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NBA Loud - by Travis

I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.

This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.

# 2

Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.

# 3

Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.

# 4

Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.

# 5

Care of NBADraft.net

Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.

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NBA Award Predictions.

December 4th 2007 13:08

Recently, Sports Insider, who is the other writer for NBALOUD put forward his picks for the major awards in the Association thus far. Well, it would only be fair that this writer should also put his neck on the line and make his predictions for the various plaudits the NBA gives out to its players.

Let’s start off with what we do agree with, and that is Manu Ginobili as the Sixth Man of the Year. This is a given, especially considering how well El Loco is playing coming off the bench. No, one even comes close.

Now, let’s move onto the more juicy part of this post. Besides El Loco as the best bench player, Sports Insider and, I, have differing choices for every other award available. Hey, this would be a pretty boring world if we all agreed on the same things.

Most Valuable Player: Dwight Howard

Kevin Garnett and LeBron James are definitely big time choices to take out the MVP, but for my mind, Dwight Howard is right now standing above all others.

What Orlando’s big man has been able to do on-court has been scary for all opposing teams. Some of the numbers that young, Dwight has been accumulating this season has been downright, mind boggling. Better yet, the Magic are actually winning and against some very impressive opposition.

Dwight as of this moment is roughly averaging 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, whilst dominating down low in the manner that Shaquille O’Neal used to back in the day.

You heard it here first, folks. Jamario Moon for Rookie of the Year! (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld)

Rookie of the Year: Jamario Moon

Jamario Moon doesn’t only have the coolest name in the league, but is the surprise packet in this year’s rookie class. Not only that, but Moon’s story is heart warming because after declaring his eligibility for the draft in 2001, and not being picked up, Jamario bounced around in various lesser leagues in America, finally grabbing a spot with the Toronto Raptors this year.

What has Moon brought to the table? Well, hustle, energy and a thirst for the game that makes all NBA watchers swoon. His numbers might not be eye catching, but his defensive intensity has been a revelation.

Kevin Durant might get all the love and praise, but has there been a more efficient rookie than Moon?

Most Improved Player: John Salmons

Playing for the Sacramento Kings these days is akin to being in a Soviet gulag in Siberia – no one can hear you scream.

This is a shame because two fantastic players are ballin’ in relative anonymity: Kevin Martin, and my pick for the Most Improved Player, John Salmons.

Never averaging more than nine points during his career, Salmons is now collecting a solid 14.5 points a game, whilst grabbing a very nice 4.4 boards per contest to boot.

In the rare chance that Sac-Town will be on television, keep an eye out for Johnny Bravo.

Defensive Player of the Year: Andrei Kirilenko

After a shocking ’06-’07 season, Andrei Kirilenko has rediscovered his love for the game and is once again playing stat stuffing basketball. Averaging 2.4 blocks a game he is showing off his defensive prowess for the entire world to see as well. Not, that we ever doubted his skills to lock down his opponents.

Although, his block numbers are very impressive, it is the intangibles that can’t be measured by raw stats that makes AK47 excel on defence – altering shots, poking away balls, and just being a general nuisance, makes Kirilenko my pick for the uber-defender in the NBA.

Not familiar with Jamario Moon? Check out this video and watch the ROY in action!

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Misc, Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

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All Hail LeBron James, because We're Not Worthy!

November 26th 2007 06:25

LeBron James is so good. That watching him play is like being on an acid trip. (AFP/Getty Images/File/Jed Jacobsohn)

Pity the Chicago Bulls. Once a thriving franchise with the future ahead of them, they are now yesterday’s news. Ironically, the Kobe Bryant trade rumours that have become a poisoned chalice for the Bulls, has resulted in the Lakers playing better basketball. So, it is of no surprise that the Bean hasn’t been talking about leaving L.A. since the season has started!

The Bulls travelled to Toronto and faced the Raptors, and promptly lost another game, 93-78. At least Chicago can take solace in the fact that they weren’t out of this contest till relatively late into the proceedings. Unfortunately, ‘moral victories’ don’t count. Just ask, Kirk Hinrich: “There's no fun in moral victories,” said Captain Kirk. “I feel like we played better but we lost the game and we struggled down the stretch again.” (AP, 2007)

Chris Bosh was the main pain inflictor for the Raptors with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and was ably assisted by rookie teammate, Jamario Moon (coolest name, ever!) who scored a further 15 points, nine rebounds, six blocks and three steals. Talk about stuffing the stat sheet!

The pre-season anointment of Kevin Durant as the rookie of the year has become a bit premature as the young gun for the Seattle Sonics finds it a tough haul playing pro-ball. Hey that rhymes! Give me a rap deal!

Seattle has matched their worst start ever, while also recording new lows for futility at home as well. Basically, what we’re saying is that the Sonics suck right now. It didn’t help matters that the San Antonio Spurs came rolling into town as well, beating the Sonics, 116-101.

Don't mess with The Booze. He could really mess you up. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Spur’s super-trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were once again the barometer for sustained excellence. What a yawn! They have been so excellent that they should receive an award from Springfield for being so excellent. ‘Excellent’!

Carlos Boozer was so close to receiving the nod for the performance of the day that it wasn’t funny! In fact, Carlos would have got NBALOUD’s prestigious award if it wasn’t for the performance of another individual known as the King. No, it isn’t Elvis.

Anyway, Utah pipped the Detroit Pistons 103-93, with the Booze notching up 36 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams for the Jazz wasn’t too shabby as well with 21 points and 14 assists.

Close, Carlos, but no cigar. Unlike Monica Lewinsky!

Performance of the Day.

So, who was the super stud for the day? Why, it’s none other than LeBron James! Elvis, who is the league’s leading scorer had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. For all of you counting out there, that is most certainly a triple-double.

Luckily for Cleveland, James was on fire because they almost had cream pie covering their faces. Why? Because the Cavs were laying a beat down on their opponents the Indiana Pacers, and the Cleveland crew decided to disrespect their adversaries by laughing and mocking them.

Needless, to say the Pacers made a run, but LeBron strapped on his Superman cape and went to work, recording his fourth triple-double of the season, whilst helping his team overcome Indy, 111-106.

Well done, Bron-Bron.

Today’s video is of the insane Ray Allen winner for Boston yesterday. The Celtics are the HOT team right now and this clip demonstrates why.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Games, Seattle SuperSonics, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Lebron James

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The Celtics Win One for Doc.

November 11th 2007 07:36

The Boston Celtics win again! Ho-hum, what’s on television? Well,

Carmelo Anthony stepped it up in the second half today. (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

actually this one was special because they did it for their coach, Doc Rivers, who had attended the funeral of his father just before this game.

Facing off against their Atlantic Division rivals, the New Jersey Nets, Boston sent a message to their opponents that they were the new junkyard dogs, with their impressive 112-101 win.

Boston is now the only undefeated team in the NBA.

Doc Rivers needed this victory perhaps more than ever to boost his sagging spirits: "A long day for me. A tough day for me," said Rivers, clad in a dark suit and tie. "I was going to stay at home and my mom said 'Go to the game.' That's what my dad would want. It's still very emotional. I needed this probably more than anybody. I told them that after the game." (AP, 2007)

For those who are interested, the last time the Celtics went off in the manner they are doing right now, they made the Eastern Conference Finals when the original ‘Big Three’ of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish were rocking the Garden.

Toronto Raptors point guard, T.J. Ford asked the question that is on everyone’s lips concerning the play of their opponents, the Chicago Bulls.

"What's going on with this team?" (AP, 2007)

The Chicago Bulls were all set to make a potential championship run with this current squad, but instead are off to a shocking1-5 start, as the Raptors rubbed more salt into the wounds with a 101-71 victory today. Since the Bulls had been linked to Kobe Bryant, they haven’t been their usual selves.

Chicago are in a shambles. In fact, Scott Skiles, coach of the Bulls, pulled out his starters in the third quarter and they never returned.

For any visitors to this site would be surprised to find out that the Boston Celtics and Kobe Bryant aren’t the only two entities that is covered in this space. It’s just what else can we talk about when both the C’s and the Bean are generating so much ink?

The aforementioned development is a shame really because two NBALOUD perennial favourites in, Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson haven’t been getting much love from this writer lately. Obviously, this is about to change with the Denver Nuggets overcoming the

Beware of dangerous weapons such as AK47. (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

Indiana Pacers, 113-106.

This was a resounding victory for the Nuggets because they were getting killed in the first half and didn’t look like making this contest competitive, let alone entertaining the thought of winning, when they found themselves in a 25 point hole. Coach, George Karl had some choice words for his players and they responded in kind.

Well, they didn’t really give, Karl a verbal serving back, but the Nuggets instead took it out on their opponents with, Carmelo Anthony leading the way scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Allen Iverson also pepped up and made a great contribution with 27 points and 10 dimes.

Sometimes it helps that an old codger chews out a bunch of young millionaires.

Performance of the Day.

Speaking of favourites here in NBALOUD, how ‘bout we give it up for Andrei Kirilenko! Who had a stunning 15 point, 12 rebound and nine assists performance! Most importantly the Utah Jazz beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 118-94.

AK47 was everywhere today, notching up four steals, blocking shots, whilst being a general nuisance on the defensive ends making life unpleasant for his opponents.

Last season everyone was wondering what the hell had happened to Ivan Drago? Now, the man is happy with basketball and being in Utah again, and it is showing in his play.

Today’s video is of AK47 doing his Russian-terminator thing. Enjoy.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Games, Utah Jazz, Allen Iverson

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Carlos Boozer: Punch Drunk Love.

September 22nd 2007 07:56

The attention that players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Yao Ming and Steve Nash garner, you’d think that they were the only decent ballers that ply their trade in the league. Sure, the aforementioned guys are marquee names, but there are a multitude of unheralded players out there that definitely deserve more love from the public.

There are many reasons as to why some players will never capture the public’s imagination, such as they might not be flashy, personable, presentable, or they just happen to ply their trade in a small market. Salt Lake City, home of the Utah Jazz would fit into the last categorisation, which is a shame because it is home to two of the best young players in the NBA – Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer.

We here at NBALOUD have covered Deron before, so it’s the Booze which will be getting love from this space today.

Date of Birth: 20 November, 1981.
Height: 6’9” (206cm)
College: Duke
Draft: 2002. 35th Pick overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2nd round.
Points per Game: 15.8
Rebounds per Game: 9.8

Carlos Boozer is proof of how inexact the science of drafting players is when it comes to forecasting which players will excel and those who fail. The Booze is a classic example of a second round draft pick that has come good.

In fact, Carlos’, story is a classic triumph of the spirit type tale.

Alaska wouldn’t be the first place one envisions as a state that would produce excellent

We're drunk on the Booze here at NBALOUD. (Image from nba.com)

basketball talent. Truth be told, it would probably be one of the last states anyone would expect an NBA all-star to hail from, but the Booze has defied that belief and than some.

Growing up in Juneau, Alaska, Boozer would give glimpses of basketball greatness when he led his high school team to consecutive titles, whilst being named as basketball player of the year in Alaska on three occasions. Not bad when you consider that there are only four years in an American high school career.

Um, let’s stop with the underestimating because everyone else does with Carlos – his high school career was kickass!

Further proof of the Booze’s basketball chops came in the form of the Duke Blue Devils, who are a collegiate ball superpower, and recruited Carlos heavily. You don’t really turn down the basketball pedigree of Duke, and Carlos wisely didn’t.

The college career of the Booze was solid, but unspectacular. He finished his time at Durham as Duke’s all-time leader in field goal percentage and named as a third team All-American and First Team All-ACC. Bravo, Booze.

Drafted by the Cavs, Carlos would become an integral part of the James gang, doing the type of grunt work down low that all teams value. In his time with Cleveland, the Booze averaged a solid 15 points and 11 rebounds, whilst being hard as nails down the post.

Cleveland understood how valuable Carlos was and wanted to re-sign him desperately. However, it was during Boozer’s contract renegotiations when they made a fatal error in judgement. It was alleged that if the Cavs released Boozer from the final year of his contract, he would re-sign with the team, allowing him to make more money.

Well, the Cavs should have realised that when a player of Carlos’ calibre is available, many suitors are going to make big money offers and the Jazz were that team. Signing, on the dotted line of a massive $70 million contract, the Cavs chose not to match Utah’s offer and watched their big man fly the coop.

The name Carlos Boozer was about as popular as syphilis in Cleveland after these shenanigans. Casting the Booze as a villain was a sad turn of events because he is known as a popular and decent guy.

After a sputtering start in Utah, Carlos would have his career year with the season just past. Winning player of the week awards and being named as a first time all-star capped off a stellar season for Boozer. He also had career highs in points (41) and would lead the Jazz deep into playoff contention.

Carlos Boozer had arrived.

For anyone who wants to know more about Carlos, check out today’s video.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Utah Jazz

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Derek Fisher gives up Basketball for his Family.

July 3rd 2007 10:51

One of the most dramatic stories during this year’s playoffs that this space unfortunately failed to cover was when Utah Jazz guard Derek Fisher, after spending the day with his sick daughter, and with little rest, then played a starring role against the G-State Warriors in a dramatic Western Conference semi-final contest. Fisher, the veteran Jazz player is a good man, whose 11 month old daughter is battling a rare form cancer in her left eye, called it a day with the Jazz releasing him from his contract so he could care for his daughter.

Derek hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of playing ball again but naturally the health of his daughter is of paramount importance, “Life for me outweighs the game of basketball…When it comes to decisions related to them. I do what’s best.” (White, AP, 2007)

Tatum Fisher was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancerous tumour in her left eye and there is a danger that it could spread throughout her body. Retinoblastoma is so rare that only 350 cases are diagnosed each year. Derek Fisher bravely fought hard on the basketball court, whilst attending to his daughter, oftentimes battling exhaustion in trying to balance his career and family.

Although there was a possibility that Fisher could have continued on playing while taking care

Derek Fisher does the right thing by his daughter. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac, File)

of his daughter, the man commendably made the right decision stating that he is solely focused on his family and that they make him the player he is – playing on while his daughter is ill was not an option.

We can only hope the best for Derek and his family.

Vince Carter as reported earlier on this space opted out of his contract but was always expected to re-sign with the team and it apparently has come to fruition. An anonymous tipster has revealed that the Nets are about to offer a four year contract worth around $60 million.

The reason why the deal is still hush-hush is due to the fact that under NBA rules contracts cannot be signed until the first day of the free agency period.

VC was undoubtedly a stud for the Nets averaging 25.2 points in the regular season, but was a dud for them during the playoffs. In fact he continued on a history of poor play during the postseason, which spelt doom for New Jersey because as great as Jason Kidd was, he could not have done it all himself.

Carter most notably made crucial errors against the Cavs in the Eastern Conference semi-finals costing the Nets, whilst being a no-show for Game 6 where he had more turnovers than baskets. Still, the man does put bums in seats.

Yesterday we showed the video of Greg Oden’s workout, now here is Kevin Durant’s.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Utah Jazz

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Deron Williams Stands Tall as the Jazz Overcome the Spurs.

May 27th 2007 12:32

San Antonio may have shot off to a quick 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals, but the signs were there that Utah wouldn’t be finished off quite so easily when they mounted fight backs in both games. Today the Jazz finally got the job done when they annihilated the Spurs, 109-83.

In the first three games of this series the one consistent has been the outstanding play of Deron Williams who is fast establishing himself as one of the premier point guards of the league with a wonderful 31 point and eight assist effort. In fact Deron is in such sparkling form that Bruce Bowen, the dirty defender for the Spurs put his hand up in trying to stop Williams which have proven fruitless to date. The young one man for the Jazz welcomes the physical play of Bowen and has taken him to school doing whatever the hell he wants on the basketball court.

It wasn’t all Deron though with Carlos Boozer also stepping it up with a very nice 27 point and 12 rebound performance. Utah also got help from a wide range of players too which helped

Deron Williams is the best. Chuck out the rest! (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)

negate San Antonio’s effectiveness in trying to win this game as the final scoreline so adequately demonstrates.

But let’s face it – this was all about Deron today.

The kid from the University of Illinois was always destined to be good, but the surprise is at how fast he has made progress in the pros. Last year in trying to figure out how to play for such a hard taskmaster such as Coach Jerry Sloan, the rookie looked lost at some stages during the season and his frustration was palpable.

This year has been a different story with the playoff series against the Spurs proving to be the coming out party of Deron Williams who has hit shots and dished off dimes at will. The leadership qualities that have been on display from Williams have also been a revelation as he refuses to believe the naysayers that his Jazz team just aren’t capable of downing the Spurs.

With the help of Carlos ‘The Jackal’ you’d figure that the Boozer/Williams combination is this generation’s Stockton and Malone tandem which will dominate the NBA in the subsequent years.

Williams has been so good that his fellow teammates are not only praising his play, but also bestowed him the title of their leader. There is no doubting who makes the Utah engine purr.

Mehmet Okur should also have love heaped on him because it was his effective defensive stops on Tim Duncan which made life much easier without the Big Fundamental inflicting all sorts of hurt on the Jazz.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – the Jazz are making sweet music and a win in this series is still a distinct possibility.

The proof is in the video at how good Deron Williams is. Check it!

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: The Playoffs, Utah Jazz

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Baron Davis vs Deron Williams

May 8th 2007 23:22

After the incredible upset of the Dallas Mavericks every basketball fan has wondered, what's next for the Warriors and Baron Davis? Can Baron Davis lead his Warriors to yet another upset and take down the bigger, stronger Utah Jazz?

Game one, the stage is set for another historic run by the Golden State Warriors, but there are two Jazz players that are thinking otherwise, rebounding monster Carlos Boozer and point guard phenom Deron Williams. Who ever wins the point guard battle will take the series in this matchup, not to say Boozer can't pick up the slack, but I believe if they stop Williams, they stop the Jazz. Williams gave the Warriors and Baron Davis a run for their money scoring a game high 31 points and 8 assists, Baron Davis has his work cut out for him this time, Davis had a team high 24 points and 7 assists, which is a pretty close in comparision stats wise between these two points guards, but the final score says it all, Utah Jazz took game one 116-112. Utah sealed the deal with put back score from the leading rebounder of the night Carlos Boozer, he finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds, 10 offensive boards I might add.

This will definetly be a competitive series, maybe not as exciting as the Dallas Mavericks series, but definetly the most compelling of all the matchups, not to mention the best one on one matchup with Williams and Davis. Deron Williams has virtually come out of nowhere this year, averaging 9.3 assists(just above Jason Kidd at 9.2) and 16 points per game during the regular season, devastating defenses with scoring and passing ability, taking us back to the days of John Stockton and Karl Malone with his forward/center in Carlos Boozer. Williams has proved that he is part the NBA's elite at the point guard position with only Steve Nash having more assists a game with 11.6. Baron Davis on the other hand is not far off Williams' season averages with 8.1 assists per game and 20.1 points a game. Davis is on a mission with something to prove and he is ready to showcase his skills as he did against the Dallas Mavericks, so I wouldn't be surprised to see this series go to 7 games and another playoff series classic to remember. In fact I'm counting on it.

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Posted By: Ryan Ward - Category: The Playoffs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz

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