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Pacers

The New York Knicks have high hopes for the 2024-25 season after a series of offseason moves to bolster their roster. Boasting a revamped starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, Coach Tom Thibodeau has leaned heavily on this five-man unit by relying on their defensive versatility and scoring prowess to carry the team night after night. Yet this dependency raises questions about sustainability, with risks of fatigue, injuries, and late-game breakdowns looming over a long NBA season.&nbsp;
The Knicks&rsquo; starting five are logging heavy minutes early in the season. Jalen Brunson, in particular, is averaging over 35 minutes per game as the team&rsquo;s primary playmaker and scorer. Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are also averaging significant playing time, tasked with balancing offensive responsibilities while handling tough defensive assignments on opposing wings. Towns, who is crucial on both ends by providing floor spacing on offense and size on defense, is also averaging close to 35 minutes per game. These players are giving their all each night, but the mileage can add up as the season moves along.
NBA history shows that overextending starters early in the season can lead to burnout, and Thibodeau is no stranger to this trend. In his previous coaching stints, especially with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, Thibodeau&rsquo;s teams experienced both early success and, ultimately, the cost of fatigue and injuries. During those stints, key players who logged high minutes often missed time later due to injuries or wore down in critical playoff moments.
The Knicks&rsquo; reliance on their starters has led to noticeable fatigue in the fourth quarter. The high-minute load impacts shooting accuracy, defensive effectiveness, and overall energy levels down the stretch. In recent games, the Knicks&rsquo; fourth-quarter stats reflect a slight decline in scoring efficiency, with players missing more shots and committing more fouls late in the game. This is particularly concerning in close matchups, where even minor drops in performance can shift the game&rsquo;s outcome. Opposing teams, with fresher players, often capitalize on the Knicks&rsquo; tired legs, exploiting gaps on defense and taking control in the final minutes.
If the Knicks are to reach their potential, Thibodeau may need to expand his rotation to preserve the health and effectiveness of his starters.
A balanced rotation could alleviate these issues. However, it doesn&rsquo;t help that starting center Mitchell Robinson is still yet to come back from an injury, as well as regular contributor Precious Achiuwa. The Knicks&rsquo; bench is shallow as of the moment with only Cameron Payne, Miles McBride, and at times Jericho Sims as players who can step in to relieve starters and bring fresh energy. Rookies Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti have had good summer league performances and showed something interesting in the preseason, but Coach Thibs has yet to commit to trusting rookies during the regular season. However, by giving a little bit more minutes on their reserves, the Knicks would have the flexibility to keep their starters fresh, reducing the risk of late-game lapses and helping maintain energy throughout the season.
High minutes also correlate with an increased risk of injury, a risk that only compounds as the season progresses. For players like Brunson and Anunoby, who play physically demanding roles, the toll of heavy minutes can lead to strains and nagging injuries. Towns and Bridges, though durable, have histories of minor injuries, and prolonged wear could increase their risk as well. If any starter were to miss time, it could disrupt the team&rsquo;s chemistry and potentially derail their season.
The Knicks have already invested heavily in this core, both financially and strategically, so ensuring their health and longevity is critical. Coach Thibodeau&rsquo;s emphasis on conditioning may help, but even the best-conditioned athletes can fall prey to injuries when overworked.
One solution lies staggering the starters with the bench guys. An expanded rotation would also provide versatility and unpredictability, as the Knicks could mix lineups to create favorable matchups and keep opponents off-balance.
Last season, teams with deep rotations generally fared better in the later months and into the playoffs. The Denver Nuggets, for example, leaned on a nine-man rotation that kept players fresh and ready for postseason intensity. The Knicks have the personnel to replicate this approach, but it requires a willingness to let the bench play through mistakes and grow into their roles.
The Knicks&rsquo; high-minute starters have impressive stats, but the numbers suggest potential pitfalls. Brunson and Towns lead the team in points, yet their fourth-quarter shooting percentage has dropped as games wear on. Hart, Bridges, and Anunoby rank among the league leaders in defensive metrics, but all three have seen dips in effectiveness late in games. These stats underline the wear on the Knicks&rsquo; starting five, and without adjustments, the team could face challenges maintaining performance over the long haul.
Thibodeau&rsquo;s strategy has yielded early success, but balance is the key to a sustainable season. By trusting his bench and managing his starters&rsquo; minutes, he can preserve the team&rsquo;s health and performance for the playoffs. The Knicks have the depth to make this adjustment, and doing so would likely pay dividends as they aim for a deep postseason run. In a grueling 82-game season, longevity and resilience are paramount, and a balanced rotation could be the key to the Knicks realizing their potential.

Heavy minutes for the Knicks’ starting five could lead to fatigue, injuries, and late-game struggles.

Knicks’ Overreliance on Starting 5 a Double-Edged Sword

The Memphis Grizzlies have seen significant contributions this season from two unexpected sources in guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and center Jay Huff. Once teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers&rsquo; bench and in the G League, Huff and Pippen Jr. have now found a place to thrive in Memphis, proving to be reliable pieces for the Grizzlies off the bench.&nbsp;
Jay Huff, a 7-foot center, first made his mark at the University of Virginia. Known for his shot-blocking abilities and efficient shooting from the outside, Huff helped anchor Virginia&rsquo;s defense, contributing to their reputation as one of the toughest defensive teams in the NCAA. Despite these strengths, he went undrafted in 2021, eventually signing a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Huff spent much of his time with the Lakers&rsquo; G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, where he continued to develop his rim protection and shooting touch. He also spent some time with the summer league team of the Orlando Magic, where he had a solid outing that led Memphis to pick him up in the offseason.
Scotty Pippen Jr., son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, also found his path through the G League after going undrafted out of Vanderbilt. At Vanderbilt, he displayed his playmaking skills, leading his team in scoring and assists. However, like Huff, he wasn&rsquo;t initially picked in the NBA draft and signed with the Lakers on a two-way contract, also playing for the South Bay Lakers.&nbsp;
Both players took full advantage of their time in the G League, honing their skills and awaiting a chance to make a larger impact in the NBA. However, both sides did not pan out and LA chose to release both guys.
Now with the Memphis Grizzlies, both Huff and Pippen Jr. are seizing their opportunities. Huff&rsquo;s defensive presence has been particularly impactful, providing Memphis with a much-needed shot-blocker off the bench. His ability to protect the paint has been a welcome addition, especially with injuries affecting some of Memphis&rsquo;s key frontcourt players. Huff&rsquo;s height and defensive instincts make him a tough matchup in the paint, where he averages close to 2 blocks per game (1.9). 
He&rsquo;s also shown an impressive shooting efficiency, both from the field and beyond the arc, allowing Memphis to space the floor even with a big man on the court. Huff is a scorching hot 48 percent on his threes, as he became one of the best shooting big men in the league this early into the season. One of his standout performances included an 18-point game, underscoring his scoring potential when given the opportunity.
Pippen Jr., meanwhile, is thriving in his role as a playmaker and secondary ball-handler. His passing has helped stabilize Memphis&rsquo;s second unit, and he has displayed the ability to score in bursts when needed. Recently, he logged a double-double, finishing with 11 points and 11 assists&mdash;a testament to his growth as a floor general. Pippen Jr. is averaging career highs across the board with 12.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. His court vision, combined with his knack for finding open teammates, has made him an essential part of Memphis&rsquo;s bench rotation, providing valuable relief minutes and keeping the offense fluid while the starters rest.
Both Huff and Pippen Jr. have found in Memphis what they couldn&rsquo;t quite establish in Los Angeles&mdash;a defined role that plays to their strengths. Huff&rsquo;s defensive skill set and shooting from the 5 position complements Memphis&rsquo;s hard-nosed, physical style on defense and a driving, paint-oriented style on offense as he spaces the floor well, while Pippen Jr.&rsquo;s playmaking and scoring ability off the bench provide depth to the Grizzlies&rsquo; backcourt. This fit speaks to the patience and persistence both players exhibited in the G League and in limited NBA minutes until their breakthrough moments arrived.
Their success also highlights the value of the G League as a development pipeline. Both Huff and Pippen Jr. used their time in the G League to fine-tune their skills and stay prepared for NBA call-ups. Now that they have regular minutes, they are proving that their time in the development league wasn&rsquo;t wasted; it prepared them to thrive when the moment finally came. Huff&rsquo;s ability to anchor the paint and contribute scoring when needed, along with Pippen Jr.&rsquo;s floor leadership, are assets Memphis has needed this season.
Their journeys reflect the resilience and adaptability required to break through in the NBA, going from college standouts to the G League, and now to productive roles in the league. They found themselves fighting for recognition, and have now established themselves as reliable and effective pieces in Memphis&rsquo;s rotation. This is a reminder of how hard work can translate to real NBA success. For the Grizzlies, Huff and Pippen Jr. are proving that sometimes, the best additions come from players who just needed a chance to shine.

Former Lakers Jay Huff and Scotty Pippen Jr. are making an impact off the bench for the Grizzlies, excelling in defined roles.

Former Lakers Huff, Pippen Jr. thriving in roles at Memphis

The NBA today is a long-range shooter&rsquo;s league. The 3-point shot is now the foundation of most offenses and most teams rely on it to create more scoring opportunities and generate space on the floor. Over 18 teams are shooting more than 36 threes per game 10 games into the season, a notable jump from just 12 last year as teams lean heavily into analytics and allow players to adapt in order to maximize spacing and scoring efficiency.&nbsp;
Two generational prospects, 2020 no.1 overall pick Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and 2023 no.1 overall selection Victor Wembanyama in particular, are two budding superstars taking the league&rsquo;s 3-point trend to new heights.&nbsp;
Last year, the Boston Celtics won the NBA Finals by breaking the all-time 3-point rate record. This season, the Minnesota Timberwolves rank third in the league for 3-point field goal frequency with 48.6% of their shots coming from deep &ndash; almost half their shots. Edwards is a big proponent of this being tied for 2nd in the league in three-point attempts at 11.6 per game. This has led Minnesota to the 9th ranked offensive rating in the league even when they lost stretch big Karl-Anthony Towns who was one of their main weapons from beyond the arc.&nbsp;
Wembanyama himself has stepped into this 3-point-heavy style, molding his game according to the current modern NBA trend. Despite shooting poorly at just 23%, Wembanyama already has attempted 62 threes. Including his 23 mid range attempts, this would total to 85 shot attempts outside the paint, a staggering number compared to the 53 shots he&rsquo;s taken inside the paint and restricted area.
This has shown contrasting results to start both of their seasons. But as each of Edwards and Wembanyama embracing the perimeter game, the question is written on the wall: are they sacrificing the skills and natural physique that make them special?
For Edwards, increased shooting gives him more room to operate and makes defenses respect his jumper. But by prioritizing long-range shooting, is he leaving his best attributes behind&mdash;attacking the rim and creating contact? And for Wembanyama, who has a rare 7-foot-4 frame, there&rsquo;s an expectation that he&rsquo;ll dominate inside. But he, too, has embraced the 3-pointer, raising questions about whether he&rsquo;s fully utilizing his size advantage.
Now in his 5th season, Edwards has become a high-volume 3-point shooter. He has taken more than half his shots from beyond the arc (104 out of 185 total) and is hitting them at an impressive 48% clip. Edwards&rsquo; three-point volume is reaching historical highs, as he now holds the third-best start to a season in terms of 3-pointers made just behind the greatest shooter of all time Stephen Curry with 50 in 9 games (50/104).
Most three-pointers in NBA history through 9 games:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">55 &mdash; Stephen Curry, 2018-19</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">53 &mdash; Stephen Curry, 2023-24</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">50 &mdash; Anthony Edwards, 2024-25</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
ANT-MAN GOES OFF! 🐜 37 PTS, 9 threes, and a historic feat&mdash;Anthony Edwards joins Steph Curry as the only players in NBA history with 50+ threes through the first 9 games of a season! 🐺🏀 📲Watch games live and on demand with NBA League Pass 👉 <a href="https://t.co/DiARukKMPn">https://t.co/DiARukKMPn</a> <a href="https://t.co/44Mf8PYivP">pic.twitter.com/44Mf8PYivP</a>
&mdash; NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA_Philippines/status/1855181214904422751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Edwards&rsquo; jump shooting has reached levels comparable to Stephen Curry&rsquo;s historic seasons, a testament to his improved shooting skill and the willingness to take more this season. This might have a direct correlation to Edwards in his Olympic run where he mentioned that Steph has had the biggest influence on his game. He has made it to a point to shoot more threes, but has offered a simple yet encouraging response when asked about it: <a href="https://x.com/MorvalNBA/status/1855111187173953997">if the opponents keep going under the screen, he will take the three every time down the floor.</a>
But as impressive as this may be, the question lingers: Will Edwards&rsquo; 3-point-heavy game ultimately help him develop as a player or take away from the strengths that make him one of the league&rsquo;s most explosive finishers?
Known for his explosive drives, Edwards has always excelled at creating contact and finishing at the rim. His strength and athleticism make him a natural inside threat, where he can put pressure on defenses and draw fouls. However, with his increased focus on 3-point shooting, there&rsquo;s a noticeable shift in his play style. Instead of attacking and putting pressure on the rim, he&rsquo;s often stationed behind the arc, waiting to catch and shoot or set up a pull-up jumper.
In a recent game against the Mavericks, Edwards scored 24 points in the first quarter alone by finding space to shoot. But as Dallas adjusted, switching on screens and applying more ball pressure, Edwards struggled to create looks for himself inside. The lesson here? While his 3-point shot is an asset, his ability to drive to the basket remains his most reliable weapon.
That said, Edwards&rsquo; 3-point success does have significant upsides. With defenses now forced to respect his range, he has more freedom to drive or play-make, potentially creating even more scoring opportunities as teams spread out to cover him. This evolution may not take away from his strengths but instead enhance his overall game, giving him options that make him more unpredictable and difficult to guard.
Wembanyama, like Edwards, has shown a willingness to stretch his game out to the perimeter. At 7-foot-4, Wembanyama has the size to dominate the paint, yet he often operates from the 3-point line. While his shooting ability is impressive for a player of his size, it raises questions about whether he&rsquo;s fully maximizing his physical gifts.
When he does work inside, his height and reach make him nearly unstoppable. However, by spending significant time on the perimeter, Wembanyama might be reducing his impact near the rim, where he has a natural advantage. As he adjusts to the NBA, striking a balance between perimeter shooting and inside dominance will be crucial for his growth and effectiveness.
With his shot not yet falling to start the season, perhaps it would be more beneficial for Wembanyama if he&rsquo;s going to start to position himself inside and shoot over shorter defenders, or station near the paint for an easy bucket.
For both Edwards and Wembanyama, balancing their 3-point shot with their unique strengths is key to reaching their potential. Edwards embracing his rim-attacking abilities while using his newfound 3-point marksmanship could maximize his offensive power. For Wembanyama, leveraging his height in the paint with selective 3-point attempts could establish him as a multifaceted threat.
Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama illustrate the NBA&rsquo;s 3-point revolution, but both face the challenge of staying true to their best skills. Edwards shooting more threes may indeed provide new dimensions to his game, but it&rsquo;s crucial he doesn&rsquo;t lose his aggressive drives that make him a unique talent. And for Wembanyama, balancing his rare size with perimeter skills could make him one of the most versatile threats in the league.

Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama are embracing the 3-point shot, but is it enhancing or detracting their respective games?

Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama shooting more threes: a good or a bad thing?

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the only undefeated teams in the NBA after a week of play in the brand new 2024-2025 NBA season.
The Thunder have started off strong with a 4-0 record with wins over the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and the San Antonio Spurs. Against the Spurs, OKC flexed its might by holding Spurs budding star Victor Wembanyama to just 6 points on 5 shots.&nbsp;
Chet Holmgren had 19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in just 27 minutes even while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled shooting from the floor. SGA had 18 points but shot just 7-20 from the field and 2-10 from three. Holmgren was able to neutralize Wembanyama as the matchup gained traction following their Rookie of the Year race a season ago.
Lu Dort led the way for the Thunder with 20 points with 6 three-point makes as OKC&rsquo;s defense made San Antonio shoot just 41.2% from the field and struggled to manufacture shots for their young star.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, pummeled a homecoming LeBron James with his son Bronny James Jr. and the Los Angeles Lakers to go up 5-0 and remain the only Eastern Conference team without a loss (Boston lost to Indiana).
Cleveland won handily despite a huge difference in free throw shooting, with 8 free throw attempts compared to LA&rsquo;s whopping 33.
The Cavs leaned on team effort to beat the visiting Lakers with Evan Mobley continuing his stellar play to start the year with 25 points on an efficient 12/16 shooting. Jarrett Allen had 20 points and 17 rebounds while Donovan Mitchell chipped in 24 points and 7 assists.&nbsp;
Other notable performances of the night include Karl-Anthony Towns dropping his best game as a Knick yet with a 44-point, 13-rebound night as New York defeated Miami on the road, 116-107.&nbsp;

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the only undefeated teams in the NBA after a week of play.

OKC, Cleveland remain undefeated to start the season

One of LeBron James&rsquo; biggest dreams in his NBA career is to play with his eldest son LeBron &ldquo;Bronny&rdquo; James Jr. He expressed it multiple times in the past and after everything he had achieved over the course of his stellar 21-year NBA career, there is nothing really left to accomplish.
Until this.
LeBron and Bronny became the first father and son duo to play in the NBA in the Lakers win vs the Minnesota Timberwolves on opening night. LeBron&rsquo;s career-long dream was realized, and he could not help but be in awe of it. &ldquo;It's always been family over everything,&rdquo; LeBron shared in the Lakers&rsquo; post-game interview.
LeBron&rsquo;s incredible longevity has been always talked about in the league, mentioning how he&rsquo;s been in the league longer than anybody else in history, and even in his own life. James has spent life in the NBA longer than life outside of it, dedicating to his craft and showing up every single day.&nbsp;
That included lesser time for his family as he aimed to be the greatest to ever do it. LeBron noted that the path is an incredible sacrifice, and that&rsquo;s why he cherishes this moment of playing with his son in the league.
&ldquo;I lost a lot of time because of this league ... so to be able to have this moment where I am working still and I can work alongside my son, it's one of the greatest gifts I've ever got from the man above and I'm going to take full advantage of it,&rdquo; LeBron said on sharing the court with Bronny.&nbsp;
Although Bronny might not see much action this season as he&rsquo;s slated to develop more in the NBA G League, the father-son moment has been accomplished and LeBron couldn&rsquo;t be happier about it.&nbsp;

LeBron’s career-long dream was realized, and he could not help but be in awe of it. “It's always been family over everything."

LeBron cherishes playing with son Bronny: “It’s always been family over everything”

Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis are already one of the best big men in the league with the variety of skills they offer on the basketball court. Both bigs are considered top 5 in the position by being the best of the best defensively along with a deep offensive bag. However, if there was one hole in their games that both needed to fill up, it is their three-point shooting.&nbsp;
Both Adebayo and Davis have demonstrated their shooting forms and technical abilities, suggesting they could excel as 3-point shooters. However, neither has historically attempted threes as often as their talent might allow. Now, entering the 2024-25 season, both stars are increasing their 3-point volume as seen in the preseason, and this shift could be the key to elevating their teams to new heights.
Bam Adebayo&rsquo;s ability to impact a game is undeniable. He is one of the best defenders in the league, being known for his defensive versatility and ability to guard all five positions. Adebayo brings value to the Heat with his offensive playmaking from the center position, and over the years he has been the main engine of Miami&rsquo;s offense. But what he&rsquo;s rarely done is consistently shoot from deep. In the 2023-24 NBA season, Adebayo averaged just 0.6 3-point attempts per game, preferring to stick to his mid-range game and finish inside.
However, Adebayo&rsquo;s shooting took a noticeable step forward during the 2024 Olympics, where he averaged 1.5 attempts per game from beyond the arc for Team USA. His confidence seemed to soar after the tournament, and that momentum has carried into the 2024-25 preseason, where he&rsquo;s now taking 3.3 3-point attempts per game.
This increase in volume shows that Adebayo is ready to fully integrate the 3-point shot into his game, something he&rsquo;s always been capable of given his shooting form. With his smooth mechanics and growing confidence, Adebayo&rsquo;s expanded range could be the key to unlocking the Miami Heat&rsquo;s full offensive potential.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BAM-ing it from downtown 🎯 Bam Adebayo has significantly upped his 3-point attempts from last season to this preseason 😲 2023-24 season ➡️ 0.6 2024 Paris Olympics ➡️ 1.5 2024-25 Preseason ➡️ 3.3 Stretch Bam incoming? 👀 (h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/statmuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@statmuse</a>) <a href="https://t.co/OxX6yP8v72">pic.twitter.com/OxX6yP8v72</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1846751205386780929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a>
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</blockquote>
Similar to Adebayo, Anthony Davis has always had the ability to shoot from deep but hasn&rsquo;t consistently utilized it. Davis proved his 3-point prowess throughout the younger years of his career&mdash;but most notably during the 2019-20 season when he helped lead the Lakers to a championship by shooting 33% from beyond the arc. However, injuries and shifting roles have seen Davis shy away from shooting threes in recent seasons.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Davis averaged just 1.4 3-point attempts per game, a sharp drop from the 3.5 attempts he averaged during that 2020 title run. Like Adebayo, Davis has the form and touch to be a consistent 3-point threat but hasn&rsquo;t taken as many shots from deep as he&rsquo;s capable of.
For the Lakers, a healthy and confident Anthony Davis shooting more threes could be a game-changer. His ability to stretch the floor would open up the lane for LeBron James and the Lakers&rsquo; slashing guards, creating a more dynamic and less predictable offense. If Davis can regain his 3-point shooting form from his championship run, the Lakers will be far more difficult to defend.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
4 THREES FOR AD IN THE FIRST QUARTER 😱<a href="https://t.co/8PxKpnr4ZQ">pic.twitter.com/8PxKpnr4ZQ</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1847103115394535893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2024</a>
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<h3>Why Does Adebayo and Davis Increasing Their 3-Point Attempts Matter?</h3>
<ol>
<li> Floor Spacing and Offensive Flexibility Both Adebayo and Davis shooting more threes could radically improve their respective teams' floor spacing. For Miami, Adebayo&rsquo;s ability to pull opposing big men out to the perimeter will open up driving lanes for Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro, giving the Heat more room to operate. For the Lakers, Davis stretching the defense would allow LeBron to work in a more open paint, while also freeing up shooters like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.</li>
<li> Deeper Pick-and-Pop Potential Adebayo and Davis could both become elite pick-and-pop players. Their ability to shoot from mid-range has already made them dangerous in these situations, but adding 3-point range would make them even more difficult to guard. Forcing defenders to decide between contesting their shot or stopping a drive could lead to easy points for their teams.</li>
<li> Defensive Dilemmas for Opponents With both big men capable of hitting threes, opposing defenses will be forced to make tough choices. Typically, teams like to sag off big men who are stationed at the perimeter, allowing them to pack the paint. However, if Adebayo and Davis can hit threes at a consistent rate, defenses will be stretched thin, making it harder to defend both the perimeter and the paint effectively.</li>
</ol>
It&rsquo;s important to note that neither Adebayo nor Davis are bad three point shooters. Both have had excellent shooting forms since early in their careers, but for various reasons&mdash;be it team strategy or personal preference&mdash;they haven&rsquo;t leaned heavily into their perimeter game and added it to their shot diets. Adebayo&rsquo;s shooting mechanics are smooth, and Davis has long been recognized for his soft touch from deep.
The difference now is volume and confidence. Both players have shown they can make threes, and now, with their respective teams needing more floor spacing and offensive versatility, the time is right for them to fully embrace their perimeter games.
While the increased 3-point attempts from Adebayo and Davis are promising, consistency here will be the major factor. Both players will need to prove that they can not only take more threes but also hit them at an efficient rate throughout the long NBA season. Shooting in the preseason or during international competition is one thing; doing so under the pressure of regular-season games and in the playoffs is another.
There&rsquo;s also the question of how this shift in offensive focus will affect their defensive roles. Both Adebayo and Davis are the anchors of their teams&rsquo; defenses, often patrolling the paint and protecting the rim. If they spend more time on the perimeter, it could pull them away from their defensive responsibilities, potentially impacting their teams on that end of the floor. They could also potentially exert more energy on offense when taking these types of shots, and could affect their games on the other end of the floor.
If Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis can fully integrate the 3-point shot into their games, the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers could be looking at major improvements in their offensive efficiency and flexibility. For Miami, Adebayo&rsquo;s ability to space the floor and create more room for Butler and Herro could make them a more dangerous and unpredictable team. For the Lakers, Davis hitting threes at a consistent rate would allow LeBron and the rest of the roster to play more freely and dynamically.
Both players have always had the skill to shoot from deep, but this season may finally be the year where they embrace it fully. And if they do, the Heat and Lakers could be poised for deep playoff runs, with their star big men leading the charge in this new era of positionless basketball.

Bam and AD are increasing their 3-point volume and this shift could be a key to elevating their teams to new heights.

Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis shooting more threes should elevate Heat, Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers withstood a late run by the Minnesota Timberwolves to win their season opener, 110-103, on a historic Tuesday night at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA.
Anthony Davis had a dominant MVP-type performance, putting up 36 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. He made key plays down the stretch on both ends of the floor, scoring on 4-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and swallowing up a strong take by Donte DiVincenzo.
The Lakers built a 20-point lead in the first half only to see it cut down to single digits in the 3rd quarter. The Timberwolves came to as close as 4, 81-85, but Davis and LA pulled off enough baskets and stops to come away with the victory.
Davis became the first Laker to achieve a 35+ point, 15+ rebound in an LA season opener win since Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.&nbsp;
Anthony Edwards scored 27 for the Timberwolves in their losing effort but shot just 10/24 from the field. Minnesota played their first regular season game with Julius Randle (16 points) and DiVincenzo (10 points) after that blockbuster trade a few weeks ago that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks.
This was a night to remember in Los Angeles with lots of historic moments. Let&rsquo;s check out each of them here.
LeBron-Bronny the first-ever father-son duo in the NBA
The game featured a historic moment for LeBron James and his eldest son LeBron &ldquo;Bronny&rdquo; James Jr. as they became the first father-son pair in the history of the league to step on the court at the same time.
The wholesome moment happened with 4 minutes left in the second quarter as LeBron and Bronny checked in together in the game.
LeBron, who is in year 22 of his basketball career and will turn 40 years old this December, is the all-time leading scorer of the NBA with over 40,000 points. He always expressed his desire of playing together with his son in the NBA, and that dream became a reality today.
Bronny, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is not expected to play heavy minutes for the Lakers and will likely spend most of the year in LA&rsquo;s G League team South Bay Lakers to continue his development.
Nonetheless, the precious moment was shared by the elder and younger James with their wife/mother Savannah, daughter/sister Zhuri, and several high-profile people in attendance to witness the history.
JJ Redick&rsquo;s first pro game (and win) as an NBA basketball coach
The Lakers&rsquo; win also allowed first-year head coach JJ Redick to win his coaching debut. Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran, did not have any basketball coaching experience at any level but was relatively active around the basketball scene. After a successful NBA career, the 6-foot-4 guard out of Duke was an analyst for ESPN and had his own production studio of podcasts to talk about the NBA before applying and getting accepted for the Lakers job.
Redick did a relatively good job in his first-ever regular season game, often coaching up the Lakers to emphasize their offensive rebounding and to limit their turnovers. Redick also expressed his desire for the Lakers to shoot a certain number of threes, and although LA just went 5-30 from deep, Redick liked what he saw as the Lakers played with pace and space.
Redick also coached with a veteran sense, drawing up unique and good set plays that drew national media attention on social media. Redick was often credited for the Lakers&rsquo; renewed sense of ball movement which could be a good sign for the team moving forward.
Lakers (finally) win a season opener with LeBron
Coming into the game, the Lakers were 0-6 over their last season-opening games in the LeBron James era. They weren&rsquo;t about to lose 7 straight times, as AD willed them victory.
Davis also mentioned this was the Lakers&rsquo; first win in any historic moment that involved LeBron, as he exchanged a laugh with reporters post-game.
&ldquo;We lose every time [LeBron] does something historic or cool, so we&rsquo;re just happy to win today and celebrate this moment,&rdquo; Davis said.
LeBron: longest tenured player of all time
After playing in this game, LeBron officially tied Vince Carter as the only players in NBA history to play 22 seasons. With the body of work he has and the ability to adapt to situations, LeBron could officially surpass Carter next season and claim another record by himself &ndash; alone &ndash; next season.&nbsp;

The Lakers withstood a late run by the Timberwolves to win their season opener on a historic Tuesday night at the Crypto.com Arena

Anthony Davis, Lakers withstand Timberwolves in historic night

The Boston Celtics raised their championship banner #18 with jubilation as they took down the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at the Boston Garden.
Members of the 2023-2024 title squad were each handed out their respective championship rings pregame. It is Boston&rsquo;s 18th NBA championship, making them the winningest franchise in league history.
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The 18th championship banner rises for the Boston Celtics ☘️👏🏽 (🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/danield1214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danield1214</a>) <a href="https://t.co/QQh7BguwJe">pic.twitter.com/QQh7BguwJe</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1848868309644808670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a></blockquote>

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CHAMPS. ☘️💍 <a href="https://t.co/KNSqvK2gyR">pic.twitter.com/KNSqvK2gyR</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1848869435718914206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a></blockquote>

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To celebrate their first title, Jayson Tatum and the rest of the Celtics ran the visiting Knicks down the court all game, earning a resounding 132-109 win. Tatum had a monster game in just 30 minutes, finishing with 37 points on 14-18 FG and 8-11 from three with 10 assists and 4 rebounds.
The Celtics as a team tied an NBA record for three pointers made in a game with 29, along with the Milwaukee Bucks who did it in 2020. Boston fully embraced coach Joe Mazzulla&rsquo;s philosophies with 61 three-point attempts, and this same formula won them a title a year ago.
Boston got everybody to contribute with Derrick White&rsquo;s 24, Jaylen Brown&rsquo;s 23, and Jrue Holiday&rsquo;s 18 proved to be too much for the new-look New York team with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges playing their first official regular season games with the team.
The night was such a cool moment for Boston&rsquo;s sports fans as former Celtic legends Bob Cousy (who came out in a wheelchair), Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen all graced the game to see the 2024 championship banner go up next to the 17 others already in the rafters.
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FINAL SCORE: Knicks 109 - 132 Celtics Player of the Game: JAYSON TATUM 📊 37 PTS | 14-18 FG | 8-11 3PT | 10 AST | 4 REB The defending champs opened the season with a dominant home win, tying the franchise record for most threes in a game with 29 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/YVoypHD6HH">pic.twitter.com/YVoypHD6HH</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1848903456893112367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote>

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The Boston Celtics raised their championship banner #18 with jubilation as they took down the New York Knicks on Tuesday.

Jayson Tatum, Celtics celebrate Ring Night 2024 with resounding win over Knicks

With just days left until the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, the Eastern Conference teams are settled, prepped, and ready for action. The offseason moves are done, rosters are set, and almost everyone&rsquo;s locked in for what&rsquo;s shaping up to be an intense race. From title contenders to dark horses, the East is packed with teams ready to make noise. So, let&rsquo;s dive into the top 15 teams in the East as we gear up for this brand-new season&mdash;no fluff, just what you need to know.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">New York Knicks The Knicks made significant moves this offseason, adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges while retaining key pieces like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. With depth, defense, and firepower, they look primed for a deep playoff run. After a 50-win season in 2023-24, they now have realistic championship aspirations and could be the biggest threat to the Celtics in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Boston Celtics The defending champions kept their core intact, extending Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. With Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday leading a formidable lineup, the Celtics are aiming to repeat as NBA champions. Despite concerns about Al Horford&rsquo;s age and frontcourt health, Boston remains the favorite heading into the 2024-25 season.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks didn&rsquo;t make major changes but added depth with Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright. After an injury-plagued season from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Milwaukee looks to bounce back under returning head coach Doc Rivers. With questions surrounding Lillard&rsquo;s form and Middleton&rsquo;s durability, the Bucks remain playoff contenders, but how far they go will depend on health and chemistry.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Philadelphia 76ers The 76ers had a big offseason, adding Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin to support Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey&rsquo;s rise as a star solidifies Philly&rsquo;s title hopes, and Embiid&rsquo;s MVP-level play is crucial for their success. With an improved supporting cast, the Sixers could be serious challengers in the East, but Embiid&rsquo;s health remains the key.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cleveland Cavaliers After a solid 48-win season, the Cavs focused on continuity by keeping their core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. New coach Kenny Atkinson brings fresh leadership, and Cleveland hopes to build on last season&rsquo;s playoff run. With a healthier roster and improved coaching, the Cavs could reach 50 wins and challenge the top teams in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Indiana Pacers The Pacers had a quiet offseason but retained Pascal Siakam and made a key addition in James Wiseman. Tyrese Haliburton&rsquo;s breakout season makes Indiana a team to watch, and they&rsquo;re looking to build on their deep playoff run. With improved chemistry and young talent, Indiana could surprise as a top-five team in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Orlando Magic The Magic are banking on internal growth, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. After winning 47 games and making the playoffs last season, they added veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for shooting and leadership. With a young core developing, Orlando could win 50 games if they continue their upward trend and improve their perimeter shooting.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Miami Heat The Heat had a quiet offseason, adding Alec Burks while re-signing key players like Bam Adebayo. With Jimmy Butler&rsquo;s future uncertain and health concerns for both Butler and Tyler Herro, Miami could face challenges in a competitive Eastern Conference. However, Adebayo&rsquo;s All-NBA-level play will keep them in the playoff hunt.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Atlanta Hawks The Hawks overhauled their roster after a disappointing 36-46 season, headlined by trading Dejounte Murray and acquiring the No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher. With Trae Young remaining the focal point, the Hawks are banking on Risacher&rsquo;s development and contributions from new additions like Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels. This team looks poised to contend for a Play-In spot but lacks the co-star power needed for a deep playoff run.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Charlotte Hornets The Hornets enter the season with fresh energy, thanks to the hiring of new coach Charles Lee and the re-signing of Miles Bridges. With LaMelo Ball back healthy and Brandon Miller continuing to impress after an All-Rookie season, Charlotte&rsquo;s young core could surprise many. If Ball stays on the floor and their youth develops quickly, the Hornets might find themselves contending for a Play-In spot and shaking off years of underachievement.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Detroit Pistons The Pistons are looking to turn the page on a tough 2023-24 season and have made moves to fast-track their rebuild. With Cade Cunningham healthy, new leadership under J.B. Bickerstaff, and rookie Ron Holland adding spark, Detroit could outperform expectations. If Cunningham returns to form and the team gels quickly, don&rsquo;t be surprised if the Pistons emerge as a dark horse in the East.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Toronto Raptors The Raptors are in transition, keeping their young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley intact. After a poor finish to last season, Toronto is betting on Barnes&rsquo; continued growth and the addition of Davion Mitchell to improve their fortunes. While their ceiling might be a Play-In appearance, the Raptors are hoping their trio can take a big step forward.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chicago Bulls The Bulls traded DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, adding Josh Giddey and Jalen Smith to the mix. Zach LaVine&rsquo;s injury history remains a concern, but the Bulls are counting on Coby White&rsquo;s emergence and the potential of lottery pick Matas Buzelis. Chicago is likely to be a competitive team some nights, but they may struggle to rise above the Play-In threshold.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brooklyn Nets The Nets are entering a rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker. With a young roster led by Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas, Brooklyn&rsquo;s focus is on player development. Ben Simmons remains a question mark, but the team&rsquo;s recent moves set them up for future success with significant draft assets. A playoff berth seems unlikely as they look to position themselves for a high draft pick.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Washington Wizards The Wizards continue their rebuild with the addition of Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick. With Malcolm Brogdon and Saddiq Bey joining the squad, Washington hopes to see growth from young talents like Bilal Coulibaly. However, they&rsquo;re still far from playoff contention and will likely be looking at another lottery-bound season.</li>
</ol>

Let's dive into the top 15 teams in the East as we gear up for this brand-new season.

2024-2025 NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings: A new number one arises at the top

After five previous tries, the New York Liberty have finally climbed the mountaintop of the WNBA.
New York outlasted the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 Sunday night at the Barclays Center to claim the 2024 WNBA championship &ndash; the first in franchise history.&nbsp;
The Liberty have made WNBA Finals appearances in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, and most recently a season ago in 2023, but they have come up short each time around.
This was 28 years in the making as one of the WNBA&rsquo;s original franchises since its inception, finally winning a league title.
Minnesota struck first early in the 1st quarter, building a 10-point lead after the Liberty&rsquo;s cold shooting in the quarter. New York tried to make a run in the second quarter but was still down by 7 at the half.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair in the second half from there as both teams showed their grit and determination to win it all. The series was one of the best in WNBA Finals history with two overtime games over the 5 games played, and Game 5 was one of them.
Minnesota had a chance to win the game in regulation but Kayla McBride missed her game-winning three-point attempt at the buzzer with the score tied at 60.
New York capitalized on Minnesota&rsquo;s turnovers and their bench scoring in overtime to come away with the victory.
Sabrina Ionescu, who was the hero in Game 3 after that heart-stopping game winning three, struggled mightily from the field in the game with only 5 points on a brutal 1-19 shooting. Ionescu tried to affect the game in other ways though with 7 rebounds and 8 assists, making crucial passes and hustle plays in the 4th quarter and overtime.
To pick up her slack, Breanna Stewart had 13 points and 15 rebounds while rookie Leonie Fiebich had 13 including hitting a crucial three in OT.&nbsp;
Jonquel Jones was named Finals MVP for her incredible series and her 17 points (led the team) and 6 rebounds proved to be essential for the Liberty.
New York would not have won the game if it weren&rsquo;t for the efforts of Nyara Sabally, who scored 13 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Sabally was not playing that many minutes in the series but when her number was called in this game she delivered, providing energy off the bench and toughness on defense.
Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride led Minnesota&rsquo;s losing effort with 22 and 21 points respectively but it was not enough for Minnesota to break the tie for most championships in WNBA history.

After five previous tries, the New York Liberty have finally climbed the mountaintop of the WNBA.

CHAMPS AT LAST: Liberty outlast Lynx to win 2024 WNBA Finals

Young point guards Quincy Olivari and Yuki Kawamura have been rewarded by their respective ball clubs after impressing in the preseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies both gave out two-way NBA contracts to the young guards, upgrading their previous Exhibit 10 deals.&nbsp;
To make the move, the Lakers had to waive two-way center Colin Castleton and guard Grayson Murphy, allocating the space to Olivari.
The 22-year-old Olivari in his preseason stint with the Lakers, having totals of 35 points on 12-23 shooting, 8-14 3PT, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists across 4 games.
Olivari particularly stood out for the Lakers in their game against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors, providing necessary energy on both ends of the floor.
Olivari quickly became the best wholesome story of the whole preseason <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/undrafted-lakers-guard-quincy-olivari-gets-emotional-after-exchange-with-stephen-curry-thats-my-favorite-player-ever">after his exchange with lifetime favorite player Stephen Curry.</a>
Kawamura, 23, has also shined for the Grizzlies in a similar way by fighting over screens and playing on and off ball defense with a concerted effort despite just standing at 5-foot-8.
Kawamura has been a playmaker for the Grizzlies&rsquo; offense and will now be the shortest active player in the NBA &ndash; and the ninth player 5-foot-8 or shorter since the merger.
The Japanese guard&rsquo;s play has caught Memphis&rsquo; eye and this has resulted in a two-way contract. The Grizzlies brought in Kawamura this offseason following a strong performance for Japan at the Olympics, where he nearly led his country to a monumental upset against Victor Wembanyama and hosts France. Kawamura stood tall amongst the giants by pouring in 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists despite falling short in the end.
Kawamura averaged 3.4 points, 4.2 assists and 15.1 minutes in preseason, leading Grizzlies with 21 total assists, and has now earned a roster spot.
In other news, the New York Knicks have waived guard Landry Shamet after he suffered a dislocated shoulder.&nbsp;
The Knicks are expected to keep 12 standard roster players and look to bring Shamet back once he recovers after averaging 0.8 PPG on 36% FG and 30% 3PT in the preseason.&nbsp;
The Knicks also waived Chuma Okeke and TJ Warren in the process.

Young point guards Quincy Olivari and Yuki Kawamura have been rewarded by their respective ball clubs after impressing in the preseason.

Olivari, Kawamura get rewarded by Lakers, Grizzlies after strong preseason play

The Minnesota Lynx survived yet again another tough challenge from the New York Liberty and won, 80-77, in Game 4 of the 2024 WNBA Finals to force a winner-take-all Game 5.&nbsp;
With their season on the line, all Minnesota starters scored in double digits in a complete team effort. Kayla McBride led all scorers with 19 points, Courtney Williams had 15, while Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith both had 12 markers. Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier once again played all 40 minutes available and finished with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.&nbsp;
Carleton made the biggest play of the game by hitting two free throws with two seconds left and the Lynx forced the stop on the next possession against another potential game-winning three point attempt by Sabrina Ionescu at the buzzer. Ionescu broke the hearts of Minnesota fans in Game 3 after she hit a tough side-stepping three from 30 ft to steal the game on the road.&nbsp;
The Lynx won the game by forcing Liberty superstars Breanna Stewart and Ionescu to tough shooting nights. Stewart only had 11 points on 5-20 shooting after a 30-10 game in Game 3 while Ionescu was 5-16 from the floor, scoring only 10 points.&nbsp;
The two teams will meet again for the final time on Sunday night in New York to claim the 2024 title.
Minnesota will have a chance to be the winningest franchise in WNBA history by winning their 5th title to break their tie with the Houston Comets and the Seattle Storm. The Lynx reached the Finals for the first time since 2017, when they won the last of four championships in seven years.&nbsp;
New York, on the other hand, is looking for their first-ever WNBA title after having lost five times in previous seasons. This is their second straight Finals appearance after having lost to the Las Vegas Aces last year in 4 games.

The Minnesota Lynx survived the New York Liberty, 80-77, in Game 4 of the 2024 WNBA Finals to force a winner-take-all Game 5.

Lynx stave off Liberty to force winner-take-all Game 5 in 2024 WNBA Finals

With all of the things Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat could offer on the basketball court, one thing stands out: his confidence to play at a high level.&nbsp;
The 24-year-old has shown flashes of scoring at will as well as being the primary option on offense when Heat superstar Jimmy Butler was out. Herro has averaged 18.1 points per game in five seasons with Miami, with 20 points or more over the last 3 seasons. The 6-foot-5 combo guard appears to be one of the main pieces of the core centered around superstar center Bam Adebayo for the Heat&rsquo;s future as Butler ages out his final prime years.
Along with Herro in Miami&rsquo;s backcourt is Terry Rozier, who was brought into Miami at the trade deadline a season ago. The 30-year-old guard is a solid piece over the years, with stops in Boston and Charlotte making him one of the underrated guards in the league.&nbsp;
Both Herro and Rozier are guards that can score on all three levels, with varying skill sets that complement each other. With a full offseason and training camp behind them, Herro believes the backcourt could do something special this season.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re both really motivated &ndash; we both had really good summers. We wanted to come back stronger this year, obviously he has a motivation and I have a motivation,&rdquo; Herro shared in an interview with Bally Sports Sun: HEAT&rsquo;s Jeremy Tache.
The Heat lost last year in just 5 games against the Boston Celtics after beating them in 7 two seasons ago, and a large part of that were Herro and Rozier struggling to find their offensive rhythm.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re really excited to play together again to prove people wrong,&rdquo; Herro added. &ldquo;They really don&rsquo;t think the backcourt of us two can work. We both believe we&rsquo;re one of the best backcourts in the league and we both individually think we&rsquo;re one of the best guards in the league. I&rsquo;m definitely excited to just have that kind of player next to me &ndash; he&rsquo;s fast. I&rsquo;m young and I&rsquo;m ready to play fast and play faster than we have before, and I&rsquo;m definitely excited to see how it works.&rdquo;
However, Herro acknowledged there will be a lot of adjustments throughout the season but assures that they will do their best to make it work and at the same time make everyone on the team happy.
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s gonna be things we have to work through as we continue to grow and get better. And we still have to think about all the other guys we have on our team to make sure that they&rsquo;re happy and to make sure that it all works together,&rdquo; Herro said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s gonna be a lot of fun. We&rsquo;ve had a lot of time throughout training camp at the Bahamas and I&rsquo;m sure today and the rest of the practices leading up to the first game will be a lot of me and Terry trying to work through some things. Whatever works, we&rsquo;re going to continue to work through it and it&rsquo;ll look good.&rdquo;
Herro, Rozier, and the Heat open their 2024-2025 season on October 24 against the Orlando Magic at home in the Kaseya Center.
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&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1846928761494913279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a></blockquote>

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With a full offseason and training camp behind them, Herro believes the backcourt could do something special this season.

Tyler Herro on him and Terry Rozier: “We’re one of the best backcourts in the league”

Sabrina Ionescu channeled her inner &lsquo;mamba mentality&rsquo; to wrestle away Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals from the hands of the Minnesota Lynx, 80-77, on Wednesday night at the Target Center.&nbsp;
With just under 15 seconds left in the game, Ionescu pulled up from 30 feet to drain a tough stepback three point shot to give the New York Liberty the improbable win on the road. The Liberty went up 2-1 in their series against the Lynx, winning back-to-back games after losing Game 1 in New York.&nbsp;
Ionescu finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists with two huge threes coming in the dying minutes of the 4th quarter. The recently-minted All-WNBA second teamer scored the final 6 points for the Liberty, hitting on a separate three to put New York up by 4 before her incredible game winner.&nbsp;
Minnesota tied the ball game at 77-all after Bridget Carleton&rsquo;s tough layup and Napheesa Collier&rsquo;s two free throws and it set up Ionescu&rsquo;s game winner at the top of the key.
Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with a monster game of her own, racking up 30 points and 11 rebounds as New York moved one win away from the 2024 WNBA title.
Collier led the Lynx with 20 points and 9 rebounds as she played all 40 minutes in the game. Game 4 will still be at Minnesota on Friday night.

Sabrina Ionescu channeled her inner ‘mamba mentality’ to wrestle away Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals from the Minnesota Lynx.

Sabrina Ionescu shoots down Lynx to bring Liberty to one win away from WNBA title

Oklahoma City Thunder&rsquo;s offseason acquisition Isaiah Hartenstein has suffered a minor injury and will be re-evaluated in 5-6 weeks, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.&nbsp;
The 7-foot, 250 lb center who signed with the Thunder after his stint with the New York Knicks last season suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand in Tuesday&rsquo;s preseason game in Denver.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This could potentially be a game changer for the Thunder after looking good with Hartenstein in the preseason. OKC have been practicing the big man duo of Hartenstein and their young star Chet Holmgren, often running big-to-big dribble handoffs and pin down screens.&nbsp;
Now OKC will have to start the new season playing Holmgren as the sole big man again. Although they found success in the regular season last year with the same setup (1st seed and 57-25 record), Hartenstein&rsquo;s loss to start the season could make or break the Thunder&rsquo;s early record in the tough and deep Western Conference.

OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has suffered a minor injury and will be re-evaluated in 5-6 weeks.

New OKC Thunder acquisition Isaiah Hartenstein suffers minor injury, out for 5-6 weeks

The New York Knicks survived the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA preseason games 115-110 Monday night at the Madison Square Garden in New York.&nbsp;
The game marked the first time the two teams faced each other following their blockbuster trade two weeks ago. Minnesota notably sent former franchise player and star Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a future 1st round pick.&nbsp;
The Knicks cruised to their third straight win in the preseason with Towns leading the way, who had 16 points and 16 rebounds in 29 minutes against his former team. Towns and close friend Anthony Edwards shared some cool and funny moments in the game, laughing and pointing at each other.&nbsp;
Edwards finished with 31 points with an impressive 8-13 shooting from three in Minnesota&rsquo;s loss. This was a strong effort for the young star following his productive summer playing for Team USA in the Olympics and he&rsquo;s off to a great start this season.
Randle was not yet able to make his debut for the Timberwolves in the preseason but he has been ramping up and will play in Minnesota&rsquo;s next game against the Chicago Bulls.&nbsp;
DiVincenzo on the other hand, continued his strong preseason play with 15 points and 7 assists. He has developed a nice chemistry with Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards and is one of the main reasons for Minnesota trading away their franchise cornerstone. DiVincenzo figures to be a rotation player for the Timberwolves from the get-go and should have some starter minutes in place of aging Mike Conley.&nbsp;

The New York Knicks survived the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA preseason games 115-110 Monday night.

Knicks outlast Timberwolves in first meeting since blockbuster trade

The New York Liberty were not to be denied this time around.&nbsp;
Behind a spirited effort from its starters, the Liberty bounced back from a horrible loss in Game 1 and blew out the Minnesota Lynx, 80-66, winning Game 2 of the 2024 WNBA Finals and tying the series at 1-1.&nbsp;
It was not easy however, with the Lynx making the Liberty work for the win by applying pressure all game long. Minnesota cut the lead to as little as 2, 64-66, via Napheesa Collier&rsquo;s layup.&nbsp;
That was the closest Minnesota would come though as New York went on a 14-2 run late for the game&rsquo;s final spread.&nbsp;
Breanna Stewart led the way with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists while Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 20 points as the Liberty avoided yet another comeback by the Lynx. Minnesota forced overtime and went on to win Game 1 after a furious run in the 4th quarter.
Sabrina Ionescu bounced back with an efficient shooting night at 5-9 to finish with 15 points while Jonquel Jones had 14 points and 9 boards as the series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Wednesday night.
Courtney Williams, the hero for the Lynx in Game 1, scored 15 points and dished out 8 assists and Collier added 16 points and 8 rebounds in Minnesota&rsquo;s losing effort.

Behind a spirited effort from its starters, the Liberty bounced back from a horrible loss in Game 1 and blew out the Minnesota Lynx.

Liberty get back at Lynx, tie 2024 WNBA Finals

The Minnesota Lynx have stolen Game 1 vs the New York Liberty after a cardiac comeback win in overtime, 95-93, to draw first blood in the 2024 WNBA Finals.
After a dominant first half from New York, Minnesota stormed back behind a huge scoring surge in the 4th quarter to take the lead in the dying seconds of the game.
The Liberty led by 15 with 5 minutes left in the game before the Lynx unleashed their furious run. It was led by Courtney Williams, who sank back-to-back threes with under 2 minutes to go. One of them was a four-point play as Williams got fouled by Sabrina Ionescu to give Minnesota the go-ahead lead late.
Breanna Stewart had a chance to win it for the Liberty in regulation but she missed the free throw that could&rsquo;ve given New York the lead and the win, sending the game into OT.
In overtime, 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier showed her wares that she&rsquo;s not just a defensive player when she gave the Lynx the final lead for the final tally on a tough fadeaway jumper.
Stewart had a chance again to send the game to a 2nd overtime but she missed a point-blank layup at the buzzer.
Collier finished with 21 points on 10-16 shooting with 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead Minnesota&rsquo;s comeback. Williams chipped in 23 points as the team&rsquo;s leading scorer while Kayla McBride added 22 markers.
Stewart and Ionescu, New York&rsquo;s two superstars, scored 18 and 19 points respectively but struggled from the field overall (6-21 and 8-26) as the Liberty lost home court advantage following Game 1&rsquo;s loss. Jonquel Jones spearheaded the Liberty with 24 points and 10 rebounds but it was not enough to stop the Lynx&rsquo;s comeback.
Game 2 will still be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on Monday, October 14 at 3:00 p.m.

Minnesota have stolen Game 1 vs New York after a cardiac comeback win in overtime, 95-93, in the 2024 WNBA Finals.

Lynx strike first in 2024 WNBA Finals after after thrilling comeback win

The New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx have set up a grand finale clash in the WNBA Finals after beating their respective opponents in the semifinals.&nbsp;
The Lynx ousted the Connecticut Sun, 88-77, in Game 5 of their best-of-5 series at home in Target Center. Napheesa Collier, the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the All-WNBA First Team, had 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks in an all-around performance. Collier went 10-16 from the field in an efficient performance while Courtney Williams added 24 points.&nbsp;
On the other hand, the Liberty finished off the defending champions Las Vegas Aces in just four games, winning 76-62 in Game 4. Sabrina Ionescu was brilliant for New York in their WNBA Finals 2023 rematch with 22 points while Breanna Stewart had 19 points and 14 rebounds as the Liberty effectively ended the Aces&rsquo; bid for a three-peat this season.&nbsp;
The Liberty-Lynx Finals matchup immediately starts Friday night in New York for Game 1 and continues to Game 2 and then the series shifts over to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4. If necessary, Game 5 will be played back in New York.&nbsp;
In their season series, the Lynx own a 3-1 advantage over the Liberty, including their Commissioner&rsquo;s Cup title win midseason. Minnesota finished second in the standings behind just New York by just two games.&nbsp;

The Liberty and the Lynx have set up a grand finale clash in the WNBA Finals after beating their respective opponents.

Liberty-Lynx set for WNBA Finals clash

The Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets played two games in the Middle East for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 and here are some key observations from both teams after their first two preseason games.
Celtics vs Nuggets: Battle of the Champs
In a matchup between the past two NBA champions, the Celtics (2024 winners) prevailed twice over the Nuggets (2023 winners). The first one was a thriller, 107-103, while the second one was a blowout, 130-104.
Despite it still being the preseason, the Celtics showed their ability to win in both kinds of games, whether it was close or blowout. They proved their caliber against a fellow NBA champion that was hypothetically a matchup to watch out for, especially with the two teams being from different conferences.
The Celtics are really, really good &ndash; they did not miss a beat&nbsp;
The Celtics are back and are looking more dangerous than ever &ndash; at least from what they&rsquo;ve shown in these two games. They are really, really good and they mean business this year. This seems impossible after coming off a championship, but the Celtics appear to be hungrier for a chip than they&rsquo;ve ever been and they&rsquo;re looking to prove everyone wrong after a somewhat question-mark season last year, with all the injuries their opponents have endured. The Celtics ought to prove that the championship win was not a fluke, and this starts in the preseason by showing their usual dominant selves.&nbsp;
No championship hangover for these Celtics
The Celtics mean business, and when I say business, that&rsquo;s Jaylen Brown gesturing a too-small sign on Jamal Murray after scoring a tough bucket inside over him.
Jaylen Brown is back better than ever, and after that intense underwater basketball workouts and at just 28 years old, the Finals MVP is firmly in his prime and should play his best basketball ahead of him.
Jayson Tatum comes in with an edge after the Olympics run where he did not play twice, and gunning for the Finals MVP he did not win.
Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are Boston&rsquo;s ever-reliable do-it-all guys and they&rsquo;re gonna do everything that&rsquo;s asked of them.
The whole Boston core, with big men Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, along with crucial bench pieces Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, just appear to be ready for this title defense.
Mazzulla ball is in full effect &ndash; even if it&rsquo;s just the preseason
The Celtics under Joe Mazzulla make it to a point to shoot as many open threes as they could, and in Game 1 vs the Nuggets, they shot a whopping 61 attempts, making 20 of them; and in Game 2, shot 47 attempts with 18 makes &ndash; a respectable 38 percent clip.
This style of play has brought them a championship and should be rightfully used as such until teams find a way to counter Boston&rsquo;s offense. This is the kind of game that Mazzulla wants to play for the Celtics and they have the roster and the men to do it &ndash; a loaded roster of shooters and floor spacers.
The Celtics still have room for improvement &ndash; and that&rsquo;s scary
&ldquo;Defensively, just got to be a little more tighter on that end,&rdquo; Derrick White said post-game. &ldquo;With some of our communication and the things that we&rsquo;re doing, and I think that comes with time. Offensively, just continue to make the right read and make the right play.&rdquo;
This should be bad news for the rest of the NBA as the defending champions themselves feel they still have something to fix and improve as the season goes on &ndash; a never-ending learning and lessons that can only be taught through game experiences.
Nikola Jokic is still really good
This should be another MVP type of season is on the horizon for the 3-time MVP as he has shown no signs of slowing down and is getting even better and smarter with each game that he plays.
In two games vs Boston, the Joker averaged over 20 points and 8 rebounds in just a little over 18 minutes of playing time. The Celtics haven&rsquo;t found a solution against Jokic inside and that resonates with the entire NBA as well.&nbsp;
Jokic&rsquo;s MVP campaign this season could come from him having to carry this roster more with some key departures from the team. He will have more responsibility on the offensive end and Jokic should just be dominant and assert himself to lead Denver to the upper echelon of the West.&nbsp;
Life after Bruce Brown and KCP for Denver
The Nuggets have now lost two key figures in their championship run in back-to-back offseasons, and if this is any indication, the past champs that lost their key role players struggled in the seasons to come. Brown and KCP&rsquo;s skillset should be replaceable but their chemistry with the team especially with MVP Jokic has been vital and Denver could take a step back on that end without those two.
Following their departures, the Nuggets have yet to replace them and will rely on young Christian Braun to replicate their success, or from a veteran like Vlatko Cancar who just recently returned from injury.
Denver&rsquo;s bench is suspect
Denver has no one off the bench who is legitimately an offensive threat or someone who can create his shot, so Michael Malone should probably stagger Jokic and Murray&rsquo;s minutes more, and lean on Michael Porter Jr for more offensive creation. This was exposed against the Celtics as the Nuggets struggled to have some offensive flow within their second units. Westbrook looked to be the answer for that problem but with his age he could not be tasked alone anymore to carry the offensive load for the bench.
Unless Denver makes a big FA signing or a splash before the trade deadline, expect their bench to struggle at times and they could be relying on their starters more often than not to supply all the scoring.
Westbrook&rsquo;s role
Newcomer Russell Westbrook has looked good at times for Denver in these two games. He was pushing the pace, driving and drawing the defense, and kicking it out to shooters which was a good sign for Denver as he figured out to be their backup point guard behind Jamal Murray, or even play alongside him at times to slot Murray at the 2. Westbrook at this point of his career does not need to do much on the offensive end, especially with an all-timer like Jokic in his prime. He could just provide energy off the bench for quality minutes and should be a big piece in Denver&rsquo;s rotation.
Jamal Murray&rsquo;s health
Perhaps the biggest factor out of them all, Jamal Murray&rsquo;s health is the biggest concern for Denver and should be their main priority heading into the season. Murray did not look right in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Canada&rsquo;s Olympic run, and he was not able to find his groove yet in two games vs Boston.
With teams scheming against Jokic every single night, Murray has to come in and set the tone for the Nuggets as their primary secondary option and draw the defense away from the MVP.

Here are some key observations from both the Celtics and the Nuggets after their first two preseason games.

Gabe