Bulls

The future of star point guard Trae Young in Atlanta appears increasingly uncertain as the Hawks and Young&rsquo;s representatives have entered collaborative talks to explore a trade before the February 5 NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
According to multiple reports, the four-time All-Star and Atlanta have begun an amicable dialogue about finding a trade scenario that works for both sides. Young and his agents have been in discussions with Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh over the past week, indicating that both parties are actively looking for a resolution.
Atlanta opted not to offer Young a contract extension last offseason, and with his $49-million player option for 2026-27 looming, the club&rsquo;s long-term plans have been in flux.
While nothing is imminent yet, the Washington Wizards have been discussed as a leading potential landing spot for Young. Talks have included possible frameworks around veteran guard C.J. McCollum&rsquo;s expiring contract and additional assets to make a trade work financially for both teams, according to Marc Stein.
League observers and mock trade scenarios have also mentioned other clubs &ndash; from rebuilding teams seeking playmaking upgrades to contenders willing to take a swing on Young&rsquo;s scoring and assist prowess &ndash; with the Wizards continuing to surface as one of the suitors for the all-star guard.
With the trade deadline approaching, both Young&rsquo;s camp and the Hawks front office are expected to intensify talks to identify a suitable deal. The four-time All-Star remains a high-impact offensive talent, but questions around defense, fit and team performance have reshaped how both sides view his role in Atlanta&rsquo;s present and future.

The future of star point guard Trae Young in Atlanta appears increasingly uncertain, as both sides are working on a trade.

Trae Young, Hawks working on a potential trade

The Philadelphia 76ers didn&rsquo;t open the season the way they envisioned it.
Paul George is still sidelined after having arthroscopic knee surgery. Joel Embiid, their franchise cornerstone for nearly a decade, is still on a minutes restriction &ndash; capped at just 20 to 25 minutes a night as he eases back from all his injuries accumulated over the years and his lingering health concerns.
Ordinarily, that combination would spell a sluggish start. For years, the Sixers&rsquo; fate has hinged on Embiid&rsquo;s availability &ndash; when he sits, the team&rsquo;s identity tends to blur. But this time feels different. Even with Embiid&rsquo;s load being carefully managed, Philadelphia has discovered a new rhythm, one that&rsquo;s fueled by speed, youth, and two dynamic guards playing beyond expectation.
At 5-1 to open the season, the Sixers have catapulted to the top of the Eastern Conference standings &ndash; and it&rsquo;s largely because of the brilliance of Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, who have shouldered the offensive and emotional weight of a team still searching for its full strength.
A restrained Embiid, still dominant in flashes
Embiid&rsquo;s limitations were expected. After dealing with multiple knee issues the past two years and a grueling stint with Team USA during the Paris Olympics last year, the organization is determined to pace him for the long run. He&rsquo;s averaging roughly 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in just over 21 minutes per game &ndash; flashes of his MVP form in short, controlled bursts.
The Sixers have embraced this restriction not as a setback, but as an opportunity. Instead of relying on Embiid to manufacture everything through the post, head coach Nick Nurse has allowed the offense to open up &ndash; to flow through his guards, spread the floor, and attack in waves. It&rsquo;s a modernized, pace-driven approach that keeps defenses guessing even without the full gravitational pull of their superstar center.
And in that system, Tyrese Maxey has flourished.
Maxey&rsquo;s resurgence: The spark of a new era
Two years removed from his first All-Star appearance, Maxey looks like a man determined to reclaim that status &ndash; and perhaps exceed it.
After going through a tough year in 2024-25, he&rsquo;s come roaring back with a vengeance. Through six games, Maxey is leading the NBA in scoring on elite efficiency. His shot selection has matured dramatically: he&rsquo;s diversified his arsenal with a steady mid-range pull-up, and his three-point volume and accuracy have both spiked.
But it&rsquo;s not just the scoring that stands out &ndash; it&rsquo;s how much control he exerts over the game now. Maxey&rsquo;s pace manipulation has improved; he&rsquo;s reading double teams, recognizing help defenders, and consistently making the right pass out of pressure. His assists are up, and his turnovers are down &ndash; a testament to how much more comfortable he&rsquo;s become as a lead ball-handler rather than just a scoring guard.
That sense of command has become infectious. Maxey&rsquo;s bursts of energy &ndash; those downhill drives, the fearless pull-ups in transition, the late-game dagger threes &ndash; have re-energized a fan base used to waiting for Embiid&rsquo;s dominance to dictate outcomes. Now, it&rsquo;s Maxey&rsquo;s rhythm setting the tone for everything.
Edgecombe&rsquo;s emergence: A rookie already trusted like a veteran
While Maxey&rsquo;s ascent has been steady, V.J. Edgecombe&rsquo;s start to the season has been nothing short of meteoric. Drafted third overall, the rookie guard entered the league with both promise and questions: his athleticism and defensive motor were undeniable, but skeptics wondered whether his streaky shooting would hold up against NBA defenses.
Six games in, he&rsquo;s silenced much of that noise. Edgecombe has started every game so far, and he is shooting a respectable percentage from three in a small sample size. He had 34 points in his debut, Beyond the numbers, it&rsquo;s his composure and poise that have turned heads.
Edgecombe has already become the Sixers&rsquo; primary point-of-attack defender, taking on assignments against All-Star guards and relishing the challenge. Offensively, he plays well beyond his years: his rim pressure is relentless, forcing defenses to collapse and creating easy looks for teammates. And when teams dare him to shoot, he&rsquo;s making them pay just enough to keep the floor spaced.
The rookie&rsquo;s playmaking has also been a pleasant surprise. Nurse has used him as a secondary creator alongside Maxey, allowing the two guards to run pick-and-rolls with bigs or play off each other in staggered sets. Their chemistry has been evident &ndash; a blend of youthful fearlessness and calculated execution that has kept opposing defenses off balance.
<h3>&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</h3>
The Sixers&rsquo; 5-1 record could be a product of an identity shift, and this hot streak could continue behind the play of their young bright guards.
They&rsquo;ve traded half-court dependence for pace and unpredictability. Their guards push the tempo, the wings space the floor, and their bench has embraced a collective role built around effort and ball movement.
And yet, this is still far from Philadelphia&rsquo;s ceiling. Once Embiid&rsquo;s minutes gradually ramp up, Paul George returns from injury, and promising guard Jared McCain coming back from injury and joining the rotation full-time, the Sixers could realistically become one of the East&rsquo;s deepest and most dangerous squads.
The hope, both internally and among fans, is simple: to finally break through the second-round barrier that has haunted them for years.
Although Philadelphia&rsquo;s early surge doesn&rsquo;t erase the questions about health, playoff durability, and how all the pieces will mesh once everyone&rsquo;s available, what it does provide is proof of concept. It shows that this group can win in multiple ways &ndash; through pace, through defense, through guard play, even without Embiid carrying them night in and night out.
And more importantly, it shows that the future of the franchise is in good hands.
Tyrese Maxey has evolved from a promising young guard into a legitimate franchise cornerstone. V.J. Edgecombe has validated his draft hype and given Philadelphia the defensive energy and secondary creation they&rsquo;ve lacked for years.
The Sixers may not be fully whole yet, but they&rsquo;ve found something real &ndash; a heartbeat, a rhythm, and a pair of leaders ready to carry them until their superstar can return to full strength.
For the first time in a long while, Philadelphia&rsquo;s hope doesn&rsquo;t hinge solely on Embiid&rsquo;s knees. It&rsquo;s being carried by Maxey&rsquo;s fearlessness, Edgecombe&rsquo;s emergence, and a collective belief that this could finally be the season the Sixers&rsquo; story changes.
They&rsquo;ve been written off before. But behind Maxey&rsquo;s evolution and Edgecombe&rsquo;s rise, the Sixers are rewriting what resilience looks like &ndash; one game, one statement, one unlikely win at a time.

Inside how Maxey and Edgecombe's play has redefined the Sixers’ identity and sparked belief in a new era of basketball in Philly.

Maxey, Edgecombe give Sixers new life as Embiid works his way back

With the 2025 NBA Finals shifting back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5, the Thunder delivered their most complete performance of the series &ndash; blowing past the Indiana Pacers to take a 3-2 series lead. In a game full of defensive highlights, coaching decisions, and unexpected stars, it was Jalen Williams who stole the show and ignited Paycom Center with a breakout performance.
Here are four major takeaways from a statement win by OKC:
OKC&rsquo;s defense smothers Indiana&rsquo;s rhythm
The Thunder&rsquo;s defensive identity was the foundation of their Game 5 victory. They swarmed the ball, clogged passing lanes, and applied relentless pressure on Indiana&rsquo;s guards. OKC forced 17 turnovers, including 10 steals and 6 blocks, dictating the pace from the opening tip and never letting the Pacers find any offensive flow.
Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso led the perimeter charge, while Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren walled off the paint. The Thunder&rsquo;s switch-heavy, help-first scheme disrupted Indiana&rsquo;s ball movement and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.
This wasn&rsquo;t just solid defense &ndash; it was a masterclass in suffocating execution that led to the victory.
The Jalen Williams takeover game
With the Pacers loading up on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all night, Jalen Williams seized his moment &ndash; and then some.
The third-year forward exploded for 40 points on just 24 shots, carving up Indiana&rsquo;s defense with drives, midrange jumpers, and timely three-pointers. Williams didn&rsquo;t just score &ndash; he controlled the game. His poise, pace, and precision punished every defensive coverage the Pacers threw at him.
This was no fluke performance. Williams had been growing into his role all postseason, but this was the official coming-out party &ndash; proof that the Thunder have a legitimate second star capable of taking over an NBA Finals game.
Indiana&rsquo;s puzzling decision to sit TJ McConnell
When the Pacers needed a spark, T.J. McConnell delivered &ndash; at least for a while.
With Tyrese Haliburton clearly hampered by a strained right calf, McConnell took over in the third quarter. He scored 18 points, pushed the pace, and helped trim a 20+ point deficit down to single digits. But in a head-scratching move, head coach Rick Carlisle opted to sit McConnell for the entire fourth quarter in favor of a struggling Haliburton.
Haliburton finished 0-for-4 from the field in 34 minutes and didn&rsquo;t look like himself at any point. Meanwhile, McConnell &ndash; one of the few Pacers with any rhythm &ndash; only saw the floor again near the end of the game. It was a questionable coaching decision that halted Indiana&rsquo;s momentum and left fans wondering what could&rsquo;ve been.
Haliburton&rsquo;s status looms large for Game 6
Indiana&rsquo;s hopes of extending the series hinge on the health of their All-Star guard. Haliburton was clearly limited in Game 5 due to the calf strain. While he tried to gut it out, his effectiveness was minimal, and his mobility looked compromised.
The Pacers will now face an elimination game at home, and Haliburton&rsquo;s availability &ndash; and effectiveness &ndash; could define the outcome. If he&rsquo;s unable to go or continues to play through pain, Carlisle may have to consider leaning more on McConnell or even Andrew Nembhard to stabilize the offense.
OKC, meanwhile, is one win away from capturing the franchise&rsquo;s first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma. And with Jalen Williams joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a legitimate Finals force, the Thunder look like a team peaking at the perfect time.

We break down OKC’s elite defense and Jalen Williams dropping 40 points on Game 5 takeaways.

Thunder-Pacers Game 5 Takeaways: Jalen Williams rises, OKC clamps down Indiana

The 2025 NBA Finals have been a back-and-forth chess match between two young, hungry teams. And with the series tied at 1-1 heading into Game 3, it was Indiana's turn to punch back &ndash; this time led by a new name under the spotlight.
In each Finals game so far, an unexpected hero has emerged. In Game 1, Lu Dort and Obi Toppin each hit five threes in a jaw-dropping display. In Game 2, it was Aaron Wiggins who erupted off the bench for Oklahoma City. Game 3, however, belonged to Bennedict Mathurin.
Here are our takeaways from Game 3&rsquo;s electric finish:
The Bennedict Mathurin Game
Every Finals series features a breakout game &ndash; the kind of moment that lives forever in a player&rsquo;s career highlight reel. Game 3 was that for Bennedict Mathurin. The second-year guard played with fearless aggression, attacking mismatches and knocking down big shots in rhythm.
Mathurin poured in a playoff career-high 27 points on 9‑for‑12 shooting in just 22 minutes off the bench &ndash; the first 25+ point performance by a Finals reserve since Jason Terry in 2011, providing the kind of offensive spark that shifted the energy of the game. His slashing, transition pace, and ability to finish through contact gave Oklahoma City&rsquo;s defense fits.
What made it even more impressive was the stage. In a chance to go up at home, Mathurin didn&rsquo;t blink. He embraced the moment &ndash; and owned it.
Turnovers tilt the game
Turnovers have been a recurring theme throughout these Finals. Game 1 saw the Pacers lose control with sloppy passes. In Game 2, they cleaned that up &ndash; and it was OKC who capitalized. But in Game 3, the Thunder once again found themselves sabotaged by their own mistakes.
Oklahoma City committed 17 turnovers &ndash; matching their season high &ndash; leading to easy runouts and momentum-shifting plays for the Pacers. Indiana turned those giveaways into, which made a huge difference in a tightly contested game.
For a young team built on pace and rhythm, turnovers are especially costly. They don't just stop your offense &ndash; they fuel the opponent&rsquo;s.
Indiana&rsquo;s bench strikes again
The Pacers' bench has been a massive factor in this series, and Game 3 only reinforced that. Led by Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin, Indiana&rsquo;s second unit outplayed OKC&rsquo;s reserves for the second time in three games.
McConnell controlled tempo, picked his spots, and brought his usual scrappy defensive presence. Toppin continued to provide floor spacing and timely cuts. The Pacers&rsquo; bench finished with 49 points, outscoring the Thunder&rsquo;s second unit and shifting the game&rsquo;s momentum every time they checked in.
For Indiana, this kind of depth has been a differentiator all postseason &ndash; and it&rsquo;s showing up again on the biggest stage.
Pacers tweak defensive coverage on SGA
One of the most critical adjustments Indiana made in Game 3 was its defensive coverage on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder star had dominated the first two games by manipulating pick-and-roll coverages with surgical precision. But Indiana threw him a different look this time.
&ldquo;They were higher tonight in the pick and rolls. They were above the screens,&rdquo; SGA noted after the game.
That higher positioning took away some of his downhill driving lanes and forced him into tougher midrange pull-ups. While Shai still found ways to impact the game, scoring 24 points, the defensive tweak clearly disrupted his rhythm early and helped Indiana build momentum.
Final thoughts
Game 3 proved once again that no moment is too big for these young Pacers. Between the bench depth, defensive adjustments, and Mathurin&rsquo;s coming-out party, Indiana has seized a 2-1 lead in the series, and the upper hand heading into Game 4, still in Indianapolis.
For Oklahoma City, it&rsquo;s back to the drawing board. The Thunder will need to take better care of the ball and find new counters for Indiana&rsquo;s evolving game plan if they want to tie things up again.
With each game rewriting the narrative, this Finals continues to deliver &ndash; and Game 4 is already shaping up to be another classic.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 27 off the bench and turnovers doomed OKC in a 116–107 Game 3 Pacers win. Indiana leads series 2–1.

Thunder-Pacers Game 3 takeaways: Bennedict Mathurin breaks out

The Florida Gators have clinched their third NCAA Men's Basketball Championship after narrowly defeating the Houston Cougars 65-63 in a thrilling title game on Monday, April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.&nbsp;
Trailing by as many as 12 points in the second half, the Gators mounted a remarkable comeback. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who was scoreless in the first half, emerged as a pivotal figure by scoring all 11 of his points after halftime. His defensive prowess was on full display in the final moments, forcing a crucial turnover that sealed the victory for Florida.&nbsp;
Guard Will Richard led the Gators with 18 points, while forward Alex Condon contributed 12 points, playing a significant role in countering Houston's formidable defense.&nbsp;
This championship marks Florida's first national title since 2007 and positions head coach Todd Golden, at 39, as the youngest to win the championship since 1983.
On the opposing side, Houston's L.J. Cryer led all scorers with 19 points. Despite holding a significant lead and showcasing strong defense throughout the game, the Cougars were unable to secure their first national title, with late-game turnovers proving costly. ​
This victory adds Florida to the elite list of programs with at least three NCAA men's basketball titles, underscoring the team's resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

The Florida Gators have clinched their third NCAA Men's Basketball Championship after narrowly defeating the Houston Cougars 65-63

Florida clinch third NCAA title overall with comeback win over Houston

The New York Knicks have signed 39-year-old forward P.J. Tucker to a 10-day contract, aiming to enhance their roster's depth and experience during a challenging phase of the season, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Tucker, renowned for his defensive prowess and championship pedigree&mdash;having secured a title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and reaching the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat in 2022&mdash;has been without a team this season following his release by the Toronto Raptors.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: The Knicks are currently navigating a series of setbacks, including an ankle injury to star Jalen Brunson, who is expected to be out for at least two weeks. In response, the team has also recalled guard Tyler Kolek from the G-League to provide additional support in the backcourt.&nbsp;
While Tucker's on-court contributions remain to be seen, his extensive experience and leadership qualities are anticipated to positively influence the Knicks' locker room dynamics during this critical juncture of the season.
The Knicks are currently third in the East with a 40-23 record and 19 games left in the season.

The New York Knicks have signed 39-year-old forward P.J. Tucker to a 10-day contract to enhance their roster's depth and experience.

Knicks sign veteran forward P.J. Tucker to 10-day contract

The Golden State Warriors have acquired All-Star forward Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat as part of a complex four-team trade, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
After a seemingly endless back and forth with Heat president Pat Riley, Butler finally gets moved to the Bay Area. Following the trade, Butler agreed to a two-year, $121 million contract extension, securing his tenure with the Warriors through the 2026-27 NBA season.&nbsp;
The two-month long saga between Jimmy Butler and the Heat will now end up in a trade to Golden State, one of his four initial preferred destinations -- and a new extension.
Trade Details:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Golden State Warriors Receive:</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Jimmy Butler (from Miami Heat)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Miami Heat Receive:</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Andrew Wiggins (from Golden State Warriors)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Kyle Anderson (from Golden State Warriors)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">P.J. Tucker (from Utah Jazz)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">2025 Protected first-round draft pick (from Golden State Warriors)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Detroit Pistons Receive:</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Lindy Waters III (from Golden State Warriors)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Josh Richardson (from Miami Heat)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Utah Jazz Receive:</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Dennis Schr&ouml;der (from Golden State Warriors)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
ANALYSIS: This trade for Butler aims to bolster Golden State's championship aspirations and bring help alongside Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. Butler, 35, has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this season when healthy playing for the Heat.
This multi-team trade marks a significant moment for the Warriors as they made a decisive move to strengthen their lineup to gun for a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. Curry finally gets the &ldquo;secondary star&rdquo; people have been clamoring for months, and it will be interesting to see how Butler fits with Golden State&rsquo;s offensive schemes.
The Miami Heat will acquire forward Andrew Wiggins, who has contributed 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season, along with Kyle Anderson, PJ Tucker, and a future protected first-round pick, signaling a strategic shift towards building around younger talent. Wiggins will join the promising core of newly-minted all-star Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel&rsquo;el Ware.
The Detroit Pistons also gain valuable assets in Lindy Waters III and Josh Richardson, two 3-and-D guys that can play alongside their star Cade Cunningham while the Utah Jazz get a vet in Dennis Schroder that could possibly be moved again for more draft compensation.

The Golden State Warriors have acquired All-Star forward Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat as part of a complex four-team trade.

Jimmy Butler lands with Warriors in massive four-team trade

In a recent transaction reported by ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz have agreed to a trade involving multiple players and assets. The Clippers will acquire center Drew Eubanks and guard Patty Mills from the Jazz. In return, the Jazz will receive forward P.J. Tucker, center Mo Bamba, a future second-round draft pick, and cash considerations.&nbsp;
Trade Details:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Los Angeles Clippers Receive:</li>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Drew Eubanks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Patty Mills</li>
</ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Utah Jazz Receive:</li>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">P.J. Tucker</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Mo Bamba</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Future second-round pick</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Cash considerations</li>
</ul>
</ul>
This trade provides the Clippers with additional depth in their frontcourt through Eubanks and veteran experience in the backcourt with Mills. For the Jazz, the acquisition of Bamba offers potential for future contributions, while Tucker's veteran presence could be valuable, though he may be considered a buyout candidate. The inclusion of a future second-round pick and cash considerations further bolsters the Jazz's assets for future transactions.&nbsp;
The trade has been officially completed, with all players involved expected to join their new teams promptly.

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz have agreed to a trade involving multiple players and assets.

Clippers and Jazz complete multi-player trade

The East Asia Super League (EASL) is set to host its highly anticipated Final Four 2025 in Macau SAR for the very first time. From March 7-9, Melco Resorts &amp; Entertainment&rsquo;s Studio City Event Center will be the stage where Asia&rsquo;s basketball elite clash for glory.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This marks the EASL&rsquo;s second-ever Final Four, building on the success of its inaugural home-and-away season format introduced during the 2023-24 campaign, following a series of thrilling and competitive tournaments.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;Asia&rsquo;s finest teams will battle it out in Macau for the EASL Final Four 2025,&rdquo; said CEO Henry Kerins. &ldquo;This event is the Champions League of Asian basketball, bringing top-tier talent, electrifying action, and an unmatched atmosphere. It&rsquo;s everything basketball fans could hope for.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Two teams have already punched their tickets to the Final Four, both representing Japan&rsquo;s B.LEAGUE. The Ryukyu Golden Kings secured the first spot on December 25 with a gritty 82-74 win over the New Taipei Kings. They were soon joined by the Hiroshima Dragonflies, who earned their berth with a dominant 94-63 victory against the San Miguel Beermen on January 8. The B.LEAGUE continues to showcase its dominance in EASL, highlighted by the Chiba Jets&rsquo; championship run last year with an unblemished 8-0 record.&nbsp;&nbsp;
With three game days left and two Final Four slots still available, the battle for postseason spots is intensifying.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The stakes couldn&rsquo;t be higher, as the EASL Champions will take home a grand prize of $1 million, while the runner-up will receive $500,000, and the third-place team will earn $250,000. The semi finals are set for March 7, with the winners advancing to the Championship Game on March 9. Meanwhile, the semi final losers will compete in a Third-Place Game also scheduled for March 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Fans eager to witness the action can grab their tickets starting February 7 at 12 p.m. CST through Studio City Macau&rsquo;s official website: [https://www.studiocity-macau.com/en](https://www.studiocity-macau.com/en).

The East Asia Super League (EASL) is set to host its highly anticipated Final Four 2025 in Macau SAR for the very first time.

EASL Final Four 2025 Heads to Macau

The East Asia Super League (EASL) will feature two B.LEAGUE teams in its 2025 Final Four, as both the Ryukyu Golden Kings and the Hiroshima Dragonflies have clinched their spots in the prestigious tournament.
The Ryukyu Golden Kings were the first to secure their place, achieving an 82-74 victory over the New Taipei Kings on December 25, 2024. This win propelled Ryukyu to a 4-0 record in Group B, ensuring their advancement with two regular-season games remaining. Keve Aluma has been instrumental for the team, leading with an average of 27.5 points per game. Ryuichi Kishimoto earned Player of the Game honors against New Taipei, contributing 20 points, including six three-pointers.&nbsp;
Following suit, the Hiroshima Dragonflies clinched their Final Four berth with a commanding 94-63 win over the San Miguel Beermen on January 8, 2025. This victory improved Hiroshima's record to 4-1 in Group A. Kerry Blackshear Jr. narrowly missed a triple-double in the game, recording 12 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. The Dragonflies' balanced offense saw five players scoring in double figures, with Nick Mayo and Keijiro Mitani combining for 36 points.&nbsp;
The EASL Final Four 2025 is scheduled for March 7-9 at the Studio City Event Center in Macau. The champion will receive a $1 million prize, with $500,000 awarded to the runner-up and $250,000 for third place. This marks the first time two B.LEAGUE teams have reached the EASL Final Four simultaneously, highlighting the league's growing prominence in Asian basketball.&nbsp;
Both Ryukyu and Hiroshima have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, and their upcoming participation in the Final Four is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.&nbsp;

The East Asia Super League (EASL) will feature two B.LEAGUE teams in its 2025 Final Four: Ryukyu and Hiroshima.

Ryukyu Golden Kings and Hiroshima Dragonflies Secure Spots in EASL Final Four 2025

The Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals commences today as the Knockout Rounds promises high drama with eight teams battling for a coveted trip to Las Vegas. With a mix of rising stars, proven veterans, and compelling narratives, let&rsquo;s dive into tomorrow&rsquo;s matchups and the key storylines shaping each game.
<h3>Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Can the Magic Shock the Bucks Without Their Stars?</h3>
Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Orlando Magic find themselves as massive underdogs against the Milwaukee Bucks. Already without Paolo Banchero due to an oblique injury, the Magic were dealt another blow when Franz Wagner was ruled out for the game for the same type of injury. Without their two best players, Orlando must find a way to compete against one of the league&rsquo;s most potent offenses.
Milwaukee enters the matchup undefeated in the Cup, powered by the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, both averaging 29.3 points in tournament play. Adding to their arsenal, Khris Middleton is back in action, making the Bucks even more formidable.
Orlando&rsquo;s defense, which allows the fewest three-point attempts in the league, will need to be at its sharpest to contain Milwaukee&rsquo;s long-range attack, especially on the Bucks&rsquo; home court, where they shoot nearly 40% from deep. The Magic&rsquo;s hopes may hinge on unheralded players stepping up to fill the offensive void. Can their grit and defensive discipline pull off one of the season&rsquo;s biggest upsets?
<h3>Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: A Playoff Rematch with High Stakes</h3>
Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder meet in what feels like a continuation of their Western Conference semifinals battle from last season. The Mavericks got the upper hand then, dominating OKC on the boards and exploiting key weaknesses. This time, the Thunder are better prepared but still face significant challenges.
Oklahoma City has bolstered its frontcourt with the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein, a player who has already made an impact since returning from a hand injury. Hartenstein&rsquo;s presence addresses a glaring issue from last year&rsquo;s series, where Dallas, led by Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford, overpowered OKC on the glass.
However, the Thunder will be without Josh Giddey, whose absence alters both the offensive and defensive dynamics. Giddey struggled mightily against Dallas last year, with the Mavericks daring him to shoot and taking advantage of his defensive lapses. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, OKC will have no void on both ends of the floor as they try to compete with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
For Dallas, this game is about reasserting their dominance. Luka&rsquo;s return from injury gives the Mavericks a significant boost, while P.J. Washington has proven to be a capable scorer against the Thunder&rsquo;s defense. The question remains: will OKC&rsquo;s defensive adjustments and rebounding improvements be enough to turn the tide? Or does Dallas still have their number?
<h3>Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks: Trae Young Returns to MSG</h3>
Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Trae Young&rsquo;s return to Madison Square Garden adds a layer of intrigue to the Atlanta Hawks&rsquo; quarterfinal matchup against the New York Knicks. Young, once the ultimate MSG villain, famously thrived under the Garden&rsquo;s bright lights during the 2021 playoffs. While the stakes may differ this time, the tension and energy will be electric.
The Knicks boast the league&rsquo;s top-ranked offense, anchored by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson&rsquo;s playmaking and Towns&rsquo; versatility make them a nightmare to defend, especially at home, where the Knicks have outscored opponents by an average of 17.2 points per game. New York&rsquo;s balanced attack also includes contributions from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, giving them multiple weapons to exploit Atlanta&rsquo;s defense.
The Hawks, meanwhile, lean heavily on their wing depth, with players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels emerging as key contributors. Young&rsquo;s scoring numbers may be down, but his league-leading 12 assists per game demonstrate his ability to set the table for Atlanta&rsquo;s offense. The Hawks defeated the Knicks earlier this season in Atlanta, but doing so on the road in a hostile MSG environment is a different challenge altogether.
<h3>Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets: Defense Takes Center Stage</h3>
Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets face off in a rematch that could showcase playoff-level intensity. Just last week, the Warriors edged out the Rockets in a 99-93 defensive slugfest, but circumstances have changed since then.
Golden State leaned on Jonathan Kuminga&rsquo;s career-high 33 points to secure that win while missing key players Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Their availability for this game could significantly alter the dynamic. Despite recent struggles, the Warriors remain one of the league&rsquo;s top defensive teams, forcing opponents into low-percentage shots and limiting their efficiency from beyond the arc.
Houston, under coach Ime Udoka, has emerged as a defensive powerhouse in its own right, ranking second in the league. The Rockets are also formidable at home, boasting a 9-3 record and averaging 11 more points per game at the Toyota Center than on the road. Young stars like Alperen Şeng&uuml;n and Jalen Green have embraced Udoka&rsquo;s system, making Houston one of the most surprising teams of the season.
This matchup could hinge on which team better executes its defensive schemes while finding enough offense to tip the scales. Kuminga&rsquo;s scoring, Curry&rsquo;s return, and Houston&rsquo;s energy at home make this a must-watch game.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;&nbsp;
The Emirates NBA Cup has already delivered plenty of excitement in the group stages and tomorrow&rsquo;s quarterfinals are set to continue the trend. With storylines ranging from underdog narratives to playoff rematches and personal rivalries, who will rise to the occasion and earn their slot in Las Vegas?

The Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals commences today with eight teams battling for a coveted trip to Las Vegas.

NBA Cup Quarterfinals Preview: Storylines to Watch in Each Matchup

Japan&rsquo;s B.League teams Hiroshima Dragonflies and Ryukyu Golden Kings scored separate tournament-opening victories in the East Asia Super League (EASL) October 16 game day on their respective home floors in Fukuyama and Okinawa.&nbsp;
Hiroshima got their opening win via a 78-67 decision over Hong Kong Eastern at F-Pico Arena. The Dragonflies led for much of the game against Eastern, who are coming in as newcomers in this brand new EASL season.
Hiroshima got key contributions from everyone in the roster led by Kerry Blackshear Jr. who tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Nick Mayo had 14, followed by Masato Ichikawa with 11 and Ryo Yamazaki with 10. The Dragonflies shot 46 percent from the field overall and made 12 threes in the game to fuel their first win.
Hong Kong&rsquo;s American imports Cameron Clark and Christopher McLaughlin led the way for their team with 24 and 20 points respectively but it was not enough as there were no other players who scored 10 points or more other than Glen Yang.&nbsp;
Over at Okinawa, the Ryukyu Golden Kings won a tight one over the Meralco Bolts, 77-74. This was the third meeting between the two teams in the EASL after having a 1-1 split last season.&nbsp;
The Golden Kings avenged their overtime loss last season with this close win after sustaining the Bolts&rsquo; furious 4th quarter run to end the game.
Ryukyu built their largest lead at 19 points, 56-37, midway through the 3rd quarter until Meralco, led by their American import DJ Kennedy, started chipping away in the final frame.
The Bolts eventually got to as close as three in the final possession of the game before their other American import Allen Durham missed the potential game-tying three at the buzzer for the game&rsquo;s final points.
Kennedy had a huge game with 30 points and 12 boards while Durham added 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists as Meralco dropped to a 1-1 record. The Bolts recorded their opening win against the Macau Black Bears at the EASL Tip Off event in Manila last October 2.
American imports Vic Law and Jack Cooley spearheaded the Golden Kings&rsquo; attack with 18 points apiece while Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki and Yoshiya Uematsu provided ample support with 9 points each as Ryukyu recorded their first win of the season.

Japan’s B.League teams Hiroshima Dragonflies and Ryukyu Golden Kings scored separate tournament-opening victories in the EASL.

EASL Game Day #2 recap: Japan teams Hiroshima, Ryukyu score tournament-opening wins

PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES &ndash; The Meralco Bolts kicked off their 2024 East Asia Super League (EASL) campaign with a strong 97-85 victory over the Macau Black Bears on October 2. After a disappointing run last season, the Bolts returned with a renewed sense of purpose, fueled by their recent PBA championship triumph. While this win was a collective effort, Chris Banchero&rsquo;s performance, though not the loudest, played a crucial role in overcoming Macau&rsquo;s size and grit.
Banchero may not have been the primary leader on the floor, but his efficiency was hard to ignore. He quietly worked his way to 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, with an impressive 6-of-7 (85.71%) inside the paint. Facing a formidable Macau frontcourt, featuring the towering 7'6.5" Samuel Deguara and 6'11" Will Artino, Banchero opted for a more aggressive approach near the basket after his outside shot wasn&rsquo;t falling.
&ldquo;My outside shot wasn&rsquo;t falling tonight, so I was doing my best to get to the basket and make plays,&rdquo; Banchero admitted. &ldquo;Our speed was a positive, but we&rsquo;ve got to play better basketball, especially against Okinawa.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Asked Chris Banchero on how he found success after efficiently shooting inside the paint (14 PTS on 6-10 FG) against the taller front court duo of Macau 🗣️ Reporting for <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@basketbllnews</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/EASLofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EASLofficial</a> 2024 Tipoff Wednesday night 🏀 <a href="https://t.co/P5iQgl4CXQ">pic.twitter.com/P5iQgl4CXQ</a>
&mdash; THEKNPROJECT (@theknproject) <a href="https://twitter.com/theknproject/status/1841682337286734334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a>
<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</blockquote>
The adjustment paid off. Instead of forcing long-range attempts, Banchero attacked the rim, finding success against the imposing size of Deguara and Artino. Macau&rsquo;s towering frontcourt may have dominated the paint defensively, but Banchero&rsquo;s quickness and ability to navigate tight spaces inside kept Meralco&rsquo;s offense flowing when it mattered most.
However, let&rsquo;s not overstate his impact&mdash;this was very much a team win. Meralco&rsquo;s starting five played with precision, moving the ball and capitalizing on mismatches. Allen Durham led the way with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while Chris Newsome added 18 points, also on 7-of-13 shooting. Kakou Kouame and Raymond Almazan held their own in the paint, with Kouame bringing energy and Almazan contributing 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting.
Meralco&rsquo;s speed and versatility allowed them to break down Macau&rsquo;s defense, especially in the second half. Kennedy struggled, going 6-of-24 from the field, but the team&rsquo;s overall balance and offensive adjustments helped push them past Macau&rsquo;s size advantage.
It&rsquo;s clear that Meralco is determined to erase the memories of their underperformance in last season&rsquo;s EASL. This time, they&rsquo;ve got momentum on their side, thanks in no small part to their PBA championship run, where they dethroned the San Miguel Beermen. But they know the road ahead won&rsquo;t be easy.
Up next is the Ryukyu Golden Kings, one of Japan&rsquo;s most decorated teams, boasting four BJ League championships and a 2023 B.LEAGUE title. They&rsquo;ll be waiting for the Bolts in Okinawa on October 16, a matchup that will undoubtedly test Meralco&rsquo;s growth.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to, I believe, a very, very tough opponent in Okinawa,&rdquo; Banchero noted. The Golden Kings are a different beast entirely, with a proven track record and a championship pedigree. For Meralco, this is where they&rsquo;ll find out how far they&rsquo;ve come.
While Banchero&rsquo;s efficient night was crucial in this win, he knows there&rsquo;s more work to be done. His ability to adapt and find success inside will need to continue, especially with the challenges that lie ahead. For the Bolts, it&rsquo;s not just about getting wins&mdash;it&rsquo;s about proving that they belong among the EASL&rsquo;s elite.
Next Game: Meralco Bolts vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings 📅 Date: October 16, 2024 📍 Venue: Okinawa Arena, Japan
Meralco&rsquo;s journey in the EASL is just beginning, and with Banchero&rsquo;s adaptability and the team&rsquo;s newfound confidence, the Bolts are poised to make some noise.

While this win was a collective effort, Chris Banchero’s performance played a crucial role in overcoming Macau’s size and grit.

Chris Banchero's Efficient Play Helps Meralco Defeat Macau in EASL Opener

This article is from a press release from the East Asia Super League
East Asia Super League (EASL) unveiled its schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 Season, posting 34 matchups across the region to decide East Asia&rsquo;s club basketball champions. The EASL 2024-25 Season will tip off October 2, 2024 with an expanded Group Stage running until February 12, 2025; followed by the four-game EASL Final Four championship weekend of March 7-9, 2025.
The Group Stage will feature several marquee double-header events, including the EASL Tipoff&nbsp;opening games at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on October 2 pitting San Miguel Beerman vs. KT Sonicboom, followed by Meralco vs. Macau Black Bears; and EASL&rsquo;s Mid-Season Classic in Macau on December 11 matching up Taoyuan Pilots vs. KT Sonicboom and Macau Black Bears vs. New Taipei Kings.
EASL just last week announced its expansion from 8 to 10 teams with the addition of new entrants Hong Kong Eastern and the Macau Black Bears. The EASL, leagues, and teams all aligned that the round-robin home-and-away Group Stage would increase from 24 to 30 games.
The five Group A teams are B.LEAGUE champion Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL), runner-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, P. LEAGUE+ runner-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, Philippine Basketball&nbsp;Association (PBA) Commissioner&rsquo;s Cup champion San Miguel Beermen, and the HKSAR champion Hong Kong Eastern. The five Group B teams are B.LEAGUE runner-up Ryukyu Golden Kings, KBL champion Busan KCC Egis, P.LEAGUE+ champion New Taipei Kings, PBA Philippines Cup champion Meralco Bolts, and Macau SAR champion Black Bears.

EASL unveiled its schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 Season, posting 34 games to decide East Asia’s club basketball champions.

EASL releases schedule for 2024-2025 season

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has taken a step further to its growth by adding two teams from Hong Kong to increase its member teams to 10 for their upcoming 2024-2025 season.&nbsp;
Hong Kong Eastern and the Macau Black Bears will compete in the East Asia Super League 2024-25 Season, in a major expansion of East Asia&rsquo;s professional club basketball championship. Home games will be played in both Macau and Hong Kong for each respective club, bringing the top competition to the Greater Bay Area.
EASL had a great inaugural season with 8 pioneering teams, featuring squads from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Philippines. Next season, the entry of the Hong Kong teams increases the pool of teams to 10, an all-time high for the young and upstart league.
Basketball fans in East Asia are set for a Champions League between the region&rsquo;s best teams on a scale never seen before. The addition of Hong Kong Eastern and the Macau Black Bears increases the number of competing teams in the EASL 2024-25 Season from eight to ten teams and ramps up representation from Greater China.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Hong Kong and Macau sides will face off against the best teams from Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines, to decide East Asia&rsquo;s champion.
Eastern is one of Hong Kong&rsquo;s most storied teams and is the reigning domestic champions. The team won their third domestic A1 Division title in 2023. They are also a two-time winner of the Asean Basketball League (2016-17 and 2023).
Eastern have been placed into Group A for the 2024-25 Season Group Stage, in which they will play against B.LEAGUE champions the Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL) runners-up the Suwon KT Sonicboom, P. LEAGUE+ runners-up the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, and PBA Governor's Cup Champion San Miguel Beermen.
Macau Black Bears were formed in 2018 as Macau&rsquo;s first-ever professional team. The team is the reigning Macau basketball league champions and has also represented the region in the ASEAN Basketball League and The Asia Tournament.&nbsp;
The Black Bears have been placed into Group B for the 2024-25 Season Group Stage, in which they will play against B.LEAGUE runners-up the Ryukyu Golden Kings, KBL champions the Busan KCC Egis, P.LEAGUE+ champions the New Taipei Kings, and PBA Philippine Cup champions the Meralco Bolts.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has taken a step further to its growth by adding two teams from Hong Kong.

EASL expands to 10 teams after adding teams from Hong Kong

The 2024 NBA Free Agency underway. Here's everything you need to know about the makings and the moves around the NBA.

2024 NBA Free Agency Tracker: All the signings and deals in the offseason

The Indiana Pacers and the Denver Nuggets both answered the call after being down 0-2 in their series to win their next two games after another big win in Game 4 on Day 23 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Sunday night.
The Pacers blew out the New York Knicks after a spirited effort against a discombobulated opponent missing OG Anunoby. The Pacers led from start to finish in a wire-to-wire victory.
The Nuggets bounced back from two huge losses at home to now two huge wins on the road to regain control of the series and tie it up at 2-2.
Check out our recap here:
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FINAL SCORE THREAD 🧵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAPlayoffs</a> - Round 2 | Game 4 🏀 NYK 89 &mdash; 121 IND | Series tied 2-2 T. Haliburton 📊 20 PTS | 8-15 FG | 40% 3P | 6 REB | 5 AST | 0 TOV T.J. McConnell 📊 15 PTS | 6-12 FG | 10 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoomBaby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoomBaby</a> <a href="https://t.co/V8L7GozbET">pic.twitter.com/V8L7GozbET</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1789793109536354796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAPlayoffs</a> - Round 2 | Game 4 🏀 DEN 115 &mdash; 107 MIN | Series tied 2-2 N. Jokic 📊 35 PTS | 15-26 FG | 7 REB | 7 AST | 3 STL J. Murray 📊 19 PTS | 8-17 FG | 3-7 3P | 8 AST | 5 REB | 2 STL A. Gordon 📊 27 PTS | 11-12 FG | 7 REB | 6 AST | 2 BLK<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Road2Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Road2Gold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MileHighBasketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MileHighBasketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/CZyr076rnZ">pic.twitter.com/CZyr076rnZ</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1789855460650000529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>

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The Pacers and Nuggets both answered the call after being down 0-2 in their series to win their next two games in the 2024 NBA Playoffs

2024 NBA Playoffs Day 23 Recap: Indiana, Denver tie respective series

The Philadelphia 76ers were aiming to &ldquo;bounce back,&rdquo; according to coach Nick Nurse, from Thursday's disappointing loss to the New York Knicks, and they did just that against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
"A lot of length, a lot of size, they got really good defense to protect the rim. I think both guards can hurt you in a lot of ways,&rdquo; Nurse said of the Cavaliers&rsquo; roster prior to the matchup.
There were an abundance of Knicks fans in Wells Fargo Center on Thursday, but the arena was packed full of Philadelphia supporters on Friday evening. The Sixers won the tip-off, wasting no time to get the crowd on their feet. Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a monster slam dunk on the opening possession over Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen. The star of the show for Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey, kicked off his night with a stepback three-pointer. The opening quarter was highlighted by the late efforts of guard Cameron Payne, who grabbed an offensive rebound for a layup and drained a corner shot from the arc to level the score at 25 after one.
The second quarter began with Tobias Harris struggling, with multiple missed shots inside the paint within the first three minutes. However, Payne picked up for the slack on offense, with points from all three levels. Maxey operated the pick-and-roll game with forward K.J. Martin masterfully, which led to a clear lane for Martin to score. The efforts of Allen and guard Isaac Okoro kept Cleveland within reach until halftime, when the Sixers led by three points.
Payne led the 76ers in scoring at the half with 13 points, while star guard Darius Garland led the Cavs with 12 points.&nbsp;
The Cavaliers were refreshed coming out of the break as Okoro found the basket for two, followed by a drive-and-score from forward Max Strus. Maxey refused to let the Cavs take over, responding with multiple contested shots of his own. Harris was able to find a rhythm at the midway point of the quarter, draining a three-pointer and a set of free throws. Triples from sharpshooter Buddy Hield and Oubre increased their lead to 11 points. Late energy from big man Evan Mobley and Strus kept the Cavaliers competitive, with a score of 74-70 entering the final 12 minutes.
The final quarter began with an electric acrobatic finish from guard De&rsquo;Anthony Melton, followed by a fluent mid-range shot from center Paul Reed. Interior defense was a glaring issue for the Sixers throughout the night, with Allen taking full advantage. The night couldn&rsquo;t end before Maxey created a multitude of looks for himself down the stretch, which resulted in a 24-point outing. It was a back-and-forth battle until the final buzzer, but ultimately the 76ers prevailed. Despite the comeback attempt from Cleveland, a deep-range three-pointer from Hield was the dagger, resulting in the 104-97 victory.
The Sixers are facing off against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday evening, where Patrick Beverley makes his return and Payne takes on his former team.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s turnt. It&rsquo;s turnt. Let&rsquo;s get it,&rdquo; Payne told Basketball News postgame when asked about playing against the Bucks.

Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers to a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Monstrous fourth quarter from Tyrese Maxey carries Sixers past Cavs

The New York Knicks have acquired forward Bojan Bogdanovic and guard Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons for guards Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono and two second round picks, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN&rsquo;s Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.
Acquiring veteran pieces in Bogdanovic and Burks strengthens the Knicks&rsquo; core as they hope to embark on a deep playoff run this season. New York is currently tied with the Milwaukee Bucks in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 33-18 record.
New York is the first contender in the East to make a splashy move as they feel like this core, led by All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, could contend the East.&nbsp;
Bogdanovic, 34, is averaging 20.2 points while shooting 41.5% from three-point range this season. Bogdanovic will likely start at power forward as Randle recovers from a shoulder injury and he'll provide scoring alongside Brunson, giving the Knicks additional firepower.
Burks, 32, returns to New York after spending two seasons with the team from 2020 to 2022. He&rsquo;s currently averaging 12.6 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting 40% from three in 43 games this season. Burks gives the Knicks a secondary ball handler and bucket-getter off the bench.
Detroit receives two future second-rounders and four guards (Grimes, Fournier, Flynn and Arcidiacono). Grimes, the 25th overall pick in 2021, was moved to the bench this season in favor of Donte DiVincenzo. Fournier and Arcidiacono didn't get many minutes in Tom Thibodeau&rsquo;s rotation, while Flynn just recently arrived from Toronto as part of the OG Anunoby trade and never established himself in the lineup.

The New York Knicks have acquired forward Bojan Bogdanovic and guard Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons.

Knicks acquire Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks from Pistons

The Detroit Pistons have done it: They have won a basketball game.
For the first time since October 28, the Pistons earned a victory after surviving a gritty game against the Toronto Raptors, 129-127.&nbsp;
Detroit avoided monumental infamy by finally snapping a 28-game losing skid, which was tied for the worst losing spell in NBA history.
The Pistons were in a losing streak, yes, but it wasn&rsquo;t like they were getting blown out of the gym from the get go; they were competitive throughout games until they faltered at the end. Their past six games have been decided by just 10 points or less, and it was only a matter of time before they could break through.&nbsp;
Detroit coach Monty Williams said prior to the game that the Pistons have been knocking on that door for victory &mdash; they just needed to find a way to finally blow it open &mdash; and they did last night.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been in a ton of locker rooms... That&rsquo;s a first for me&hellip; Guys were screaming. I was almost in tears,&rdquo; Williams said after celebrating in the locker room.&nbsp;
It took a dominant game from Cade Cunningham, who had 30 points, 12 assists and 0 turnovers, to ultimately put the Pistons over the top. He became only the third player this season with the same numbers, joining Nikola Jokic and Tyrese Haliburton. Cunningham also became the first Piston to have a 30-10 game without a turnover since Chauncey Billups in 2008.
&ldquo;Tough times brought us together even more..." Cunningham said. "It's still early. [Monty] just got here. I'm still young in the league, it's only gonna continue to grow."
The 22-year-old is glad that the nightmare is over, but stressed there is still a lot of basketball left to be played.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I think moments like that are important to know how to win games," Cunningham said. "I&rsquo;m just happy to be a part of a group of guys that don&rsquo;t quit, stay positive and uplift each other.&rdquo;
Center Jalen Duren backed Cunningham up with 18 points and 17 rebounds as the Pistons had six players in double digits.&nbsp;
In the end, Detroit&rsquo;s 33 bench points (Toronto had 12) and eight-rebound edge (41 against Toronto&rsquo;s 33) was enough to propel them to victory.
What&rsquo;s Next For The Pistons?
With the monkey now off their backs, Detroit hopes to build off this win and head in the right direction.&nbsp;
The next thing they probably want to do is avoid the worst single-season record of all-time (82 games), which is held by the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers (9-73) and the worst single-season win percentage, which is held by the 2012 Charlotte Bobcats (.106).
Despite all the losing, Detroit has young stars who have played well during these dark days. Cunningham, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, is playing like an All-Star &mdash; averaging 23.5 points and 7.3 assists.&nbsp;
His pick-and-roll partner Duren is also blossoming into one of the top young big men in the league. Duren&rsquo;s chemistry with Cunningham is gradually maturing and will only get better as the seasons go on.&nbsp;
Already imposing physically at just 20 years old, Duren has also shown he lives for tough moments after confidently sinking two pressure-packed free throws late in the fourth &mdash; which is rare for a big man.&nbsp;
And rookie Ausar Thompson, even after recently slowing down following Bojan Bogdanovic&rsquo;s return from injury, has shown that he has All-Star potential after going on a tear to start the year.
Combine that with assets to make moves and a players' coach in Monty Williams, the Pistons hope to be in a position to turn it around.

For the first time since October 28, the Detroit Pistons earned a victory, snapping their 28-game losing streak.

B.J.