Hawks

<div>The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain and that blunder resulted in a torn Achilles tendon. While understandable given the gravity of the situation, that decision proved to be very costly for not only the organization as a whole but more importantly to Tyrese Haliburton as it was just announced that he would miss the entire 2025/2026 season due to a torn achilles.&nbsp;</div>
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-1_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
<div>In contrast, this past summer, my daughter Imani Thomas class of 2026 was faced with a very difficult decision to play through an injury at Nationals and risk further more severe injury.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Here&rsquo;s the story: &nbsp;</div>
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<div>Imani had played through shin splints for the entire travel season with her team Maryland Juniors. These shin splints actually developed during her junior year high school season with Bishop McNamara, but she is a soldier and she pushed through like all athletes do.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>However, toward the end of her travel season, the shin splints continued to get worse. She did constant treatment and even started over compensating to protect her shin splints until one practice she could barely move. The assistant coach (Coach Ashley Williams) came up to me and said,&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Imani is a beast, and she is not going to stop playing no matter what I tell her. But you need to get this checked out because it&rsquo;s visibly getting worse&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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<div>So me and my wife Nichole took her to get X Rays and a MRI and it was discovered that her shin splints had turned into a stress fracture.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>She was devastated. Nationals were coming up and like any athlete she contemplated just sucking it up and playing through the pain.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>The doctor was honest with us. He explained to us that if Imani was playing soccer, he would definitely not clear her to play because the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was relatively high. If she played football or rugby or any contact sport, he would also not clear her. But she plays volleyball, and the likelihood of her getting kicked in her stress fracture was very low.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>However, if she landed wrong, the impact could be just as severe as if she got kicked. Then he asked how her mechanics were and I told him that she had been over compensating for quite some time. She&rsquo;s been pushing through and getting a lot of treatment but she has been in pain for a long time. And the doctor said honestly, it&rsquo;s a decision you have to make for her. She is going to want to risk it all and play. That&rsquo;s how athletes are.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>So we talked to Imani, explained the risks, and together we came to the decision that it would be best to sit out.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>And it was a very difficult process for her as it would be for any athlete but long term over short term was what was important.&nbsp;</div>
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<div>Now, back to Tyrese Haliburton.</div>
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<div>NBA fans across the world witnessed what would have been a story of triumph. One for the archives of NBA history. The storyline would&rsquo;ve been.... Facing elimination in the NBA playoffs in a pivotal Game 7, Tyrese Haliburton battles through injury with superhuman perseverance and in heroic fashion to save the Pacers and propel them into victory solidifying this as one of the greatest finals performances in the history of the NBA. They probably would&rsquo;ve had a picture of Haliburton with a Superman emblem on his chest and a cape under his Warriors uniform. Would&rsquo;ve had his dad holding the same Pacers towel he waved in front of Giannis next to his son with the trophy. Would&rsquo;ve been a sportswriters dream as so many angles could&rsquo;ve been covered and explored.</div>
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People love stories of heroics. Isiah Thomas hobbling around on one foot in game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals against the Lakers and scoring 25 points in the 3rd quarter. Or Willis Reed walking out of the tunnel for the New York Knicks on his bum ankle in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals. Everything was set up for Haliburton to be added to that list.
High school, college and professional coaches across the country were just salivating to be able to use this as an example to their players to enforce the philosophy that &ldquo;pain is weakness leaving your body&rdquo;. They would&rsquo;ve used Haliburton as an example to young athletes that the game (not your health) is what matters most. And a real &ldquo;team player&rdquo; would sacrifice a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; for their team.
I have seen this all before. During my tenure with the Washington Wizards, I witnessed team trainer Eric Waters misdiagnose player after player because what was best for the Wizards organization was for that player to play.
I saw Richard Hamilton go off on the entire training staff after he learned that&nbsp;he had been playing through a torn groin, only disclosed to him after the team was out of playoff contention. He had been complaining about his groin for weeks and the trainers were giving him treatment two and three times a day all the while knowing his groin was torn, but they wanted to push for the playoffs so they didn&rsquo;t tell him.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-3_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
I saw them tell Jarvis Hayes that he simply had a case of &ldquo;tendinitis&rdquo; in his knee and had him playing through the pain. Turned out he had a broken knee cap and ruined his entire career.&nbsp;
I saw them tell Kwame Brown that he was just experiencing a &ldquo;little discomfort&rdquo; in his leg and that he needed to play through the pain to show everyone that he was worthy of being the number 1 pick. Turned out later, he actually had a torn hamstring.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-4_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
I saw Eric Waters tell Deshawn Stevenson there was nothing seriously wrong with his back and had him getting ice and stem and playing through the pain. After the season, upon further review by an outside doctor it was discovered that he actually had an Inflamed L5 Nerve that was stuck underneath a disc that required not one but two back surgeries to repair.&nbsp;
My point in saying all of this is not to simply blast Eric Waters, I am showing that this happens all the time in professional sports. With team doctors and trainers, there is a conflict of interest and the sworn medical oath becomes blurred and effects their diagnoses. They are hired by the teams and are in essence employees of the organization not employees of the players. So they don&rsquo;t have the players best interest in mind, typically, they only have the organization&rsquo;s.
The Indiana Pacers medical staff basically RG3&rsquo;d Haliburton. They &ldquo;Any Given Sunday&rsquo;d&rdquo; him. They Eric Waters&rsquo;d him.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-5_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing period.
The risks outweighed the rewards. Even from a team standpoint. This is your franchise player. This is a player who has the capability of single handedly turning an entire NBA championship finals series around. This is a player that you should&rsquo;ve done everything in your power to convey to him how important he is long term for them and how much they value his health and are looking out for his best interest etc etc. However, what they showed was the exact opposite.&nbsp;
It doesn&rsquo;t matter if Haliburton insisted on playing in Game 7, just like it didn&rsquo;t matter if Imani insisted on playing in Nationals.&nbsp;Sometimes, when it comes to their health, athletes need people to make the decision for them. That&rsquo;s our job as parents and we did that. That was also the job of the Pacers medical team, and they did not have the medical integrity to do that.&nbsp;
Imani had her boot off now and is starting rehab and will be back full strength in a few weeks. Haliburton&rsquo;s calf strain turned into a ruptured Achilles and he will have to sit out the entire 2025/2026 season.&nbsp;
In explaining the difference in how me and my wife Nichole handled her injury vs how the Pacers medical staff handled his, I started singing, &ldquo;They Not Like Us&rdquo; A Dad joke that fell flat with Imani but I don&rsquo;t care it was a good joke.&nbsp;
But in all seriousness, I hope all young players see this and learn that no matter what the circumstances or how big the game is, your health always comes first, and you ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion from your own doctors that have nothing to do with the organization like Kawhi Leonard did in San Antonio his last season there.&nbsp;
Let me refresh everyone&rsquo;s memory.
Everyone with a microphone dogged Kawhi that season. Skip Bayless was still going on his hateful rants and baseless criticisms of Kawhi even after the Raptors beat the 76ers in the playoffs.
Skip Bayless tweeted out
&ldquo;Well, I guess it worked for No. 2 to quit on the Spurs last season complaining of what Spurs doctors decided was no more than a thigh bruise. He wound up in the East, playing against a hobbled, sick Embiid and an overrated Giannis. "Crime" pays.&rdquo;
Kawhi delt with Coach Popovich taking shots at him, his teammates taking shots at him, the team questioning his injury because their &ldquo;team doctors&rdquo; said he was fine. But he got a 2nd opinion and was told otherwise and did what was in his best interest. Danny Green was reportedly playing through a torn groin after being misdiagnosed by the same team doctors that misdiagnosed Kawhi.
And the Spurs are one of the most respected organizations in the NBA with one of the most respected coaches in the NBA. But, the bottom line is, any organization will throw you out there in a heartbeat injured if they feel it is best for the organization. They will publicly criticize you if you don&rsquo;t play and if you play and re-injure yourself worst or just don&rsquo;t play up to their expectations (as if they don&rsquo;t know your playing injured) they will get rid of you in a New York minute just like The Washington Commanders did RG3 and just like the Washington Wizards did with Jarvis Hayes.
I remember watching Grant Hill. He was about to literally take over the league.
People were calling him out for not playing hurt. Said he was soft, overrated etc etc just like they were saying about Haliburton before he shut them all up this playoff series.
The Orlando medical staff derailed Grant&rsquo;s entire career.&nbsp;
Another example is the young Isiah Thomas. He shouldn&rsquo;t have been playing in Boston in the playoffs but he played, ended up hurting himself more, ended up needing surgery, cost himself 100 million dollars came back and played after losing his sister and they traded him that summer because they knew about his injury and knew that he needed surgery.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/3-etan-thomas-8_690w.jpeg" alt="" />
Kyrie Irving goes and gets a 2nd opinion and they say you need surgery, the Celtics doctors didn&rsquo;t tell him he needed surgery, so he had his surgery and came back the next year strong. There is a reoccurring theme here.
I immediately called my son Malcolm who is working hard at The University Of Dayton right now as I write this article I hope he learned the lesson in what just happened to Haliburton. Told my daughter Baby Sierra and Imani the entire way to school yesterday, like literally the whole entire way I was going on an endless rant.
Told them stories of Eric Waters and Ernie Grunfeld trying to get me to take a cortisone shot in my pubic bone and go out an play when I was suffering an abdominal strain that kept me sidelined for an extended period of time. But also how the 2nd opinion I received from my doctor was that if I did that, I would almost certainly hurt myself worse because the Cortisone show wouldn&rsquo;t exceed the healing process, it was just make it so I didn't feel the pain.&nbsp;
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But just think of it logically, your body sends pain signals to you when something is hurting to let you know to stop doing that. If you block that signal, you won&rsquo;t feel the warning you&rsquo;re supposed to feel. Made perfect sense to me so I told them no. And sure they tried to put pressure on me and have a beat writer pressure me through the power of the pin in a few articles (no I didn&rsquo;t have any actual proof of this but the timing and coincidence was way too convenient so I&rsquo;ll say &ldquo;allegedly&rdquo; had a beat writer pressure me through the media). But the end result was me standing firm and telling them no, I can&rsquo;t go.
However, the onus shouldn&rsquo;t be placed on the athlete&rsquo;s shoulders. Of course athletes are going to want to play but it shouldn&rsquo;t be up to them. A solution to this league wide issue was suggested to me by a lawyer by the name of Marlon Amprey. He explained that the Players Association should assemble a group of outside doctors/specialists (or specific doctors/specialists the player suggests) that have no connection to the team whatsoever.
That will provide 2nd &amp; 3rd opinions and give players detailed reports on their health and risk of injury. All doctors&rsquo; reports given by teams that drastically differ should go under review and there should be repercussions for team doctors and trainers who medically clear players who shouldn&rsquo;t be medically cleared to play.
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The Indiana Pacers medical team decided to clear Tyrese Haliburton to play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals despite an existing calf strain.

The Indiana Pacers RG3’d Tyrese Haliburton

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

In a postseason filled with emotion, grit, and resolve, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has stood at the center of it all &ndash; he&rsquo;s calm, composed, and unrelenting. Now, two games into his first NBA Finals appearance, the Oklahoma City Thunder&rsquo;s All-NBA superstar is putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece of a season, one that could go down as one of the greatest individual campaigns in league history.
With 34 points in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, following up a 38-point performance in the series opener, Gilgeous-Alexander has the Thunder in a great position to win a title, and he has cemented his place in rarified air. His 72 combined points are the most ever in a player&rsquo;s first two NBA Finals games, eclipsing a mark previously associated with some of the game&rsquo;s all-time greats.
And he&rsquo;s not done just yet.
<h3>Elite company, historic pace</h3>
In the postseason, every possession carries weight, and every moment is magnified. But for Gilgeous-Alexander, these moments don&rsquo;t appear to faze him. He&rsquo;s not just rising to the occasion &ndash; he&rsquo;s controlling it.
Game 2's 34-point outing marked his ninth consecutive home playoff game with 30 points or more, joining only Wilt Chamberlain in NBA history to accomplish that feat. In doing so, he also notched his 11th playoff game with at least 30 points and five assists, a stat line that only LeBron James and Michael Jordan have reached in multiple postseason runs.
LeBron did it in three separate years. MJ did it in two. Shai&rsquo;s doing it this year.
His consistent brilliance has propelled him to the top of the 2025 playoff scoring leaderboard. With 516 total points, he recently passed Jalen Brunson (514) for the most points scored in this year&rsquo;s postseason. He&rsquo;s doing it efficiently, artistically &ndash; and with the kind of poise that makes it clear: this is his moment.
<h3>The MVP is carrying like an MVP</h3>
The Thunder have been one of the NBA&rsquo;s most compelling stories all year &ndash; a young, unselfish team loaded with talent, built through the draft, and molded into a contender. But in the crucible of the playoffs, every great team needs that singular force &ndash; that player who can tilt the court, break a defense, and change the game&rsquo;s emotional temperature.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is that force for Oklahoma City.
After leading the league in scoring during the regular season and earning All-NBA First Team honors, he was named the 2025 NBA MVP &mdash; a recognition of his two-way dominance and night-to-night consistency. And now, as the lights burn brighter, he&rsquo;s gone from award-winner to tone-setter.
He&rsquo;s playing with a purpose that goes beyond personal accolades. He&rsquo;s the heartbeat of a team chasing history, and he&rsquo;s doing it in the most demanding stage of all.
What&rsquo;s perhaps most impressive is how SGA has handled each phase of the journey with equal parts humility and hunger. His playoff run has been defined not just by numbers, but by moments &ndash; dagger shots, crafty finishes, fourth-quarter takeovers, and calm in chaos. He hasn't just been great &ndash; he's been inevitable.
<h3>A season for the ages</h3>
Gilgeous-Alexander&rsquo;s latest performance gave him over 3,000 total points on the season &ndash; combining regular-season and playoff scoring &ndash; another milestone in a campaign already overflowing with them.
To put this into perspective: he could complete the kind of six-for-six checklist that only a handful of players in NBA history have even dreamed of &ndash; league scoring champion, regular-season MVP, All-NBA First Team, Western Conference Finals MVP, NBA champion, and Finals MVP &ndash; all in a single season.
Each of those achievements alone is significant. Together, they form a portrait of a transcendent season &ndash; the kind of year that defines legacies and reshapes the league&rsquo;s power structure.
The Thunder&rsquo;s rise from rebuilding team to Finals frontrunner has been sudden to some, but internally, it&rsquo;s been calculated and patient. Still, without Gilgeous-Alexander, their timeline likely looks different. He&rsquo;s the player who made their future arrive early &ndash; and now, he might be the one who delivers their first title since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City.
<h3>Beyond the numbers</h3>
What sets Gilgeous-Alexander apart, especially in this Finals run, is not just what he&rsquo;s doing &ndash; it&rsquo;s how he&rsquo;s doing it.
His game is quiet but surgical. He doesn&rsquo;t overpower defenders with brute strength or dazzle with deep threes. Instead, he picks his spots, manipulates angles, and imposes his rhythm. There&rsquo;s a jazz-like quality to his game &ndash; unpredictable, fluid, yet meticulously controlled.
In clutch time, he&rsquo;s been near automatic. Whether it&rsquo;s using his footwork to dance into mid-range jumpers or drawing contact for crucial free throws, SGA has been the ultimate closer for a Thunder team that continues to rise to every challenge.
It&rsquo;s that unselfishness, combined with his relentless work ethic and stoic demeanor, that has endeared him to teammates and fans alike. There&rsquo;s an old soul quality to SGA&rsquo;s approach &ndash; a maturity that belies his age and a leadership style rooted in accountability, not noise.
<h3>The final step</h3>
Now just three wins away from basketball immortality, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder find themselves on the brink of a championship. But the job&rsquo;s not finished.
The NBA Finals will shift to the opposing city for Games 3 and 4, where the pressure will mount, the crowd will roar louder, and the resistance will tighten. The margins will be razor-thin. But if this postseason has shown anything, it&rsquo;s that Gilgeous-Alexander has the heart, the game, and the will to push through.
This run has already carved his name into the record books. What comes next could define the start of SGA and the Thunder&rsquo;s era.
And for a Thunder team guided by youth and galvanized by Shai&rsquo;s leadership, the future isn&rsquo;t just bright &mdash; it&rsquo;s arriving right now.

SGA is delivering one of the greatest playoff runs in NBA history, leading the Thunder while making MVP-level history along the way.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivers MVP-level heroics in first NBA Finals trip

In a series that began with questions and ended with a declaration, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially arrived. With a 5-game takedown of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder are not only heading to their first NBA Finals since 2012 &mdash; they are ushering in a new era of basketball in Oklahoma City.
A dominant win in Game 5 encapsulated everything that makes this Thunder team different. They are fast, they are disciplined, and they are fearless. And more than anything, they are seemingly ahead of schedule, which is frighteningly so.
This isn&rsquo;t just a feel-good story about a young team making an improbable run. This is the crystallization of vision, patience, and long-term planning led by one of the game&rsquo;s most methodical minds in Sam Presti. The Thunder are now reaping the fruits of their asset-rich rebuild, led by a core that hasn&rsquo;t even hit its collective prime.
And that&rsquo;s the part that should terrify the rest of the league.
A core that is built to last for seasons
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, at 26 years old, is playing the best basketball of his life and has transformed from an under-the-radar guard into a bonafide MVP. His combination of pace, craft, and clutch-time brilliance has anchored OKC's offense throughout the playoffs. Around him, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have flourished &mdash; two-way threats who thrive in Mark Daigneault&rsquo;s egalitarian system.
Williams continues to grow as an all-around playmaker and defensive irritant, while Holmgren, in his just his sophomore season, has erased doubts about his ability to anchor a postseason defense. The 7-foot unicorn has shown a poise that belies his age, walling off the paint and hitting timely shots from beyond the arc. Isaiah Hartenstein's midseason acquisition added frontcourt depth and physicality, and Alex Caruso&rsquo;s peskiness on the perimeter rounding out a rotation that is as versatile as it is relentless.
At just 23.1 years of age on average, the Thunder are the youngest team to make the NBA Finals since the 2012 Oklahoma City team that featured Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. That team came up short against LeBron James&rsquo; Miami Heat &mdash; but it symbolized a turning point in the league&rsquo;s youth movement.
This year&rsquo;s squad? They&rsquo;re not just symbolizing change &ndash; they are engineering it.
Defense, Depth, and Daigneault
Oklahoma City&rsquo;s 68-14 regular season was no fluke. Their disruptive, swarming defense has suffocated opponents all year long, and it translated seamlessly to the playoffs. Against the Timberwolves &mdash; a team known for their physicality and paint dominance &mdash; the Thunder bent but never broke. They swarmed Anthony Edwards, frustrated Julius Randle, and turned every possession into a marathon.
This defensive success is no accident. It&rsquo;s a testament to head coach Mark Daigneault, who has masterminded a system that rewards effort, communication, and versatility. OKC doesn&rsquo;t just guard &mdash; they engulf teams. Guards switch onto bigs with no hesitation, wings play passing lanes like cornerbacks, and the backline is fortified by Holmgren and Hartenstein&rsquo;s presence.
By blending developmental patience with competitive urgency, Daigneault has found a way to make one of the youngest rosters in NBA history play with the poise of a veteran team.
That speaks volumes &mdash; not just about his coaching acumen, but about the culture being built in Oklahoma City.
Sam Presti&rsquo;s vision comes full circle with another Finals appearance
This Finals run is a crowning moment for Sam Presti, the executive who famously pulled the plug on the Russell Westbrook-Paul George era to initiate one of the most comprehensive rebuilds in recent memory. He was mocked for stockpiling draft picks like they were Bitcoin. He was kind of doubted when he traded away established stars. But now, with a mountain of assets still untouched and a Finals team on the floor, Presti looks like a genius.
OKC has more than a dozen first-round picks through the end of the decade. And unlike other rebuilding teams with a treasure chest of draft capital, the Thunder don&rsquo;t need to cash in just yet. They have a foundational core, a coach they trust, and flexibility that allows them to chase another star or double down on internal growth. This is what sustainability looks like and the Thunder have capitalized on it big time.
A defining moment for the franchise
For longtime Thunder fans, this moment is drenched in emotion. Since the heartbreak of the 2016 Western Conference Finals collapse and the eventual departures of Durant and Westbrook, OKC has wandered the wilderness. There were moments of promise, but no promise of direction.
Now, they&rsquo;ve found it and they&rsquo;re right back in it with perhaps the brightest future they can possibly have.
This run to the Finals doesn&rsquo;t just represent a basketball achievement &mdash; it represents emotional validation. The tears, the trades, the tanking &mdash; it all led to this. And while the job isn&rsquo;t finished, there&rsquo;s a renewed sense that something special is brewing in Oklahoma once again.
Even if they don&rsquo;t win it all this season, the message is clear: the Thunder are not coming. They&rsquo;re here, and they&rsquo;re built to last.

The Thunder defeat the Wolves in 5 games to reach the NBA Finals, signaling a new era built on youth, depth, and elite coaching.

Thunder dominate Timberwolves, usher a new era of Thunder basketball

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

The 2025 Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets have lived up to the hype, with the series knotted at 2-2. As the teams prepare for a crucial Game 5 in Oklahoma City, both squads face pressing questions and necessary adjustments to gain the upper hand. With a trip to the Western Conference Finals on the line, every possession, coaching decision, and hustle play will matter more than ever.
-- -- --
Thunder's path to regaining control
Assert themselves on the boards
The Thunder&rsquo;s lack of consistent rebounding has emerged as one of their most glaring weaknesses in this series. Despite boasting athletic bigs and switchable wings, they&rsquo;ve repeatedly been outmuscled on the glass by Denver&rsquo;s physical frontcourt led by Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets have often out-rebounded the Thunder, securing offensive boards that led to multiple second-chance scoring opportunities. Those extra possessions have proven costly for OKC in close games.
Part of the issue stems from the Thunder often playing smaller lineups, which prioritize speed and switchability over size and physicality. While that identity served them well in the regular season, playoff basketball demands toughness in the paint. Oklahoma City will need to play more of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein to go up against Jokic and Gordon, and commit more to boxing out and crashing the boards. Their guards must also help secure long rebounds and quickly push the ball in transition, turning defensive stops into offensive chances.
To win Game 5 and take control of the series, the Thunder cannot afford to give the Nuggets repeated second opportunities. Rebounding isn&rsquo;t just about size, it&rsquo;s about desire, positioning, and timing. If OKC can neutralize Denver&rsquo;s rebounding edge and limit their putback chances, it could be a decisive swing factor on their home floor.
Rediscover offensive fluidity
Oklahoma City has struggled to find its usual offensive rhythm over the past two games. The Thunder's offense is built on movement, ball-sharing, and improvisation &ndash; playing freely with joy and confidence. But as the series has worn on and the physicality has ramped up, OKC has looked more rigid and hesitant, settling for tough isolation plays instead of generating quality looks through movement.
In Games 3 and 4, Denver&rsquo;s defense disrupted OKC&rsquo;s pace by pressing up on ball-handlers and switching effectively on screens. The Thunder have sometimes become overly reliant on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to bail them out in late-clock situations. While SGA is an elite shot-creator, Oklahoma City&rsquo;s offense thrives most when all five players are involved. Getting back to their roots &ndash; cutting off the ball, pushing in transition, and trusting each other&rsquo;s instincts &ndash; can unlock the offensive flow that&rsquo;s been missing.
Reclaiming that offensive identity also means trusting players like Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe to take open shots and make quick decisions. Jalen Williams, who has flashed brilliance at times, must stay aggressive and attack mismatches. If the Thunder return to playing free and fearless, as they did in their Game 2 blowout win, they&rsquo;ll be much harder to guard and far more dangerous heading into a pivotal Game 5.
MVP-caliber performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
While SGA has delivered solid numbers throughout the series, Oklahoma City needs a transcendent Game 5 performance from their MVP candidate. Through four games, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 28.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists &ndash; but his impact hasn&rsquo;t always translated to late-game success. Denver has thrown multiple defenders at him, forcing tough midrange shots and limiting his trips to the free-throw line. For OKC to thrive, SGA must assert himself early and often, controlling the tempo and creating high-quality looks for both himself and his teammates.
This is the kind of moment where MVPs rise above the game plan. Whether it's hunting mismatches, collapsing the defense to kick out to shooters, or making timely defensive plays, SGA has the tools to take over. In Game 2, his 33-point performance was a reminder of what he&rsquo;s capable of when he&rsquo;s in attack mode and dictating the pace. The Thunder need that version of Shai to show up again in Game 5.
It&rsquo;s also about leadership. This young Thunder team looks to SGA not just for scoring, but for composure and direction in critical moments. With the home crowd behind him and the series on the line, this is his opportunity to put a stamp on his MVP-caliber season and carry his team one step closer to a conference finals berth.
Nuggets' strategies to steal Game 5
Elevate Nikola Jokic&rsquo;s impact
Nikola Jokic has not been his usual dominant self across all four games. While he&rsquo;s still managed to put up triple-doubles and impact the game in subtle ways, the Thunder have made him work harder than usual with their quick double teams and constant help defense. In Game 4, Jokic finished with 22 points on just 9-of-22 shooting&mdash;a rare inefficient night for the two-time MVP. For the Nuggets to win on the road, Jokic must return to the ultra-efficient playmaker and scorer who lifts everyone around him.
One adjustment could be to get Jokic more touches at the elbow and the top of the key, where he can orchestrate Denver&rsquo;s offense without dealing with immediate post pressure. From those areas, he can see the floor better and exploit mismatches or cutters. Additionally, running more two-man actions with Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon could help relieve pressure and force OKC to defend multiple threats simultaneously.
Jokic&rsquo;s presence alone bends defenses, but when he&rsquo;s assertive and efficient, it unlocks the Nuggets&rsquo; full offensive potential. Denver will need their franchise cornerstone to set the tone with physicality, precision, and poise in the hostile OKC environment of Game 5.
Improved Three-Point shooting
The Nuggets&rsquo; offensive success often correlates with their outside shooting. In the games where they&rsquo;ve played, Denver pulled away with convincing wins. But when the shots haven&rsquo;t fallen, their offense has looked sluggish and overly reliant on Jokic or Murray to create something late in the shot clock. Getting back to crisp ball movement and creating open looks from the perimeter is a priority heading into Game 5.
Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun must convert the clean looks they&rsquo;re getting. Porter, in particular, has the shooting gravity to stretch OKC&rsquo;s defense and create spacing for Jokic&rsquo;s interior play. Even Aaron Gordon&rsquo;s willingness to take open threes can help Denver keep defenders honest. Making threes forces OKC to chase and rotate, which opens up driving lanes and cutting opportunities that Denver thrives on.
Expect head coach David Adelman to emphasize early ball reversals and inside-out play to generate quality three-point chances. If Denver shoots well from deep, it could swing momentum and silence the Paycom Center crowd in what promises to be a raucous Game 5 environment.
Boost bench production
In tight playoff matchups, bench production often makes the difference. For Denver, the second unit has been a mixed bag this series. They have a particularly shallow bench led by Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson, and the Nuggets need consistent contributions from both of them to keep pace with OKC&rsquo;s energetic rotations.
The key is maintaining offensive rhythm and defensive intensity when Jokic sits. Braun&rsquo;s ability to defend, rebound, and finish in transition adds a valuable spark. Westbrook&rsquo;s experience and steady playmaking can provide structure when Murray rests. And Watson&rsquo;s length and athleticism make him a disruptive presence on both ends. Each of them must be ready to seize the moment in what could be the turning point of the series.
Adelman might also consider tightening his rotation or staggering starters more effectively to ensure a balance of scoring and defense. With so much on the line, every possession from the bench unit carries weight. If Denver&rsquo;s reserves can sustain leads &ndash; or even swing momentum &ndash; it could give them the edge they need to take Game 5 on the road.
-- -- --
As Game 5 approaches, the series hangs in the balance. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, but only one can emerge with a crucial win to take control. The adjustments made and executed in this game will likely determine who advances and who faces an offseason of questions. In a battle between the Thunder and the Nuggets, Game 5 promises to be a war of wills, strategy, and superstar moments.

With the 2025 NBA Playoffs series tied 2-2, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets prepare for a pivotal Game 5.

2025 NBA Playoffs: Key adjustments as Thunder, Nuggets look to seize series

A huge confidence booster for the Cavs as they take care of business in the first round, and the real fight that begins now
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn&rsquo;t just win their first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat &ndash; they obliterated them. With a dominant four-game sweep that featured historic blowouts, overwhelming defense, and total control from tip to buzzer, the Cavaliers emphatically showed that the version of themselves they teased throughout the regular season wasn&rsquo;t a mirage. It was a warning shot &ndash; and it just became deafeningly real.
Their 55-point Game 4 win &ndash; a 118-63 dismantling &ndash; capped off a sweep that ended with a record-setting +122 point differential, the most lopsided series margin in NBA playoff history. This was not just about moving on to the next round; it was about announcing themselves as a legitimate championship contender.
Cleveland&rsquo;s 55-point win in Game 4 is now the fourth-largest blowout in NBA postseason history, trailing only a pair of 58-point wins (Minneapolis Lakers over the St. Louis Hawks in 1956 and Denver Nuggets over the New Orleans Hornets in 2009), and a 56-point Lakers victory over Golden State in 1973.
But it wasn&rsquo;t just one game. Over the course of the four-game sweep, Cleveland posted wins of 26, 31, 10, and finally 55 points &ndash; a combined margin of 122 &ndash; obliterating the previous record for point differential in a four-game sweep. The Cavaliers did not merely win &ndash; they dominated wire-to-wire in every game, showcasing what their ceiling looks like when everything is firing.
Game 4 alone was a demolition. Cleveland led 72-33 at halftime, a 39-point margin that now ranks as the third-largest halftime lead in playoff history. The only ones greater? Cleveland themselves, when they led Boston by 41 at the break in the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals, and Detroit&rsquo;s 40-point halftime lead over Washington in 1987.
Even zooming out, this series was a statistical masterclass from the Cavaliers. According to NBA Advanced Stats:
-Cleveland posted a Net Rating of +30.1 across the series, a figure that dwarfs any other playoff team this postseason.
-They held the Heat to just 84.5 points per game, nearly 20 points below Miami&rsquo;s season average.
-The Cavaliers shot 50.6% from the field and 40.1% from three, compared to Miami&rsquo;s 38.9% and 29.3%, respectively.
-Cleveland averaged 27.0 assists per game to Miami&rsquo;s 17.8, displaying a level of ball movement and offensive flow that few teams have matched this postseason.
Business has been handled. So now the real fight begins.
All year long, Cleveland&rsquo;s potential was obvious. With a core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, surrounded by improved role play from Max Strus, Ty Jerome, and DeAndre Hunter, the Cavaliers have all the tools to go all the way.
But questions remained about how their success would translate into the playoffs. Last year&rsquo;s second-round exit to the Boston Celtics was still fresh. The physicality, half-court execution, and decision-making under pressure were areas they needed to grow in.
This series, they answered that challenge &ndash; and then some.
Donovan Mitchell was at the center of it all. More than the numbers, he set the tone early in each game &ndash; attacking mismatches, creating for teammates, and leading vocally. His postseason experience was a stabilizing force for a group that needed to put its demons behind it.
Mobley and Allen were defensively dominant, forming a wall inside the paint that Miami couldn&rsquo;t break. Mobley, in particular, showcased improved patience and poise, while switching onto smaller guards without giving up ground.
Garland&rsquo;s playmaking improved each game. Strus, Jerome, and Hunter gave consistent scoring off the bench. And head coach Kenny Atkinson seemed to push every right button with rotations, defensive matchups, and timely adjustments.
The sweep wasn&rsquo;t just a win. It was the Cavaliers taking care of business, as a great team should, against a depleted Heat squad that sorely missed superstar Jimmy Butler. The focus, intensity, and killer instinct on display showed a team that has grown from its failures and is ready to embrace the expectations that come with being a serious contender.
After a sweep of this magnitude, the conversation shifts. No longer is Cleveland simply a &ldquo;dangerous dark horse.&rdquo; This team should now be mentioned in the same breath as Boston as a favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference, especially with their defense and depth clicking at the right time.
It&rsquo;s not just about who they beat, but how they did it. Their suffocating defense held Miami under 90 points in three of four games. Their offense was fluid, unselfish, and versatile. And their stars stepped up, consistently.
The next round will bring a tougher opponent in the Indiana Pacers, one with more firepower and fewer injuries. But if this version of the Cavaliers shows up &ndash; the one that plays with precision, aggression, and unshakable confidence &ndash; then the rest of the league needs to take notice.
Because what Cleveland just did wasn&rsquo;t an outlier, it was a warning. The real fight begins now. And the Cavaliers look ready for war.

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t just win their first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat – they obliterated them.

Cleveland’s statement sweep of Miami cements title aspirations

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

In recent years, Japan has started to solidify its place on the global basketball map. The steady ascent began with Rui Hachimura making waves as a lottery pick and has since been sustained by the lengthy presence of Yuta Watanabe in the NBA. But the next chapter in Japan's basketball story is being authored by two rising stars with very different paths in young stars Keisei Tominaga and Yuki Kawamura.
Each player represents a different style, personality, and journey, but their shared goal is clear: to make a name for themselves in the NBA while pushing Japanese basketball into its most promising era yet and a chance to dominate Asia for years to come. Together, they are leading the next wave of Japanese basketball, a movement that could define a golden era for the nation&rsquo;s hoops culture.
<h3>Keisei Tominaga: From Nebraska star to NBA dreamer</h3>
Nicknamed the &ldquo;Japanese Steph Curry,&rdquo; Keisei Tominaga became a sensation at the University of Nebraska with his deep range, fiery swagger, and clutch shooting. Whether it was a pull-up three in transition or a quick-trigger release from the corner, the crowd inside Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska always knew when the ball left his hands that it had a real chance of going in.
Though Tominaga went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, he quickly landed a spot on a G-League roster and continued to work toward his NBA dream. His shooting alone makes him a prospect worth watching, but his personality and work ethic make him even more compelling.
That electricity was on full display at the 2024 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore. It was last September that I had the opportunity to interview Tominaga, where he drew thunderous applause every time he launched a three. His team had just wrapped up a game, and even though he wasn&rsquo;t entirely pleased with his performance, he still flashed that signature optimism and drive. There, I caught up with him to talk about the experience and his aspirations.
Q: Every time you shoot a three, fans are anticipating the ball coming in. You made a three and the arena went crazy. How was it like playing here in Singapore and with your fans in Asia and the love that they showed you out here? Tominaga: &ldquo;You know, it means a lot to me. You see, you hear the crowd when I make the shot. I&rsquo;m super happy for it but I gotta be better for everything. But you know it was a great, great experience for me.&rdquo;
Q: Obviously you&rsquo;ve struggled shooting the ball, but how would you rate your performance personally in this tournament? Tominaga: &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I did a good job, you know, the way enough the way I wanted it to be. But I think that&rsquo;s a great experience for me, I could get better from it. You know, I could learn from it a lot. So, I&rsquo;m excited to keep going.&rdquo;
Q: After this tournament, what&rsquo;s next for Keisei Tominaga? Where will we see you play, any future plans? Tominaga: &ldquo;You know, I&rsquo;m trying to get into the league (NBA) so, you know I&rsquo;ll keep showing what I can do out there on the court and hopefully I can make it to the NBA soon.&rdquo;
Even during a down shooting performance, Tominaga&rsquo;s energy was palpable. His confidence in the long-term goal didn&rsquo;t waver. And why should it? With every deep three, every off-ball relocation, every step-back jumper, he proves he's not just a novelty act&mdash;he&rsquo;s a legitimate offensive weapon.
<h3>Yuki Kawamura: The gritty playmaker with a huge heart and growing fanbase</h3>
While Tominaga&rsquo;s game is built around flash and finesse, Yuki Kawamura's path is defined by toughness, hustle, and high basketball IQ. At just 5-foot-9, Kawamura has never been the biggest player on the court, but that&rsquo;s never stopped him from standing out.
Currently suiting up for the Memphis Hustle, the G-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, Kawamura has carved out a role as an impactful guard who plays with heart on both ends. As of this writing, Kawamura is averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting an efficient 46.5% from the field and 38.2% from deep.
What makes Kawamura special isn&rsquo;t just the stats, it&rsquo;s about the impact. On multiple occasions, the Grizzlies have featured him in NBA games, and every time, the fan reaction has been electric. A behind-the-back dime in transition. A fearless drive into the paint against players a foot taller. A clutch corner three that sends social media into a frenzy. Kawamura is a fan favorite, not just in Japan, but globally.
The NBA itself has embraced Kawamura as part of its broader international movement. His highlights often get featured on NBA social media channels, and with every appearance, more fans begin to root for the undersized guard with a never-say-die mentality.
Now, Kawamura and the Grizzlies have qualified into the 2025 NBA Playoffs and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in round one, a feat that Kawamura is definitely proud to be a part of.
<h3>A shared dream and legacy in the making</h3>
Tominaga and Kawamura couldn&rsquo;t be more different on the court. One is a gunner who thrives on spacing and movement. The other is a floor general who thrives on angles and decision-making. But their journeys intertwine in a bigger narrative, one that could shape the next decade of Japanese basketball.
What Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe helped begin, Tominaga and Kawamura are set to continue. The duo&rsquo;s growth also coincides with the rise of Japan&rsquo;s national team, which made waves at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Having multiple Japanese players active in the G-League and flirting with NBA rosters is no longer an anomaly. It&rsquo;s becoming part of a trend, and that trend points to a possible golden era of hoops in Japan. The country is now poised to be one of the top contenders for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025, and Tominaga and Kawamura are leading the charge for the Akatsuki.
The significance of this moment can&rsquo;t be overstated. For decades, Japanese basketball lagged behind Asian neighbors like China and the Philippines in terms of global impact. Now, the script is changing, and these two young stars are helping flip the page.
<h3>&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;</h3>
Keisei Tominaga continues to chase his dream with a shooter&rsquo;s tunnel vision - focused, steady, and fueled by every made shot and every miss. His love for the game and his country is clear every time he hits the floor.
Yuki Kawamura, meanwhile, has proven that height may be a limitation on paper, but not in heart. He&rsquo;s already winning over teammates, coaches, and fans alike with his skill and spark.
While the road to becoming a full-time NBA player is steep for both, what they represent is already larger than the game. They are not only athletes but symbols of Japan&rsquo;s potential on the world basketball stage.
In the end, whether or not they make a permanent home in the NBA isn&rsquo;t the only story. The real victory lies in how they inspire a nation, empower a new generation, and redefine what&rsquo;s possible for Japanese basketball.

From Tominaga's three-point flair to Kawamura's fearless playmaking, both are knocking on the NBA and inspiring Japan.

Keisei Tominaga, Yuki Kawamura lead golden era of Japanese Basketball

Every NBA season comes with its fair share of surprises, and the 2024-25 campaign has been no different. While championship contenders and superstars have dominated headlines, several teams have quietly &mdash; or loudly &mdash; rewritten their narratives in spectacular fashion. These aren&rsquo;t just flukes or hot streaks. These are teams that have made a leap, exceeded expectations, and found themselves in playoff positioning when few thought they&rsquo;d be here, or surpassing their previous season&rsquo;s accomplishments.
Whether it&rsquo;s through masterful coaching, player development, savvy roster moves, or simply finding the right chemistry at the right time, these are the teams that have all proven that projections and preseason power rankings don&rsquo;t always tell the full story. Here's a closer look at how these franchises flipped the script and are now among the best feel-good stories of the season.
Detroit Pistons Previous season&rsquo;s record: 17-65 This season&rsquo;s record: 44-38, 6th in the East
Perhaps no team has made a bigger leap &mdash; or captured the league&rsquo;s heart &mdash; more than the Detroit Pistons. Just a year removed from a miserable 17-win season, the Pistons have pulled off one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent NBA memory. They are now sixth in the Eastern Conference, and have set a playoff date against the third-seeded New York Knicks.
Much of that credit goes to newly hired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who brought immediate structure, accountability, and belief into a young locker room. But the star of the show has been Cade Cunningham. After an injury-riddled season last year, Cunningham has blossomed into a true franchise player this year &mdash; a dual-threat scorer and facilitator who commands the game at his own pace. His decision-making has improved drastically, and he's showing why he was the No. 1 overall pick. Cunningham is here, and he&rsquo;s gunning for that star/superstar status.
Surrounding Cunningham, players like Jaden Ivey (even though he was injured) and Ausar Thompson have also taken noticeable steps forward, while big man Jalen Duren has anchored the middle with toughness and poise beyond his years. Detroit has also had key free agent signings that brought veteran presence in the locker room in Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Tobias Harris. They have also picked up vet PG Dennis Schroder in a trade to help Cunningham with the ball-handling duties. Everything that Detroit has done was in order to come back and see this moment &ndash; to be back in the playoffs. It&rsquo;s not just that Detroit is winning &mdash; it&rsquo;s how they&rsquo;re doing it: through defense, selflessness, and maturity. They&rsquo;ve gone from laughingstock to legitimate in over a season, and it has been incredibly fun to watch.
Houston Rockets Previous season&rsquo;s record: 22-60 This season&rsquo;s record: 52-30, 2nd in the West
After four long and grueling seasons of rebuilding, the Houston Rockets are back &mdash; and better than ever. They&rsquo;ve clinched 50 wins for the first time since the James Harden era and have soared into the second seed in the loaded Western Conference. This transformation didn&rsquo;t happen overnight, but every move the Rockets made over the last four years has culminated in a roster that&rsquo;s deep, versatile, and hungry.
It started with the front office, who made smart picks in the draft: Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green in 2021, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason in 2022, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore in 2023, and Reed Sheppard in 2024. The result? A blend of high-upside talent that&rsquo;s matured quickly under the right guidance. And that guidance came in the form of Ime Udoka &mdash; the tough, defense-first head coach who has instilled discipline and identity from day one.
The Rockets also balanced their youth with veteran leadership. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks were crucial free-agent signings, and the trade for Steven Adams added much-needed size and experience in the paint. Sengun has quietly become one of the most skilled bigs in the league, averaging near triple-double numbers with his passing and post play. Meanwhile, Jalen Green&rsquo;s shot selection and efficiency have improved, making him a more consistent offensive threat.
Everything is clicking in Houston, and the best part? They&rsquo;re still only scratching the surface. It&rsquo;s officially liftoff time in Houston, Texas.
Cleveland Cavaliers Previous season&rsquo;s record: 51-31 This season&rsquo;s record: 64-18, 1st in the East
It might sound strange to include a 50-win team in a list of surprises, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have surpassed what many expected from them &mdash; and in a completely new way. After losing to the Celtics in the second round last season, many believed Cleveland had plateaued, stuck in a tier below the East&rsquo;s elite. But the arrival of head coach Kenny Atkinson changed everything.
Atkinson brought more than just X&rsquo;s and O&rsquo;s to Cleveland &mdash; he brought vision. His innovative offensive schemes breathed new life into the team, particularly Evan Mobley. The former third overall pick has emerged as a true two-way force this year, expanding his offensive bag while remaining a defensive anchor. Mobley has become more comfortable operating as a playmaker, setting high screens, making short-roll reads, and even spacing the floor.
Donovan Mitchell remains the alpha, capable of carrying the offense during clutch moments. But with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen playing supporting roles to perfection &mdash; and the perfect role players giving them a punch off the bench &mdash; the Cavaliers are deeper and more dangerous than ever. This is their best season since LeBron left, and it feels like they&rsquo;ve finally found a sustainable identity. They're not just winning games; they&rsquo;re playing like a team that believes it can win the East.
Los Angeles Clippers Previous season&rsquo;s record: 44-38 This season&rsquo;s record: 50-32, 5th in the West
No team entered the season with lower public expectations relative to their talent than the Los Angeles Clippers especially after Paul George left in free agency. The assumption was that LA&rsquo;s championship window had finally slammed shut. But instead of folding, the Clippers responded with a defiant, gritty, and unified season that caught the league off guard.
Kawhi Leonard returned healthy and dominant, looking like the MVP-caliber player of old. His midrange game has been clinical, and he&rsquo;s elevated his play on both ends as the postseason approaches. But perhaps the most shocking resurgence came from James Harden, who has turned back the clock and delivered one of his most efficient seasons in years. Harden has assumed full command of the offense, orchestrating everything with poise and flair while re-establishing himself as a top-tier guard in the league that could possibly fetch an All-NBA plum.
The supporting cast has been outstanding. Ivica Zubac has taken a huge leap, anchoring the Clippers&rsquo; defense and finishing strong around the rim. He&rsquo;s firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation. Norman Powell has been a revelation in an expanded role, consistently providing scoring and hustle. The &ldquo;addition by subtraction&rdquo; idea has rung true &mdash; with more touches and opportunities, Powell has been better than ever.
And of course, credit must go to Tyronn Lue, who has maximized every piece of this roster and turned what many assumed would be a rebuilding year into a redemption tour. The Clippers became this gritty and rugged defensive team that no one wants to meet in the playoffs. They might be underdogs, but they&rsquo;ve built something real.&nbsp;
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
These four teams &mdash; Detroit, Houston, Cleveland, and Los Angeles &mdash; entered the season with vastly different narratives. But they all share a common thread: they weren&rsquo;t supposed to be this good. Whether through internal growth, roster management, or coaching brilliance, each franchise has exceeded expectations in its own way.
The playoffs will be the true test, but what these teams have already accomplished is worth celebrating. In a league where dynasties often dominate headlines, it's stories like these that keep the NBA fresh, unpredictable, and thrilling year after year.

Discover how the Pistons, Rockets, Cavaliers, and Clippers have surpassed this season's expectations and rewrote their narratives.

Teams that have exceeded expectations this season

​In a surprising development, the Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Despite the team's solid 44-29 record and a fifth-place standing in the Western Conference, Jenkins would be fired with days remaining before the playoffs start. Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season for the Grizzlies.
Jenkins, 40, departs as the winningest coach in franchise history, amassing a 250-214 record since his appointment in June 2019. During his tenure, he led the Grizzlies to three playoff appearances and was instrumental in the development of key players.
General Manager Zach Kleiman stated that the decision was made in the best interest of the team's future, emphasizing that it was his sole decision and not influenced by players.&nbsp; The move comes as the Grizzlies have faced a recent downturn, losing five of their last seven games.
Tuomas Iisalo, who steps in as interim head coach, brings a wealth of experience from European basketball. Prior to joining the Grizzlies as an assistant, Iisalo served as the head coach for Paris Basketball, leading them to a EuroCup victory, and was named Coach of the Year in Finland in 2024.&nbsp; His promotion marks him as the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history.&nbsp;
The Grizzlies face a challenging schedule ahead, with eight of their final nine games against teams contending for playoff or play-in spots.&nbsp; The organization and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds under Iisalo's leadership as they approach the postseason.​

​In a surprising development, the Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins.

Grizzlies part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins before playoffs

The Portland Trail Blazers have been on an impressive run, winning six consecutive games and ten of their last eleven. This surge has propelled them into contention for a play-in spot, showcasing their potential against formidable opponents. Their success has been a combination of offensive efficiency, defensive tenacity, and standout performances from key players.
During this hot streak, Portland has secured victories against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings. According to Kirk Goldsberry&rsquo;s efficiency landscape, the Blazers are #3 in net rating and #1 defensively. Offensively, they have been firing on all cylinders, with Anfernee Simons leading the charge. In a recent win over the Kings, Simons dropped 30 points, proving his ability to stretch the floor and attack the basket. Their defensive efforts have also played a crucial role, exemplified by a dominant 112-89 victory over the Pacers where they held Indiana to just 89 points. This newfound defensive resilience has been a cornerstone of their recent success.
Several players have stepped up during this run, each playing a crucial role in keeping the Blazers competitive. Simons, averaging 18.2 points per game this season, has been a consistent scoring threat, using his quick release and aggressive drives to keep defenses on their heels. Shaedon Sharpe has provided an additional spark, averaging 17.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, using his athleticism and shot-making ability to keep opponents guessing. Scoot Henderson, despite being the youngest among the three guards, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in a recent game against the Magic where he recorded 23 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Deni Avdija has also emerged as a valuable asset, scoring a season-high 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a statement win over the Bucks. Though not always in the spotlight, Toumani Camara has been invaluable for his defensive energy and hustle plays, helping to solidify Portland&rsquo;s defensive identity.
Despite their recent success, the Blazers must soon confront significant decisions regarding their future. While they are currently competing for a play-in spot, their long-term direction remains unclear. One of the biggest questions revolves around the roles of Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, two young forwards who have shown promise. Avdija, at 6-foot-9, has demonstrated versatility on both ends of the floor, excelling as a ball handler, facilitator, and multi-positional defender. His recent offensive outburst against the Bucks highlighted his potential as a future building block for the team. Camara, known for his defensive prowess, brings energy and intensity every time he steps on the floor. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the boards has been crucial in tight games, making him an integral part of Portland&rsquo;s plans.
While Avdija and Camara appear to be key building blocks, the futures of Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant remain uncertain. Ayton, acquired to strengthen the frontcourt, has had standout performances, including a 25-point, 20-rebound game against the Suns. His presence in the paint provides stability, but the Blazers must determine whether he fits into their long-term vision with recently drafted rookie center Donovan Clingan in the lineup. Grant, a reliable two-way forward, brings valuable experience and scoring ability. However, with the emergence of their younger wings Avdija and Camara, the team may consider moving him for assets that better align with their rebuilding efforts. The decision on whether to retain or trade these veterans will significantly shape the franchise&rsquo;s future.
But perhaps the most pressing dilemma Portland faces is the backcourt logjam between Simons, Sharpe, and Henderson. Each player brings a unique skill set, but with limited opportunities to develop three high-usage guards simultaneously, the Blazers may ultimately need to choose two of the three to lead their backcourt into the future. Simons has already proven himself as a dynamic scorer with elite shooting ability, making him a valuable offensive weapon. Sharpe, with his impressive athleticism and scoring instincts, has shown flashes of being a future superstar. Henderson, despite some early growing pains, has displayed promising playmaking and scoring potential, hinting at the possibility of becoming the team&rsquo;s primary floor general.
The Blazers might soon rethink their decisions and pick what&rsquo;s best for the three of them, letting go of one for proven pieces that will fit the team and letting him shine somewhere else, but that remains to be seen at this point. For now, the Blazers are rocking with this group and see what they can do towards the end of the season.
The Blazers&rsquo; recent success is a testament to their young talent and cohesive play, but as they navigate the remainder of the season, these tough decisions loom large. Balancing immediate success with long-term development will be crucial in determining the franchise&rsquo;s trajectory. Whether they fully commit to a rebuild, make strategic trades, or double down on their current core, the choices they make in the coming months will define their future in the NBA.

The Portland Trail Blazers have been on an impressive run, but tough decisions loom large within the franchise.

The Trail Blazers are rolling, but they should make a choice for their future

The Sacramento Kings have officially entered a new era. After trading franchise cornerstone De&rsquo;Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, the team is bracing for a future that looks significantly different from what fans have been accustomed to over the past few seasons. After ending their playoff drought for over 16 years, this current core has been winning games and making it to the postseason.&nbsp;
With the move on Fox, this signals a major shift in direction for the Kings, who will now look to build around Domantas Sabonis and a restructured roster that includes a newly acquired scoring threat in Zach LaVine. With these changes, Sacramento faces key questions about its identity, long-term goals, and the challenges ahead.
De&rsquo;Aaron Fox&rsquo;s legacy in Sacramento
Fox spent seven seasons with the Kings and was instrumental in ending the team&rsquo;s 16-year playoff drought in 2023. As a lightning-quick point guard with elite finishing ability, he blossomed into one of the league&rsquo;s premier offensive engines, earning an All-Star selection and establishing himself as a clutch performer. His leadership, both on and off the court, was vital in reshaping Sacramento&rsquo;s culture, and his departure marks the end of an era.
Statistically, Fox averaged 25.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game last season while leading the Kings to a 46-36 record. His ability to break down defenses, attack the rim, and create shots for himself and others was a significant reason for Sacramento&rsquo;s success. However, with his trade to the Spurs, the Kings must now redefine their offensive philosophy and overall team identity.
Building around Domantas Sabonis
With Fox gone, the Kings will shift their focus toward Domantas Sabonis as their primary offensive hub. The 6&rsquo;10&rdquo; center, who has drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokić due to his passing ability and high basketball IQ, will now be the undisputed focal point of Sacramento&rsquo;s attack. This season, Sabonis is averaging 20.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and impact as a playmaker at the center position, and being one of the best at it in the league.
For Sacramento to maximize Sabonis&rsquo; strengths, surrounding him with shooters and athletic cutters who can capitalize on his elite vision and ability to facilitate from the post will be of utmost priority. Much like how the Denver Nuggets have built their system around Jokić, the Kings tailoring their roster to fit Sabonis&rsquo; playstyle should be the way for the Kings. If done correctly, this approach could keep them competitive in the Western Conference despite losing Fox.
Zach LaVine&rsquo;s fit with the Kings
In return for Fox, the Kings acquired two-time All-Star Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls in a three-team trade. LaVine brings a different dynamic to Sacramento&rsquo;s offense, as he is a gifted three-level scorer with explosive athleticism. While he may not be a traditional playmaker like Fox, his ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor will be valuable in complementing Sabonis.
LaVine&rsquo;s skill set aligns well with Sabonis&rsquo; passing. With LaVine&rsquo;s ability to operate off-ball, come off screens and capitalize on catch and shoot opportunities, and attack closeouts, he should thrive playing alongside a big man who can facilitate from the high post. Additionally, having LaVine alongside DeMar DeRozan provides the Kings with two veteran scorers who can take over games when needed. However, LaVine&rsquo;s fit in Sacramento raises some questions about the team&rsquo;s long-term outlook.
Malik Monk&rsquo;s new role as lead guard
With Fox gone, Malik Monk is expected to take on a much larger role in Sacramento&rsquo;s backcourt. Previously used as a secondary playmaker and instant scorer, Monk will now be asked to run the offense as the team&rsquo;s primary point guard. Standing at 6&rsquo;3&rdquo;, Monk has always been more of a combo guard, but his scoring ability and improved playmaking make him a viable candidate to step up.
Monk is averaging 18.2 points and 5.9 assists per game this season, and is showing flashes of being a capable facilitator when given the opportunity. However, leading the team as a full-time point guard comes with added responsibilities. His ability to manage the offense, distribute effectively, and balance scoring with playmaking will be crucial in determining Sacramento&rsquo;s success.
What this means for Sacramento moving forward&nbsp;
The Kings are at a crossroads. With Fox gone and LaVine in the mix, they must decide whether this core is worth building around or if further roster changes are necessary. One of the biggest questions is whether LaVine is a long-term piece or just a temporary solution. While his scoring ability is valuable, his contract and injury history could make him a candidate for another trade if the Kings decide to retool again.
Additionally, Monk&rsquo;s ability to handle the lead guard role is still unproven. If he struggles in the position, Sacramento may need to explore acquiring a more traditional point guard to stabilize the backcourt.
Another key decision is who will coach this team moving forward. With Mike Brown gone, assistant coach Doug Christie has been named interim head coach, but it remains unclear if he will be given the permanent job. Christie has strong ties to the franchise and is respected among players, but the Kings may look for an established coach who can implement a more structured system suited for their new roster.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
Sacramento&rsquo;s decision to trade De&rsquo;Aaron Fox marks a turning point for the franchise. While they have gained a dynamic scorer in Zach LaVine and are shifting toward an offense built around Domantas Sabonis, there are still many unanswered questions about the team&rsquo;s future. Will LaVine be the right fit long-term? Can Monk handle the point guard responsibilities? And who will lead this team from the sidelines?
The Kings have taken a bold step in reshaping their identity. Whether this move propels them to greater success or forces them into another rebuild remains to be seen.

After trading franchise cornerstone De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, the team is bracing for a future that looks significantly different.

The rejuvenated Kings are bracing for life without De’Aaron Fox

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during a game against the Boston Celtics, as reported by NBA reporters Chris Haynes and Shams Charania.&nbsp;
The injury occurred in the first quarter when Murray fell to the ground while grabbing his rebound. He was assisted off the court and did not return. An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury.&nbsp;
Pelicans head coach Willie Green expressed sympathy over Murray's injury, stating, "It's a tough blow for us. Dejounte has been a significant part of our team, and our thoughts are with him as he begins his recovery."&nbsp;
ANALYSIS: This is a huge blow for the Pelicans in a tough season as Murray, 28, was averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.5 rebounds over 31 games. He joined the Pelicans in the offseason after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks for Dyson Daniels.
The Pelicans, already dealing with injuries to key players such as Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Brandon Ingram, now face an even greater challenge as they cope with Murray's absence.&nbsp;
This is not Murray&rsquo;s first major injury; he missed the entire 2018-19 season due to a torn ACL and had recently returned from a broken hand earlier this season.
The Pelicans will need to rely on their depth as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key contributors.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season after tearing his right Achilles.

Dejounte Murray suffers season-ending Achilles injury

The 2024 Paris Olympics provided basketball fans with an unforgettable spectacle, as Team USA once again won gold with a lineup led by three legends: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. For these generational talents, it wasn&rsquo;t just about adding another accolade to their illustrious resumes&mdash;it was a statement about their enduring greatness. Despite being in the twilight of their careers, LeBron, Curry, and Durant have continued to defy Father Time, thriving in the NBA and earning All-Star starting nods this season.
LeBron James: The Timeless King
At 40 years old, LeBron James remains a marvel of athleticism and skill. His 2024 Olympic performance was a masterclass in leadership, combining his trademark versatility and basketball IQ to guide Team USA to victory. The image of LeBron hoisting the gold medal in Paris felt like a full-circle moment for a player who has carried the torch for basketball for two decades.
In the current NBA season, LeBron has shown no signs of slowing down. Averaging near triple-double numbers at 23.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.0 assists, he continues to be the centerpiece for the Los Angeles Lakers, orchestrating their offense while still delivering highlight-reel dunks that defy his age. His 22nd season has been a testament to his work ethic and adaptability, securing yet another All-Star starting spot&mdash;a record-breaking 20th appearance. For LeBron, the accolades are secondary to his mission of setting an example for the next generation of players.
Stephen Curry: The Sharpshooting Maestro
Stephen Curry&rsquo;s Olympic debut at age 36 was worth the wait. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry&rsquo;s presence in Paris added an extra layer of excitement to Team USA&rsquo;s run. His signature deep threes and gravity on the court opened up opportunities for his teammates, and his poise in clutch moments eventually won gold for the United States by beating Serbia and France &ndash; with Curry in the center of it all.
Back in the NBA, Curry has continued his reign as the league&rsquo;s premier sharpshooter. Still leading his Golden State Warriors in scoring, his ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities remains unparalleled. His consistency from beyond the arc and leadership have kept the Warriors competitive in a stacked Western Conference. This season, Curry&rsquo;s stellar play earned him another starting spot in the All-Star Game, solidifying his position as one of the most influential players in NBA history.
Kevin Durant: The Scoring Machine
Kevin Durant&rsquo;s return to the international stage was nothing short of dominant. The four-time scoring champion once again showcased his unique blend of size, skill, and efficiency, leaving defenders helpless as he scored from all three levels. Durant&rsquo;s composure and scoring prowess were instrumental in Team USA&rsquo;s gold medal run, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen.
Durant has carried that momentum into the NBA season, where he continues to excel as the Phoenix Suns&rsquo; cornerstone. Despite dealing with injuries in recent years, Durant has remained a consistent offensive force, averaging over 27 points per game while shooting at an elite clip. His selection as an All-Star starter this year is a reminder of his unwavering excellence and the respect he commands across the league.
&ndash; &ndash; &ndash;
As LeBron, Curry, and Durant near the final chapters of their careers, their impact on basketball is undeniable. LeBron has redefined what longevity looks like in professional sports, serving as a role model for athletes across the globe. Curry has revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting, inspiring a new generation of players to extend their range. Durant&rsquo;s scoring artistry has set a standard for versatility and efficiency that will be studied for years to come.
Together, they have combined for 10 NBA championships, 4 Olympic gold medals, and countless unforgettable moments. Their rivalry and camaraderie have shaped an era of basketball that will be remembered as one of the greatest in history.
The 2024 Paris Olympics and their All-Star selections this season serve as reminders that while their careers may be winding down, LeBron, Curry, and Durant are far from finished. Their ability to adapt, evolve, and lead at the highest level has kept them at the forefront of the basketball world. Fans and players alike should cherish every remaining moment these legends grace the court, as their influence will be felt long after they hang up their sneakers.
As the NBA All-Star Game approaches, the basketball community will once again have the chance to celebrate three of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. Their legacy is more than just statistics or accolades&mdash;it&rsquo;s the inspiration they provide and the standard of excellence they&rsquo;ve set. For LeBron, Curry, and Durant, the journey isn&rsquo;t just about what they&rsquo;ve accomplished; it&rsquo;s about the enduring mark they leave on the game they love.

For these generational talents, this was a statement about their enduring greatness.

From Olympics to NBA All-Star: The legacy of LeBron, Curry, and Durant continues

The Golden State Warriors have announced plans to retire Andre Iguodala's No. 9 jersey, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes. Honoring his significant contributions to the franchise's success, the ceremony is scheduled for February 23, 2025, during a home game against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center in San Francisco.&nbsp;
Iguodala, who retired in October 2023 after a distinguished 19-year NBA career, was instrumental in the Warriors' championship runs. He played a pivotal role in securing four NBA titles for the team (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022) and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2015.&nbsp;
Reflecting on his time with the Warriors, Iguodala emphasized the collective effort that led to their success, highlighting the contributions of teammates Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. He remarked, "Without Stephen Curry, nobody&rsquo;s jersey is going into the rafters."&nbsp;
Warriors co-executive chairman Joe Lacob praised Iguodala as one of the smartest and most successful players in the team's history. He stated, "Andre Iguodala was a huge part of four NBA championship teams with the Warriors and will forever be remembered for his many contributions to our franchise, both on and off the court."&nbsp;
Over his career, Iguodala also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat, earning an All-Star selection and two NBA All-Defensive team honors. His jersey retirement will mark the seventh in Warriors' history, placing him among the franchise's all-time greats.&nbsp;
This upcoming ceremony will not only celebrate Iguodala's individual achievements but also the era of Warriors basketball that he helped define.

The Golden State Warriors have announced they plan to retire Andre Iguodala's No. 9 jersey.

Golden State Warriors to Retire Andre Iguodala's No. 9 Jersey

The Sacramento Kings' recent decision to part ways with head coach Mike Brown has elicited strong reactions from several NBA coaches, who have openly criticized the franchise's handling of the situation.
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NBA coaches express disappointment with the Kings' front office following the sudden dismissal of head coach Mike Brown 🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/TccDAKjhcH">pic.twitter.com/TccDAKjhcH</a>
&mdash; BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketbllnews/status/1873175107201581486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, who previously coached the Kings before his own dismissal in 2014, did not mince words regarding Brown's firing. "I'm not surprised that Mike Brown got fired, because I got fired by the same person," Malone remarked, likely referencing Kings owner Vivek Ranadiv&eacute;. He further condemned the manner in which Brown was informed, stating, "No class, no balls. That's what I'll say about that."
Jordi Fern&aacute;ndez, head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and a former associate head coach under Brown in Sacramento, expressed deep sadness over the news. "To me, it's really sad news, and I don't like it," Fern&aacute;ndez commented. He credited Brown for much of his own career development, saying, "I would not be here without him." Despite acknowledging the business nature of the NBA, Fern&aacute;ndez found the decision personally difficult to accept.&nbsp;
Several other coaches, including Golden State&rsquo;s Steve Kerr, New York&rsquo;s Tom Thibodeau, Indiana&rsquo;s Rick Carlisle, and Orlando&rsquo;s Jamahl Mosley chimed in on the situation with each of their own thoughts.
&ldquo;It just seems so shocking when a guy&rsquo;s a unanimous coach of the year a year and a half ago and when you think about where that franchise was before [Mike] got there&hellip; really shocking,&rdquo; Kerr said. &ldquo;The firing of Mike Brown was just shocking to me,&rdquo; Carlisle added.
&ldquo;He compiled a record of 107-88 when he was there,&rdquo; Mosley added, while Thibodeau said, &ldquo;You hate to see it.&rdquo;
The Kings dismissed Brown following a 13-18 start to the season, which included a five-game losing streak. This move comes less than two years after Brown led the team to end a 16-year playoff drought and earned the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2023. The abruptness of his firing, especially considering his recent successes, has sparked controversy and debate within the NBA community.
As the Kings transition to interim head coach Doug Christie, the broader basketball community continues to grapple with the implications of Brown's dismissal and what it signifies about coaching tenures and organizational decision-making in the league.

The Sacramento Kings' recent decision to part ways with head coach Mike Brown has elicited strong reactions from several NBA coaches.

NBA coaches express dismay over Mike Brown’s dismissal by Kings

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

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

NBA Cup Quarterfinals Preview: Storylines to Watch in Each Matchup

Cam Thomas is one of the most explosive young scorers in the NBA today. The Brooklyn Nets guard has quickly established himself as a potent bucket-getter, averaging 24.7 points per game this season while shooting efficiently at 46% from the field. At just 23 years old, Thomas has impressed with his ability to create his own shot, exploit defenses with his mid-range game, and step up as a consistent offensive threat for the Nets. His rapid rise in the league is complemented by a deep understanding of basketball history and strategy, as evidenced by his insightful observations about two of the game's most transformative players of this generation: Stephen Curry and James Harden.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In a recent appearance on *The Draymond Green Show*, Thomas offered a thoughtful analysis of how Curry and Harden have uniquely revolutionized basketball. According to Thomas, Curry redefined how teams approach the game, particularly with his off-ball movement, long-range shooting, and emphasis on floor spacing. On the other hand, Harden transformed individual play by pioneering the step-back three, refining isolation basketball, and mastering the art of drawing fouls.
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"I think we really gravitated toward James"<a href="https://twitter.com/24_camthomas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@24_camthomas</a> tells <a href="https://twitter.com/Money23Green?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@money23green</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/BaronDavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@barondavis</a> he thinks his generation emulated James Harden more than Steph Curry <a href="https://t.co/wAILYRwHnd">pic.twitter.com/wAILYRwHnd</a>
&mdash; The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis (@DraymondShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraymondShow/status/1861885291298009210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a>
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Thomas highlighted Stephen Curry's unparalleled impact on the collective identity of basketball teams. Curry's ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting not only elevated the Golden State Warriors to dynastic success but also forced other teams to adapt to a new era of pace-and-space basketball. As Thomas noted, Curry's relentless off-ball movement and shooting range reshaped how offenses and defenses operate, compelling teams to prioritize shooting and spacing over traditional post-play.
This evolution can be seen across the league, as teams now emphasize finding players who can shoot from deep and defend multiple positions to keep up with the Warriors' blueprint. "Steph changed the way teams wanted to play," Thomas remarked, underscoring how Curry's influence extended beyond his individual skills to shape the team-oriented strategies now prevalent in the NBA.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Conversely, James Harden's influence lies in his mastery of individual offense. Thomas pointed to Harden's exceptional ability to manipulate defenses with his handles, step-backs, and foul-drawing techniques. Harden's one-on-one brilliance not only made him a perennial MVP candidate but also set a new standard for what guards could achieve in isolation. "James changed the individual skill of how players wanted to play," Thomas observed, acknowledging Harden's role in redefining the art of scoring in a half-court setting.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Harden&rsquo;s approach has inspired a generation of players to focus on creativity and efficiency in isolation, leveraging advanced footwork and ball-handling to generate scoring opportunities. His innovations have led to debates about their broader impact on the aesthetics of basketball, with some praising his ingenuity and others critiquing the reliance on drawing fouls.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Thomas' comparison of Curry and Harden illustrates the multifaceted evolution of basketball in the modern era. While Curry ushered in a revolution of team-centric three-point shooting and movement, Harden elevated individual creativity and scoring mastery to unprecedented levels. Together, they embody the dual pillars of contemporary basketball&mdash;team synergy and individual brilliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As Cam Thomas continues his ascent, his nuanced understanding of the game's history and its transformative figures hints at a player who not only studies greatness but also aspires to leave his own mark on the league.

Thomas offered a thoughtful analysis of how Curry and Harden have uniquely revolutionized the modern NBA and basketball.