Observers can be forgiven for not looking beyond the first selection at the 2025 WNBA Draft.  Pai...

<p>Observers can be forgiven for not looking beyond the first selection at the 2025 WNBA Draft.</p><p>Paige Bueckers' long-awaited arrival dominated the main storyline, but in the shadow of the Dallas Wings' no-brainer selection at No. 1, the Washington Mystics held a trio of potentially franchise-altering picks.</p><p>Fresh off a 14-26 campaign - their fourth sub-.500 season in five years since winning the title in 2019 - the Mystics entered the mid-April showcase with a new head coach in Sydney Johnson and a huge opportunity. Armed with the third, fourth, and sixth selections, Washington chose Oregon wing Sonia Citron, USC forward Kiki Iriafen, and Kentucky facilitator Georgia Amoore.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Amoore tore her ACL less than a week into training camp and was ruled out for the season, though the early-season heroics of Citron and Iriafen have softened the blow. Quite suddenly, the Mystics appear to have a foundation that could help them return to the heights they reached in 2019.</p><p>You could argue that Citron and Iriafen - and not Bueckers - have been the league's best rookies in the campaign's early stages.</p><p>Johnson inserted both into his starting five out of preseason, and they've looked the part. Citron and Iriafen are second and third on the team in points and minutes played, respectively, and their contributions have helped lighten the burden on leading scorer Brittney Sykes. For a franchise that desperately needed an infusion of young talent, Citron and Iriafen have answered the call.</p><h3>Citron: Versatile offensive weapon</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787932/cropped_GettyImages-2216383580.jpg?ts=1748560301" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787932/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216383580.jpg?ts=1748560301 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787932/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216383580.jpg?ts=1748560301 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787932/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216383580.jpg?ts=1748560301 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787932/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216383580.jpg?ts=1748560301 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787932/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216383580.jpg?ts=1748560301 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kate Frese / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Mystics finished the 2024 campaign ninth in both points per game (79.3) and field-goal percentage (43.2%), reflecting their overall uninspired offensive effort. But they still showed flashes from deep, finishing second in the league in three-point shooting at 36.6%.</p><p>Notre Dame has a strong recent history of producing WNBA-ready guards (Arike Ogunbowale, Skylar Diggins, and Jewell Loyd, among others), and Citron appears poised to join the celebrated list. The 21-year-old is a well-rounded player with the size to be a good perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions, skills she displayed in college to earn a spot on the ACC's All-Defensive team. While Citron lacks explosiveness on the defensive end, her smart decision-making consistently compensates, a strength already translating at the pro level.</p><p>However, it's on the offensive end where Citron has truly excelled. Through eight games, she third among all rookies in scoring (14.1 PPG) and is shooting 48.8% from the field, an impressive return for a player viewed mainly as a perimeter threat. Citron's also hitting 39.4<strong>%</strong> from beyond the arc on 4.1 attempts per contest and could become the second player in WNBA history, alongside Mystics icon Elena Delle Donne, to finish a season with 50/40/90 shooting splits. Granted, there are 36 games left on Washington's schedule, but the early signs for Citron are beyond expectations.</p><p>"She's become a pretty important player for us in a very short amount of time," Johnson told <a href="http://www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/article/through-the-mystics-sonia-citron-is-learning-to-not-underestimate-herself">Monumental Sports Network's Tyler Byrum</a> in May. "We haven't even gotten started. If she stays healthy, there's going to be a lot of basketball coming her way."</p><h3>Iriafen: A much-needed two-way threat</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787929/cropped_GettyImages-2215451189.jpg?ts=1748560162" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787929/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215451189.jpg?ts=1748560162 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787929/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215451189.jpg?ts=1748560162 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787929/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215451189.jpg?ts=1748560162 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787929/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215451189.jpg?ts=1748560162 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787929/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215451189.jpg?ts=1748560162 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Mystics placed dead last in the WNBA in rebounding in 2024, perhaps prompting the urgency to take Iriafen with the fourth pick.</p><p>The 21-year-old has made an immediate impact, leading both the Mystics and all rookies with 10 rebounds per game. Iriafen ranks fourth league-wide in boards, ahead of established veterans like Brionna Jones, Aliyah Boston, and Nneka Ogwumike. And with five points-and-rebounds double-doubles already, she's played a significant role in propelling Washington to fourth in boards per contest.</p><p>Iriafen's physicality and positioning at the defensive end have instantly remedied much of what ailed the Mystics last season. The hope is that she and 2024 sixth overall pick Aaliyah Edwards can form the team's frontcourt for years to come.</p><p>But Iriafen's contributions aren't limited to just the defensive end of the court. She ranks second among rookies for points (14.6) and tops all first-year players averaging 15 or more minutes per game with a tidy 51.7<strong>%</strong> shooting clip from the field. Credit should go to USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb and her offensive system for helping Iriafen prepare for the pro level in her one season with the Trojans. Rather than being confined to the low block, Iriafen frequently operated from the elbow and high post, polishing her footwork and decision-making.</p><p>Her finishing skills at the rim are already at a WNBA level, and she's an effective scorer out to 15 feet. As confidence in Iriafen's perimeter work develops, so will her already-versatile offensive repertoire.</p><p>Johnson also doesn't appear inclined to handle Iriafen like most rookies. "Really high expectations for her, to be perfectly blunt. ... She certainly earned the respect of her teammates," the Mystics bench boss <a href="http://x.com/theTylerByrum/status/1926072880174874628">told</a> Byrum in May. "But the true test comes against literally Hall of Fame players. ... The steadiness there, I think, is really impressive."</p><p>Washington isn't without its flaws, and an early-season habit of surrendering leads is problematic. Even so, the highly anticipated 2026 free agency period and the availability of many of the league's biggest names should coincide with Amoore's return to health. Paired with the emergence of Citron and Iriafen, the Mystics should have enough to inspire hope.</p>

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Mystics' star rookies provide franchise-shaping opportunity

The assembly of this iteration of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been years in the making. A serie...

<p>The assembly of this iteration of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been years in the making. A series of moves - some headline-grabbing and others that were seemingly immaterial at the time - led to this moment.</p><p>General manager Sam Presti was the one constant in each of those moves, and of all the transactions he's orchestrated since the Seattle SuperSonics hired him at 29 years old in June 2007, there's one that stands out - the creation of one trade exception that caused a ripple effect still being felt 18 years later.</p><h3>July 11, 2007: Magic-bound Lewis pens sign-and-trade</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="PRESTI: RASHARD LEWIS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4DC5g" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4DC5g/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="88" 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><p>A month after Presti was hired, he sent Rashard Lewis to the Orlando Magic in a sign-and-trade for a second-round pick and an $8-million trade exception. The move came weeks after Presti selected Kevin Durant second overall in the 2007 draft and traded Ray Allen to the Boston Celtics for the No. 5 pick that became Jeff Green. The departures of Lewis and Allen sparked a rebuild in Seattle.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>July 20, 2007: Sonics offload trade exception for 1st-round picks, Thomas</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="PRESTI:THOMAS TRADE" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-C3iXe" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/C3iXe/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="88" 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><p>Presti then packaged the $8-million exception acquired in the Lewis sign-and-trade with a second-round pick for forward Kurt Thomas and two first-round selections.</p><p>The following June, after grabbing Russell Westbrook at No. 4, the Sonics used that 2008 first-round pick and selected Congolese-Spanish big man Serge Ibaka with the 24th pick of the 2008 NBA Draft.</p><p>Now in Oklahoma City, Presti and the Thunder capitalized on the aforementioned draft picks and the selection of James Harden at No. 3 in the 2009 draft to build an ascendant young roster. Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka formed the core of a team that reached the conference finals in 2011 before losing the 2012 NBA Finals in five games to the Miami Heat.</p><p>Both Durant and Westbrook eventually won MVP as members of the Thunder (Harden was later named MVP with the Houston Rockets), but the 2012 Finals would be as far as this group got.</p><h3>June 23, 2016: Ibaka shipped to Magic for Oladipo, Ilyasova, draft rights to Sabonis</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788417/cropped_GettyImages-544019764.jpg?ts=1748814436" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788417/w220xh124_GettyImages-544019764.jpg?ts=1748814436 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788417/w320xh180_GettyImages-544019764.jpg?ts=1748814436 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788417/w640xh360_GettyImages-544019764.jpg?ts=1748814436 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788417/w768xh432_GettyImages-544019764.jpg?ts=1748814436 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788417/w1080xh607_GettyImages-544019764.jpg?ts=1748814436 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Fernando Medina / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="PRESTI: IBAKA TRADE" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ofxUF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ofxUF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="88" 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><p>Fast-forward to 2016 when Presti swung a draft-night trade with the Magic and acquired Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, and the rights to the No. 11 pick, Domantas Sabonis, in exchange for Ibaka.</p><p>On the surface, it's a deal that made sense for both sides at the time. Ibaka was expected to contribute at a level similar to his final seasons with the Thunder, and Oladipo was approaching a contract year and reportedly wanted a max deal. Rob Hennigan, then the Magic's general manager, presumably thought attaching a lottery pick to Oladipo and Ilysasova was necessary to get the deal over the line.</p><p>Ibaka would appear in 56 games for the Magic before being flipped for Terrence Ross and a first-round pick that eventually became Anzejs Pasecniks, who we'll assume is a real person for the purpose of this exercise. The Magic should have stopped doing business with Presti at this point.</p><h3>July 6, 2017: Oladipo, Sabonis traded to Pacers for George</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="PRESTI: PAUL GEORGE TRADE" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3esbV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3esbV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="88" 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><p>This transaction between the 2025 finalists highlighted two truths about small-market teams competing in the NBA. The first is that recruiting All-Star caliber talent is difficult, and George checked off all the boxes for the Thunder. The second is that drafting and developing a bona fide star, only to see him submit a trade request, is the worst thing that can happen to a small-market team, as the Pacers were reminded.</p><p>Considering these harsh realities, this was ultimately a win-win trade. After a ghastly leg break signaled the end of his Pacers tenure, George had two standout seasons with the Thunder, including a career-defining 2018-19 campaign in which he earned All-NBA first team honors.</p><p>Oladipo, meanwhile, was named Most Improved Player in his first year with the Pacers and reached new heights before a devastating quad injury, and Sabonis spent four-and-a-half seasons with the team before being traded to the Sacramento Kings for a package that included Tyrese Haliburton. It worked out for the Pacers in the end.</p><h3>July 10, 2019: George sent to Clippers for Gilgeous-Alexander, every draft pick ever</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788416/cropped_GettyImages-2216922075.jpg?ts=1748814373" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788416/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216922075.jpg?ts=1748814373 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788416/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216922075.jpg?ts=1748814373 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788416/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216922075.jpg?ts=1748814373 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788416/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216922075.jpg?ts=1748814373 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788416/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216922075.jpg?ts=1748814373 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Murphy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="PRESTI: SGA TRADE" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-2QWC8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2QWC8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="88" 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><p>Unlike the time when George's trade demands with the Pacers went public, the Thunder benefited from his reticent approach in this instance, and his desire to leave coincided with Presti's decision to move on from Westbrook.</p><p>There's no escaping the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers were ready to move mountains to pair him with Kawhi Leonard, and the prerequisite for Leonard's free-agent signing following a title-winning term in Toronto was George.</p><p>Not only did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander develop into an MVP who spearheaded a run to the NBA Finals, but the addition of the draft capital in return for George allowed Presti to construct a young team of emerging players whose ascendancies were harmonized. Among them was Jalen Williams, who was selected with the Clippers' 2022 pick (10 spots after the Thunder selected Chet Holmgren at No. 2) and was a first-time All-Star this season.</p><p>In hindsight, two trades involving George helped build two title-caliber teams in Oklahoma City and Indiana.</p><p>None of this is to say that Presti is infallible. The Thunder failed to win a ring with Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, and that failure falls partially on his shoulders. He also lost Durant for nothing in free agency and traded a future MVP in Harden to the Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and two picks.</p><p>His infatuation with draft capital isn't without its flaws and can come at the expense of the current roster. And while his draft record is very good, there have been misses.</p><p>But this isn't a referendum on Presti's place in the annals of NBA front-office moves; rather, it's a look at the ripple effect of an $8-million trade exception nearly two decades removed and the impact it had on a franchise. Newton's Third Law of Motion and the NBA exist in different universes.</p>

MAITLAND, FL - JULY 11: Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic laughs during an interview at the RDV Sportsplex on July 11, 2007 in Maitland, Florida. 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 2007 NBAE

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Thunderstruck: Ripple effect of a move 18 years later

The NBA announced the schedule for the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma Ci...

<p>The NBA announced the schedule for the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GAME</th>
<th>DATE</th>
<th>TIME (ET)</th>
<th>HOME</th>
<th>AWAY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>June 5</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>June 8</td>
<td>8:00 p.m.</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>June 11</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>June 13</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>June 16</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>June 19</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>June 22</td>
<td>8:00 p.m.</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* if necessary</em></p><p>The Thunder will enjoy a seven-day break after eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals May 28.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Pacers booked their spot in the championship series after finishing off the New York Knicks in six games.</p><p>Oklahoma City will host an NBA Finals game for the first time since 2011-12. The Thunder lost that series in five games to the Miami Heat. The Pacers haven't appeared in the finals since 1999-2000, when they suffered a 4-2 series defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>Oklahoma City won both regular-season matchups against Indiana.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 29: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Paycom Center on March 29, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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NBA announces Finals schedule for Pacers-Thunder

Cooper Flagg will be selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.  That's perhaps ...

<p>Cooper Flagg will be selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.</p><p>That's perhaps the only certainty ahead of Monday's draft lottery in Chicago, and for good reason.</p><p>Flagg, 18, had a stellar season at Duke and became one of four freshmen to win The Associated Press' men's national player of the year in the award's 64-year history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's a versatile 6-foot-9 talent who's both the youngest player in the draft and the most complete prospect courtesy of elite athleticism and top-tier playmaking skills. With a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Flagg could play multiple roles in the NBA and fits the profile of a franchise-altering star at the next level.</p><p>With the order of the top 14 picks to be determined Monday ahead of the first night of the draft on June 25 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, let's look at where Flagg will most likely end up.</p><h3>Who will draft Flagg 1st overall?</h3><p>First, some math: To accurately predict which team might win the chance to select Flagg, one helpful indicator is past draft lotteries.</p><p>The NBA introduced the lottery in 1985 and overhauled it in 1990 with a weighted system to give clubs with the worst records the best chance at the No. 1 pick (25%). In 2019, the league altered the lottery again for the 2019 draft to discourage tanking, awarding the bottom-three teams the same odds (14%).</p><p>Since 1990, only one squad outside the bottom 10 has landed the top selection (Orlando Magic, 1993). And in the last 10 drafts, just twice has the first pick gone to a franchise that didn't finish among the league's bottom three.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NBA LOTTERY HISTORY (1990-2024)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nl5ej" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nl5ej/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1459" 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><p>All of this gives us a clearer idea of where Flagg could land and which teams we should spotlight as a potential fit for the reigning national player of the year.</p><p>Here's a look at the clubs with the best odds of securing Flagg's coveted services:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Odds for 1st overall pick " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-d0xEi" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/d0xEi/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="686" 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><p>Now, let's count down the 10 most likely lottery winners and explore how the versatile star-in-the-making could make an immediate impact with those teams.</p><h3>Flagg hopefuls</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="GRADES: BLAZERS (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Z5C4M" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z5C4M/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>Portland placed 16th in pace last season despite having a stable full of thoroughbreds. As a result of playing against set defenses, the Blazers owned the 22nd-ranked offense. Flagg's ability to grab a rebound - he ranked ninth in the ACC with 7.5 boards per game - and lead the fastbreak would unleash the likes of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, generating easy scoring chances. Flagg also uses those situations to hunt for mismatches and get to the free-throw line, where he shoots 84%.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="GRADES: BLAZERS (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4njyC" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4njyC/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>Houston's offense got stuck in the mud at times last season, particularly with shot creation from the perimeter. The Rockets ranked 22nd in drives per game (44.9) and 25th in field-goal percentage within five feet (61.5%). Having Flagg play off Alperen Sengun in the post would create opportunities for cuts and mismatches, alleviating some of the strain on Ime Udoka's offense. Flagg also has experience throwing high-low passes with 7-foot-2 Khaman Maluach at Duke, which would translate nicely next to Sengun.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: SPURS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vW6Ij" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vW6Ij/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>Double-big lineups have made a resurgence after small ball dominated most of the previous decade. Pairing Flagg alongside Victor Wembanyama would be a defensive cheat code, with Flagg posting the third-best defensive rating of any high-major player in the nation, trailing the Houston duo of Mylik Wilson and Joseph Tugler. While Flagg's off-ball defense is exceptional, he'll need to improve his on-ball defense, which is solid but not at the same level.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: RAPTORS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zLG41" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zLG41/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>Toronto has tried to anoint Scottie Barnes as its next star. He's a skilled player and a potential multi-time All-Star but not a No. 1 option. You can't give him the ball and ask him to get a basket at will. As a result, the Raptors placed dead last in isolation possessions at only 4.7 per game and 29th in offensive rating in clutch possessions in 2024-25. Flagg has the skill set to be that main option. He had the highest offensive rating (123) of any high-major collegiate player with a usage rate of at least 27%.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: NETS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-B99pn" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/B99pn/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>Brooklyn lacked playmaking this past campaign. Yes, they had talented scorers, but the Nets were ninth in isolation frequency and 21st in assist ratio. Flagg's 26.8% assist rate is the second-highest of the projected lottery, behind Dylan Harper (27.1%), who was the only source of creation for a terrible Rutgers offense. At Duke, Flagg was the catalyst behind <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjOE">KenPom</a>'s top-ranked offense, with his willingness to move the ball being the foundation of the Blue Devils' system.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: 76ERS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-58UnW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/58UnW/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>The 76ers getting the top pick for a third time in nine years would be an interesting outcome. On the surface, Philly already has its No. 1 option, a young and dynamic ball-hander, as well as a creative wing. However, Paul George's dramatic fall from grace will unlikely improve with age. The Sixers could slot Flagg into that true 3-and-D role and bring him along slowly. He was lights out from behind the arc in the latter half of the season, knocking down 44% of his 3-point attempts in conference play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: PELICANS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CaGlw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CaGlw/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>Zion Williamson has played in just 214 games over his six NBA seasons, but his physical gifts remain tantalizing. Another franchise would surely give up valuable assets to try to rehabilitate his career. Apart from a fluke ankle sprain in the ACC tourney, Flagg hasn't dealt with any major injuries, and his medicals should be clean - a welcome change for a franchise plagued with health issues. Flagg is already a more polished defender than Williamson and could seamlessly step into that point-forward role.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: HORNETS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mnCgQ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mnCgQ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>We've waxed poetic about Flagg's offensive capabilities, but his greatest impact would be on defense in Charlotte. The Hornets have been a bottom-10 defensive squad for four consecutive seasons: their core players struggle to consistently stay in front of people. Fortunately, Flagg's help-side defense is perhaps his most NBA-ready attribute. He ranked sixth in the ACC in shot-blocking and 12th in steals - both numbers could've been higher since he consistently blew up actions from the weak side.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: WIZARDS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CEprx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CEprx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>The Wizards would be a unique situation for Flagg. Jordan Poole, AJ Johnson, and Bub Carrington are inconsistent but have all shown glimpses of high-level playmaking. Pairing them with a true play-finisher like Flagg could instantly transform their offense. Additionally, Alex Sarr plays like a power forward trapped in a center's body, struggling to finish around the rim despite his 7-foot size. He converted just 60% of his shots within five feet and 29.9% from 5-10 feet this campaign. Flagg, on the other hand, shoots 65.4% around the basket thanks to his elite touch and 7-foot-1 wingspan.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FLAGG: JAZZ" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Uma2X" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Uma2X/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><p>Flagg is most likely to get on-ball reps in Utah since Collin Sexton and Keyonte George aren't long-term options. Will Hardy, known for his creativity, is now free to get imaginative following his contract extension. For example, a Lauri Markkanen and Cooper Flagg pick-and-roll would be fascinating. Using Flagg's size to hunt post-up mismatches, similar to how the Indiana Pacers use Pascal Siakam, could be another interesting wrinkle.</p>

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<p>Five-star USC men's basketball recruit Alijah Arenas was involved in a serious car accident in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, head coach Eric Musselman confirmed.</p><p>"Our thoughts and prayers are with Alijah and his family following this morning's accident," Musselman said in a <a href="https://x.com/EricPMusselman/status/1915526139642339791">statement</a>. "Please keep him, his teammates and friends, and the entire Arenas family in your players."</p><p>The incident occurred at 4:56 a.m. when a Tesla Cybertruck struck a fire hydrant and tree, according to the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2025-04-24/usc-recruit-alijah-arenas-injured-in-car-crash">Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje, Eric Sondheimer, and Richard Winton</a>. Los Angeles police did not name Arenas but said an 18-year-old driver was subsequently taken to hospital in stable condition.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Arenas, 18, was placed in a medically induced coma, reports <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44837333/usc-recruit-alijah-arenas-induced-coma-crash-per-sources">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>, who adds initial tests showed Arenas did not suffer any broken bones.</p><p>The vehicle was reportedly removed from the scene by a tow truck and burst into flames at a towing yard.</p><p>Arenas committed to play for the Trojans in January amid interest from Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisville. He was the 12th-ranked recruit and the third-ranked shooting guard in his class, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings">ESPN</a>.</p><p>The 6-foot-5 guard is the son of former NBA veteran Gilbert Arenas.</p>

BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 01: McDonalds High School All American Alijah Arenas (16) shoots a free throw against Darius Adams (20) during the McDonalds Boys High School All American Game on April 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

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<p>Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison admitted he didn't fully grasp <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>'s deep connection to the team's fan base until after trading the five-time All-Star.</p><p>"I did know Luka was important to the fan base. I didn't know quite to this level," Harrison told reporters Monday, including <a href="http://x.com/tim_cato/status/1914381171003175149">Mavericks insider Tim Cato</a>.</p><p>The Mavs dealt Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2 in a blockbuster three-team trade that brought five-time NBA All-Defensive selection <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> to Dallas.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Harrison has faced heavy criticism from Mavericks supporters and many NBA fans since the trade. However, the executive reiterated Monday that he made the deal with defense in mind, a point he first emphasized when justifying the move.</p><p>"We really feel that defense is our calling card," Harrison said, according to <a href="https://x.com/noahweber00/status/1914379594381087123">The Smoking Cuban's Noah Weber</a>.</p><p>Harrison also addressed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3270434" href="https://thescore.com/news/3270434">recent quotes</a> from Doncic, who said it was "just sad the way (Harrison's) talking right now" in the wake of the transaction. But Harrison insisted he's "never spoken ill" of Doncic and wants to move on, per <a href="https://x.com/noahweber00/status/1914384414244790547">Weber</a>.</p><p>Reports following the trade claimed that Harrison had "constant conditioning concerns" about Doncic, along with worries over a "lack of discipline regarding his diet." Harrison <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3268022" href="https://thescore.com/news/3268022">said</a> last week that he has "no regrets on the trade."</p><p>"I think I've done a really good job here. We've had a lot of injuries," Harrison said Monday, per <a href="https://x.com/hoopshype/status/1914388835016056923">HoopsHype</a>. "You'll see next year we'll be competing for a championship."</p><p>The Mavericks finished the season with a 39-43 record and missed the playoffs after losing the play-in finale against the Memphis Grizzlies. Dallas went 13-20 after acquiring Davis, but posted a 6-3 record with him in the lineup. Davis strained his left adductor in his Mavs debut on Feb. 8 and missed the next 18 games.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBUARY 2: Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Nico Harrison talk to the media before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 2, 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

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<p>Former five-star recruit Ian Jackson is transferring to St. John's following a standout freshman season at North Carolina, head coach Rick Pitino <a href="https://x.com/RealPitino/status/1914360285684756842">announced</a>.</p><p>Jackson made the ACC All-Freshman team after averaging 11.9 points in 36 games for the Tar Heels. </p><p>The New York-born guard joins Pitino's ranks after the Red Storm compiled a 31-5 record and won their first Big East regular-season title since 1991-92. They qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 before being ousted in the second round by Arkansas.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jackson's addition caps a busy week for Pitino. Former Arizona State guard Joson Sanon, former Providence forward Bryce Hopkins, and former Stanford wing Oziyah Sellers also committed to St. John's after entering the transfer portal.</p><p>This quartet will join the likes of center Zuby Ejiofor, who was one of the most dominant big men in the nation with averages of 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds.</p><p>St. John's will be without Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis, who declared for the NBA draft, and graduating senior guards Kadary Richmond and Deivon Wilcher. Sophomore wing Simeon Wilcher will also not return after entering the portal.</p>

CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 08: Ian Jackson #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles the ball during a game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Dean Smith Center on March 08, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Duke won 69-82.

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School's out: Grading every NBA team's regular season 

The final day of the NBA regular season was littered with lopsided numbers and unexpected contrib...

<p>The final day of the NBA regular season was littered with lopsided numbers and unexpected contributions as playoff-bound teams and the league's basement dwellers alike sought to protect key contributors.</p><p>The opportunity gave some of the game's unheralded players a chance to shine. Here are some of the craziest and most unexpected statistics from Sunday's jam-packed slate.</p><p><strong>0:</strong> Portland Trail Blazers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24892" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24892">Jerami Grant</a> extended an impressive streak of absenteeism by not appearing in Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Grant has not appeared in a game after March 12 in three consecutive seasons. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>1:</strong> Second-generation hooper<em> </em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121726" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121726">Bronny James</a> made his first career start in the Lakers' visit from the Blazers. It was a meaningless affair for the Lakers, who had already secured the No. 3 seed in the West. Regardless, James finished the game with four points on 2-of-10 shooting.</p><p><strong>3: </strong>A trio of Cleveland Cavaliers registered career highs in their double-overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121674" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121674">Jaylon Tyson</a> (31 points), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110234" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110234">Emoni Bates</a> (25), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/163107" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/163107">Nae'Qwan Tomlin</a> (24) will have to find a way to share ownership of the game ball.</p><p><strong>20:</strong> Cavaliers big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6364" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6364">Tristan Thompson</a> grabbed 20 rebounds versus the Pacers, the most he's recorded since Jan. 2020. Truly a banner day for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.</p><p><strong>20+:</strong> San Antonio Spurs veteran guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/314" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/314">Chris Paul</a> became the first player in league history to appear in every regular-season game in his 20th season or later. </p><p><strong>31:</strong> Memphis Grizzlies forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93864" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93864">Lamar Stevens</a> posted a career-best 31 points on 14-of-25 shooting in the beatdown of the Dallas Mavericks. Stevens scored a combined 43 points on 15 made field goals in 16 outings before Sunday's contest.</p><p><strong>41-41:</strong> The Orlando Magic suffered a 12-point defeat to their Southeast Division rivals, the Atlanta Hawks, to finish the campaign with a 41-41 record, becoming the first team since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976 to win its division without a winning record. </p><p><strong>43:</strong> Milwaukee Bucks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11120">Pat Connaughton</a> poured in a career-high 43 points in his team's overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons. Connaughton joined <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a>, and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar as the only Bucks to record a 40/10/5 game.</p><p><strong>-44:</strong> Mavericks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102777" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102777">Jaden Hardy</a> recorded a minus-44 against the Grizzlies. Somehow, it was only the fourth-worst tally this season, but third-worst this week after New Orleans Pelicans duo Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (minus-58) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/163224" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/163224">Keion Brooks Jr.</a> (minus-56) put up crooked numbers versus the Miami Heat on Friday.</p><p><strong>82:</strong> Only 11 players appeared in all 82 games this season. A tip of the cap to J<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">alen Green</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</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/6285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6285">Harrison Barnes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93891" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93891">Jaden McDaniels</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102806" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102806">Julian Champagnie</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121678" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121678">Bub Carrington</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60881" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60881">Nickeil-Alexander Walker</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44947" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44947">Malik Beasley</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a>, and the aforementioned Paul.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 13: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs stares down Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors after he was fouled in the second half at Frost Bank Center on April 13, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The Eastern Conference standings were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3264706" href="https://thescore.com/news/3264706">finalized</a> following Friday's contests, but matters out West were decidedly more chaotic and required Sunday's final day of the regular season to determine the seeding.</p><p>The play-in tournament begins Tuesday and features the teams seeded seventh to 10th in each conference.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Western Conference play-in tournament</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>Golden State Warriors</td>
<td>Memphis Grizzlies</td>
<td>10:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 16</td>
<td>Sacramento Kings</td>
<td>Dallas Mavericks</td>
<td>10:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>Loser of Game 1</td>
<td>Winner of Game 2</td>
<td> TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A loss in Game 82 saw the Warriors drop into the No. 8 slot, setting up a matchup against a Grizzlies squad that is just 4-5 since firing head coach Taylor Jenkins at the end of March. Golden State won the season series 3-1.</p><p>The Kings will be making their second straight appearance in the play-in tournament. Big man Jonas Valanciunas has been involved in every play-in tourney since its inception in 2020. The Mavs squeaked into the tournament but are 0-3 against Sacramento this season.</p><h3>Eastern Conference play-in tournament</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>Orlando Magic</td>
<td>Atlanta Hawks</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 16</td>
<td>Chicago Bulls</td>
<td>Miami Heat</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>Loser of Game 1</td>
<td>Winner of Game 2</td>
<td> TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Magic nabbed the No. 7 seed after finishing the season on a 9-3<strong> </strong>run and will host a Hawks team that has now qualified for the play-in tournament in four straight seasons. The Magic won the season series 2-1.</p><p>The Bulls, who finished ninth in the conference for the third successive year, will welcome the Heat to the Windy City. Chicago won the season series 3-0.</p><h3>Western Conference</h3><ul>
<li>No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 TBD</li>
<li>No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. No. 7 TBD</li>
<li>No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li>No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers</li>
</ul><p>The Thunder were the league's best team in 2024-25, reaching the 67-win mark for the first time in franchise history. OKC, along with the Rockets, will await the completion of the play-in tournament to find out its first-round opponent.</p><p>The Nuggets went 7-8 in their final 15 games but were still able to secure home-court advantage against the Clippers thanks to a victory on the final day. Health will be a focal point for both teams. Oft-injured Kawhi Leonard played in 13 of his team's last 15 games, while Jamal Murray is dealing with a nagging hamstring issue. </p><p>The Lakers' small-ball lineup will be tested against the gargantuan Timberwolves. Will Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid be able to survive the Luka Doncic pick-and-roll that undid the Timberwolves in last season's Western Conference final?</p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><ul>
<li>No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 TBD</li>
<li>No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 TBD</li>
<li>No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Detroit Pistons</li>
<li>No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks</li>
</ul><p>The Cavaliers and Celtics will host the two survivors of the play-in tournament, but the real excitement might come from the two other first-round clashes.</p><p>The Knicks will hope to prove their playoff credentials against the upstart Pistons. New York went 1-3 against Detroit this season and finished 15-23 against teams with records of .500 or better. </p><p>Meanwhile, the Pacers will take their first step in attempting to replicate their run to the conference finals from a year ago against the Bucks, who were given a boost with Damian Lillard's return to basketball activity. Indiana lost the season series against Milwaukee 3-1.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) sits down to guard Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 27, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30961646/related

NBA playoff matchups set: Lakers host T-Wolves, Pacers-Bucks rematch

The Dallas Wings own next year's first overall pick after winning the WNBA Draft Lottery and are ...

<p>The Dallas Wings own next year's first overall pick after winning the WNBA Draft Lottery and are expected to select UConn star Paige Bueckers.</p><p>Here, theScore projects the first 12 picks for the marquee event in New York City on April 14.</p><p><em>All stats are from the 2024-25 collegiate and combined European seasons.</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: VALKYRIES" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xkgFF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xkgFF/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Paige Bueckers, PG/SG (UConn)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>38</td>
<td>53.4</td>
<td>41.9</td>
<td>88.9</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>4.6</td>
<td>19.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It would be an enormous shock if the Wings passed on Bueckers at No. 1. The All-American guard finished just shy of becoming the first player in NCAA, WNBA, and NBA history to register 50/40/90 shooting splits and lead all players in assist-to-turnover ratio. She cemented her status as the top player in this draft during UConn's championship run, passing Maya Moore for the most NCAA Tournament points scored by a Husky. Bueckers is poised to make an immediate impact with her shotmaking, unselfish play, defense, and leadership. She's got all the traits teams look for in a franchise player.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: STORM (VIA LA)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fcE3g" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fcE3g/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Dominique Malonga, C (ASVEL - France)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td>51.5</td>
<td>28.8</td>
<td>68.6</td>
<td>10.6</td>
<td>1.47</td>
<td>16.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A 6-foot-6 rim protector who plays for one of Europe's elite sides, Malonga is among this draft's most intriguing prospects and arguably its most talented in terms of upside. The 19-year-old is active around the basket and has the tools to be a three-level scorer thanks to above-average athleticism for her size.<em> </em>While it's highly unlikely that Malonga can fill a lead role immediately, she does fit the profile of a future franchise cornerstone.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: MYSTICS (VIA CHI)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BaJ0J" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BaJ0J/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Sonia Citron, SG/SF (Notre Dame)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>32</td>
<td>48.4</td>
<td>37.2</td>
<td>89</td>
<td>5.4</td>
<td>2.7</td>
<td>14.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The surprising decision by ex-Notre Dame backcourt partner Olivia Miles to forgo the draft and transfer to TCU makes Citron the second-highest-ranked guard on the board. Citron is a ready-made talent whose transition to the professional ranks is aided by her proficiency at both ends, especially as a perimeter defender, where her size gives her an advantage over smaller opposition. With three of the next six picks, it's almost certain Citron will not be on the board by the time the Golden State Valkyries pick fifth.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: MYSTICS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-u51mA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/u51mA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Kiki Iriafen, PF (USC)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>49</td>
<td>28.6</td>
<td>81.1</td>
<td>8.4</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Iriafen would be another nice building block for the Mystics. The USC forward's 36-point performance in the Round of 32 against Mississippi State was further evidence that she can lead an offense. She's an elite offensive rebounder, has the speed to blow by opposing bigs off the bounce, and can go to work in the post. Iraifen may just be scratching the surface with her developing face-up game and passing ability, and she can contain guards on the perimeter with her athleticism and length.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: VALKYRIES (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Roq8u" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Roq8u/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Aneesah Morrow, PF (LSU)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>36</td>
<td>49</td>
<td>28.9</td>
<td>73.4</td>
<td>13.5</td>
<td>1.6</td>
<td>18.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Morrow's high motor on the glass made her one of the most prolific rebounders in women's college basketball history. The 6-foot-1 forward's 1714 career boards rank third on the NCAA's Division I all-time list. She's also one of two players in NCAA history with 100 career double-doubles. Morrow showed the potential to hit threes and create for others during LSU's run to the Elite Eight. There are concerns about Morrow's size at the four, but the same doubts existed last year for ex-Tigers teammate Angel Reese.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: VALKYRIES (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-oOyaJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oOyaJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Georgia Amoore, PG (Kentucky)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td>42.3</td>
<td>33.6</td>
<td>83.7</td>
<td>2.3</td>
<td>6.9</td>
<td>19.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Amoore enjoyed a stellar season with Kentucky after following former Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks to Lexington. Even though she's just 5-foot-6, Amoore proved her worth as a playmaker with 213 total assists, the sixth-highest mark in Division I, and a tidy 2.24 assist-to-turnover ratio. She also logged an SEC-high 36.7 minutes per game and flexes elite basketball IQ and court vision. The Australian's performances against talent-rich competition in the ACC and SEC speak volumes about her skill set and capabilities.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: SUN (VIA NY)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6vk3R" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6vk3R/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Shyanne Sellers, G/F (Maryland)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td>46.2</td>
<td>40.8</td>
<td>86.8</td>
<td>3.8</td>
<td>4.1</td>
<td>14.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Sellers' strength is her versatility - the Maryland standout is capable of playing three positions at a high level. Sellers is a strong shooter who excelled beyond the arc this season - albeit from a small sample size - and can get a bucket any number of ways, something she displayed in a 28-point barrage in the come-from-behind second-round victory over Alabama in the NCAA Tournament. Sellers is a good building block for a rebuilding Sun side that's working with a relatively blank canvas.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: SUN (VIA IND)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-yR4YV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yR4YV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Ajsa Sivka, F (Tarbes Gespe Bigorre - France)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>38.7</td>
<td>35.6</td>
<td>66.6</td>
<td>3.1</td>
<td>2.3</td>
<td>8.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Teams seeking a perimeter threat with high upside needn't look any further than 19-year-old Slovenia native Ajsa Sivka. The 6-foot-4 wing thrives as a catch-and-shoot option and pulling up off the dribble. Sivka's also a gifted passer and surprisingly nimble for her size. Owning a pair of first-round selections this season gives the Sun wiggle room to swing big on a draft-and-stash candidate like Sivka, whose tremendous upside might be too much to pass up on at No. 8.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: SPARKS (VIA SEA)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-yyTfy" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yyTfy/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Hailey Van Lith, PG (TCU)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>38</td>
<td>45.2</td>
<td>33.8</td>
<td>82.7</td>
<td>4.6</td>
<td>5.4</td>
<td>17.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Van Lith's strong fifth year, along with TCU's deep March run, has rebuilt her draft stock. The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year has settled in at the point, ranking 10th in the nation with 204 assists. She's flourished in the pick-and-roll and has the shooting range to burn defenders who go under screens. Van Lith's also been a winner at every stop of her collegiate career, helping three different schools reach the Elite Eight. That will serve her well at the next level.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: SKY (VIA CON)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RFs49" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RFs49/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Te-Hina Paopao, G (South Carolina)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td>44.4</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>73.7</td>
<td>2.7</td>
<td>2.8</td>
<td>9.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Paopao could be the Sky's long-term solution at the point. She's a career 40% 3-point shooter and would instantly provide some much-needed floor spacing alongside Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Paopao's chemistry with Cardoso, her former college teammate, is an added bonus. There wouldn't be much pressure for Paopao to start right away, with Chicago bringing back veteran floor general Courtney Vandersloot and acquiring two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins. She can learn from both guards and fill in for either player.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: SKY (VIA CON) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KQycY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KQycY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Juste Jocyte, G/F (ASVEL - France)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>41.8</td>
<td>34.8</td>
<td>78</td>
<td>3.2</td>
<td>2.71</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The U.S.-born Lithuanian 19-year-old is eligible for the draft because she grew up overseas. Otherwise, we'd have to wait until 2027 to see this much-hyped combo guard who boasts great size at her position. What Jocyte lacks in athleticism, she makes up for with deft movements off screens and creativity as a scorer. Despite her age, Jocyte has proven herself in Europe: she made her Lithuanian debut at 13 and became the youngest player in EuroLeague history at 14 years, 29 days.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 MOCK: MYSTICS (VIA CHI) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UB73q" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UB73q/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" 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>Saniya Rivers, G (NC State)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>41.9</td>
<td>27.2</td>
<td>67.4</td>
<td>6.6</td>
<td>3.8</td>
<td>11.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Rivers is arguably the best athlete available in this draft, and the Wings will hope that her standout showings on the defensive end might one day be matched by more polished and diverse play at the other end. That's not to say she can't get to the bucket and exploit one-on-one scenarios, but for Dallas - a team that was last in defensive rating in 2024 - Rivers' addition would cover an immediate area of need.</p>

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LSU star Flau'Jae Johnson will remain in college instead of entering the 2025 WNBA Draft, sources...

<p>LSU star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104339" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104339">Flau'Jae Johnson</a> will remain in college instead of entering the 2025 WNBA Draft, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6253635/2025/04/03/flaujae-johnson-lsu-forgoes-wnba-draft/">The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant</a>.</p><p>Johnson could return to Baton Rouge for her senior season or enter the transfer portal before it closes on April 23 to seek a new school for her final year of eligibility.</p><p>Johnson has spent her entire collegiate career at LSU. The 21-year-old averaged 18.6 points to earn a third-team All-American selection this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 5-foot-10 guard is the second high-profile collegiate star to turn down the WNBA this week to stay in the collegiate ranks after Notre Dame's Olivia Miles <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3255414" href="https://thescore.com/news/3255414">reportedly opted</a> to enter the transfer portal instead of going pro.</p><p>Players had until Monday to announce their intentions to enter the draft unless their teams were still competing in the postseason.</p><p>LSU's NCAA Tournament run ended in the regional finals following a 72-65 loss to UCLA on Sunday. Johnson had 28 points on 10-of17 shooting in the defeat.</p>

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 30: Flau'Jae Johnson #4 of the LSU Lady Tigers reacts during the second half against the UCLA Bruins in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Arena on March 30, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.

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UConn great Paige Bueckers and USC star JuJu Watkins are among five players selected as finalists...

<p>UConn great <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a> and USC star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/110970" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/110970">JuJu Watkins</a> are among five players <a href="https://www.woodenaward.com/news/2024-25-womens-all-america-team-top-5/">selected</a> as finalists for the prestigious Wooden Award on Tuesday.</p><p>UCLA center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104621" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104621">Lauren Betts</a>, Notre Dame guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111974" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111974">Hannah Hidalgo</a>, and Texas forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111856" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111856">Madison Booker</a> are also finalists for the annual distinction celebrating the most outstanding player in women's basketball.</p><p>The Wooden All-American team features Kentucky's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91399" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91399">Georgia Amoore</a>, Florida State's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104904" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104904">Ta'Niya Latson</a>, LSU's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97633" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97633">Aneesah Morrow</a>, TCU's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91688" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91688">Hailey Van Lith</a>, and Hidalgo's Notre Dame teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97805" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97805">Olivia Miles</a> in addition to the award finalists.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bueckers won the Wooden Award as a freshman in 2021 and is considered the consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Her Huskies are in their 16th Final Four in 17 years. Bueckers is chasing her first national title.</p><p>Betts and Booker are also still competing in the NCAA Tournament. Booker and the Longhorns face South Carolina in Friday's first semifinal matchup in Tampa, Florida, while Betts and the Bruins take on UConn in the nightcap.</p><p>Watkins has been viewed as a favorite for player of the year honors following a fantastic sophomore campaign with the Trojans. Her season ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament due to a torn ACL.</p><p>The winner of the award named after legendary UCLA men's coach John Wooden will be announced later in April.</p>

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - DECEMBER 21: JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans is defended by Paige Bueckers #5 and Morgan Cheli #23 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half of an NCAA women's basketball game at the XL Center on December 21, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Bueckers, Watkins named among Wooden Award finalists

New Mexico found its successor for Xavier-bound Richard Pitino in the form of UC San Diego head c...

<p>New Mexico found its successor for Xavier-bound Richard Pitino in the form of UC San Diego head coach Eric Olen, Lobos vice president and athletics director Fernando Lovo announced Sunday.</p><p>Olen guided UC San Diego to the 2025 NCAA Tournament in its first year of eligibility and amassed a 51-17 record across the last two seasons with the program. The Tritons went 18-2 this year and won the Big West Conference tournament to secure an automatic bid.</p><p>"We're thrilled to welcome Eric Olen as the new head coach of Lobo men's basketball," Lovo <a href="https://golobos.com/news/2025/03/30/eric-olen-named-head-coach-of-lobo-mens-basketball/">said</a> in a statement. "Eric is a proven winner with an incredible track record.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Beyond the accolades and success on the court, he is a values-driven leader who puts student-athletes first. We're confident he'll bring tremendous energy and vision to our program."</p><p>Olen spent 12 seasons as head coach at UC San Diego after nine years as an assistant with the program.</p><p>The Tritons were narrowly defeated by Michigan 68-65 in their first-ever March Madness following a four-year transitionary period.</p><p>The Lobos reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons. They most recently bowed out in the second round at the hands of Michigan State after topping Marquette in the first round.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 20: Head coach Eric Olen of the UC San Diego Tritons. reacts while playing the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Ball Arena on March 20, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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New Mexico hires UC San Diego's Eric Olen

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has witnessed some superlative performances by Paige Bueckers in h...

<p>UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has witnessed some superlative performances by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a> in her four seasons with the program. Perhaps none more so than Saturday's display in the No. 2 Huskies' 82-59 Sweet 16 victory over Oklahoma.</p><p>"Paige was spectacular," Auriemma told reporters, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44460248/paige-bueckers-career-best-40-puts-uconn-back-elite-eight">ESPN's Alexa Philippou</a>. "That was as good a game as I've seen her play the whole time she's been here, at the most important time."</p><p>Bueckers scored a career-high 40 points, a UConn tournament record, with 29 of them coming in the second half. The consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft single-handedly outscored Oklahoma over the final 20 minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old finished the contest with an efficient 16-of-27 mark from the field and received a standing ovation from fans at Spokane Arena when she left the game at the 3:08 mark in the fourth quarter.</p><p>That's not to say Bueckers was perfect. The 2021 College Player of the Year went scoreless in a second quarter that also featured some defensive lapses as Oklahoma grabbed a halftime lead. Bueckers went on a tear in the final frame, though, scoring 19 straight points on 8-of-9 shooting during a spell in which the Sooners managed only five points.</p><p>"When it starts happening in a game, in the back of your mind, you go, 'Here it goes,'" Auriemma said about Bueckers' effort. "And you know that unless the other team does something, it's just going to keep piling it on."</p><p>Bueckers now has 74 points in two games on the heels of a 34-point outburst in the second-round win over South Dakota State, her previous career high.</p><p>"Little by little it's dawned on her, I think, that there is no next year," Auriemma said. "There is no 'I can get this anytime I want.' You're going to have to get it now or it won't be available anymore."</p><p>The Huskies will face No. 1 USC in the Elite Eight on Monday. The Trojans are without star JuJu Watkins, who tore her ACL in the second-round victory over Mississippi State.</p><p>"Honestly, we just wanted to keep our season going as long as possible. We all love playing together, we love playing here," Bueckers said. "We just love this program and everything it means."</p>

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 29: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies meets with head coach Geno Auriemma at halftime against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Arena on March 29, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.

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UConn's Auriemma lauds 'spectacular' Bueckers

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick held a meeting with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reav...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick held a meeting with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> ahead of Saturday's clash with the Memphis Grizzlies, hoping to spark the team's intensity levels and offense.</p><p>It worked - the star trio combined for 85 points and 25 assists in the 134-127 victory.</p><p>"We challenged all three of them when we get to their three-man actions to play with a little more force and a little more thrust and a little more creativity," Redick <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44462921/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-outlast-memphis-grizzlies">told</a> ESPN's Dave McMenamin about Saturday morning's meeting in Memphis.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Reaves led the way with 31 points on 5-of-8 shooting from deep, paired with eight assists and seven rebounds. Doncic poured in 29 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while James finished with 25 points, eight assists, and six boards. Los Angeles finished the four-game road trip with a 2-2 split.</p><p>"We played as well as we've played so far, offensively," Redick added.</p><p>The Lakers shot 50.6% from the field and 44.2% from beyond the arc on 43 attempts.</p><p>"I think the meeting was just still trying to build that chemistry amongst the three of us to help the team be successful," Reaves said. "Tonight, it just showed that when we play the right way and trust one another, especially offensively, we can have open looks on almost every possession."</p><p>James looked particularly inspired in his fifth game back since missing seven contests due to a strained left groin.</p><p>"He was an incredible leader tonight," Redick said. "And it was early. It was throughout the game. When we got down, I challenged the group in a timeout and he was as vocal as he's been since he got back from injury."</p><p>Reaves was also impressed by James' timeout address. "It was the first time I've heard him yell in a while," he said. "It was refreshing, to be honest. I loved it."</p><p>The Lakers are 45-29 with eight contests left on the schedule, all against Western Conference opposition. They now hold a half-game lead over fifth-placed Memphis and the tiebreaker after winning the season series.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on March 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Redick 'challenged' star trio before win over Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Sparks will retire WNBA icon Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey June 29 when the three...

<p>The Los Angeles Sparks will retire WNBA icon Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey June 29 when the three-time champions host the Chicago Sky, the team announced.</p><p>Parker becomes the third Sparks player to have her jersey retired, joining eight-time All-Star Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and former player and general manager Penny Toler (No. 11).</p><p>"To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor. This moment is not just about me - it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the L.A. Sparks organization and fans," Parker <a href="https://sparks.wnba.com/news/sparks-to-retire-legend-candace-parkers-no-3-jersey-on-june-29">told</a> the team's official website.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Parker spent 13 seasons in Los Angeles, during which time she won two MVP awards and the 2016 title.</p><p>"Candace Parker has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Sparks, not only as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, but as a true ambassador of our franchise and women’s basketball as a whole," Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson said.</p><p>She left in 2021 to join her hometown Sky as a free agent and was an integral part of the franchise's march to the title that same year. She also won a championship with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023 before retiring in 2024.</p>

PALMETTO, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks looks on during the game against the Washington Mystics on September 10, 2020 at Feld Entertainment Center in Palmetto, Florida. 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 2020 NBAE

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Sparks will retire Parker's No. 3 on June 29

Forward Draymond Green accepted responsibility for the Golden State Warriors' poor defense in Sat...

<p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> accepted responsibility for the Golden State Warriors' poor defense in Saturday's 125-114 road loss to the Atlanta Hawks.</p><p>The Warriors conceded 40 points in the first quarter, and Green acknowledged his part in his team's lack of defensive effort.</p><p>"We've got to be better. That starts with me; we were terrible defensively," Green told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1903627213695500434">The Athletic's Anthony Slater</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We just didn't come out like we were ready to play," Green added. "We got diced up in the first quarter, and from that point on, we were fighting an uphill battle."</p><p>Green's comments come after the 13-year NBA veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245874" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245874">claimed</a> he had a "1 million percent" case for winning Defensive Player of the Year following a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week.</p><p>The 35-year-old won the league's top individual prize for defenders in 2017 and is a four-time NBA All-Defensive first-team member.</p><p>Green finished Saturday's loss with five points on 2-of-7 shooting paired with six rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block. Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 25 points, while Moses Moody chipped in 20.</p><p>"Bad loss. It's a terrible loss," Green said. "Eleven games left with everything to play for, you shouldn't have a loss like this."</p><p>The Warriors were without Steph Curry against the Hawks after the 11-time All-Star injured his pelvis during Thursday's win over the Toronto Raptors.</p><p>Saturday's loss was just Golden State's fourth in its last 20 games since acquiring Butler from the Miami Heat in a blockbuster trade that sent Andrew Wiggins the other way. The Warriors take on the Heat in Miami on Tuesday, marking Butler's first return to face his former team since the trade.</p><p>The 41-30 Warriors are a half-game up on the Clippers for the Western Conference's sixth and final automatic playoff berth.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 22: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on March 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Draymond shoulders blame for poor defensive showing vs. Hawks

Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell shouldered the blame for Friday's loss to the Phoen...

<p>Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star<a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998"> Donovan Mitchell</a> shouldered the blame for Friday's loss to the Phoenix Suns following an uncharacteristic performance.</p><p>"Put this on me," Mitchell said, according to CBS Sports' <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/donovan-mitchell-blames-himself-for-cavaliers-fourth-straight-loss-im-not-being-who-i-need-to-be/">James Herbert</a>. "When your leader ain't doing shit, this is what happens. Yeah, we have to guard better, rebound, shit like that. But if I'm not being who I need to be, then we're not going to get to where we want to get to."</p><p>Mitchell recorded a season-low seven points on 2-of-18 shooting punctuated by an 0-of-8 display from beyond the arc. The Eastern Conference-leading Cavs have hit a rough patch lately on the heels of a franchise-best 16-game winning streak and have dropped four consecutive contests, their worst stretch of the campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's been like this for the past four games, and we've lost four straight," Mitchell added. </p><p>Kevin Durant led all scorers with 42 points for the 34-37 Suns, who have now won three straight to vault the Dallas Mavericks for the fourth and final play-in spot.</p><p>"I have to be better, simple as that. You can point to all these different things, yeah: KD having 30-whatever, we gave him some - f--- all that, it's on me," Mitchell said.</p><p>Mitchell missed the final matchup of Cleveland's 16-game run due to groin soreness before returning for the current skid. In the four contests since his one-game absence, the 28-year-old has shot 29.5% from the field and 6-of-37 from deep, well below his season averages.</p><p>"I have to be better for the group. I've been good for the group all year, and this is on me," Mitchell said.</p><p>"I'm a sicko for this shit, man," Mitchell added. "This tests what you really are mentally, just continuing to push. And I have no doubt, I haven't lost confidence in my abilities. It's going to come, it's going to happen. But until I continue to be who I've been, this is what happens."</p><p>Evan Mobley chipped in with 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, and according to the fourth-year defensive whiz, Mitchell isn't the only one who deserves blame for their struggles.</p><p>"I feel like we all started slow. We weren't getting rebounds, we weren't necessarily getting stops. Some shots weren't falling for (Mitchell) and some other people as well, but we can't just put everything on him," Mobley said.</p><p>Mitchell and Co. will look to bounce back when they visit the lowly Utah Jazz on Sunday. The six-time All-Star said he's happy to take the criticism for the Cavs if the losing streak continues.</p><p>"There's really nowhere else to look, to be honest with you," Mitchell said. "So I'll be better. I'll figure it the f--- out for everybody."</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on November 06, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Mitchell takes blame for Cavs' 4th straight loss: 'Put this on me'

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch inserted forward Joe Ingles into the starting lineu...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch inserted forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38400" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38400">Joe Ingles</a> into the starting lineup Friday for a special reason.</p><p>Ingles' son Jacob, who has autism, was in attendance at the Target Center for the T-Wolves' 134-93 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The contest was just the second time Jacob watched an entire game in person and the first time seeing his father play.</p><p>"It's emotional," Finch told reporters after the game, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44352145/wolves-ingles-makes-first-start-22-son-jacob-attendance">ESPN</a>. "Sometimes, you have to do the human thing. And you always talk about all these minutes matter. Those minutes matter for another reason."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"And I figured if we're going to do it, let's do it in style," Finch added.</p><p>The autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that can alter how people learn, interact, communicate, and behave.</p><p>"As a dad, just really proud that he's worked so hard every day at school and therapy and speech and everything that he has to do to fit in - in a not-very-friendly world a lot of the time," Ingles said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihki6nryFnQ">postgame</a>.</p><p>Ingles finished scoreless in six minutes of play, but Finch said the decision to include the Australian in the starting five helped inspire the team to a lopsided win.</p><p>"Guys were behind it, and I think it gave us just the right boost that we needed and a change of energy," Finch said. "It's not often you get to do those types of things, but we're really happy that we could."</p><p>Ingles' wife and their two other children were also in attendance as the veteran made his first start since Jan. 30, 2022. Ingles spoke about the challenges of autism and the importance of raising awareness.</p><p>"The reality of it is I just don't think people understand. It gets kind of confused because of the money and the lifestyle," Ingles said. "It is a little less stressed because I can afford to pay for Jacob to get what he needs.</p><p>"But it doesn't take away the meltdowns in the supermarket. There's been so many times ... that he's laying on the floor in public. You can feel people staring at you. You know they're judging you. You know they're making comments about it. But they have no idea what he's going through that day or the night before or the situation."</p><p>Ingles added, "We'll keep doing what we do. We'll keep pushing the awareness, and we'll do whatever we can to help other families."</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 21: Joe Ingles #7 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 21, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Ingles' son attends father's 1st start since 2022 as T-Wolves win

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Michael J. Chandler

Supervising editor

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Thomas Tittley

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