Nikola Jokic believes the Denver Nuggets' lack of bench options was a factor in their playoff pus...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> believes the Denver Nuggets' lack of bench options was a factor in their playoff push falling short."Yes, we definitely need (more depth)," the Nuggets star <a href="https://x.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/1924253352411406411">said</a> after Sunday's Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. "I think we've played so long in such a way it's hard for the guys to step up, especially in the playoffs, especially against two really good teams, the (Los Angeles) Clippers and OKC."We cannot ask somebody who didn't play maybe 20, 30 games to jump in and expect them to be good. ... But it definitely seems like the teams that have longer rotations, a longer bench, are the ones who are winning: Indiana, OKC, Minnesota."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Denver had one of the most seldom used reserve units in the postseason, with the bench averaging just 11 minutes per game through two rounds. The New York Knicks (10.1 minutes) are the only playoff team to deploy their reserves less frequently. The Thunder, meanwhile, rank third in the postseason with 17.6 bench minutes per game and the Pacers are sixth at 16.6.Oklahoma City also boasts the postseason's most impactful bench with a 13.5 net rating. The Nuggets bench's minus-5.5 net rating ranks 11th of the 16 teams that made the playoffs this season. None of the four conference finalists' benches have a negative net rating.Denver's thinner depth was also evident throughout the regular season. For a second consecutive year, the Nuggets ranked 22nd in the league in bench net rating, but their minus-2.2 mark was a drop from the minus-1.5 posted in 2023-24.The coming offseason could provide the Nuggets with an opportunity to overhaul their secondary unit. Both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37598" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37598">Dario Saric</a> will have to decide on relatively inexpensive player options for 2025-26. Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/200">DeAndre Jordan</a> and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60052" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60052">Vlatko Cancar</a>, the team's least used players in the postseason, will be unrestricted free agents.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Nikola Jokic #15 and the Denver Nuggets starters look on from the bench during the fourth quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Jokic: Nuggets 'definitely need' deeper bench 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points while Jalen Williams added 24 points, seven assists, and...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> scored 35 points while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> added 24 points, seven assists, and five rebounds to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 125-93 win over the Denver Nuggets in Sunday's Game 7.The Thunder will square off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first Western Conference finals since 2016, with Game 1 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3286099" href="https://thescore.com/news/3286099">tipping off</a> Tuesday in Oklahoma City.Mark Daigneault's team entered the fourth quarter Sunday with a 25-point lead and only increased it in the final frame, pushing the advantage to 43 points over the 2023 champions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Oklahoma City fueled its second-half surge with a 16-3 run in the final three minutes of the second quarter. The Thunder scored nine unanswered points after the restart, fueled partly by a flagrant-1 foul assessed to Nuggets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a>, who was noticeably limited Sunday while reportedly playing with a partially torn hamstring.Reigning MVP and 2025 finalist <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> led Denver with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists but posted a minus-23 in the loss. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102793" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102793">Christian Braun</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> scored 19 and 13 points, respectively, though no other Nuggets player reached double digits. Gordon, who played 25 minutes despite his injury, finished with eight points and 11 rebounds."Off the top, I want to acknowledge Denver, they displayed the mettle of a champion," Daigneault <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1924234549749260321">said</a> to begin his postgame press conference. "Obviously, they've won championships, the core guys, and they displayed that this series. The run to this point and the run they gave us was impressive. They're a bunch of zombies."We have the ultimate respect for their team, and we're better now than we were at the beginning of the series, and it's because of them. They pushed us to the limit. We just have such respect for all the guys in that locker room and their staff and their organization, and I just wanted to hit that off the top."The Thunder's win guarantees the NBA will crown a seventh different champion in as many seasons. It also ensures one of the four remaining teams will snap a significant championship drought.The Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers are still searching for their first NBA title, while the two-time champion New York Knicks last won in 1973. The Thunder technically have the most recent title of the four, though the franchise's only championship was captured in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after slam dunking during the second quarter in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Thunder blow out Nuggets in Game 7, set up West finals vs. Wolves

New York is partying like it's 2000 again.  Karl-Anthony Towns posted 21 points and 12 rebounds, ...

New York is partying like it's 2000 again.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> posted 21 points and 12 rebounds, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30695" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30695">Josh Hart</a> notched a triple-double, and the New York Knicks eviscerated the Boston Celtics, 119-81, in Game 6 on Friday at Madison Square Garden to win their second-round series.New York will next compete against the Indiana Pacers for a spot in the NBA Finals. It's the Knicks' first trip to the Eastern Conference finals since 2000 when they were thwarted by Reggie Miller and the Pacers in six games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The goal is always to win a championship," Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/IanBegley/status/1923572251225436412">Ian Begley of SNY</a>, after dispatching their Atlantic Division rivals. "We have eight wins, we need 16."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> led the Celtics with 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists but fouled out with 2:50 remaining in the third. Joe Mazzulla's squad, playing without the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> for a second straight game, mustered little other offense, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93845">Payton Pritchard</a> (11) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12">Al Horford</a> (10) the only other Celtics to score in double digits.The Knicks took a 27-point lead into the break after more than doubling up Boston 38-17 in the second quarter. It tied the franchise record for the largest halftime advantage in the playoffs, equaling a 69-42 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals.Hart's triple-double is the first in the postseason by a Knicks player since Walt Frazier in 1972. Hart is also just the third player to register one in franchise history, joining Frazier (four times), and Dick McGuire."Josh, what he is is a basketball player," Thibodeau <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1923580292381519935">said</a> of Hart. "It's transition, it's the pace, it's playing out of the pocket, it's making corner threes, it's doing all those dribble-handoff hustle plays, offensive rebounds. And then, defensively, just being everywhere and coming up with big rebounds. I think when you play with that kind of effort, it's inspiring to the team."Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals tips off Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 16: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 2 Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Knicks bounce Celtics in 6 games, return to East finals after 25 years

Don't expect a draft-night surprise from the Dallas Mavericks.  The Mavs will not trade the No. 1...

Don't expect a draft-night surprise from the Dallas Mavericks.The Mavs will not trade the No. 1 pick and are instead set on selecting former Duke star Cooper Flagg, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45130020/sources-mavericks-plan-draft-cooper-flagg-trade-no-1-pick">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.Dallas won the right to draft first overall this year despite entering Monday's lottery with a 1.8% chance at the top selection - the fourth-worst odds of all 14 teams involved. It was the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3256726" href="https://thescore.com/news/3256726">biggest jump</a> of any team in the history of the NBA draft lottery.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Flagg is thrilled by the idea of joining the Mavs, as they have a veteran, playoff-level roster that has a void at small forward, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45104149/2025-nba-draft-combine-chicago-prospects-workout-highlights-measurements-stats-cooper-flagg-dallas-mavericks">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.The Mavericks would have been ineligible for the lottery had they beaten the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game of the Western Conference play-in tournament to make the playoffs.The 6-foot-9 Flagg, long-presumed the No. 1 pick in this year's pool, offers Dallas a lifeline after a contentious second half of the regular season.General manager Nico Harrison drew the ire of the fan base in February when he sent 25-year-old franchise superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package centered around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>. Davis then aggravated a lower body injury in his Mavericks debut, which sidelined the 10-time All-Star for six weeks. During his absence, the Mavericks also lost nine-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> to a torn ACL, which will likely keep the 33-year-old out for a significant portion of 2025-26.It will be just the second time in franchise history that the Mavericks make the first choice in the draft. The team selected forward Mark Aguirre out of DePaul with the top pick in 1981.

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The Portland Trail Blazers are officially on the market.  The team announced Tuesday that a forma...

The Portland Trail Blazers are officially on the market.The team <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/1922336398276759574">announced</a> Tuesday that a formal process to sell the franchise is now underway. The move is in accordance with the wishes of late owner Paul Allen, whose estate is overseeing the proceedings.The process is expected to continue into the 2025-26 season, the team said, with the eventual proceeds going towards philanthropic causes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft, paid $70 million to purchase the Trail Blazers in 1988 at the age of 35, becoming the youngest owner of any professional North American sports franchise at the time. He owned the team until his death in October 2018, after which his estate, helmed by his sister Jody Allen, took over.Portland is estimated to be worth $3.6 billion, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/novy_williams/status/1922339134418440286">Sportico</a>. The most recently sold NBA franchise was the Boston Celtics, who were purchased by an investor group led by billionaire William Chisholm in March for a minimum of $6.1 billion - the record for any team in North American sports.Allen's estate also maintained his ownership of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and his 25% stake in the MLS' Seattle Sounders. Those teams will be unaffected by the sale of the Blazers.

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 16: A general view of the Portland Trail Blazers logo at Moda Center on January 16, 2021 in Portland, Oregon.

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Draymond Green tipped his cap to Anthony Edwards after his third-quarter flurry helped the Minnes...

Draymond Green tipped his cap to Anthony Edwards after his third-quarter flurry helped the Minnesota Timberwolves take a 3-1 series lead and push the Golden State Warriors to the brink of elimination."There is no one. He is one of one," Green said after the Warriors' 117-110 Game 4 loss Monday. "With the increased volume ability that he's worked his tail off for, to be able to shoot the ball like that makes him a tough cover, for sure."But I think we also got to do a better job - his first ones can't be off an offensive rebound, kick-out threes. I think he's using some of them to get going the last couple games, so we got to do a better job there at taking those away. And if we don't get the rebound, you got to go into a scramble and not give up them open threes."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edwards scored 16 of his 30 points in the third quarter. As Green referenced, the guard's first field goal of the second half was made possible by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a> collecting an offensive board. Gobert tipped <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/227" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/227">Mike Conley</a>'s missed floater back to him, then Conley dished it to an open Edwards at the 3-point line.Edwards made 6-of-8 shots in the frame, including 3-of-5 from distance, giving Minnesota a 20-point lead entering the fourth after it trailed 60-58 at half.The 23-year-old looked to lead by example after calling out his team's effort at halftime. The Timberwolves shot well in the first half but conceded 25 rebounds to Golden State while grabbing just 15 themselves."I told them, 'We only got two wins,'" Edwards said of his message, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45122908/timberwolves-anthony-edwards-delivers-half-words-game-4-win-vs-warriors-3-1-lead">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "I've never seen a series end 2-1."I told them we have to get two more wins and right now we're playing like we already got four wins. ... We had to figure it out because if we would have kept playing like that, we would have lost tonight."Edwards is averaging 27.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the series on 46.4/41.2/70.8 shooting splits. He put up similar numbers against the Los Angeles Lakers in Round 1 - 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals - but shot just 42% from the floor and 33% from deep.With Game 5 in Minnesota on Wednesday, the three-time All-Star has the chance to lead the Timberwolves to back-to-back conference finals for the first time in franchise history. Prior to last season's five-game series loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the only other time the Timberwolves competed for a spot in the Finals was 2004, when they fell to the Lakers in six games.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 12: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors speaks with Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round Two, Game Four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Draymond salutes 'one of one' Edwards for sparking Wolves' rally

Giannis Antetokounmpo might have played his final game with the Milwaukee Bucks.  The two-time MV...

Giannis Antetokounmpo might have played his final game with the Milwaukee Bucks.The two-time MVP has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284641" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284641">reportedly</a> become receptive to the possibility that his ideal long-term fit may no longer be in Milwaukee. If Antetokounmpo determines the best opportunities for the remainder of his career lay elsewhere, here are five franchises that could swing deals to bring the Greek Freak aboard.<h3>Oklahoma City Thunder</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785224/cropped_GettyImages-2191006683.jpg?ts=1747055497" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785224/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191006683.jpg?ts=1747055497 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785224/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191006683.jpg?ts=1747055497 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785224/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191006683.jpg?ts=1747055497 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785224/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191006683.jpg?ts=1747055497 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785224/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191006683.jpg?ts=1747055497 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jim Poorten / National Basketball Association / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Giannis to OKC" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-soumj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/soumj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="204" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>Arguably, no team is better equipped at this moment to trade for Antetokounmpo than the Thunder. General manager Sam Presti has built a Western Conference juggernaut and simultaneously accrued a trove of first-round picks over the next several years. While the draft compensation would tantalize the Bucks, who don't control their own selection until 2031, the Thunder's unique assembly of rising stars and up-and-coming role players could convince Milwaukee to remain competitive while getting much younger.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The headline piece going the Bucks' way is 2025 All-Star wing Jalen Williams, a proven ball-handler and facilitator who can help mitigate the expected long-term absence of Damian Lillard next season. Isaiah Hartenstein works out as a serendipitous successor to 36-year-old Brook Lopez, who will be a free agent this summer. But for the Thunder, the hefty package is a small price to pay; by pairing Antetokounmpo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City could create one of the most unstoppable squads on both sides of the ball for years to come.<h3>Cleveland Cavaliers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785281/cropped_GettyImages-2182570763.jpg?ts=1747073015" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785281/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182570763.jpg?ts=1747073015 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785281/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182570763.jpg?ts=1747073015 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785281/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182570763.jpg?ts=1747073015 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785281/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182570763.jpg?ts=1747073015 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785281/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182570763.jpg?ts=1747073015 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="GIANNIS TO CAVS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Xk4hF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Xk4hF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="204" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>Cleveland should only break up its dominant two-big pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen for very special cases - and Antetokounmpo is one of them. The Bucks forward is one of very few stars around the league who could replace Allen in the Cavaliers' starting lineup and not only maintain their interior defense as one of the NBA's best, but simultaneously improve an offense that was already ranked No. 1 in the regular season.Without control of its first-rounders for the next half-decade, an outright tank is futile for Milwaukee. Garland, whose contract is secured through 2027-28, gives them a young and more-than-capable long-term successor to 35-year-old Lillard, who could miss all of 2025-26 with a torn Achilles. Kyle Kuzma and Andre Jackson Jr. are the only other members of Milwaukee's rotation under contract beyond next season, after which the Bucks can reassess their outlook with Garland and Allen and get a clearer picture of how valuable those incoming picks might be.<h3>San Antonio Spurs</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785282/cropped_GettyImages-2201562228.jpg?ts=1747073095" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785282/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201562228.jpg?ts=1747073095 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785282/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201562228.jpg?ts=1747073095 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785282/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201562228.jpg?ts=1747073095 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785282/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201562228.jpg?ts=1747073095 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785282/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201562228.jpg?ts=1747073095 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Gonzales / National Basketball Association / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="GIANNIS TO SPURS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-k7RmL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/k7RmL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="204" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>With Victor Wembanyama fully acclimated after two seasons and De'Aaron Fox now in the fold, the Spurs might not get a better opportunity to take that massive next step than to acquire Antetokounmpo. As longtime members of the Spurs' pre-Wembanyama core, trading Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan is a tough pill to swallow, but they're also far from untouchable in offers for a two-time MVP.For the Bucks, not only do they secure four talents no older than 25, the draft compensation haul that includes the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft provides a golden opportunity to replenish their stock of first-rounders, which they depleted in trades for Jrue Holiday and Lillard.<h3>Houston Rockets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785221/cropped_GettyImages-2185150748.jpg?ts=1747083669" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785221/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185150748.jpg?ts=1747083669 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785221/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185150748.jpg?ts=1747083669 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785221/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185150748.jpg?ts=1747083669 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785221/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185150748.jpg?ts=1747083669 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785221/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185150748.jpg?ts=1747083669 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gary Dineen / National Basketball Association / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="GIANNIS TO ROCKETS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-PCFtV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/PCFtV/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="204" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>The Rockets were reportedly sniffing around when it looked like the Phoenix Suns might offload Kevin Durant, but cashing in their treasure chest of assets for the younger Antetokounmpo may be a better option. Houston has the ascendant personnel to interest Milwaukee but will likely need a third team to make the money work in accordance with the new CBA. Enter the Pistons, who swap Isaiah Stewart for veteran Dillon Brooks, receiving a lottery-protected first-rounder for their trouble and providing Milwaukee a contracted center next season.Parting with the 22-year-old Green and 21-year-old Smith is a risky move, though it increases Houston's chances of contention within the next few seasons. Following a breakout campaign from the presumably untouchable Amen Thompson, adding Antetokounmpo would give the Rockets two of the league's toughest defenders at their position. However, spacing concerns would likely need to be addressed in the longer term, especially with starting center Alperen Sengun signed through 2028-29.<h3>Toronto Raptors</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785228/cropped_GettyImages-1456622045.jpg?ts=1747055801" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785228/w220xh124_GettyImages-1456622045.jpg?ts=1747055801 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785228/w320xh180_GettyImages-1456622045.jpg?ts=1747055801 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785228/w640xh360_GettyImages-1456622045.jpg?ts=1747055801 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785228/w768xh432_GettyImages-1456622045.jpg?ts=1747055801 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785228/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1456622045.jpg?ts=1747055801 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Cole Burston / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="GIANNIS TO RAPTORS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-yyxTW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yyxTW/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="204" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure>Raptors president Masai Ujiri has long been linked with Antetokounmpo, but the forward's extensions in Milwaukee put to bed any chance of him heading north. If Ujiri remains interested, the Raptors might have no better opportunity to bring the Greek star to Toronto.RJ Barrett, who's improved as a creator since joining the Raptors midway through 2023-24, is still only 24 but, with Jakob Poeltl, gives the Bucks experienced plug-and-play pieces who can keep them competitive. Sharpshooter Gradey Dick looked much more comfortable in Year 2 after a lukewarm debut season. Ja'Kobe Walter, 20, showed promise as a rookie and gives the Bucks a young guard to develop after making just two first-round picks over their past four drafts (AJ Johnson and MarJon Beauchamp) - neither of which are still with the club.Toronto, meanwhile, moves forward with a compelling core of Immanuel Quickley, former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, the yet-to-debut Brandon Ingram, and Antetokounmpo, giving head coach Darko Rajakovic significant positional flexibility among his starters. It also cements Jamal Shead as the de facto play-caller on a second unit likely to feature Ochai Agbaji, A.J. Lawson, and Shead's fellow second-year teammates Jamison Battle and Jonathan Mogbo.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo has grown open to the possibility that his best long-term fit may not be wi...

Giannis Antetokounmpo has grown open to the possibility that his best long-term fit may not be with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45109801/sources-giannis-antetokounmpo-explore-best-fits-milwaukee">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Antetokounmpo hasn't made any final decisions, but his agents are expected to discuss the 30-year-old's future with Milwaukee's leadership this offseason, Charania adds.The Bucks, who don't control their own first-round pick until 2031, are reportedly likely to draw increased interest in Antetokounmpo this week as executives gather in Chicago for the draft combine.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Questions about the franchise's direction will also revolve around the status of All-Star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a>, who tore his left Achilles tendon in Game 4 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. He's expected to miss a significant portion - if not all - of the 2025-26 campaign. Lillard will be 36 heading into the 2026-27 season, while Antetokounmpo turns 32 in December of that campaign.A two-time MVP, nine-time All-Star, and eight-time All-NBA selection, Antetokounmpo is under contract through at least the next two seasons. He's slated to earn approximately $54.1 million next campaign and $58.5 million in 2026-27 before deciding on a $62.8-million player option for 2027-28, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/13328/giannis-antetokounmpo">Spotrac</a>.Antetokounmpo eclipsed 30.4 points per game for a third straight season in 2024-25, his 12th campaign since being drafted 15th overall in 2013. He also averaged 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and led the league with 11.8 made field goals per contest.However, the Bucks placed fifth in the Eastern Conference - their worst regular-season finish since 2017-18 - before the Pacers eliminated them in the first round for the second straight year. Antetokounmpo registered 33 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game in the series, though <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60234" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60234">Gary Trent Jr</a>. was the only other Buck to average 15 points or more.Milwaukee has reached the second round just once in four playoff trips since its 2021 championship, losing to the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series in 2022.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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2025 NBA Draft Lottery When: Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. ET How to watch: ESPN (U.S.), TSN (Canada)  I...

2025 NBA Draft Lottery When: Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. ET How to watch: ESPN (U.S.), TSN (Canada)It's every bad team's favorite time of the year: the NBA draft lottery.While the best of the best slug it out in the playoffs, the 14 franchises that didn't crack the first round, plus a couple hoping to elude traded pick protections, will be sweet-talking the basketball gods Monday in Chicago. A representative from each team will attend the event, during which the NBA draws randomized pingpong balls to determine which franchises will make the top four selections June 25.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Once those are settled, the 10 remaining teams will be arranged in reverse order of their 2024-25 regular-season records.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NBA Draft Lottery odds" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-W0yoU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/W0yoU/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="719" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>Top prospects</h3>Expect Duke phenom Cooper Flagg to feature prominently at the top of everybody's draft boards. The 18-year-old lived up to his high school hype as a college freshman, leading the Blue Devils in nearly every stat and winning both Rookie and Player of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference.However, Flagg isn't the only prospect capable of transforming a franchise's entire long-term outlook. Here's a look at Flagg and a handful of other talents that likely won't last long on the board (For more rundowns, click <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221439" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221439">here</a> for our latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft).<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772216/cropped_Updated_NBA_mock_draft.jpg?ts=1740493696" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772216/w220xh124_Updated_NBA_mock_draft.jpg?ts=1740493696 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772216/w320xh180_Updated_NBA_mock_draft.jpg?ts=1740493696 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772216/w640xh360_Updated_NBA_mock_draft.jpg?ts=1740493696 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772216/w768xh432_Updated_NBA_mock_draft.jpg?ts=1740493696 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772216/w1080xh607_Updated_NBA_mock_draft.jpg?ts=1740493696 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Julian Catalfo / theScore</figcaption></figure>Cooper Flagg, F (Duke)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778874/cropped_GettyImages-2207771143.jpg?ts=1743786869" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778874/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207771143.jpg?ts=1743786869 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778874/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207771143.jpg?ts=1743786869 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778874/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207771143.jpg?ts=1743786869 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778874/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207771143.jpg?ts=1743786869 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778874/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207771143.jpg?ts=1743786869 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Capturing Flagg means getting first dibs on a 6-foot-9 standout who can do it all. Despite a 205-pound frame, his control off the dribble allows him to not only flaunt his athleticism at the rim but also create enough separation for a shot on the perimeter, or attract a second defender to set up an open teammate. Defensively, he can match up against all five positions, but he's arguably at his best as a help defender in the paint.Dylan Harper, PG (Rutgers)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757743/cropped_GettyImages-2186518524.jpg?ts=1746910105" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757743/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186518524.jpg?ts=1746910105 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757743/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186518524.jpg?ts=1746910105 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757743/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186518524.jpg?ts=1746910105 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757743/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186518524.jpg?ts=1746910105 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757743/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186518524.jpg?ts=1746910105 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Harper is the youngest of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper's two sons but is a virtual lock to top his dad's eighth overall selection in 1986. The 6-foot-6 Rutgers product is already a nightmare for opposing point guards, but he complements his physical gifts with a combination of poise and craftiness, especially with his changes in direction when he gets downhill.Ace Bailey, SF (Rutgers)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755599/cropped_GettyImages-2179238131.jpg?ts=1731724312" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755599/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179238131.jpg?ts=1731724312 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755599/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179238131.jpg?ts=1731724312 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755599/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179238131.jpg?ts=1731724312 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755599/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179238131.jpg?ts=1731724312 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755599/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179238131.jpg?ts=1731724312 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ed Mulholland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Joining Harper in Rutgers' best-ever recruitment class in 2024 was Airious "Ace" Bailey, a slender 6-foot-10 wing who shows remarkable upside on both sides of the ball. He loves to use his height advantage to rise overtop defenders on difficult pull-up jumpers, including beyond the 3-point line. Equipped with a 7-foot wingspan and incredible mobility for his size, Bailey has the physical foundation to become a multi-positional lockdown defender but had occasional off-ball slip-ups with the Scarlet Knights.VJ Edgecombe, SG (Baylor)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785020/cropped_GettyImages-2194435475.jpg?ts=1746910550" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785020/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194435475.jpg?ts=1746910550 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785020/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194435475.jpg?ts=1746910550 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785020/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194435475.jpg?ts=1746910550 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785020/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194435475.jpg?ts=1746910550 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785020/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194435475.jpg?ts=1746910550 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Coduto / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Edgecombe's offensive numbers as a freshman may not jump off the page, but he may just jump over a defender to put the ball in the basket. The 6-foot-5 Bahamian is one of the most explosive scoring guards in the draft, with plenty of highlights showcasing his ridiculous bounce. He combines that athleticism with innate timing, instincts, and a relentless motor, which also makes him one of the best defensive guards in the draft and a tantalizing two-way prospect overall.

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Boston Celtics center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> continues to battle side effects of the viral illness that first afflicted him in March, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1921287730299822447">Shams Charania of ESPN</a>.He suffered an energy crash just before Game 1 of his team's series against the New York Knicks on Monday, limiting him to 13 minutes of action. The sudden loss of energy is reportedly one of multiple side effects stemming from the ailment, which caused the Latvian to miss eight consecutive regular-season contests from late February to mid-March.The 7-footer suited up for Game 2, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12">Al Horford</a> replaced him in the Celtics' starting lineup. Porzingis played a team-low 14 minutes off the bench, finishing with eight points and four rebounds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He didn't start Saturday's Game 3 either, but made his first appearance midway through the first quarter.Porzingis has reportedly tried to alleviate the side effects by taking IV fluids and immune boosters, as well as altering his sleep patterns. The 29-year-old said in March that doctors couldn't identify the specific illness.The Latvian felt he had turned a corner before the start of the playoffs, according to Charania. Porzingis played all five games of Boston's first-round series win over the Orlando Magic, averaging 27.4 minutes with 12 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest. However, he struggled with his shot in the series, shooting just 35.2% from the floor, including 2-of-17 (11.8%) from deep.

BOSTON, MA - MAY 5: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2025 NBAE

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Miami Heat president Pat Riley admitted Friday that the roster will likely undergo significant al...

Miami Heat president Pat Riley admitted Friday that the roster will likely undergo significant alterations this summer following a disappointing end to the season."I think we do have to make changes," Riley told reporters, including <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/05/09/pat-riley-wont-apologize-for-butler-approach-says-of-heat-there-has-to-be-some-change/">Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel</a>. "There's no doubt. There has to be some change."Miami's campaign crashed to a halt with a 55-point home loss on April 28, capping a first-round sweep against the Cleveland Cavaliers and one of the most lopsided series in NBA playoff history.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Riley acknowledged it'll fall on him and the front office to find avenues to improve the Heat this summer."We probably won't run it back," he said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Anthony_Chiang/status/1920890432587706654">Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald</a>. "But players aren't just going to show up. You have to make deals."Miami has 12 players on guaranteed or partially guaranteed deals through 2025-26, including its leading duo of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a>.Thanks to an extension signed in July 2024, Adebayo is secured through 2027-28 and holds a player option for the following year. Herro, under contract through 2026-27, won't require action this summer but will have a three-week window from Oct. 1-20 to sign an extension worth up to $150 million over three years.Riley revealed Friday that he and Herro have spoken about the looming extension window but didn't divulge details of the discussion. However, he said he hopes the 25-year-old stays in Miami long term and suggested adding pieces to complement the guard's playing style."He's pivotal for us as an offensive player," Riley said. "We need more around him to do a little more of what he does. He's getting beat up, getting overly schemed. I hope he can stay here the rest of his career."Riley also addressed the dramatic midseason saga involving <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> for the first time since trading the 35-year-old to the Golden State Warriors in February. Butler feuded with Riley for months after the executive refused the forward's extension request, with the standoff resulting in multiple team-issued suspensions for the six-time All-Star.While Riley echoed Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra's previous <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278431" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278431">comments</a> and acknowledged that the situation negatively affected the Heat's on-court performance, the 80-year-old stood by his decision Friday."I'm not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension," Riley said.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Pat Riley speaks to media at Kaseya Center on February 09, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Pat Riley: 'No doubt' Heat have to make changes

Looking to avoid a historically insurmountable 3-0 series deficit, Jayson Tatum acknowledged his ...

Looking to avoid a historically insurmountable 3-0 series deficit, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> acknowledged his shooting struggles against the New York Knicks as the Boston Celtics prepare for Saturday's Game 3."I take full ownership of the way that I've played in this series and can't sugarcoat anything," Tatum told reporters Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45058336/celtics-jayson-tatum-shoulders-blame-need-better">ESPN's Brian Windhorst</a>. "I need to be better, and I expect to be a lot better."Tatum was efficient in the Celtics' first-round series against the Orlando Magic, recording shooting splits of 44.7/36.4/90.2 across five games. But through the opening two contests - both at TD Garden - versus the Knicks, he's shot just 28.6% from the floor (12-of-42) and 25% from three (5-of-20).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tatum isn't the only Celtics player having issues, though. Boston posted a 35.1 shooting percentage in Monday's series opener, its lowest mark in any regular season or playoff game this campaign.Game 2 offered only a slight improvement, with the Celtics shooting 36.2% and making the same number of shots (34) on three fewer attempts (94) than in Game 1 (97). Boston went 0-4 during the regular season when registering 34 or fewer field goals in a contest.Head coach Joe Mazzulla said he believes Tatum will find his rhythm again in the series after the six-time All-Star shot 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from three in the regular season. However, with the Celtics blowing 20-point leads in both games, Mazzulla stressed that Tatum isn't solely to blame for the team's current predicament."It's a credit to (Tatum), I don't think that I appreciate the fact that he would (take responsibility), but I think it's on everybody," Mazzulla said."We all could be better. I could be better. The things that I can help our team execute on our entire team can be better. And yeah, he can too. So, just says who he is taking responsibility for that, and I expect him to be better."Teams that lose the first two contests of a seven-game series at home have gone on to advance in just four of 28 prior instances, according to <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/7-game-playoff-series-outcomes-22111.html#:~:text=23%2D241-,0%2D2,-HH/">Basketball Reference</a>.Game 3 tips off Saturday in New York at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Boston, MA - May 5: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum walks off the court after Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Knicks at TD Garden.

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Tatum: 'I need to be better' vs. Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be without Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter in Game 2 against the In...

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson revealed Monday that both players are considered questionable after sustaining injuries in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 121-112 loss in Game 1, according to <a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/05/05/cavs-vs-pacers-injury-update-will-evan-mobley-deandre-hunter-darius-garland-play-game-2-cavaliers/83459973007/">Matthew Glenesk of the Indianapolis Star</a>. Mobley, the Defensive Player of the Year, hurt his left ankle, while Hunter dislocated his right thumb.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mobley rolled his ankle after attempting a turnaround hook shot and landing on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37711" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37711">Myles Turner</a>'s foot with 8:10 to play. Hunter was hurt on the Cavs' next offensive possession at the 7:45 mark when his attempt at the rim was blocked by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102759">Bennedict Mathurin</a>.Atkinson, who unsuccessfully challenged the block by Mathurin, said that he felt both instances were borderline reckless plays by the Pacers."I don't think they were dirty plays, but I think it passed a line of physicality," the Coach of the Year finalist said. "That line we've kind of been talking about where it became excessive. So, number one was the non-call on De'Andre's layup. ... They reviewed it, and I'm just in shock. I don't know. And I guess I gotta know the rules better. So, maybe I don't know the rules. I felt he got absolutely obliterated and dislocated his thumb, so he'll be questionable."And then Evan, around the same time ... Turner contests his 2-point shot, comes under, clearly under him - and shooters need space to land - and is pushed off-balance in kind of our opinion and tweaks his ankle pretty bad. I think you guys saw him limping the rest of the game."Mobley played a team-high 36 minutes Sunday, shooting 9-of-13 and finishing with a 20-point double-double. Hunter scored 11 points (4-of-8 from the field) with four rebounds and an assist in 30 minutes off the bench. Mobley was swapped out for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a> during the review stoppage but returned for the final six minutes. Hunter remained in the game for another four minutes following his thumb injury and entered again with 1:38 to play.The Cavaliers are already without starting guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a>, who's now missed three straight games due to a sprained toe. He was initially listed as questionable for Game 1 before being ruled out shortly before tipoff.Following Tuesday's Game 2 in Cleveland, the series will shift to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4.

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 4: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2025 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2025 NBAE

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Mobley, Hunter at risk of missing Game 2 vs. Pacers

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green revealed his focus ahead of Sunday night's Game 7 vi...

Golden State Warriors forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> revealed his focus ahead of Sunday night's Game 7 victory over the Houston Rockets was to re-evaluate how to lead by example after feeling ashamed by his conduct in Game 6."I pouted way too much last game, so I spent the last two days embarrassed at what I gave to the game, what I gave to the world," Green told <a href="https://youtu.be/U6_wVhZGN40?t=85">media</a>, including House of Highlights, after the Warriors' series-clinching 103-89 win. "I was embarrassed. ... I wanted to come out and prove again just who I am - with poise but with the same fire, same tenacity, but poise. And I think I delivered that and gave our guys something to follow."What I gave them last game to follow, they followed it - and that's why we got bullied. But I think I gave them something different to follow today and that was the message. That was the goal. And we got it done."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Green was assessed a flagrant-1 foul a little more than three minutes into Game 6 for hitting Rockets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a> in the head while jostling with the 23-year-old on the perimeter. Despite officials making the decision after a video review, the Warriors vet continued to argue with referees as play resumed. The Rockets went on to win the first quarter and never trailed for the rest of the contest, winning 115-107 and overturning a 3-1 series deficit.During a players-only meeting Saturday, Green said he took responsibility for his Game 6 behavior and wanted to inspire his teammates ahead of Sunday's do-or-die clash in Houston. He then opened Game 7 by scoring eight of Golden State's first 13 points, including two threes in the opening five minutes.Despite never scoring more than eight points in Games 1-6, Green finished Game 7 with 16, as well as six rebounds and five assists. He was also a team-high plus-18."I think what goes into it is really deciding who's going to give the speech," Green <a href="https://youtu.be/U6_wVhZGN40?t=151">said</a> about how the Warriors prepared for the team meeting. "Obviously, I always try to defer to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph (Curry)</a>. I defer to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy (Butler)</a>, and they wanted me to speak, but I had a lot to say. And like I said, most importantly was calling myself out. You can't go into a Game 7 expecting guys to rally off the game we had before and not address it."And so I wanted to address that, number one. But then secondly, tell everybody else what we needed, which was a togetherness like no other. ... But as much as I think this team needed it, I feel like I needed it for myself even more because you got to be accountable. You can't be a leader and not be accountable, and (if) you call other guys out when their shit stinks, then you better say when yours does, too That's what I tried to make a point in doing."Warriors head coach Steve Kerr commended the 35-year-old for how he led the team on and off the court after Game 6."Draymond set the tone last night at the team meeting," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, courtesy of <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45002120/stephen-curry-buddy-hield-lead-warriors-game-7-victory">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "Basically, he owned up to losing his poise in Game 6, and I agreed with him."I thought the flagrant foul was a tone-setter, and he knew it and so he talked to the group and said, 'I got to be poised and I have to be better, and we're going to come in here tomorrow and get it done.' And I think his emotional stability tonight, just his poise from the start, set a great tone."The Warriors now travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. The series will pit Green against longtime rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a>, who he infamously put in a headlock during a 2023 matchup that earned Green a five-game suspension.However, the forward said he plans to continue to keep his comportment in check."I have to keep it similarly (calm) for my guys," he said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6333604/2025/05/05/draymond-green-playoffs-game-7-rockets-emotions">The Athletic's Anthony Slater</a>. “Forget anybody else. "I'll be locked in."Finding that balance, finding that line and not crossing it is important for me and this team. I gave them my word, and I’ll continue to give them my word."

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 4: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round 1 Game 7 on May 4, 2025 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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'Embarrassed' Draymond took accountability in team speech after Game 6

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday is cleared to return for Monday's Eastern Conference semifinals...

Boston Celtics guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/383" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/383">Jrue Holiday</a> is cleared to return for Monday's Eastern Conference semifinals opener against the New York Knicks, the team announced Sunday, citing a clean injury report.Holiday, 34, missed the final three games of Boston's first-round series over the Orlando Magic with a hamstring strain.The two-time All-Star averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 62 starts this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In Games 1 and 2 against Orlando, Holiday scored a combined 20 points and dished 11 assists while shooting 7-of-15. He went 3-of-4 from distance in Game 1 - his only made field goals - but missed all three of his 3-point attempts in Game 2.The Celtics' clear report also suggests that Celtics wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> has recovered from his lingering knee issue. Brown was listed as questionable with a right knee posterior impingement for the same games Holiday missed but played in all three, averaging 21 points and 7.7 rebounds as the Celtics closed out the Magic in five games. The issue limited Brown during the second half of the regular season, during which he missed 10 of the Celtics' 27 games after the All-Star break.Monday will mark Boston's first postseason meeting with New York since the Knicks won their 2013 first-round series in six games. The clubs haven't met in the conference semifinals since 1984, when the Celtics, led by Larry Bird, won the series 4-3.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 20: Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after scoring against the Orlando Magic in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Holiday available for Game 1 vs. Knicks, Celtics at full strength

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler urged his team to be more introspective after the Hous...

Golden State Warriors forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> urged his team to be more introspective after the Houston Rockets won Game 6 on Friday to force a winner-take-all showdown Sunday in Texas."We'll be ready. I think we got to stop focusing so much on them and focus on us," Butler told <a href="https://youtu.be/nhLeSrcQ8qY?t=359">reporters</a> after the Warriors lost 115-107, dropping their final home game of the series. "If we do that, then we're going to be fine."We're not going to sit here and act like we've been playing our best version of basketball, because we haven't. And they've been doing OK, but they haven't played their best version of basketball either."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Friday's loss marked back-to-back missed opportunities for Golden State to close out the first-round matchup after taking a 3-1 series lead. Despite 29 points from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> and another 27 from Butler, reserve guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96093" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96093">Moses Moody</a> (13) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110258" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110258">Brandin Podziemski</a> (10) were the only other Warriors to score double-digits as all five starters finished with a negative plus-minus.Steve Kerr's squad entered the fourth trailing by only two points but a foul by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37868" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37868">Gary Payton Jr.</a> on a made 3-pointer by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a> six seconds into the frame appeared to crush the Warriors' momentum. Golden State scored just five points through the final frame's first eight minutes, during which Houston's lead ballooned to 17 - its largest of the game.Veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> said the Warriors' effort level is what has allowed the Rockets to prolong the series."Get loose balls," Green <a href="https://x.com/957thegame/status/1918526158955790475">told reporters</a>, including 95.7 The Game, when asked what his team needs to do to win Game 7. "I think they probably had 20 points off broken plays and getting loose balls and kicking out for threes, so get loose balls. And we'll defend them way better."(We're) kind of getting a first effort, but in order to beat this team you gotta make second and third efforts. And the last two games we have not done that."

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III head to the bench in 4th quarter of Dubs' 115-107 loss to Houston Rockets in NBA Playoffs' First Round Game 6 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday, May 2, 2025.

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Butler: Warriors need to 'focus on us' in Game 7 vs. Rockets

Gregg Popovich is stepping away from his longtime role as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, he...

Gregg Popovich is stepping away from his longtime role as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, he announced Friday.The 76-year-old will transition to full-time team president, a role he already served simultaneously to his head coaching duties."While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach," Popovich said in a statement. "I'm forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community, and city that are so meaningful to me."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you, Coach Pop, for your brilliance on and off the court. We look forward to our next chapter together. <a href="https://t.co/4x6AFpSmQM">pic.twitter.com/4x6AFpSmQM</a>— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1918336064126681210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The decision brings an end to Popovich's 29-year run on the bench - the longest single-team tenure of any head coach in NBA history. The Hall of Famer was on the bench for San Antonio's first five regular-season games this season but stepped away from the team after suffering a stroke Nov. 2. He informed the team in late February that he wouldn't return to the sideline for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign in order to focus on his health and recovery.Mitch Johnson, who replaced Popovich on an interim basis during his absence, will succeed the franchise icon as San Antonio's head coach, the team confirmed. The 38-year-old went 32-45 with the team after stepping in for Popovich in November. He first joined the latter's coaching staff in 2019, a year after winning the G League championship as an assistant with the Spurs' affiliate in Austin.Popovich ends his coaching career as the NBA's all-time wins leader with 1,422 to his name (that mark includes Johnson's victories from last season). He passed Don Nelson's 1,332 career victories in March 2022, which had stood as the record for 12 years."Coach Pop's extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs, and the game of basketball is profound," Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt said."His accolades and awards don't do justice to the impact he has had on so many people. He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader, and coach. Our entire family, alongside fans from across the globe, are grateful for his remarkable 29-year-run as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs."Popovich captured five championships with San Antonio. He claimed his first in the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season - only his third year at the helm - and won four more within the next 15 years. He helped establish a dynasty throughout nearly three decades in San Antonio, bridging a post-David Robinson era with the emergence of a new core in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. During the quartet's run together from 2002-16, the franchise qualified for the playoffs every year and made nine trips to the conference finals.A three-time NBA Coach of the Year, Popovich also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Games. He was an assistant on Larry Brown's staff on the 2004 USA squad that won bronze in Athens as well.

DENVER, CO - APRIL 2: Head Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 2, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2024 NBAE

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Popovich won't return as Spurs coach

LeBron James admitted Wednesday that he's uncertain about how much longer he intends to continue ...

LeBron James admitted Wednesday that he's uncertain about how much longer he intends to continue playing in the NBA."I don't know," James said after the Los Angeles Lakers' series-ending Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, courtesy of <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44945908/lebron-james-undecided-future-lakers-first-round-exit">Dave McMenamin of ESPN</a>."I don't have an answer to that. ... I'll sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens. And just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don't know the answer to that right now to be honest. So we'll see."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 40-year-old's contract features a player option worth $52.6 million for next season that he must decide on by June 29. If he returns, James will break his tie with retired Hall of Famer Vince Carter for most NBA seasons played by one player. Both are currently at 22 seasons.Playoff success has eluded the 21-time All-Star since he won his fourth career NBA title in his second season in L.A. In the five campaigns since that 2020 championship, the Lakers have failed to make the playoffs as many times as they've advanced past the first round, and that solitary trip in 2023 ended in a four-game sweep by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.This year's early elimination also marks the first time in James' career that he's suffered first-round exits in back-to-back seasons.James clarified Wednesday that the uncertainty about his future is regarding his career as a whole and not regarding any doubts about returning to the Lakers, according to McMenamin.He did, however, take a reserved approach when asked if he felt taxed playing without an experienced center after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> was shipped to the Dallas Mavericks in the trade that brought over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>."No comment. I'll never say that, because my guy AD said what he needed, and then he was gone the following week," he told <a href="https://x.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/1917820029749363189">reporters</a> while laughing. "I got no comment. I put that uniform on every night, I gave everything I had and that's all that matters."After just seven seasons in L.A., at an average of 60 games played each year, James has already cracked the top 10 in several of the iconic franchise's all-time leaderboards. His 943 threes as a Laker are second only to the 1,827 scored by the late Kobe Bryant throughout his 20-year career with the club. James' 49 triple-doubles in purple and gold are also second only to Magic Johnson's 138, and he already ranks eighth in assists (3,376) and 10th in points (11,146).He also broke the NBA's all-time scoring record as a member of the Lakers, a mark long held by another franchise legend in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. James surpassed Abdul-Jabbar on Feb. 8, 2023 and now sits at 42,184 total regular-season points, nearly 12,000 more than the next active player (Kevin Durant, 30,571).

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round One Game Five of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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LeBron unsure of NBA future after Lakers' elimination

Gordie Herbert will be the next head coach of the Canadian senior men's basketball team through t...

Gordie Herbert will be the next head coach of the Canadian senior men's basketball team through the 2028 Olympics, Canada Basketball announced Thursday.He will officially start in the summer of 2026.Herbert currently serves as head coach of EuroLeague club Bayern Munich and previously led Germany to a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 66-year-old Canadian has been coaching since 1994. He previously served as an assistant for Canada on two separate occasions (2001-02, 2018-2021). Herbert has mostly worked overseas in Europe but had a brief stint as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors from 2008-09."I'm incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to coach my home country," Herbert said in a statement. "Canada Basketball has made tremendous progress in recent years, and the depth of talent in the program is as good as anywhere in the world."I look forward to building on the strong culture that's been established and working with our athletes to continue pushing Canada to new heights."Herbert has enjoyed plenty of success in his coaching career. He led Germany to a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2022, along with a gold medal in 2023, and he's won the Bundesliga championship (2004), the French Cup (2007), the Finnish Cup (2009), and the FIBA Europe Cup (2016).There have also been many individual accolades for Herbert. He's won Austrian League Coach of the Year (2000), Bundesliga Coach of the Year (2016), Finnish Coach of the Year (2023), and All-German Sport's Coach of the Year (2023)."It's great to welcome Gordie back to our program," Rowan Barrett, Canada Basketball's general manager and executive vice-president, said of the hire. "He knows what it means to represent Canada and brings the experience, leadership, and vision to guide this group through the next chapter of our journey."Herbert will replace current Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez as Canada's bench boss. Fernandez took over the role in June 2023 but stepped down in early 2025 to focus on the Nets.Canada finished fifth at the 2024 Games in Paris, the country's best finish in the men's basketball tournament since it placed fourth in 1984. The program boasts arguably its greatest-ever talent pool with multiple players owning significant NBA experience, including Denver Nuggets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a>, Houston Rockets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a>, and MVP candidate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 6: Gordie Herbert Head Coach of Germany is calling a play during the Men's Quarterfinal match between Team Germany and Team Greece on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 6, 2024 in Paris, France.

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Canada Basketball names Gordie Herbert new men's head coach

The Cleveland Cavaliers were determined to punch their ticket to the second round as soon as poss...

The Cleveland Cavaliers were determined to punch their ticket to the second round as soon as possible.However, they probably expected a little more resistance.The Cavs' 138-83 rout of the Miami Heat in Monday's Game 4 capped one of the most lopsided series wins in NBA playoff history, with plenty of statistical context to illustrate their four-game dominance over the Heat.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>1st - Cleveland's 55-point win is the largest margin of victory in any postseason series-clinching game in league history.4th - The result is also the fourth-biggest victory ever registered in a playoff contest, according to the <a href="https://x.com/Anthony_Chiang/status/1917034614268309862">Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang</a>. The Minneapolis Lakers (1956) and Denver Nuggets (2009) share the record with 58-point wins.11 - The Cavaliers pulled off their 11th sweep in franchise history, but the first without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> on the roster.30 - This year's Heat are the first NBA team to lose back-to-back playoff games by at least 30 points in the same season, per stats specialist <a href="https://x.com/keerthikau/status/1917035208093700284">Keerthika Uthayakumar</a>. Both big losses came in front of their fans in South Beach.39 - Cleveland's 39-point halftime lead (72-33) is the third-largest in postseason history. The record still belongs to the Cavaliers, who led the Boston Celtics by 41 at the break in Game 2 of the 2017 East finals before cruising to a 130-86 win.77 - No other team has ever hit more threes in a four-game playoff series than this year's Cavaliers. The only club to match that number across four contests was the 2016 Cavs - the same squad that went on to win the franchise's only championship.122 - Cleveland's point differential over the four-game series is the largest in playoff history, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds/status/1917034943500226781">The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds</a>.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after making a basket against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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By the numbers: Cavs in rarified air with dominant sweep of Heat

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Jonathan Soveta

News Editor

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