Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton started in Thursday's 108-91 Game 6 win over the Oklahoma C...

Indiana Pacers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> started in Thursday's 108-91 Game 6 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder despite a calf injury.Haliburton tallied 14 points, five assists, and two steals in 23 minutes of action. He shot 3-of-7 from deep and led all players with a plus-25 rating.Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters pregame that Haliburton wouldn't be under a minutes limit, according to <a href="https://x.com/VinceGoodwill/status/1935831895226695806">Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Haliburton had been dealing with a lower right leg injury that worsened during Game 5. The two-time All-Star was limited to four points and held without a field goal in 34 minutes of action.Haliburton underwent an MRI on Tuesday, which confirmed a strained right calf.Haliburton is averaging 15 points, 7.2 assists, 6.2 boards, and 1.2 steals through the first five contests of the Finals. He's hit a series of clutch baskets during Indiana's playoff run, including a game-winning jumper with 0.3 seconds left in Game 1 versus the Thunder.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 19: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers smiles during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Haliburton plays through calf injury in Game 6, drops 3 treys

The WNBA upgraded the technical foul on Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey to a flagrant 2, the ...

The WNBA upgraded the technical foul on Connecticut Sun guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/48509" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/48509">Marina Mabrey</a> to a flagrant 2, the league told <a href="https://x.com/alexaphilippou/status/1935407331187028068">ESPN's Alexa Philippou</a>.Mabrey was originally assessed a technical for bowling over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> after the whistle midway through the third quarter of Tuesday's heated affair against the Indiana Fever.The sequence occurred shortly after Connecticut guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121636" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121636">Jacy Sheldon</a> committed a flagrant-1 foul for poking Clark in the eye.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clark and Sun veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/23103" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/23103">Tina Charles</a> were also given technical fouls following a lengthy review by the officials.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Caitlin Clark, Tina Charles and Marina Mabrey were all assessed technical fouls after this play. Jacy Sheldon was assessed a Flagrant 1. <a href="https://t.co/okfTpJjRS7">pic.twitter.com/okfTpJjRS7</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1935133863166046466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Mabrey is now subject to a standard fine that comes with a flagrant-2 foul, adds Philippou.Indiana reserve <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/47708" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/47708">Sophie Cunningham</a> received an additional fine for her involvement in a scuffle in the final minute of the contest, the WNBA confirmed to <a href="https://x.com/chloepeterson67/status/1935412438159212703">Chloe Peterson of IndyStar Sports</a>.The skirmish followed Cunningham's flagrant-2 foul on Sheldon.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sophie Cunningham grabs Jacy Sheldon. 😳🫢 <a href="https://t.co/smYpQrlfta">pic.twitter.com/smYpQrlfta</a>— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) <a href="https://twitter.com/trendyhoopstars/status/1935149017912197545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Fever head coach Stephanie White <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3301307" href="https://thescore.com/news/3301307">slammed</a> the referees postgame for allowing tempers to escalate.Neither White nor Connecticut head coach Rachid Meziane has been fined for criticizing the officiating, according to <a href="https://x.com/alexaphilippou/status/1935414573785370850">Philippou</a>.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 17: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever falls to the floor after being pushed by Marina Mabrey #3 of the Connecticut Sun during an altercation in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 17, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Mabrey's technical foul on Clark upgraded to flagrant 2

Welcome to our monthly look at the various individual awards in the WNBA and who merits a mention...

Welcome to our monthly look at the various individual awards in the WNBA and who merits a mention for their performances across the season.<h3>Rookie of the Year</h3>3. Sonia Citron (Mystics): Citron has been a reliable 3-and-D player, shooting 34.8% from deep and providing defensive versatility. The 6-foot-1 wing has produced near 50-40-90 shooting splits during her brief time as a pro. Citron and teammate Kiki Iraifen are the first rookies since A'ja Wilson to begin their careers with at least eight straight double-digit scoring games.2. Paige Bueckers (Wings): Bueckers has made an instant impact for the Wings on both ends of the floor. She's the first player in WNBA history to tally 60 points and 30 assists through their first five appearances. Bueckers has looked comfortable running Dallas' offense and has been lethal when pulling up in the mid-range. She's often one step ahead on defense, too, picking off entry feeds into the post and passes for backdoor cutters.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>1. Kiki Iriafen (Mystics): The USC product gets the early nod after winning the first Rookie of the Month award of the season. Iriafen is one of six players to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds through the first seven contests of their career. She's flashed a face-up game, and her relentless motor has led to many putback opportunities on the offensive glass.<h3>Defensive Player of the Year</h3>3. A'ja Wilson (Aces): You can't count Wilson out of the race, even with the Aces starting slowly. The three-time WNBA All-Defensive first-team selection is leading the league in blocks (2.6 per contest) for the fifth time in six years. She also ranks third with two steals per game, trailing only Bueckers and Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm. Additionally, opponents are shooting <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/players/opponent-shooting/?Season=2025&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=Above%20the%20Break%203%20FG%20PCT&amp;dir=-1&amp;PerMode=Totals&amp;DistanceRange=By%20Zone&amp;CF=PLAYER_NAME*E*wilson">only</a> 36.1% from the mid-range when defended by Wilson.2. Natasha Cloud (Liberty): A few players on the league's top-ranked defense have a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year, but Cloud may have the most compelling argument. With her switchability, tenacity, and high IQ, the veteran guard has wreaked havoc on the defensive end. Cloud is tied for seventh in the WNBA with a career-high 1.7 steals per contest. New York also <a target="_blank" href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661313/onoffcourt-summary/?sort=DIFF_DEF_RATING&amp;dir=-1">allows</a> 4.5 fewer points per 100 possessions when she's on the floor.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790725/cropped_GettyImages-2218518768.jpg?ts=1750097043" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790725/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218518768.jpg?ts=1750097043 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790725/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218518768.jpg?ts=1750097043 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790725/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218518768.jpg?ts=1750097043 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790725/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218518768.jpg?ts=1750097043 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790725/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218518768.jpg?ts=1750097043 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>1. Napheesa Collier (Lynx): Collier is looking to become the eighth player in league history to win back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards. The 6-foot-1 forward remains the heart of Minnesota's defense, placing in the WNBA's top six for both steals and blocks. Collier consistently stays vertical when defending at the rim and uses her length to contest shots. She's equally effective on the perimeter, using her quick hands to generate steals and moving laterally to cut off driving attempts.<h3>Most Improved Player</h3>3. Gabby Williams (Storm): Williams is thriving with increased offensive responsibility. The Storm forward is third on the squad in points per game (14.1) and second in assists (4.5) while leading the league in steals (2.7). Williams is also Seattle's second-best shooter from three (42.9%), making a team-best 2.0 attempts per contest.2. Brittney Sykes (Mystics): More known for her defense, Sykes is putting together her best offensive season. The Mystics guard is posting a career-high 20.5 points and 4.5 assists, along with 4.2 rebounds. Sykes' shooting numbers are the only thing holding her back, as she's making 37.9% of her field-goal attempts.1. Allisha Gray (Dream): Despite winning Rookie of the Year and earning back-to-back All-Star selections, Gray is taking her game to new heights this campaign. The Dream guard is averaging 20.4 points per outing, seventh league-wide. Gray is also recording career bests in assists (4.5), 3-point makes per game (2.5), and shooting percentage from deep (41.2%).<h3>Sixth Player of the Year</h3>3. Kennedy Burke (Liberty): Burke is New York's leading scorer from the bench at 8.5 points per game. The 28-year-old has nearly doubled her playing time, jumping from 12.1 minutes last season to 21.3 this year. Burke's best performances have come against the Chicago Sky, averaging 16.0 points in two outings.2. Lexi Held (Mercury): Held has stepped up in a massive way for the Mercury. The 25-year-old rookie guard ranks third on the team in points per game (9.1) and is second all reserves in total points off the bench with 108, according to <a href="https://www.statmuse.com/wnba/ask/wnba-leader-in-bench-points-this-season">Statmuse</a>. Held might be in play for this award and the All-Rookie team if she keeps this up.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790654/cropped_GettyImages-2219893703.jpg?ts=1750048843" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790654/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219893703.jpg?ts=1750048843 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790654/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219893703.jpg?ts=1750048843 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790654/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219893703.jpg?ts=1750048843 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790654/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219893703.jpg?ts=1750048843 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790654/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219893703.jpg?ts=1750048843 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>1. Natisha Hiedeman (Lynx): Hiedeman narrowly beats out teammate Jessica Shepard to be the Lynx's representative on this list. The 27-year-old is recording almost identical numbers to her best campaign in 2022, posting 9.3 points and 3.0 assists this season. Hiedeman has started the year on fire, shooting 52.5% from the field and 34.4% from three.<h3>Coach of the Year</h3>3. Nate Tibbetts (Mercury): The post-Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner era could've gone sideways fast. Kahleah Copper was injured before the season started, followed by Alyssa Thomas joining her on the sidelines after just five games. Tibbetts has successfully navigated those challenges, leaning on strong defensive play to compensate for a lack of firepower.2. Karl Smesko (Dream): Smesko was heralded as an offensive guru for his work over two-plus decades at Florida Gulf Coast. His 3-point-heavy approach has transformed the Dream into one of the WNBA's most potent offenses after finishing dead last in points scored in 2024. Gray has been one of the primary beneficiaries of Smesko's system, posting a career-high 20.4 points per contest.1. Sandy Brondello (Liberty): New York is showing no signs of a championship hangover. The Liberty are off to their best start in franchise history despite some early injuries to Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally. Brondello has done a great job integrating Cloud into the starting lineup and is continually getting the most from her reserve unit.<h3>Most Valuable Player</h3>3. Breanna Stewart (Liberty): Stewart is putting together another commendable season, averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks. While her scoring numbers are slightly below some of the league's top contenders, the 30-year-old could win her third MVP if those stats come up and New York continues to have one of the WNBA's best records.2. A'ja Wilson (Aces): Even after missing the last three games with a concussion and the Aces' overall disappointing 5-6 record, Wilson is still a force to be reckoned with. The reigning MVP has posted a robust 20.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game in eight contests. At some point, Wilson may become the only player ever to win four MVPs.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788468/cropped_GettyImages-2217573972.jpg?ts=1748835225" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788468/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217573972.jpg?ts=1748835225 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788468/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217573972.jpg?ts=1748835225 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788468/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217573972.jpg?ts=1748835225 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788468/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217573972.jpg?ts=1748835225 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788468/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217573972.jpg?ts=1748835225 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Noah Graham / National Basketball Association / Getty</figcaption></figure>1. Napheesa Collier (Lynx): After finishing runner-up to Wilson last season, Collier has a firm grasp on the award to start the campaign. The Lynx forward is leading the WNBA in points per game (24.4), sixth in rebounds (8.5), tied for fourth in steals (1.8), and sixth in blocks per game (1.5) while leading Minnesota to the league's best record. Not too shabby.

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WNBA Awards Watch: Collier gunning for MVP, DPOY 

The Indiana Pacers are trading the No. 23 overall pick in this year's draft and the rights to Moj...

The Indiana Pacers are trading the No. 23 overall pick in this year's draft and the rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Pelicans announced Tuesday.In return, the Pacers will receive their own 2026 first-rounder.Indiana dealt its 2026 first-round pick to the Toronto Raptors last season as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> trade. In February, Toronto moved the draft selection to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Pelicans also have the No. 7 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.The Los Angeles Lakers selected King with the 47th overall pick in 2023. The 6-foot-5 guard is playing for the Tauranga Whai in New Zealand's domestic basketball league. He played in 45 G League games between 2022-24 but has yet to appear in the NBA.Indiana now has its own first-rounder for the next seven years. The trade also clears out $3.2 million in salary for the 2025-26 campaign, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1935032366486982692">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.The Pacers are projected to be $20 million below the luxury tax, <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1935032921598935397">Marks</a> adds.The move allows Indiana to deal up to four first-round picks and three pick swaps in a potential trade, according to <a href="https://x.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1935032413924606132">Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor</a>.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 23: A detail of the New Orleans Pelicans logo on a uniform during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 23, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Pelicans acquire No. 23 overall pick from Pacers

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant doesn't have any desire to join the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN's...

Phoenix Suns star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> doesn't have any desire to join the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shams: "I'm told Kevin Durant has no desire to be in Minnesota with the Timberwolves" No KD-Ant duo anymore <a href="https://t.co/4SxnaO3LLc">pic.twitter.com/4SxnaO3LLc</a>— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) <a href="https://twitter.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/1934675996491567190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The T-Wolves were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3298926" href="https://thescore.com/news/3298926">reportedly</a> among five clubs who recently expressed interest in acquiring the 15-time All-Star.Minnesota apparently attempted to land Durant at the trade deadline last February. T-Wolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> called Durant his "favorite player of all time" in March and played alongside him on Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Durant <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3300269" href="https://thescore.com/news/3300269">reportedly</a> prefers to be dealt to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, or Miami Heat.However, the Suns are hoping Durant might come around to the idea of playing for the T-Wolves as none of his desired landing spots have made compelling offers, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6431028/2025/06/16/kevin-durant-trade-timberwolves-possibility-nba-rumors/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski</a>.Minnesota is reluctant to trade for Durant unless he's on board, Amick and Krawczynski add.The two-time Finals MVP has one season remaining on a four-year, $194.2-million contract. He's eligible to sign a two-year contract extension worth as much as $122 million as of July 6 with the club that trades for him.Durant averaged 26.6 points, six boards, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks across 62 appearances last season.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on March 02, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 116-98.

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Report: Durant has no desire to join T-Wolves

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams pointed to his team's self-inflicted miscues as a pi...

Oklahoma City Thunder forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> pointed to his team's self-inflicted miscues as a pivotal factor in Wednesday's 116-107 Game 3 defeat to the Indiana Pacers."We just had a lot of unforced errors," Williams told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45497049/thunder-point-unforced-errors-game-3-loss-pacers">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "They capitalized on them because they're a good team."Oklahoma City led the NBA during both the regular season and the playoffs in points off turnovers, but the Thunder got a taste of their own medicine in Game 3.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Indiana tallied 21 points off 17 turnovers, including back-to-back buckets to even up the contest at 95 with 8:33 remaining.The Pacers' defensive energy was evident throughout the fourth quarter. Reserve guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6158" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6158">T.J. McConnell</a> recorded two of his game-high five steals in the final frame.Indiana's full-court pressure prevented Oklahoma City from getting into any offensive flow during the fourth quarter, as they were limited to just 18 points. The Thunder trio of Williams, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102801" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> combined for only 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting."To win games of this magnitude, at this level, we have to be better," Holmgren said. "We need to close games, close quarters, close possessions. It doesn't just come down to the end of the game. We got to figure out how to put ourselves in a better position for the whole 48 minutes."Indiana can take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a Game 4 victory on Friday.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 11: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 11, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Jalen Williams: Pacers capitalized on our 'unforced errors'

The New York Knicks are increasing their focus on Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins after they were r...

The New York Knicks are increasing their focus on Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins after they were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299126" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299126">reportedly</a> denied permission to speak with five different employed head coaches, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6420801/2025/06/12/knicks-coach-search-permission-denials-tom-thibodeau-firing/">The Athletic's Sam Amick</a>.New York plans to finalize its shortlist of head coaching candidates in the coming days, adds Amick.Brown apparently left a very strong impression on the Knicks' brass when he interviewed for the position in 2020, Amick reports.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 55-year-old is coming off a respectable 107-88 tenure with the Sacramento Kings. He won his second Coach of the Year Award during his first campaign in Sacramento after guiding the franchise to its first playoff berth in 16 seasons.Brown previously spent six seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers over two stints and parts of two campaigns in charge of the Los Angeles Lakers. The 55-year-old has also been an assistant for Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr.Meanwhile, Jenkins was shockingly dismissed by the Memphis Grizzlies last March with just nine games left in the regular season.Jenkins posted a 250-214 record across six seasons, including three consecutive playoff appearances. The Grizzlies fell in six contests to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2022 NBA playoffs.Jenkins was on Mike Budenholzer's coaching staff for six campaigns before earning his first lead gig with Memphis in 2019.New York moved on from Tom Thibodeau last week after the 67-year-old led the club to its first East final in 25 years.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown reacts towards his bench during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 19, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Report: Knicks shift focus to Brown, Jenkins after rejections

Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes says Paige Bueckers is "good to go" for Wednesday's matchu...

Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes says <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/171763" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/171763">Paige Bueckers</a> is "good to go" for Wednesday's matchup against the Phoenix Mercury after missing the past four games due to concussion protocols and illness, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoeyMistretta_/status/1932497949302329697">ClutchPoints' Joey Mistretta</a>.Koclanes added that Bueckers won't be on a minutes restriction in her first appearance since May 29. The Wings went 0-4 with the rookie guard sidelined.The No. 1 overall pick in this year's WNBA draft was off to a solid start, averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 boards, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks through her first six appearances.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dallas has a plus-9.4 net rating with Bueckers on the floor.Meanwhile, the Wings ruled out backup guard Ty Harris for the remainder of the campaign.Harris also missed the last four games before undergoing season-ending knee surgery. She averaged 4.6 points and 2.6 assists in 16.4 minutes across five appearances.Harris is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

UNCASVILLE, CT - MAY 27: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings drives to the basket during the game against the Connecticut Sun on May 27, 2025 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Bueckers 'good to go' vs. Mercury after 4-game absence

Jay Wright has informed the New York Knicks that he's not interested in any coaching position wit...

Jay Wright has informed the New York Knicks that he's not interested in any coaching position with the club and plans to remain retired, the former Villanova head coach told <a href="https://x.com/SethDavisHoops/status/1931419665043218568">Seth Davis of Hoops HQ</a>.Wright discussed the Knicks' head coaching gig briefly with Leon Rose - the team's president of basketball operations - but was never offered the job or asked to interview for the position, <a href="https://x.com/SethDavisHoops/status/1931420148210225424">Davis</a> added.Wright shockingly retired in 2022 after guiding the Wildcats to a pair of national titles over 21 years at the helm. He also won eight Big East regular-season titles, five Big East Tournament crowns, and a pair of Naismith College Coach of the Year awards during his tenure.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wright's 520 victories are an all-time school record. He was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2021.Wright joined CBS Sports and TNT Sports as a college basketball analyst after he retired from coaching.New York is seeking a new head coach after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295336" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295336">firing</a> Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday. The club is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3296767" href="https://thescore.com/news/3296767">reportedly</a> expected to request an interview with Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.

VILLANOVA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Jalen Brunson and Jay Wright, former Head Coach of Villanova Mens Basketball talk to the media after his jersey retirement on February 8, 2023 at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

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Jay Wright not interested in Knicks' head coaching vacancy

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder became the latest comeback victims of the I...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> and the Oklahoma City Thunder became the latest comeback victims of the Indiana Pacers.Pacers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> drilled a mid-range pull-up jumper with 0.3 seconds left to give the visiting side a stunning 111-110 victory Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals."We had control of the game for the most part of it. Now, it is a 48-minute game, and (the Pacers) teach you that lesson more than anyone else in the league the hard way," Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1930836818494193772">ESPN</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Oklahoma City led by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter. The Thunder's top-ranked defense gave Indiana fits throughout the contest, tallying 14 steals and forcing 24 turnovers.However, the Pacers refused to go away as they've done all postseason. They outscored the home team 32-16 over the final 9:42, capped by yet another clutch basket from Haliburton.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TYRESE HALIBURTON GIVES THE PACERS THE LEAD! GET TO ABC NOW FOR THE FINISH! <a href="https://t.co/l4SPrNspGG">pic.twitter.com/l4SPrNspGG</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1930823840214487089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Haliburton now has five go-ahead or game-tying field goals in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter and overtime since the 1997 playoffs, <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1930827702962892965">trailing</a> only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> who has eight.It was also the Pacers' fifth 15-point comeback victory in this year's playoffs, which is the most by any team since 1998."We never think the game is over ever. That never creeps in," Haliburton said after Thursday's contest, according to <a href="https://x.com/MarcJSpears/status/1930838624657912220">Andscape's Marc J. Spears</a>.The Finals resume at 8 p.m. ET Sunday in Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JUNE 5: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 5, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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SGA: Pacers teach you it's a 48-minute game 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added another trophy to his cabinet Wednesday.  The Oklahoma City Thunder...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> added another trophy to his cabinet Wednesday.The Oklahoma City Thunder star won this year's Magic Johnson Trophy, given to the most valuable player of the Western Conference finals.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the Western Conference Finals MVP 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/pkcIHIjfg6">pic.twitter.com/pkcIHIjfg6</a>— NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1927925926106476552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Gilgeous-Alexander received all nine votes from the panel of media members.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The reigning NBA MVP averaged 30.5 points, 8.3 assists, 4.8 boards, and 1.8 steals through the first four games of the West finals. He had another big performance in Wednesday's series-clinching contest, tallying 34 points, eight assists, seven boards, and two steals in 34 minutes.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> were the previous winners of the Magic Johnson Trophy.Oklahoma City will play either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in its first Finals appearance since 2012."This is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do, and we know that," Gilgeous-Alexander told <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1927926413631373606">ESPN's Lisa Salters</a> during the trophy presentation.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 28: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with teammates after winning the Western Conference Finals MVP after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Gilgeous-Alexander wins West finals MVP

The Chicago Sky are retiring Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey, the team announced Wednesday.  The ce...

The Chicago Sky are retiring Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey, the team announced Wednesday.The ceremony will take place Aug. 25 when the Sky take on the Las Vegas Aces."Growing up in Naperville, playing on courts around here with my brothers, and watching Chicago teams like the Bulls who became synonymous with winning, I never imagined one day my jersey would hang in the rafters of my hometown team," Parker said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Coming home to Chicago and helping bring the city its first WNBA championship here - it was personal. I'm beyond grateful to the city, the fans, and everyone who's been part of my journey. Chicago raised me, and this will always be home."Parker signed with her hometown Sky in free agency after spending the first 13 seasons of her career with the Los Angeles Sparks. The two-time WNBA MVP was highly productive during her brief time in the Windy City, earning a pair of All-Star selections and an All-WNBA first-team nod.Parker averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 boards, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks over 55 appearances with Chicago. She played a key role during the franchise's maiden championship run in 2021."Candace Parker is a legend, future hall-of-famer, and synonymous with Illinois basketball," Sky CEO and president Adam Fox said. "We're thrilled she decided to come home to Chicago to help the Sky win a championship in 2021."Candace has left an indelible mark on women's basketball at every level and has inspired countless players and fans through her outstanding leadership and basketball talent on and off the court. We are honored to retire her jersey and celebrate her incredible legacy as a Chicago Sky player."

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 31: Candace Parker #3 of the Chicago Sky celebrates a basket against the Connecticut Sun during the second half in Game Two of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Wintrust Arena on August 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Sky retiring Candace Parker's jersey

St. John's star RJ Luis Jr. is "definitely remaining" in the NBA draft, his father told The Field...

St. John's star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103426" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103426">RJ Luis Jr.</a> is "definitely remaining" in the NBA draft, his father told <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1927836750451187931">The Field of 68's Jeff Goodman</a>.All players who previously declared for the draft had until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET to remove their names and maintain their college eligibility."There will be no change of heart," Luis' father told Goodman. "RJ's excited about the future. He's appreciative of St. John's, Coach Pitino, and the fans. He wants to leave college as Johnnie."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Luis had a breakout junior campaign as he led the Red Storm back to prominence. The 6-foot-7 guard averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 boards, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals across 35 appearances last season. He earned numerous accolades for his efforts, including consensus All-American second-team honors and Big East Player of the Year.However, Luis ended his college career on a sour note, scoring nine points on 3-of-17 shooting in St. John's season-ending loss to Arkansas in the Round of 32. Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino benched Luis for the final 4:56 in a two-point game.Luis <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3253151" href="https://thescore.com/news/3253151">declared</a> for the draft and entered the NCAA transfer portal a week after St. John's season ended, but maintained his college eligibility until Wednesday's decision to turn pro.North Carolina, Kansas, Ole Miss, Villanova, and Georgetown were among the schools that expressed interest in Luis, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45364506/former-st-john-star-rj-luis-jr-remain-nba-draft">ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeff Borzello</a>."We understand the situation, we were offered a lot of money to go back to college," Luis' father said. "But we have a plan and we're going to stick with the plan."

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 22: RJ Luis Jr. #12 of the St. John's Red Storm dribbles the ball in the first half of a college basketball game against the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden on January 22, 2025 in New York City. .

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St. John's star Luis staying in NBA draft

Kentucky leading scorer Otega Oweh is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and returning to Lexing...

Kentucky leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103080" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103080">Otega Oweh</a> is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and returning to Lexington for his senior year, the school announced Wednesday.All players who previously declared for the draft had until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET to remove their names and maintain their college eligibility."I got great feedback from NBA teams, but the consensus was to come back to school and have a great year," Oweh told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/45363927/otega-oweh-withdraws-nba-draft-return-kentucky">ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeff Borzello</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I want to try and up my stock even more, and put myself in a position to win a national championship with all the possible accolades that come with that."Oweh joined Kentucky last season after spending the previous two years with Oklahoma. The 6-foot-5 guard shined in his first season with the Wildcats, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 boards, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals across 36 appearances. His efforts earned him All-SEC second-team honors.Oweh's return is a huge boost for Mark Pope's squad as the program lost four of its five starters from last campaign.Pope had a busy offseason retooling his roster on the fly, landing Arizona State forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121786" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121786">Jayden Quaintance</a>, Pittsburgh guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110385" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110385">Jaland Lowe</a>, and Florida reserve <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103034" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103034">Denzel Aberdeen</a> in the transfer portal.Kentucky also added three four-star recruits, including McDonald's All-American center Malachi Moreno."We have the talent to be the No. 1 team in the country," Oweh said. "A lot of guys who are hungry to make that jump, and that intensity to go get national championship No. 9 for Kentucky. I'm excited to play with everyone. It will be a fun year."

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 23: Otega Oweh #00 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Fiserv Forum on March 23, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Kentucky star Oweh returning for senior year

The Indiana Pacers had nothing but praise for Pascal Siakam after the All-Star forward dropped a ...

The Indiana Pacers had nothing but praise for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> after the All-Star forward dropped a playoff career-high 39 points in Game 2 against the New York Knicks."That's why we brought him here," Pacers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> told reporters following their 114-109 win Friday, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45291394/pascal-siakam-drops-39-pacers-put-knicks-2-0-series-hole">ESPN's Jamal Collier</a>. "That's what he's here to do. He can get a bucket in so many different ways."We just kept feeding him, and I thought he did a great job of making big shot after big shot after big shot. Killing momentum. When you're in an environment like this, the crowd's getting into it, a lot of those shots can be backbreakers."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Indiana acquired Siakam from the Toronto Raptors in January 2024 as part of a three-team trade. The two-time All-NBA selection was a pivotal part of last season's Eastern Conference finals run and has continued to play a prominent role in the Pacers' return to the same stage.Siakam immediately responded from a modest performance in the series opener, scoring the Pacers' first 11 points in Game 2 en route to a 17-point first quarter.The former Most Improved Player made 7-of-9 contested field goals and 4-of-6 shots when guarded by ex-teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a>.Siakam has three 35-point games in the playoffs with Indiana, trailing only Reggie Miller and Paul George on the franchise's all-time list, according to ESPN research."He was the guy that got us going and got us through some difficult stretches," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. "It's hard to score that number of points in a game like this where you always have a physical matchup defensively and there's a guy crashing and flying at the basket. But he did a phenomenal job. It's a quiet 39 points. It really was."Indiana can take a commanding 3-0 series lead with a victory on its home court Sunday.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates during the game against the New York Knicks during Game 2 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Pacers praise Siakam for 39-point outburst vs. Knicks

The French Open is no longer a foregone conclusion.  Rafael Nadal's retirement opened things up o...

The French Open is no longer a foregone conclusion.Rafael Nadal's retirement opened things up on the men's side, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wta/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/wta/players/9550">Iga Swiatek</a> looks far from the player who earned the "Queen of Clay" nickname.Here are five storylines to watch when the action begins Sunday in Paris.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Sinner hasn't missed a beat</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786271/cropped_GettyImages-2215201284.jpg?ts=1747588930" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786271/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215201284.jpg?ts=1747588930 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786271/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215201284.jpg?ts=1747588930 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786271/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215201284.jpg?ts=1747588930 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786271/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215201284.jpg?ts=1747588930 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786271/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215201284.jpg?ts=1747588930 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</figcaption></figure>It hardly looks like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///atp/players/9576" href="https://thescore.com/atp/players/9576">Jannik Sinner</a> missed the last three months of action. The World No. 1 was sharp in his return from a doping ban this past week, dropping just one set before falling 7-6 (5), 6-1 to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///atp/players/9643" href="https://thescore.com/atp/players/9643">Carlos Alcaraz</a> in the Italian Open final. It was a tough way for Sinner to conclude his home tournament, but the three-time major winner can take solace in his overall body of work.Sinner secured a dominant 6-0, 6-1 quarterfinal victory over No. 6 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///atp/players/9373" href="https://thescore.com/atp/players/9373">Casper Ruud</a>, winning 55-of-76 points and breaking the clay-court specialist's serve six times. Ruud entered the matchup riding a nine-match winning streak that included his first Masters 1000 crown in Madrid. But it was Sinner who seemed more like the in-form player, using his trademark consistency and power from the baseline to wear down the Norwegian."It was like playing a wall that shoots hundred-mile-an-hour balls at you all the time," Ruud told reporters post-match.<h3>Alcaraz in top form</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786608/cropped_GettyImages-2216026074.jpg?ts=1747775956" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786608/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216026074.jpg?ts=1747775956 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786608/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216026074.jpg?ts=1747775956 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786608/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216026074.jpg?ts=1747775956 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786608/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216026074.jpg?ts=1747775956 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786608/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216026074.jpg?ts=1747775956 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mondadori Portfolio / Mondadori Portfolio / Getty</figcaption></figure>Alcaraz is flying high ahead of his first French Open title defense. No player on the ATP Tour had a better clay-court swing - the Spanish phenom won Masters 1000 tournaments in Monte-Carlo and Rome to go along with a finals appearance at the Barcelona Open. Alcaraz joins Nadal, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///atp/players/382" href="https://thescore.com/atp/players/382">Novak Djokovic</a>, Gustavo Kuerten, and Marcelo Rios as the only men to capture all three Masters 1000 clay-court events.Alcaraz's triumph over Sinner in Rome was his fourth straight victory in their rivalry, which includes a thrilling five-set comeback win in last year's French Open semifinal. Alcaraz also snapped Sinner's 26-match winning streak and ended the Italian's scorching stretch of 24 consecutive sets won against top-10 opponents.Alcaraz rose to the occasion in the biggest moments, saving a pair of break points to keep himself in the opening set and then firing back-to-back aces en route to taking the first-set tiebreaker. The World No. 2's shot selection was masterful too; he picked the right times to charge the net or mix in a drop shot. Alcaraz is difficult to defeat on clay when he can combine his shot variation with his superb court coverage.<h3>Trophyless Swiatek</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786251/cropped_GettyImages-2213790892.jpg?ts=1747580399" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786251/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213790892.jpg?ts=1747580399 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786251/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213790892.jpg?ts=1747580399 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786251/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213790892.jpg?ts=1747580399 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786251/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213790892.jpg?ts=1747580399 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786251/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213790892.jpg?ts=1747580399 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robert Prange / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Swiatek has been nearly unbeatable at Roland Garros, compiling a 35-2 career record and winning four of the last five tournaments. She's made the second week of the French Open in each of her six appearances. Swiatek's earliest exit came six years ago in the fourth round when she was making her main-draw debut. The Polish star's 81 wins on clay since 2021 are 19 clear of her closest competitor on the women's circuit. However, some serious questions surround her as she pursues her fourth straight title in Paris.Swiatek hasn't made a tournament final since winning last year's French Open. The 23-year-old's trophyless run dropped her to No. 5 in the WTA rankings and made her path to another title at Roland Garros a whole lot tougher. Swiatek could face <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wta/players/9666" href="https://thescore.com/wta/players/9666">Elena Rybakina</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wta/players/5614" href="https://thescore.com/wta/players/5614">Jelena Ostapenko</a> in the Round of 16. Both players have fared well against Swiatek, especially Ostapenko, who's a perfect 6-0 in their head-to-head matchup. The road to the championship match won't get any easier with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wta/players/9412" href="https://thescore.com/wta/players/9412">Jasmine Paolini</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wta/players/9379" href="https://thescore.com/wta/players/9379">Aryna Sabalenka</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wta/players/9564" href="https://thescore.com/wta/players/9564">Coco Gauff</a> potentially awaiting in succession. Paolini and Sabalenka each enjoyed strong clay-court campaigns and Gauff won her last three meetings against Swiatek, including a 6-1, 6-1 rout in Madrid just three weeks ago.Swiatek also split with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski last October after a successful three-year run. Her new partnership with Wim Fissette has yet to pay major dividends despite the latter's strong track record with multiple World No. 1s.<h3>Djokovic's decline?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786249/cropped_GettyImages-2211484914.jpg?ts=1747580190" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786249/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211484914.jpg?ts=1747580190 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786249/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211484914.jpg?ts=1747580190 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786249/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211484914.jpg?ts=1747580190 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786249/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211484914.jpg?ts=1747580190 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786249/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211484914.jpg?ts=1747580190 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>Is this the start of Djokovic's decline? The Serbian superstar failed to win a major last season, marking the first time in seven years that he didn't add a Grand Slam trophy to his cabinet. He's 14-7 in limited action this year, including a pair of three-match losing streaks. Djokovic was one-and-done at the marquee clay-court stops in Monte-Carlo and Madrid. He subsequently ended his coaching partnership with Andy Murray a few weeks after his defeat in the Spanish capital."We agreed that we should part ways as coach and player," Djokovic said at his press conference before the Geneva Open, per <a href="https://youtu.be/y7vMaRvPpig?si=v_622NBC473XoOco&amp;t=27">Sky Sports News</a>. "We felt like we couldn't get more out of that partnership on the court. ... We didn't reach what we both hoped that we can reach in a relationship in terms of results and that's all there is to it."Djokovic's current team features Serbian Billie Jean King Cup captain Dusan Vemic and former ATP player Boris Bosnjakovic. Both were in Djokovic's corner this week at the ATP 250 event in Geneva as the 24-time major champ accepted a main-draw wild card. It's not often that Djokovic competes in a tuneup event the week before a major, but he's evidently trying to create some momentum heading into Roland Garros.<h3>Don't sleep on Paolini</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786250/cropped_GettyImages-2215628115.jpg?ts=1747580298" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786250/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215628115.jpg?ts=1747580298 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786250/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215628115.jpg?ts=1747580298 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786250/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215628115.jpg?ts=1747580298 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786250/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215628115.jpg?ts=1747580298 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786250/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215628115.jpg?ts=1747580298 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Tullio Puglia / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Paolini continues to prove that her breakout 2024 campaign was no fluke. The 29-year-old cemented herself as one of the French Open favorites, needing just 89 minutes to dispatch Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in the Italian Open final. Paolini is the first Italian woman to win the nation's biggest tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985. It was also Paolini's second straight victory over Gauff in as many months.Paolini's had a strong buildup to the season's second major. She took home the Italian Open doubles title alongside countrywoman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wta/players/134" href="https://thescore.com/wta/players/134">Sara Errani</a> and reached the semifinals of April's Stuttgart Open, where she fell to Sabalenka.Paolini should have plenty of confidence heading into Paris, especially after last year's run to the final. Her elite movement is a huge asset on the clay surface, and she's got the ability to crank up the power on her groundstrokes when needed.

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The Denver Nuggets announced Thursday they're removing the interim tag from David Adelman and mak...

The Denver Nuggets announced Thursday they're removing the interim tag from David Adelman and making him their next head coach.Denver was impressed with Adelman's work during his brief time as the full-time coach and moved swiftly to make him the permanent successor for Michael Malone, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1925628122164068687">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The Nuggets shockingly parted ways with Malone just before the postseason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Adelman subsequently guided the team to a 3-0 mark in the regular season and was one victory away from helping the Nuggets reach their first Western Conference finals since capturing the NBA title in 2023."I knew that (Adelman) was more ready than people probably thought," Nuggets president Josh Kroenke said. "David went above and beyond where I thought that he would be."After Denver's season ended, Adelman received public support from multiple players, including three-time NBA MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> and starting forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a>.Adelman served as an assistant under Malone since 2017. The Oregon native also spent five years with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a player development coach and one campaign with the Orlando Magic on Frank Vogel's staff.Adelman's father, Rick, was an NBA head coach for parts of 23 seasons with five clubs.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 18:Head Coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Nuggets promote Adelman to head coach

New York Knicks wing Josh Hart says a lack of execution down the stretch allowed the Indiana Pace...

New York Knicks wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30695" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30695">Josh Hart</a> says a lack of execution down the stretch allowed the Indiana Pacers to stage an improbable Game 1 comeback."Defensively, we let off the gas. The intensity and physicality weren't there," Hart told reporters after the Knicks' 138-135 overtime defeat, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45264106/knicks-acknowledge-let-late-game-1-loss-pacers">ESPN's Chris Herring</a>. "Offensively, we were playing slower and more stagnant. It looked like we were playing not to lose."New York led Indiana by as many as 17 points, including a 14-point advantage with 2:51 to go and a nine-point edge with 58 seconds remaining in regulation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But a flurry of threes from Pacers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93847" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93847">Aaron Nesmith</a>, a late turnover from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a>, and a missed free throw from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a> paved the way for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>'s game-tying basket at the buzzer.The Knicks appeared to right the ship in overtime when they scored the first four points, yet they squandered another opportunity to close out the visiting side.Indiana now has three seven-point comeback wins in the final minute this postseason.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT 🔥 Down 17, 6:46 left in regulation. Down 14, 2:40 left in regulation. Down 9, 52 seconds left in regulation. 13 PTS in OT. Aaron Nesmith with 6 3PM &amp; Tyrese Haliburton with ANOTHER clutch shot 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/NBWNhphPMl">pic.twitter.com/NBWNhphPMl</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1925398661053522169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"There's a lot of things we did good, and we put ourselves in position to win," said Knicks big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a>. "We played 46 good minutes. Those two minutes (are) where we lost the game, and that's on all of us."The Knicks hope to avoid going down 0-2 when the Eastern Conference finals resume Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 21: Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 21, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Former Kansas star Jacque Vaughn is returning to his alma mater as an assistant on Bill Self's co...

Former Kansas star Jacque Vaughn is returning to his alma mater as an assistant on Bill Self's coaching staff, the Hall of Famer announced Wednesday.Vaughn had a decorated playing career with the Jayhawks, earning consensus All-American second-team honors twice and Big Eight Player of the Year in 1996. His No. 11 jersey was retired by the program in December 2002."We're very excited to welcome Jacque and (his wife) Laura into the fold," Self said in a statement. "I've known Jacque from a distance for several years now and have always admired how he has conducted himself professionally and how he has treated people.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I think he will be an excellent addition to our program while also serving as a great mentor, coach, and representative of Kansas basketball."Vaughn was most recently the Brooklyn Nets' head coach, guiding them to a 71-68 record over parts of three seasons and a pair of playoff appearances.The 50-year-old also had a three-year stint as the lead man for the Orlando Magic, posting a 58-158 mark.Vaughn was previously an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich from 2010-12."I'm truly honored and overwhelmed with excitement to return to my alma mater and join Coach Self's staff as an assistant coach," Vaughn said. "The game of basketball has provided me the incredible privilege to mentor, coach, and compete alongside some of the best in the game."I couldn't pass up the opportunity to bring those experiences back to the school that means so much to me. It's a blessing to once again be part of the Jayhawk tradition."

Boston, MA - February 14: Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn yells in the first half. The Nets lost to the Boston Celtics, 136-86.

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Former Kansas star Jacque Vaughn joining Self's staff

Anthony Edwards knows he has to be much better following the Minnesota Timberwolves' lopsided 114...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> knows he has to be much better following the Minnesota Timberwolves' lopsided 114-88 Game 1 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder."I definitely got to shoot more," Edwards told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45248300/optimistic-edwards-felt-great-wolves-game-1-loss">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "I only took 13 f-----g shots. ... Probably just get off the ball a little more, play without the ball. I think that will be the answer. Because playing on the ball, they're just going to double and sit in the gaps all day."So, got to go watch some film and pick it apart. We'll figure it out."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edwards managed just 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting to go along with four turnovers. It was the fewest field-goal attempts for the All-Star guard this postseason.Edwards' bread-and-butter all season was his ability to get into the teeth of the defense. The 23-year-old averaged 8.5 points on 13.2 drives per contest during the regular season. He had just one field-goal attempt in the paint against the Thunder in Game 1.Edwards credited Oklahoma City's defensive scheme for forcing him to become a passer.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31118" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31118">Julius Randle</a> was the only other T-Wolves player to register double digits in scoring, tallying a team-high 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting.The Thunder's top-ranked defense held Minnesota to 29.4% shooting from deep and 34.9% overall."I mean, they clogged the paint," Edwards said. "That's what they do. They don't got much size down there, so they bank on us not making shots, I guess. Because every time I go to the rim, it's like four people in the paint."The Timberwolves will try to avoid going down 0-2 when they square off with the Thunder again Thursday.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 20: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of the Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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