BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Mascot Lucky the Leprechaun of the Boston Celtics waves a flag 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics, we are reminded, were 3-11 against the best teams in the league during the past season.
This is, at first glance, a problematic record for a franchise that won 56 games who many considered to be a contender. It suggests that the team has an obvious problem in need of a fix.
It also requires just a smidgen of context.
Of those 14 games, only three were played with Jayson Tatum, and of those three, Jaylen Brown was missing for all of one game (vs. the Knicks) and most of the another (Spurs). The only game where the Celtics had a healthy lineup was a win against the Thunder that ended their 16-game winning streak.
There’s also the matter of clutch performance.
During the past season, the Celtics were abysmal in clutch situations. They were 16-17, ranking them 19th in the league. Clutch performance and performance against the best teams in the league go hand-in-hand. You are typically not going to blow out one of the league’s top teams.
In 2024-25, Boston was the best team in the league in clutch performance. They were 24-11—appearing in about as many clutch situations as this year’s team—but they had several advantages going for them, not the least of which was Jayson Tatum. Tatum was Boston’s leading clutch scorer, and while the presence of Jrue Holiday and other veterans can’t be discounted in terms of ‘keeping cool’ and setting up the offense, the reality is that the Celtics lost 30% of their clutch scoring with Tatum’s injury. From last year to this, Boston’s clutch scoring went from 10.0 points in the final five minutes to 8.2.
Defense doesn’t really enter into the picture, as Boston’s clutch defense actually improved from the prior season to this one. Two seasons ago, Boston was allowing 8.7 points during clutch time, and that was down an entire point to just 7.7 this season.
The problem the Celtics had against the best teams in the league is reflected in their struggles to score during clutch situations in general.
And that is tied to the fact that the Celtics were missing Jayson Tatum.
It’s also tied to the relative inexperience of key rotation players for the Celtics.
For example, second year player Baylor Scheierman appeared in 14 clutch situations, and averaged two and a half minutes of clutch time play, which meant he was on the court for half of the typical clutch scenario in 14 of the team’s 33 clutch games. Neemias Queta, in his first year as a starter, logged 2.6 minutes per game in 25 appearances. Sam Hauser logged 2.6 minutes as well, in 22 appearances, and Jordan Walsh logged 2.2 minutes in 13 appearances.
Contrast that with the 2024-25 stats, which saw Scheierman appearing in just two games, Queta in 10, and Hauser in 13. Jordan Walsh appeared in only one clutch game.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 08: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket between Baylor Scheierman #55 and Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on March 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 109-98. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Now, this is potentially an argument for the C’s bringing in an experienced veteran, but ultimately, if you want to stay a contender in this salary cap era, you need to grow your own talent, and that means putting them in challenging situations and letting them develop. There’s a balance to be found here, and there are personnel decisions that need to be made based on what guys like Mazzulla and Stevens see in terms of the potential of these players, but with all this in mind, the main thing going into next season when it comes to clutch situations is having a fully healthy, fully integrated Jayson Tatum.
In his end-of-season wrap-up, Brad Stevens mentioned that the C’s needed to get better first looks, and that the C’s needed to get better at attacking the rim. Now a strong measure of that is going to come from a more confident Jayson Tatum, but I think some of it is also going to come from the growth and development of Hugo Gonzalez. I think that, like Scheierman, he’s preparing for a sophomore leap.
Mind you, I think the C’s would benefit from a veteran addition—but I tend to think that smaller moves will suffice.
We also need to talk about coaching.
But before we do that, it’s good to remember is that this was Joe Mazzulla’s fourth year as a head coach — the fourth year for a coach who is not yet 38 years old.
It’s a bit early, in my opinion, to declare him a ‘regular season only’ coach.
One of the things about Mazzulla that I think he needs to work on is the dichotomy between saying things like, “there’s no difference between a preseason game, regular season game, playoff game,” and shortening his rotation to the point where key players from the regular season barely saw enough time on the court to get into a rhythm during the playoffs. The attitude is there, but the actions need to back it up.
I don’t think that the C’s need to make major changes in the coaching staff. I don’t necessarily think that the C’s have any weaknesses that can be cured by adding different voices to the bench. I think the weaknesses that were on display in the C’s losses to the Sixers come down to failure to prep and failure to adjust. Now adding a skilled X’s and O’s guy might help somewhat, but the important thing is not bringing in an X’s and O’s guy — it’s being willing to listen to that guy when he’s saying something that goes against your first instincts. It’s also Mazzulla owning the mistakes he made during the Sixers series. From what I’ve seen, I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.
The reality, from my perspective, is that the Celtics are a lot closer to the top than certain stats from the regular season indicate—specifically their poor clutch play and their record against other contenders.
I also think that the best takeaway from the first-round loss to the Sixers should be a wakeup call to Joe Mazzulla and I think he’ll respond well to it. I don’t think that this loss revealed major structural issues with the lineup—but I do think it revealed some flaws in Mazzulla’s approach to playoff ball that he might have been able to shrug off after the loss to the Knicks last season.
Understand, I’m not saying that no changes need to be made to the roster or the coaching staff, but I’m saying that the right changes might not be as drastic as the ones that have been bandied about in this unexpectedly early off-season.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 24: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 24, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs weren’t fooling around on Sunday, and really took it to Jared McCain and the Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-82.
After his tremendous performance Friday, where he lit San Antonio up with 24 points, McCain got just 4 Sunday night, and shot just 1-10 overall.
Despite the big win, Mason Plumlee again got a DNP for the Spurs.
With the win, San Antonio ties the series, 2-2.
On Monday, the New York Knicks get a chance to close out Tyrese Proctor and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Game time is 8:00 p.m.
DETROIT, MI - MAY 13: Head Coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to the media after the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 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
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson’s honesty and transparency are among his best attributes. He’s always going to tell you the truth, which is different than most coaches who give trite answers that mean very little.
That honesty, though appreciated by me, might not always be welcomed by everyone. Especially when his group is down 3-0 to a New York Knicks team that has simply been better.
On its surface, that’s a rough quote. There’s no way around that.
Yet, if you listen to the whole quote within its context, and the question that led up to it, it makes much more sense. He’s asked why he would believe they can win one game. He’s not making excuses for them being down.
Reporter: “What’s your answer to your own question (why you believe the Cavs could win the next game)?”
Atkinson: “We’ve had success against this team before. We’ve had really good moments in this series, up 20 in Game 1. Even Game 2, take that run out from the beginning of the third quarter and it’s pretty tight.
“I think analytically, think we’ve won the … I said three out of three (after Game 3), we’re two out of three, in the expected wins. I don’t know if you guys follow that, the expected score. We’ve won two out of three.
“I know you’re looking at me confused, but there is really… if you believe in process and all that, … Take that layer. I know I don’t throw that on them. I see it for myself. We have this feeling, I have this feeling, then I can go to our analytical table.
“Last night, our expected score was like one point or two, us shooting way below expected. Them shooting way over. I know no one wants to hear that. I think you guys like it. I know the general public, no one wants that. Everyone is outcome-based. Sure, I get that too.”
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Analytics can be an easy punching bag, especially when what happens on the court goes against what the numbers suggest. But it’s important to remember that analytics are just stats. And stats are tangible facts that come from the game. It’d be stupid not to use those facts as a coach.
Anyone who works in an analytics department for an NBA team will tell you that the results in a single game or series could go against longer trends. Usually, the numbers will even out over a long enough stretch, but playoff series are sprints, not marathons.
The Cavs have, in fact, been on the wrong side of the numbers game so far in this series.
New York has sometimes dared Cleveland’s best shooters to beat them from deep, and they haven’t been able to make them pay. So much so that Knicks head coach Mike Brown said that his team was “lucky” that Cleveland had been missing good looks before Game 3.
These misses have cost the Cavs games and a chance to be competitive in the series.
3 Point Shooting Last night Actual / Expected / Delta Knicks 11-28, 10.6-28, +1.2 points Cavs 12-41, 15.1-41, -9.3 points
For the series Actual / Expected / Delta Knicks 34-95, 36.4-95, -7.1 points Cavs 37-126, 47.5-126, -31.5 points https://t.co/XAgcz1rpwI
As a coach, all you can do is instill confidence in your group and make sure the process is correct. After all, Atkinson isn’t able to come off the bench and start knocking down open looks himself.
Delivering a message to his team that they should stick with what they’re doing is reasonable. They aren’t going to radically change who they are overnight, especially against a Knicks team that is selling out to stop rolls to the basket and anything inside the paint. If the outside shots start falling, they might be able to win a game and send this series back to New York.
At the same time, when these comments are said to the public, they come across as arrogant and detached from reality. It’s what someone would say if they want to keep their job and shift the blame to others while also discrediting their opponent.
I’ve been around Atkinson long enough to believe that his intentions weren’t to do so. He’s honest to a fault with reporters. And it’s understandable to think that his good three-point shooters will eventually start knocking down open looks.
We’ll see if the Cavs can do so in Game 4. If they don’t, their season could come to an unceremonious close in a series they actually lost in four games.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 24: Stephon Castle #5 and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrate during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center on May 24, 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
“Experience does not matter.”
This was Devin Vassell’s response to the question, “What do you and the Spurs think you’ve learned about yourself this season?”
You can no longer say they have exceeded expectations. You can no longer say they are ahead of schedule. You can no longer say that they are a couple of years away.
The Spurs have been clear for quite some time. They have all bought in. And now fans are buying in.
After 62 regular season wins, a Defensive Player of the Year honor, a Sixth Man of the Year award, a five-game series against the Portland Trail Blazers, and a six-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Spurs are tied against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
After the Game 4 throttling, Victor Wembanyama referred to winning “six more wins” before he relaxes. He’s not comfortable with just taking this series, he’s focused on winning it all.
In the four games thus far, the Spurs have found success when limiting the productivity of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Not an easy task as SGA just picked up his second consecutive MVP trophy as well as his first ever Clutch Player of the Year honors.
In Game 1, the Spurs executed a defensive strategy on the Thunder’s star guard that stifled his shooting as well as his passing, producing turnovers which led to the double-overtime victory.
In Games 2 and 3, the Thunder adjusted by exposing the open man when SGA was double teamed. High percentage shooting from beyond the arc gave the defending champs a one game lead.
Last night, the Silver & Black altered its defense to double SGA closer in, cutting off the passing lanes, which suffocated OKC’s offense and leaving an abysmal 18% from three-point range.
The Spurs are also limiting fouls to Gilgeous-Alexander, another difficult task. He’s still making his way to the line, but is unable to sustain the level of calls he earns when paired with taking a tumble.
Earlier this season, Victor Wembanyama stated he was interested in ethical basketball. The young superstar elevated the term into the lexicon of basketball conversations. By comparison, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been accused of foul baiting and playing for the call.
The series features two of the youngest and most talented teams in the league, both with longevity in its plan. And they play two entirely different styles of basketball.
What the Thunder are doing won them a title last season. But the Spurs have found success in implementing their game, tuning out questionable calls, and allowing their talent to set the tone.
So perhaps Devin’s comment is almost fully correct.
Experience does matter. And the Spurs continue to prove that they internalize their experiences and process solutions at a rate that many have not seen before.
The question remains — will this be enough to overcome the obstacle of the Oklahoma City Thunder?
We get one step closer to answering that question on Tuesday night in Oklahoma City.
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If there’s one thing the Western Conference finals has taught us, it’s that there’s an enormous chasm between the teams in the penultimate round of the playoffs and the NBA’s other 28 ballclubs, including the Lakers.
The Thunder and Spurs have depth. They have stellar perimeter and interior defenders. They have multiple lasers. They have superstars. They have 10 players who are starring in their roles.
The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama, but San Antonio also has depth that features 10 players starring in their roles. NBAE via Getty Images
How do the Lakers catch up?
The Lakers are in a unique position. The Thunder and Spurs tanked before arming themselves with draft picks and orchestrating smart trades to climb back atop the league. That’s not an option for a Lakers franchise that has won 17 championships and has no patience for losing seasons.
Even Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka laughed that off as a potential strategy.
“It’s not the Lakers’ way,” Pelinka said after the team was swept out of the second round of the playoffs by the Thunder. “We have to find sustained excellence, so it does create at times a thread-the-needle [situation] where you gotta find a way to have championship rosters every year.”
So, that raises an interesting question.
If the Lakers can’t follow that model to build a contender, what should they do?
LeBron James and Luka Doncic shaking hands during a playoff game. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Should they hunt for another superstar?
Should they devote their resources (three first-round picks and up to about $55 million in cap space this offseason) to getting great role players?
This much is sure: Superstar chasing doesn’t equate to title winning.
The Lakers learned that firsthand after they blew up their 2020 championship roster to acquire Russell Westbrook, and they also let Alex Caruso walk in free agency in 2021.
Without guys who could defend and space the floor with 3s, such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Caruso, the Lakers were a top-heavy mess that didn’t become competitive again until they dealt Westbrook ahead of the 2023 trade deadline.
Austin Reaves patting LeBron James on the back. AP
The Lakers don’t need another star.
Of course, if they can get a generational superstar who’s still in his prime like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the aforementioned sentence goes out the window. If you can get Giannis, you get Giannis.
But that’s a big “if.”
And if they can’t get him, they shouldn’t go after another superstar.
Instead, if they can retain their Big Three of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, as Pelinka has made clear is his goal, they should focus on filling in the margins. (Reaves and James are both about to become unrestricted free agents.)
The Lakers already have proof of concept that the combination works.
LeBron James stands on the court in the closing minutes of Game 4 in a second-round playoffs series against Oklahoma City. AP
After James embraced becoming the Lakers’ third offensive option, they went on a 16-2 run this spring. Doncic played at an MVP level. Reaves looked like an All-Star. And James was arguably the best “role player” in the league.
But any illusions that they were real title contenders was shattered in a 43-point loss to the Thunder on April 2, in which they lost Doncic (hamstring) and Reaves (oblique) to injuries.
The Lakers showed a lot of grit by getting past the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs without Doncic and with Reaves only playing in two games.
Against the reigning champions, the Lakers fought like heck even though they were without Doncic, but their opponent was simply in another weight class.
The Thunder have two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but OKC also has 10 players starring in their roles. NBAE via Getty Images
In every contest besides Game 4, the Lakers unraveled in the second half under tired legs, while the Thunder seemingly weren’t even winded.
James, who tried to carry the team on his 41-year-old shoulders, didn’t mince words about what went wrong.
“… We fought and we played to the maximum ability of our team,” James said on the podcast, “Mind the Game,” that was released Thursday. “But ultimately, if we’re being completely honest, we were out-talented.”
The Thunder had 13 guys who were playing to their best ability. The Lakers struggled to have six.
The Lakers need guys like Caruso, who went undrafted and pours his heart into every possession. They need guys like Ajay Mitchell, who was drafted in the second round and proved he can be a laser under the brightest of lights. They need guys like Isaiah Hartenstein, who was also a second-round pick and has transformed into a pit bull in the paint.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso reacts after a play against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 4 in the Western Conference finals. AP Photo/Eric Gay
The Lakers need to take a page out of the Thunder’s book.
Their focus needs to be on depth, not glitz.
When Thunder GM Sam Presti had a goldmine of picks during the franchise’s rebuild, he chose to focus on fortifying the edges of the roster instead of securing a superstar.
That philosophy has paid dividends.
That’s where the NBA is headed.
That’s how the Lakers could start nipping at the heels of the Thunder and Spurs.
This offseason, the Lakers need to find the diamonds in the rough. They need to add effort guys. They need to bolster their defense. They need more 3-point shooting. They need 10 guys they can trust to play playoff minutes.
They need to find the type of players they let slip through their fingers when they were hellbent on star chasing.
In a city that prioritizes star power, they need to embrace a completely different philosophy.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was called out by a fan holding a trophy during the Thunder's Game 4 loss to the Spurs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder sit six wins from the Larry O’Brien Trophy and a second consecutive championship, but one Spurs fan came prepared with a different trophy for the Oklahoma City star Sunday.
A woman sitting courtside at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio for Game 4 brought a mini Oscars-esque trophy that said “Best Flopper” on it, according to video and photos.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who has a reputation for alleged flopping and ending up on the court after attempting shots, even fell right in front of the fan during the opening quarter, according to The Athletic.
Spurs fans hold up Oscar trophy, diving scores to troll SGA.
A Spurs fan holds a trophy during San Antonio’s Game 4 win against the Thunder. Getty Images
It marked the latest twist in how Gilgeous-Alexander has been received in San Antonio during the Western Conference finals, as he also encountered “flopper” chants in Game 3.
“It does nothing,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN after the Thunder’s Game 3 win.
“Doesn’t fuel me. Doesn’t discourage me. It’s part of the game. It’s nothing. I’ve been dealing with it for a long time. I don’t really hear it.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reacts during the Thunder’s Game 4 loss May 24. Getty Images
Gilgeous-Alexander leads all players in scoring this postseason by averaging 28.1 points-per-game, and he won his second consecutive MVP award May 17 — adding to a campaign where he earned a fourth consecutive All-Star Game appearance and averaged 31.3 points per game during the regular season.
That helped the Thunder earn the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed entering the tournament, but now, with the series going back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, their chances at a repeat title have suddenly become complicated.
The Spurs — behind Victor Wembanyama’s 33 points — crushed the Thunder 103-82 on Sunday in Game 4 to even the series at two games each, with Gilgeous-Alexander finishing with 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting from the field.
He also went a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to move the ball during the Thunder’s May 24 loss. NBAE via Getty Images
“They just punched us in our face early,” Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters postgame Sunday.
“That’s two games in a row they’ve come out the aggressors. Last game, we were able to course-correct. [Sunday], we just didn’t do so. “
Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) takes a three-point shot over Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Donovan Atwell (12) during the first half in the Big-12 conference men’s basketball showdown on Feb. 28, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kentucky Basketball received major offseason news when Malachi Moreno officially announced his return to Lexington on Sunday, giving Mark Pope and his staff one less NBA Draft decision to monitor.
Moreno had recently started appearing in several mock drafts as a late first-round or early second-round projection after receiving strong feedback during the pre-draft process.
Now, Kentucky fans will turn their attention toward Iowa State transfer forward Milan Momcilovic, along with Wildcats Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh.
Despite playing only four games at Kentucky because of lingering recovery from a previous ACL injury, Quaintance continues to receive strong first-round projections because of his elite defensive upside and physical tools.
Woo called Quaintance “one of the biggest wild-card picks in this class” while noting teams are still monitoring the health of his knee. However, NBA teams remain intrigued by his 7-foot-5¼ wingspan, defensive instincts, mobility, and long-term upside.
O’Connor highlighted Quaintance’s ability to block shots and move fluidly at his size, while Wasserman noted that his draft range could vary greatly because of the uncertainty surrounding his health and development.
Finkelstein added that Quaintance “checks those boxes better than anyone left on the board” when discussing his size, athleticism, and defensive impact.
One of Kentucky’s top remaining transfer portal targets, Milan Momcilovic continues to draw steady NBA Draft attention while testing the waters.
Momcilovic is widely viewed as one of the best shooters currently available in the draft after shooting nearly 49% from three-point range last season at Iowa State.
O’Connor praised Momcilovic’s elite shooting ability while noting concerns about his athleticism, rebounding, and shot creation. Wasserman added that teams will likely view Momcilovic as a valuable specialist because of his ability to consistently space the floor at 6-foot-8.
Should Momcilovic ultimately withdraw from the draft, Kentucky is expected to remain heavily involved in his recruitment.
Kentucky guard Otega Oweh continues appearing primarily as a second-round projection after his two seasons in Lexington.
O’Connor highlighted Oweh’s 35-point performance against Santa Clara in the NCAA Tournament while praising his slashing ability, physical frame, connective passing, and defensive versatility.
Wasserman noted that Oweh’s expanded offensive role at Kentucky helped revive his NBA Draft stock late in the season. Although evaluators still question whether he possesses a true specialty skill offensively, his versatility and athleticism continue to make him an intriguing developmental prospect.
With Moreno officially returning, Kentucky fans now wait to see if Momcilovic will remain in the draft or ultimately head back to college basketball before the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline on Wednesday at 11:59 P.M. ET.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics scores the game tying basket during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 21, 2024 at the 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Eastern and Western Conference Finals are in full swing and for the 2nd straight season, the Celtics are not participating. That is the first time that has happened in consecutive seasons since 2015 and 2016.
I decided to look back at those series, how the Celtics got there and what we were feeling as fans afterwards.
2017: Cavaliers 4, Celtics 1
BOSTON, MA – MAY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates his dunk in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the Celtics beat the Bulls and Wizards to advance to the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals (long live the Kelly Olynyk Game) they were set up to play LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The series started and it became very clear that the Celtics were just overmatched by the Cavaliers. After losing Game 1 by 13 points, Cleveland humiliated Boston by 44 points in Game 2, 130-86.
Isaiah Thomas would miss the final three games of the series. After he led the Celtics all the way to the conference finals with his huge scoring games and clutch 4th quarters, this series made it clear the Celtics had a ceiling on them with Thomas as their best player.
The Celtics would comeback from 21 points down and win Game 3 behind 27 points from Marcus Smart, 20 points from Avery Bradley and a perfect 4/4 shooting from Jonas Jerebko. It was Bradley’s game winner that won the day for Boston.
42 points from Kyrie Irving in Game 4 would put Cleveland up 3-1 and Boston’s season would end with a 33-point loss on their home floor. The 2017 Eastern Conference Finals was a sour ending to a great season. The Isaiah Thomas led-Celtics are fondly remembered by all but at the end of the day, it became clear that Boston just could not compete with the best the NBA had to offer with the roster they had.
2018: Cavaliers 4, Celtics 3
BOSTON, MA – MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals to advance to the 2018 NBA Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Nothing like reliving a Game 7 loss at TD Garden.
After big offseason additions Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving were both lost for the season due to injuries, many doubted the Celtics ability to make a deep playoff run. Then, the playoffs started and after the Celtics took out the Bucks in 7 and the 76ers in 5, it was clear that this Celtics group needed to stop being underestimated.
Double digit wins in Games 1 and 2 proved that this group was ready to make the Finals. 23 points from Jaylen Brown in both contests played a big part in Boston taking a 2-0 series lead.
Then the series shifted back to Cleveland and a 30-point Cavaliers win had Cleveland right back in the series. The Celtics battled hard in Game 4 but just couldn’t break through as LeBron’s 42 points evened the series at two games apiece.
After a Game 5 Celtics win behind 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists from Jayson Tatum, the Cavaliers would force a Game 7 back in Boston behind 46 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists from James in Game 6.
Another Game 7 masterpiece from LeBron James hurts, but the Celtics lost that Game 7 because Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Marcus Morris combined for 12/56 (21%) from the field and 5/32 (16% from three). That game is remembered for the Tatum dunk on LeBron, but the Celtics lost the game and only scored 79 points in the process.
In case it wasn’t clear, this game still bothers me.
There was a lot of hope after this series. Sure the Celtics lost, but LeBron had went west to the Lakers and the Celtics had Irving and Hayward returning to a team that was a win away from the Finals. We know what happened next.
2020: Heat 4, Celtics 2
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics walks off the court after losing to the Miami Heat in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 27, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the disaster 2018-19 season, the Celtics roster saw a lot of turnover, losing a bunch of key players from the 2018 team while signing Kemba Walker to a max contract.
After the 2019-20 season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA resumed their season in the Orlando bubble where they would also host the playoffs. After sweeping the Sixers in Round 1 and winning a classic seven-game series against the Raptors in Round 2, Boston was set to face off against the Miami Heat in the conference finals.
Game 1 was a a tough one for the Celtics in which they blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Tatum had a look to win it at the end of regulation, but it came up short. The play that defined this series came in overtime as Bam Adebayo blocked Tatum’s dunk attempt that would have tied the game and Miami took a 1-0 series lead.
The Celtics couldn’t muster enough offense in Game 2 and fell behind 2-0. Game 3 saw the return of Gordon Hayward who had been out a month with a sprained ankle missing all but one playoff game in the process. The Celtics would win that game behind 25 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists from Jayson Tatum, but Game 4 was where Boston officially watched their season slip away.
37 points from rookie Tyler Herro along with 20+ for Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic put Miami up 3-1. The Celtics fought to try and steal the game but they ran out of time, losing 112-109. Boston would win Game 5 forcing a Game 6, but that is where the Celtics season ended as 32 Adebayo points and 22 Butler points beat Boston.
The 2020 season hurts because I do believe that the Celtics had a legit shot to win the title. Not saying they would have beaten the Lakers — in fact, I would say they probably would have lost that series — but the 2020 Celtics were really good and had a real shot to win that title.
2022: Celtics 4, Heat 3
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 29: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with his teammates and the Eastern Conference Bob Cousy champions trophy after defeating the Miami Heat in Game Seven to win the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 29, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2021-22 season got off to a nightmare start for the Celtics as they started 18-21. They then flipped the season around finishing 51-31 and 2nd in the East. After sweeping the Nets and winning a seven-game slugfest against the Bucks. Boston met the Heat in the conference final again.
Game 1 was a Miami win that saw Jimmy Butler score 41 points. That was followed by Game 2 which was a dominant Celtics win by 25 points.
Then, the series shifted back to Boston for Game 3 and the Celtics lost a heartbreaker in which Butler left the game and Jaylen Brown scored 40 points. It was a game the Celtics should have won but they lost (how many of those have we seen?) However, it did produce my favorite Marcus Smart moment.
— ☘️ – Jays Enthusiast (@gReenbean_26) June 23, 2023
Games 4 and 5 both saw dominant Celtics wins in which they won by double digits in each game. Game 4 saw the Celtics take a 18-1 lead and never look back. A thunderous Jaylen Brown dunk in Game 5 all but put the Heat away and gave the Celtics a 3-2 lead.
Game 6 felt like a formality that the Celtics would head to the Finals. Then, Jimmy Butler had his 2012 Game 6 LeBron moment, scoring 48 points along with 9 boards and 8 dimes to drag the Heat to a 111-103 win to force a Game 7 back in Miami.
Game 7 was a game to remember. The Celtics led wire to wire and had a 95-85 lead with 4:28 to go after a Tatum midrange shot put them up 10. That was the last field goal the Celtics would score in the game and the Heat had the ball, down 2 with 17 seconds left when Jimmy Butler missed a pull up three that we all remember. The Celtics got the rebound, made two free throws and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.
The Celtics would lose the Finals in a series that still hurts to this day. However, just like LeBron did in 2018, Stephen Curry had his greatest NBA moment and sometimes, one of the greatest players of all time has his greatest moment to beat you.
2023: Heat 4, Celtics 3
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Marcus Smart (36) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) react from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
After an annoying first round series that went 6 games against the Hawks and a 7 game slug feast against the 76ers in which Tatum scored 51 points in Game 7, the Celtics once again faced off against the Miami Heat for the 3rd time in 4 years.
This one was especially shocking because Miami was the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.
Games 1 and 2 were both gut wrenching losses for the Celtics. Game 1 was doomed by a 3rd quarter in which Miami scored 46 points and outscored the Celtics by 21. Game 2 was a gut punch where the Celtics led by 12 in the 4th quarter and again, the game slipped away. Jayson Tatum was a +5 in a game he played 42 minutes and the Celtics lost by 6.
Down 0-2 the Celtics were embarrassed in Game 3, losing 128-102 and it felt like they quit. Then, the Celtics won Game 4 behind 33 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists from Jayson Tatum. They also won Game 5, holding the Heat under 100 points for the 2nd straight game and the series was all the sudden 3-2.
Game 6 was very similar to Game 7 of the 2022 season. The Celtics were up 10 with under 5 minutes to go and couldn’t make a basket. A big difference was that the Heat did take the lead, going up 103-102 with 3 seconds left after Jimmy Butler made three free throws. Then, Derrick White saved the day and forced a Game 7.
You know how this ended: another Game 7 loss at home. Jayson Tatum sprained his ankle under 30 seconds int0 the game and Jaylen Brown had 8 turnovers as the Celtics lost. That series will always be remembered as the Caleb Martin series when he shot 60% from the field and 49% from three.
To me, this is the worst conference finals loss the Celtics have had in this era. Denver did roll Miami and maybe they would have rolled the Celtics, but the Celtics absolutely let a title chance slip away by falling back 3-0.
2024: Celtics 4, Pacers 0
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics accepts the The Larry Bird Trophy earning the Eastern Conference Finals MVP after winning Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2024 Boston Celtics rolled their way to the Eastern Conference Finals with 64 regular season wins and going 8-2 in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs.
The series started and the Indiana Pacers looked up for the challenge. It looked like Indiana had Game 1 in hand with under a minute to go as they were up 3 with the ball. Then a turnover gave Boston a chance and Jaylen Brown took advantage.
In overtime, it was a Tatum three that was the dagger as his 36 points led the way to the Celtics win. Game 2 belonged to Brown, he scored 40 points as the Celtics took the commanding 2-0 series lead.
As the series shifted back to Indiana, the Pacers led for most of the 2nd half but then the game flipped as the Celtics as an Al Horford three (0ff of a sweet JT behind the back pass) and a Jrue Holiday and-1 put the Celtics up one before a sweet Holiday and made free throws put the Celtics up three.
The Pacers missed a game tying three at the end of the game and the Celtics went up 3-0. In Game 4 it was 29 points from Jaylen Brown, 26 points from Jayson Tatum and a Derrick White dagger that sent Boston to their 2nd NBA Finals in three years.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a three point basket against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit. If the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be the first to do so, they’ll need to shoot the ball considerably better than they have so far in this series.
The New York Knicks have thoroughly controlled the first three games. Their 22-point comeback victory in Game 1 has seemingly taken the life out of a Cavs team that had it going through the first 40 minutes of the series. Since then, the Cavs haven’t been able to establish any consistent rhythm on both sides of the ball. This is in addition to shooting below 30% from beyond the arc.
Cleveland likely won’t win this series. They do, however, have a chance to save some of their dignity. Maybe they can steal Game 4 at home, and then put up a good fight in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
This will be the most-played clip when talking about Victor Wembanyama's Game 4. However, this highlight from the opening minutes of Game 4 better shows what Wembanyama and the Spurs did differently — keeping him around the rim on defense — and why not only is the Western Conference Finals now tied, but the Spurs may be in the pole position to advance to the NBA Finals.
Victor Wembanyama met Chet Holmgren at the rim and said NOPE.
San Antonio adjusted how it handled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which allowed Wembanyama to stay close to the rim, where he is a defensive force unlike anyone else in the NBA. What the Spurs did in Game 4 shifted the burden onto Oklahoma City to adjust heading into Game 5 on Tuesday.
“I’m not going to get into details, but in general, being more disciplined and just trusting the game plan even more,” Wembanyama said of what the Spurs did differently.
Wemby is selling it short, the Spurs completely altered how they were dealing with Gilgeous-Alexander, and by extension, the entire Thunder offense.
For three games, San Antonio had leaned into a variation of the Lakers' defense on Oklahoma City from the second round. They trapped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out high, tried to take away driving gaps (even if it meant helping off shooters one pass away) and generally force the ball out of his hands, daring the other Thunder players to beat them from beyond the arc.
It didn't work because the Thunder's role players knocked down shots. Through the first three games, OKC shot 39.5% from beyond the arc. Alex Caruso was 14-of-23 from deep, Cason Wallace was 8-of-17, and big man Jaylin Williams was 7-of-12. In a must-win Game 4, the Spurs went back to a defensive system they were more comfortable with. They left one defender, usually Stephon Castle, on SGA and when the MVP drove, they helped from nearby players. The result was keeping Victor Wembanyama closer to the rim rather than having long close-outs to shooters, and from the opening moment of the game, that paid off. This new system threw Oklahoma City off its axis, and it turned the ball over 20 times Sunday night (and the Spurs scored 25 points off those turnovers).
Playing into this was the Thunder's injuries — the Thunder's second and third best ball handlers and shot creators, Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Away Mitchell (calf), were both out. Gilgous-Alexander wasn't getting much help. Also, in Game 4 the tables turned and the Thunder couldn't buy a 3-pointer, going 6-of-33 (18%) on the night. With Wembanyama playing closer to the rim, OKC shot 18-of-41 in the paint.
The pressure now falls on the Thunder to make adjustments. One of those is relatively simple — just make more shots. The Thunder are better shooters than we saw in Game 4, they just had an off night.
“We’ve played 12 playoff games. When you play 12 playoff games, they’re not all going to be masterpieces,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “As much as you want to win, there’s nights where you just don’t have it for whatever reason.”
The other part may prove more challenging: Get Gilgeous-Alexander the ball with a little more space around him to make moves — and they probably have to do that without Mitchell and Williams. It's a lot to put on Daigneault's plate.
But he's got to figure out before Tuesday. The Spurs look like sharks that smell blood in the water, and this could be a feeding frenzy if the Thunder don't find a solution.
San Antonio Spurs (62-20, second in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Tuesday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
LINE: Thunder -5.5; over/under is 215.5
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: Series tied 2-2
BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs are in a 2-2 series tie in the Western Conference finals. The Spurs defeated the Thunder 103-82 in the last matchup on Monday. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 33 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 19.
The Thunder are 41-11 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City is second in the league allowing just 107.9 points per game while holding opponents to 43.7% shooting.
The Spurs are 36-16 in conference matchups. San Antonio is fourth in the Western Conference giving up just 111.5 points while holding opponents to 45.1% shooting.
The Thunder's 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.8 more made shots on average than the 13.0 per game the Spurs give up. The Spurs average 13.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.7 fewer makes per game than the Thunder allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cason Wallace is scoring 8.6 points per game and averaging 3.1 rebounds for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 27.0 points and 2.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Wembanyama is averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks for the Spurs. Devin Vassell is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 8-2, averaging 117.3 points, 40.4 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.2 points per game.
Spurs: 6-4, averaging 117.0 points, 49.6 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 8.5 steals and 8.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.9 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (undisclosed), Jalen Williams: day to day (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Wembanyama played 31 minutes of Sunday's game [Getty Images]
The San Antonio Spurs bounced back in style with an impressive 103-82 home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder to level their best-of-seven NBA Western Conference finals series at 2-2.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who had been critical of his performance in their game three defeat, led from the front with 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals.
"We just responded," said the 22-year-old Frenchman. "It was nothing amazing. It wasn't magic. We just did what we needed to do."
"The series is far from over."
The Spurs built up an early 15-point lead before the Thunder cut the deficit to five with just over a minute remaining in the second quarter.
But the Spurs hit back with seven points before the break, topped by a mid-court three-pointer from Wembanyama.
It was also a solid defensive display from the Spurs with the Thunder's 38 first-half points their lowest of the season.
The reigning NBA champions' game total was also the fewest for the franchise since 2 December 2021, and the lowest in a play-off game since 2020.
With the result virtually decided, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who top-scored on 19 points, sat out the entire fourth quarter.
No other Thunder player scored more than 12.
Game five takes place on Tuesday (01:30 BST Wednesday) in Oklahoma City with game six back in San Antonio on Thursday (01:30 BST Friday).
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks lead the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-0 and can wrap up that series in Cleveland on Monday (01:00 BST, Tuesday), with the NBA Finals starting on 4 June.
Sitting courtside for Sunday’s Game 4 win were a group of catholic nuns known as the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, who were decked out in Spurs jerseys and were seen interacting with several players before the game.
Spurs center Luke Kornet even received a blessing from two nuns, which was captured on video and circulated on social media.
Spurs center Luke Kornet recieved a blessing from the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco before the Spurs’ 103-82 win over the Thunder. X @CourtsideBuzzX
The team’s social media channels also posted a video of the basketball-loving nuns chanting “Go Spurs Go!”
The group of nuns used it to better understand and share a common interest with the students at St. John Bosco School.
“Our ministry is with young people, and we need to be able to converse with them and talk to them,” Sister Bernadette Mota told the outlet. “I can talk basketball with the kids and it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed watching.”
The sisters have become tried and true fans since they began cheering for the team, and among some of their favorite players on this year’s squad include New Jersey native and former Rutgers star Dylan Harper, due to his attending a high school affiliated with the Salesian Sisters.
Kornet is also among their favorites.
The Salesian Sisters yelling “Go Spurs Go” before Game 4 on Sunday.
Sister Margaret Natal told the San Antonio Express-News that they pray for the Spurs regularly.
“We keep them in prayer, and it’s not, you know, for them to win,” Natal said. “It’s about good sportsmanship, that they remember who they are. That they are role models. We pray that they play to the best of their ability. We pray that they understand their responsibility.”
Their prayers seemed to be answered on Sunday as the Spurs played to a series-tying victory over the Thunder.
Kornet scored six points on 3-of-4 shooting in 13 minutes on the court.
Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama scored a game-high 33 points on 11-of-22 shooting, along with eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 20: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter 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
The Spurs looked like a veteran team in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. They faced a Thunder squad missing two key pieces and made sure they never gave them hope for an upset en route to a 103-82 blowout win. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 33 points in 32 minutes while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only had 19 in the losing effort.
It was clear from the start which team was playing with more urgency. Staring down the possibility of heading back to Oklahoma City down 3-1, the Spurs looked more focused and energized early on. Victor Wembanyama hit a three, which is always a good omen, but the Silver and Black were also mixing in some pick-and-rolls to get the big man going. While the offense was solid in the halfcourt, which is never a given, it was the defense that allowed San Antonio to carve out a 15-point lead in the first quarter for the second game in a row. With the Thunder lacking secondary creators, Mitch Johnson and his staff decided to dial down the pressure on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to prevent him from finding finishers. Great individual defense from Stephon Castle limited SGA, and it took Isaiah Hartenstein hitting four long floaters for the visitors to reach 19 points for the frame.
Victor Wembanyama was on the floor for most of the first instead of resting with a lead, so the bench with Luke Kornet started the second. The subs have been outplayed all series, but once again, there was no secondary creator for the Thunder while SGA rested. The second unit still struggled to score but held its own on defense until Wembanyama could return. The low-scoring start of the frame was a harbinger of things to come, as the pace slowed down, and constant stoppages took both teams out of rhythm. It was an ugly stretch in which the Spurs’ defense did a terrific job on Gilgeous-Alexander while not allowing anything easy to anyone else, but the offense got stagnant and too many possessions ended up with one-on-one play and few passes. Still, thanks to the efforts of Vassell and Wembanyama, who hit a half-court shot at the buzzer, San Antonio held a 12-point lead at the half.
Normally, the Thunder would adjust after the break to fix an offense that couldn’t reach 20 points in either of the first two quarters, but there was not much they could do on Sunday. They tried to have Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso initiate plays with SGA off the ball, but the defense remained suffocating, and the Spurs continued to force tough shots from the MVP or turnovers that led to transition opportunities. Mark Daigneault tried to go five-out with two shooting bigs on the floor instead of going back to Hartenstein, but the Thunder’s role players couldn’t buy a three after sinking one after the other in Game 3. Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell were stellar on defense, Wembanyama looked for his shot from inside and out, and the reigning champions simply didn’t have any answers. A decent stretch to close it out couldn’t make up for a terrible quarter for the visitors, who trailed by 18 heading into the final frame.
Gilgeous-Alexander was not on the floor to start the fourth, and it was hard to determine whether Daingeault was waving the white flag early or trying to find a spark elsewhere before sending his superstar back to deal with physical defense. It was probably a bit of both, and since no unexpected hero led a run, the MVP never checked back in. The Spurs managed their lead and gave minutes to players who needed them to get going before both teams emptied their benches. It was a dominant performance by a San Antonio team that made adjustments, took advantage of absences, and rediscovered its identity to tie the series at two each.
Game notes
The two biggest factors in the win are related. The Spurs wisely changed their approach to guarding Gilgeous-Alexander, showing him a crowd but being more selective on when to double or trap him. With Wembanyama in the paint, SGA settled for jumpers and made a few, but couldn’t feed role players for open looks. The second factor was the Thunder’s lack of a secondary ball handler. It was SGA or nothing, basically, as both Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were out. When SGA passed, the target wasn’t always open, and the offense stagnated. Injuries are beyond a team’s control, but credit to the Spurs’ coaching staff for their defensive adjustment.
Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle had 13 points each, which is not bad but far from their career highs, but they made a tremendous impact on defense. The entire team played with toughness and purpose, but those two were terrific at limiting Gilgeous-Alexander and flying around as help defenders.
De’Aaron Fox had a double-double with points and rebounds, not assists. It was an all-hands-on-deck effort for the Spurs on the glass and on defense. Fox was the only one in double digits in rebounds, but other five San Antonio players had four or more.
The bench struggles have been well documented, and while the second unit didn’t exactly impress, the effort was there. Luke Kornet had some good stints, Dylan Harper made plays on both ends, and Harrison Barnes, who was on the floor for 16 minutes, all played with physicality and purpose while making few mistakes. Keldon Johnson continued to struggle with his shot, and Carter Bryant had some rookie moments, but overall, the bench did better.
The Thunder shot 6-for-33 from beyond the arc. Some of their struggles can be attributed to the Spurs’ defensive adjustment, but they also missed open ones that will probably go down in Oklahoma City. The good news is the Silver and Black also have plenty of room for improvement, since they went 9-for-33. Hopefully Julian Champagnie, who missed all five of his attempts on Game 4, can hit a few in the next one.
Play of the game
While the defensive adjustments will get more attention, the purpose with which the Spurs looked for Wembanyama at times inside was encouraging. Sometimes it feels like the Spurs forget that they can just run pick-and-rolls, but when they remember, good things tend to happen.
CLEVELAND -- You might remember back in October, when one quote from Karl-Anthony Towns set off a loud alarm for the fan base.
Towns was asked about his role in Mike Brown’s offense.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Towns said a couple days before the regular season. “I just don’t know. But we figuring it out. It’s just different. It’s different. So we’re still figuring it out.”
It wasn’t just the words Towns used. It was the way he delivered them. You didn’t need to be a body language expert to see that Towns wasn’t in love with his role in the new offense.
Fast-forward to Saturday night in Cleveland. About 90 minutes after the Knicks beat the Cavs to take a 3-0 series lead, Towns was asked to assess the job Brown has done this season.
Towns’ answer told you a lot about the connection between these Knicks players and their head coach and how it’s grown over the past seven months.
“With Mike, he had to learn us and adjust to us,” Towns said after the Knicks’ Game 3 win over Cleveland. “On the flip side, we had to do the same as well. Now, we are at a point where we are both working seamlessly. We understand each other’s language. He is getting the best from us and we are getting the best from him.
“I think that speaks to a season, especially a first season with a new coach and a new system and a new philosophy. It’s a testament to the players to do an amazing job coming together and showing that unity that made us special last year. But the coaching staff being receptive to the players and adjusting with us and finding the way to get the most out of us.”
It's always difficult to assess how well a coach is doing. We don’t get to see 90 percent of the work that they do behind the scenes. But what we have seen over the past month has been remarkable.
From the offensive adjustments to the big nights from role players, Brown has pushed nearly all of the right buttons during the Knicks’ 10-game win streak.
“He was put in a tough situation with a lot of expectations but he’s handled that unbelievably,” Josh Hart said. “He’s coaching us in his way, his style. He’s taking input from everybody. His ability to lead us to adapt to things has been great. That’s just the kind of person he is. He’s a high-character, and a great person first and foremost.”
Throughout the current streak, Brown has reminded his group to maintain their edge.
“It’s human nature to kind of get comfortable sometimes,” Landry Shamet said late Saturday night. “So he’s always checking us on that. Reminding us of fighting that off. It’s a lot of intangible stuff like that that I think he’s spectacular at. Keeping us in the right headspace. Obviously Xs and Os, the gameplan. He communicates with everyone. Just a great coach.”
Brown, as you know, was saddled with incredibly high expectations this season.
The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 seasons last year under former coach Tom Thibodeau. Leon Rose, James Dolan and the Knicks concluded that the Knicks couldn’t take the next step under Thibodeau.
After a lengthy coaching search, they landed on Brown. Every game this season, in some way, was a referendum on that decision.
Now, with Brown and the Knicks one win away from their first NBA Finals trip in 27 years, the decision is validated. Not fully validated. But it certainly seems to be working out the way Rose and company had hoped when they made the change.
Would the Knicks have reached this point in the season -- up 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals -- under Thibodeau? Who knows? They’re here under Brown. They’ll have a chance to clinch a trip to the NBA Finals on Monday night.
LEANING ON THE BENCH
One of Brown’s edicts coming into the season? Establish a reliable bench. He’s checked that box this postseason, getting contributions from Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado alongside maintstays Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson.
Here's Brown on his philosophy with bench players:
“I’ve been fortunate, blessed, lucky to be a part of some good coaching staffs and be with some great coaches. Steve Kerr, Gregg Popovich, they were guys that went deep into their bench. And they both always used to say, it’s not about now; it’s about the postseason. It’s not about now; it’s about the postseason. And you keep guys engaged by doing that, and you do develop not just a bench but the team, as well, because guys get used to playing with other guys, just in case something goes down.
“And so, again, it’s something I stole from them. Very few things I came up with on my own. I’ve seen it work in the past, and that’s kind of what I thought I wanted to do here. Tried to do it in Sacramento, too. So again, you’ve kind of been through it. You learn.
“You develop a philosophy from what you learn from and you believe in it, you try to stick with it as best you can, and that’s what we try to do here. Our guys, they’re doing a nice job getting rest, taking care of their bodies and their minds and trying to play as hard as they can. Every second they’re out on the floor, we have to keep doing that.”
Shamet, who is 6-for-7 from beyond the arc against Cleveland, has been in and out of Brown’s rotation at different points in the season. Shamet offered interesting insight into the makeup of the Knick locker room on Saturday night.
“Everybody wants to see each other do well genuinely,” Shamet said. “I mean that. If you guys write that in your report, it's not some locker room banter or BS. It’s like spiritual with this group. You know, we’ve got a lot of guys who are more than capable of being in certain situations, and we cheer each other on. Next man up. It's a beautiful thing, and it's what we have, and this locker room. So it's special.”
INTENSE FOCUS
Brown was asked about the Knicks’ identity on Saturday night.
“They’re so resilient,” Brown said. “We hit adversity during the regular season, which was fantastic. I embraced it. I wanted it to happen. We hit it numerous times. And our guys were tested then, and they stayed connected. And to see the ups and down, especially early in these playoffs against Atlanta and to see them stay connected while trying to sacrifice and believe, it’s fantastic. You don’t know if there’s gonna be carryover with those things in the postseason until you go through it, and going through it with these guys, these coaches and seeing it gives you hope for a lot of things, because the group has been fantastic.”
Both Brown and the players have cited a higher level of focus since their Game 3 loss in Atlanta.
“They’ve been fantastic trying to pay attention to all the details that we’ve been throwing at them. And we’ve thrown a lot of adjustments offensively and defensively at them throughout the course of these playoffs,” Brown said on Saturday. “And to still see them locked in and try to be focused on the details at hand, again, that just speaks volumes of my coaching staff and the way that they’re presenting and changing and all that stuff. But more so about these players and their want to go try to get a ring.”
