Bobcats

The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to resign and lock in center Daniel Gafford with a three-year contract extension, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
The deal reportedly is worth approximately $54-60 million, keeping him under team control through the 2028&ndash;29 season.
Last season, Gafford posted career highs &ndash; averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game &ndash; until an MCL injury in February sidelined him for 21 games. ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania reports that Dallas was clear-eyed: they wanted to reward his impact and ensure continuity in their frontcourt without limiting future trade flexibility .
Gafford has stood out as one of the league's most efficient big men &ndash; boasting a career field goal percentage near 71%, the best since his 2019 debut. His consistent rim-finishing and altered shot-blocking presence provided stability when Dereck Lively II and mid-season acquisition Anthony Davis dealt with injuries.
ANALYSIS: The extension aligns with Dallas's broader strategy of having a defensive team under Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd. Amid a deep frontcourt that now includes Davis, Lively, and presumed No. 1 overall pick in this year&rsquo;s draft Cooper Flagg, Gafford&rsquo;s deal preserves roster balance and cap flexibility. Mavericks insiders note this structured contract keeps him trade‑eligible, offering potential future maneuvering room.
Retaining Gafford solidifies the Mavericks&rsquo; interior rotation with a reliable defender and lob-threat, and it gives them one of the best frontcourt depths in the league. His presence ensures cohesion and allows smoother integration of incoming talent like Flagg, which is why roster continuation is key. Finally, Dallas secured a core component without hampering future options or trade value with this strategic flexibility move.
Gafford&rsquo;s re-signing signals the Mavericks&rsquo; commitment to building around their existing nucleus while maintaining flexibility for growth in the coming years.

The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to resign and lock in center Daniel Gafford with a three-year contract extension.

Daniel Gafford to resign with Mavericks on new 3-year deal

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

Anthony Edwards' meteoric rise in the NBA continues relentlessly. The 23-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves superstar has added another chapter to his burgeoning playoff legacy, leading his team to a 4-1 series victory over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals. This triumph not only propels the Timberwolves to their second consecutive Western Conference Finals but also reinforces Edwards' growing reputation as the league's premier "legend killer."
The term "legend killer" may have been used in jest by fans and analysts, but it's becoming more apt with each passing series. Edwards is carving out one of the most impressive early playoff resumes in recent memory, routinely stepping up against the game's brightest stars and emerging victorious.
Slaying giants and legends is becoming a playoff tradition for Edwards
Edwards' postseason journey reads like a who's who of NBA royalty. Last year, he spearheaded the Timberwolves' stunning run through the Western Conference, eliminating a Phoenix Suns team led by future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. In the following round, they went toe-to-toe with reigning MVP Nikola Jokić and the defending champion Denver Nuggets &ndash; and prevailed.
This season has followed a similar narrative. In the first round, Edwards and the Wolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Edwards outdueled both LeBron James and Luka Doncic on both ends of the floor and delivering clutch baskets in high-pressure moments.
Now, in the semifinals, he's taken down a Warriors team that boasted championship pedigree and playoff-tested veterans in Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green &ndash; and would have had Stephen Curry, were it not for injury.
It's no wonder the nickname "legend killer" has started to stick. Edwards is not just winning playoff series; he's ending runs and ushering in a new era of stardom. Few players his age have compiled such an impressive list of postseason victims &ndash; and he's doing it as the unquestioned leader of a franchise that hadn&rsquo;t been to the Conference Finals in 20 years before his arrival.
Golden State&rsquo;s fortunes took a major hit just minutes into Game 1 when Stephen Curry pulled up lame, clutching his left hamstring. The team initially called it &ldquo;tightness,&rdquo; but subsequent scans revealed a strain that would sideline the two-time MVP for the remainder of the series.
Curry&rsquo;s absence was devastating. In Game 1, the Warriors managed to win despite him being out for the majority of the game, and Golden State was within striking distance. But without him, the Warriors lacked spacing, cohesion, and a consistent scoring threat. Butler, whom the Warriors acquired midseason for a late title push, averaged a decent amount of points in the series but struggled to find rhythm without Curry drawing double teams. Draymond Green&rsquo;s defensive prowess and playmaking were neutralized by Minnesota&rsquo;s size and physicality.
Minnesota, meanwhile, smothered Golden State with a vaunted defense led by Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, and Edwards. The Wolves&rsquo; game plan was simple yet effective: deny Butler clean looks, collapse on drives, and force role players to beat them. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield were rather inconsistent, while Jonathan Kuminga, though promising, lacked the polish to carry the scoring load for the entire series. The Warriors ultimately lost four straight games after taking the opener.
Timberwolves' strategic mastery&nbsp;
Minnesota&rsquo;s resurgence is as much about front-office vision as it is about Edwards&rsquo; emergence. The franchise made a controversial decision last summer, trading long-time star Karl-Anthony Towns &ndash; the face of the franchise for nearly a decade &ndash; to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
Initially panned as an overreaction to last year&rsquo;s Conference Finals loss, the move has aged like fine wine. Randle brought a rugged interior presence and a scorer's mindset that perfectly complements Rudy Gobert&rsquo;s defense-first approach. In these playoffs, Randle has arguably been playing the best basketball of his life, often bullying smaller defenders in the post while spacing the floor just enough to allow Edwards room to operate.
DiVincenzo, a tenacious defender and underrated shooter, has been an x-factor despite struggling a bit in the playoffs. He has consistently hit timely threes while guarding opposing guards with a relentless motor. His chemistry with Edwards has flourished, allowing the Wolves to maintain intensity on both ends without sacrificing floor spacing.
Add in the steady leadership of Mike Conley and the rim protection of Gobert and Naz Reid off the bench and the perimeter defense by McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and you&rsquo;ve got one of the most well-balanced teams left in the playoffs.
With this series win, the Timberwolves have secured their second straight appearance in the Western Conference Finals &ndash; a feat that once seemed unimaginable for a franchise long plagued by mediocrity. They fell to Dallas in last year&rsquo;s WCF, but the lessons from that loss are clearly paying off.
This version of the Wolves is deeper, more experienced, and far more adaptable. They&rsquo;ve shown they can win gritty, defensive battles or shoot it out when the game opens up. Coach Chris Finch has masterfully balanced rotations and drawn up sets that accentuate Edwards&rsquo; strengths while keeping Randle, Gobert, and DiVincenzo involved.
The next step now is breaking through to the NBA Finals &ndash; something no Timberwolves team has ever accomplished.
Being the &lsquo;face of the league&rsquo;
As the NBA&rsquo;s long-standing icons gradually wind down their careers, the league is searching for its next torchbearer. While players like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all in the mix, few have made as loud a postseason statement as Anthony Edwards.
His playoff numbers &mdash; 27.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game &mdash; don&rsquo;t just tell the story of a rising superstar, they scream franchise cornerstone and future MVP. More importantly, Edwards has embraced the spotlight, asking for it and owning the pressure of delivering wins against the best in the world.
He&rsquo;s charismatic, fiercely competitive, and fearless. His ability to elevate his game in the postseason, rise above elite opponents, and close out games has drawn comparisons to legends of the past. And with every &ldquo;legend&rdquo; he defeats, Edwards inches closer to becoming one himself.
Anthony Edwards isn&rsquo;t just adding to his playoff resume &mdash; he&rsquo;s building a legacy. One legendary opponent at a time.
And if the &ldquo;legend killer&rdquo; keeps this up, the next generation of NBA stars might be defined by who manages to take him down.

Anthony Edwards continues his rise as the NBA’s “Legend Killer,” leading the Timberwolves past the Warriors to reach the WCF again.

Anthony Edwards adds to ‘legend killer’ legacy as Wolves eliminate Warriors in 5

When the New York Knicks gave up five first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, the move was met with shock, skepticism, and scrutiny. Five first-round picks. For a player whose offensive role had diminished, whose stats were down, and whose place in a new system seemed more complementary than central.
It was one of the most bizarre returns for a player in recent NBA history, which is borderline unprecedented. Bridges was no superstar scorer, nor a perennial All-NBA selection. He had gone from being Brooklyn's first option to, arguably, New York's fourth. Questions swirled: Was this a reach and an overpay?
But New York seemingly knew what they were doing. They were reuniting Bridges with former college teammates at Villanova, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. All three won an NCAA national championship playing together, and the Knicks were hoping this could translate into a good winning culture in the NBA and eventually a title.
Then, as the Knicks stunned the defending champion Boston Celtics in back-to-back games to start their 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinal series, those questions disappeared. Because Mikal Bridges answered every single one of them.
People often forget that the Knicks didn&rsquo;t bring in Bridges to average 25 points a game. They brought him in to defend the NBA&rsquo;s biggest, strongest wings. They brought him in for this very moment.
The Celtics, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge on the way to their title last season, are the blueprint every other contender is trying to crack. Long, physical wings who can score from anywhere, who can switch everything, and who have been to the NBA Finals twice in the past three seasons. To compete with them, you don&rsquo;t just need offense. You need answers.
New York&rsquo;s answer? Stack the deck with perimeter stoppers. Bridges. OG Anunoby. Josh Hart. Two-way warriors with toughness and length. And in a matchup where margins are razor-thin, where late-game execution determines the outcome, the Knicks&rsquo; investment has already paid dividends.
With the game tied in overtime and the final seconds ticking down, the Celtics had the ball in Jaylen Brown&rsquo;s hands. But as Brown caught the ball on the left wing, Bridges was there to read the play and anticipate the move.
He ripped the ball from Brown&rsquo;s hands in one swift motion, wrestled it away as Brown scrambled to recover, and held on as the buzzer sounded. Ball game in Game 1, Knicks steal Game 1 in the Boston Garden.
Bridges didn&rsquo;t just make a great play &ndash; he made the play. The one that changes the conversation, and the one that likely swings a series.
Two nights later, the stakes rose again. Boston had a huge 20-point lead late in the third quarter, and New York was running on fumes. That&rsquo;s when Bridges flipped the switch, not just defensively, but offensively too.
He scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter alone, rallying the Knicks back into the game. It was the highest-scoring playoff quarter of his career. The energy inside the Boston Garden shifted, as if life were sucked out of the arena.
And with the Knicks clinging to a slim lead and seconds left, Jayson Tatum had the ball on the left wing. As he tried to make his move toward the baseline, he found himself trapped, smothered by both Bridges and Anunoby. There was nowhere to go.
Tatum tried to make the right play and pass out of the double. But Bridges read it. He stuck out his arm, deflected the ball, and threw the ball to the backcourt to a streaking Jalen Brunson, and it sealed the victory. Game over, Knicks 2, Celtics 0. The seemingly invincible defending champion Celtics looked every bit of human that they could be, dropping two straight at home on both comeback occasions.
Bridges&rsquo; role and the Knicks&rsquo; vision
Bridges&rsquo; offensive dip since arriving in New York has been noticeable. He&rsquo;s no longer the guy who averaged 26.1 points per game in Brooklyn post-KD and Kyrie. With Jalen Brunson scoring and orchestrating, Karl-Anthony Towns spacing, and OG Anunoby slashing, Bridges has often been the third option, sometimes fourth.
But that&rsquo;s not the full picture. Basketball is bigger than the box score. And Bridges, even in a quieter offensive role, is impacting winning at the highest level.
The Knicks gambled on a vision: a roster designed to slow down elite wing scorers in high-stakes games. And with just two playoff games against Boston, that vision has materialized.
They didn&rsquo;t need Bridges to carry the offense. They needed him to carry the moment, to guard the other team&rsquo;s best guy, and to make the winning play. And he did.
Bridges didn&rsquo;t ask to be traded. He didn&rsquo;t lobby for five first-round picks to be attached to his name. But he embraced the responsibility. He leaned into the expectations. And now, he&rsquo;s delivering on the biggest stage against the defending champions. He&rsquo;s defending like a star and playing like a closer, all while doing it without the spotlight demanding he score 30.
There&rsquo;s something poetic about a player making his greatest impact on the defensive end in a league that so often celebrates offense. In a series where Boston's stars were expected to take over, Bridges is writing a different script &ndash; one that says defense still wins games, and that the &ldquo;other guy&rdquo; can become the hero.
The job isn&rsquo;t finished, and Boston definitely isn&rsquo;t going away. They&rsquo;re too good and battle-tested. But with the Knicks up 2-0, the tone has been set for the rest of the series.
And if this series is the war New York built their roster for, then Mikal Bridges is one of their weapons to go to war with. Game 3 awaits. But you better believe the Celtics will be seeing No. 25 in their nightmares.

Mikal Bridges' two game-winning defensive plays vs. Boston proved his worth in the Knicks' stunning 2-0 series lead over the Celtics.

Mikal Bridges proves his worth with clutch defense late against Boston

As the 2025 NBA Playoffs begin, the Western Conference presents no shortage of compelling narratives and unanswered questions. Each team comes in with a storyline that could define their entire postseason. From young squads making their playoff debut to experienced rosters led by superstars, here's the biggest question facing each Western Conference playoff team.
Oklahoma City Thunder &mdash; Can their historic defense carry over to the playoffs?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have fielded the league&rsquo;s best defense this season, boasting a 106.6 defensive rating &mdash; the lowest mark in the NBA and one of the best over the past decade. Anchored by a core of versatile perimeter defenders like Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with interior enforcer Isaiah Hartenstein and shot blocker Chet Holmgren, the Thunder built a defensive identity predicated on length, switchability, and relentless pressure.
But as history has shown, regular-season defense doesn&rsquo;t always translate to playoff dominance. Matchups become more intentional, rotations tighten, and elite scorers are given room to manipulate even the best schemes. For a team like OKC that leans heavily on team defense rather than individual stoppers, their system will be tested in a postseason series where adjustments are key. Moreover, the Thunder&rsquo;s youth &ndash; despite being a strength in the regular season &ndash; may also be a vulnerability when the game slows down and every possession is magnified.
This Thunder squad has the makings of a historically great defense, but now comes the true test: whether that same system can hold up when a superstar like Luka Doncic or Steph Curry start hunting matchups in isolation. If OKC can sustain their defensive intensity in a seven-game series, their path to a deep run remains wide open.
Houston Rockets &mdash; Will their inexperience hinder them from going too far?
After years of rebuilding, the Houston Rockets are finally back in the playoffs &mdash; and this time, with a young core brimming with talent. Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson are all making their playoff debuts, and they&rsquo;ve formed a competitive group that finished with the fifth-best defense in the league (110.3 DRtg) and earned the second seed. Their turnaround under head coach Ime Udoka has been remarkable, fueled by a defense-first identity and the emergence of Sengun as one of the best passing bigs in the league.
However, playoff basketball is a different beast. It&rsquo;s about adjustments, discipline, and poise under pressure &ndash; things young teams usually need time to learn. In their first-round matchup, the Rockets face the battle-tested Golden State Warriors, a team that features championship experience across the board. Houston&rsquo;s youth could be exposed if the moment becomes too big, especially with Golden State&rsquo;s ability to dissect inexperience through smart off-ball actions and defensive schemes.
Players like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets&rsquo; veterans, will be counted on to provide leadership and stabilize the team when things go sideways. But this postseason will ultimately serve as a litmus test for how ready the Rockets&rsquo; young stars are to take the leap. Even if they fall short, the experience could be invaluable moving forward.
Los Angeles Lakers &mdash; How viable is their roster construction?
The Lakers shocked the league by acquiring Luka Doncic midseason, pairing him with LeBron James and Austin Reaves to form a high-powered offensive trio. Since then, they&rsquo;ve leaned heavily into small-ball, often starting lineups with Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith alongside the core trio, while Jaxson Hayes remains their only true center. First-year head coach JJ Redick has installed a modern, five-out system that prioritizes spacing and switchable defense &mdash; a style tailor-made for the postseason.
But viability is still a concern. While the offense has thrived, their defense has some slippages, particularly when LeBron and Luka are on the floor together. Their lack of rim protection and size could be exploited by teams that boast elite drivers to the rim. Additionally, the wear-and-tear of postseason play could take a toll on their aging core, especially LeBron, who is playing his 22nd season and logging heavy minutes in the postseason
Ultimately, the Lakers&rsquo; playoff ceiling hinges on whether their current roster configuration &ndash; heavy on wings, light on bigs &ndash; can hold up when the game slows down and physicality ramps up. If it works, Redick could be hailed as a tactical genius. If it doesn&rsquo;t, questions about roster balance and long-term direction will resurface.
Denver Nuggets &mdash; Do they have enough help around Nikola Jokic?
Nikola Jokic is once again doing everything for the Denver Nuggets &mdash; and doing it at an MVP level. He finished the regular season averaging a triple-double and top 3 in every major statistical category. His ability to control the game as both scorer and facilitator remains unmatched, and he remains the engine of everything Denver does offensively. But after a sluggish finish to the season, the biggest concern for the Nuggets is whether Jokic has enough help to mount another deep playoff run.
Jamal Murray has battled through injuries and hasn&rsquo;t quite looked like the same dynamic scorer from their 2023 championship run. Michael Porter Jr. has been inconsistent, while Aaron Gordon&rsquo;s offensive impact has waned due to multiple injuries. Denver&rsquo;s bench has also taken a step back this year, with limited contributions outside of Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson.
If Murray can elevate his game and Porter Jr. can knock down shots consistently, Denver remains a title threat. But the margin for error is much slimmer than last year. Jokic can only carry so much weight &ndash; the Nuggets need their supporting cast to deliver, or another early exit could be looming.
Los Angeles Clippers &mdash; Can we see James Harden and Kawhi Leonard lead this team to playoff glory?
After losing Paul George to free agency last summer, many assumed the Clippers&rsquo; title window had slammed shut. But the resurgence of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard has breathed life back into their playoff hopes. Harden has embraced the role of primary playmaker, averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists per game, while Leonard has quietly had one of the most efficient scoring seasons of his career in recent years, shooting 49.8% from the field and 41.1% from deep.
The Clippers finished the season strong with their offense clicking and defense holding steady. Yet the question remains &ndash; can their two stars carry them through the gauntlet of the Western Conference? Leonard&rsquo;s health has always been a question mark, and Harden&rsquo;s playoff track record has been a mixed bag at best.&nbsp;
This postseason may be one of the last chances for this iteration of the Clippers to make a real push. If Harden and Kawhi can replicate their regular-season success and stay healthy, they could make noise. Along with steady role players like Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers are darkhorse contenders and will be dangerous out in the West.
Minnesota Timberwolves &mdash; How will Julius Randle perform in the playoffs?
Minnesota shocked many by acquiring Julius Randle at the trade deadline, moving on from Karl-Anthony Towns in the process. The Wolves hoped that Randle, a more physical and downhill-oriented forward, would provide a better playoff fit alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. However, Randle&rsquo;s postseason history raises concerns &mdash; in 15 career playoff games, he&rsquo;s averaged just 15.6 points on 34.4% shooting from the field.
Minnesota will need more than that if they hope to build on last year&rsquo;s conference finals run. Randle must adapt his game to playoff basketball, where defenses are better prepared and isolation-heavy play often becomes less efficient. His ability to stretch the floor, make quick decisions, and play through contact will be tested, especially against elite defenses like OKC.
If Randle rises to the occasion, Minnesota could have one of the most balanced starting fives in the conference. But if he reverts to his inefficient playoff habits, the Wolves could find themselves stalling in critical moments &ndash; a risk that looms large in what could be a defining postseason for the franchise.
Golden State Warriors &mdash; How far can Jimmy Butler take them?
The Warriors made arguably the boldest trade of the deadline by acquiring Jimmy Butler from Miami, forming a star duo with Stephen Curry. Since the move, Golden State has looked rejuvenated, going on a tear to close the regular season and boasting the third-best net rating in the league during that span (+7.2). Butler&rsquo;s leadership, defense, and shot creation have given the Warriors a legitimate second option and re-energized their playoff outlook.
Butler has a proven playoff track record &ndash; he led the Heat to two Finals appearances in four years &ndash; and is widely regarded as one of the most clutch postseason performers. His fit with Golden State has been seamless, and the team&rsquo;s defense has improved significantly, ranking 6th in opponent points per game since the trade. The question is how far Butler can carry this version of the Warriors, who still lean heavily on their aging core.
If Butler can replicate his past postseason heroics and stay healthy, the Warriors have a real shot to upset higher-seeded teams and return to the Finals.
Memphis Grizzlies &mdash; Can they survive this tough season?
No team has faced more adversity this year than the Memphis Grizzlies. Between Ja Morant&rsquo;s on-court antics, injuries to key players, and coaching instability and firing, Memphis stumbled to a slump at the end of the regular season but managed to squeak into the playoffs as the 8-seed. Despite the chaos, the team has shown remarkable resilience, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey emerging as bright spots with their improved play.
Now they face the top-seeded Thunder in a first-round matchup that few give them a chance to win. But if there&rsquo;s one thing the Grizzlies have shown, it&rsquo;s that they won&rsquo;t go down without a fight. Their defense could keep them competitive, and their physical style of play may pose problems for the Thunder.
Ultimately, the playoffs may serve more as a building block than a real title push. But if Memphis can steal a game or two &mdash; or even push OKC to the brink &mdash; it would be a testament to the team&rsquo;s grit and foundation heading into next season.

Breaking down the biggest question each Western Conference team faces heading into the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

2025 NBA Western Conference Playoffs: Each team’s biggest question in the playoffs

As the 2025 NBA Playoffs tip off, every team in the Eastern Conference brings with it a burning question. Some are looking to validate their dominance, others are hoping to make noise for the first time, and a few are simply trying to recapture playoff magic from the past. Here&rsquo;s one key question for each East playoff squad heading into this year&rsquo;s postseason.
Cleveland Cavaliers &ndash; Are they for real?
The Cavaliers were expected to take a leap under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, but few predicted it would be this significant. Cleveland posted a 64-18 record, up from 51 wins last season, and ranked eighth in the NBA in defensive rating (111.8) while climbing to the best in the league in offensive rating (121.0). It&rsquo;s a massive leap in two-way consistency, anchored by Evan Mobley&rsquo;s breakout campaign and a more dynamic offense tailored around Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Mobley&rsquo;s development has been a game-changer. The 22-year-old averaged career-highs in points (18.5), rebounds (9.3), and assists (3.2), while maintaining elite rim protection (1.6 blocks per game). Offensively, his confidence as a shot creator and short-roll playmaker opened up space for the rest of the team. The Cavs now run more actions through Mobley, especially from the elbows, and his improved jump shot has made him far more difficult to guard.
But make no mistake &ndash; Mitchell remains the barometer. The All-Star guard battled injuries down the stretch but still averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds on 44.3% shooting. If he can stay healthy and lead confidently on both ends, Cleveland has the pieces to make a legitimate run to the conference finals.
The Cavs have the metrics, the momentum, and the maturity. Now it&rsquo;s about proving they belong with the league&rsquo;s elite when the lights are the brightest.
Boston Celtics &ndash; Can they go back-to-back?
The reigning champions enter the playoffs with a sense of unfinished business &mdash; not because they failed last year, but because they&rsquo;re now chasing greatness. The Celtics finished 61-21 this season for back to back 60-win seasons. They had the league&rsquo;s second best net rating at +9.4, fueled by elite balance: second in offensive rating (119.5) and fourth in defensive rating (110.1).
Jayson Tatum continues to evolve as one of the NBA&rsquo;s most complete stars. His 26.8 points per game came with improved efficiency (58.2% true shooting) and a career-high 8.7 rebounds. Tatum has learned to pick his spots better, moving the ball when doubled and attacking mismatches when given space. Jaylen Brown, fresh off his Finals MVP last season, has become a more consistent creator as well, averaging 22.2 points.
Add in Kristaps Porzingis&rsquo; floor spacing and rim protection, Jrue Holiday&rsquo;s stability on both ends, and Derrick White&rsquo;s ability to do everything in between, and the Celtics are again the most complete team in basketball. But repeating is never easy. No team has done it since the Warriors in 2018, and even small injuries or matchup issues can derail a title defense.
Boston is built for this moment, but with every other East contender gunning for them, the question looms large: can they close the deal twice in a row?
New York Knicks &ndash; Can they stay healthy?
When fully healthy, the Knicks look like a team that can hang with anyone &mdash; and that includes Boston and Cleveland. But that&rsquo;s been the caveat all season. Jalen Brunson missed 17 games, Karl-Anthony Towns sat for 10, and OG Anunoby dealt with multiple absences due to elbow and hamstring issues. New York&rsquo;s starting five of Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns had time to play with pace and their own style, and they looked formidable.
Brunson has been the Knicks&rsquo; engine, averaging 26.0 points and 7.3 assists while continuing to elevate in crunch time. His pairing with Towns gave New York a new level of offensive versatility, and Mikal Bridges&rsquo; ability to guard top wings allowed them to scheme freely. But concerns about wear and tear remain &mdash; especially under Tom Thibodeau, whose rotations have leaned heavily on his starters. All five starters have averaged in the top 15 of the most minutes played in the league, and that can likely put a strain on their bodies.
Depth is another concern. The Knicks rely on Precious Achiuwa, Cam Payne, Delon Wright, and Landry Shamet to absorb the bench minutes. A deep run hinges on all starters being available and fresh throughout the postseason. If any one piece breaks down, New York could fall short of its championship aspirations.
This is their most talented team in years &mdash; but availability may be just as important as ability.
Indiana Pacers &ndash; Do they have enough to make a deep run once more?
Last year, the Pacers surprised many by reaching the second round, aided in part by injuries to their first-round opponent. This year, expectations are higher &mdash; and the margin for error is thinner. Indiana finished 50-32 and ranked 9th in offensive rating at 115.4. Their identity remains clear: run fast, shoot threes, and trust in Tyrese Haliburton to control the tempo.
Haliburton posted 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game this season, and despite shooting efficiency dipped slightly as teams began pressuring him more aggressively, he bounced back quite nicely and got back to the high level he was playing at. That&rsquo;s where Pascal Siakam comes in to help him and provide a stabilizing frontcourt presence, while defending opposing bigs.
Depth-wise, the Pacers have the tools. Myles Turner remains one of the league&rsquo;s best shot blockers, Andrew Nembhard has been solid alongside Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin has been a spark off the bench, and Aaron Nesmith&rsquo;s development as a 3-and-D wing adds much-needed versatility. Still, the question remains: can they win when the pace slows and every possession becomes a grind?
Indiana is fun, fast, and fearless. But deep playoff success often requires more grit than style &mdash; and this postseason will test how much of both they truly possess.
Milwaukee Bucks &ndash; How lethal can the Giannis-Dame combo be?
It&rsquo;s been a bumpy road for the Bucks since pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, but they enter the playoffs with renewed hope. Injuries limited their time together but when both were on the floor, Milwaukee looked like a top 4 team in the East. The potential for a dominant inside-out attack remains, even as questions swirl around their chemistry and late-game execution.
Giannis put up another MVP-caliber campaign (30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG) on 60.1% shooting, while Lillard added 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, albeit with a slight dip in efficiency (44.8 FG%, 37.6 3P%). Their pick-and-roll tandem has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with spacing provided by their teammates. But Milwaukee&rsquo;s defense remains a glaring concern, particularly at the point-of-attack.
Much of that responsibility falls on new head coach Doc Rivers, who took over midseason and has spent much of his tenure reshaping the defensive schemes. The team has shown better connectivity lately, but consistency is key. If the Bucks can get solid two-way contributions from Brook Lopez, Taurean Prince, and Kyle Kuzma, their ceiling rises considerably.
This postseason is the first true test of the Giannis-Dame partnership after a failed one last year. Can it deliver in crunch time and carry Milwaukee back to the Finals?
Detroit Pistons &ndash; Can they win a playoff series?
One of the most surprising stories of the season, the Detroit Pistons went from dead last in 2024 to securing the No. 6 seed in 2025 with a 44-38 record. It&rsquo;s a dramatic turnaround fueled by internal growth, better health, and the emergence of Cade Cunningham as a legitimate star. Cunningham averaged 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, and improved his shooting splits across the board &mdash; including a respectable 35.6% from three.
Head coach J.B Bickerstaff deserves credit for stabilizing the young roster. Jaden Ivey (despite being out for the year to injury), Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren have all taken steps forward in their roles, and the addition of veterans Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Tobias Harris has added much-needed floor spacing and leadership. The Pistons ranked 10th in defensive rating at 112.5 &mdash; a massive leap from their abysmal finish last season
Still, playoff basketball is a different animal. Detroit lacks experience, and their margin for error will be slim. Can Cunningham carry the offense when defenses trap him? Can their shooters hit timely shots? And can Duren hold his own against seasoned playoff bigs?
Winning a series would be monumental for the franchise &mdash; and a sign that Detroit&rsquo;s rebuild is truly behind them.
Orlando Magic &ndash; Can their offense hold up?
There&rsquo;s no questioning the Magic&rsquo;s defensive pedigree. They finished second in defensive rating (109.1) and boast a switch-heavy scheme built around length, versatility, and discipline. But the big question entering the playoffs: can they score enough? Orlando ranked just 27th in offensive rating (108.9), and the loss of Jalen Suggs and Mo Wagner due to injuries further thins their already-limited shot creation.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner carry the bulk of the offense, but both have faced inconsistent stretches. Teams often sag off sub-par shooters like Cory Joseph or Jonathan Isaac, daring Orlando to hit perimeter shots &mdash; something they&rsquo;ve struggled to do all year. Against Boston&rsquo;s elite defense, those issues could be magnified.
Orlando will try to control tempo, force turnovers, and win the possession battle. They&rsquo;ve been excellent in close games, but whether they can consistently generate efficient halfcourt looks remains uncertain.
Defense may win championships, but the Magic need buckets to even stay in the fight.
Miami Heat &ndash; Will they be able to replicate the Heat playoff magic this year?
The Heat have built a reputation as a team you never want to face in the playoffs &mdash; especially as a lower seed. In 2023, they made the Finals as an 8-seed. In 2024, they made the Celtics work despite key injuries. But can they pull off another surprise run this year? The roster remains largely intact, but injuries, aging stars, and inconsistency have clouded their outlook.
Without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo must step up on offense while anchoring the defense. Tyler Herro&rsquo;s scoring punch is much needed, and the role players should contribute as well. But questions linger around depth and chemistry within their lineups after a shaky year.
The Heat finished just 21st in offensive rating (112.4) and 9th in defensive rating (112.0), a sign that the margins are tighter than ever. Still, if any team knows how to punch above its weight class, it&rsquo;s this one. Erik Spoelstra will maximize every mismatch, he always finds a way to manipulate the opposing team.
Don&rsquo;t count them out just yet but don&rsquo;t expect the same magic to happen each and every time as well.

Breaking down the biggest question facing each team in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs.

2025 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs: Each team’s biggest question in the playoffs

It&rsquo;s no longer about the future in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are here &ndash; now. With a league-best defense that has drawn comparisons to all-time great units, an MVP-caliber season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and a supporting cast built on versatility, youth, and hunger, the 2024-25 season has shifted from promising to pressurized. For the first time in over a decade, it genuinely feels like title or bust in OKC.
The Thunder have shattered expectations, and more importantly, they&rsquo;ve shattered records. Their defense, the foundation of their rise to the top of the Western Conference, has drawn widespread acclaim for its unique blend of modern switchability and classic intensity. Through 70+ games, Oklahoma City leads the NBA in defensive rating (106.3), opponent field goal percentage (43.1%), deflections per game (18.9), and points allowed in the paint (41.2). They&rsquo;ve held opponents to under 100 points more often than not every night in a league where pace and scoring have exploded.
The core of their defensive identity lies in their guard- and wing-heavy rotations. While other teams rely on traditional centers to anchor the paint, the Thunder have gone the other way, trotting out lineups that feature interchangeable defenders from 1 through 5. Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, and Alex Caruso form a perimeter nightmare &ndash; long arms, lateral speed, and high IQs. Add versatile and switchable big man Chet Holmgren and offseason acquisition Isaiah Hartenstein who is finally healthy, and OKC just has enough size to make this strategy sustainable deep into the postseason.
This season, they became the first team in NBA history to record three separate games where they held opponents to under 80 points. They also broke the franchise record for most games with 10+ steals (38 and counting), showing how their defensive pressure creates instant offense. That&rsquo;s what separates this Thunder team from past defensive stalwarts &ndash; this isn&rsquo;t a grind-it-out, slow-it-down system. It&rsquo;s a high-speed, deflect-and-run machine that turns defense into points within seconds.
And it&rsquo;s not just the defense. The Thunder currently boast a historic net rating of +12.8, which is on pace to be the second-best in history just behind the 1996 Chicago Bulls (+13.4) and surpassing the 1972 Los Angeles Lakers (+12.3) &ndash; two of the most dominant teams in NBA history. That&rsquo;s how well-rounded and complete this squad has become on both ends of the floor.
Their dominance isn&rsquo;t just on one side of the floor either. Gilgeous-Alexander continues to elevate his game with an even more efficient scoring arsenal and a career-high in assists. He has the poise of a ten-year vet and the footwork of a ballet dancer, carving up defenses while setting the tone with his own relentless on-ball defense that averages a whole lot of steals. Around him, players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have fully embraced their roles, combining skill with selflessness.
Holmgren&rsquo;s presence has given OKC the luxury of rim protection without sacrificing mobility. His timing and instincts allow the perimeter defenders to gamble, knowing there's a shot-blocking safety net behind them. And with the addition of Hartenstein, the Thunder finally have some physicality and depth in the frontcourt &ndash; something they sorely lacked during last year&rsquo;s playoff run.
Last season's first-round exit to the Mavericks was a learning experience. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving exploited mismatches and punished OKC&rsquo;s lack of rebounding. But this year feels different. The team has internalized those lessons, retooled accordingly, and stormed into the postseason with purpose. They&rsquo;ve secured a top seed, a historically elite defense, and momentum. The only thing left is the ultimate validation &ndash; a championship.
And with the Western Conference as wide open as ever, the opportunity is right in front of them. Denver is still dangerous with 3-time MVP Nikola Jokić, but OKC's defensive blueprint gives them a legitimate shot. The Warriors, Lakers, and Clippers are dangerous, but OKC has the superior age and athleticism factor and can match up well with them. Minnesota is still heavily reliant on shot-making by Anthony Edwards, and Houston is just scratching the surface. It&rsquo;s not an easy road, but it&rsquo;s navigable&mdash;and for the Thunder, anything less than a Finals appearance would feel like a disappointment.
That&rsquo;s what happens when you build a monster on defense. Expectations rise. Patience fades. And this young team is growing up fast right before our eyes.
The Thunder aren&rsquo;t just knocking on the door of contention anymore&mdash;they&rsquo;ve kicked it open with a suffocating defensive identity and a fearless approach to the game. And with everything they've accomplished this season, it might not be too far-fetched to say that it&rsquo;s officially title or bust time in Oklahoma City.

The OKC Thunder are dominating the 2024-25 NBA season with a historic defense and record-breaking net rating.

Historic defense sets OKC Thunder’s championship expectations

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed guard/forward Javonte Green after a buyout with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Green is set to enhance the Cavaliers&rsquo; roster who are currently tied with the best record in the NBA with the OKC Thunder following the all-star break.
This move will mark Green's fourth NBA team in his six-year career.&nbsp;
Green, 31, has played 50 games this season, averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds over 21.8 minutes per game. In his final appearance with the Pelicans, he contributed nine points, seven rebounds, and five steals in 34 minutes, stepping in for the resting Zion Williamson.&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: Despite a shooting percentage of 44.6% this season, slightly below his career average of 51.9%, Green's defensive prowess and versatility are expected to be valuable assets for the Cavaliers. Green can also be a viable option against the top wings in the East, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from the Celtics and Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby from the Knicks looming in the playoffs.
The Cavaliers, who are currently leading the Eastern Conference, aim to strengthen their lineup as they approach the postseason. Green's addition provides depth and experience, bolstering the team's defensive capabilities.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed guard/forward Javonte Green after a buyout with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Cavaliers sign Javonte Green after buyout with Pelicans

In a heartfelt ceremony at Barclays Center on January 25, 2025, the Brooklyn Nets honored Vince Carter by retiring his iconic No. 15 jersey. This tribute, held during halftime of the Nets' game against the Miami Heat, marks the seventh jersey retirement in the franchise's history.&nbsp;
Carter, visibly moved during the ceremony, reflected on his tenure with the Nets from 2004 to 2009. During this period, he earned three All-Star selections and became the third-leading scorer in the franchise's NBA history. He expressed deep gratitude, stating, "This is truly something my family and I will cherish forever."&nbsp;
The event was graced by Carter's family, former teammates, ex-coach Lawrence Frank, team president Rod Thorn, and fellow Nets legends Julius Erving, Bill Melchionni, and Buck Williams. A poignant video tribute narrated by Erving, along with messages from Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson, added to the evening's significance.&nbsp;
Carter's No. 15 now joins the esteemed ranks of Nets' retired numbers, including Dražen Petrović (#3), Jason Kidd (#5), John Williamson (#23), Bill Melchionni (#25), Julius Erving (#32), and Buck Williams (#52).
This honor underscores Carter's lasting impact on the Nets and the broader basketball community, celebrating a career that inspired many and left an indelible mark on the sport.&nbsp;

On January 25 2025 at the Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets honored Vince Carter by retiring his iconic No. 15 jersey.

Brooklyn Nets retire Vince Carter’s no.15 jersey

The Phoenix Suns have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring 7-foot center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. In return, the Suns have sent guard Josh Okogie and three second-round draft picks to Charlotte, while also receiving one second-round pick from the Hornets, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
Richards, 27, has been a consistent performer for the Hornets this season, averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His presence in the paint is expected to enhance the Suns' interior defense and rebounding capabilities. Notably, Richards had a standout performance against Phoenix on January 7, recording 15 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.&nbsp;
Josh Okogie, 26, heads to Charlotte after averaging 6.0 points and 2.9 assists this season, with a career-best 38.1% shooting from beyond the arc. His versatility and defensive prowess will be valuable assets for the Hornets as they continue to develop their roster.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BREAKDOWN OF THE PHX-CHA NBA TRADE 📊 Phoenix Suns Acquire: ◼️ Nick Richards ◼️ 2025 Second-Round Pick (via Denver) Charlotte Hornets Acquire: ◼️ Josh Okogie ◼️ 2026 Second-Round Pick (via Denver) ◼️ 2031 Second-Round Pick (via Denver) ◼️ 2031 Second-Round Pick (from Phoenix)&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/NMuRBeo6km">pic.twitter.com/NMuRBeo6km</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1879715304521232648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote>

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ANALYSIS: The trade addresses Phoenix's need for depth at the center position, providing support alongside Mason Plumlee and Jusuf Nurkic. Richards' addition is anticipated to strengthen the Suns' rotation as they aim to improve their standing in the Western Conference, where they currently hold an 11th-place record at 19-20.&nbsp;
This transaction reflects both teams' strategic adjustments as they approach the mid-season mark, with the Suns focusing on reinforcing their interior presence and the Hornets acquiring perimeter depth and future draft assets.

The Phoenix Suns have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring 7-foot center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets.

Suns acquire center Nick Richards from Hornets in exchange for Josh Okogie

The NBA&rsquo;s Christmas Day slate has always been a spectacle. It&rsquo;s the league&rsquo;s chance to showcase its brightest stars on a global stage, and this year, Victor Wembanyama seized the moment. The San Antonio Spurs&rsquo; generational talent delivered a jaw-dropping performance against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, cementing his place as the future of the league.
At just 20 years old, Wembanyama put up a stat line that seemed almost mythical: 42 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks, while shooting an efficient 16-of-31 from the field, including 6-16 from beyond the arc. His ability to dominate every facet of the game&mdash;scoring, defending, and even playmaking&mdash;was on full display. Wembanyama&rsquo;s Christmas Day outing wasn&rsquo;t just a performance; it was a proclamation.
The NBA has been searching for its next generational face to carry the league as legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant near the twilight of their careers. While a number of young stars, such as Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards have emerged as potential heirs, Wembanyama offers something uniquely captivating.
Standing at 7-foot-5 with guard-like skills, Wembanyama is unlike anything basketball has seen before. His ability to shoot threes with ease, attack the rim with fluidity, and block shots with his towering wingspan is redefining what&rsquo;s possible for a player of his size. In many ways, he represents the evolution of basketball&mdash;a unicorn who can do it all.
On Christmas Day, Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t just play basketball; he put on a show. In front of a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd, often referred to as the &ldquo;Mecca of Basketball,&rdquo; Wembanyama delivered a performance reminiscent of the greats. MSG has historically been the stage where superstars announce their arrival, and Wembanyama&rsquo;s dominance in this game felt like his coronation.
There&rsquo;s something magical about performing at Madison Square Garden. From Michael Jordan&rsquo;s double-nickel game to Stephen Curry&rsquo;s unforgettable 54-point eruption, the world&rsquo;s most famous arena has seen countless legendary moments. For Wembanyama, this performance added his name to that storied list.
Playing in New York carries an inherent pressure. The Garden crowd is knowledgeable, passionate, and unforgiving. Yet, Wembanyama embraced the challenge, thriving under the bright lights. His ability to perform at such a high level in this environment speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and his readiness to be the face of the league.
What made Wembanyama&rsquo;s performance so special was its versatility. He showcased every facet of his game, leaving no doubt about his potential to dominate the league for years to come.
At 7-foot-5, Wembanyama&rsquo;s ability to shoot from deep is unparalleled. His 6 three-pointers came in a variety of ways&mdash;catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble, and even a step-back that left defenders helpless. It&rsquo;s rare to see a player of his size shoot with such confidence. Wembanyama&rsquo;s 4 blocks were a testament to his defensive prowess. His timing and ability to cover ground make him a nightmare for opponents attempting to score in the paint. The Knicks struggled to find answers as Wembanyama swatted shots left and right.
Grabbing 18 rebounds, Wembanyama controlled the glass on both ends of the floor. His length and positioning allowed him to snatch boards with ease, often leading to transition opportunities for the Spurs. Despite his size, Wembanyama&rsquo;s court vision and passing are elite. His 4 assists highlighted his unselfishness and basketball IQ, further solidifying his status as a complete player.
Wembanyama&rsquo;s Christmas Day performance has far-reaching implications for both the Spurs and the NBA. For the Spurs, it&rsquo;s a clear indication that they&rsquo;ve struck gold with the once-in-a-generation prospect like Wembanyama. The French phenom is not just a franchise cornerstone; he&rsquo;s a player who can single-handedly elevate a team to contention for the entire time he&rsquo;s in the league. That&rsquo;s how special he is.
For the league, Wembanyama&rsquo;s emergence as a superstar is a dream come true. The NBA thrives on marketable stars, and Wembanyama&rsquo;s combination of talent, charisma, and global appeal makes him the perfect candidate to carry the mantle. His international roots add another layer of intrigue, expanding the league&rsquo;s reach and solidifying its global footprint.
While it&rsquo;s still early in Wembanyama&rsquo;s career, performances like this suggest that greatness is well within his grasp. The league has been fortunate to witness players like LeBron, Curry, and Durant redefine basketball over the past two decades. Now, Wembanyama is poised to do the same.

Victor Wembanyama dazzled on Christmas Day with a dominant performance at MSG - often regarded as the start of a superstardom.

Victor Wembanyama showing out on Christmas Day is everything the NBA has hoped for

Chris Paul etched his name further into NBA history on Sunday, surpassing Jason Kidd for second place on the all-time assists leaderboard during the San Antonio Spurs&rsquo; game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The historic assist came on a sideline out of bounds play for a Victor Wembanyama three-pointer, showcasing the connection between the veteran point guard and the Spurs&rsquo; emerging superstar.
Paul finished the game with 10 assists to surpass Kidd&rsquo;s 12,091 career dimes, bringing his total to 12,092. He now trails only John Stockton, whose record of 15,806 remains untouchable as of the moment.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
POINT GOD 😤 With this assist, Chris Paul has officially moved up to second all-time in assists, passing Jason Kidd. 👏🏽<a href="https://t.co/VCb3cN3qCG">pic.twitter.com/VCb3cN3qCG</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1865929941445197892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Yeah, it is wild,&rdquo; Paul said of the milestone after Friday&rsquo;s loss to Sacramento. &ldquo;I mean, five years ago I had seen that number and it&rsquo;s like, &lsquo;Man, you going to play long enough to do that?&rsquo; Seriously.
&ldquo;I mean, I remember being a rookie, I said that before, looking up in Utah, seeing John Stockton, all-time steals and assist leader. So, yeah, it is kind of crazy. I mean, I&rsquo;m grateful for the opportunity to still continue to play.&rdquo;
Paul, a 20-year NBA veteran, has been pivotal in mentoring the Spurs&rsquo; youthful roster as they continue to benefit from his steady leadership as he further cements his legacy being one of the game&rsquo;s greatest playmakers.

Chris Paul passes Jason Kidd to claim second on the NBA's all-time assists leaderboard, cementing his legacy in the Spurs' victory.

Chris Paul Surpasses Jason Kidd, Climbs to Second on All-Time Assists List

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.

NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024: 10 key observations from Nuggets-Celtics back-to-back games

Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid has signed a huge max extension deal worth up to $192.9 million, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1837099208769196061">according to The Athletic&rsquo;s Shams Charania.</a>
The former NBA MVP will now have a total of nearly $300 million in his current deal, and will include a player option in the contract&rsquo;s last year in 2028-2029.
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5781843/2024/09/20/joel-embiid-sixers-extension-contract/">According to Charania</a>, Embiid will make $51.5 million in 2024-25 and $55.2 million in 2025-26, per the terms of his pre-extension contract. He then will make up to $59.54 million in 2026-27 &mdash; the maximum salary he can make if the salary cap, as expected, has the maximally allowed increases of 10 percent for each of the next two offseasons. Tack on eight percent raises of that amount in the following two seasons, resulting in salaries of $64.3 million in 2027-28 and $69.07 million in 2028-29.
Embiid&rsquo;s contract will now be the third-largest signed in NBA history, behind only Boston Celtics&rsquo; superstar duo Jayson Tatum ($314 million) and Jaylen Brown ($304 million). Embiid will join LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Paul George as the only players in NBA history to make more than $500 million in total career earnings.
Embiid announced his contract extension signing via a heartfelt Instagram post.
&ldquo;Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career,&rdquo; Embiid wrote. &ldquo;I love this community and everything you&rsquo;ve given me and my family. There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we&rsquo;re just getting started!&rdquo;
The Sixers recently made perhaps their biggest offseason moves since trading for Jimmy Butler when they signed free agent forward Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers, giving Embiid his most talented Sixers roster since he was drafted by the team in 2014. Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers&rsquo; rising star, has also signed his contract extension this offseason after a strong playoff performance last season. With these set of moves, Philadelphia is banking all in on this roster to bring the franchise an NBA title, and it all starts and ends with their superstar center Embiid.
Despite averaging a league-leading 34.1 points per game last season, Embiid was only able to play 34 games after tearing his left meniscus that sidelined him for most of the regular season. He was able to come back at the tail end of the season and help the Sixers in the playoffs but their season was ended by the New York Knicks in 6 games.
After winning the gold medal with Team USA over the summer at the Paris Olympics, Embiid is poised to lead the Sixers in their quest for an NBA championship.

Sixers superstar Joel Embiid has signed a max extension deal worth up to $192.9 million, according to Shams Charania.

Joel Embiid signs $193 million max extension with Sixers

Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Stephen Curry has long established himself as the greatest shooter in the history of the game. With his numerous three-point shooting records along with his three-point makes that still stretch to date, Curry is the undisputed GOAT shooter. 
However, Curry is more than just a shooter, as evidenced with the several accolades he has amassed over his colorful career. Curry has 4 NBA titles, 1 Finals MVP, 2 season MVPs, and countless all-NBA and all-star teams. This summer, Curry completed perhaps the last award he has yet to get in his illustrious career &ndash; an Olympic Gold Medal. Steph and Team USA made history when they went to Paris and captured the nation&rsquo;s 5th straight gold.
It did not come easy, though. Despite being favored in their games, the Americans were tested multiple times throughout the tournament. The toughest one came in the medal rounds when Team USA faced Serbia in the semifinals and hosted France in the gold medal game. For both of those games, it was Curry who came through the most, carrying the Americans behind his back. Against Serbia, Steph scored 36 points, making 9 threes in the game as Team USA eked out a tough 95-91 comeback win. In the gold medal game, Curry cemented his legacy and created a memorable moment that would be remembered for generations to come.
Steph hit 4 three-pointers to end the game in front of a stunned French crowd at the Bercy Arena in Paris, then proceeded to hit his signature &lsquo;night night&rsquo; celebration after hitting the last of the 4 threes over the outstretched arms of Nico Batum and Evan Fournier. This left the world in awe of Curry&rsquo;s brilliance and ability to come up big in clutch situations.&nbsp;
One of those people who marveled at Steph&rsquo;s greatness is former NBA player CJ Miles. In an interview with <a href="https://rg.org/news/basketball/nba-veteran-cj-miles-reacts-to-team-usa-olympics-gold">RG.org&rsquo;s Alex Kennedy</a>, Miles mentioned Curry&rsquo;s performance as wild and Stephortless. Miles even went further as to say Curry&rsquo;s place being one of the all-time greats and one of the greatest of all-time and not just being the greatest shooter of all time.
&ldquo;Steph just continues to solidify who is the greatest shooter of all time [and] what&rsquo;s crazy is as he continues to make that gap even bigger, he places himself in the realm of best players ever,&rdquo; Miles said. &ldquo;I think players see him that way, but the narrative is never that when we talk about him.&rdquo;
Miles also praised the longevity of LeBron James in his exclusive interview with Kennedy. He says James&rsquo; ability to stay in shape speaks to the power of his mind. James, who is approaching 40 years old this year later in December and going onto his 22nd season in the NBA, was named the FIBA Olympic MVP after providing the all-around brilliance game by game for Team USA. &ldquo;As far as LeBron goes, [his longevity] is incredible. I think it just really speaks to the power of his mind,&rdquo; Miles said. &ldquo;We as people have a fascination with youth and we get bored with greatness because there is nothing left to figure out. I know I am getting 25, 8, and 8 from him [every game], and that&rsquo;s not exciting from a fan standpoint; they want entertainment, which is full of unpredictability.&rdquo;
Finally, Miles shared his thoughts on Team USA&rsquo;s LA2028 Olympic team, which could be without the three greatest players of this generation &ndash; Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
&ldquo;As far as the future, Team USA is in great hands. Ant [Edwards], [Tyrese] Haliburton, [Jayson] Tatum. And the guys on this team playing small roles like [Devin] Booker and Bam [Adebayo] are capable of doing incredible things also,&rdquo; Miles explained.
&ldquo;And there are guys who will rise up in the next couple of years who are more than capable of being handed the keys.&rdquo;

Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has long established himself as the game's GOAT shooter. However, he is more than that.

Steph not just the GOAT shooter but one of the greatest players ever, says CJ Miles

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

Let the world be warned: &lsquo;The Avengers&rsquo; are coming.
USA Basketball has officially unveiled its roster featuring several NBA superstars and this generation&rsquo;s best basketball players in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 12 players to be part of the exclusive list include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">LeBron James</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stephen Curry</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kevin Durant</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kawhi Leonard</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Joel Embiid</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jayson Tatum</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Devin Booker</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jrue Holiday</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anthony Davis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bam Adebayo</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anthony Edwards&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tyrese Haliburton</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Stars Align in the City of Light. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USABMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USABMNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/RV1tIGoxXa">pic.twitter.com/RV1tIGoxXa</a>
&mdash; USA Basketball (@usabasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1780604665505149074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a>
<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</blockquote>
Barring any unforeseen circumstances or injuries, these 12 men will be flying to Paris in July. Team USA officials headed by managing director Grant Hill have reportedly notified those players who have been selected (and those who have not) from the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/usa-basketball-announces-player-pool-for-team-usas-2024-mens-national-team">original 41-man pool</a> revealed earlier this year. Those selected have been visited by USAB officials to be presented with &lsquo;special Team USA Olympic jerseys.&rsquo;
Team USA is set to defend again its Olympic gold medal in men&rsquo;s basketball after winning it for the past 4 iterations of the quadrennial event.&nbsp;
Leading the team are James, Curry, and Durant, who are arguably the game&rsquo;s biggest stars over the past decade or so.
James will play in his 4th Olympics after winning bronze in Athens 2004 and gold in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Curry, a winner of two FIBA World Cup medals in the past, will be playing in his 1st Olympics. Durant, the Americans&rsquo; all-time leading scorer, is looking for his 4th Olympic gold medal (won in 2012, 2016, and 2020) to break a tie with Carmelo Anthony (won in 2008, 2012, and 2016) for the most ever.
Supplementing its three-headed monster are Tatum, Booker, and Holiday &ndash; members of the gold medal-winning squad in Tokyo 2021. Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid and two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who have never played in any international competition in their careers, will each be making their debuts in Paris.
Previous Olympic gold medal winners Davis and Adebayo add additional size to the roster while Edwards and Haliburton, who emerged as USA&rsquo;s best players in the World Cup last year, round out the team.
Coaching this vaunted USA roster is Curry&rsquo;s NBA coach Steve Kerr, who also coached Team USA in the World Cup.&nbsp;

USA Basketball announces its official roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics featuring the best the NBA has to offer.

‘Here come the Avengers’: USA Basketball announces roster for 2024 Paris Olympics

There has been a level of dominance the Boston Celtics have had this season that not a lot of teams in the history of the league have reached or come close to. The team&rsquo;s mixture of star power, depth, and chemistry within the tight-knit group of guys has been the source of power for the historically dominant regular season team.&nbsp;
In their March 17 game vs Washington, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford combined to destroy the Wizards, 130-104. Bench player Sam Hauser, who started the game, led the team in scoring with 30 points built on 10 three-point shots.&nbsp;
Then on their next game, in came Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis, who then annihilated the Detroit Pistons 119-94 on the second night of a back-to-back. Another bench player, Payton Pritchard starred with 23 points and 7 assists as the Celtics earned yet another win.&nbsp;
This speaks to their depth as a team as well as the adaptability of each player to play with either of their core six guys with relative ease and without skipping a beat. The Celtics are a machine that keeps going with pieces and parts that are versatile enough to keep their brand of basketball going no matter who you sub in or slot onto the floor whenever someone is out.
With their dominant regular season coming down to a close, one question awaits the rest of the league as the playoffs arrive.&nbsp;
Who is stopping the Boston Celtics?&nbsp;
The guys in green have been far away the best team in the league by a wide margin, racing past ahead of all the other teams.
The Celtics just speedrun through everything, especially in the East, where they were far away the best team and are just cherry-picking to wait and see whoever will finish second behind them. The only disappointment thus far was not winning the In-Season Tournament title, which probably wasn&rsquo;t the championship they wanted to win anyway.
They have the league&rsquo;s best record at 64-18 and they never lost more than two straight throughout the year. They blew out three teams by 50 or more points and they have only lost four games at the Boston Garden, and have only just lost to an Eastern Conference team at home for over a year &ndash; since March of 2023. The only team to win two and claim the season series over Boston are the defending champions Denver Nuggets, which makes sense considering they&rsquo;re the team all teams in the NBA are chasing after.
The Celtics will be the only team that will finish in double-digits in plus/minus efficiency (+11.3) and they rank 1st in offensive rating (120.4) and 5th in defensive rating (110.5) in the entire league. This level of dominance in the regular season makes it one of the most impressive ones in recent NBA history.
The Boston Celtics might go all the way this year and take that coveted 18th championship title, but what makes them so good?
'The Jays' superstar duo: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown&nbsp;
The Celtics start and end with their star forward duo. They would not be near where they are right now without these two. The way they complement each other and play off of each other has been spectacular, and their chemistry has been built since 2016-2017 when Boston drafted both guys back to back with the no.3 pick. With the Celtics having two dynamic two-way guys in Tatum and Brown, they have the foundation to allow them to surround the team with guys that complement their skills, which president Brad Stevens and coach Joe Mazzulla have done an incredible job of doing so over the past couple years.
Roster construction
After trading away mainstays Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, and Grant Williams this season, Brad Stevens built the roster with some awesome replacements in Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
Porzingis just fits the Celtics&rsquo; scheme so much as he gives them a stretch big that can space the floor for their 5-out offense. On defense, his towering 7&rsquo;3 frame can alter and block shots. Porzingis is also the perfect Al Horford replacement who has been key to the lineups the Celtics run in the previous years. Although Horford is now 37 and is nearing the end of his career, he's still bringing that veteran leadership and the floor spacing to give the Celtics more options on offense.
Holiday&rsquo;s transition into the team has been seamless, filling in the place of Smart. A 2022 champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, Holiday brought the championship mindset along with his trademark defensive versatility and a plug-and-play offensive repertoire that has elevated the Celtics&rsquo; play all season long.&nbsp;
Around Tatum and Brown and their new acquisitions Porzingis and Holiday, the ever-consistent Derrick White and the ageless Al Horford come into place to complete their starting five and their fearsome six-man lineup. Solid bench pieces led by Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser provide quality backup minutes to ensure Boston does not lose a single step whenever their mainstays rest during the games. Depending on the matchup, big men Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet will see some minutes and both have proven they can play the style of basketball the Celtics need to win. Overall, this team is arguably the best the Celtics have in years, and they have all the makings to have a deep playoff run.
However, Boston knows the job is not done yet and the real test is at hand. No matter how good they have been in the first six months of the year, it all comes down to how they will perform and execute in the season&rsquo;s final three months when it matters the most. And they certainly hope they can reach the pinnacle again and this time, come out on top in June.
To further strengthen that point, it isn&rsquo;t a guarantee to win all the time, especially in the playoffs. Although it is an indication of good habits built throughout the season, the playoffs are a different beast. According to NBA.com, only five teams in the last 20 years had the best record winning the title that season. The last best-record champions were the 2016-17 Warriors as teams deal with a variety of challenges throughout the postseason.&nbsp;
As the road to the 18th banner looms close, the Celtics have themselves as their biggest obstacle &ndash; only they can stop themselves from achieving their full potential.&nbsp;

As the road to the 18th banner looms close, the Celtics have themselves as their biggest obstacle.

Who’s stopping Boston? Dissecting the Celtics’ juggernaut after their dominant season

LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have become synonymous with the sport of basketball, serving as the gold standard for this generation of players and drawing in fans from all over the world.
Aside from 2021 and 2023, every NBA Finals series since 2011 has featured one of James, Curry or Durant. The trio have a combined 44 All-Star appearances, and at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, we got to watch them play together on the same team for the first time ever.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant all on the same team for the first time ever tonight 🔥✊ <a href="https://t.co/uUaAKwxaVr">pic.twitter.com/uUaAKwxaVr</a>
&mdash; Guru (@DrGuru_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrGuru_/status/1759349903652995079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
Seeing the faces of the NBA share the court as teammates was a lot of fun and left fans wanting for more.
Enter Team USA.
The world might witness these three legends team up once again in the coming months &mdash; this time while donning the red, white and blue. in hopes of leading Team USA to a fifth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
While we got a taste of the trio during NBA All-Star Weekend, fans would love to see them in a competitive environment. Curry&rsquo;s otherworldly shooting, James' IQ and playmaking, plus Durant&rsquo;s deadly three-level scoring with extremely high stakes? That would be something to behold.
James, Curry and Durant are all highly intelligent basketball players who complement each other really well, so it would likely be a seamless transition on Team USA.
All three have expressed their interest in playing for the national team and were <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/usa-basketball-announces-player-pool-for-team-usas-2024-mens-national-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently included in the player pool that Team USA announced</a>.
Although the NBA season is still ongoing and a lot can still happen between now and July, but barring injuries or any unforeseen circumstances, the three global basketball icons will likely lead Team USA&rsquo;s pursuit for the gold medal in this year&rsquo;s Olympic Games. This hunt for the gold will coincide with the 50th anniversary of USA Basketball, making their run even more special.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Beautiful, isn't it? Breaking down our 50th Anniversary logo 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USAB50?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USAB50</a> 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/O4F7odCkWY">pic.twitter.com/O4F7odCkWY</a>
&mdash; USA Basketball (@usabasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1749606150721388855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
The American trio will aim to replicate the success of their predecessors from the original &ldquo;Dream Team&rdquo; in 1992 when NBA superstars Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird won the gold medal in Barcelona.
James, 39, has won three Olympic medals for Team USA (one bronze and two golds) with the last one coming 12 years ago when he won gold in London. The NBA&rsquo;s all-time leading scorer has expressed interest in suiting up for Team USA once again, and he has been in contact with several other NBA stars to join him including Curry and Durant. James&rsquo; impressive track record for his national team speaks for itself. After serving Team USA for eight years from 2004 to 2012, he is second all-time in games played (24) for Team USA.&nbsp;
The 35-year-old Curry has yet to play for Team USA in the Olympics. Curry already has two FIBA World Championships in his trophy case, which also includes four NBA championships and two NBA MVPs, but winning an Olympic gold medal might be the cherry on top of what has been an illustrious career. Curry has notably shown interest in playing for Team USA in the Olympic Games, and he is very likely to do so this year. With Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also calling the shots for Team USA, it makes a lot of sense for Curry to make his Olympic debut in Paris.
Finally, Durant is arguably the most accomplished Team USA player of all-time. Winning three Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016 and 2020-21) and a FIBA World Championship (2010), Team USA&rsquo;s &ldquo;Captain America&rdquo; is gunning for his record-setting fourth Olympic Gold medal. (He's currently tied with fellow USA great Carmelo Anthony, who also has three gold medals). Durant winning another gold medal would likely solidify him as the greatest Team USA player of all-time (if he isn't already). A two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, Durant is one of the most lethal scorers the game has ever seen.
Aside from James, Curry and Durant &ndash; the NBA&rsquo;s most recognizable faces &ndash; who else will don the red, white and blue? The other finalists for the 2024 USA Men&rsquo;s national team are Bam Adebayo, Jarrett Allen, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler, Alex Caruso, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, De&rsquo;Aaron Fox, Paul George, Aaron Gordon, Tyrese Haliburton, James Harden, Josh Hart, Tyler Herro, Jrue Holiday, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Ingram, Kyrie Irving, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Bobby Portis, Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and Trae Young.
With James, Curry and Durant leading the way, Team USA will the favorite in Paris. However, they'll face stiff competition from the rest of the world, particularly world-champion Germany and star-studded squads like Australia and Team Canada. Generational international talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama will look to dethrone Team USA.
This iteration of the Olympics is shaping up to be the hardest challenge the Americans will ever face, and hopefully James, Curry and Durant will be at the forefront of it all. In likely their last dance in international competition, James, Curry and Durant will surely want to ride off into the sunset wearing gold medals around their necks.

The next time LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry are playing together, it will be with Team USA during the Paris Olympics.

LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant set to team up again — this time for USA

With the Western Conference All-Star starters set, let&rsquo;s look at the players who deserve a reserve slot for the West All-Star team this season. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/picking-the-nbas-eastern-conference-allstar-reserves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out our Eastern Conference All-Star reserve picks here</a>.
Guard: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry is a lock to make the team and the only question is: why isn&rsquo;t he starting? It took historic individual seasons from Dallas&rsquo; Luka Doncic and OKC&rsquo;s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to dislodge Curry from his usual starter spot at the All-Star game (the first time that's happened since 2014). As one of the legends of this generation and a face of the league for years running, Curry is still playing at a high level this season, averaging 27.5 points, 5 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 41 games played.&nbsp;
Guard: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Like Jayson Tatum out East, Edwards is the best player on the best team in the West, which absolutely strengthens his All-Star case. Blossoming into a full-blown superstar this season, Edwards is averaging 26 points, 5.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds. Even at only 22 years of age, Edwards has been leading his team to wins and the top seed in the Western Conference, earning a ton of respect from fans and the media. Those efforts won't go unnoticed as he earns his second All-Star nod.
Forward: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have had the league&rsquo;s best record over the last 10 weeks and the reason is pretty simple: Kawhi Leonard is performing like his usual self. Leonard has played 41 of the Clippers' 45 games, which is huge considering the 6-foot-7 forward&rsquo;s injury history and past load management. In the past, Leonard has missed a lot of games in the regular season and playoffs, but that hasn't been the case this season. Leonard has been the Clippers' best player, averaging 23.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals a night. Whenever Leonard is playing well, the Clippers look like an elite squad.&nbsp;
Forward: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Arguably the Lakers&rsquo; best player this year, Anthony Davis has taken it upon himself to lead Los Angeles both on offense and defense. Despite playing out of his normal position, Davis is averaging 25 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals as a center. There is a direct correlation between Davis&rsquo; play and the Lakers' success this year. The Lakers would probably be even deeper down the standings if not for Davis and he's likely done enough to join Lakers teammate and All-Star captain LeBron James on the team.
Center: Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Perhaps a controversial pick, Rudy Gobert is a worthy All-Star due to his production and the fact that he's helped lead the Wolves to the No. 1 seed in the West. Gobert is the anchor of the best defense in the entire league and is the main reason why Minnesota can effectively deploy a two-center lineup. Even though his 13.3 points per game don't jump off the page, Gobert is also averaging 12.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. The 7-foot-1 center is once again a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and leading his team to a ton of wins, which he has been doing since his Utah Jazz days. That is a testament to his value.
Wildcard: De&rsquo;Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Last year, Fox made his first All-Star appearance. This year, he&rsquo;s been even better, upping his averages to 27.5 points, 5.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds for the fifth-place Sacramento Kings. This is Fox&rsquo;s best scoring campaign of his career, just a season removed from winning the NBA&rsquo;s inaugural Clutch Player of the Year award. A lot of the 6-foot-3 guard&rsquo;s success this season can be attributed to him shooting better from three (increasing his three-point percentage from 32.4% to 38.6%), which has allowed him to become a true three-level scoring threat. Using a lethal arsenal of mid-range jumpers and floaters, he has raised his game to the next level.
Wildcard: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker takes the West's last slot after some recent explosive performances. Booker has been on a stunning scoring tear as of late, which might help him secure a place on the team. Over the past week, the 6-foot-6 guard is averaging mind-boggling numbers of 42 points on 64% shooting from the field, including a 62-point outing and 52-point performance. This season, Booker has taken on more on-ball duties than ever before since Chris Paul is out of the picture and he's trying to fit alongside All-Star starter Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. This recent explosion reminded everyone that he can light up teams when he gets hot and look the part of an All-Star.
Snubs: Domantas Sabonis (Center, Sacramento Kings); Paul George (Forward, Los Angeles Clippers); Brandon Ingram (Forward, New Orleans Pelicans); Zion Williamson (Forward, New Orleans Pelicans); Alperen Sengun (Center, Houston Rockets); Lauri Markkanen&nbsp;(Forward, Utah Jazz)
The West is too deep. Even with Sabonis and George having stellar seasons and their teams in the upper half of the standings (the Clippers are fourth and the Kings are fifth), both still fail to crack the West&rsquo;s top 12. One can argue Sabonis and/or George over Gobert, but it's hard to give just one All-Star spot to the best team in the conference and two slots to teams below them. Both Sabonis and George could also get in through the wildcards, but Booker has been on another level recently and Fox and Sabonis are likely competing over the same spot.
The Pelicans&rsquo; Ingram and Williamson didn't get in as they don't have the stats compared to others on this list, with the Pelicans being one of the deepest teams in the league.&nbsp;
Sengun and Markkanen each have a case as a leading mnn on the next tier of West playoff teams, but the conference is filled with so much talent that even a career-best season may not warrant a spot.
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/picking-the-nbas-eastern-conference-allstar-reserves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out our Eastern Conference All-Star reserve picks here</a>.

With the Western Conference All-Star starters set, let’s look at the players who deserve a reserve slot for the West All-Star team.