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Knicks Close In on the Finals After Dominant Game 3
3 days ago•Source: Defector
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2.875 min•5 days ago
Cavaliers’ Plan Unlocks Josh Hart's Playoff Night for Knicks
In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Cleveland bottled up Jalen Brunson and dared Josh Hart to shoot, a gamble that backfired as Hart started cold but erupted for 5-of-11 from three and a playoff‑career-high 26 points (helping New York to a 109-93 win) after an 18‑0 third‑quarter run.
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Pistons Self-Destruct in Game 7 Blowout
Defector•7 days ago
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SportsLine's model bets Under as Spurs visit Thunder in West Finals Game 1
SportsLine•8 days ago
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Thunder Take the Lead in 2026 Final Four Championship Odds
Ranking the four teams left in the 2026 NBA Playoffs by championship odds: 1) Oklahoma City Thunder, 2) San Antonio Spurs, 3) New York Knicks, 4) Cleveland Cavaliers. OKC leads thanks to a dominant defense and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander anchoring the lineup alongside Chet Holmgren; the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama with a surrounding cast, are a fearsome multi‑weapon duo; the Knicks have momentum around Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby's return; and the Cavaliers will need Donovan Mitchell to carry them while Mobley/Allen provide stout frontcourt defense.}
Wembanyama's late burst tests the ceiling of the NBA's MVP era
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned his second straight MVP, but Victor Wembanyama’s electrifying late-season surge and playoff impact have sparked questions about who is the league’s best. Since Feb. 1, the Spurs went 28-2 with Wembanyama and posted an elite net rating, a trend that has continued in the playoffs as San Antonio dominates when he plays. While some observers praise Wembanyama’s defense, shot-making, and growth as a playmaker, others—including executives and players cited in the piece—say he’s the most impactful prospect the league has seen, yet still not universally deemed the top player ahead of an established star like SGA. The story frames this as a potential turning point for the NBA hierarchy, even if the MVP award has been settled for now.}{
Duren wakes up, Reed sparks Pistons to Game 7 with Stewart benched
Detroit forced a deciding Game 7 by swapping Isaiah Stewart out of the late rotation and riding Paul Reed’s energy off the bench as Jalen Duren finally delivered a late surge. Duren posted 15 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks while scoring crucial fourth-quarter buckets, and Reed added 17 points in 16 minutes to tilt the game in Detroit’s favor, yielding a plus-eight on the floor. Stewart played just four minutes and didn’t score, highlighting the Cavaliers’ coach’s bold rotation shake-up. The Pistons now face a tough lineup decision for the series finale in Detroit, with Duren’s restricted free-agent status and Reed’s breakout performance weighing on the coach’s choices.
Flagg and Roberson Go Public: Mavericks Rookie and Duke Star Confirm Relationship on TikTok
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg and Duke women's basketball center Arianna Roberson appear to have confirmed their relationship with posts on social media: Roberson shared a photo with Flagg on Instagram and a vacation-themed TikTok video. The couple overlapped at Duke in 2024–25, with Flagg starring for the men’s team while Roberson sat out due to injury during that season.
Drake Targets LeBron on New Album as Curry Family Gets Pulled Into Feud
Drake's new album includes lines fans interpret as a jab at LeBron James while he also praises Stephen Curry; Ayesha Curry publicly supports Drake, pulling the Curry family further into the ongoing NBA feud that has Kendrick Lamar’s involvement and has drawn increased attention, with LeBron yet to publicly respond.
Barkley: There are more gay players across NFL, NBA, MLB — and you’re wrong if you disagree
Charles Barkley, in a tribute to Jason Collins, decries homophobia in sports and asserts there are more gay players in the NFL, NBA and MLB, saying critics who doubt it are “stupid,” as Collins’ death from glioblastoma is noted along with Barkley’s praise of Collins’ bravery and call for acceptance.
Dybantsa Tops Wizards, Peterson Headlines Jazz in The Athletic's Post-Lottery Mock
After the Draft Lottery reshaped the order, The Athletic's Sam Vecenie updates his post-lottery mock with AJ Dybantsa going No. 1 to the Wizards and Darryn Peterson No. 2 to the Jazz, followed by Cameron Boozer to the Grizzlies, Caleb Wilson to the Bulls, Keaton Wagler to the Clippers (via IND) and Darius Acuff Jr. to the Nets, among others. The piece also notes the lottery’s key shifts (Jazz’s leap to No. 2, Pacers losing a pick to the Clippers) and provides scouting context on each prospect’s strengths, shortcomings, and fit, along with considerations like injuries and pre-draft evaluations.
Warriors Reaffirm Kerr, Ending a Month-Long Speculation
Golden State ultimately kept Steve Kerr as head coach after about three weeks of deliberation and mounting rumors, preserving the Kerr-Curry partnership that helped build the dynasty; the process was longer than necessary, but the outcome maintains continuity for the franchise.
Pistons’ Lockdown D Shrinks Harden in Playoff Showdown
Detroit’s elite team defense has James Harden bottled up through the playoff series, leaving him largely invisible on offense as the Pistons’ rotations overwhelm him. Harden’s two-game line reads 9 made field goals, 11 turnovers, and 1-for-11 from three, with Detroit’s scheme and personnel (Cade Cunningham on Harden, Ausar Thompson on Mitchell) applying relentless pressure and limiting his drives and decision-making.
Harper Sparks Spurs to Even Series with Strong Game 2
The San Antonio Spurs evened their playoff series by routing the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95 in Game 2, with rookie Dylan Harper delivering a versatile all-around performance (11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals) that highlighted his growing impact and potential as a pass-first, multi-faceted guard alongside Victor Wembanyama.