The San Antonio Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama for more than half of Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, May 10. The star center was ejected in the second quarter for a Flagrant Foul 2 after he threw an elbow in Naz Reid's face while battling for possession of the ball after a rebound.
After the play was reviewed and the penalty was called, the Defensive Player of the Year was visibly upset. He could be seen on the bench asking, "What does it mean?" It was the first time in Wembanyama's three-year career that he was been ejected.
The difference between the first and second tier of a flagrant foul is that the offense is considered "unnecessary AND excessive" (emphasis added). The penalty for the second tier of a flagrant foul is two free throws by the player who the offense was committed against and the player is ejected, which is what happened to Wembanyama. The infraction also triggers a fine of $2,000, at a minimum.
Now the question is if the Spurs will be without Wembanyama for longer.
The Timberwolves are up 2-1 in the series and, whether Minnesota or San Antonio wins on Sunday, Game 5 will be played in San Antonio on Tuesday, May 12. The series will continue from there if needed.
There is no set protocol for player suspensions after receiving a Flagrant Foul 2. The league will review the play and deliver a decision if further punishment is necessary.
League rules call for a minimum one-game suspension for a punching foul, but there is no clear outline for an offense leading with an elbow.
Previously, there have been a handful of suspensions for a player throwing an elbow in an NBA game. In 2013, J.R. Smith was given a one-game punishment in the playoffs for throwing an elbow at Jason Terry. In 2016, Hassan Whiteside was handed the same penalty for elbowing Boban Marjanović.
In 2005, Kobe Bryant was given a two-game suspension for hitting Mike Miller in the throat with his elbow. According to ESPN, the longer penalty could have been a result of the Los Angeles Lakers legend's postgame comments during which he denied any wrongdoing.
"Somebody comes down the lane, you've got to hit him," Bryant said upon receiving the suspension. "You can't let them come down the lane and just finger roll and get easy baskets. Nothing to hurt anybody like that. That's just basic NBA basketball."
PHILADELPHIA — Miles McBride was, in his words, “extremely comfortable” with an expanded role as long as OG Anunoby was out.
He proved it on Mother’s Day.
Starting in place of Anunoby, McBride enjoyed a career-best playoff performance as the Knicks drubbed the 76ers 144-114 to return to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in as many years.
Knicks guard Miles McBride reacts as he walks off the court at the end of the 4th quarter after the Knicks defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 144-114. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
McBride scored 25 points and hit seven 3-pointers in nine attempts, four coming in an early onslaught that made it clear this series was going to end without a return trip to New York City.
In his 29 minutes, the Knicks outscored the 76ers by a team-high 33 points.
“I always feel like I’m going to make shots,” McBride said. “I trust my work, trust my preparation. They left me open.”
McBride had been in a shaky shooting stretch, entering the game 5-for-19 from 3-point range over the previous five games.
He didn’t let it affect his confidence, though.
Knicks guard Miles McBride puts up a 3-point shot over Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the second quarter of Game 4. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
“He’s just tough-minded,” coach Mike Brown said. “In order to have success in anything you do in life you need to have a short memory, and he definitely has a short memory.”
With a chance to sweep the 76ers out of the playoffs, McBride shined. He bombed away early, scoring 12 points in the game’s first 5:01.
McBride was also terrific, as usual, on the defensive end, and was a big part of the Knicks’ blistering shooting display.
They hit 25 3-pointers in 44 attempts, setting a franchise playoff record and equaling the NBA mark previously set by the Bucks in 2021 and Cavaliers in 2016.
There were loud “Deuce” chants after almost every one of his made triples from the pro-Knicks crowd.
“Deuce — he was unbelievable,” Brown said. “His ability to stretch the floor and create space for others is second to none. He’s got a confidence about him and in himself that just makes us take another level on both ends of the floor.”
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s hard to hear after a division rival took over their building and swept them out of the playoffs, but the 2025-26 season was a pretty high-end outcome for the Sixers. They beat the Boston Celtics in a playoff series, Joel Embiid has felt as good as he has about his left knee since January 2024, but most importantly, they had a 20-year old rookie sensation.
VJ Edgecombe officially ends his rookie season having averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game shooting 43% from the field and 35% from the field. He averaged 14 points per game in his first 11 playoff games.
For all these reasons, the Sixers themselves felt pretty good about their season after their Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks. During his exit interview, Embiid was talking about the example he tries to set for the younger players, and went on a long tangent about Edgecombe’s potential while doing so.
“VJ is up next. Philly got a good one in him,” Embiid said. “He’s the guy. I’m telling you guys, that guy is something different and this was only year one. Year two is gonna be better, year three even better.”
Embiid would go on to call him a “monster” later in his presser.
Every Sixer asked about Edgecombe is confident in his improvement year-over-year. It’s all the intangibles he flashed all season that impressed his teammates so much — and why they so often say he is not the average rookie.
“Usually, guys improve quite a bit from year one to year two,” head coach Nick Nurse said. “I would imagine with his work ethic and stuff, he’ll have a good summer.”
Edgecombe responded to Embiid’s comments the exact way anyone who’s been around him so far would expect him to.
“It’s great, but the work has to be put in, I have to continue putting in the work,” he said. “I really love my teammates and I really love all the good things they say about me, but yes, I gotta keep putting in the work, keep getting better.”
A young guard with a crazy work ethic drafted after a disastrous season is a familiar story with this team. Tyrese Maxey recognized those similarities as he sat next Edgecombe at the podium.
“Probably like two, three years ago I sat up here with Joel and I sat up here with James [Harden] 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.”
All three of the Sixers’ max contract stars have had their impact on Edgecombe in one way or another. Paul George did a lot of mentoring Edgecombe as a defender, but he feels the experience Edgecombe was able to get with a full playoff run as a rookie was invaluable.
“I’m kind of here to help improve the process,” George said, “but the parts that you want out of it, he’s experienced it, so that’s the positive. And I think he’ll know where he needs to take it and what we need from him going down for years to come.”
Edgecombe already has a list of things he wants to work on to improve for next year. He wants to get better on the ball. He mentioned his handle, but shooting is something he definitely wants to improve on.
“Go in the gym and just get better,” he said. “Coming into next year a team won’t ever leave me open, you know?”
All of his teammates are confident he will get there because of how hard he works, but it takes a real grinder for someone like Maxey to praise his work ethic.
“He works too hard and he wants it too much,” Maxey said. “You can’t ask for anything better than that, and the city should really just rally behind it and just be excited.”
It’s very unusual for a team to convey this much excitement after getting swept out of the second round of the play0ffs.
But as Edgecombe showed time and time again throughout his rookie season, he is not a usual player.
The San Antonio Spurs suffered a huge blow in Game 4 of the conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves after superstar Victor Wembanyama was ejected from the contest.
Wembanyama was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 after coming down with a rebound and swinging an elbow that connected with Timberwolves forward Naz Reid, striking him in the jaw with 8:40 in the 2nd quarter.
After a review, it was determined that the contact was deemed an unnecessary, non-basketball play with wind up, contact and follow through, resulting in the Spurs center's first-career ejection – regular season or postseason.
Minnesota held a slim lead, 36-34, at the time of stoppage. Following the elbow, Timberwolves fans at the Target Center were in unison chanting to the officials "kick him out" referring to Wembanyama.
MINNEAPOLIS — San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ejected for throwing an elbow out of frustration at the throat of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid early in the second quarter of Game 4 of their rugged second-round NBA playoff series on Sunday night.
Wembanyama was whistled for an offensive foul as soon as he struck Reid, who had swarmed the NBA Defensive Player of the Year outside the paint along with teammate Jaden McDaniels after the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama rebounded a missed 3-pointer by the Spurs.
After a video review of the play, with the fans at Target Center chanting, “Kick him out! Kick him out!,” the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. That penalty triggers an automatic ejection, immediately swinging the balance of a pivotal game in the series toward the Timberwolves. The Spurs took a 2-1 lead with their 115-108 win in Game 3 on Friday.
After Wembanyama slapped hands with each of his Spurs teammates on his way off the floor, with the arena sound system blaring Michael Jackson’s “Beat it!,” Reid sank both free throws to give the Timberwolves a 38-34 lead. Wembanyama finished with four points, four rebounds and three fouls in 13 minutes.
With Reid, Julius Randle and McDaniels in their frontcourt, the Timberwolves have had plenty of muscle and tenacity to send at Wembanyama, even if he’s been good enough offensively to overcome it. He had 39 points on 13-for-18 shooting from the floor in Game 3.
Victor Wembanyama elbows Naz Reid during the Spurs' May 10 game.
If the Spurs are able to take a 3-1 lead on the Timberwolves, they’ll need to do so without Victor Wembanyama for the rest of Game 4.
Wembanyama, the San Antonio superstar, was ejected with 8:39 left in the second quarter after elbowing Naz Reid while fighting for possession and being assessed a Flagrant 2 in Minnesota on Sunday.
Status alert: Victor Wembanyama has been ejected Sunday after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul. pic.twitter.com/G02YylonQE
When Wembanyama initially made contact, Reid fell to the ground, and after the referees reviewed the play, the 7-foot-4 center was sent down the tunnel and to the locker room.
It marked a seismic shift in a critical juncture of the series, with the Spurs staring down a chance to take a commanding series lead over the No. 6-seed Timberwolves before play shifts back to San Antonio but now needing to adapt on the fly without their best player for the final 32-plus minutes.
Victor Wembanyama elbows Naz Reid during the Spurs’ May 10 game. Imagn ImagesVictor Wembanyama (1) reacts after he was ejected for a flagrant foul during the first half of Game 4 of a NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. AP
Reid made both of his free throws, and Luke Kornet replaced Wembanyama — who finished with just four points on 2-for-5 shooting across 12 minutes — on the court.
Victor Wembanyama was ejected May 10. Screengrab via XVictor Wembanyama threw an elbow at Naz Reid during the Spurs’ May 10 game. Screengrab via XVictor Wembanyama was called for a Flagrant 2 during the Spurs’ May 10 game against the Timberwolves. Screengrab via X
The Timberwolves led the Spurs by two points at the time of the ejection, and midway through the second quarter, they’d built a 44-38 advantage — led by 11 points from Anthony Edwards and 10 points from Julius Randle.
The Knicks seem to just keep getting better as the NBA playoffs go on.
New York put together yet another dominating effort on Sunday afternoon, as they demolished the 76ers in Game 4 to put the finishing touches on their second-round sweep.
They used a hot start from three to open a double-digit advantage and never looked back from there, closing the seven-game set with a 144-114 beatdown on the road.
“This was just a heck of a game from our guys,” Mike Brown said. “The focus, the attention to detail, while bringing the energy and effort not just tonight but throughout the course of the series was at a pretty high level.
“Close out games are always the hardest to play with the level of desperation, especially when you’re on the road -- I give our guys a lot of credit, I give our staff a lot of credit -- they’ve been unbelievable from top-to-bottom.”
The Knicks now head into the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year, having won seven straight games since falling behind the Hawks 2-1 in their first round matchup.
Six of those seven victories have been by double-digits.
But with a meeting with the Pistons or Cavaliers awaiting, they know they can’t get complacent.
“We did what we needed to do to beat a good Sixers team,” Landry Shamet said. “We handled our business, paid really good attention to details offensively, and just went out and did what we had to do.
"But the beauty of the playoffs is all of that changes going into the next round -- there are a couple of different changes we have to make obviously, but group remains the same and we just have to play Knicks basketball."
"I think it’s really great to see our team in this mindset," Karl-Anthony Towns added. "The feeling that we have a lot more work to do, to see us not really relaxing, but in a way just look at these next few days as a way for us to realign ourselves and get ready for the next challenge."
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 08: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You know the drill, this is part four of our “Fraternizing with the Enemy” Series with our Spurs sister site, Pounding the Rock.
I am joined by the ever-encouraging JR Wilco to discuss the things we saw in Game 3’s close loss and to set expectations for a critical Game 4 after back to back wins for San Antonio. Spoiler alert: I am not too bullish on Minnesota’s chances.
J.R. Wilco
In the middle of a series that feels like a movie from a director intent on subverting expectations above all else, Game 3 was a weird game. (We’ll get to it in a moment, but it was weird.) First, San Antonio was favored heavily, and it’s a true-ism that a series doesn’t begin until the road team wins. So we got a tight game that the visitors won, and so the series began right away. Expectations subverted.
After Minnesota’s victory Coach Finch gripes about a lack of goaltending calls, setting up Game 2 to focus on how the refs treat Wemby’s defensive game, only for it to be a practical non-issue as Minnesota largely stopped driving. After a close opener, Game 2 was a blowout. Expectations subverted.
To start Game 3, the Spurs dominated the opening half of the first quarter and Minnesota couldn’t score at all. Wembanyama was playing out of his mind and dominating on both ends, which looked like the game they played two prior; let’s saddle up for another blowout. But San Antonio couldn’t build much of a lead because the Spurs couldn’t hit a three and all of their shots in the paint were rimming out. So, instead of getting a repeat of Game 2, we got a repeat of Game 1. Expectations subverted!
After going 0-fer, and 2-fer from deep, Victor goes off and combines his excellent defense with an offensive master class. Now San Antonio is up 2-1, and Minnesota is known for being an incredible team when their backs are against the wall. So what are the next expectations that we will see subverted? And what do you expect from Minnesota looking at potentially their last home game of the season?
Thilo
To start with, I would certainly be shocked if Jaden McDaniels started hitting his shots again. That would subvert the cratered expectations I have for him now.
On an individual level, the bar has recently gone through the floor for Julius Randle and McDaniels, while Ayo gets the most marginal amount of slack due to his injury status.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 8: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass the ball as Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays defense during the game during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
But God, I don’t know. On a surface level, the Wolves seem to have lost their identity entirely. They aren’t getting to the rim the way they had initially promised in Game 1. They’re talking a lot less trash (unless Tony Brothers is the target) and they’re backing up even less.
A subversion could be anything from shooting better to rebounding again. Any of that would be shocking.
If I sound pessimistic, it’s because I am. Friday night’s game was not one to inspire confidence. Naz Reid was the only role player on the Wolves that played up to standards. Anthony Edwards did what he could.
I am quite simply shocked that the Wolves were able to stay in Game 3 the way they played. It seems like shooting variance decides whether these games will be close or an abject demolition in favor of San Antonio.
Unfortunately, what I’m getting at is that I’m not really sure what I expect to change that’s remotely realistic.
Julius Randle could become the optimized version of himself from last year’s playoffs, but that would require him not facing the style of defense that has caused him the most trouble in the past few playoff runs. So that looks unlikely.
The Wolves roster could have a hot game from deep, but their shooting specialist and the only guy outside of Ant that can’t be dared to shoot is out for the year and more. That looks unlikely, albeit more possible.
That leaves the possibility of Ant going supernova, but that’s a LOT to ask of a guy playing on a lower body that reminds friends older than myself of Orlando Magic Grant Hill.
No, I think the winning formula was stealing a game and then pressing the pedal all the way down. The Wolves accomplished step one, but don’t look poised to reclaim that needed head start.
That being said, anything but a decisive win in Game 4 would be a huge red flag.
I guess I’ll flip the question on you. It feels like the Spurs have turned a corner after a shaky Game 1. What scares you the most in terms of ways the Wolves can muscle their way back into this bout? How possible/probably do you think those things are?
J.R.
While it makes sense given being down 2-1, I think you’re being overly harsh on your team’s prospects. Try thinking about it from this perspective: Minnesota has played San Antonio close for 8 quarters out of 12, including a decisive fourth quarter on the road. The Spurs played their best game in their second homer, so perhaps the Wolves will do the same. We talked before Game 3 about how some regression to the mean would be in favor of Wemby and Fox, and now that’s the case for McDaniels and Randle.
I’d also like to draw your attention to something that you might be taking for granted. Your home crowd is amazing; in fact, I credit them for keeping the Timberwolves from cratering in the first. With San Antonio in the middle of throwing basketball’s version of a shutout (how better to describe yielding a single point over the first 6 minutes of a game) the Mill City audience was primed for something to cheer for. When Gobert got that first basket with a tip-in, there was this sustained response from the crowd that was way out of proportion. I noted it, but didn’t think it would go far as the Spurs scored a quick four points on a Vassell bucket and a pair of Castle freebies. But then Naz hit a three and there was that strange cheer again. It was longer that normal and had the feel of a crowd that had been rooting for a team that had been working their way back from a big deficit and was about to tie it up. But the Wolves were just starting to claw their way back into it.
I’ve got to say, though, that the team really responded. The home team’s activity picked up, their urgency ratcheted up a couple of notches, and thought that if the Spurs could score, it would take the air out of the arena and both the team and the crowd might cave. What happened on the next possession? Timberwolves forced a shot clock violation and the crowd came unhinged. The rest of the quarter was a 17-4 run from the home team on the back of the energy that the fans decided to give before there was really much to cheer for.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 08: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs knocks the ball away from Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
But none of that is really what scares me the most. It’s scary, but the truly terrifying bit is what all of that might enable – a tight game down the stretch with enough scoring and defense to put the ball in Edwards’s hands with just enough time on the clock to rip the hearts out of the Spurs. He’s done it three times already this year: twice in the regular season, and once in Game 1. Plus, he did it at the end of the 1st on Friday, and McDaniels closed out the 2nd in the same way.
So that’s what I’m most afraid of. Your team sticks around, and Ant pulls a rabbit out of his hat again. It wouldn’t subvert expectations much, but it sure would even up the series.
Which of those options do you think is more likely? A wire to wire dogfight like Games 1 and 3 or a blowout like Game 2? Or maybe it’s something else entirely…
Thilo
DISCLAIMER: My dear reader, I got home at 2:15 AM from a concert just in time to write the final bit of this Frat. I wish it made more sense, but I hope that my excitement is enough to carry what may be some faulty ideas. Thank you in advance.
It’s funny isn’t it? That you’re the one convincing me to have hope in my team, while I wallow in the self-pity of refusing to have my heart broken again.
What you’re describing, ultimately, is a Wild-Westian gamble where the Wolves maneuver themselves, bet by bet, flop by flop, to an even game before letting Ant go all in on the final hand of the game. How fitting it is to be facing the Spurs in that regard.
To that end, what I am truly hoping for is a Game 4 victory that shatters the record for largest playoff win in NBA history in favor of the Timberwolves. I do unironically think Minnesota evens up the series tonight, as the second game at home is always the easier one to hold on to and dominate (vis a vis Game 2)
I think I will stand by some of my pessimism however. There is no escaping that the Spurs are an excellent team, and while the Wolves are quite good as well, they are neither at full strength nor particularly locked in right now.
I think that one of those things can change on a dime. I’d say that would enable pulling away in a close game. I think that’s what we’ll see in Game 4.
Still, if I think back to the first frat we did, I remember the focus we put on “well, the Spurs can’t just ‘play better,’ there’s always give and take.” It feels like the Spurs have had to give up very little to gain a ton. Minnesota probably needs to flip that script.
Give up nothing, and take back momentum.
Winning two on the road is going to be a lot harder than just winning one. Losing two at home should be a lot harder than just losing one.
We’ll see tonight, and I hope we get a good one, because despite the loss, Game 3 was a lot more fun than Game 2.
Lakers star Austin Reaves, left, talks with coach JJ Redick during the Lakers' loss in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
In their darkest playoff hour, Lakers coach JJ Redick advised his players during practice Sunday to take the same mental approach for the win-or-go-home Game 4 that they've used since the first day of training camp.
The Lakers trail the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-0 in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series. The Lakers must beat the Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night or their season is over.
"Our first slide that we put up in training camp was [to] win the day,” Redick said. “Today was a quick offensive review and then just going over some stuff defensively. Got to win today and we got to win tomorrow. We know what we're facing being down 3-0. So it's just more of a mindset check than anything else."
No NBA team has ever come back to win a series when trailing 3-0, with those teams holding a 161-0 record.
Redick was asked what his team’s mood was like at practice.
"These guys are good,” he said.
Redick then was asked what his squad has shown him that gives him hope the Lakers can still win.
“Affirmation,” he responded.
Even after losing three games by an average of 19.6 points per game, the Lakers still cling to some hope.
Rui Hachimura has been on what Redick called a “heater” from three-point range. He has made 57.1% of his threes and has shot 54.1% from the floor in the series, averaging 18.3 points per game.
Hachimura thought back to the Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets and how they had a commanding 3-0 lead. But the Rockets fought back to make the series 3-2 before the Lakers closed out the series.
"It’s crazy, but I think that’s the mentality we need," Hachimura said. "I think it’s one at a time. I think especially with this type of team, you can't really make mistakes. ... We have to keep the same energy the whole game. That’s the only way we can win. So, we know what we do."
Lakers star LeBron James plays against the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
What they need to do is play better in the third quarter. The Lakers have been outscored 92-61 in the third quarter by the Thunder.
“I feel like every game we're getting closer,” Hachimura said. “Especially last night ... apparently we had the best offensive game of the series, even the playoffs. I think we had really good looks, great looks. But I think defensively we, especially in the third quarter, we kind of slowed down. I don't know [if] we got burned out or we got tired, whatever.
"So, I think our focus is like how we play in the first half we have to do in the whole game. ... That's going to be our goal."
The Lakers have managed to slow down Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by having Marcus Smart guard him and putting constant double teams on the reigning NBA most valuable player.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 21.0 points per game in the series, far below the 31.1 points he averaged during the regular season. He’s averaging 5.7 assists per game, which is below his 6.6 during the regular season, and he’s shooting 45.8%, which is below his 55.3% for the season. He’s averaging four turnovers in the series as well.
But Chet Holmgren, who is averaging a double-double in the series at 21.3 points per game and 10.0 rebounds, has been a handful for the Lakers. Ajay Mitchell is averaging 20.7 points per game and 6.6 assists.
That’s why the Lakers are on the verge of seeing their season end. The Lakers have faced adversity all season, but Game 4 will be the ultimate test.
"Being on the Lakers, you feel like your back’s against the wall every game,” Redick said. “So I think the whole season has prepared us to be in a position where we're in the second round of the Western Conference and being in the mix with a great basketball team."
Joel Embiid pretty much begged 76ers fans not to sell their tickets and to show up for the home games during their second round matchup with the Knicks.
The team tried its best to keep New Yorkers from being able to acquire them, as well.
The organization went as far as donating tickets to local community groups in an effort to keep Knicks fans out.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t work.
“I used to think Philly was a sports town, I don’t know anymore,” Josh Hart said after the Knicks defeated the Sixers to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The orange and blue faithful absolutely dominated Xfinity Mobile Arena in Game 3, and it was even worse with a chance to close the series out on Sunday for Game 4.
New York fans once again showed up and showed out.
Cheers were so loud when the Knicks were welcomed to the court pregame that if you weren’t looking you would've thought the home team was being introduced.
And those cheers only grew louder and louder as the Knicks jumped out to commanding double-digit advantage behind a historic three-point shooting opening quarter.
“It’s one of the coolest things in the world hearing Knicks fans take over opposing arenas,” Jalen Brunson said.
They exploded again after Mitchell Robinson knocked both of his free throws when Philly turned to the Hack-A-Mitch strategy in an effort to slow things down late in the second quarter.
Minutes later, a contingent of Knicks fans behind the basket were shown holding up pictures of Robinson’s posterization of Joel Embiid as the big man attempted free throws on the other end.
And with the hometown fans making their way towards the exits, chants of ‘Knicks in 4’ and ‘Let’s Go Knicks’ rang throughout the area down the stretch in the blowout victory.
Philly sounded like MSG West, once again.
“I got a lot of respect for you, Knicks fans,” Mike Brown said.
“When you can take over a 'sports town,' that gives the guys so much confidence,” Hart said. “JB, myself, Mikal [Bridges] have ties here so it never felt like a road game, and they made sure to echo that.”
Tyrese Maxey – 23.5 VJ Edgecombe – 16 Joel Embiid – 14.5 Paul George – 10 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 6 Justin Edwards – 4 Dominick Barlow – 3 Andre Drummond – 3 Quentin Grimes – 3 Jared McCain – 3 MarJon Beauchamp – 2 Adem Bona – 1 Porter Martone – 1 Cam Payne – 1 Jabari Walker – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
Well, it’s over.
The Philadelphia 76ers season comes to a close in the second round of the playoffs, with the New York Knicks completing their 4-0 sweep of the Sixers on their floor. Well, it sounded like the Knicks’ floor, but it was technically the Sixers’.
Game 4 was about as bad as it could get. The Sixers were already down more than 20 points by the close of the first frame. It just never even looked like a competitive contest. The Knicks had 81 points by halftime, holding a 24-point advantage. The Sixers players might have packed for Cancun during the break. New York sweeps Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, with a 144-114 final score in Game 4. If you are looking for a recap of the game for some sick reason, we have you covered here.
I think the reality is that we all knew this was how it would end, with a whimper. The same way this team has gone out year after year. Knocking out the Boston Celtics was nice along the way, and kudos to the players for making that happen in spite of the organizational management this season… but reality always sinks in at some point: this is not a contending team. They never were really expected to be contenders this season, but this is the harsh result of the fact that they really just aren’t. We knew it before the season even started and the organization’s front office all but confirmed it at the trade deadline.
This is where that gets you. Sure, you made the second round when you really weren’t expected to… but does it matter when this is how it ends? If nothing changes going forward?
But I digress. There will be plenty of time for all the post-mortem chatter.
For the final time of the 2025-26 season, let’s get to the Bell Ringer.
The Sixers fans
<p>(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
The Sixers fans are going to get criticized after the crowd distribution at Game 4, with a large majority of the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena donning Knicks gear. I don’t think that will be fair criticism by any means.
After years of stagnation, frustrating injuries, the same roster construction issues never being resolved, the trade deadline “strategy” (if you can even call it that) this February… Even after all of that, the Philadelphia fans showed up for the end of the regular season fight to the Play-In Tournament. They showed up all regular season, through the highs and lows. They showed for that Play-In Tournament game that sent the Sixers to the actual playoffs. They showed up in the first round, and even a bit for Game 3 of this second round despite incredibly high prices to get a seat at the game.
So no, I do not blame the Philadelphia fans for not showing up for Game 4. It would have meant giving $400 per ticket to an organization that has spit in their faces just to then watch a Sixers team get immediately outplayed into a more than 25-point deficit. The only one that put in any perceivable effort was Joel Embiid, who was actively battling through his entire body being in pain throughout. Sorry, that’s just not worth the price of admission.
If this Flyers’ run (and the cheers following their elimination) has taught us anything about the fans of Philadelphia, it’s that they are just looking for something to cheer about. Effort and heart from the organization and the team. This wasn’t that. One of the many ways in which the Sixers are not the Flyers, despite having similar playoff runs on paper these past few weeks.
All of that is to say that there’s only one candidate for the final Bell Ringer of the 2025-26 season: you. You, the fans that find a way to keep being interested in and supporting this team even when it’s been really hard to. You, the fans that keep reading and commenting on our work here at Liberty Ballers even when it would be totally reasonable to be checked-out on all things Sixers. You, the sicko Philly fan that keeps caring even when all evidence tries to convince you not to.
You are the only ones worthy of the Bell Ringer here. We appreciate you.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In what’s become a far too familiar script, the Lakers fell to the Thunder in Saturday’s Game 3 and now trail 3-0. A deficit that’s never been overcome in NBA history. LA’s season is now on the brink of ending on Monday as they attempt to extend the series back to Oklahoma City in Game 4.
In Groundhog Day fashion, the purple and gold led at halftime and held momentum going into the break. It was a two-point advantage in Game 3 after a one-point advantage in Game 2. The Thunder, though, play a complete game, and it takes 48 focused minutes to even keep it close.
The ugly third quarter reared its head again, as OKC used a 33-20 period to turn a deficit into another blowout win, leading by as much as 27 and revealing just how far these two teams are from one another.
Their physicality and aggression wear on opponents, eventually breaking the Lakers’ spirit in each game. After a few back-and-forth baskets, with a tied game at 63, OKC broke out a 15-2 run.
The reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, gets the most attention, understandably, but the Lakers’ killer in this series continues to be guard Ajay Mitchell. The third quarter on Saturday was no different.
Mitchell finished 3-3 from the field with nine points, three assists and zero turnovers in the game-changing third. He hit an early three on the wing to begin the quarter, but where he’s really killed the LA is on straight-line drives, as shown below.
Watch as he runs an action with Isaiah Hartenstein and attacks the basket with a floater that settles in.
His shot puts OKC up seven, with a timeout by head coach J.J. Redick to follow.
The explosive guard finished 10-17 from the field for 24 points, ten assists with zero turnovers. He averaged over 20 for the series with 6.7 assists, burning the Lakers on any overhelp against SGA or taking over in the minutes he sat.
Labeled as the deepest team in the league going into the playoffs, OKC leveraged that all series, including in the third. They have an unending supply of quality role players to plug and play.
Shooting just 6-18 on 3-pointers in the first half, they hit 5-9 in the third, including two massive ones from sharp shooter Isaiah Joe. What looked like a strong defensive possession with closeouts led to a huge basket, quickly taking a five-point lead to eight in the clip below.
On the Lakers’ offensive end, after 57 points at halftime, they mustered just 20 in the third quarter. The Thunder adjusted and increased their physicality on the Lakers’ main ball handlers.
Austin Reaves had eight assists at halftime, getting going downhill and finding teammates either on skip passes or at the basket. OKC shut off those passing windows in the third. Watch below as LeBron James runs a ball screen at the top of the key and swings it over to Reaves in the corner.
No advantage is created as all the Thunder are in the correct defensive position on the floor. Reaves attacks the on-ball pressure from Mitchell looking to score, but is shut off at the rim by Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. A mid-air pass is quickly stolen for one of his three turnovers in the quarter.
A few possessions later, LeBron and Reaves run their patented middle ball screen action. Mitchell gets a hand on the pocket pass to disrupt the play. Watch below as LeBron quickly looks to fling the ball to Jaxson Hayes and turns it over.
“The turnovers, I think we had five of them in the third,” Redick said postgame. “I think all of them led to them getting fast-break transition baskets. I don’t know what it ended up being, but at one point, they were 11-17 from three in the second half. You’re not getting stops, it’s harder to score.”
LeBron and Reaves combined to go just 1-5 in the third quarter with four turnovers. It’s not enough against a team you need to play perfectly against to just keep it close, let alone steal a win.
The competitive first halves in this series and the constant shots of the bench, with superstar Luka Dončić looking on helplessly, can spark interest in what this matchup would look like in a different situation.
But the reality is that LA has lost the third quarter 92-61 in this series through Game 3 with an average margin of victory of 20 points per game. No matter how you spin it, these teams are nowhere close to each other, and a long summer awaits.
After a miserable season in Indiana, Pacers fans had hoped to get some reprieve in the 2026 NBA Draft, as their team finished with the second-worst record and would surely be picking high.
The basketball gods had other ideas on Sunday when the league hosted the NBA draft lottery and the Pacers saw their name called for the No. 5 pick. The problem was that the team traded that pick to the Clippers for Ivica Zubac and only made the pick top-four protected.
The reaction was swift after the Pacers (19-63) were perceived to have tanked their season in order to get a high draft pick, only to see that go by the wayside. They started the day with a 52.1 percent chance at a top-four pick.
President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard of the Indiana Pacers NBAE via Getty Images
Team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard even took to social media to apologize on Sunday afternoon after the draft lottery.
“I’m really sorry to all our fans,” Pritchard wrote on X. “I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.”
While some praised Prtichard for owning the circumstance the Pacers now find themselves in after winning just 19 games last season, others were not as merciful.
“You lose Myles Turner and add Zubac. You lose [Benedict] Mathurin and the number 5 pick with absolutely nothing in return. This is why fans are upset, for a center who not even a top 5 center in the NBA. Who trades their future away for Ivan Zubac???” one user wrote.
“Pacers really traded a top pick in this generational draft for “‘ivica zubac,’” another person chimed in.
An overall view of the signage during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026 NBAE via Getty Images
“If I were a Pacers fan and my team traded away a top 5 pick for Ivica Zubac in the middle of a tanking season I would be beyond devastated,” a third person said on X.
There should be some solace in the fact that the Pacers aren’t likely to repeat the poor nature of their 2025-26 campaign next season and they will have star Tyrese Haliburton back from a torn right Achilles after leading the team to the NBA Finals last season.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 08: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks a shot by Naz Reid #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much. The rule against trolling also applies to members of this site that visit other fan sites, especially sites of the opposing team. Be polite and don’t insult your hosts.
Happy Mother’s day everyone. The Spur took back home court advantage on Friday night in Minnesota with Victor Wembenyama taking over the game, both at the star, and more importantly, at the end, where he was able to control the game despite picking up his fifth foul with 6 minutes left in the game. Both teams depended heavily on their superstar player, with Antony Edwards 32 points almost matching Wemby’s 39.
Tonight would be a great time for the Spurs to get a bigger contribution from the rest of the cast. De’Aaron Fox and Julian Champagnie made plays in clutch time, and Harper was a calming influence, but a whole team effort would reduce the anxiety of the Spurs fan base if they can put together a winning effort tonight. The Spurs would take a 3-1 series lead in the series with a win, and teams that lead 3-1 have gone on to win 95% of the time in 6 game series in NBA history. This year, 3-1 leaders have won 60% of the time, with both the Sixers and Pistons beating the odds to back to win three straight games and take their first round series, so a 3-1 deficit is not a death sentence, but it certainly is a tough spot to be in.
I think veteran players like Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell will find their shooting touch tonight in their ninth career playoff games. This could be another Game 2 style blowout, or it could be a tough toe to toe battle like games 1 and 3. Chris Finch is annoying, but he seems to be good at motivating his team and making adjustments. The Spurs have to be ready for something new tonight, and be able to adapt. Winning on the road is always difficult, and the arena will be loud tonight. Mitch might rely more on Carter Bryant, who seems to be improving game by game. If the starters can provide a dominant performance for the first three quarters, the Spurs can unleash Jordan McLaughlin on Minnesota late and make this a fun night for fans of the Silver and Black. GO SPURS GO!!
Game Prediction:
Jordan McLaughlin gets his first playoff triple double.
San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves, Second Round, Game 4 May 10, 2026 | 6:30 PM CT Streaming: Peacock TV: NBC Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
Miles McBride set the tone, hitting four consecutive 3-pointers in the opening minutes, as the Knicks opened up a big early lead. McBride, starting in place of injured star wing OG Anunoby, snapped out his recent shooting funk by hitting seven 3-pointers on nine attempts and finishing with a playoff career-high 25 points. In his 29 minutes, the Knicks outscored the 76ers by a whopping 33 points.
Zero
After his vanishing act in Game 3, Paul George wasn’t much better on Sunday. He was held to seven points and a minus-35 rating over 27 ineffective minutes. The perennial All-Star was overwhelmed by the Knicks on the perimeter, even without Anunoby the last two games.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives against 76ers forward Paul George (8) during Game 4 on May 10, 2026. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Unsung hero
Karl-Anthony Towns, point center, is working better than anyone could’ve anticipated. He turned in another strong all-around performance, tallying 17 points, 10 assists and two blocks. In 10 playoff games, Towns has 66 assists – 40 more than he managed a year ago in the postseason.
Key stat
25 – Made 3-pointers by the Knicks, a franchise postseason record. It also equaled an NBA playoff record, set by the Bucks (2021) and Cavaliers (2016).
Quote of the day
“I used to think Philly was a sports town. I don’t know if it is anymore,”
— Josh Hart on the Knicks fans’ takeover of Xfinity Mobile Arena.
