New York's Madison Square Garden is famous for its celebrity row, but Cleveland's Rocket Arena saw arguably the most famous woman in the world pull up courtside Saturday night.
Pop icon Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce sat on the sidelines for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers. Kelce, the longtime Kansas City Chiefs star, grew up in nearby Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift take in Knicks-Cavaliers Game 3 courtside in Cleveland
The Knicks have Celebrity Row at the Garden, and now the Cavaliers have Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.
As Cleveland hosted the Knicks at Rocket Arena for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday, the Chiefs tight end and Swift — who have been a couple since 2023 and set to get married in less than two months — sat courtside, with Kelce.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce sit court side during the first quarter on Saturday night. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce are pictured at the Cavaliers’ May 23 game. Getty Images
The broadcast captured the couple with just over eight minutes remaining in the first quarter, with Kelce wearing a backwards hat and Swift handing him a piece of gum from her purse, and Kelce later chugged a beer during the second of the Knicks’ eventual 121-108 win — and was pictured looking devastated at the scene unfolding around him on the court.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are pictured during the Cavaliers’ Game 3 against the Knicks. es Wenzelberg/New York PostTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce are pictured during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. es Wenzelberg/New York Post
But this time, they went to watch the sport that Kelce recently revealed he almost played in college, as he discussed on an episode of the “New Heights” podcast that he nearly went to West Virginia before opting to attend Cincinnati for college football before a conversation with his father, Ed.
“[Ed] looked at me and said, ‘You are a man of your word. You wanna be like these kids that commit to a university and de-commit and now the integrity of your word doesn’t mean anything?’” Kelce said during the episode with Cincinnati basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun, who was part of the Bob Huggins-led staff recruiting Kelce to West Virginia.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are pictured at Rocket Arena. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce are pictured at the Cavaliers’ game against the Knicks on May 23. AP Photo
Kelce continued with his football career and ended up becoming one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, recording seven seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, winning three Super Bowls and becoming Patrick Mahomes’ most consistent target across the rise and fall of the Kansas City dynasty.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce play with a Cavaliers doll during the game. Getty Images
Back in 2024, the Cavaliers also honored the Cavaliers brothers with a bobblehead night.
Swift and Kelce watched as the Cavaliers trailed the Knicks, 60-54, at halftime, with OG Anunoby recording 13 points to lead the Knicks while James Harden collected 14 points for Cleveland.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift celebrate. NBAE via Getty Images
This is a sentence I never thought I'd write (and may never write again), but it's true about this Western Conference Finals: The team with Victor Wembanyama is not the one forcing the most adjustments.
At least not heading into a critical Game 4 at home for San Antonio. Mathematically, Game 4 is not "must win" for the Spurs, already in these playoffs we have seen two teams come from 3-1 down to win a series. Realistically, that is not going to happen against Oklahoma City. Victor Wembanyama understands that.
"We're going to see what we're made of," he said after a Game 3 loss at home where he and the Spurs raced out to a 15-0 lead at the start but ended up losing by 15 when the final buzzer sounded.
Here are three things to look for in Game 4, which will take place at 8 p.m. ET Sunday in San Antonio, a showdown you can watch on NBC or stream on Peacock.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is controlling series
If you just look at the counting stats, you might argue MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is struggling this series: 26.7 points a game on just 39.1% shooting and 28.6% from 3.
You'd be wrong. Gilgeous-Alexander is controlling this series and dictated the last two Thunder wins by his ability to read and process defenses so quickly, then make the right play. The Thunder are getting the shots they want, shots they like.
SGA has been drawing defenders, seeing how the Spurs are bringing a third defender to his side of the court (usually at the nail), then picking San Antonio's defense apart, setting up teammates for big games. It was evident in Game 3 when he had 12 assists to just two turnovers, and for the series he's averaging 11 assists to 2.3 turnovers per game. Part of the problem for San Antonio is that they want to force the ball to Oklahoma City's worst shooters, but then Alex Caruso turns around and hits eight 3-pointers in Game 1. The Spurs don't roll out terrible shooters, and if you let guys like Jaylin Williams (five 3-pointers in Game 3) or Lu Dort or anyone else on their roster set their feet, they'll knock it down. And SGA is finding the open players who have time to set their feet and shoot in rhythm.
I'd say the Spurs need to find a way to throw Gilgeous-Alexander off his game, but good luck with that. He's the two-time MVP for a reason.
Non-Wembanyama minutes
San Antonio was +4 in the 39 minutes Wembanyama played in Game 3, but lost the nine minutes he was out by 19 points. That's been the trend all series: San Antonio is +21 in 125 minutes with Wembanyama on the court, and -38 in the 29 minutes he is off the court.
That was not much of a problem in the regular season because the three-guard attack of Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper could get downhill and score or create opportunities for others. However, now they are going against the best defense in the league and doing it with two of those guards playing through injuries.
The second that Wembanyama goes to the bench, you can see the level of aggression and attacking the rim from the Thunder. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has made sure to keep Gilgeous-Alexander on the court when Wembanyama is off, which allows him to attack the rim without consequence (all due respect to Luke Kornet). Spurs coach Mitch Johnson doesn't have a lot of options — maybe going small with Carter Bryant at center? — but San Antonio has to find a way not to lose the non-Wembanyama minutes by so much, because OKC is not a team they can beat so badly when he is on the court they can get away with it.
Who is still healthy?
The injury report for this series has too many key players on it, but here is where things stand.
• Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell is out with a calf strain, which he appeared to injure on the play where he picked up a flagrant foul trying to stop a Stephon Castle transition bucket (then Devin Vassell stepped in, and both he and Mitchell picked up technical fouls). • The Thunder's Jalen Williams is officially questionable for Game 4 with a left hamstring issue. He did not play in Game 3, and it would be a surprise to see him back this quickly. • San Antonio has nobody on their injury report for Sunday. • Spurs' coach Johnson said he expects both Fox and Harper will be "ready to go" in Game 4.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the third quarter of a game against the New York Knicks in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown reacts during the fourth quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Knicks head to Cleveland tonight after taking the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden. Game One featured a historic comeback fueled by Captain Clutch, while Game Two showcased New York’s depth and Brunson in the facilitator role. Back on their home court, Cleveland—desperate to avoid falling behind by three—should respond with more energy and better shooting from its role players. The Knicks are locked, though, playing with the focus and urgency of a team methodically pursuing a bigger goal.
Tip off is at 8 PM EST on ABC. This is your game thread. This is Fear the Sword. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be good citizens. And go Knicks!
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, Mikal Bridges added 22 and the New York Knicks moved within one game of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 with a121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
OG Anunoby had 21 points as New York led the entire game. The Knicks were 43 of 77 from the field, including 11 of 28 on 3-pointers. They were also 24 of 27 from the foul line.
The Knicks can wrap up the Eastern Conference Finals and sweep their second straight series with a win on Monday night. New York is the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 10 straight during a postseason run. The last team to do it was the Boston Celtics, who also went on a 10-game run on their way to the 2024 title.
All but one of the Knicks’ wins have been by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 22.5 points.
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and James Harden added 21 for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were 12 of 41 on 3-pointers and 12 of 19 from the foul line.
New York led 91-82 at the end of the third quarter but put it out reach in the fourth when Landry Shamet made three 3-pointers in a 99-second span to make it 105-94.
The Knicks made their first four shots en route to a 9-1 lead less than two minutes into the game. New York was 12 of 17 from the field in the quarter and was up 37-27 after 12 minutes.
Cleveland rallied and tied it at 50-all on a jumper by Harden before the Knicks countered with a 10-1 run. They went into halftime with a 60-54 advantage.
Brunson had six of his 12 points during an 8-1 run midway through the third quarter as the Knicks extended their lead to 83-70 with 3:41 remaining.
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, Mikal Bridges added 22 and the New York Knicks moved within one game of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 with a121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
OG Anunoby had 21 points as New York led the entire game. The Knicks were 43 of 77 from the field, including 11 of 28 on 3-pointers. They were also 24 of 27 from the foul line.
The Knicks can wrap up the Eastern Conference Finals and sweep their second straight series with a win on Monday night. New York is the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 10 straight during a postseason run. The last team to do it was the Boston Celtics, who also went on a 10-game run on their way to the 2024 title.
All but one of the Knicks’ wins have been by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 22.5 points.
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and James Harden added 21 for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were 12 of 41 on 3-pointers and 12 of 19 from the foul line.
New York led 91-82 at the end of the third quarter but put it out reach in the fourth when Landry Shamet made three 3-pointers in a 99-second span to make it 105-94.
The Knicks made their first four shots en route to a 9-1 lead less than two minutes into the game. New York was 12 of 17 from the field in the quarter and was up 37-27 after 12 minutes.
Cleveland rallied and tied it at 50-all on a jumper by Harden before the Knicks countered with a 10-1 run. They went into halftime with a 60-54 advantage.
Brunson had six of his 12 points during an 8-1 run midway through the third quarter as the Knicks extended their lead to 83-70 with 3:41 remaining.
Throughout this postseason, when Jalen Williams has been out with a hamstring strain — seven games and counting — coach Mark Daigneault has turned to Ajay Mitchell, and the Thunder have not missed a beat.
Now, someone is going to have to step up for Mitchell on Sunday, as he is officially out for Game 4 with a hamstring strain, the team announced Saturday. Mitchell was forced to leave Game 3 in the third quarter after he appeared to be injured on a play where he picked up a flagrant foul for his play on Stephon Castle, which led to a minor altercation when Devin Vassell stepped in (both received technicals for their trouble).
Williams is officially questionable with his hamstring strain, but it seems unlikely he would return as quickly as Sunday. That will leave the Thunder without their second- and third-best ball handlers and two of their top four scorers in these playoffs. Mitchell was a force in the Lakers series and is averaging 15.1 points per game in the postseason, although that has fallen off to 5.3 points a game on 38.9% shooting against the Spurs.
It's expected Daigneault will turn to Cason Wallace to start. That keeps the bench combo of Jared McCain, who scored 24 points in Game 3, and Alex Caruso, who provides disruptive defense and knocked down eight 3-pointers in Game 1 on his way to 31 points, together.
The availability of Spurs guards De'Aaron Fox (ankle) and Dylan Harper (adductor) has yet to be announced. Both played in Game 3, but Fox appeared to re-injure his ankle in a collision with Lu Dort going for a loose ball, and Harper was clearly slowed all night.
Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference Finals 2-1, making Game 4 critical for the Spurs if they are going to have a chance in this series. You can watch Game 4 at 8 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC, or stream it on Peacock.
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward OG Anunoby (8) fight for a rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers centers Jarrett Allen (31) and Evan Mobley (4) during the fourth quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Today is Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The New York Knicks play the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET. Watch it on ESPN. Enjoy the game!
The Knicks' offensive revival in the playoffs has even impressed LeBron James.
CLEVELAND — Making the Knicks offense more dynamic was one of the most important improvements Mike Brown was supposed to bring.
One of basketball’s best minds is raving about his job doing just that.
“The defense can’t just key on a couple of actions anymore,” LeBron James said on his “Mind the Game” podcast, which he co-hosts with Steve Nash. “I thought over the last couple of years with New York, you kind of got a good rhythm of how they were gonna play. The ball was gonna end up in a certain way every single time.”
Now, with the new wrinkle the Knicks have unleashed this postseason, they have become much more unpredictable.
The transformation the Knicks underwent, after trailing the Hawks 2-1 in the first round, worked wonders.
Karl-Anthony Towns operating as a facilitator from the elbow was freeing up Jalen Brunson to find open shots off the ball and allowing other teammates to cut and set screens around him.
“You now shift your pie chart from people just thinking heavy, heavy, heavy, JB pick-and-roll, JB iso, to now the demographic of your offense shifts,” James said. “Which means the defense can’t just be keyed in on one action now. So having KAT as the hub, at the elbow, at the top of the key, it allows JB to be off the ball, where he can set a rip screen for OG [Anunoby] to get to the rim where if [the defense] messes that up, OG gets a dunk. If they mess that up and both of them go with OG to the rim, now you have JB coming off it clean, either for a clean shot or a [dribble handoff]. Now the defense is playing catch up. That’s helped their demographic out a lot, their pie chart on what they can do offensively.
Karl-Anthony Towns looks to pass during the Knicks’ May 21 game against the Cavaliers. Charles Wenzelberg
“And JB is still gonna have his iso game where he’s really good, he’s still gonna have his pick-and-roll game where he’s really good. But to sprinkle in a little bit of off-ball action, a little bit of pinch-post action, with a different hub, that helps a lot.”
That new “sprinkle” has led to a whirlwind for Towns and his role in the Knicks offense, though.
Just when it seemed it had been cemented, it was again forced to change.
The Towns-as-a-hub system was not as effective the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavaliers’ big man duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
LeBron on KAT as hub: "You now shift your pie chart from people thinking heavy…JB iso, to now the demographic of your offense shifts…D can't just be keyed in on 1 action now"
On Josh Hart: "Knicks have always had 1 of those guys…that's just synonymous with the Knickerbockers" pic.twitter.com/QsZyde0WNj
By the fourth quarter of Game 1, when the Knicks pulled off their historic comeback, they abandoned the Towns-centric system and reverted back to running the offense through Brunson with the ball in his hands.
And that’s how Brunson and the Knicks pulverized the Cavs down the stretch.
LeBron James drives to the basket during the Lakers’ May 11 game. NBAE via Getty Images
In Game 2, when the Cavs began aggressively double-teaming Brunson, he became the facilitator, rather than Towns.
And Brunson subsequently recorded 14 assists, his most ever in a playoff game.
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So far this postseason, Towns has gone from playing off Brunson, to having the ball constantly in his hands early in possessions, to once again playing off Brunson.
What’s that been like for him?
“I’ve always said I’m willing to sacrifice and do whatever it takes to impact winning and help this team win,” Towns said Saturday morning after shootaround. “That’s the blessing of our group. We have multiple ways and systems that we can utilize to help us get the win. I’ve been happy because we’ve continued to win. There’s nothing to be sad about.”
And now, it’s left the Knicks with multiple systems they can utilize when the situation calls for it.
“I think whatever it is, you kind of have a counter for it,” Mikal Bridges said Saturday. “And everybody be ready. Five guys who can play on ball and off ball so I think it’s just to be able to keep everybody honest and just read and react.”
The Cavaliers have no answer to slow down Brunson.
Their strength, defensively at least, is in their bigs with Mobley and Allen.
So it makes sense to let Brunson torch the Cavs in isolation.
But perhaps there will be a moment where the Towns-as-a-hub offense is again required, either in this series or a potential Finals appearance.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Tari Eason of Rockets warms up before the NBA playoffs game 5 between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at the Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
The NBA Draft is still a month away and the Brooklyn Nets participating in two — count ’em — two summer leagues a week after that, it’s easy to forget that NBA free agency is sandwiched in between them. Last year, the Nets had nearly $60 million in cap space, most in the league, Sean Marks & co. used most of it in seven salary dumps, acquiring two first rounders, a net of three seconds and players from Michael Porter Jr. to Terance Mann to Terance Mann to Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji .
This year is different. Brooklyn still has a huge cache of cap space, as much as $48 million, third in the league, but the priorities have shifted. It’s more about roster-building this time around as Nets have no interest in a high pick. They may have to swap firsts with Houston.
Most importantly, if they can find an immediate contributor at No. 6 in the NBA draft and make wise moves in the veteran market, there’s a pathway, narrow as it is, for the organization to become competitive sooner than fans realize. Spoiler alert: it may be exciting but it will be difficult.
Here is a look at three free agents Brooklyn fans should keep an eye on as free agency approaches. Think young players, defensive-minded, and reasonably priced. We’re not talking about trades for disgruntled stars and superstars just yet. We’ll stick for now on players who are not (yet) franchise-changers, but big additioins.
Tari Eason, Houston Rockets (RFA)
Tari Eason was selected with the No. 17 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, which the Nets sent to Houston in the James Harden blockbuster deal.
In 2025, the 6’8” 25-year-old Eason compiled a solid season with Houston, averaging 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 41.6% from the field and 35.8% from 3-point range. With just a little improvement in his deep shooting, he could make for an ideal 3-and-D player.
It will be difficult for the Rockets to bring Eason back if they want to stay under both apron levels. Last summer, they were hard-capped at the first apron thanks to the extensions of Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. This year, they’ll have a lot of questions after last year’s disappointments. What’s their plan?
Due to the Nets’ abundance of cap space, they should have the ability to top any offer for the 24-year-old. While he is far from a franchise-changing player, he would join the Nets’ young core and overall boost the floor of this team. He also has experience as a young piece on a playoff-caliber team, which the Nets value.
Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets (RFA)
Peyton Watson is a headline name that could land with the Nets this summer.
With the Nuggets in 2025, he averaged 14.6 points, 2.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 49.1% from the field and drilling an impressive 41.1% on 3-point attempts.
He only played in 54 of Denver’s games, though, while missing the first round of the playoffs due to recurring right hamstring strains. At one point, he was sidelined for 19 consecutive games.
That is certainly something the Nets will take into account as they build out their free-agent roadmap. The year prior, he played in 68 games; in 2023-24, he played in 80.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer of “The Stein Line,” the Nets are among the teams linked to Watson. However, the team would need to pay up, as “Executives from around the league believe that Watson could receive a larger deal than Christian Braun’s five-year, $125 million contract,” wrote Fischer. Indeed, pundits have noted that the Nuggets may regret choosing Braun over Watson last summer when they had the choice. Braun averaged only 12 points a game and had difficulty creating his own shot. Cam Johnson, acquired from the Nets in what was not the worst trade in a decade has a smaller shorter deal but he may be easier to move.
More to the point, Josh Kroenke, the Nuggets owner said after the Nugs shocking first round exit that “I think everything is on the table outside of trading Nikola (Jokic.)” That even includes Jamal Murray. It will take some real roster manipulation for the Nuggets to get enough cap space to thwart not just the Nets ambitions, but the Lakers as well. The Lakers under new management may feel the need to make a big splash.
At just 23 years old, two years younger than Eason, the 6’9” Watson is another young piece that the Nets could inject into their starting lineup immediately. And they may have a somewhat hidden advantage: He and MPJ are close from their days together in Denver, as both have acknowledged. On the other hand, Watson is an Angeleno, born in Beverly Hills.
C.J. McCollum, UFA
While signing McCollum wouldn’t ignite the fanbase as much as a player like Watson would (rightfully so), it makes sense for the team to bring in someone like the 34-year-old as a veteran ball handler to help steady the offense which is in desparate need of everything.
Entering his 14th NBA season in 2026-27, McCollum remained outstanding in 2025 despite being in his mid-30s, averaging 18.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
He also shot 35.7% from beyond the arc and 45.6% from the field while helping the Hawks crack the playoffs after being shipped to Atlanta from Washington in the Trae Young trade.
As Egor Dëmin and Nolan Traoré enter their second season, they could certainly benefit from having McCollum by their side, especially when it comes to the veterans’ shot-making ability.
It is a similar situation to when Tyrese Maxey played alongside Kyle Lowry early in his career with the 76ers. However, if as seems likely the Nets take a lead guard in the NBA Draft, whether it’s Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings or Keaton Wagler, would there be enough minutes for McCollum?
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The Nets cash reserves and other roster flexibility — only nine players are under contract for 2026-27 and they don’t have to worry about the dreaded repeater tax for the rest of the current CBA to cite two examples — can be used in a number of ways. They can, as they did four times early in the Marks era, tender an offer sheet to restricted free agents like Watson and Eason then wait 48 hours to see the Nuggets or Rockets match. In the past, the Nets added sweeteners that in the era of luxury taxes and aprons make it difficult for teams to match. For example, they can fine tune their offer so that the first year salary can be paid out all at once, add a no-trade clause, etc. Such offers can also lead to sign-and-trade talks.
How soon should we start thinking about free agency if it’s far-too-early as the headline notes? Free agency negotiations will begin on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Expect first reports of signings — and offers sheets — at 6:01 p.m. Players can be signed officially after the July moratorium on July 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Enjoy.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round Two Game Four...
And Reaves’ latest comments make it appear he wants the same.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports at LAX, Reaves was asked a variety of questions, including whether he wanted to “run it back” with the Lakers.
Austin Reaves told TMZ Sports he wants to “run it back” with the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
He quickly responded, “run it back” — suggesting he wants to return to the Lakers during an offseason in which Reaves could be an unrestricted free agent for the first time.
Reaves will become a free agent this summer once he declines his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27.
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He alluded to already having made that decision when asked whom the Lakers should go after during the offseason.
“I don’t know, I don’t get into all that,” Reaves said. “I’ve got to sign first … free agent.”
Reaves is expected to get a significant pay raise with his next contract — whether it’s with the Lakers or another team.
He’ll be eligible to sign a maximum five-year contract worth $241 million with the Lakers or a four-year, $178 million deal with another team.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers president of basketball operations/general manager, made it clear during a postseason media availability the franchise wants Reaves back.
“He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker,” Pelinka said. “And we feel the same way. We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold. There’s rules and timing to all of that, but I think both sides have made it abundantly clear that we want to work something out where he continues his prolific career here.”
Austin Reaves returned from an oblique injury and averaged 20 points for the Lakers in the postseason. NBAE via Getty Images
The 27-year-old Reaves is coming off averaging a career-high 23.2 points (49% shooting, 36% on 3-pointers), 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals during the 2025-26 regular season.
He averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists and four rebounds in six of the Lakers’ 10 playoff games after returning from a strained left oblique that sidelined him for the final five games of the regular season and first four playoff games.
Which lines up with comments Reaves made after the Lakers’ 2025-26 season ended with the four-game sweep by the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
“Man, it would mean the world to me,” Reaves said. “I don’t know anything different. My rookie year, I had no idea what the hell was going on, and he basically took me under his wing and [gave] me every opportunity that I could ever ask for, trusted me. But further than the court, like building a real friendship — he obviously is into golf now, so we’re a lot closer. It’s been super fun, and I hope to continue to do that. He’s taught me a lot. I owe him a lot for my career. He’s given me confidence every single day.”
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 3: The sneakers worn by Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 3, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
Jalen Brunson scored 30 points, Mikal Bridges added 22 and the New York Knicks moved within one game of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 with a121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
OG Anunoby had 21 points as New York led the entire game. The Knicks were 43 of 77 from the field, including 11 of 28 on 3-pointers. They were also 24 of 27 from the foul line.
The Knicks can wrap up the Eastern Conference Finals and sweep their second straight series with a win on Monday night. New York is the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 10 straight during a postseason run. The last team to do it was the Boston Celtics, who also went on a 10-game run on their way to the 2024 title.
All but one of the Knicks’ wins have been by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 22.5 points.
Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points and James Harden added 21 for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were 12 of 41 on 3-pointers and 12 of 19 from the foul line.
New York led 91-82 at the end of the third quarter but put it out reach in the fourth when Landry Shamet made three 3-pointers in a 99-second span to make it 105-94.
The Knicks made their first four shots en route to a 9-1 lead less than two minutes into the game. New York was 12 of 17 from the field in the quarter and was up 37-27 after 12 minutes.
Cleveland rallied and tied it at 50-all on a jumper by Harden before the Knicks countered with a 10-1 run. They went into halftime with a 60-54 advantage.
Brunson had six of his 12 points during an 8-1 run midway through the third quarter as the Knicks extended their lead to 83-70 with 3:41 remaining.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers need to force the ball out of Jalen Brunson’s hands; they can’t let him work in isolation against their perimeter defenders.
When that happens, OG Anunoby finds himself catching passes against a rotating Cavaliers defense that he can attack for easy buckets. This is all about working off Brunson’s gravity and defensive coverage while attacking the space Brunson creates for him.
I also love that this is Anunoby’s third game back for the New York Knicks, and there’s an opportunity for his minutes to ramp up in Game 3.
That’s significant because he’s being priced like a player who will only play low-30s minutes. I price Anunoby at -175 to clear this number, which is why I’m hitting the button.
Jason Logan's expert pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 threes
Price: +125 at bet365
The Knicks offense is a well-oiled machine at this point in the playoffs. With the Cavs blitzing Jalen Brunson, he’s finding open teammates for a ton of assists
Karl-Anthony Towns is taking plenty of 3-point attempts as he continues working out of the high post in the playoffs, dragging Cleveland’s size away from the paint with his outside shooting. That resulted in three made triples in Game 2.
Projection models call for a pair of treys from KAT in another win for New York.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Knicks moneyline
Price: +115 at bet365
The Knicks are in the midst of a dominant playoff run, winning nine straight games, with eight of those victories coming by double digits. They have clearly been the sharper offensive team in this series, shooting the ball better than Cleveland while consistently controlling points in the paint.
New York has also been excellent away from home, posting a stronger playoff net rating on the road than at MSG. Meanwhile, the Cavs might be running out of gas after playing high-intensity games every other night since April 29 — a stretch of 12 games.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Anunoby o14.5 points
