OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 20: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 20, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After exiting Game 2 early in the second half following an awkward fall, Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper is listed as questionable for Game 3 in San Antonio with a sore adductor. The play occurred when he collided with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while going for a lay-up and came down awkwardly on his leg. While obviously not ideal, it’s a much better diagnosis than a hamstring pull, which was the fear after he appeared to grab it after the play.
The status of questionable suggests MRI’s were negative, and while it doesn’t confirm he will play tomorrow, it’s a brighter outlook than some may have feared. Adding to the awkwardness, he appeared ready to return as he jogged back from the locker room, only for someone to tell him to go back. That could also be a good sign.
As has been the case for both games so far in this series, De’Aaron Fox remains questionable with a high ankle sprain suffered in Game 5 against the Timberwolves when Ayo Dusunmo rolled into his legs while diving for a loose ball. Fox played in Game 6 but re-aggravated the injury and did not participate in Game 1 vs. the Thunder, which the Spurs won in double overtime. While Mitch Johnson has been adamant that he would play if he could, the win had many speculating that it bought him an extra game off. Related or not, he was ruled out of Game 2 about an hour before tip-off. Both Fox and Harper’s returns will likely depend on pain tolerance.
Both De’Aaron Fox (ankle) and Dylan Harper (adductor) are questionable for Game 3 against the Thunder. pic.twitter.com/kpeQ0ixyiy
In other injury related news, Thunder star Jalen Williams has been ruled as day-to-day after he re-aggravated the same hamstring that had kept him out of the first two rounds of the playoffs. He only played seven minutes last night before exiting after playing 37 minutes in Game 1, which was his first game in a month.
While the Thunder have been used to not having Williams for much of this season, the same can’t be said for the Spurs. While Fox, Harper and Stephon Castle all missed time here and there, they’re used it having at least two of the three, and the Spurs need at least one of them to give Castle some relief from ball-handling duties. While his scoring has been on point in this series, he has struggled holding onto the ball with 20 turnovers so far. If both Fox and Harper can’t go, expect to see some relief minutes from Jordan McLaughlin.
This series had all the makings of an instant classic coming in and has lived up to the hype through the first two games, so it would be a shame if more injuries were to spoil it in any way. Despite last night’s loss, the Spurs still hold home court advantage heading into Game 3 in San Antonio after stealing Game 1.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Andrew Friedman, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations, talks with a Dodgers coach during practice prior to the MLB game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers defeated the Pirates 6-2. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka said that with Mark Walter as the majority owner, the Lakers would spend everywhere possible to improve the franchise. So far, that’s been true.
However, don’t expect Zaidi and Friedman to remain as involved once all new hires are put in place. According to a piece by Yaron Weitzman of Yahoo Sports, both Zaidi and Friedman are only focused on getting things situated for the Lakers.
That said, neither Friedman nor Zaidi seems interested in making a cross-sport leap. Their interactions over the past few months with NBA player agents, including those representing Lakers’ stars, have been minimal, according to league sources. “This isn’t like when one of these owners comes in and acts like they know everything,” said an agent who’s spoken frequently with Zaidi about the Lakers. “His focus seems to be much more on the building out of the organization.”
Since Friedman and Zaidi don’t seem interested in planting their roots in basketball, they can focus on helping where they can with front office hires and then move on once the right people are in place.
While basketball and baseball are completely different sports, this is more about the organizational front-office infrastructure, which is essentially corporate work wrapped in an entertainment package. So, their success with the Dodgers should be replicable with the Lakers.
The fact that they’ll likely be done once their work is finished should be a good indicator to Lakers fans that Walter will rely on experts rather than hire people he already knows.
We’ll better understand how Walter will run the team once these big transitions are further along and more new hires are revealed.
Until then, expect a lot of change with the Lakers this season, not just with their roster, but with everything involving the franchise.
Ever lose a bet and come away even more convinced you were right? It’s a risky mindset—but sometimes it holds up.
That’s the case here. The New York Knicks played far from their best in Game 1 and still walked away with an overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Those busted Tuesday tickets might just be setting the stage for Thursday cashes.
These Cavaliers vs. Knicks props and NBA picks are doubling down on a pair of Game 1 angles, with confidence that New York’s shooting bounces back in Game 2 on Thursday, May 21.
Best Cavaliers vs Knicks props for Game 2
Player
Pick
Karl-Anthony Towns
Over 1.5 3-pointers
+125
James Harden
Over 17.5 points
-120
Jalen Brunson
Over 6.5 assists
+110
Game 2 Prop #1: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 3-pointers
+125 at bet365
Karl-Anthony Towns hit just one 3-pointer in Game 1, yet this price has fallen to +125 now from +145 then. Why? Because he took five 3-pointers.
With the New York Knicks center, the question to consider in these moments is not how many 3-pointers he will make but how many 3-pointers he will take. He has made a career from beyond the arc, even if sometimes reluctant to chuck from deep.
Towns shot 36.8% from beyond the arc this season while taking 4.8 threes per 36 minutes. Through 11 postseason games, Towns has shot 44.1% from beyond the arc while taking just 3.8 threes per 36 minutes.
Simply enough, Towns hardly needed to play or play well in the seven games closing out the Hawks and the 76ers. He needs to play and play well against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
If Towns takes five 3-pointers again tonight, making at least two is far more likely than not.
Game 2 Prop #2: James Harden Over 17.5 points
-120 at bet365
The jokes the last two days have been fair. Is Donovan McNabb or Phillip Rivers the more apt NFL comparison to James Harden’s postseason career? Has a former MVP ever been described as a “journeyman” before?
Harden was Cleveland’s weak link in its fourth quarter collapse. He should be lampooned.
But he is also still James Harden. He cleared this prop in five of seven games against the Pistons, a better defense than the Knicks even if no one in New York would agree with that. For that matter, he cleared it in six of seven games against the Raptors.
Is James Harden a clutch player? No.
Has there been an overreaction to his Tuesday struggles? Very much so.
Much like Towns’ five 3-point attempts, the most notable Harden stat is that he took 16 shots in Game 1, going 1-for-8 from deep. No matter how poorly Harden plays, there is no reason to think he will shoot that poorly again, creating some value for us here.
Game 2 Prop #3: Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 assists
+110 at bet365
The Knicks really escaped on Tuesday, huh? Through three quarters, they shot 4-of-22 from deep, 18.2%. Not to get too far into the math here, but that is bad.
From the field, they shot 26-for-60, 43.3%. Again, not so good.
Then New York went 6-for-9 from deep in the fourth quarter and in overtime, part of going 16-for-28 from the field.
Jalen Brunson ended with six assists. Imagine if the Knicks had not been absolute garbage for three quarters and he then had to go nuclear in the fourth quarter.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to even their Eastern Conference finals series against the New York Knicks. The Knicks won the opener in overtime on Tuesday after rallying from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter — the second-largest fourth-quarter comeback in NBA playoff history. New York is 6.5-point favorites in Game 2.
How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
Cleveland Cavaliers: 52-30 (#2 in Eastern Central)
New York Knicks: 53-29 (#2 in Eastern Atlantic)
Odds
Spread: New York Knicks -6.5
Moneyline: New York Knicks -238 (67.6%) / Cleveland Cavaliers +196 (32.4%)
Over/Under: 216.5
Series schedule, results
Game 1: Knicks 115, Cavaliers 104 (OT) Game 2: Cleveland at New York (Thursday May 21, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN) Game 3: New York at Cleveland (Saturday May 23, 8 p.m. ET, ABC) Game 4: New York at Cleveland (Monday May 25, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN) Game 5: Cleveland at New York (Wednesday May 27, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)* Game 6: New York at Cleveland (Friday May 29, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)* Game 7: Cleveland at New York (Sunday May 31, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)*
Whether you’re riding high off the New York Knicks’ crazy comeback or wallowing in disbelief at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ collapse, we now know that anything can happen in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
My Cavaliers vs. Knicks same-game parlay isn’t discounting Cleveland – even if everyone else is – and looks up to big man Jarrett Allen to anchor the Cavs' attack. I’m also going Under on a staple of New York’s postseason success, as adjustments may limit his minutes tonight.
Here are my best NBA picks and SGP predictions for May 21.
Our best Cavaliers vs Knicks SGP for Game 2
SGP leg #1: Cavaliers +6.5
The Cleveland Cavaliers were playing fantastic basketball coming into the Eastern Conference finals, having won four of their last five while eliminating the top-seeded Pistons. And the Cavs kept that up for about 36 minutes in Game 1, before the wheels came off in the fourth quarter. Cleveland knows it can hang with the New York Knicks and is mentally tough after a loss, going 27-9 SU when coming off a defeat this season. The Cavs are also 5-2 ATS as an underdog coming off a loss.
SGP leg #2: Jarrett Allen Over 20.5 points + rebounds
Considering how much trouble New York had with Joel Embiid inside in Round 2, Cleveland should have leaned into big man Jarrett Allen more in Game 1. He didn’t have a bad game, but seemed forgotten at times. He’ll often get matched with smaller forwards, and projections for Game 2 call for 13+ points and as many as 10+ rebounds from the 7-footer. He grabbed seven boards in Game 1 – six on the offensive glass – and was in position for 17.0 rebounding chances.
SGP leg #3: Josh Hart Under 12.5 points
Josh Hart’s defense is a staple of this New York run, but his lack of offensive pop is being exposed. Cleveland is choosing to guard Hart with 7-footer Jarrett Allen and begging Hart to shoot from outside. His minutes took a hit in Game 1 with Landry Shamet offering a better two-way return, and his Game 2 forecasts all come in below his 12.5-point scoring total.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictionsfor Game 2.
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 20: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs guards Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunderduring the game during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
So would it have been smart of me to set this up before the NBA Conference Finals started? Yes. Am I smart? No.
But that’s what happens when in addition to my two kids and one dog, my wife opted to have us foster two puppies. Everything is chaotic all the time now. Here’s the Semi Finals discussion thread.
Right now, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are tied up at 1-1 and both games have been fantastic and insane. I find myself rooting for the Spurs just because they can’t seem to defend without constant fouling. But maybe I’ll change my mind if they take control of the series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers blew their first game to the New York Knicks in absurd fashion. I don’t see how they recover from that loss, to be honest.
Have fun and someone reach out if it gets too crazy
Real or not, Charmin is jumping in to reward the player they have crowned the "MVPee" of the NBA playoffs. Hours after a viral video showed San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant using a public restroom at Paycom Center in full uniform, they offered him free toilet paper.
The brand announced on Instagram that they would like to send Bryant enough of its Forever Roll to last him through the end of the season. Charmin called it “the best FAST BREAK of the night,” and an “MVPee performance.”
The video shows him in full uniform washing and drying his hands. The caption said “mid game btw.” It could be a fake, but it is also possible that Keith Hillary, whose TikTok bio identifies him as an artist at Almighty Ink in Oklahoma City, could have happened to have been standing in the restroom when the Spurs rookie walked in.
Charmin doesn’t need to confirm the video to jump on a fun marketing campaign.
They’ve done it with the NBA before. When Kobe Bryant called his Lakers’ teammates “soft like Charmin" during a 2012 practice, the brand fired back on social media within hours.
And they like viral trends.
When the Artemis II crew had toilet trouble in orbit earlier this year, Charmin offered them a year’s supply upon landing.
Carter Bryant, no relation to Kobe, played 10 minutes in the Spurs 122-113 loss. He didn’t score. He was minus-10, but apparently, he did wash his hands.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: The sneakers worn by Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 08, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jason Kidd has broken his silence after his Mavericks exit.
The now-fired head coach thanked the Dallas organization, players and fans after five seasons with the team in a lengthy post to social media on Thursday.
“The last five years in Dallas have meant more to my family and me than I can fully put into words,” he wrote.
“… To the players, thank you for your trust, your commitment, and the battles we went through together. I am proud of what we built, the relationships formed, and the way you competed night in and night out.
“To the fans, thank you for embracing me and supporting this team with so much passion. Your energy, loyalty, and love for the Mavericks make Dallas one of the truly special places in sports. And to the city of Dallas, thank you for welcoming my family and me with open arms. The friendships and memories created here will stay with us forever.”
Kidd ended his statement by saying he leaves the Mavericks “with nothing but gratitude and respect for everyone who was part of this journey.”
New president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said in a statement that he wanted to take the franchise in a different direction.
Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 30, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
“As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team,” Ujiri said. “We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”
Kidd led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 and the Western Conference finals in 2022, but was so-so otherwise, going 205-205 over his five-year run.
This season, with Luka Doncic on the Lakers after the Mavericks’ ill-fated 2025 trade and Cooper Flagg in his debut NBA season, Dallas went 26-56.
Kidd, who spent time as the Nets and Bucks head coach before his time with the Mavericks, is already being floated for other jobs.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Magic, who are also looking for a new head coach, had interest in Kidd in 2021, and are looking for an experienced voice to take the job.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 12: Associate head coach Sean Sweeney (L) and head coach Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 12, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the news of the week now officially days old, it’s time for us to examine what the Dallas Mavericks might actually do to fill their head coaching position. While no official interviews have taken place, consider this a hot board of sorts. Thanks to some offshore means, we have an idea of some of the names who will be considered here. Let’s dive into the names.
Is the former Mavs assistant ready to come back up I-35?<p>(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
According to Bet Online, San Antonio Spurs Associate Head Coach Sean Sweeney (+125) is the favorite to be the next head coach of the Mavs. Sweeney is, of course, a known entity for the Mavs and its fans, as he was former coach Jason Kidd’s number one assistant, handling the defensive side of the ball. Considering how young this search is at this juncture, it’s a bit surprising to see this overwhelming of a favorite. For those who are unfamiliar with the betting odds, (+125) is implied odds of 44.4%.
Nurse and Ujiri go way back. Could a reunion be in store?<p>(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
Next in line are Nick Nurse (+300) and Frank Vogel (+400), respectively. Nurse is a well-known entity to Team President Masai Ujiri, as Nurse was the first coaching hire that Ujiri ever made in his career. It will be tough to pull this off, though, as Nurse is the coach of the Sixers. It would require them giving Dallas permission to interview him. Vogel, on the other hand, was Kidd’s lead assistant last season. It is unknown if Ujiri retained him, as we are still learning who was let go in the organization’s sweeping changes.
The Amazon Prime crew analyzing the NBA Cup<p>(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
Amazon Prime’s Steve Nash (+650) checks in at fourth in the odds. Nash has head coaching experience from his time in Brooklyn, which came with Kyrie Irving, funny enough. I don’t think this is a viable option for various reasons, but it would be very ironic if they went from one iconic Maverick point guard to another.
Rounding out the top five is former Bulls coach Billy Donovan (+700). It sounds like he’s the favorite in Orlando, so I wouldn’t put too much into this.
Here are the rest of the odds:
Micah Nori dapping up Luka Doncic after the 2024 Western Conference Finals<p>(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
Tiago Splitter, former Blazers interim head coach (10/1)
Tom Thibodeau, former Knicks, Wolves, Bulls head coach (12/1)
Michael Malone, current head coach at North Carolina, former Nuggets, Kings head coach (16/1)
Johnnie Bryant, current head coach at UCF, longtime Coach K assistant at Duke (20/1)
Micah Nori, current lead assistant with Timberwolves, former assistant with Raptors (22/1)
Darvin Ham, current assistant with Bucks, former head coach of Lakers (28/1)
Jon Scheyer, current head coach at Duke (28/1)
Chris Quinn, current lead assistant with the Heat (33/1)
Phil Handy, current Mavs player development coach (33/)
Terry Stotts, former assistant with Warriors, Mavs, former Blazers head coach (40/1)
Todd Golden, NCAA Champion, current head coach at Florida (50/1)
Dirk Nowitzki, GOAT, current Amazon Prime analyst (75/1)
Who would you like to see be the next head coach? Sounds off below.
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After pulling off a historic comeback in Game 1, the New York Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead in tonight’s Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks were down 22 points in the fourth quarter and mounted a stunning comeback, tying the game at 101-all in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime. New York blew the game open with a 9-point run to start the extra period, which eventually ended in a 115-104 Knicks win.
Jalen Brunson finished with 38 points and 6 assists to lead the charge, while Mikal Bridges chipped in 18 points. The Cavaliers dominated the first three quarters behind 29 points from Donovan Mitchell and a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double from Evan Mobley.
NBA Eastern Conference Finals: what to know
What: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, Game 2
When: May 21, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)
Channel: ESPN
Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
The series will move to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 beginning on Saturday, May 23.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks start time:
Tonight’s (May 21) Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET.
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
Austin Reaves did “everything” he could to give himself a chance to return to the Lakers during the NBA playoffs after suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain one week before the regular season ended.
The Lakers’ Austin Reaves underwent treatment for his Grade 2 oblique strain at the Dodgers’ facility. NBAE via Getty Images
While Reaves didn’t share what “everything” entailed, he took advantage of the Lakers’ connection to another iconic sports franchise in the local market.
In addition to rehabbing at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo, Reaves also underwent treatment at the Dodgers’ facility.
A story from Yahoo Sports, which cited two anonymous sources, stated that Reaves’ rehabbing at the Dodgers’ facility was a suggestion by the Lakers.
“There were days I left my house at 7:30 [a.m.] and I didn’t get back until 7:30 [p.m.] or later at night,” Reaves said of his rehab process. “Just going through every possible thing I could do to help myself get better. And we did it as a collective. We huddled up when it first happened and it was basically attacked every single day after.”
Reaves’ rehab process is another example of the connection between the Lakers and Dodgers since Mark Walter became the majority owner of the Lakers last October. Walter had already been the controlling owner of the Dodgers since 2012.
Lakers president of basketball operations/general manager Rob Pelinka mentioned after the season ended that the franchise will collaborate with the Dodgers to upgrade the medical/performance resources within the Lakers’ practice facility.
With the Lakers’ G League team relocating to Coachella Valley, the Lakers will have more space to utilize.
“We’re bringing in a biomechanics lab, new movement labs, a recovery lab; those things are super expensive to do and super thoughtful, but we’re doing the planning with Lon and his team around that, and that construction is going to happen this offseason,” Pelinka said.
“They’re going to be redoing aspects of the court as well. It’s a full rebuild and retool, and it’s adding to the great things that are already here, which have led to success, but elevating it and bringing it to the next level. So an ongoing process that we’ll be doing throughout the offseason. Probably, hopefully, culminating in and around the summer league in Vegas.”
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It would be hard for Jalen Brunson to have an even more productive Game 2 after his Game 1 heroics, but the New York Knicks would probably be quite glad if he did not take three quarters to find his rhythm.
Jalen Brunson best bet: Over 6.5 assists (+105 at bet365)
This price has hardly changed from Game 1, +110 then. This prop at 6.5 has not changed from Game 1, when Jalen Brunson managed six assists.
“Managed” is an intentional verb choice. Brunson reaching six assists despite the New York Knicks’ wretched shooting should be praised.
Remove Brunson’s 15-for-29, and New York shot 27-for-59 from the field, 45.8%. It's a wonder he notched six assists.
If the Knicks had not been absolute garbage outside of Brunson, a seventh assist would have been likely.
Chalk up some of that shooting to rust thanks to sweeping the 76ers, and chalk up some of it to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ defense, but do not expect it to be so atrocious again tonight.
Jalen Brunson same-game parlay
Brunson did not play particularly well in Tuesday’s first three quarters, either. He was 7-for-20 from the field, including 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, but when he stopped taking such a chunk of his shots from deep, Brunson found holes in this Cavaliers defense.
He proceeded to go 8-for-11 from the field in overtime and the fourth quarter, hitting the only 3-pointer he took. In those same 15 minutes from Brunson in 17 minutes of game action, he found four of his six assists.
It took a while, but Brunson found the way to carve up Cleveland. Drive and finish or drive and kick.
Presumably, the Cavaliers will not leave James Harden so exposed against Brunson, thus cutting down on Brunson’s total points output, but that should only leave other Knicks open.
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BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: VJ Edgecombe #77 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It feels like just yesterday Sixers fans were in ferocious debates over who the team should select No. 3 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. The team ultimately took VJ Edgecombe out of Baylor.
There was also a sector of the fan base who contemplated what the Sixers could get in a Tyrese Maxey trade after the Orlando Magic paid a draft pick ransom to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane.
Fast forward to the end of the 2025-26 season and it’s hard to imagine where the Sixers would be without the VJ-Maxx backcourt in the fold. Despite a second-round sweep by the New York Knicks and complete chaos surrounding the franchise, Maxey and Edgecombe represent a fleeting feeling amongst fans — hope.
The Sixers are locked in with max contracts for Paul George and Joel Embiid. The likelihood of either being moved this summer seems low. Daryl Morey is out, while his successor has yet to be named. Nick Nurse’s seat probably isn’t the coldest. There’s plenty of uncertainty and dismay over where the organization goes from here.
But none of those questions revolve around the future of the Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt.
“He’s been exceptional,” Maxey said of Edgecombe after the team was eliminated. “That’s the word that I can use, exceptional. Man, I know I sat up at this podium a lot and talked about him a lot this season, just about his maturity, about all the different things that he brings to the game. He had a hell of a rookie season, man. Hell of a not just rookie season, hell of a season. A lot of guys in the NBA wish they had a season like him. So the sky’s the limit. Future is bright.”
Edgecombe was better than just about anyone could’ve anticipated. He was a First Team All-Rookie pick and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, doing so in a stacked draft class while playing for a playoff team. For the season, he averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from three. For a 20-year-old rookie with his athletic profile, that’s a damn fine statistical rookie season.
His numbers were unsurprisingly down during the postseason, but stellar performances in Games 2 and 7 against the Boston Celtics flashed his serious potential. Between his athleticism, skill and intangibles, it’s not hyperbolic to think Edgecombe has star potential.
“VJ is up next,” Embiid said. “Philly got a good one in him. He’s the guy. I’m telling you guys, that guy is something different. And this was only year one. Year two is going to be better. Year three, even better. But he has a chance to be extremely special.”
If you’ve learned anything about Edgecombe this season, it’s not at all surprising to hear how much he deflected praise and poured it on his teammates. There is a required delusional confidence Edgecombe possesses, but it doesn’t raise to the level of arrogance — quite the opposite.
He frequently cites his hard work as a reason for his confidence while deflecting much of the credit for his team’s success onto others. It’s very similar to the way Maxey carries himself. It’s easy to see why the two have been such a natural pairing.
“For me, from day one,” Edgecombe said of Maxey, “before I even knew I was getting drafted here, he welcomed me with open arms. I’ve been learning from him since then — just trying to keep building that relationship, keep building that chemistry. And I’m really proud of how he handled the season, a lot of ups and downs.”
Both players will go back to the lab this summer, looking to add to their games and fix the flaws that revealed themselves this postseason.
Edgecombe talked about wanting to play on the ball more to help keep the pressure off Maxey. Maxey talked about playing more off the ball to help Edgecombe develop more as a ball-handler. They also talked about Edgecombe making his way to Dallas this summer for a workout.
“I know probably like two, three years ago, I sat up here with Joel and sat up here with James, and they saw something in me,” Maxey said. “And I guess I’m getting old now because I’m sitting up here with VJ, and I’m just happy to be a part of his journey. I’m happy to be someone who can help him.
“And another thing is, I’m just going to push him to be as good as he possibly can, because it’s a lot more left in that tank that we’re gonna get out of him. And he’s someone that it’s not gonna take much. You ain’t gotta push his buttons much. He works too hard and he wants it too much.”
Nobody really knows where the Sixers go from here. Bob Myers, who is leading the charge to find the organization’s next president of basketball operations, spoke to reporters for the first time last week. He didn’t offer much as far as the direction the franchise will go.
The reality is, the next person in charge will have their work cut out for them. The Sixers’ depth was a major issue at times through the regular season, but it was on full display as the team was ran out of the gym in a four-game sweep to the Knicks. How you build out that depth with so little resources is a huge question mark.
But the most alluring part of this job to any executive candidate is going to be Maxey and Edgecombe. Once the Embiid and George contracts are off the books — one way or another — they’ll be able to build around this electric backcourt.
On nights when Embiid is ailing and George needs a rest, just remember Maxey and Edgecombe will be running things soon.
“It’s surreal to see,” Edgecombe said of Maxey’s ascenion. “He’s gonna be a superstar for years to come. I’m really proud to just be a part of the journey. He’s just been so great for me, for this team. We ain’t going anywhere without him.”
LeBron James has presented a timeline regarding his future and when to expect an update on his decisions. Yes, plural.
James, 41, will be an unrestricted free agent coming off his 23rd NBA season where he led the league in fast break points while averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. He could consider retirement. Or, he could opt for his 24th NBA season – further extending the NBA record for most seasons played.
And if year 24 is the answer, there would most definitely be suitors. But pump the brakes.
During an episode of his podcast "Mind The Game" with Steve Nash, James shared that he hasn't really thought about what his next chapter is going to be, whether retirement, a return to the Los Angeles Lakers or possibly even a different team.
"I'm still in the moment of like, 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, (if it's) being here with this (Lakers) franchise for the foreseeable future, or if it's going somewhere else."
James elaborated on a timeline leaning into late summer for when he'd have a decision, but first come his priorities – family.
"I haven't even really even gotten 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," James said. "But I think at some point you know, up until late June, as July rolls around, free agency starts to get going and July's rolling and maybe into August we start to kind of like get a feel of what my future may look like."
Whether James continues to play the game that he loves is up in the air. What's not in question is his ability to do so.
James said he knows he can "still give so much to the game and play at a high level" but hasn't came to a point where he's making a decision.
"When I get there, it'd be fun to kind of see what the future could hold," he said.
Factors into LeBron James' next decision
If James decides to play, it wouldn't be for a bottom-feeder team. Contenders only. Correction, championship contenders only. It's the only scenario James feels comfortable in at this point in his illustrious career.
Teams in rebuild mode or that just don't have it yet put together need not consider themselves in the LeBron James sweepstakes this offseason.
"No, there's no way," James said when asked about "starting over" with a team on the bottom. "There's no way. I mean, you know, winning is most important, because you want to be excited about going to work every day. You want to be excited about, you know, like I said earlier, winning the day and being around a group of guys that you know feel the same way."
He added: "Trying not to take steps backwards and understand the season is a long marathon, and whatever the case may be, but those building blocks throughout the course of the season is what matters to when you get to the marathon or when you get to the sprint, which is now, you know, the postseason. I'm not going anywhere it's a start over at year 24 or things of that nature, I'm done with that."
But James is also a family man, and that's a high priority.
"That's very important, and it's up there. I mean, 1A and 1B is like, where do I feel comfortable with doing with my career, but also with my family," he said. "How do they feel about whatever the decision that I'm able to come up with and make. That's a joint decision as well. I give them the insight, both my boys, my daughter and my wife. You know, so you know it's 1A and 1B. I don't think one is higher than the other, whatever the case may be."
Karl-Anthony Towns
James Harden
