Category: NBA (Basketball)

Jamal Murray overcame a strained left calf, with management suggesting he should sit out, to score 32 points and hit the game-winning shot with 3.6 seconds remaining on Monday night.

This victory sent LeBron James to his earliest playoff exit ever and pushed the Denver Nuggets into Round 2 with a 108-106 win in Game 5. The game featured 16 lead changes and 10 ties and ended with Taurean Prince’s halfcourt attempt falling short as time ran out.

Murray praised the Lakers for providing a tough series, noting his previous buzzer-beater in Game 2 as well.

Reflecting on his performance, Murray described hitting the game-winner as fulfilling a childhood dream, considering it even better than his previous buzzer-beater.

Murray’s determination and defiance played a crucial role in his ability to contribute to the game. Despite initial reluctance from management due to his calf injury, Murray insisted on playing to support his teammates, despite the risk.

Despite facing injuries throughout the season, Murray’s commitment to his team motivated him to take the court, unwilling to let his teammates down.

“I’m just happy they listened to me — and trusted me to listen to my body — and let me do it.”

James made two free throws to tie the game at 106 with 26 seconds remaining. Similar to Game 2, the Nuggets chose not to call a timeout. Murray received the ball, used a high screen-and-roll to his left, evaded Austin Reaves, and sank the 14-footer.

“Nikola Jokic, who had an unusual seven turnovers, came close to his 19th playoff triple-double with 25 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “That kid is a fighter. He always steps up in big moments.”

James scored 30 points with 11 assists, while Anthony Davis contributed 17 points and 15 rebounds. However, Davis seemed affected by a left shoulder injury after colliding with Michael Porter Jr. in the second half.

The Nuggets will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, starting next weekend. The series begins in Denver, where the Nuggets boast a Western Conference-best record of 36-8, including a 3-0 playoff record.

Following a 101-90 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Paul George expressed confidence in the Los Angeles Clippers’ ability to rebound, despite Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing knee injury. George highlighted the talent within the team, emphasizing the capabilities of players like James Harden and Russell Westbrook, offering optimism for their prospects moving forward.

Despite a strong start from Harden, who scored 14 points in the first half, his performance waned in the second half, contributing to the Clippers’ loss. This decline marked a trend, as Harden’s impact has diminished over the past two games, resulting in consecutive losses for the team.

Russell Westbrook’s struggles were evident, as he managed just one point on 0-of-7 shooting and was involved in on-court altercations, culminating in his ejection from the game. His performance stood out statistically, becoming the first player since 2005 to record a game with a flagrant foul, multiple technical fouls, and one point or less.

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard’s return to the court has been underwhelming, with limited playing time and reduced effectiveness due to his ongoing knee issues. Despite being available for Game 3, Leonard’s impact was minimal, contributing to the team’s offensive struggles alongside George, who also failed to make a significant impact on the game.

With a total of 183 points scored in the last two games, a stark contrast to their performance in Game 1, the Clippers face a crucial Game 4 against the Mavericks to avoid falling into a 3-1 series deficit. Despite their recent setbacks, George’s confidence in the team’s abilities suggests they are poised to mount a comeback in the series.

In Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, tensions flared once again, marking the second instance of heated exchanges between the two teams in three games. The altercation occurred in the third quarter when Boston’s Sam Hauser pushed Miami’s Tyler Herro to the floor after Herro maneuvered past him. Herro retaliated by throwing the ball at Hauser’s feet, resulting in a technical foul.

During the confrontation, Celtics guards Payton Pritchard and Jrue Holiday intervened to defend Hauser against Heat players Haywood Highsmith and Caleb Martin. While the incident didn’t escalate to the intensity of Game 1, where Jaylen Brown confronted Martin over a hard foul on Jayson Tatum, former Celtics guard Eddie House appreciated the message conveyed by the Celtics during the exchange.

House highlighted the Celtics’ physicality and aggression, noting that sometimes it’s necessary to stand up to the bully, which he believed the Celtics did effectively. He commended the team for not backing down and for showing resilience in the face of the Heat’s physical play.

Reflecting on the series, House noted that the Celtics have a significant talent advantage but acknowledged their vulnerability to being physically dominated, as seen in their Game 2 loss, where the Heat controlled the game’s physical aspects. However, in Game 3, the Celtics responded emphatically by elevating their defensive intensity, limiting the Heat’s shooting efficiency and forcing turnovers.

House emphasized the importance of the Celtics changing the narrative about their physicality, suggesting that if they can dispel the notion that they can be bullied, they would become an even more formidable opponent in the league.

With the momentum from their Game 3 victory, the Celtics aim to carry it into Game 4 in Miami, scheduled for Monday evening. NBC Sports Boston’s Mike Gorman and Brian Scalabrine will provide coverage, starting with Celtics Pregame Live at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated Game 3 against the New Orleans Pelicans, securing a commanding 3-0 series lead with a final score of 106-85. Despite a close first quarter where the Thunder led by four points, they maintained control throughout the game, never allowing the Pelicans to take the lead again.

A pivotal moment came with an impressive 14-0 run by Oklahoma City in the second quarter, giving them a substantial 60-46 lead by halftime.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to shine in the playoffs, contributing 24 points, eight assists, and four steals in 37 minutes of play. Jalen Williams provided valuable support with 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren showcased his defensive prowess with a game-high four blocks, adding to the Thunder’s formidable performance on both ends of the court.

Fans and analysts alike marveled at Oklahoma City’s performance, particularly praising Gilgeous-Alexander and the team’s potential for their first playoff series win since 2016. Social media buzzed with highlights of key plays and statistics, highlighting the Thunder’s dominance and the impact of their star players.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, struggled to find an efficient scorer following Zion Williamson’s absence due to a hamstring injury sustained in the play-in tournament. C.J. McCollum led New Orleans in shot attempts but struggled with his accuracy, hitting only seven of 22 attempts. With their star sidelined, the Pelicans faced an uphill battle against the formidable Thunder squad.

With a win in Game 4, the Thunder could achieve their first playoff series sweep since 2012, further solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. As the series progresses, all eyes are on Oklahoma City as they aim to advance, while New Orleans seeks to stave off elimination and mount a comeback.

The Los Angeles Lakers finally secured a victory against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 with a score of 119-108, breaking a streak of three consecutive second-half collapses. LeBron James played a pivotal role in the win, delivering an exceptional performance in the second half with 30 points, including 14 crucial points in the fourth quarter. Anthony Davis also made a significant contribution with 25 points and an impressive 23 rebounds.

Despite the win, the Lakers still face an uphill battle to advance to the second round of the playoffs. Fans expressed relief at avoiding a sweep while speculating on the team’s ability to mount a comeback from a 3-0 series deficit. Some fans took to social media to praise LeBron James for his leadership and resilience, while others highlighted the significance of the team’s role players stepping up in Game 4.

The possibility of a historic comeback fueled discussions among fans and analysts alike, with many acknowledging the rarity of such an achievement in NBA history. While some remained optimistic about the Lakers’ chances, others pointed out the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of consistent performances from the entire team, not just the star players.

Key players like D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves made crucial contributions in Game 4, showcasing the depth of the Lakers’ roster and providing hope for a potential turnaround in the series. However, the team will need sustained efforts from its supporting cast to overcome the odds and complete the comeback.

As the Lakers face an unprecedented challenge, the spotlight remains on LeBron James and Anthony Davis to lead the team’s charge. With the series now at 3-1 in favor of the Nuggets, the Lakers must build on their Game 4 victory and continue to rally behind their star duo while hoping for continued support from their role players to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard couldn’t play in Sunday’s Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks due to inflammation in his right knee. There’s no set time for his return.

The Clippers managed to win without Leonard once more, securing a 116-111 victory after winning the series opener. Leonard had played in the second and third games after missing nine consecutive matches, including the final eight of the regular season.

In Game 3, Leonard seemed off, scoring just nine points on seven shots, his lowest in a playoff game in a decade. He played 25 minutes as Dallas took a 2-1 series lead.

Team president Lawrence Frank noted before the game that Leonard didn’t seem himself on the court due to the injury, which he described as “tricky.”

Frank mentioned they’re unsure when Leonard’s knee will be ready to play.

The Clippers won the series opener without Leonard, with James Harden scoring 28 points, hitting six 3-pointers. In Game 4, both Harden and Paul George scored 33 points each, contributing significantly in the fourth quarter after the Clippers blew a 31-point lead.

Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the team’s previous experience playing without Leonard, emphasizing the need to stick to their plan and thanking Leonard for his efforts.

Leonard played 68 regular-season games, the most since the 2016-17 season in San Antonio. The knee trouble started before LA’s first April game.

Jalen Brunson had just wrapped up his highest-scoring playoff game ever, marking the Knicks’ highest playoff score by a player. But what impressed him more than his performance was the Knicks fans’ takeover of the arena in Philadelphia.

Despite being in the opponent’s territory, they made their presence felt and affected Joel Embiid’s performance.

Scoring a career playoff-high of 47 points and dishing out 10 assists, Brunson led the Knicks to a 97-92 victory over the 76ers, giving them a 3-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.

While Brunson had scored 41 points for the Dallas Mavericks against Utah in 2022 and another high-scoring game for the Knicks against Miami last year, this win was especially significant as it kept the Knicks alive in the playoffs.

Brunson, a former Villanova player familiar with passionate fan bases, acknowledged the relentless and passionate nature of Philadelphia fans. However, he found it particularly special to see and hear the strong support for the Knicks in a city known for its dedicated sports fans.

Embiid had to endure the chants of “MVP! MVP!” directed at Brunson, overshadowing his own performance and reminding him of the strong presence of Knicks fans in Philadelphia.

Despite acknowledging the loyalty of their own fans, Embiid expressed disappointment at the situation, especially considering Philadelphia’s reputation as a passionate sports city.

However, Brunson’s exceptional performance couldn’t be ignored, as he surpassed Bernard King’s scoring record from 1984. With additional contributions from OG Anunoby, who also played a pivotal defensive role against Embiid in the fourth quarter, the Knicks edged closer to securing a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year.

Embiid’s struggles with injuries, including a recurring issue with his left knee and a recent diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, affected his performance in the game, despite playing the entire second half.

Embiid talked about how his competitive spirit pushed him to keep playing hard, even when things weren’t going as planned. Despite his efforts, the 76ers couldn’t secure the win.

He had a good performance with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Maxey also contributed 23 points for the team.

Although some players like Hart and DiVincenzo struggled to make shots, the Knicks capitalized on their missed opportunities, particularly by securing offensive rebounds.

Thibodeau emphasized the importance of offensive rebounds, considering them as valuable as scoring opportunities.

Brunson, who had a strong presence throughout the game, returned in the fourth quarter to make a crucial basket over Embiid, contributing to the Knicks’ lead. While Embiid had an impressive performance in Game 3 with 50 points, Brunson emerged as the standout player in Game 4, finishing with 18 of 34 field goals made.

Brunson struggled with his shooting in the previous games in New York, but he’s found his rhythm now. He scored 39 points on Thursday, reminding everyone of his scoring prowess, which ranked fourth in the NBA this season.

Embiid put in a valiant effort to keep the 76ers in the game, especially with legendary players like Julius Erving and Allen Iverson watching from the sidelines. However, he appeared fatigued in the final moments, missing all five of his fourth-quarter shots.

The Knicks faced some setbacks with injuries to key players like Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic. Despite this, they leaned on their remaining players, with Anunoby, Hart, and Brunson logging heavy minutes.

Although the 76ers had a strong start and led by 10 points after the first quarter, they struggled offensively when Embiid took a break. New York took advantage of this opportunity and went on a 12-2 scoring run in the second quarter, tying the game at 29 after Brunson’s basket.

Paul George and James Harden have been instrumental in the Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, especially with Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to a knee issue.

Despite losing a sizable 31-point lead in Game 4, George and Harden remained pivotal, each scoring 33 points. They played crucial roles in the fourth quarter, helping the Clippers secure a 116-111 victory and tie the series at 2-2.

Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of getting the win, acknowledging the Mavericks’ inevitable comeback. Leonard’s absence due to knee inflammation remains uncertain, leaving the Clippers uncertain about his return for the pivotal Game 5.

Dallas’ Kyrie Irving delivered an impressive performance with 40 points, including a crucial layup that briefly gave the Mavericks their first lead since the first quarter.

Luka Doncic, although recording a triple-double, struggled with knee soreness, affecting his performance, particularly on defense.

Despite the challenges, George and Harden showcased their offensive prowess, with George scoring 26 points in the first half. Their combined efforts, especially from beyond the arc, propelled the Clippers to a crucial victory in the series.

When asked about what makes Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault good at his job, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander initially joked by saying he’s annoying and always nagging. However, he then shifted to a more serious tone.

According to Gilgeous-Alexander, the best thing about Daigneault is that he sets a standard for everyone on the team, regardless of their role or how long they’ve been with the team.

This standard applies both on and off the court, contributing to the team’s culture and unity.

Daigneault’s leadership qualities were recognized as he was named NBA Coach of the Year at the age of 39. He earned this honor by guiding one of the league’s youngest teams to the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Daigneault is only the second coach in Thunder history to win this award, joining Scott Brooks who won it in 2010.

The other finalists for the award were Minnesota’s Chris Finch and Orlando’s Jamahl Mosley. Finch led the Timberwolves to a successful season with a 56-26 record and secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs after going through the play-in tournament the previous year.

Meanwhile, Mosley helped the Magic improve significantly, achieving a 47-35 record this season compared to their 34-48 record the previous season.

Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers, who earned the Coach of the Year title with Orlando in 2001, expressed his admiration for Daigneault’s achievements this season.

“Working with a group of young players and getting them to commit to a championship-level mindset is quite challenging,” Rivers remarked before the Thunder defeated the Bucks late in the regular season. “And the proof is evident because not many young teams reach their level of success. It’s an easy call for me.”

Before becoming the Thunder’s head coach in 2020, Daigneault spent five years leading the Thunder’s G-League team, where he had considerable success with four playoff appearances and three division titles.

Under Daigneault’s leadership, the Thunder showed signs of improvement after a challenging start. In his first year as head coach, the team went 22-50, followed by a 24-58 record in his second year.

However, there was a noticeable turnaround last season, with the Thunder finishing at 40-42 and reaching the play-in tournament. Daigneault’s efforts earned him second place in the Coach of the Year voting.

This season, the Thunder achieved a remarkable 57-25 record and secured a tie for the best record in the Western Conference on the final day of the regular season.

Daigneault’s success is partly attributed to the exceptional young talent on the team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 25, emerged as a standout player, finishing third in the league with an average of 30.1 points per game and being named a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award.

Additionally, Jalen Williams, a first-round pick in 2022, made significant contributions, averaging 19.1 points per game this season after being the runner-up for Rookie of the Year last season.

Meanwhile, Josh Giddey, selected sixth overall in 2021, showcased his versatility by averaging 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this season.

Chet Holmgren has been a significant addition to the team. The second pick in the 2022 draft missed the entire previous season due to a foot injury.

However, this season, the 7-foot-1 center showcased his skills, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His versatility has been valuable, making him a finalist for Rookie of the Year.

Sacramento’s Mike Brown, who was the unanimous Coach of the Year last season and won with Cleveland in 2009, praised Daigneault for quickly building a strong team with the talent provided by general manager Sam Presti.

Daigneault’s communication skills have also earned him praise from players like Williams. Williams highlighted how Daigneault’s ability to relate to the players makes them more willing to listen and play hard for him.

Additionally, Williams emphasized Daigneault’s passion for the game and his meticulous preparation for each game, which motivates the players.

Daigneault emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating that everyone is working together towards the same goal, regardless of where the ideas come from. He values input from players and staff alike, emphasizing the collective effort to move in the right direction.

Bobby Portis Jr. allowed his emotions to take over on Sunday night, which had consequences for the already short-handed Milwaukee Bucks.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard sidelined due to injuries, coach Doc Rivers emphasized Portis’ role in the game to overcome their 2-1 series deficit.

However, early in Game 4, less than seven minutes in, Portis was ejected after receiving two technical fouls in a single play, leading to his removal from the game.

Coach Doc Rivers commented on the incident after the Bucks’ 126-113 loss, highlighting the need for Portis to learn from the experience, emphasizing that such lessons are valuable for everyone, regardless of age.

The game saw a total of six technical fouls, all occurring in the first half. The situation escalated when Portis and Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard got tangled up while going for a rebound, resulting in a brief altercation and a stoppage in play for review.

Both Portis and Nembhard received technical fouls for their initial actions, and Portis received a second technical for his subsequent actions toward Nembhard, resulting in his ejection from the game. This complicated matters for the Bucks for the remainder of the game.

Rivers expressed his wish to give Brook Lopez some rest, acknowledging that fatigue might have contributed to his missed free throws.

The situation might worsen for the Bucks in the upcoming game on Tuesday. There’s uncertainty about whether Antetokounmpo, who hasn’t played since April 9 due to a left calf strain, or Lillard, who injured his right Achilles tendon on Friday, will be able to play in Game 5.

Additionally, Middleton, who sprained his right ankle in Game 2, appeared to have sprained his left ankle in Game 4. There are also concerns about Connaughton’s ribs, as he may require tests before his availability for the next game can be determined.

When asked about the postgame medical report, Rivers admitted he avoided discussing it with the medical staff, hoping for some positive news even for a brief moment. He expressed his reluctance to receive more bad news, indicating his desire for a glimmer of positivity amidst the team’s challenges.

Myles Turner, the center for the Indiana Pacers, learned a valuable lesson from their loss in Game 1 last week: when there’s an opportunity to shoot, don’t hesitate.

Putting this lesson into practice, Turner had another outstanding performance on Sunday night. He scored 29 points for the second consecutive game, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out four assists.

His impressive display included making seven 3-pointers, contributing to the Pacers setting a new franchise playoff record with 22 made 3-pointers in their 126-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win gives the Pacers a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“After analyzing the first game, we identified some weaknesses in the defense and realized there were open shots we could take advantage of,” Turner explained. “Much of our offense relies on reading and reacting to the defense.”

Turner’s exceptional play in the last two games has been pivotal for the Pacers. Despite previously facing trade rumors, Turner’s performance has won over fans, who cheered his name during the game.

Now, the Pacers are heading back to Milwaukee for Game 5 with momentum from three consecutive victories, aiming to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014. Meanwhile, the Bucks are looking to avoid another early exit from the playoffs.

Yes, the Bucks faced challenges on Sunday as two key players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, couldn’t play due to injuries. Antetokounmpo has been out since April 9 with a left calf strain, while Lillard injured his Achilles tendon in a game on Friday.

Both players might miss the next game on Tuesday as well.

However, injuries haven’t been the only issue for the Bucks against the Pacers this season. Despite Milwaukee’s good health, the Pacers have won seven out of nine matchups.

Sunday’s game followed a similar pattern. Tyrese Haliburton scored 24 points, marking his second consecutive playoff career high. Andrew Nembhard contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, while Pascal Siakam added 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the need to adjust their strategies due to the missing players but felt his team held up well.

Despite their efforts, the Bucks couldn’t even the series. Brook Lopez led the team with 27 points and nine rebounds, and Khris Middleton added 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists despite playing through an ankle sprain and foul trouble in the second half.

The Bucks faced depth issues during the game, which might be a concern again for the upcoming game on Tuesday. Middleton sustained a left ankle injury, Pat Connaughton hurt his ribs, and Bobby Portis Jr. was ejected from the game in the first quarter after a scuffle with Andrew Nembhard, resulting in six technical fouls in the first half.

Rivers mentioned it was unfortunate when Portis got ejected early in the game, recognizing the intensity of playoff matches. He emphasized that once such incidents occur, there’s no way to undo them.

Despite the setback, the Pacers couldn’t capitalize fully, leading by just three points at halftime.

However, the game shifted in the third quarter. After Lopez scored for the Bucks, Haliburton made three consecutive 3-pointers, giving the Pacers a 10-point lead. From there, Indiana steadily increased their advantage, reaching a 17-point lead at one stage.

Although Milwaukee made a late surge in the third quarter and early in the fourth, cutting the deficit to six points, Indiana responded with a strong run of their own. They built a 14-point lead again, with Turner making crucial 3-pointers towards the end.

Turner, who was unaware of the fans chanting his name during the game, expressed gratitude for the support, especially with his family in attendance. He described the moment as special, given his connection to the city and its significance to him.

Jalen Brunson had an outstanding performance in the playoffs, scoring a career-high 47 points and dishing out 10 assists as the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 97-92 on Sunday. With this win, the Knicks now lead the first-round playoff series 3-1.

OG Anunoby contributed with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and he also took on some defensive responsibilities against Joel Embiid in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks are now just one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year.

The Knicks, seeded second in the playoffs, can secure their spot in the next round with a win at home on Tuesday night.

Despite struggling earlier in the game, Embiid played the entire second half for the 76ers. However, he couldn’t score any points in the fourth quarter. Embiid finished the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.

Tyrese Maxey also contributed with 23 points for the 76ers, who will aim to force another game at home on Thursday.