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Michael Beasley. Image via: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images
In an event that was as entertaining off the court as it was on, Michael Beasley stole the spotlight with a dominant one-on-one victory over Lance Stephenson. But an even more jaw-dropping postgame message sparked wide attention.
The highly anticipated showdown took place at TNC 02 and saw Beasley walk away with a $100,000 cash prize and some viral bragging rights.
But the biggest moment came after the event, when Beasley let loose with a comment that sent the internet into a frenzy.
Michael Beasley sends NSFW to Lance Stephenson on Instagram
Michael Beasley, a former No. 2 overall NBA draft pick, showed flashes of the promise that once made him the most hyped freshman in the nation. Facing Lance Stephenson, a player equally known for his flair and unfinished NBA story, Beasley proved that while their NBA days may be over, their competitive fire is still burning hot.After sealing the 31-21 victory, Beasley’s message to Stephenson wasn’t a standard sportsmanship handshake. “Great game bro,” he began. Then came the line that lit up social media, “I love you to the moon and back, now grab a cigarette and a towel. We made a s*xtape Kim K would envy.” The message was wild, and for fans, was weirdly affectionate.
The matchup served as the headline bout at TNC 02, a one-on-one tournament streamed on YouTube on June 6.
Leading up to the event, Beasley and Stephenson dropped a not-safe-for-work promo video that leaned heavily into trash talk. In it, Beasley taunted Stephenson with theatrical bravado, helping build hype for a game that actually delivered.Though both players had short-lived NBA highs, Beasley with a promising start in Miami and Stephenson as the notorious LeBron James agitator during the Pacers’ playoff battles, their careers were riddled with inconsistency.
But in this setting, stripped of coaching systems and team politics, they were free to ball.
The Face Off... | Michael Beasley vs Lance Stephenson $100,000 1v1
Beasley backed it up with a decisive performance that echoed his old Kansas State dominance. He racked up buckets with his smooth shooting. Stephenson was seen scrambling to keep up.Meanwhile, Stephenson showed flashes of his signature style, but couldn’t close the gap. After the game, the two hugged it out, a mix of mutual respect and old-school trash talk.Also Read: “A f***** superstar” – Dwyane Wade is determined to get Tyrese Haliburton’s signed jersey as Indiana Pacers guard secured a huge Game 1 victoryWith the TNC platform giving faded stars a new arena to prove themselves, moments like these keep fans coming back.