DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball while defended by Caris LeVert #8 of the Detroit Pistons during the game during Round One Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There were 13 former Michigan Wolverines players that logged minutes in the NBA in the 2025-26 season. With the playoffs winding down, let’s take a look at how every Michigan alum performed this year.
Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)
Wagner is definitely the best former Wolverine in the NBA right now. Despite being injured for more than half the season, he still proved to be a high-level performer, posting 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Unfortunately, Wagner went down with a calf injury in the first round of the playoffs and was forced to miss the final three games of the series, but he will continue to be a cornerstone of the franchise going forward.
Hardaway is well over a decade into his pro career and is still a very effective contributor. In his first season with the Nuggets, he led Denver in scoring off the bench with 13.5 points per game on 40.7 percent shooting from three-point territory. Playing a key veteran role and shooting at a high clip from beyond the arc, Hardaway should continue to be an impactful player in the years to come. He is set to be a free agent this summer, but there’s no doubt he’ll have a number of suitors.
Poole had an up-and-down season in his first year with the Pelicans, falling in and out of the lineup and playing just 39 games. After playing a significant role on the Golden State Warriors en route to winning a championship in 2022, Poole was dealt to the Washington Wizards and is now trying to find his footing in New Orleans. He averaged 13.4 points per game with the Pelicans this year.
Robinson was a much-needed addition for the Pistons this season, bringing one of the NBA’s premier sharpshooters back to the state that he played in college. Following a successful stint with the Miami Heat from 2018-25, Robinson scored 12.2 points per game and shot a red-hot 41 percent from three this year. The former Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year has carved out a solid role for himself after going undrafted.
Wolf was selected late in the first round last summer following his lone season at Michigan, and he immediately showed why he was one of the Big Ten’s most versatile players, scoring 22 points, four assists and four rebounds early in his rookie year. Later in the season, he was thrust into the starting lineup due to injury and he scored a career-high 23 points and nine rebounds in March. Following a solid debut season, there’s no doubt he will be a part of the Nets’ future.
Diabaté experienced a breakout season in fourth year in the NBA, racking up career-highs including 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 26 minutes per game on 63.1 percent shooting from the field. The former All-Big Ten Freshman honoree has seemingly found a home in Charlotte, showing major strides this season and eventually earning the NBA’s Hustle Award. Now, he will attempt to build on his breakout campaign next season and beyond.
The winner of the 2025-26 @Kia NBA Hustle Award is… Moussa Diabaté!
The award honors a player who makes the effort plays that do not often appear in the box score but help determine team success. pic.twitter.com/ktNJlBCfZF
LeVert came to the Pistons with hopes of being a secondary playmaker off the bench, but he ended up having a much lesser role than expected and played a career-low 19.2 minutes per game. He also averaged single-digit scoring for just the second time in his career, posting 7.4 points per game. The 2016 first-round pick showed he can still be a valuable player though, erupting for a season-best 24 points and four rebounds in a playoff game this month.
Wagner’s pro career has been a bit overshadowed by his younger brother, but he has carved out a role with the Magic as well. Wagner was selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft and has spent the last six seasons in Orlando. Coming off a season-ending ACL injury, he returned to the court after missing nearly two full years. In 36 games, Wagner averaged 6.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game and will now enter free agency.
Howard is another former lottery pick from Michigan, and although he hasn’t exactly hit the ground running to start his career, he has displayed glimpses of impressive upside. Most notably, Howard went off for a career-high 30 points, including a 22-point fourth quarter in November. Howard scored 5.5 points per game on a career-best 37.2 percent shooting from three-point range in a slightly expanded role off the bench, so perhaps he’ll continue to make strides next season.
Bufkin hasn’t quite been able to carve out a consistent role in three years in the NBA, but he was one of the best players in the G-League this season by averaging 24.8 points and 4.4 assists in 17 games with the South Bay Lakers. He was eventually called up to the NBA, scoring 2.9 points per game in 16 appearances with the Lakers. In the final weeks of the season, Bufkin was waived by the Lakers, so he’ll try to find a new home this summer.
Houstan was one of the highest-rated recruits in Michigan history and went onto be a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After playing the first three years of his pro career with the Magic, Houstan spent this past season with the Atlanta Hawks on a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and G-League. In 18 games with the Hawks, Houstan averaged just 2.3 points on 53.8 percent from three. Unfortunately, he was waived late in the season and is currently a free agent.
CALEB. HOUSTAN. 🤯
He drills the game-winning triple in OT for the Hawks!
Livers spent the first three seasons of his career with his hometown Pistons before signing with the Phoenix Suns last summer. He wasn’t really a part of Phoenix’s rotation for most of this season, putting up just 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds in 36 appearances. Livers has proven he can be a relatively effective option off the bench with the Pistons, scoring 6.6 points per game in his first two seasons, but he hasn’t been able to recreate that success the last two years.
Goldin went undrafted after receiving All-Big Ten recognition in his only season with Michigan, but he quickly signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat. He put up 23 points and nine rebounds in his G-League debut and eventually made his NBA debut in December. Goldin wasn’t much of a factor with the Heat, averaging only 0.8 points per game, but his G-League statistics — 11.3 points, seven rebounds, two blocks — were impressive.
A historic rally set the tone for the Eastern Conference Finals, and now all eyes turn to Game 2 as our NBA player prop projections zeroes in on the Cavaliers vs. Knicks matchup at Madison Square Garden — highlighting several high-value betting opportunities as Cleveland looks to regroup.
By analyzing the data against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges exist.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Thursday, May 21.
Cavaliers vs Knicks computer picks for Game 2
Cavaliers
Knicks
Mitchell u26.5 points -112
Brunson o27.5 points -110
Harden o18.5 points -112
Towns o11.5 rebounds +100
Allen o7.5 rebounds -112
Bridges o1.5 3-pointers +100
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Cavaliers Game 2 computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Under 26.5 points (-112)
Projection: 25.64 points
Donovan Mitchell looked every bit the steady force while the Cleveland Cavaliers controlled most of Game 1 against the New York Knicks — until the fourth quarter hit, when he managed just three points the rest of the way in an overtime collapse.
He still finished with 29 points, clearing this prop line even in defeat, but the current projection feels a bit shaken—perhaps too hesitant to trust that Mitchell can deliver a bounce-back performance and lead a Game 2 redemption.
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James Harden Over 18.5 points (-112)
Projection: 20.31 points
James Harden’s Game 1 showing was a letdown—no sugarcoating it. The Cavaliers veteran managed just 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting, a far cry from what Cleveland needs.
Whether it was fatigue from a quick series turnaround or the Knicks simply locking him down, the Cavs won’t stand a chance unless Harden sharpens up in Game 2. Another 31% shooting night—or anything close to it—won’t cut it if Cleveland hopes to steal one on the road.
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Jarrett Allen Over 7.5 rebounds (-112)
Projection: 7.68 rebounds
Evan Mobley has been so productive that the Cavaliers may have lost sight of Jarrett Allen a bit and that can’t happen, especially after Game 1.
Cleveland needed strong contributions from both bigs to avoid the collapse they suffered, but Allen was quiet, finishing with just 10 points and seven rebounds in the opener.
If the Cavs want to steady themselves in Game 2, they’ll need to get him more involved offensively and bring a much more aggressive presence on the glass after hovering over this prop line on Tuesday.
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Knicks Game 2 computer picks
Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 points (-110)
Projection: 27.94 points
Everyone’s talking about Jalen Brunson — and for good reason.
He once again played the hero in Game 1, erupting for 38 points and powering the Knicks to a stunning overtime win. His fiery leadership has been the driving force behind New York’s playoff surge, and the buzz has only grown louder since Tuesday’s comeback.
Don’t expect that hot streak to cool off now. In Brunson, you can trust with clearing this points prop line.
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Karl-Anthony Towns over 11.5 rebounds (+100)
Projection: 11.93 rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns opened the series with a strong 13-point, 13-rebound double-double and has been a force on the glass all postseason. He’s now hit double-digit rebounds in seven of New York’s 11 playoff games, consistently controlling the boards.
With Towns dominating down low, expect him to keep that momentum rolling at home and clear this rebounding prop once again.
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Mikal Bridges Over 1.5 3-pointers (+100)
Projection: 1.73 3-pointers
Mikal Bridges delivered a strong two-way showing in the Knicks’ Game 1 win, finishing with 18 points on 64% shooting Tuesday night, including a couple of treys at a 50% clip from deep.
With New York riding high, Bridges should once again find his rhythm — making the Over on his 3-point prop a live play in Game 2 tonight.
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How to watch Cavaliers vs Knicks Game 2
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Tip-off
8 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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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 on May 11, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was a pleasant surprise to the Lakers that Austin Reaves was able to return earlier than expected from his oblique strain.
Thanks to his efforts to get back, Reaves helped the Lakers eliminate the Rockets and then played in the second round against the Thunder.
We don’t have all the details on how hard Reaves worked to return or what that entailed, but we did get more information thanks to a piece written by Yaron Weitzman for Yahoo Sports.
Apparently, Reaves’ rehab included working with the Dodgers.
Bolstering the performance staff appears to be Friedman’s and Zaidi’s other priority. “We’re working in collaboration with some of the Dodgers folks to bring in a biomechanics lab,” Pelinka told reporters. Until then, players may have to get used to working with the baseball group at Dodger Stadium. That, according to two league sources, is what the Lakers told Austin Reaves to do while he was rehabbing from an oblique injury during the playoffs.
With Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi having worked with the Dodgers for years and now serving as advisors to the Lakers, it’s no surprise they came up with this temporary solution.
As Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has mentioned, the upgrades for the Lakers are coming this summer. Still, until then, they’ll have to get creative with solutions and it seems this was a good way to do that.
While it may seem odd that an NBA team is using MLB facilities, according to people with knowledge of those conditions, that’s not necessarily a bad thing when it’s the Dodgers.
“They’re known for taking care of players and being able to get the most out of them,” the MLB executive says. “The giant contracts obviously play a big role, but the way Andrew and his department are able to help players get the best out of themselves has become a major recruiting tool.”
Part of getting the best out of a player is to make sure they can be their best. The partnership and synergy between the Lakers and Dodgers have certainly helped in this instance. It got Reaves to return and gave the Lakers the best chance against OKC.
Masai Ujiri made one thing clear in his press conference on Wednesday: The Dallas Mavericks are focused on building a long-term contender around Cooper Flagg, not trying to shortcut the process and win now.
“Every decision we are going to make here is going to be future-based,” Ujiri said. “We have a 19-year-old generational player on our roster, and we have to think that way. We’re not going to make decisions based on winning today. I don’t think that would make sense for the organization.”
Does that mean the Mavericks are open to trading Kyrie Irving, the 34-year-old, nine-time All-Star point guard? He's kind of a win-now player who is under contract for two years and $81.9 million over the next two seasons (the second one a player option).
Ujiri, for his part, did not sound like someone eager to trade Irving — and did a little name drop in stating why.
“Kevin Durant once told me, ‘There is only one Kyrie walking around in the world,‘” Ujiri said. “I think we have to figure out how Kyrie fits with our program. I have had those conversations with Kyrie. I think Kyrie will fit.”
Monitor might be the right word here. Irving is coming off missing an entire season recovering from a torn ACL. As great as his Hall of Fame resume may be, teams will want to see him play a little before paying what would be a steep price to land him. Ujiri and whoever ends up coaching the team will want to see how things look, as well.
However, Irving is not the long-term answer at the point in Dallas, and if at the February trade deadline, some team in desperate need of help at the one came through with a big enough offer, Ujiri would have to consider it.
For now, don't expect a trade, but don't be shocked if a year from now the conversation is very different.
Apr 3, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) dunks during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
With the Raptors’ offseason begun in full force, the franchise has seen its rookie receive the team’s first major individual award of the 2025-26 season. Collin Murray-Boyles has been named to the All-Rookie Second Team, the first Toronto player to receive the award since Scottie Barnes in 2022.
It has been a stellar season for Murray-Boyles that has not been totally reflected in his box scores. The former South Carolina Gamecock finished the campaign with 8.5 blocks, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, as well as a block and a steal a piece. Murray-Boyles proved that when given the minutes, he could affect the game at both ends of the floor. Predominantly coming off the bench in the regular season, as well as some high profile starts at centre, the rookie demonstrated excellent defensive chops, stellar rebounding, and flashes of genuine scoring abilities.
The playoffs are where Collin really shined, looking like the best player in Toronto’s rotation of big men at only 6’7. Averaging 14, 6.4, and 2.4, Murray Boyles had 5 stocks in a crucial game 6, and played a big part in anchoring Toronto throughout the series. Early playoff reps can mean so much for a young player’s development, and have further proved that the forward is a piece worth building around for the Raptors. But, Murray-Boyles seems to have enjoyed himself all the while. “It just makes me smile all the time, just being able to be a part of this,” he said about playoff basketball on the Raptors.
With Jakob Poeltl out for stretches throughout the year, Murray-Boyles’ defensive abilities as a small-ball centre earned him comparisons to his teammate, Scottie Barnes, as well as Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. It seems he might land somewhere outside of that range, more of a defensive specialist who can pass, rather than a point forward, though the young player’s game certainly has the time to evolve. Improving his free throw shooting would make him even more of a threat in the post, where his ability to pump fake and score close to the basket gives him some of the most dominant looking moments on the hardwood.
Murray-Boyles’ received the fewest amount of votes of any player selected to the All-Rookie team, with only 66 votes compared to the player ahead of him, Ace Bailey, who received 107. He was the only All-Rookie on a playoff team to not make the First Team, which in part can be chalked up to him coming off the bench for a Toronto roster with much forward depth, while many of his other classmates found themselves in starting jobs on depleted rosters.
Looking to the future, Collin Murray-Boyles has the potential to become an All-Defensive mainstay, as well as a cornerstone of an ascendant Toronto Raptors squad. He’s come a long way since being drafted ninth overall, swearing quietly out of shock as he was called to join his current team. He has come into the league as a developed player, and as the years go on, additional coats of polish should see him transcend his place now and become a premier two-way threat Raptors fans should be glad to have on their team.
May 20, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) defends during the second quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Coming off a dramatic double overtime win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Spurs looked to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. De’Aaron Fox missed his second straight game with a high ankle sprain, so the Spurs were once again without one of their all-stars. After a back-and-forth first quarter ended in a stalemate, the Spurs struggled offensively in the second. They were outscored 31-20 in the quarter and entered halftime with a double-digit deficit. The Spurs quickly erased their deficit and tied the game early in the third thanks to defensive stops and timely threes. However, OKC ramped up the pressure on defense and forced more turnovers. The result was an eight-point deficit for the Spurs heading into the fourth. Also, Dylan Harper injured his leg and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Despite Harper’s injury, the Spurs managed to keep pace with OKC and even managed to get within five points with just over a minute left. Unfortunately, Stephon Castle committed his ninth turnover of the game, and OKC closed it out. The Spurs ultimately lost 122-113.
Stephon Castle dropped 25 points (10-17 FG), eight assists, five rebounds, and a steal. Steph was cooking in the first half, scoring-wise; however, those same turnovers from Game 1 came back to bite him in Game 2. It seemed like for every dime that Steph was dishing out, he would also get a turnover to counter it. Already playing without Fox, OKC pressures him intensely whenever he is the main ball handler. Now add Harper’s injury, OKC is even more relentless. Steph now holds the record for most turnovers in the conference finals in the first two games with 20. For as many highlight plays Steph continues to make, he has to take better care of the ball. If Fox and/or Harper can play Game 3 and beyond, it would do wonders for Steph.
2-way player! Steph gets the steal on one end and drops it off for the Luke Kornet deuce!
Victor Wembanyama dropped a double-double: 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, four blocks, and a steal. After a generational performance in Game 1, Wemby still managed to stay active on the glass and was active on defense. He had several early rests due to fatigue from Game 1, but still played the entire fourth quarter. OKC switched up their defense on him by having Isaiah Hartenstein guard him instead of smaller players. Hartenstein covered him the same way Timberwolves players were guarding him last series: holding and being physical to the point where the referees do not see it. His paint defense is so valuable; every time he is benched, OKC makes it a mission to attack the paint. His endurance will be tested throughout the rest of this series, as the DPOY will look to continue to give his team an unguardable edge.
W3MBY! Wemby drains one of his two three-pointers early in the first quarter!
Devin Vassell dropped 22 points (6-12 3PT), four rebounds, an assist, and a block. Dev hit several key shots in much-needed momentum swings. He stepped up to the plate on both ends of the floor, especially making up for lost points after Harper’s injury. He will need to keep his hot shooting pace for the next couple of games in front of a raucous Frost Bank Center crowd, especially if Fox and/or Harper are out.
Corner specialist! Dev knocks down the open corner three after a blistering pass from Wemby!
Despite the turnovers, the injuries, and battling through more physical contact, the Spurs still managed to keep this a close game down the stretch. Mitch Johnson and the coaching staff will have to look through film and work on correcting the mistakes while they wait to see the status of Fox and Harper for Games 3 and 4. Even if Harper is projected to miss time, a Fox return for Game 3 gives the Spurs a chance to clean up the turnovers and give them a scoring edge they have been missing in the first two games. If neither plays, Steph is going to have to tuck the ball away and play at a slower pace to keep the turnovers as low as possible. Despite the injury concerns, the silver and black can still make this series a competitive one, but as stated before, a return of either helps the Spurs’ chances of winning the series by a larger margin.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
Game 3 of the WCF shifts to the Frost Bank Center this Friday at 7:30 P.M. (CST) on NBC/Peacock.
Mar 2, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) and Wizards guard Will Riley (27) in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Yesterday, the NBA released the 2025-26 All-Rookie Teams. As the team with the worst record last season, the Washington Wizards relied heavily on young rosters. However, that didn’t translate into any players making the first or second teams.
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2025-26 Kia NBA All-Rookie Team.
That’s unfortunate, especially considering that both Tre Johnson and Will Riley averaged double figures in scoring. Johnson received 19 second team votes and 5 second team votes.
Wizards rookies Tre Johnson and Will Riley did not make either of the NBA All-Rookie Teams.
Johnson averaged 12.2 PPG on 35.8% 3PT across 60 games.
Riley came on toward the end of the season and finished averaging 10.3 PPG on 43.9% FG. pic.twitter.com/JR5EVRTKi7
Despite their omission from the Rookie team, this does not mean that Johnson and Riley aren’t poised to be long term contributors for Washington. Let’s call it motivation for the next year.
And he maintained that feeling in a recent discussion about his playing career.
During the latest episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast, which he co-hosts with NBA legend Steve Nash, James reiterated that he needs time to think about what he’ll do entering an offseason where he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
LeBron James plans on making his retirement decision after an upcoming family vacation. Getty Images
“I’m still in the moment of just taking my time,” James said. “I haven’t even really thought about it too much. Obviously, I understand that I’m a free agent and I can control my own destiny — being here with [the Lakers] for a foreseeable future or if it’s going somewhere else.
“But like, I haven’t even really even got to that point. I haven’t even taken my family vacation yet, which is going to happen after Memorial Day. That’s kind of the thing at the forefront of my mind. But, I think at some point in June, late June, as July rolls around, free agency starts to get going and as July rolls around and maybe into August, we start to kind of get a feel of what my future may look like.”
Free agency season is loading for @KingJames, but not until after Memorial Day.
James reiterated his family will be a priority in his decision. He and his wife, Savannah, have three kids: Lakers guard Bronny, 21; Arizona Wildcats guard Bryce, 18; and Zhuri, 12.
“It’s very important,” he said. “I mean, 1A and 1B, is [what] do I feel comfortable doing with my career? But also with my family, how do they feel about whatever decision that I’m able to come up with and make? And that’s a joint decision as well. It’s 1A and 1B. I don’t think one is higher than the other.”
James is coming off a two-year, $101.4 million contract with the Lakers that included a $52.6 million salary for 2025–26.
The options James will mull over are retirement, or play a record-extending 24th NBA season either after re-signing with the Lakers or signing with another team.
“If it’s continuing to play the game that I love, which I know I can still give so much to the game and play at a high level, or if it’s not,” James said, “but I have not gotten to that point yet. When I get there, it’d be fun to kind of see what the future could hold. Either if it’s, like I said, in another NBA arena for another year or not.”
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During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show”, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania mentioned that James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told him that virtually “every” contender has called Paul about James since the Lakers’ season ended.
James reaffirmed if he does return for a 24th season, it’ll be with a franchise where winning is the priority.
“Winning is most important,” James said. “Because you want to be excited about going to work every day. And being around a group of guys that feel the same way, and try not to take steps backwards. Understanding the season is a marathon, or whatever the case may be. But those building blocks throughout the course of the season is what matters when you get to the sprint, which is now, the postseason.
“I’m not going anywhere it’s a start over at Year 24. I’m done with that.”
James is coming off averaging 20.9 points (51.5% shooting, 31.7% on 3-pointers), 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 regular season games (career-low 33.2 minutes).
He upped his averages to 23.2 points (45.9% shooting, 32.7% on 3-pointers), 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds in the Lakers’ 10 playoff games (38.4 minutes) before they were swept by the Thunder in the second round.
James missed the first 14 regular season games because of sciatica he started dealing with last summer. He also entered the 2025 offseason dealing with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee that he suffered in the season-ending Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves in the first round of last year’s playoffs.
“I had a couple of bumps and bruises to end the season, but I think we can both agree that an offseason without rehab is a success after a long season,” James said to Nash. “I’ll take it.”
MIAMI (AP) — League One Volleyball is bringing an expansion franchise to Miami for its third season, boosting the women's professional volleyball league to 10 teams for its upcoming third season.
The league made the announcement on Thursday, adding that it will also introduce an Eastern and Western Conference format for the 2026-27 season.
Miami will join the league's Eastern Conference, along with Atlanta, Madison, Minnesota and Nebraska. The Western Conference will include Austin, Houston, Los Angeles, Salt Lake and San Francisco.
The league said the goal of the new format is to create new regional rivalries and more competition for fans and athletes.
“Expanding to Miami marks an exciting next chapter for the league as we continue building a truly national platform for professional volleyball," said commissioner Sandra Idehen in a statement. "Miami’s passion for sports, global influence, and deeply rooted volleyball community make it an ideal home for our newest team. With the addition of LOVB Miami and the launch of our Eastern and Western Conferences, we’re creating even more opportunities for regional rivalries, marquee matchups, and unforgettable fan experiences throughout the season.”
League One Volleyball, branded as LOVB and pronounced “LOVE,” launched in January 2025 after securing more than $100 million in funding from private equity and individuals, including Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and NBA star Kevin Durant.
It has expanded since debuting with six teams and is among numerous recently launched women's leagues hoping to capitalize on rapid growth in popularity and investment in women's sports.
Two of the key contributors for their teams in Game 1 — Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper and Thunder star Jalen Williams — both could not finish Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals due to what appears to be hamstring injuries. Both are set to undergo an MRI, reports Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright of ESPN. The status for both in Game 3 — and the rest of the series — remains in question.
Williams missed six Thunder playoff games — two against the Suns and the entire Lakers series — with a left hamstring strain, and that was the leg again getting treatment. After a 26-point, seven-rebound performance in Game 1, Williams played just seven minutes in Game 2 before leaving the game, getting treatment on the bench for a while before going back to the locker room and being ruled out for the night.
It's been an injury-plagued season for Williams, who made an All-NBA team a season ago and was a critical part of Oklahoma City's title run, but played in just 33 games this season due to recovery from wrist surgery and then a right hamstring strain. Harper, the Spurs rookie, had a breakout Game 1 starting in place of the injured De'Aaron Fox (ankle): 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals. However, he left the game in the third quarter of Game 2 not to return, with what appeared to be a right hamstring injury.
Harper’s absence as a ball-handler, alongside Fox missing both games this series due to ongoing ankle soreness after rolling it in the last series against Minnesota, has put a lot of pressure on Stephon Castle as the primary ball-handler and shot-creator against an elite defensive team in Oklahoma City. The result is that Castle has 20 turnovers through the two games of this Western Conference Finals. "They turn you over," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said of the Thunder after Game 2. "So when you're down some of your primary creators and initiators, it causes a little bit of an extra strain, whether that's who to play, what to play, what to run, etc. It's tough fully loaded against these guys."
We should have official word on Harper and Williams as we move closer to the tip-off of Game 3, on Friday night in San Antonio (tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET, a game you can catch on NBC or stream on Peacock).
However, it seems unlikely either Harper or Williams would play in Game 3, and their status for the rest of the series may be up in the air.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics arrives to the arena before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2025-26 season had a lot of surprises for Boston Celtics fans. Jaylen Brown’s ascension to a top-10 player over the regular season. Neemias Queta’s explosive growth into a serviceable starting center. The Stay Ready crew’s energy and impact. Sadly, a disappointing first-round playoff exit.
However, one of the biggest surprises was the disappearance of Derrick White’s shot. White may have started his career in San Antonio with a shaky shot, but he developed into a certified sniper in 2022-23 — his first full season with the Celtics — and shot at least 38.1% from three-point range over the three seasons preceding 2025-26.
So, what went wrong this season? And what might it mean for his future with the team?
Examining White’s shooting over the 2025-26 season
There was no gradual buildup to White’s shooting struggles: it was evident right out of the gate. The 31-year-old started the season with a string of inauspicious “tour date” shooting performances, kicked off with 7/20 shooting from the field in the Celtics’ opening night loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
He shot only 4/13, or 30.8%, from three-point range on opening night, but that proved to be his most efficient showing over the first seven games of the season. Over those seven games, White hit only 30.8% of his shots from the field and 25% of his three-point attempts while jacking up almost 17 field goal attempts per game.
In lieu of Jayson Tatum, the Celtics resorted to using White as a second option on offense, as he finished behind only Jaylen Brown in shot attempts per game. While he put up 12.6 field goal attempts per game the year before, he shot 16.2 per game over the first 38 games of the 2025-26 season — a nearly 30% increase.
Despite a handful of explosive performances, like a 33-point showing on 55% shooting from the field and 64.3% shooting from three-point range against the Miami Heat last December, White clearly struggled early on with his newly expanded role on offense.
Nevertheless, he seemed to build some momentum toward the end of 2025. White’s three-point shooting efficiency improved from 25.4% on 10.5 attempts per game in October to 35.7% on 7.5 attempts in November, then to 38.2% in December on 10.9 attempts per game.
That momentum collapsed in January, when he shot only 37.3% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range, but things evened out a little in February, when he shot 39.5% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range.
By the time Tatum returned in March, White was shooting 39.2% from the field on 15.2 attempts per game and 33% on 8.8 three-point attempts per game — both well below his career averages.
Many pundits (including me) expected Tatum’s return to benefit White by lessening his offensive load and allowing him to be used in a more off-ball role. While his volume drastically decreased with Tatum back on the court — he attempted only 11.4 field goals and 6.5 three-pointers per game following Tatum’s return on March 6 — his efficiency did not improve. In fact, from three-point range, it only got worse: White hit only 30.9% of his three-pointers over his last 17 games with Tatum back in the lineup.
Volume-wise, it was a career year for White. He averaged a career-high 16.5 points on 14.4 shot attempts per game, 4.4 rebounds (the second-highest mark of his career) and 5.4 assists — another career high. He also averaged career highs in steals per game (1.1) and blocks per game (1.3).
However, it may have been White’s single-worst season in terms of shooting efficiency. He shot 39.4% from the field (the worst mark of his career) and 32.7% on 8.3 three-point attempts per game (his second-worst three-point shooting season of his career). His 48.9% effective field goal and 52.9% true shooting percentages were also career-worsts.
His expanded offensive role through February played into that inefficiency, as he was only assisted on 71.8% of his three-point makes over the course of the season, and only 11.4% of his three-point attempts were from the corner — both being the lowest marks of his Celtics tenure and the second-lowest marks of his career in their respective categories.
White’s shooting struggles got even worse in the playoffs, where he shot 32.1% from the field on 11.6 shot attempts per game and 27.3% on 7.9 three-point attempts. His lack of success seemed to impact his confidence, too, as he hesitated on a handful of open shots and passed out of multiple scoring opportunities, even when the Celtics were desperate for a basket. He did not score more than 11 points until he broke out in Game 7 (interestingly enough with Tatum sitting out with an injury) but, by then, it was too late.
Is White’s future in Boston at risk?
Despite White’s huge contributions to the 2023-24 championship run and the team’s overall success in recent years, he could be on the chopping block if Brad Stevens is looking to make waves this offseason.
His defense remains elite — it seems like he only gets better and better at racking up stocks at the years go by — but it is unclear if the soon-to-be 32-year-old can regain the shooting efficiency that made him one of the best role players in the game.
A consistent, smaller role than the one he was pushed into for 2025-26 may help since White has historically been at his best as a tertiary option behind the Jays. He did struggle to hit shots while playing alongside Tatum this year, but that may be due to his fluctuating role on offense as he was asked to step up as a creator in the early season, then got lost in the mix upon JT’s return.
If White is unable to return to form, he might not fit in if the team continues to be built around the Jays and a three-point-heavy offense moving forward. Neither of the Jays are elite shooters in terms of efficiency from deep, but their gravity can create open opportunities for others, so they need to be surrounded by above-average shooters who can capitalize on those open looks in order for Joe Mazzulla’s offense to churn at a high gear.
Other factors to consider regarding White’s future in Boston are his salary, age, and redundancy with the team’s up-and-comers.
White will be 32 by the time the 2026-27 season begins, with two years of more than $30 million in guaranteed salary and a $34,844,000 player option for 2028-29. Stevens got the C’s under the luxury tax this year, but that price tag is difficult to maintain next to the Jays’ two supermax deals. Following the 2026-27 season, the contracts of Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, Luka Garza and Amari Williams will expire, so it could prove to be quite a task to retain them while keeping White and the Jays.
Additionally, White has earned his reputation as an elite role player so, in combination with his sizable contract, he could be used as an asset in potential trade deals. That’s also where his redundancy with others on the team could come into play, since Boston has Payton Pritchard on a bargain contract and a small collection of young, exciting wings on rookie deals, like Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez.
If Stevens is serious about upgrading the Celtics’ impact at the rim, he may see White and his contract as more expendable than Pritchard or the team’s stable of young wings.
White has become a fan favorite in Boston for his defensive impact, willingness to lose teeth to win games, and his magical buzzer-beating shot in Miami to send the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals to Game 7, but he could end up a trade casualty regardless — especially if he can’t get his shot back early next season.
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And it’s back to the Alamo City.
Following an intense, back-and-forth first two games of the Western Conference Finals, Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder head to San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center for a pair of high-stakes showdowns.
As of now, last-minute tickets are available for both contests.
At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats for either game was $338 including fees on SeatGeek.
While pricey, this series — that pundits have billed as “the real NBA Finals” — has been nothing short of stunning thus far.
Game 1 saw a herculean effort from Victor Wembanyama, who led the Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime victory. The 22-year-old, 7’4 French center scored 41 points, grabbed 24 rebounds and sunk a clutch three from near half court to tie the game at 108 and send the game into its second overtime.
Wow.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as planned in Game 2. San Antonio fell behind in the second quarter and were down 11 at halftime. Although they outscored OKC in the second half and mounted a comeback, they lost 122-113.
“It’s all in the scouting,” Wembanyama said. “I have to trust the scouting. We have to trust it and do our work early. It’s straight effort. … Doesn’t mean it’s easy. We have to work through it.”
Should you attend, the Frost Bank Center will be giving away Fiesta-colored T-shirts for Game 3. The Game 4 giveaway is rally towels.
Best of all, Taco Palenque is offering free tacos to fans after every Spurs win.
Want to be there to see Wemby, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and Julian Champagne suit up at home?
We’re here to help you, baseline bums and Spurs Jackals.
Our team has everything you need to know and more about seeing the San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 2026 Western Conference Finals games live at Frost Bank Center below.
San Antonio Spurs playoff home game tickets
All Spurs Frost Bank Center playoff home game dates and the cheapest tickets available can be found here:
San Antonio Spurs home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Game 3 Friday, May 22
$338(including fees)
Game 4 Sunday, May 24
$398(including fees)
Game 6 Thursday, May 28(if necessary)
$433(including fees)
Oklahoma City Thunder playoff home game tickets
A complete calendar, including all announced Thunder Western Conference Finals home game dates and the best prices on tickets are listed below.
Oklahoma City Thunder home game dates
Ticket prices start at
Game 5 Tuesday, May 26
$240(including fees)
Game 7 Saturday, May 30 (if necessary)
$565(including fees)
How to watch the Thunder vs. Spurs on TV
Fans hoping to catch Wemby and SGA duke it out on the tube can watch all first-round playoff games on ABC, ESPN, TNT, Prime Video, NBC, and NBA TV.
Just make sure to review your local listings before tuning in.
If you don’t have cable, your best bet may be DIRECTV.
2026 NBA playoff schedule
Been meaning to see how the postseason has shaken out?
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Landry Shamet #44 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 19, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The serious basketball heads I know are ecstatic. The NBA Conference Finals have delivered three thrillers so far. Last night in the West, SGA and the Thunder tied their series with another slugfest against Wemby and the Spurs. On Tuesday, throughout most of their Game One, the Knicks looked rusty while the Cavaliers rode the momentum gained from besting the Pistons in the semifinals. Then Jalen Brunson lit the burner. Outscoring the Cavs on his own, Captain Clutch erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime with a 44-11 run and steal the win, 115-104. Yet, for all of Brunson’s heroics, don’t miss Bridges’ clutch defensive and offensive contributions, and Landry Shamet’s team-high +25 in 17 minutes. The star shined most brightly, but his supporting cast carried plenty of the load.
Tonight, New York hosts a crestfallen Cleveland crew for Game Two. Inquiring minds want to know if the Ohio Players will recover from their epic collapse and steal a win at the Garden.
Donovan Mitchell remains one of the NBA’s elite playoff scorers and is capable of carrying Cleveland’s offense for long stretches. He faltered down the stretch, however, like a man who’d burned his fuel to fumes over the past week. And James Harden? Forget it. When J.B. needed a bucket, it was Harden he hunted and took to the woodshed over and over again. In addition to all the points allowed by his turnstile defense, The Beard committed six turnovers and shot 1-of-8 from deep. We hope Kenny Atkinson plans to play him a full 48 minutes tonight.
In 40 minutes, Evan Mobley logged a 15-14 double-double and three blocks, but shot nearly as poorly as Harden. Jarrett Allen managed 10 points and seven boards, but was part of a frontcourt that got clobbered all night long. The home team outscored the visitors a whopping 60-38 in the paint, which compensated for New York’s 31% efficiency from the perimeter.
Deep into Tuesday’s game, fatigue set in for the Cavaliers, and New York benefited from its long respite, showing fresh legs late. Three things will likely decide the rematch (yeah, yeah, for brevity’s sake, we’ll say three). First, turnovers: the Knicks’ defensive pressure continues to yield great dividends, generating 28 points off 21 giveaways in Game One. Second, frontcourt dominance: the good guys didn’t just score a ton in the paint, they won the boards 47-38. Third, fourth-quarter execution: coach Kenny Atkinson said the ball got “stuck” in the fourth frame, and he wasn’t lying. His club managed just 18 points while the Knicks ran circles around them.
The Knicks swept Philadelphia in the semifinals and should have done the same to the Hawks (they lost two First Round games by a combined two points). They have consistently overwhelmed opponents with rebounding, defensive pressure, and superb offensive talent. As shown on Tuesday, when they switch to bulldozer mode, they are seemingly unstoppable.
Likely starters for Cleveland: Harden, Mitchell, Dean Wade, Mobley, and Allen. For New York: Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Towns, and Robinson. The injury report is blank.
Prediction
ESPN.com likes our heroes at 72%. Wasn’t that the percentage for the last game, too? We can dig it. Expect a more aggressive Cleveland effort tonight, especially from Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen. On Tuesday, each team shot below 33% from deep. We’ll get better from New York tonight, now that they are back in rhythm. Josh Hart brought a lot of wild, haphazard energy, resulting in a team-worst -23, but he should be more focused tonight. OG Anunoby could not throw a basketball into the ocean, shooting 2-of-9 and 1-of-6 from deep. He will prove that he is a better shooter than that sometime during this series. Finally, Karl-Anthony Towns seemed most befuddled after a long break (seven turnovers…) but still managed a 13-13 double-double and a +13. Once all these guys return to Round Two form, the Cavs might just hide beneath their bench. Look for less tomfoolery from our gang and, despite a few runs by Cleveland, a win by 8.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (1-0) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 Time: 8 PM ET Place: Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NY TV: ESPN Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
Fans were treated to an absolute thriller at the Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and we pick back up at the Garden for Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 tonight.
Our basketball experts have their favorite NBA picks for this contest, where we're cashing in on how both teams will adjust their defensive schemes.
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Jon Metler's expert pick: Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 assists
Price: +102 at bet365
Jalen Brunson fell just short for us in Game 1 with six assists, but if sportsbooks are going to repost 6.5 at plus money, I’m going right back to it. Nothing from Game 1 changed my outlook on this prop. In fact, I feel even better about it heading into tonight: Brunson consistently broke down James Harden in isolation, and it’s hard to imagine the Cleveland Cavaliers continuing to let that happen without sending more help defenders or double teams. If Cleveland adjusts defensively, it should naturally create more passing opportunities for Brunson. What really stands out is that despite taking 29 shot attempts in Game 1, Brunson still generated 12 potential assists. That’s a very strong underlying number and suggests the playmaking opportunities were there all night. I price the Over 6.5 assists closer to -165.
Jason Logan's expert pick: James Harden Over 17.5 points
Price: -120 at bet365
The New York Knicks blitzed James Harden in the first half of Game 1, sending extra defenders to force the ball out of his hands. He scored only seven points on 3-for-5 shooting and couldn’t get inside to draw fouls in the opening two frames. However, Cleveland was able to skip the ball to open hands, building a big lead in the process. New York’s crazy comeback started when it switched up its defensive scheme in the second half and played Harden straight up. He took 10 FGAs and got to the foul line six times but walked away with just eight points in the second half due to poor shooting (2 for 10). Harden’s usage jumped from 23.7% in the 1H to 29.2% in the 2H, and if the Knicks stick to what worked, Harden will get plenty of scoring opportunities — but the Cavs won’t generate so many wide-open looks. Projections are bullish on "The Beard" with most models north of his 17.5-point total, including a few on the happy side of 20 points.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Knicks -6.5
Price: -105 at bet365
I’ll take the Knicks to pick up where they left off in Game 1. There were clear signs of rust after an eight-day layoff, yet New York still finished on top in most key statistical categories... despite trailing by 22 in the fourth quarter. Zooming out, New York leads all playoff teams in both net rating and effective field goal percentage, with eight of their nine postseason wins coming by 11+ points. Cleveland’s road efficiency has cratered, and the Cavs looked completely rattled late in Game 1, which is an enormous red flag with a raucous MSG crowd to contend with again.
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.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts in front of Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter 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 Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you’re like me, you can’t wait for Game 2 later today.
If you’re one of them, you probably want the series to be over with so you can pack your bags and spend two months in Cancun starting asap.
Here’s the latest from Tarrytown and elsewhere as we wait for tip-off at 8 p.m.
Mike Brown says he suffered a calf injury in Game 1:
“It’s alright. I’m good to go. I would’ve blown my Achilles out if I didn’t have on my P.F. Flyers. I had on my P.F. Flyers, so they help give me the support I need. It’s old school.”
On attacking James Harden in isolation late and not forgeting about the KAT-centric offense:
“That’s just the action we went to at the time, but we have a lot of other stuff, and we didn’t execute well throughout the course of the game. We have to do a better job of it. And we tried to clean a lot of it up today, and hopefully it will translate to the game tomorrow because I feel like everybody we have on the floor is dynamic. Our offense has been dynamic and we don’t want to lose sight of that.”
On adjusting offensively for Game 2:
“Kenny’s a great coach and we know they’re going to come out ready to play. They came to New York to get one game and it’s still within reach… They’re going to be ready, they’re going to mix it up. At the end of the day, it’s our job to make sure that we’re more efficient and we’re more diverse offensively so that nobody can sit on any one action we’re trying to run.”
On diversifying the Knicks’ offensive system:
“Trying to show the diversity our group has. Not just with the actions that we try to execute but with the players involved in it. I have to try to do a better job of helping with that diversity throughout the course of the game so that down the stretch we have a few more things that we go to.”
On the need for being more efficient and varied offensively going forward:
“They are going to be ready and mix it up at the end of the day. It’s our job to make sure we are more efficient and we are more diverse offensively so that no one can sit on any one action we are trying to run.”
On the week-long break before the ECF:
“It has more to do with having an edge, keeping a competitive edge. Games obviously help you with that because your body and your mind are constantly on when you are playing games. When they are off, you tend to relax. That is just human nature.”
On Brunson’s leadership during the comeback:
“He’s a leader. He’s our guy. And he felt we need to play faster. He felt we needed to be better defensively. There were a couple things that he felt, and he made sure that we knew and our guys responded to him.”
On Shamet’s bounce-in three:
“It was crazy. I kind of felt it was going in. I don’t know why. It was just one of those things. I was like, ‘I think that’s going to go in’ as crazy as it sounds.”
On expecting a bounceback from Josh Hart:
“When you are in the position that Josh was in or Mikal was in in the Atlanta series … they sacrificed their minutes willingly and they were great about it while keeping themselves ready. Mikal was fantastic … and I don’t see anything different from Josh going forward.”
"We know that they're going to be ready to go. Being able to steal one at home, after the way they played most of that game, we know that they're definitely going to be ready to go."
Jalen Brunson talks about the Cavaliers' mindset heading into Game 2 against the Knicks: pic.twitter.com/IbjjrrIF51
“I think more of the first three quarters is a bigger takeaway. They were playing great basketball, had us on our heels. Just got to give them a lot of credit. Obviously, we played well in the fourth and overtime. We got to come out ready to go. Honestly, I think we did. It was the middle, it was the middle of second and third quarter where we let go of the rope. That’s our biggest takeaway.”
On the team’s mindset fueling the comeback:
“Yeah, absolutely. It’s great to have a mindset of continuing to do the things that has made us a good team over the course of this year. Regardless of what the score was and being able to fight back, obviously, was great. I mean we don’t want to be in the position where we’re down 22 again obviously, but having that mindset definitely helps. Our fans kept us in it, so credit to all them.”
On shutting down social media during the playoffs:
“I’ve been shutting down social media throughout the series. Obviously, I think I’ve posted in between series, but I’ve been shutting it down, not opening it. Just focusing on what we need to do as a team, what I need to do individually. Just doing my best to have tunnel vision and stay focused.”
On learning from a win as well as from losses:
“I think a lot of people when they watch film after a loss, you learn a lot. I think you can still learn from a win as well. Obviously, you’re very thankful you got the win, but there’s clearly things that we need to work on to be better and not be in the position we were in. It’s definitely a lot you can learn, always.”
On Mikal Bridges stepping up late:
“It’s who he is. When he’s needed to step up, for as long as I’ve known him, he’s stepped up. It’s great to have guys like that — that you’ve known for a long time — be in those positions with you. We have a lot of fond memories of having big games and doing stuff like that.”
“This team’s relentless. You never know whose night it’s gonna be, but we’re going to figure it out.”
On the long layoff before the ECF:
“We know it’s tough when you never had nine days off like that. Almost felt like a mini training camp in a sense. But I mean at the end of the day, it’s what our job is to go out there and get wins and we figured it out.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’s disappointing Game 1:
“It’s tough to have that rest and then they’ve been playing. Things can be a little wonky at first, but he’s going to figure it out. I thought he had a solid game for us. The goal is to win, so he was a part of that.”
On Jose Alvarado’s vocal leadership:
“Honestly I’ve gotta shoutout Jose. Jose was just on us the whole game, talking to everybody, keeping us engaged, giving it up for everybody out there, but [when we were down big], he mainly talked to most of the starters and got them going.”
On Alvarado keeping everyone engaged throughout the series-opener comeback:
“Jose was big-time for us even when he wasn’t in, even for guys that weren’t in and might not get in, just [keeping them] engaged the whole time. That helps. Talking to a guy that might get back cut. Talking to starters, keeping them positive, keeping them engaged when things aren’t going their way. He was huge for us.”
Karl-Anthony Towns
On the defense carrying the comeback:
“And at the end of the day, great offensive plays by JB. Amazing clutch plays by Landry Shamet. Clutch plays [by the man next to me] Mikal Bridges. But it was our defense that has always been special in this playoffs and it was what carried us in this playoffs that showed up in the fourth quarter and in overtime and allowed us to be sitting here with a win.”
On the Knicks not flinching at the 22-point deficit:
“We have a group that didn’t flinch at that deficit and just went out there and made something happen.”
On Jose Alvarado’s impact from the bench:
“That guy, he’s as competitive as they come. Jose was, throughout the whole game, very engaged, coaching us, talking to coaches, talking to players, everything, getting guys going when we had a little lull. He does a lot for us and that’s my point: you need [everybody] 1 through 15, and even though his minutes were low and all of us want to compete and be out there, he’s still giving himself up to us to help the group. That’s what we need.”
On what he told the ball before it dropped:
“Just stay down. That’s what I said. ‘Stay down,’ and it stayed down.”
Josh Hart talks about not being on the floor to end last night's game:
"That's always difficult, watching it on the bench. Obviously, I want to be out there. I want to help my guys win, but at the end of the day, for me, I don't have an ego to it. I approach this game with… pic.twitter.com/KGGz8FuB2W
“You’re deflated for 0.5 seconds, and then you’re hyped the next moment.”
On watching from the bench during the comeback:
“It’s always difficult, watching it on the bench. Obviously, I want to be out there. I want to help my guys win, but at the end of the day, for me, I don’t have an ego to it.”
On accepting whatever the Knicks need and ask from him:
“I don’t have an ego. I said it last year, the last couple of years I’ve been here: to serve these guys, and that’s the gift God gave me — God put me here to serve these guys and make sure they’re in the best position to be successful. And I put the success of the team over the success of myself any day.”
On his expectations for how Cleveland will defend him next:
“Yeah, probably the same game plan. For them, this is the same game plan that put them up 20 or whatever, and then we had that comeback so they’re probably gonna do the exact same thing. I’m gonna shoot the exact same shots, I’m gonna shoot it with confidence, play my game — whatever that is in the moment. But nah, I don’t think their game plan is gonna change too much.
On expecting a Cleveland response in Game 2:
“They’re going to come out with extreme energy, attention to detail, focus, sense of urgency and desperation. And we got to not match that, but we have to exceed it. They’re looking at it like, ‘That was our game we gave away.’ They’re looking at film of, ‘If we fix this here and fix this here, we would’ve won the game.’ And that’s what they’re gonna try to do tomorrow. So we got to make sure we come in focused and have a better start than we did.”
On Jose’s and the rest of the veterans’ leadership in the locker room:
“I feel like we all kind of do that and that’s just kind of the make-up of our team. He does that a little bit more in the huddle. Other guys kinda do that at different times throughout the game whether it’s in the huddle or pulling guys to the side during a dead ball or free throws. That’s what you need in the playoffs and adverse situations — for guys to talk and hold each other accountable kind of to steady the ship”
Mikal Bridges
On embracing defensive challenges:
“I think that’s just how I’ve always been, try to be a defender and make plays. Just taking on that challenge and definitely one of my roles is to play defense and to guard the best guys. … It’s always dope to have a challenge of guarding different guys who are really skillful, from Nickeil, CJ [McCollum], Maxey, [Paul George]. Now, to James and Donovan [Mitchell]. Something I always just embrace.”
“James is a good isolation defender…I was a little more upset with our back line D…Everybody’s putting it on James…Sure, some of it was him…Sometimes micro experiences get exaggerated”
“One thing about James: I’ll just defend him. He’s a good isolation defender, always has been. He’s super smart. I said it [Tuesday] night, he has great hands.”
On the need for better team defense to stop Brunson:
“[Brunson] hit two or three really tough shots on him, but the baseline drive [that tied the game with 19.3 seconds remaining in regulation] where our low guy didn’t come over and get a contest, that is team defense. At this level, it’s team defense. Sure, everybody’s putting it on James. A lot of it’s on the team, our team defense. … Sure, some of it was him, there were a couple of blow-byes. But again, I’d argue it was the team defense, too.”
On what he told Harden privately:
“Without you, we’re knocked out in the first round. We’re in a great position, you’ve played great. Sometimes micro experiences get exaggerated. Keep being yourself.”
On having dealt with playoff adversity before:
“We’ve been through it in the playoffs. I’m more like, ‘OK, here it is. This is what it’s about.’ You live between misery and awesomeness in the playoffs, and this is of course misery. But this is probably the fourth miserable game we’ve had in the playoffs. It’s like, ‘OK, get back on the horse.’ “
On leaning on the positives from Game 1:
“I want to lean on the positive. We had three quarters of really good basketball — some of the best basketball we’ve honestly played in the playoffs, offensively and defensively.”
Draymond Green GOES OFF on Cleveland Cavs defense 😳
“Dennis Schröder wanted to take on that challenge, Dennis Schröder was taking on that challenge. When Dennis Schröder left the game things got a little bleak. Because you got guys in there that don’t really want that… https://t.co/hHgldIY6Wupic.twitter.com/SZDJqaz4hi
“We gave them a game. At the end of the day, we controlled the game — I think 90 percent of the game we controlled it. The last 10 percent, they did a great job. You have to give them credit, too, for not giving up and making shots at the end, and that was the game.”
"We played 3.5 good quarters" –– Max Strus on Game 1
"3 quarters of really good basketball" –– Kenny Atkinson on Game 1
"3 good quarters of basketball" –– Jarrett Allen on Game 1
“Just understanding that we didn’t have the best effort last night, we didn’t have the best outcome, and the resiliency is going to show [Thursday] how we come out. Just have confidence in yourself and the team, and know that we have to go get one [in Game 2].”
James Harden says the Cavs need to do a better job as a team defending Jalen Brunson
“(Brunson) made some tough ones, but obviously we all know he’s a great one-on-one player and I think anybody on an island, it’s going to be difficult. So we got to do a better job of making sure he sees bodies. On the other end, they do a good job of supporting him and helping him when he’s on an island. So he made some tough ones, but we got to do a better job as a team just because it’s not a one-man job. So, you got to be better in that aspect. I think he made a couple of them, which really got them going.”
— 𝕋𝕙𝕖ℕ𝕖𝕩𝕥𝔹𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥ℕ𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 (@SportsIndexOnX) May 21, 2026
Donovan Mitchell
On supporting Harden defensively:
“There’s different coverages and different ways. Maybe we could have got to it a little bit earlier. Maybe get it out of Brunson’s hands. … This isn’t on him. This is on all of us. Just because of a certain stretch. Like, no. We still had opportunities on the other end as well to take advantage and score, and we didn’t. It’s not just on one person. He’s been around the league long enough — 17 years — he understands.”
Stephon Marbury actually walked onto the court after a clutch Brunson bucket 😭 pic.twitter.com/bZcC2AQ121
“I would like to issue a formal apology to every Knicks fan, every security guard, and especially Jalen Brunson not because I stole his shine, because I could never. That man owned the Garden. I just got swept up in the current like a plastic bag. My energy flew out of the roof, I lost my mind, and my feet carried me somewhere they didn’t belong. Thank you to the fans for the positive reaction it felt great, which is honestly concerning. Now… how about we run that back? Just kidding. Unless Jalen hits another one. Then all bets are off.”
Stephen A got me IN TEARS 😂🤣
“Jalen Brunson goes ballistic and literally should be ARRESTED for the assault that he put on James Harden. Just abused him at every single turn. Annihilated him kept going by him scored like 5 or 6 straight baskets"
“Jalen Brunson goes ballistic and literally should be arrested for the assault that he put on James Harden. Just abused him at every single turn. Annihilated him kept going by him scored like 5 or 6 straight baskets.”
“That was a damn choke job.” 🗣️
Charles Barkley on the Cavaliers blowing a 22-point 4th quarter lead in Game 1 of the ECF. pic.twitter.com/In2PXLVFaW
“You know, Ernie, I take my job very seriously. I don’t like getting on TV and saying people choked. But that was a damn choke job. I’m going to say that now, and I’m very selective when I say that.”
“So they had a 22-point lead, and they just started milking the clock. Like a prevent offense.”
“My problem was, if you go back and look, and you show those highlights in the beginning, the ball was moving. Everybody was getting wide-open shots. You go back and look at the first six or eight minutes of that fourth quarter, and they were just going one-on-one. The shot clock was on their back every single time, and Kenny should have called a timeout sooner.”
"This man JB Wanted all the smoke He put New York on his back"
On inviting Jeremy Lin to clear the air at his podcast:
“Jeremy Lin, I’m giving you my invite to come sit on the couch. Let’s have a conversation, let’s clear the air on a lot of bullshit that’s out there please. And I love what you’re doing right now, man … Come speak the truth.
“People always talk about … nobody liked the Linsanity … personally me, you get what I’m saying? They throw that out there.
“But people don’t know that, behind the scenes, we were very supportive of this.
“Linsanity could have been a $100 million business easy and I’m trying to get this through to him.
“He was like, ‘Nah, I’m not brought up on that, my parents. But I respected that. I hear that, matter of fact, bring your parents in here, let us talk to them… It was [happening] so fast.”
After 18 seasons, I will be returning to Florida with two years left to play. Man, after having a great conversation with @CoachToddGolden , I’m excited to be back and have the opportunity to play again for the Florida Gators. After a long NBA career, with the new rules in… pic.twitter.com/vRUmTRWlCL
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