Due to the Coronavirus, all sports have been put on hold until further notice. This is particularly troubling when you consider just how important sports are to millions of fans throughout the world. In North America, sports fans have been going through some serious withdrawals and they are desperate for some content. To appease this demand, the NBA and ESPN teamed up for a H-O-R-S-E competition between current and former NBA and WNBA players.

The first round went down over the weekend and the production value left a lot to be desired. On Thursday night, the competition upped its game and provided fans with a semi-final and finals round. First off, Mike Conley was able to defeat Chancey Billups while Zach Lavine beat Allie Quigley. From there, Conley and Lavine faced off in the Finals, with Conley taking the game easily.

While the competition didn’t feature the biggest names, it was still a nice diversion from everything going on in the world right now. Considering the event is fairly easy to set up, perhaps we can see another competition with different names, in the not so distant future. 

Let us know in the comments below what you thought of the initiative and whether or not you enjoyed it.

ESPN had the bright idea just a couple of weeks ago to host a H-O-R-S-E tournament featuring former NBA players, current NBA players, and even some WNBA stars. The first matchups were last night and let's just say, it didn't go as well as people were hoping. For starters, let's go with the results. Chauncey Billups beat Trae Young, Mike Conley defeated Tamika Catchings, Allie Quigley upset Chris Paul, and finally, Zach Lavine knocked off Paul Pierce.

While these results are fine, there is no denying just how bad the quality of the broadcast was. Now listen, ESPN can't send camera crews outside because we are in the midst of a pandemic. However, grainy Nokia phone footage isn't exactly the best alternative either and that's exactly what we got. Just look at the clip of Trae Young below, for an example.

Sports fans have been deprived of content throughout this quarantine period and sports leagues around the world are well-aware of that. The NBA is taking matters into their own hands and are coming through with a competition that will certainly get fans excited. We reported over the weekend that the NBA would have a H-O-R-S-E competition with some of the NBA’s best players. This is a classic game amongst basketball players and now, the NBA will be turning it into a primetime event.

The eight participants have been revealed and it is surely going to be a lot of fun. The players are split into two groups, with the winner of each group advancing to the finals. In group 1, we have Chauncey Billups, Tamika Catchings, Mike Conley Jr, and Trae Young. Meanwhile, group 2 features the likes of Allie Quigley, Paul Pierce, Chris Paul, and Zach Lavine.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

On Sunday, April 12th at 7PM EST, the quarterfinal matchups will take place. The players will be in their respective homes where they all have nets set up. The four semi-finalists will play on Thursday, April 16th at 9 PM EST. That same night, the winner of the entire tournament will be crowned.

Let us know in the comments below who you think is going to come away with the win.

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