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Kings beat Pistons to boost post-season hopes

The Sacramento Kings boosted their NBA post-season hopes with a 127-117 win at the Detroit Pistons.

Zach LaVine scored 43 points and DeMar DeRozan 37 for the Kings, who came from 18 points down to secure a third successive victory.

They remain ninth in the Western Conference, one win ahead of the Dallas Mavericks.

Teams finishing from seventh to 10th qualify for next week's play-in tournament.

The only side who can deny the Kings are the 11th-placed Phoenix Suns, who have three fewer wins with four regular-season games remaining.

In the play-ins, seventh plays 10th and eighth meets ninth, with the winners progressing to the play-offs.

The Miami Heat, assured of a play-in place in the East, won 117-105 at home against the already eliminated Philadelphia 76ers, who suffered a 12th successive defeat.

BBC
 
Nuggets sack coach Malone two years after Championship win

The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone with just three regular season games remaining, despite looking set to claim a play-off place.

On Tuesday the Nuggets announced the sacking of Malone after 10 years in charge, as well as the departure of general manager Calvin Booth whose contract will not be renewed.

Nuggets CEO Josh Kroenke said the decision to sack Malone was made to give the team the best chance of winning the 2025 Championship.

"While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship-level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now," Kroenke said in a statement, external.

Malone won the NBA Championship with the Nuggets in 2023 and last year took them to the Western Conference semi-finals, where they lost out to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He oversaw eight consecutive winning seasons with the Nuggets, who are currently fourth in the Western Conference with a 47-32 record this season.

Four consecutive losses have left the Nuggets in a battle to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the play-offs.

David Adelman will become the coach for the remainder of the season.



www.bbc.com

NBA: Denver Nuggets sack coach Malone two years after Championship win

The Denver Nuggets fire Championship-winning head coach Michael Malone with just three regular season games remaining, despite looking set to claim a play-off place.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Cavaliers beat Bulls seal top spot in East

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 135-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Victory means Kenny Atkinson's side will have home advantage in next week's play-offs following the completion of the regular season on Sunday.

Darius Garland top-scored with 38 points as the Cavaliers improved to 63-16 with three regular-season games remaining.

"You celebrate these moments," said Atkinson. "I think the guys are super happy in that locker room. We've had some ups and downs this past month, but I'm really proud of the guys.

"It's hard to win 63 games in this league, and it's hard to be the first seed. So, great accomplishment. We're hungry for more."

Elsewhere, Luka Doncic was ejected in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Lakers lost 136-120 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Doncic was dismissed for a second technical foul after an official said he was verbally abused by the Slovenian.

The 26-year-old insisted that he was responding to a courtside fan, but the decision stood.

"It was nothing to do with the ref, so I didn't really understand it," said Doncic. "It was tough, but you know that's on me too. I can't let my team down like that."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored with 42 points for the Thunder, who have already secured top spot in the Western Conference.

The Lakers need two wins from their remaining three regular-season games to guarantee third place.

Just behind the Lakers in fourth are the LA Clippers, who earned a fifth successive win by beating the San Antonio Spurs 122-117.

The Clippers have the same 47-32 record as the Denver Nuggets, the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies, but are ahead courtesy of NBA tiebreaker rules.

The Warriors occupy the final play-off position in sixth after beating the Phoenix Suns 133-95. The Grizzlies are seventh after winning 124-100 at the Charlotte Hornets.

BBC
 
Doncic hits 45 points on emotional Dallas return

An emotional Luka Doncic helped the Los Angeles Lakers clinch a seeded play-off spot as he hit 45 points during a 112-97 win against former side Dallas Mavericks.

The Slovenian completed a mid-season trade to the Lakers from the Mavericks in February in one of the most surprising moves in NBA history.

T-shirts with the message "Hvala za vse", which is Slovenian for "Thank you for everything", were given to fans in the American Airlines Center in recognition of Doncic's six and a half seasons in Texas.

Doncic was reduced to tears as the Mavericks played a pre-game video tribute to the 26-year-old, while his every touch was cheered by the home fans during the opening minutes of the contest.

He quickly put sentiment aside, putting up 13 points in the first quarter and 31 by half-time.

He finished with eight rebounds, six assists and four steals in his 38 minutes on court.

"Everybody saw me, the way I reacted to the video," Doncic told ESPN.

"All these fans, I really appreciate it, man. All the team-mates I had, everybody had my back. I'm just happy.

"I love these fans, I love this city, but it's time to move on."

LeBron James, 40, hit 27 points, including 13 in the final quarter.

The win means the Lakers are guaranteed a top-six seed in the Western Conference play-offs, and they can seal the third-seed spot with a win in either of their two remaining matches.

BBC
 
Luka Magic dropped 45 on Mavs today and registered his first win back at the Mavs
 
Jokic makes history and Lakers secure third spot

Nikola Jokic ensured he will become only the third player in NBA history to finish the season with a triple-double average as he starred in the Denver Nuggets' win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Serb centre will average double digits for points, rebounds and assists after claiming his 34th triple-double of the season.

He scored 26 points, 12 assists and 26 rebounds in the Nuggets' 117-109 victory, which keeps them in a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference with one game of the regular season remaining.

Elsewhere, Luka Doncic scored 39 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers secure third place in the Western Conference with a 140-109 victory at home to the Houston Rockets.

Only two men had previously finished a regular season in the NBA with a triple-double average - Jokic's Denver team-mate Russell Westbrook, who did so three times with Oklahoma City and once with the Washington Wizards, and Oscar Robertson, who did it in the 1961-62 season for Cincinnati.

Jokic's 12 assists against the Grizzlies means he is guaranteed to finish the season with an assist average of more than 10 for the first time in his career.

He is also averaging in double digits for rebounds and needs 47 points in Denver's final game of the regular season to push his points average above 30, which would also be a career best.

The 30-year-old has already been named most valuable player (MVP) three times in the NBA's regular season, and is one of the top candidates again this year, along with Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

"If he doesn't win the MVP, it's the greatest season of all time not to win the MVP," said the Nuggets' interim coach David Adelman.

Jokic has 164 regular-season triple-doubles in his career, the second-highest tally in NBA history behind Westbrook's 203.

He will bid to extend that tally in Denver's final game of the regular season at home to the Houston Rockets on Sunday as the Nuggets aim to seal the fourth-place finish they need to earn home-court advantage in the play-offs.

Doncic stars for Lakers & James injury scare

The Lakers already know they will have home-court advantage in the play-offs after securing third place in the Western Conference with their victory against second seeds Houston.

It stretched their record for the season to 50 wins and 31 defeats.

Doncic continued his fine run of form, leading the way with 39 points, eight rebounds and seven assists while LeBron James added 14 points and eight assists.

James, who has been troubled by a groin injury, grimaced in pain in the third quarter and sat out the remainder of the game with tape on his left hip.

Elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors kept alive their hopes of a fourth-placed finish in the Western Conference with a 103-86 victory against the Portland Traliblazers that was powered by 24 points and seven assists from Jimmy Butler III.

The Warriors, who play their final game of the regular season at home to the Los Angeles Clippers, are in sixth place on 48 wins and 33 defeats, one win behind the Clippers and the Nuggets, who are tied for fourth.

Oklahoma City have already secured top spot in the Western Conference.

BBC
 

Clippers and Timberwolves win to secure NBA play-off spot​

The LA Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves each secured a play-off spot with victories on the final day of the regular NBA season.

The Clippers finished fifth in the Western Conference with a 124-119 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors, who drop into the play-in tournament.

James Harden scored 12 of his game-high 39 points in overtime as the Clippers set up a play-off meeting with the Denver Nuggets, who had already qualified for the play-offs but clinched fourth place by beating the Houston Rockets 126-111.

Anthony Edwards top-scored with 43 points as the Timberwolves beat the Utah Jazz 116-105 to finish sixth and set-up a play-off with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Which teams have secured a spot in the NBA play-offs?

Eastern Conference play-offs: Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks.

Play-ins: Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls.

Western Conference play-offs: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesotra Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers.

Play-ins: Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings.

How do the NBA play-offs work?
The play-offs begin with the play-in tournament between the four teams finishing seventh to 10th in the regular season.

Seventh play eighth - with the winners going straight into the play-offs to face the second seed.

But the losers get a second chance, as they then face the winners of the play-in match between the teams in ninth and 10th. The losers of that game are eliminated, while the winners go into the play-offs to face the top seeds.

Play-off rounds are decided by a best-of-seven series, with match-ups decided by seedings.

The first round is followed by the conference semi-finals, then the conference finals, with the winners of each conference meeting in the NBA Finals.

What are the NBA play-off fixtures?

Western Conference play-ins:

Memphis Grizzlies (8) at Golden State Warriors (7)

Dallas Mavericks (10) at Sacramento Kings (9)

Play-offs:

Oklahoma City Thunder (1) v TBD

Houston Rockets (2) v TBD

Los Angeles Lakers (3) v Minnesota Timberwolves (6)

Denver Nuggets (4) v LA Clippers

Eastern Conference play-ins:

Atlanta Hawks (8) at Orlando Magic (7)

Miami Heat (10) at Chicago Bulls (9)

Play-offs:

Cleveland Cavaliers (1) v TBD

Boston Celtics (2) v TBD

New York Knicks (3) v Detroit Pistons (6)

Indian Pacers (4) v Milwaukee Bucks (5)

Brackets denote seeding

When does the NBA Finals series take place?
The NBA play-ins take place between Wednesday and Friday. The play-offs are scheduled between 19 April and 2 June.

The opening game of the NBA Finals takes place on 5 June.

Games are then scheduled every three days after that and, if all seven games are required, game seven will be on 22 June.

Source: BBC
 
Wild Wild West !!!!


Golden State Warriors choked in the last couple of week to miss out on direct entry to the playoffs.

Hats off to Kwahi and LA Clippers on clinching 5th seek after being down and out by mid season. They're a threat and i cant wait to see their clash with Nikola bhai's Nuggets i the first round.
 
So, it is Lakers vs Timberwolves in Round 1

Luka Magic & LeGoat vs MJ reborn Anthony Edwards & Rudy Gobert

Lakers in 6 i think a fit Luka & Lebron can't be stopped by Timbies.
 
Doncic and Lakers top NBA most popular jersey lists

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has become the first non-American player to top the list of the NBA's most popular jerseys.

The 26-year-old Slovenian, who joined the Lakers in February from the Dallas Mavericks in a huge three-way trade deal, is the first player other than Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry or LeBron James of the Lakers to top the list since the 2012-13 regular season.

The five-time All Star was described as a "one-of-a-kind, young global superstar" by the Lakers when he made his move.

Curry is second on the list, and James third, with Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks rounding out the top five.

The Lakers lead the most popular team merchandise list ahead of the Celtics, Warriors, Knicks and Chicago Bulls with results for both categories based on sales from the NBA store's official site during the regular season.

Since the sport's trade deadline on 6 February, jersey sales via the site are up 21% compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by Doncic's trade.

BBC
 
BouncerGuy said:
Doncic and Lakers top NBA most popular jersey lists

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has become the first non-American player to top the list of the NBA's most popular jerseys.

The 26-year-old Slovenian, who joined the Lakers in February from the Dallas Mavericks in a huge three-way trade deal, is the first player other than Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry or LeBron James of the Lakers to top the list since the 2012-13 regular season.

The five-time All Star was described as a "one-of-a-kind, young global superstar" by the Lakers when he made his move.

Curry is second on the list, and James third, with Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks rounding out the top five.

The Lakers lead the most popular team merchandise list ahead of the Celtics, Warriors, Knicks and Chicago Bulls with results for both categories based on sales from the NBA store's official site during the regular season.

Since the sport's trade deadline on 6 February, jersey sales via the site are up 21% compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by Doncic's trade.

BBC
Click to expand...

Still cannot believe Lakers landed the top future superstar in the league. Lakers always find a way to get the superstars. Unbelievable trade it was
 
Heat make history by reaching NBA play-offs
The Miami Heat became the first 10th-seeded team to reach the NBA play-offs through the play-in tournament as they scored an overtime success against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Heat began the four-team Eastern Conference qualification tournament needing to win consecutive road games to advance.

After beating the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, they followed up with a 123-114 overtime success over the Hawks to set up a first-round meeting with conference top seeds the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in round one, with play-off games in both conferences beginning on Saturday.

Defeat marks the end of a miserable campaign for the Mavericks, which included their star Luka Doncic being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and Kyrie Irving sustaining a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Anthony Davis, who moved to Dallas as part of the Doncic trade, received medical treatment for groin and lower back injury problems throughout Friday's game but still led his side with 40 points and nine rebounds.

The Heat had bounced back from a 10-game losing streak last month to reach the post-season tournament and dominated the opening half against the Hawks, leading by 17 points at one stage before taking a 62-53 lead into the break.

However, the Hawks stormed back and were 98-92 up with five minutes and six seconds remaining.

A Tyler Herro free throw edged the Heat 106-104 up with 12 seconds left, only for Trae Young to score a late lay-up and send the game to overtime.

The Heat found their range from the perimeter in the extra period with Davion Mitchell sinking three three-pointers and Herro adding two more to secure the win.

"I loved how my team fought," said Herro, who finished on a game-high 30 points. "Every single run that they made, we answered. And I feel like this entire season has really built us up for this point."

Morant beats injury to help Grizzlies advance
In Memphis, Ja Morant shrugged off a sprained right ankle for 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals for the Grizzlies.

The 25-year-old two-time All-Star suffered the injury in his side's opening play-in loss to the Golden State Warriors and was only cleared to play shortly before the start of Friday's game.

"Got an MRI, ultrasound, met with different doctors, got a shot, slept, woke up, came to the gym about 5:30, went through walkthrough," Morant said.

"After that, sat for about 30 minutes until it was time to see another doctor and get an injection and start my pre-game stuff."

Asked after the game how the ankle held up, he said, with a laugh, "I couldn't feel it, that's why I was out there."

Zach Edey added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies while Scotty Pippen Jr hit 13 points.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd paid tribute to his players after their season.

"We had an incredible season when you look at the injuries that we've had, the Doncic trade, and for us to even be here playing in this game is incredible," Kidd said.

"It shows the character of that group in the locker room, the fight, and being prepared. It was an incredible season and with the change and injuries, some people were saying we shouldn't be here."

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/articles/c8x81xrkeqyo
 
Lakers lose to Timberwolves in play-off opener

The Los Angeles Lakers slumped to a 117-95 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening game of their NBA Western Conference first-round play-off.

Jaden McDaniels top scored with 25 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, who were the only away team to win in the opening matches of the best-of-seven post-season series.

Naz Reid scored 23 points off the bench while Anthony Edwards added 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for Minnesota, who led by 27 points at one stage.

Lakers star LeBron James, who is chasing a fifth title in his 22nd NBA season, failed to score in the opening quarter for the third seeds but went on to hit 19 points.

Luka Doncic, in his first post-season game with the Lakers after arriving from the Dallas Mavericks in February's high-profile trade, top-scored on 37.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said his team was "mentally ready" but failed to match Minnesota's physicality.

"I thought our spirit was right," he said. "I thought even when they made runs our huddles were great, the communication was great.

"But when they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn't respond immediately to that."

In the other Western Conference first-round game, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic scored 29 points and added nine rebounds, 12 assists and three steals as the Denver Nuggets edged past the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime.

The Nuggets trailed by 15 points early on but Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook helped them back into contention.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers both went ahead in their Eastern Conference match-ups.

The Knicks scored 21 unanswered points in the final quarter to pull away for a 123-112 win over the Detroit Pistons, who are in the play-offs for the first time since 2019 and have not won a play-off game since 2008.

Jalen Brunson scored 23 of his 34 points in the second half while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby had 23 points apiece for the Knicks, who rallied after trailing by eight going into the final period.

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo netted 36 points but it was not enough as his Milwaukee Bucks lost out 117-98 to the Pacers.

BBC
 
Leonard stars as Clippers level Nuggets series

Kawhi Leonard hit 39 points as the Los Angeles Clippers levelled their first-round play-off series with a thrilling 105-102 win over the Denver Nuggets.

The 33-year-old converted 15 of his 19 shots, helping the Clippers bounce back after an overtime defeat in game one.

The Nuggets had the chance to send game two to overtime but Christian Braun missed with a three-pointer with six seconds left, while Nikola Jokic failed with the rebound.

"It felt like he didn't miss a shot. His shot-making ability is elite," said team-mate James Harden.

"That's the aggressiveness we need from him. No matter who is guarding him. He just got to a spot and raised it up.

"He's a big-time player and he played big time tonight."

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said: "This is what Kawhi lives for. If we have a healthy Kawhi then we can win any series."

Jokic hit 26 points for the Nuggets as well as 12 rebounds and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray added 23 points.

Game three of the series is on 25 April (03:00 BST).

Pistons hit back against Knicks

The Detroit Pistons broke a 15-game play-off losing streak by beating the New York Knicks 100-94 to level their Eastern Conference first-round play-off.

Cade Cunningham hit 33 points for the Pistons while Dennis Schroder added 20 points from the bench.

The victory was the Pistons' first in the play-offs since game four of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics.

"We did what we were supposed to do. And that was it," said Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff.

"To win a game on the road to get home court was what we came here for."

Game three of the series is on 25 April (00:00 BST).

BBC
 
Doncic helps Lakers level series against Minnesota

Luka Doncic scored a game-high 31 points for the Los Angeles Lakers as they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 to level their Western Conference first-round play-off series at 1-1.

Doncic sank 16 of his points in the first quarter as the home side started strongly and his overall performance also included 12 rebounds and nine assists.

LeBron James added 21 points to the Lakers' tally as he also registered 11 rebounds, while team-mate Austin Reaves contributed 16 points.

"It was just a question of if we would be more physical or not and I think we showed that," said Doncic as he helped his side to a 34-15 lead at the end of the first quarter.

"We were there for 48 minutes. We got up big in the first quarter, we learned from the last game and we just stuck with it."

Minnesota were not as clinical as in the first game, with Julius Randle scoring 27 points and Anthony Edwards adding 25.

"It seemed like every time I caught the ball, they kind of went into a zone in a sense," said Edwards.

"It was kind of confusing at times but we'll watch the film and be ready [for game three]."

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 34 points but his visiting side were beaten 123-115 by the Indiana Pacers and went 2-0 down in their Eastern Conference first-round play-off series.

The Bucks had Damian Lillard back following a five-week absence and he sank a three-pointer in the latter stages of the fourth quarter to help his side reduce a 15-point deficit and draw to within two points of the Pacers at 115-113.

However, Andrew Nembhard, who scored 17 points, responded with a three-pointer for the Pacers as they held on in a game which included a first-quarter scuffle and a number of technical fouls.

"It's fun," said Tyrese Haliburton. "This is what everybody lives for. We're all competitors, so having a lot of fun competing right now."

Haliburton scored 21 points and added 12 assists, while Pacers team-mate Pascal Siakam added 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Western Conference winners Oklahoma City Thunder went 2-0 up in the first-round play-off series against the Memphis Grizzlies courtesy of a comfortable 118-99 home win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points for the Thunder as team-mates Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 24 and 20 points respectively.

Jaren Jackson Jr scored 26 points and Ja Morant added 23 for the Grizzlies but they struggled to trouble their hosts.

BBC
 
Porzingis suffers head wound as Celtics beat Magic

Kristaps Porzingis suffered a bloodied forehead during the Boston Celtics' 109-100 win over the Orlando Magic in game two of the NBA first-round play-offs.

Centre Porzingis, who is 7ft 2in, was caught on the forehead by the stray elbow of Orlando's Goga Bitadze with one minute remaining in the third quarter.

The 29-year-old Latvian fell to the court with blood pouring from the wound and had to be helped to his feet by a trainer.

He was taken off to receive medical treatment and returned in the fourth quarter with a large plaster on his head.

Porzingis scored 20 points and 10 rebounds for the second-seeded Celtics, who have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series in the Eastern Conference.

Celtics' Jaylen Brown hit a game-high 36 points, as leading scorer Jayson Tatum was ruled out with a wrist injury.

Elsewhere, Jimmy Butler sustained a pelvis contusion in a hard fall during the Golden State Warriors' 109-94 defeat by the Houston Rockets.

The six-time NBA All-Star, who was injured late in the first quarter and missed the rest of the game, will undergo an MRI scan on Thursday.

Houston's victory levelled the Western Conference series at 1-1.

Donovan Mitchell scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 121-112 victory over the visiting Miami Heat.

Darius Garland added 21 points and nine assists as the Cavaliers established a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference series.

BBC
 
Thunder take 3-0 series lead with 29-point comeback

The Oklahoma City Thunder recovered a 29-point deficit to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-108 and take a 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference play-offs.

Trailing by 26 points at half-time, the top-seeded Thunder completed the second biggest second-half comeback in NBA play-off history to put the Grizzlies on the brink of elimination.

The Grizzlies were in full control of the match at the start of the third quarter, up 77-51 and on course to strike back in the series.

But an injury to Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant late in the second quarter proved a turning point, with the 25-year-old falling hard on his hip while attempting a dunk.

The Grizzlies took a 29-point lead on the next play but then collapsed without the influential American, who is now a doubt for game four on Saturday (20:30 BST).

"He's going through further evaluations tomorrow, then we'll know more," said Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored for the Thunder with 31 points, while Jalen Williams added 26 of his own.

The Grizzlies must win in game four to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Knicks squeeze past Pistons

After losing game two, the New York Knicks established a 2-1 play-off series lead with a 118-116 win against the Detroit Pistons.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges all scored more than 20 points, while Josh Hart excelled in defence with 11 rebounds and nine assists.

The Pistons will rue a poor second quarter, in which they allowed a 23-6 run in the Knicks' favour to fall 13 points behind at half-time.

Tim Hardaway Jr and Cade Cunningham led a spirited response, finishing with 24 points each.

But it was not enough, with game four of the series in Detroit on Sunday (18:00 BST).

BBC
 
Lakers tied with Timberwolves 1-1

Clippers won 2 in a row and leading 2-1 against Nuggets

Nicks 2-1 over Pistons

Grizzlies coming back to win against OKC and trailing 1-2



The playoffs arent disappointing
 
Thunder beat Grizzlies to reach Conference semis

The Oklahoma City Thunder became the first side to advance from the first round of the NBA play-offs as they completed a 4-0 sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies in their best-of-seven series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starred again, scoring a play-off career-high 38 points in a 117-115 victory to help send the Thunder into the Western Conference play-off semi-finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged more than 32 points per game in the regular season, in which the Thunder won 68 games.

Jalen Williams added 23 points as the Thunder led for almost the entire second half, despite Scotty Pippen Jr equalling his career-high score with 30 points for the Grizzlies, who were missing injured star guard Ja Morant.

The top seeds in the West will next face the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Clippers, who are tied at 2-2 following a dramatic 101-99 win by the Nuggets.

The Clippers surged from behind to go 97-96 up - their first lead of the game - late on before tying it at 99-99 in the final seconds in Inglewood, California.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic then missed with a second remaining, but team-mate Aaron Gordon had time to grab the rebound and beat the buzzer with a putback slam to win the game.

Game five takes place on Tuesday.

Earlier, Eastern Conference top seeds the Cleveland Cavaliers demolished the Miami Heat to take a 3-0 lead in their series.

The Heat's 124-87 defeat was their worst play-off loss in franchise history.

Jarrett Allen scored 22 points and D'Andre Hunter added 21 as six Cavs players reached double figures.

Game four takes place on Monday.

Elsewhere, Stephen Curry scored 36 points to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets, which puts the Warriors 2-1 up in the series.

They face each other again in game four on Monday.

BBC
 
Cavaliers thrash Miami to win play-off series 4-0

The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 138-83 to secure a 4-0 first-round play-off series win and book their place in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points for the visiting Cavaliers, who were also helped by De'Andre Hunter adding 19 points, Ty Jerome scoring 18 points and Evan Mobley contributing 17 points as they won by the fourth-largest winning margin in an NBA play-off game.

"We came out here with a goal in mind, to keep our foot on their throat and on their neck and continue to play 48 minutes of basketball," Mitchell told TNT television

The 55-point margin was Miami's biggest play-off defeat and overtook the previous record of 37 points which had been set in the third game of the best-of-seven series.

"We were humbled, but they had so much to do with how we looked," said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.

"None of us would have guessed this series would have gone this way coming out of our two play-ins. They just took it to another level. They left us behind these past two games."

The Cavaliers will play either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Indiana Pacers in the next round, with the latter leading that series 3-1.

In San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors took a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference first-round play-off series against the Houston Rockets with a 109-106 home win.

Jimmy Butler was back for the Warriors after missing game three with a pelvic injury and scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, while team-mate Brandin Podziemski made six three-pointers in his 26 points.

The Warriors had trailed by seven points at half-time before going on an 18-1 run at the start of the third quarter, but the score was tied at 104 with one minute 20 seconds left of the contest.

Fred VanVleet scored 24 of his 25 points from three-point distance for the Rockets but missed a long-range shot in the final second that would have tied the game.

Game five will be in Houston on Wednesday, 30 April at 19:30 local time.

BBC
 
Popovich steps down as Spurs coach after 29 years

Gregg Popovich has stepped down from his position as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 29 seasons with the team.

On Friday the Spurs announced that Popovich, 76, will transition into the role of president of basketball operations at the organisation.

Over 29 seasons Popovich oversaw 1,422 regular-season victories - the most by a head coach in NBA history - and led the Spurs to five NBA championships, most recently in 2014.


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Popovich steps down as Spurs coach after 29 years

Gregg Popovich steps down from his position as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 29 seasons with the team.
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Rockets beat Warriors to set up game seven decider​


Fred VanVleet scored 29 points as the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 115-107 to level their NBA play-off first-round series at 3-3 and force a deciding game seven.

Experienced point guard VanVleet starred for the Rockets, adding eight assists and eight rebounds to his points haul, while Alperen Sengun recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

The Warriors held a commanding 3-1 lead in the series but have twice failed to close it out, losing to the Rockets in game five on Wednesday and again in game six on Friday.

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said of VanVleet: "He's had some really good stretches lately.

"He knows what it is. He's been a champion. Been there, done that. So I wouldn't expect anything less than that from him."

Warriors coach Steve Kerr added: "I thought we got some good looks against the zone but then, once they pulled away by 10 or 12, it was easier for them to run us off the line."

The Rockets will host game seven on Sunday, with the winning team to face the Minnesota Timberwolves who clinched a 4-1 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/basketball/articles/cq80nk253eno
 
Nuggets beat Clippers to reach Conference semi-finals

The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 120-101 on Saturday to seal their passage from the first round of the NBA play-offs.

The series went to game seven, with the decider being played in Denver, and the hosts dominated to reach the Conference semi-finals.

The Nuggets are the fourth seed in the Western Conference and will next face top seeds, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who host game one on Monday.

Denver used a big third quarter to clinch victory over the Clippers, stretching their lead from 11 points up at half-time, to 93-66.

The Nuggets had six players reach double figures, with Aaron Gordon (22 points) and Christian Braun (21) leading the way for the 2023 champions, while Russell Westbrook added 16 points off the bench.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic finished two assists shy of a triple-double, claiming 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists along with three steals.

"In the play-offs, we know that everybody needs to step up," said the 30-year-old Serbian centre.

"Everybody who plays needs to contribute something - everybody did that."

Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 22 points but James Harden, who had 13 assists, was held to seven points as the Clippers lost in the first round of the play-offs for the third straight season.

The Golden State Warriors visit the Houston Rockets to decide the final Conference semi-final spot on Sunday, while the Indiana Pacers hit the road to begin their semi-final series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

BBC
 
Curry helps Warriors claim decider against Rockets

Stephen Curry said the Golden State Warriors had to "dig deep" to beat the Houston Rockets 103-89 in the deciding game of their Western Conference first-round play-off series.

The Warriors led the best-of-seven series 3-1 before the Rockets pulled level at 3-3 going into the final game in Houston.

Curry scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter while team-mate Buddy Hield sank nine three-pointers in his game-high haul of 33 as the pair helped the Warriors set up a Western Conference semi-final against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"A lot of resilience and everybody stepping up," said Curry when asked what was needed to secure the win.

"Everybody's been talking about our team the last two games in terms of our execution, our energy, all that.

"We blocked it all out and just understood we had 48 minutes to dig deep. Everybody contributed. Buddy Hield was unbelievable."

Jimmy Butler, who joined the Warriors in a trade from Miami Heat in February, contributed 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

"For us to build chemistry on the fly and build trust on the fly and perform like we did in a game seven, it means the world," added Curry.

"So, mission accomplished - step one."

The Rockets were second in the Western Conference regular season compared to the Warriors' seventh-place finish.

Houston's defeat in the decider meant they failed to become the 14th team to come from 3-1 behind to win a NBA play-off series.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers won 121-112 at the Cleveland Cavaliers to take a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final play-off series.

Andrew Nembhard top scored for the Pacers with 23 points while team-mate Tyrese Haliburton added 22.

The Cavaliers, who finished top of the Eastern Conference, were beaten for the first time in this season's play-offs following their 4-0 first-round play-off series victory against Miami.

"We're definitely the heavy underdog, but we're trying to control what we can," said Haliburton. "It gives us a lot of momentum for sure, but this is the best team in our conference. They don't lose much."

BBC
 
Knicks comeback stuns Celtics in semi-final opener

The Boston Celtics suffered a shock defeat against the New York Knicks while the Oklahoma City Thunder were beaten by the Denver Nuggets in the first games of their Conference play-off semi-finals.

The Celtics, the reigning champions, were on the wrong end of an 108-105 overtime defeat at home in the opening match of their Eastern Conference best-of-seven series.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 29 points for the Knicks, who fought back from being 20 points behind during the third quarter.

"This team has fought all year, and been a pretty good road team," said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

"It's one game. There's a lot of emotional highs and lows in the play-offs, but no matter what happens you have to keep moving forward."

Brunson missed a lay-up with three seconds left in regulation while Jayson Tatum, who was the joint-top scorer for the Celtics with 23 points, missed a long-range effort at the buzzer with the score at 100-100 before the Knicks sealed the win in overtime.

"We left some of their good shooters open," said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. "There's detail stuff that we have to be better at."

Game two in the series will be played at 19:00 local time (00:00 Thursday BST) in Boston on Wednesday.

The Thunder, who finished top of the Western Conference, were beaten 121-119 by a visiting Nuggets side inspired by Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon.

Jokic registered 42 points, 22 rebounds and six assists for the Nuggets, while Gordon - after Chet Holmgren missed two free throws for Thunder - went up the other end and scored a game-winning three-pointer in the closing seconds.

Gordon finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Denver were 13 points behind at one stage of the fourth quarter but ended it with a 19-6 run to go 1-0 up in the series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top scored for Thunder as he tallied 33 points,10 rebounds and eight assists.

"I didn't think our execution was as clean as it can be," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. "But we'll learn from it. It's a series."

Game two of the series will take place at 21:30 local time (03:30 Thursday BST) in Oklahoma on Wednesday.

BBC
 
Curry injured in Warriors win as Pacers stun Cavs

The Golden State Warriors' win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the NBA play-offs was soured by a hamstring injury to Stephen Curry.

The 37-year-old came off before half-time in game one of the series after pulling up during the Warriors' 99-88 win in Minneapolis.

The two-time MVP clutched the back of his left leg after a defensive play and initially tried to carry on before signalling to the bench that he needed to be replaced.

Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green shared the scoring burden in Curry's absence, hitting 62 points between them.

Curry is likely to miss game two (Friday, 9 May, 01:30 BST) at least, as the Warriors wait on the results of the scan.

"We're definitely game-planning for him to not be available for game two but we don't know yet," said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

"With a hamstring, it's hard to imagine that he would play.

"I talked to him at half-time, he's obviously crushed. The guys picked him up and played a great game but we're all concerned about Steph.

"It's part of the game. Guys get hurt, you move on."

Haliburton puts Pacers two ahead

Tyrese Haliburton hit a game-winning three-pointer as the Indiana Pacers shocked top seeds the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of their second-round play-off.

The Pacers had been trailing throughout the match until a sensational fourth quarter, when they outscored the Cavaliers 36-21.

The Cavaliers, winners of the Eastern Conference, had a 20-point lead at one stage.

But, after a spirited fightback in the final minutes, Haliburton produced a stunning step-back three-pointer to give his side a 2-0 lead in the series.

Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner both top scored for the Pacers with 23 points each while Haliburton produced 20 of his own.

Game three is on 10 May (00:30 BST).

BBC
 
Second Knicks comeback leaves Celtics hanging on

The New York Knicks produced another stunning comeback to win the second game of their NBA Conference play-off semi-final against the Boston Celtics.

Jalen Brunson made two free throws with 12.7 seconds remaining to give New York a 91-90 lead, before Mikal Bridges knocked the ball away to deny Boston a last-gasp chance.

Josh Hart had a game-high 23 points for New York, who trailed by 20 points in the third quarter and by 16 in the fourth in Boston.

The Knicks lead the reigning NBA champions 2-0 in the best-of-seven series after finishing 10 wins behind their opponents in the regular season.

"I got up there, heard the noise and then I just tried to block everything out. And then I made two," said Brunson - who finished the night with 17 points and a game-high seven assists - on his decisive foul shots.

Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Knicks, while Bridges scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.

After coming back from 20 points down in an overtime win in game one, New York did not take the lead in game two until the last two minutes.

"We started slowly, got in a big hole, dug our way out and then guys made a lot of tough plays," said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

"[Our players] were at their best when their best was needed down the stretch."

Derrick White and Jaylen Brown each scored 20 points for the Celtics, who will travel to New York for game three on Saturday.

"They made the necessary plays to win," Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said of the Knicks.

"We put ourselves in position to do that and we just didn't make the plays."

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder levelled their semi-final with a 149-106 home blowout win against the Denver Nuggets.

After losing on a three-pointer in the closing seconds of game one, Oklahoma City scored 45 points in the first quarter and tied the NBA play-off record for the most points in a half with 87.

MVP favourite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the game with 34 points before watching the fourth from the bench.

"We knew what was at stake tonight," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "We came out desperate."

"I didn't really look at tonight as a response as much as I looked at tonight as just us being who we are, and that's how we've been all season," Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said.

After his 42-point performance in game one, Denver's Nikola Jokic tallied just 17 points and eight rebounds in game two before fouling out in the third quarter.

"We got punked," Denver interim coach David Adelman said.

"They came out with the right intensity and we didn't. We aren't just going to flush this. We have to play better and we know that."

BBC
 
Timberwolves level series as Warriors miss injured Curry

The Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 117-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors to level their NBA Western Conference semi-final at 1-1 on Thursday evening.

Julius Randle scored 24 points and provided 11 assists in Minneapolis while Anthony Edwards added 20 points and nine rebounds and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 20 points from the bench.

Edwards said the Timberwolves watched footage of game one to help them prepare for the second match in the best-of-seven series.

"We saw that it wasn't just that we didn't make shots, it was our defensive pressure and intensity; we didn't bring it," he said.

Minnesota started the game on a 25-7 run, but the Warriors closed the gap to 62-55 in the third quarter.

"We looked a lot more like ourselves," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.

"The start was great, that's what we needed to set the tone. We were pretty consistent with everything other than the beginning of the second half.

"Other than that, it was exactly the response that we needed."

Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors scoring with 18 points while Jimmy Butler III tallied 17.

Stephen Curry watched from the bench after he injured his left hamstring in game one. The Warriors point guard is expected to miss at least a week.

The Timberwolves suffered an injury scare when Edwards limped off the court in the second quarter with a left ankle issue, but he returned to start the second half.

BBC
 
Celtics claim vital win over Knicks in game three

The Boston Celtics dominated the New York Knicks in game three to cut the deficit to 2-1 in their NBA Eastern Conference play-off semi-final.

The Celtics blew 20-point third-quarter leads in the first two games of the best-of-seven series in Boston as the Knicks mounted stunning comebacks against the reigning NBA champions.

But the visitors made no mistake in New York, moving into a 71-46 lead at half-time and remaining ruthless to see out a vital victory.

The Celtics rediscovered their three-point shooting ability that deserted them in the first two games, hitting 50% of their shots from beyond the arc in Madison Square Garden.

Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with 23 points, while star Jayson Tatum added 22. Jalen Brunson hit a game-high 27 points for the Knicks.

"I don't think we came with the mindset of being satisfied, but I think it was just subconsciously satisfied being up 2-0," Brunson said. "Just not the way we need to approach the game."

Game four is in New York on Monday.

Timberwolves grab series lead over Golden State Warriors

Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 36 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves moved into a 2-1 series lead over the Golden State Warriors.

Edwards scored three three-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Timberwolves came from behind to claim a 102-97 victory.

It means the Timberwolves could have the opportunity to win the series at home next Wednesday, should they take game four on Monday.

"We're just winning the possession battle in clutch time now," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.

"We're not giving the ball back on cheap turnovers. We're not giving up as many or any second-chance opportunities."

Warriors coach Steve Kerr added: "The team defence was really good, held them to 102. That's a pretty good number. We couldn't quite contain them, especially in the fourth, and that was the difference."

BBC
 
Celtics on brink of exit as Brunson shines for Knicks

Jalen Brunson scored 39 points as the New York Knicks beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 to leave the reigning NBA champions on the brink of elimination from the play-offs.

The Knicks stormed back from 14 points down in the third quarter to go 3-1 up in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final and are in sight of the finals for the first time since 2000.

The Celtics also lost forward Jayson Tatum, who scored 42 points before being carried off in the fourth quarter with what coach Joe Mazzulla described as a "lower body injury".

The six-time All Star, who was later seen being taken to the Madison Square Garden locker room in a wheelchair, will have a scan on Tuesday to assess the damage.

"He'll get the MRI and we'll see what it is," said Mazzulla.

"Obviously you're always concerned about someone's health. It's two-fold, we're concerned about his health and where's he's at. And then we're concerned what we've got to do better in game five."

The Knicks can clinch the series with a win in Boston on Thursday (00:00 BST).

Boston, who won game three on Saturday, started strongly with Tatum and Payton Pritchard leading the charge.

A Derrick White three-pointer gave the Celtics their biggest lead of the night early in the third quarter (72-58) but from then on the Knicks took over, taking an 88-85 lead into the final quarter.

Brunson controlled matters and when OG Anunoby grabbed a steal off Tatum in the incident that left the Celtics star writhing in pain before making a dunk, the Knicks were 118-106 ahead.

"I was just in a flow and doing whatever. I wasn't really trying to take over. It was just 'whatever we've gotta do'," Brunson said.

"We didn't quit, kept fighting. And that's what's most important. Whenever you get in a hole you can't quit."

Timberwolves edge closer to Western Conference final

The Minnesota Timberwolves went 3-1 up in their Western Conference semi-final series against Golden State Warriors thanks to a 117-110 win on the road.

Anthony Edwards finished with a 30-point tally in the win over the Warriors, who are missing injured star player Stephen Curry.

The Timberwolves hit 17 unanswered points in the the third quarter which helped them build an 85-68 advantage which they never looked like losing.

A win on their home court in game five on Thursday (02:30 BST) will see them advance to the finals.

Edwards revealed a half-time dressing down by Minnesota coach Chris Finch had sparked the second-half revival.

"We came out like we had won the series already, and when we went in at half-time coach said we were playing like losers," he said.

"He told me I wasn't defending at a high level, and needed to do better offensively, so in the second half I tried to do that."

BBC
 
Pacers see off top-seeded Cavaliers to reach finals

The Indiana Pacers reached the NBA's Eastern Conference finals for the second year running by beating top seeds the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five.

Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points and added eight assists as Indiana triumphed 114-105 to win the best-of-seven semi-final series 4-1.

"The winning team writes the script," Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said.

"This was one of the best teams in the league. I'm sorry their season had to end like this. They had the perfect season, and we came along and were hot at the right time."

The fourth-seeded Pacers will face either the Boston Celtics or the New York Knicks, who lead the NBA's defending champions 3-1, in the final.

The Celtics claimed a clean sweep against the Pacers in last year's Eastern finals.

Cleveland, who topped the Eastern Conference, thrashed Miami 4-0 to book their place in the semi-finals.

However, they could not cope with the tempo of the Pacers and Donovan Mitchell, who led the Cavaliers with 35 points, said they had "let the city down".

"We just didn't get the job done. Nothing else needs to be said," added Mitchell.

"We let the city down. We let each other down. I believe in this team. That's what just sucks. We're a good team, but ultimately for three [home] games, we don't seem it."

Thunder on brink of Western Conference final

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets to move 3-2 ahead in their Western Conference semi-final series.

Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic grabbed 44 points and 15 rebounds, but he could not stop Oklahoma City from running out 112-105 winners in game five.

"This is a really disappointing loss," Denver interim coach David Adelman said.

"The guys in there should be disappointed. It's a heavy loss and we have to bounce back quickly to win game six and give ourselves a chance to come back. Have a game like this, but finish it."

Jalen Williams' three-pointer opened up a 106-103 lead with 1:18 remaining before Gilgeous-Alexander's three with 48 seconds to go extended the Thunder's advantage to six.

"What the great players do is they rise in the face of those challenges and adversities," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said of Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Despite the fact that the pressure was mounting and it got hotter in there, he got cooler and just kind of settled into it, made the right plays, let the game tell him what to do."

The Thunder can clinch the series on Friday (01:30 BST) in Denver.

BBC
 
Celtics beat Knicks to keep play-off hopes alive

The Boston Celtics kept themselves in the NBA play-offs with a win against the New York Knicks as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors to reach the Western Conference final.

The Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, were 3-1 down in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final and missing star player Jayson Tatum, who went off injured in game four and has had surgery on a ruptured Achilles.

However, they earned a convincing 127-102 win at TD Garden thanks to Derrick White's 34 points, and 26 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds from Jaylen Brown.

Game five will take place in New York on Friday at 20:00 local time (Saturday 01:00 BST).

"We made winning plays on both ends of the floor," said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. "They made enough plays to win - gave us another chance to play."

The Timberwolves beat the Warriors 121-110 to secure a 4-1 Western Conference semi-final play-off series win.

Julius Randle scored 29 points and Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points and 12 assists for the Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves will play the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference final, with the former leading their series 3-2.

"It's great," said Randle. "We've had a season full of adversity. Coach (Chris Finch) said at the end of the regular season that we didn't do anything as far as trades or firing coaches. We just stuck together and we got through it together.

"I'm super proud of our team, everybody that stepped up in some type of way this year. We've got to keep going."

The Warriors did not won a game since losing star player Stephen Curry to a hamstring injury in game one.

"Injuries are part of the play-offs," said coach Steve Kerr. "I learned a long time ago that the play-offs are really about health and then just guys stepping up and making some big shots, big plays in key games. That's what decides every series.

"We've been on both ends of that. There's no sense in dwelling on it, and I don't want to take anything away from what Minnesota just accomplished."

BBC
 
Jokic stars as Nuggets take Thunder semi-final to game seven

Nikola Jokic scored 29 points and recorded 14 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 to force a decisive seventh game in their Western Conference semi-final series.

Denver headed into Thursday's match 3-2 down in the series after squandering late leads in games five and six, but fought back after half-time to earn a trip to Oklahoma City for Game seven on Sunday, 18 May at 14:30 local time (20:30 BST).

"To win that [fourth] quarter, after what's happened the last two games, says a lot of our guys and the fact that they can bounce back from anything - I keep saying that," said Denver interim coach David Adelman. "We just keep finding our way."

Jamal Murray shook off an illness to produce 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Christian Braun added 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Julian Strawther came off the bench to score 15 points, his postseason career high.

The Nuggets needed a seventh game to eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points for the Thunder, who ended the regular season top of the Western Conference with a 68-14 record.

Chet Holmgren wound up with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace scored 10 points apiece.

The Minnesota Timberwolves await either Denver or Oklahoma City in the Western Conference final - last year they defeated the Nuggets in game seven of the Western Conference semi-finals.

BBC
 
Knicks crush Celtics to reach Conference Finals

The New York Knicks eliminated defending NBA champions Boston Celtics from the play-offs with a 119-81 victory to reach their first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the way with 23 points apiece as the Knicks completed a 4-2 series victory to set up a showdown against fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers for a place in the NBA finals.

The Knicks will open the seven-game series at home at 01:00 BST on Thursday.

Six Knicks players finished in double figures with the 38-point success the largest winning play-off margin in franchise history.

Mikal Bridges had four three-pointers in his 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 and Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

The Celtics, who lost star forward Jayson Tatum to a ruptured right Achilles tendon in game four, which is likely to keep him out for around nine months, had given themselves hope after winning game five.

But in front of a Madison Square Garden home crowd, which included celebrities Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee, the Knicks were in a ruthless mood.

They led 26-20 after the first quarter but did most of the damage in the second, outscoring their opponents 38-17 to take a 64-37 lead into the break to all but end the Boston challenge.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics scoring with 20 points, with Al Horford adding 10 points and Payton Pritchard finishing with 11.

Derrick White, who scored 34 points in game five, was kept quiet with just eight points.

Brunson is following in a family tradition in the play-offs, with his father Rick a member of the New York team that last played in the Eastern Conference finals in 2000.

"This is great," he said. "I mean, the fact that we haven't been here since my dad was on the team - he's not gonna like that - but it means a lot to this organisation and this city.

"In game five Boston got the best of us and we responded tonight. We just found a way to keep making plays on the defensive side, the offence was just rolling."

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau felt his team had delivered a complete performance against the reigning champions.

"I thought from start to finish we were terrific," he said.

"The Celtics are a terrific team on both sides of the ball. They play their style no matter what, and so they're not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it. And I felt we did that.

"But we can't get carried away. Obviously it's a great win and we advance. But you also understand that you have to get ready for the next series. We know that Indiana is a terrific team and we're going to have to be ready."

Despite the defeat, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team.

"At the end of the day, we set a goal out and we didn't achieve that goal," he said.

"But that shouldn't take away from the mindset and effort that the players put in - the approach, the process, you can't ask for anymore from the guys. I thought they gave everything they had throughout the season."

BBC
 
Gilgeous-Alexander helps Thunder rally past Timberwolves

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder's fightback from a "rusty" start to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and win the first game of their NBA Western Conference finals series.

With Julius Randle pouring in 20 first-half points, Minnesota were on course for an upset against the top seeds after taking a 48-44 lead into half-time.

But the Thunder rallied in the final two quarters, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 20 of his 31 points to help his side to a 114-88 victory.

"Honestly we were a bit rusty in the first half but we shouldn't be," Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN in an on-court interview.

"We were missing layups, free throws. We just needed to keep being aggressive and trust our work."

MVP candidate Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 30 or more points for a fourth consecutive game, also finished with five rebounds and a game-high nine assists.

"Game ones are feel-out games. In game two they're going to make adjustments and we're going to have adjustments. It's a series and it's best-of-seven, not first to one," Gilgeous-Alexander added.

"It's a good start but there's a lot more work to do."

Game two of the series takes place in Oklahoma City on Friday (01:30 BST).

BBC
 
Pacers beat Knicks in overtime after late comeback

The Indiana Pacers overturned a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter before beating the New York Knicks in overtime to win the opening game of their NBA Eastern Conference finals series 138-135.

Jalen Brunson ended the night with 41 points for the Knicks and helped them to lead 69-62 at half-time.

The hosts continued to pull away and were 14 points clear with two minutes and 51 seconds left to play.

However, Indiana scored six straight three-pointers - five by Aaron Nesmith - before Tyrese Haliburton forced overtime with a two-point shot on the buzzer.

Momentum remained with the Pacers in overtime as they recorded a famous victory at Madison Square Garden.

"I'm so proud of the resilience of this group, we've shown it all year. We've had to win in so many different, random, unique ways and we just kept going, kept fighting, and man, that's fun," Haliburton told TNT.

"We played a lot of games where it felt like the other team had control.

"It ain't over until it's over, until it hits zero. That's a hell of a win. But I really do think there's a lot for us to improve on."

Haliburton thought he had won the game in regulation time when attempting a three-pointer - even mimicking Hall of Famer Reggie Miller's infamous 'choke' celebration - but replays showed his toe was on the line and it only counted for two.

It is the fourth time the Pacers have won from being 15 points or more behind during the post-season.

"There's obviously a disappointment when you fall short," said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.

"We got to be ready for game two, and that's all you look at. So, the disappointment, we've got to turn that into more determination."

The second game of the best-of-seven series takes place in New York at 01:00 BST on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - who led Oklahoma City Thunder to victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in game one of the Western Conference finals - has been named as the NBA's Most Valuable Player for 2024-25.

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NBA play-offs: Pacers mount late comeback to beat Knicks in overtime

The Indiana Pacers overturn a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter before beating the New York Knicks in overtime to win the opening game of their NBA Eastern Conference finals series 138-135.
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Thunder take control of Western Conference series

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 to open up a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Fresh from being crowned as the NBA's Most Valuable Player of the season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored for Thunder with 38 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed 31 points during Wednesday's victory in game one of the best-of-seven series, also added eight assists and three rebounds as he scored at least 30 points for the fifth successive play-off game.

"We did a good job of coming out first half, getting the lead, holding it and then extending it in the third and finishing it through the fourth quarter," Oklahoma's Alex Caruso said.

Anthony Edwards impressed for the Timberwolves with 32 points, six assists and nine rebounds.

The Timberwolves will attempt to gain a foothold in the series when they host the third game on Sunday at 01:30 BST.

Minnesota have lost just one of their past 10 games at Target Center in Minneapolis, although Oklahoma have won two of their past three visits.

"Every minute in the series is a chance to find something," said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch.

"So we're going to go back home and fight for game three and heads up, look at the tape and get ready."

BBC
 
OKC on fire. They're clearly justifying their #1 seed and all the great work they've done this season.

SGA a true MVP of the league.

Lets see if Antman can make a come back.
 
Siakam stars as Pacers go 2-0 up against Knicks

Pascal Siakam scored 39 points as the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 114-109 to go 2-0 up in the NBA Eastern Conference play-off finals.

The three-time All-Star scored the Pacers' first 11 points at Madison Square Garden as they claimed their sixth consecutive play-off win away from home.

Game three in the best-of-seven series takes place in Indianapolis at 01:00 BST on Monday.

"I just came out aggressive," said Siakam, who has averaged more than 20 points in six consecutive seasons and won the NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

"We're a team. It doesn't matter who scores. That's what I love so much about this team.

"I got it going early and the guys did a good job of finding me. Another night, it will be somebody else. That's what makes us special."

Myles Turner scored 16 points and Tyrese Haliburton added 14 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.

The fourth-seeded Pacers led by 10 points with two minutes 25 seconds left, but two free throws from OG Anunoby, five points from Jalen Brunson and a Josh Hart lay-up with 14 seconds left brought the Knicks to within one point at 110-109.

But Aaron Nesmith and Turner scored two free throws apiece for the Pacers to secure victory.

Brunson finished with 36 points to set a Knicks post-season record of 19 30-point games, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges both scored 20 points and made seven rebounds.

Bridges said: "I know it is 2-0 but it is still a long series. We just have to find different ways to advance."

The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Minnesota Timberwolves 2-0 in the Western Conference finals.

The winners of each conference finals will meet in the NBA Finals from 5-22 June.

BBC
 
NY Nicks losing two in a row at home court. Seems like Pacers are taking this. They’re on a run.
 
Timberwolves thrash Thunder to cut decifit

The Minnesota Timberwolves thrashed the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101 to claim their first win of the NBA Western Conference play-off finals.

Anthony Edwards scored 30 points and Julius Randle 24 at Target Center in Minneapolis as the Timberwolves set a club record for points scored in a play-off game.

They trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, which continues at the same venue on Tuesday at 01:30 BST.

"I was super happy about the physicality and energy we brought," Edwards said.

"Being down 2-0, it's all about bringing energy, and we brought high energy."

Oklahoma's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was this week named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and who scored a combined 69 points in the first two games, managed only 14.

"We got punched in the mouth," he said.

"We just didn't have it. They had the sense of urgency knowing if they go down 3-0 it's going to be pretty tough.

"It's about getting back up; it's about responding. That's what the next challenge is."

The Timberwolves have lost only one of their past 11 games at Target Center.

The winners of the Western Conference finals will play the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.

The Pacers lead 2-0 before game three in Indianapolis at 01:00 BST on Monday.

BBC
 
Towns leads stunning comeback as Knicks beat Pacers

The New York Knicks produced a stunning comeback to claim a first win in their NBA Eastern Conference play-off finals against the Indiana Pacers.

Defeat would have left the Knicks 3-0 down in the seven-game series, but New York - who were 20 points down towards the end of the second quarter - now only trail 2-1.

Karl-Anthony Towns starred with 20 points in the fourth quarter to snatch a crucial 106-100 victory.

With his side trailing 80-70 at the end of the third quarter, Towns - who played fewer than 28 minutes in game two - scored 15 points in the first four minutes of the quarter before adding a further five.


www.bbc.com

Karl-Anthony Towns leads comeback as New York Knicks defeat Indiana Pacers

The New York Knicks produce a stunning comeback for a first win in their NBA Eastern Conference play-off finals against the Indiana Pacers.
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Thunder make NBA finals but have 'more work to do'

The Oklahoma City Thunder "have a lot more work to do" after reaching their first NBA Finals since 2012 with a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) scored 34 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the 124-94 victory as the Thunder won the best-of-seven Western Conference finals series 4-1.

The Thunder remain on course for a first NBA title, having been beaten by the Miami Heat in 2012.

"This is a step in the right direction but we have a lot more work to do to get to our ultimate goal, so let's buckle up and get ready," said Gilgeous-Alexander.

"That's all that I'm focused on. This isn't the end of our road."

The Thunder will host game one of the Finals next Thursday, when they face the winners of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks for the NBA title. Indiana lead the series 3-1 with game five on Thursday.

Gilgeous-Alexander joins Steph Curry, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as the only players in the past 20 years to reach the Finals in the same year as winning the MVP.

The 26-year-old Canadian, also named Western Conference MVP on Wednesday, is on course to become the first scoring champion since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to win an NBA title in the same season.

Chet Holmgren added 22 points while Jalen Williams also scored 19 for the Thunder, who are the youngest team in the NBA Finals since the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977, with an average age of 25.6 years.

Gilgeous-Alexander added: "These guys really make me feel like I'm a kid playing AAU basketball, like I'm 15 years old again.

"It's just fun. That's what makes us really good. We have so much fun being out there together."

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves saw their season end in the conference finals for the second year running, having lost to the Dallas Mavericks last year.

"They dominated the game from the tip," said Anthony Edwards, who scored 19 points for the Timberwolves, who were led by Julius Randle with 24 points.

"I tip my hat to those guys. They came ready."

BBC
 
Knicks beat Pacers to keep NBA Finals hopes alive

Jalen Brunson scored 32 points as the New York Knicks beat the Indiana Pacers to keep alive their hopes of reaching the NBA Finals.

Indiana remain one win from clinching the Eastern Conference finals but the Knicks claimed a 111-94 home win to cut their deficit to 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Karl-Anthony Towns played through a knee injury to record 24 points and 13 rebounds as the third-seeded Knicks led throughout.

"I looked at the game and it was 'game five, do or die'," Towns said. "That was pretty much all I needed to see."

Bennedict Mathurin registered 23 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the fourth-seeded Pacers, who host game six on Saturday (01:00 BST, Sunday).

"We have no room for error," Towns added. "Our backs are against the wall and every game is do or die. If we don't bring that energy or execution, our season will be over."

Towns had 17 points and 10 rebounds in the first half as New York led 56-45 at half-time, before pushing their advantage to 90-73 heading into the final quarter.

Indiana crept to within 12 points with just over eight minutes remaining, but Josh Hart answered with consecutive baskets and Mikal Bridges hit a jumper to make it an 18-point margin.

Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton had 30 points and 15 assists in game four but was kept to eight points on Thursday, with six assists.

"Rough night for me," said the 25-year-old point guard. "I've got to be better setting the tone and getting downhill. I feel I didn't do a great job of that.

"They picked up the pressure a little bit and applied more as the game went on. Put it on me, I've got to be better in game six."

BBC
 
NBA player Williamson accused of rape in civil lawsuit

New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson has been accused of rape in a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.

The court filings state that Williamson, 24, is accused of two rapes, both in Beverly Hills in 2020.

The accuser is seeking damages for assault, sexual battery, domestic violence, burglary, stalking and false imprisonment.

The lawsuit describes the alleged abuse as "sexual, physical, emotional, and financial in nature".

Williamson - the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft - does not face criminal charges.

Williamson's attorneys released a statement describing the allegations as "categorically false and reckless", and said the NBA star's legal team would seek "significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit".

"This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance," legal firm Barrasso-Usdin-Kupperman-Freeman & Sarver told US media.

The firm claim that Williamson previously reported the claimant to law enforcement over alleged extortion attempts.

Speaking to US media the woman's lawyer, Sam Taylor II, who is with the Lanier Law Firm in Los Angeles, said: "This is a very serious case as reflected in the allegations in the complaint, which are pretty detailed."

The New Orleans Pelicans have been approached for comment.

BBC
 
Pacers reach NBA Finals as Knicks fall short

The Indiana Pacers reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 as they beat the New York Knicks 125-108 in game six of the Eastern Conference finals.

Pascal Siakam maintained his impressive form to be named MVP of the series after recording 31 points and three blocked shots on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Siakam scored over 30 points in three of four victories for the Pacers, who won the series 4-2.

The Pacers will face Western Conference winners the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, which begin on Thursday.

Siakam, a nine-year veteran who won the title in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors, said: "After a bad game five, we wanted to bounce back and I have 100% belief in my team-mates. Whenever we're down, we find a way, and we did that tonight."

Looking back to when he was an NBA champion, Siakam said: "That year was my third year, I was this young kid. I thought it was going to be easy [to get back].

"I appreciate it even more now because I know how hard it is to get here."

Speaking about Siakam, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle added: "So deserving. The guy has been a rock of consistency all year."

Tyrese Haliburton also starred for the hosts, adding 21 points, 13 assists and three steals, while Obi Toppin scored 18 points off the bench.

"It's a special feeling to do it with this group," Haliburton said. "We got to the same spot last year and we fell short. We worked our tails off to get back here."

For the Knicks, OG Anunoby top-scored with 24 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points as the visitors fell short after conceding 18 turnovers.

The first quarter was a tight affair as the Pacers led 25-24 before stretching their lead to four points by the end of the first half.

Pacers took control in the third quarter, which began with a 9-0 run, to end the Knicks' resistance and claim the series win.

BBC
 
Last-second winner puts Pacers ahead in NBA Finals

Tyrese Haliburton scored in the final second as the Indiana Pacers snatched victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of the NBA Finals.

His 21-foot shot put the Pacers in front for the first time in the match, with 0.3 seconds remaining as they secured a 111-110 win.

The Thunder, with home court advantage for the first two games, had led by 15 points during the fourth quarter, and in the closing seconds the ball was in the hands of NBA most valuable player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

However, he missed a two-point attempt with 12 seconds remaining and the Pacers grabbed the rebound, passed the ball to Haliburton and he drove down the court before hitting the winning points.

It's the fourth time in the 2025 play-offs that the 25-year-old has recorded a big-time score - three times to win a match and once to force overtime.

Indiana won despite turning the ball over 25 times, with 20 of those coming in the first half.

"It's not the recipe to win," Haliburton said.

"We can't turn the ball over that much. (But) come May and June, it doesn't matter how you get them, just get them."

Team-mate Myles Turner said of Haliburton: "Some players will say they have it, but there are other players that show it. He wants to be the one to hit that shot. He doesn't shy away from that moment."

Gilgeous-Alexander was the game's leading scorer with 38 points, while Pascal Siakam top scored for the Pacers with 19 points, followed by Obi Toppin with 17.

"We played like we were trying to keep the lead instead of trying to extend it or be aggressive," said the Thunder's Jalen Williams.

Game two of the best-of-seven series is also in Oklahoma and will start at 19:00 local time on Sunday, 8 June (01:00 BST on Monday).

BBC
 
Pacers beat Thunder to take lead in NBA Finals

Tyrese Haliburton praised a team effort from the Indiana Pacers after they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 to take a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

Haliburton scored 22 points and made 11 assists and nine rebounds as the Pacers overturned a five-point deficit going into the fourth quarter in game three of the best-of-seven series.

The Pacers bench outscored the Thunder by 49-18, with reserve Bennedict Mathurin contributing 27 points at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

"So many different guys chipped in," said Haliburton. "Ben Mathurin was amazing off the bench. We just had guys make plays after plays."

Mathurin said: "The main thing is you have to be resilient. You have to be the aggressor in order to win games."

The Pacers, who went into the game after a 123-107 defeat in game two, extended a run of not losing consecutive games since March.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA's Most Valuable Player, scored 24 points for the Thunder but only three in the fourth quarter.

Jalem Williams top-scored for the visitors with 26 points, while Chet Holmgren scored 20 points and made 10 rebounds for a Thunder side that gave up 19 turnovers which led to 21 points for the Pacers.

"In the fourth quarter I just thought they really outplayed us on both ends," said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.

Game four will take place at the same venue at 20:30 local time on Friday (01:30 BST, Saturday).

BBC
 
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