he could get after you if you were not living up to your potential as well as be someone that can be in your corner when you need to be uplifted. Above all he was a person who treated everyone how they would want to be treated. He raised his two children in Paula and Stephen to be the same way and they have carried themselves in a way that they have earned the same respect that their father did.  

"I'm very proud to be my dad's son," Silas said of his now late father Paul before the Rockets victory versus the Suns. "I'm very proud that people see him in me. And I want to continue. Whenever it is my time comes, I want people to say the same things that they said about him over the last couple of days about (me). And hopefully they'll do that." 

Information and quotations are courtesy of 12/11/2022 www.nba.com story, “Michael Jordan, NBA Family React To Paul Silas’ Death; 12/12/2022 www.nba.com story “NBA Champion And Longtime Coach Paul Silas Dies At 79,” By Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press; 12/14/2022 12:30 a.m. "Inside the NBA," presented by Kia on TNT With Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O'Neal; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Silas; and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Silas