Nell Fortner will be the next head coach of the Canadian senior women's basketball team through t...

Nell Fortner will be the next head coach of the Canadian senior women's basketball team through the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Canada Basketball announced Monday."We are thrilled to welcome Nell to Canada Basketball," Steve Baur, Canada Basketball general manager and vice president of women's high performance, said in a <a href="https://www.basketball.ca/news/nell-fortner-named-head-coach-of-canadas-senior-womens-national-team-25-athletes-commit-through-2026-fiba-world-cup">statement</a>. "She's a proven leader with deep experience at the highest levels of the sport and someone whose values and vision strongly align with the standards our program has committed to for the future."Fortner has more than 40 years of coaching experience, notably in the NCAA for Stephen F. Austin, Purdue, Auburn, and most recently Georgia Tech. She began her coaching career with Killeen High School in Texas in 1983.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>She also served as head coach of the WNBA's Indiana Fever from 2001-03, as well as general manager from 1999-2003.Fortner's biggest success came as USA Basketball women's head coach from 1997-2000, and she is the winningest coach in its history with a 101-14 record. She led the team to gold medals at the 1998 FIBA World Championship and the 2000 Olympics."I"m honored to join Canada Basketball and help lead this next chapter for the senior women’s national team," Fortner said in a statement. "I've followed the rise of this program for years and have great respect for the culture the organization and players are building. This is a special group with the talent, toughness, and togetherness, and they have the ability to achieve something great. I'm excited to get to work."Fortner has plenty of accolades throughout her career. She has been named Basketball Times National Coach of the Year (1997), Big Ten Coach of the Year (1997), USA Basketball Coach of the Year (2000), and SEC Coach of the Year (2009).

PALO ALTO, CA - MARCH 18: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Nell Fortner getting ready for her team to come out for the 1st Round of playoffs between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31199909/related

Canada Basketball names Nell Fortner new women's head coach

Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash, and Candace Parker will join the NBA on Prime Video team ...

Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash, and Candace Parker will join the NBA on Prime Video team as analysts for next season, Prime Video Sports <a href="https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/press-release/prime-video-welcomes-udonis-haslem-steve-nash-cand">announced</a> Monday.Wade, Nash, and Parker will serve as in-game and studio analysts, while Haslem will be a studio analyst. Nash's addition was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277478" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277478">reported</a> last week.Wade and Haslem had lengthy NBA careers. Wade played for 16 seasons, 15 of them with the Miami Heat. Haslem spent his entire 20-year career with the Heat.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wade is a Hall of Famer, a 13-time All-Star, and a three-time NBA champion. He holds career averages of 22 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 1,054 games.Since Wade retired in 2019, he has been the host of two podcasts, "Time Out with Dwyane Wade" and "The Why with Dwyane Wade."Wade also has minority ownership stakes in the Utah Jazz and the WNBA's Chicago Sky.Haslem is a three-time champ and made the 2003-04 All-Rookie team. The 44-year-old averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds in his 879 NBA contests.Haslem, who retired in 2023, joined the Heat as the vice president of basketball development. He also began working as a television analyst on NBA TV and ESPN in 2024.Parker played 16 WNBA seasons between the Los Angeles Sparks, the Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces. She was a two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and three-time WNBA champion. She has career averages of 16 points, 8.5 rebounds, and four assists.The 39-year-old has been working as a broadcaster since 2018. Parker served as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT in 2018-19 and for the 2019 NCAA men's national championship.In 2019, she signed a multi-year extension with Turner Sports to continue her roles with NBA on TNT, NBA TV, and NCAA tourney coverage. Parker became the first female color commentator for the NBA All-Star Game in 2023.

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 15: NBA and WNBA legends Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker pose for a photo during the 2020 NBA All-Star - Taco Bell Skills Challenge on February 15, 2020 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31198998/related

NBA on Prime adds Wade, Parker, Haslem to broadcast team

The Utah Jazz announced Monday they agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Wil...

The Utah Jazz announced Monday they agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Will Hardy.The deal keeps Hardy with the Jazz through the 2030-31 season."I'm humbled and honored," Hardy said in a statement. "This is an incredible franchise. To be able to be committed to the next phase of our process is hard to explain. Moments like this are very surreal. I'm so excited."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hardy has been with Utah since 2022-23 and owns an 85-161 record during his three seasons in charge.The Jazz have been in a rebuilding phase recently and could own a top-10 pick for a third straight offseason. They selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110291" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110291">Taylor Hendricks</a> ninth overall in 2023 and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121692" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121692">Cody Williams</a> at No. 10 in 2024.They have a 14% chance of winning the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> sweepstakes by getting the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. The Jazz finished last in the NBA with a 17-65 record this season."We've got to continue to refine and tweak our process as our team grows," Hardy said. "No two teams are the same. We're not waiting for anybody because we know the league won't wait for us. As the team grows and changes, we'll be ready."Hardy spent time as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics before joining Utah. The 37-year-old is currently the second-youngest head coach in the NBA.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 01: Head Coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz looks on against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 01, 2025 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31198399/related

Jazz extend head coach Will Hardy through 2031

Seattle Storm forward Katie Lou Samuelson suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during practice T...

Seattle Storm forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/33652" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/33652">Katie Lou Samuelson</a> suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during practice Thursday, the team announced Saturday.Samuelson was set to enter her sixth WNBA season and her second stint with the Storm. The 27-year-old averaged 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 37 games in 2024 with the Indiana Fever. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Samuelson joined the Storm in free agency. She previously spent 2021 in Seattle and has played for the Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, and Los Angeles Sparks in her career.The UConn product's best season came in 2022 with the Sparks. She averaged a career-high 9.7 points and 1.9 assists while starting in 29 of her 32 appearances.

MEDLEY, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: Katie Lou Samuelson #33 of Phantom looks on against Rose during the second quarter of the game at Wayfair Arena on January 31, 2025 in Medley, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31181954/related

Storm's Samuelson tears ACL

The Memphis Grizzlies are promoting Tuomas Iisalo to permanent head coach, the team announced Fri...

The Memphis Grizzlies are promoting Tuomas Iisalo to permanent head coach, the team announced Friday.Iisalo had served in the role on an interim basis since the Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins in late March."Tuomas' teams at every level have been disciplined, tenacious, and connected on both ends of the floor, consistently exceeding expectations. We look forward to the same in Memphis," Grizzlies president and general manager of basketball operations Zach Kleiman said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Iisalo took the team to the playoffs as the 8-seed after stepping in as head coach this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Grizzlies in the first round. Memphis originally hired him as the team's lead assistant in July 2024.The 42-year-old spent a decade coaching in Europe after playing professional basketball in Finland for 14 years.Iisalo guided Paris Basketball to the LNB Pro A Finals, EuroCup championship, and the French Leaders Cup in 2024 before departing for Memphis. He was named EuroCup Coach of the Year and LNB Pro A Coach of the Year for his efforts.He is also a two-time Bundesliga Coach of the Year (2022, 2023) and was named Champions League Coach of the Year in 2023.Iisalo is the first Finnish-born coach in NBA history.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 22: Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31170628/related

Grizzlies keeping Iisalo as head coach

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Wednes...

Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Wednesday's Game 5 season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a source told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44968991/lakers-lebron-james-suffered-mcl-sprain-game-5">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.An MRI taken Thursday revealed the injury, which typically entails a three-to-five week recovery timeline, McMenamin added.James was hurt in a collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45225" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45225">Donte DiVincenzo</a> early in the fourth quarter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 21-time All-Star remained in the game despite the injury. He posted 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals across 40 minutes of action.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> also appeared to suffer a back injury in the loss on a hard foul from DiVincenzo. Doncic exited the second quarter early but was back out to start the second half. He posted a game-high 28 points in the defeat.Lakers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> was reportedly battling an injury as well. He played through a toe injury in the final two games of the series that normally would have taken multiple weeks to recover from, according to the <a href="https://x.com/DanWoikeSports/status/1918378110774657342">Los Angeles Times' Dan Woike</a>.James, 40, said he is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3261597" href="https://thescore.com/news/3261597">unsure</a> if he will come back for a 23rd NBA season following the disappointing end to this campaign. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 70 games in 2024-25. Lakers president Rob Pelinka said he's prepared to build a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278881" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278881">better roster</a> for next season to meet James' reported high expectations.L.A. desperately needs some offseason help at center, which was the team's downfall in Game 5. T-Wolves big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a> posted 27 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in the win.

Los Angeles, CA, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 -Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) cringes in pain after injuring his leg in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves in game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31170150/related

Report: LeBron suffered MCL sprain in Game 5 loss

Gregg Popovich will go down as one of the greatest head coaches in NBA history.  The longtime San...

Gregg Popovich will go down as one of the greatest head coaches in NBA history.The longtime San Antonio Spurs bench boss surrendered his post on the sidelines Friday and will become the organization's full-time president. Popovich suffered a stroke in November and missed the rest of the 2024-25 season to recover.After nearly three decades as the Spurs' head coach, he racked up plenty of mind-boggling statistics.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>1 - Popovich also spent time as the head coach of U.S. men's basketball. He guided the USA to a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics.3 - He's one of three coaches to be named NBA Coach of the Year three times in their careers. Don Nelson and Pat Riley are tied with him for winning the honor the most.5 - San Antonio won five NBA championships, all with Popovich in charge: 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.14 - The Spurs had a great run atop the league with Popovich coaching a roster that included Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. The four of them reached the playoffs together in 14 straight seasons.18 - The Spurs posted 18 straight 50-win seasons from 1999-2000 to 2016-17. No other team has achieved this feat; the Los Angeles Lakers have come closest with 12 consecutive 50-win seasons.21 - Popovich holds 170 career playoff coaching wins, good for third all time and ahead of 21 entire NBA franchises.22 - The Spurs reached the postseason for 22 consecutive seasons under Popovich from 1997-98 to 2018-2019 - the NBA's longest run ever.29 - Coach Pop's 29 seasons as Spurs bench boss represent the longest head coaching tenure with a single team in NBA history. He's six seasons ahead of second place, which is Jerry Sloan's long stay with the Utah Jazz.1,422 - Popovich is the all-time winningest coach in NBA history with 1,422 regular-season wins. He's held this distinction since he passed Nelson during the 2021-22 campaign.2023 - Popovich was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

SAN ANTONIO - JUNE 15: Head Coach Greg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs holds and admires the NBA Championship Trophy after winning Game six of the 2003 NBA Finals to take the championship on June 15, 2003 at the SBC Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2003

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31169783/related

By the numbers: Popovich ends record 29-year run as Spurs coach

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shouldered the blame for his team's 131-116 Game 5 bl...

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shouldered the blame for his team's 131-116 Game 5 blowout loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday."I didn't have them ready to play, clearly," Kerr said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1917767942554427468">The Athletic's Anthony Slater</a>. "We committed three fouls in the first two minutes of the game. ... We can't come out with that lack of defensive focus and energy and expect to beat a great team on their own floor in a closeout game."The Warriors entered Wednesday ahead 3-1 in the first-round series. However, they trailed Houston by 27 at the half and by as much as 31.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I think at halftime, their effective field-goal percentage was 95%," Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/clutchfans/status/1917767575783760298">ClutchFans</a>. "I've never seen that in my life. You're not winning that game."Kerr decided to waive the white flag early in the third."I wasn't gonna chase this game, obviously, with Game 6 coming up in 48 hours," Kerr said. "I talked to<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982"> Draymond (Green)</a>, I said, 'What do you think?' He said, 'Five minutes.' So we gave the starting group the first five or six minutes, and unless we had made a huge run, we kinda had it in mind that we would pull the plug."All five of the Rockets' starters scored in double digits. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a> led the way with a game-high 26 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a> also shined with 25 points and five steals."They weren't playing 'Whoop That Trick,' but they may as well have been," Green said, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1917771270902448446">Slater</a>.The Warriors will get their next chance to close out the series in Game 6 at Chase Center on Saturday. Jimmy Butler isn't worried about the next game despite the rough Game 5 loss. "We're fine," Butler <a href="http://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1917773812537634875">said</a>. "Our confidence isn't going to waver. We're going to start out better and play a better overall game."

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31156823/related

Kerr takes blame for Game 5 blowout: 'I didn't have them ready to play'

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels was named Most Improved Player for the 2024-25 season, the NBA ...

Atlanta Hawks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102785" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102785">Dyson Daniels</a> was named Most Improved Player for the 2024-25 season, the NBA announced Wednesday.Daniels beat out Detroit Pistons guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96056">Cade Cunningham</a> and Los Angeles Clippers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52287" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52287">Ivica Zubac</a> for the award.The Australian earned 44 first-place votes, Zubac got 23, and Cunningham finished with 15. Denver Nuggets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102793" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102793">Christian Braun</a> and Los Angeles Lakers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> rounded out the top five.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>1st-place votes (5 points)</th>
<th>Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dyson Daniels</td>
<td> Hawks</td>
<td> 44</td>
<td> 332</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivica Zubac</td>
<td> Clippers</td>
<td> 23</td>
<td> 186</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td> Pistons</td>
<td> 15</td>
<td> 122</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christian Braun</td>
<td> Nuggets</td>
<td> 9</td>
<td> 120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Austin Reaves</td>
<td> Lakers</td>
<td> 3</td>
<td> 39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Evan Mobley</td>
<td> Cavaliers</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td> 21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amen Thompson</td>
<td> Rockets</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deni Avdija</td>
<td> Wizards</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Herro</td>
<td> Heat</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Giddey</td>
<td> Bulls</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Payton Pritchard</td>
<td> Celtics</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toumani Camara</td>
<td> Blazers</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OG Anunoby</td>
<td> Knicks</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Williams</td>
<td> Thunder</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Daniels averaged career highs in points (14.1), rebounds (5.9), and assists (4.4) while leading the NBA with 3.0 steals per game in 2024-25. He raised his scoring average by 8.3 points compared to last season.However, where Daniels really shined was on the defensive end of the floor. "The Great Barrier Thief" led the NBA in total deflections (443) and deflections per game (5.8) while swiping a league-high 229 steals. His steals tally was 98 more than that of the Oklahoma City Thunder's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a>, who had the second most.Daniels is the first Most Improved Player to average three-plus steals per game since the inaugural winner of the award, Alvin Robertson, in 1986.In his first year with the Hawks, Daniels appeared in 76 games while playing 33.6 minutes per contest as a full-time starter for the first time in his career. He also shot career highs of 49.3% from the field and 34% from three.Daniels is the second Hawk to win Most Improved Player, joining Alan Henderson (1997-98).

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 18: Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on April 18, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31154132/related

Hawks' Daniels wins Most Improved Player

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31153549/related

Canada Basketball names Gordie Herbert new men's head coach

Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has no doubt his team will force a Game 7 against the New Yo...

Detroit Pistons star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96056">Cade Cunningham</a> has no doubt his team will force a Game 7 against the New York Knicks following Tuesday's 106-103 Game 5 victory at Madison Square Garden."We'll be back," Cunningham said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1917417225675301234">SNYtv</a>.The All-Star posted a game-high 24 points, along with eight rebounds and eight assists, in Tuesday's win. Cunningham says he enjoys playing at MSG.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's everything you dream of," Cunningham said, per <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1917418014653219058">SNYtv</a>. "It's playing with a full arena, a bunch of people booing you. That's everything you dream of."The passionate New York crowd seemed to ignite something on the Pistons' roster. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that type of environment is exactly what his team enjoys."Our guys feed off the energy of the opponent's crowd," Bickerstaff said, according to <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1917413062618878231">SNYtv</a>. "Talking shit. Making noise. They embrace the chaos, and they're comfortable there. Some people need the support of their home crowd, our guys embrace the chaos."The Pistons held the Knicks' All-Star duo of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> to a combined 33 points on 30% shooting. Brunson, New York's captain, acknowledged his struggles following the loss. "Offensively, I didn't make good decisions," Brunson said, per <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1917422976573510044">SNYtv</a>. "Ball wasn't going in the hoop for me."The Pistons are looking to come back from a 3-1 series deficit. Game 6 will take place Thursday.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 29: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31147230/related

Cunningham confident Pistons will force Game 7: 'We'll be back'

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year during Tuesday's pl...

San Antonio Spurs guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year during Tuesday's playoffs broadcast on TNT.Castle becomes the second straight Spur to take home the award after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> earned the honor last season. The UConn product beat out Atlanta Hawks first overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121714" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121714">Zaccharie Risacher</a> and Memphis Grizzlies wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121734" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121734">Jaylen Wells</a>.The 2024 fourth overall pick received 92 first-place votes, while Risacher got five, and Wells earned three.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th> 1st-place votes (5 points)</th>
<th> Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephon Castle</td>
<td> Spurs</td>
<td> 92</td>
<td> 482</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zaccharie Risacher</td>
<td> Hawks</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 245</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Wells</td>
<td> Grizzlies</td>
<td> 3</td>
<td> 123</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Sarr</td>
<td> Wizards</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Edey</td>
<td> Grizzlies</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kel'el Ware</td>
<td> Heat</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matas Buzelis</td>
<td> Bulls</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared McCain</td>
<td> 76ers</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Castle made 81 appearances for the Spurs, averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 42.8% shooting in 26.7 minutes per game. He led all rookies in points (1,190) and steals (74).The 20-year-old shined in the second half of the season, recording 17.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and five assists.Castle is now the fourth Spur to win Rookie of the Year, joining David Robinson (1989-1990), Tim Duncan (1997-98), and Wembanyama.

INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 8: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs brings the ball up court during the game against the LA Clippers on April 8, 2025 at Intuit Dome 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31142742/related

Spurs' Castle wins Rookie of the Year

The NBA is considering a new international format for the 2026 All-Star Game.  NBA commissioner A...

The NBA is considering a new international format for the 2026 All-Star Game.NBA commissioner Adam Silver and president of league operations Byron Spruell said the league is talking with the Players Association and broadcast partner NBC about replacing the current All-Star format with an international competition."Our All-Star Game will return to NBC next season in the middle of their coverage of the Winter Olympics," Silver said Monday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6319294/2025/04/28/nba-considering-international-all-star-change/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Joe Vardon</a>. "Given the strong interest we've seen in international basketball competitions, most recently in last summer's Olympics in Paris, we're discussing concepts with the players' association that focus on NBA players representing their countries or regions instead of the more traditional formats that we've used in the past."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Spruell said the potential international format would be "to some extent leaning a little bit on this idea of U.S. versus rest of the world," he told The Associated Press, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44916403/nba-discussing-new-international-format-all-star-game">ESPN</a>.He additionally said "NBC is very much leaning into it."The 2026 All-Star Game will take place Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The game will be aired Sunday afternoon instead of the usual evening slot because of the Olympics.Silver said "it's not lost" on the NBA that the game will be played amid the Winter Olympics coverage, and the new Intuit Dome will have a role in the 2028 Summer Games."We'll be competing in the arena at Intuit, where the basketball competition will take place in the 2028 Olympics," Silver said. "So I think all of those factors, when they come together, it presents an enormous opportunity for us to do something with an international competition instead of the traditional All-Star formats that we've used."The NBA used a mini-tournament format at this year's All-Star Game but announced last month that they would not be bringing it back. Silver described the mini-tournament as a "miss."

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 15: NBA Commissioner Adam Silvers speaks to the media during the State Farm All-Star Saturday as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday, February 15, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31141352/related

NBA considers international format for 2026 All-Star Game

The Cleveland Cavaliers blew out the Miami Heat 138-83 on Monday to complete the sweep and advanc...

The Cleveland Cavaliers blew out the Miami Heat 138-83 on Monday to complete the sweep and advance to the second round.The 55-point margin of victory is the fourth-largest in playoff history and the biggest margin in an Eastern Conference postseason contest, according to <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1917035089105453273">StatMuse</a>. It also stands as the biggest win in a series-clinching game in NBA postseason history, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1917039114890740216">Sportsnet Stats</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Damn, it was humbling," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said postgame, according to <a href="http://apnews.com/article/cavaliers-heat-score-86862b76fc93c58d6ee495c1068307d9">The Associated Press' Time Reynolds</a>. "This series was humbling. These last two games were embarrassing. But Cleveland's also a very good team. ... They showed us why we weren't ready for that."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a> led all Cavs scorers with a team-high 22 points and splashed in four triples. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53038" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53038">Ty Jerome</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12759">Javonte Green</a> also scored in double digits."We came out here with a goal in mind," Mitchell said.The Cavs flew out of the gate, beginning the game with a 30-8 run and leading by 26 after the first quarter. They were up 72-33 at the break, which is the largest halftime lead in a potential series-clinching game in NBA postseason history, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1917015304766448107">Sportsnet Stats</a>.That deficit was also the third-largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history, per <a href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1917017044962181379">SportsCenter</a>. The Cavs already own the largest as they held a 41-point edge over the Boston Celtics in 2017.The Heat shot just 36% from the field and an abysmal 20.4% from three. They also conceded 28 points off 19 turnovers."We came down here with the right mentality and again, our maturity, our leadership, all that stuff we've been talking about all year," Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said. "We don't seem to have letdowns. That's rare."Rookie <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102766">Nikola Jovic</a> was the lone bright spot for Miami with a game-high 24 points off the bench. He also hit four 3-pointers.The Cavs took care of Miami without starting point guard <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> for Games 3 and 4 due to a sprained left toe. In those two games, the Heat became the first team to lose back-to-back playoff contests by 30 or more points, according to <a href="https://x.com/keerthikau/status/1917035208093700284">NBA reporter Keerthika Uthayakumar</a>. Miami lost Game 3 by a 37-point margin. Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> said he expects changes to the Heat roster this offseason."There are going to be a lot of changes this summer, knowing how the guy with the silver hair (Heat president Pat Riley) works," Adebayo said, according to the <a href="https://x.com/Anthony_Chiang/status/1917047996304195999">Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang</a>.Cleveland will take on the winner of the Indiana Pacers-Milwaukee Bucks series in the second round.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on April 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31134993/related

Cavs sweep Heat with 55-point Game 4 blowout

USC recruit Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is expected to be released from...

USC recruit Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is expected to be released from the hospital with no major injuries following a fiery single-car crash Thursday, according to a statement made on his father's podcast."Happy to announce that Alijah is doing much better," Josiah Johnson, one of the hosts of "<a href="https://x.com/GilsArenaShow/status/1916930961431728164">Gil's Arena</a>," said during Monday's show. "Just got off the phone with Gil. ... Alijah's doing better, walking, talking, progressing very well, should be released from the hospital very soon. No major injuries as a result of the car accident."Johnson added that Arenas "lost control" of his Tesla Cybertruck while driving back from the gym. According to the L.A. Fire Department, the vehicle crashed into a tree and/or a fire hydrant.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Cybertruck reportedly burst into flames after being removed to a towing yard.Arenas was transported to a hospital and placed into a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation. His family released a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274677" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274677">statement</a> Friday saying he was out of the coma and making progress, but he remained intubated.Arenas, a five-star recruit, was ESPN's 13th-highest-ranked high school recruit and the third-ranked shooting guard in the class of 2025.

Sacramento, CA - March 15: Alijah Arenas #0 of Chatsworth Chancellors prepares to shoot a free-throw against the Jesuit Marauders in the second half of a boys CIF State Division II championship basketball game at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31133631/related

USC recruit Alijah Arenas suffers no major injuries from car crash

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 on Saturday to complete the swee...

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 on Saturday to complete the sweep and advance to the second round.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> led the Thunder with a game-high and playoff career-high 38 points while also posting five rebounds, six assists, and two steals."I didn't feel like my mindset was any different," Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-playoffs-2025-thunder-grizzlies-78539e31113d0520ce13d504dbca5e13">The Associated Press' Clay Bailey</a>. "Every night, I step on the floor to be the best version of myself. I hadn't been in the past (games), but tonight, I was pretty close to it. I think because I kept the same mindset, it allowed me to just play free."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Thunder third-year player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> put up 23 points Saturday and averaged 23 per game on 54% shooting during the series."He's an evolved player," head coach Mark Daigneault said about Williams, according to <a href="https://x.com/NickAGallo/status/1916266487649636488">Thunder reporter Nick Gallo</a>. "He's a year older, and a year is a long time when you're in your third year. It's a third of his career. So guys can get a lot better year over year."The Grizzlies were without star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> for the series-deciding contest as he was sidelined with a hip contusion he suffered in Game 3.Memphis made the game interesting down the stretch but ultimately fell short. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102738">Scotty Pippen Jr.</a> contributed a team-high 30 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93901" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93901">Desmond Bane</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96118" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96118">Santi Aldama</a> added 23 each."On a playoff stage with playoff pressure, we executed really well late in this one," Daigneault <a href="https://x.com/NickAGallo/status/1916260635198816305">said</a>.He added: "Once it tightened up, everything from defensive execution, clock management, the fouling up three, the block out on the free throw, was all very positive."The Thunder are the first team to advance to the second round after winning a franchise-record and NBA-best 68 games.Oklahoma City will take on the winner of the Denver Nuggets-Los Angeles Clippers series.

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 26: Jalen Williams #8 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high five during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31110243/related

Thunder advance to 2nd round with sweep of Grizzlies

Denver Nuggets veteran Russell Westbrook missed Saturday's 101-99 Game 4 win over the Los Angeles...

Denver Nuggets veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> missed Saturday's 101-99 Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Clippers due to left foot inflammation.Westbrook exited Game 3 with the injury after posting three points in nine minutes of action. The Nuggets lost the contest 117-83, falling behind L.A. 2-1 in the first-round series.The 36-year-old shined in Denver's Game 1 win with a 15-point performance and a clutch steal in overtime. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Nuggets went 7-0 without Westbrook in the lineup through the regular season. The nine-time All-Star averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 2024-25. Nuggets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60530" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60530">Michael Porter Jr.</a>, who was listed as questionable with a left shoulder sprain, was available for Game 4.The series is now tied 2-2. Game 5 will be Tuesday.

INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 24: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2025 at Intuit Dome 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31108870/related

Nuggets' Westbrook misses Game 4 win due to foot inflammation

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant did not return to Thursday's 114-108 loss to the Oklahoma City T...

Memphis Grizzlies star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> did not return to Thursday's 114-108 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 after suffering a hip injury.Morant was hurt after taking a hard fall following contact from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70382" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70382">Luguentz Dort</a> on a dunk attempt late in the second quarter. The officiating crew deemed the contact a common foul, with no flagrant foul assessed.Morant was in visible pain but limped to the line to take his free throws. He missed both before checking out and heading straight to the locker room.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old would've been automatically ruled out of the game if he hadn't attempted his free throws, per NBA rules.Morant scored 15 points and five assists in 16 minutes before leaving. The Grizzlies were ahead by 29 when he left, but could not hold the lead in the second half without him.The Thunder now lead the first-round series 3-0 and will look for the sweep on Saturday.

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 24: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One Game Three of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31083018/related

Morant exits Game 3 loss to OKC due to hip injury

Golden State Warriors wing Jimmy Butler was diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion, and his...

Golden State Warriors wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> was diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion, and his availability for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in serious jeopardy, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1915595079244251390">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> reports.Butler exited Game 2 early after taking a hard fall on his tailbone. An MRI taken Thursday revealed no fractures or structural damage, Charania adds.The injury will be managed on a constant basis in the lead-up to Game 3, and his status is considered a "true questionable" depending on his response to treatment, a source told <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1915597574264021167">The Athletic's Anthony Slater</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Warriors struggled without Butler as the Rockets tied the first-round series at 1-1 with a 109-94 win Wednesday. Butler recorded three points and two rebounds in eight minutes before leaving.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96094">Jonathan Kuminga </a>saw an expanded role with Butler out after not cracking the rotation in the Warriors' play-in contest and Game 1.Butler recorded 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals in the Warriors' series-opening victory.The 35-year-old's arrival in Golden State propelled the Warriors to success, as they went 23-8 following his arrival in early February.Game 3 will take place at Chase Center on Saturday.

Golden State Warriors' Jimmy Butler III writhes in pain after injuring himself in 1st quarter against Houston Rockets in Game 2 of First Round of NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31082314/related

Report: Butler's Game 3 availability in jeopardy due to glute contusion

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year during T...

Cleveland Cavaliers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year during Thursday's playoffs broadcast on TNT.Mobley beat out Golden State Warriors forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> and Atlanta Hawks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102785" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102785">Dyson Daniels</a> for the annual award.Mobley earned 35 first-place votes, while Daniels had 25 and Green got 15. Oklahoma City Thunder wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70382" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70382">Luguentz Dort</a> and Houston Rockets sophomore <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a> rounded out the top five.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>1st-place votes (5 points)</th>
<th>Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Evan Mobley</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>285</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dyson Daniels</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>197</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Draymond Green</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>154</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luguentz Dort</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>109</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amen Thompson</td>
<td> Rockets</td>
<td> 9</td>
<td> 93</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivica Zubac</td>
<td> Clippers</td>
<td> 4</td>
<td> 34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaren Jackson Jr.</td>
<td> Grizzlies</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
<td> Bucks</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toumani Camara</td>
<td> Blazers</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bam Adebayo</td>
<td> Heat</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td> Thunder</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Derrick White</td>
<td> Celtics</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rudy Gobert</td>
<td> Timberwolves</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The 23-year-old had a breakout season at both ends of the court, though it was on the defensive end where Mobley best exhibited his refined play: He was in the 90th percentile for foul percentage despite finishing third in contested shots (10.4).In 2022-23 Mobley finished third in voting and was named to the All-Defensive first team. The one-time All-Star was the catalyst of the Cavs' eighth-ranked defense this campaign. Mobley played a key role in the Cavs finishing atop the Eastern Conference with 64 wins. He boasted a 108.6 defensive rating through 71 games to go along with 1.6 blocks per contest while holding opponents to sub-50% shooting.With Mobley winning the award, his first-year salary on his rookie extension starting next season will increase from 25% of the Cavs' salary cap to 30%, per <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1915535165214122109">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.Mobley is the first Cavalier in NBA history to win the defensive honor.

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 23: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during Round One Game Two of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat on April 23, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31077894/related

Cavs' Mobley wins Defensive Player of the Year

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/joseph-luca-casciaro/content_cards

Joseph Luca Casciaro

News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/jonathan-soveta/content_cards