Category: Basketball

The Knicks bounced back to regain a 2-1 series advantage over the Detroit Pistons with a 118-116 win in Game 3 of their first round matchup on Thursday night.

Here are the key takeaways...

- The Knicks were one of the best road teams in the league during the regular season and they continued that in their first postseason matchup away from Madison Square Garden -- playing spoiler in the first playoff game in Detroit in six years.

- The intensity in this series has been through the roof and that didn't change as things shifted to Detroit. The chippiness started from the opening tip as Jalen Brunson was assessed a Flagrant 1 just minutes into the game after poking Tim Hardaway Jr. in the eye attempting to block a three.

Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Paul Reed received technicals for a skirmish later in the quarter.

- As far as the early action, the Knicks were able to accomplish their goal of getting off to a hot start. New York was sharing the ball and finding the open man -- knocking down eight of their first 11 shots while dishing nine assists in the opening quarter after finishing with a season-low in that department in Game 2.

- The Knicks also accomplished one of their other big goals -- getting Towns more involved early after he was limited to just 10 points in Game 2. The big man was locked in and ready to roll, knocking down three threes to help him top that point total in just the first eight minutes of the game (11).

- Cam Payne questionably played just four minutes during Game 2, but he also saw a bigger role in this one and provided a spark on both ends right away. With Brunson receiving a breather early in the second, the reserve guard came off the bench and helped keep the Knicks in front.

- The Pistons came surging right back, though, knocking down three after three to take their first lead of the game. The former Knick Hardaway Jr. made his first five attempts from behind the arc after going scoreless in Game 2 and Dennis Schroder provided a spark off the bench, drilling three of his own.

But a well-timed Tom Thibodeau timeout helped the Knicks survive the surge and they used a 23-6 run over the final five minutes to carry their largest lead of the half into the break (13). New York finished a terrific first two quarters with as many assists as they had in Game 2 and they held Detroit to eight points in the paint.

- As was the case in Game 1, the third quarter of doom haunted the Knicks. The Pistons came out of the locker room with a force and began attacking the heart of the Knicks defense -- using a massive 20-9 run of their own to cut things back down to a one possession game.

The Knicks threw their counterpunch and were able to get the lead back up 10 heading into the fourth.

- New York had plenty of opportunities to put this one away for good, but once again the Pistons came storming right back. Tobias Harris was held scoreless over the first three quarters, but his lay-in with just over four an a half minutes remaining again made it a three-point ballgame.

- But as had been the case all season long, Brunson put the Knicks on his back when they needed it the most. The NBA's Clutch Player of the Year had a relatively quiet first three quarters, but delivered 12 of his 30 points to help seal the deal down the stretch.

- It wasn't just Brunson who delivered for the Knicks offensively, as they had four different players top the 20-point mark in a playoff game for the first time since 1972 (KAT 31, Brunson 30, OG Anunoby 22, Mikal Bridges 20). While Josh Hart wasn't quite there offensively, he still finished with nine assists and 11 rebounds.

- New York did a good job of limiting Cade Cunningham for the most part after his monster Game 2 showing -- holding him to just 24 points on 10-of-25 shooting. He did have 10 assists and seven rebounds but wasn't nearly the force he was in the previous meeting.

- In NBA history, teams that have won Game 3 have gone on to win the series 74.2 percent of the time.

Game MVP: Jalen Brunson

Captain Clutch delivered for the Knicks down the stretch, once again.

Highlights

KAT keeps knocking ‘em down from deep 👌 pic.twitter.com/x0tRESS2Kb

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 24, 2025

Mitchell Robinson and Paul Reed exchange shoves and Karl-Anthony Towns stepped in to get Reed away from Robinson.

All 3 players were assessed technicals. pic.twitter.com/iAn2xxiePK

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 24, 2025

OG closes out Q1 with a putback slam pic.twitter.com/Iol1GyZGqH

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 24, 2025

KAT vs. Paul Reed 💪 pic.twitter.com/fKCzqVcwcs

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 25, 2025

What's next

The Knicks remain in Detroit for Game 4 against the Pistons on Sunday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Jimmy Butler's Game 3 vs. Rockets status in ‘serious jeopardy,' per report originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors forward Jimmy Butler avoided a major injury, but his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in question.

Butler sustained a deep glute muscle contusion and his availability for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is in “serious jeopardy,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday night, citing league sources.

Golden State's Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion and his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in serious jeopardy, league sources tell ESPN. This is best case because MRI showed Butler avoided any fracture or structural damage. pic.twitter.com/nTEjv4QKp7

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 25, 2025

Charania reported that Butler’s MRI revealed no pelvic fractures or structural damage.

Before Charania reported about Butler’s status, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Tristi Rodriguez spoke to Stanford Medicine’s Dr. Marc Safran, M.D., about when the 35-year-old might be able to return to the court.

“Totally a guess because we don’t know the degree of damage, but my guess is, if it’s nothing structural, if you will, it’s just inflammation, it’s really going to be about managing the pain and what he can play through and being able to play effectively through,” Dr. Safran said. “He’s a motivated guy that wants to get out and play, and so he’ll come back as soon as it’s absolutely possible without trying to put himself at greater risk.

“So, fortunately, again, if it’s not structural, which the MRI will tell us, then it’s just really more a function of being able to manage the inflammation, manage the pain to be able to get him out there.

“So, is the next game completely out of the picture? No, it’s not. But most people, because of where this is, it can take a week to two or three to actually get back. But I think they’re going to do obviously everything in their power to reduce inflammation, get him back to doing what he wants to get out and do.”

Butler sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Warriors’ Game 2 loss to the Rockets and was ruled out midway through the second quarter with a pelvis contusion.

Though it seems Butler will miss Saturday’s pivotal swing game, his agent, Bernie Lee, texted ESPN’s Marc J. Spears with a cryptic message.

“There is some hope, though,” Spears shared Thursday on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “Bernie Lee, Jimmy Butler’s agent, texted me saying, ‘Pray for the bear.’ That tells me that’s some optimism for Jimmy.”

If Butler misses Saturday’s game, the Warriors have to hope that it’s a one-game absence and he’s able to return for Monday’s Game 4.

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Warriors provide update on Butler's injury, Game 3 status originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors forward Jimmy Butler avoided a major injury, but his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is up in the air.

An MRI confirmed Butler sustained a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion, the Warriors shared Friday, and his status for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is questionable.

This comes after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday night, citing a league source, that Butler sustained a deep glute muscle contusion and his availability for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is in “serious jeopardy.” Charania reported that Butler’s MRI revealed no pelvic fractures or structural damage.

Before the updates about Butler’s status, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Tristi Rodriguez spoke to Stanford Medicine’s Dr. Marc Safran, M.D., about when the 35-year-old might be able to return to the court.

“Totally a guess because we don’t know the degree of damage, but my guess is, if it’s nothing structural, if you will, it’s just inflammation, it’s really going to be about managing the pain and what he can play through and being able to play effectively through,” Dr. Safran said. “He’s a motivated guy that wants to get out and play, and so he’ll come back as soon as it’s absolutely possible without trying to put himself at greater risk.

“So, fortunately, again, if it’s not structural, which the MRI will tell us, then it’s just really more a function of being able to manage the inflammation, manage the pain to be able to get him out there.

“So, is the next game completely out of the picture? No, it’s not. But most people, because of where this is, it can take a week to two or three to actually get back. But I think they’re going to do obviously everything in their power to reduce inflammation, get him back to doing what he wants to get out and do.”

Butler sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Warriors’ Game 2 loss to the Rockets and was ruled out midway through the second quarter with a pelvis contusion.

Though it seems Butler will miss Saturday’s pivotal swing game, his agent, Bernie Lee, texted ESPN’s Marc J. Spears with a cryptic message.

“There is some hope, though,” Spears shared Thursday on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “Bernie Lee, Jimmy Butler’s agent, texted me saying, ‘Pray for the bear.’ That tells me that’s some optimism for Jimmy.”

If Butler misses Saturday’s game, the Warriors have to hope that it’s a one-game absence and he’s able to return for Monday’s Game 4.

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Cavaliers' Evan Mobley wins 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Evan Mobley has added to his stellar 2024-25 campaign.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star on Thursday was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, his first win in the category.

Mobley beat out Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green and Atlanta Hawks wing Dyson Daniels.

The No. 3 overall pick by Cleveland in 2021, Mobley put up averages of 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals across 71 games, helping anchor Cleveland on both sides of the ball as the team surged to the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed at 64-18.

Mobley, a San Diego native and USC product, also earned his first All-Star nod this season due to his efforts. He was previously named to the All-Defensive First Team in 2023, with another nod presumably looming.

The 6-foot-11 big man is also set to see a significant pay raise due to his win. After signing a rookie extension last July worth $224 million, language in his contract detailed that the sum would increase to $269 million should he win the award.

Fellow Cleveland star teammates Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland were among the players congratulating Mobley for the achievement.

Mobley was also a top-three finalist for the award in 2023. Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert won the award last season, the fourth of his career.

San Antonio Spurs sophomore phenom Victor Wembanyama was widely seen as the favorite to claim the award this year after a second-place rookie finish, but a season-ending blood clot diagnosis in February saw him get shut down.

Green, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year winner in 2017, was another top candidate after playing a key role in Golden State’s resurgence toward the back half of the season. Daniels, the No. 8 pick in 2022, has yet to win a major award but was named the steals leader for this season.

Kings GM Perry ready to conquer ‘unfinished business' in Sacramento originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

New Kings general manager Scott Perry and Sacramento, although brief, have a history. 

Back in 2017, Perry was the Kings’ president of basketball operations for three months before taking the New York Knicks GM role.

As a result of such a short tenure, Perry left behind plenty of unfinished business in Sacramento. 

In his return almost a decade later, the 61-year-old, in an exclusive interview with NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan, detailed what motivates him about being back in Sacramento.

“I felt like there was a lot of unfinished business for me, personally, quite frankly,” Perry told Ragan. “Because when I was here eight years ago, I felt we got off to a great start. 

“So now, it’s a blessing to have this opportunity to come back, and I can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and make something happen.” 

Perry, who highlighted his relationship with Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, was hired as Sacramento’s general manager less than a week after the franchise mutually agreed to part ways with Monte McNair. 

Perry inherits a Kings team coming off a rollercoaster 2024-25 NBA season that ended in disappointing fashion after a 120-106 NBA play-in tournament loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

There is plenty of work cut out.

“First and foremost, we need to establish an identity of what it means to be a Sacramento King,” Perry added. “So when teams play us, you got to know what you’re facing. That is order No. 1. 

“ … It’s got to be based on toughness, a defensive mindset, a sharing-of-the-ball mindset, a lot of accountability, discipline, hard work.” 

For Perry, there is unfinished business to settle as he returns to a franchise that needs all the help it can get.

“Those got to be all of the components and variables of what it means to be a Sacramento Kings player and a part of the Sacramento Kings team,” Perry continued. “So, that needs to be reflected on a daily basis, even when the fans aren’t watching.

“But when we get on that court, win, lose or draw, we want that to shine through.”

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Tatum doubtful for Game 3 vs. Magic; Holiday added to injury report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic in Game 2 without Jayson Tatum, and they’ll likely have to do the same Friday in Game 3.

Tatum was listed as doubtful on Thursday’s injury report due to the wrist injury he sustained on a hard foul by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Game 1. He also had a doubtful designation for Game 2 before being ruled out in the hour leading up to tip-off.

Jrue Holiday was a surprise addition to the Celtics’ injury report with a right hamstring strain. The veteran guard is listed as questionable to play in Game 3.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla provided an update on Tatum’s injury during his Thursday appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand.”

“Yeah, there will definitely be a chance,” Mazzulla said when asked about the possibility of Tatum playing in Game 3. “Again, he’s dealing with a severe bone bruise. He’s day-to-day, and he’s progressively gotten a little bit better each day.”

As for Holiday, it’s unclear when he suffered his hamstring injury. He played 36 minutes in Boston’s Game 2 win, recording 11 points with six assists, four rebounds, and one block.

Game 3 between the Celtics and Magic is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off in Orlando. Coverage begins at 6 p.m. on NBC Sports Boston with Celtics Pregame Live.

Fresh off being named NBA Clutch Player of the Year, there's nobody more equipped to take a shot in the final minutes of a close game than Jalen Brunson.

While that's great to have, the Knicks point guard also understands his role goes beyond just scoring, and that in certain situations he needs to pass the ball more.

Speaking to reporters after practice on Thursday, Brunson said after watching film of New York's Game 2 loss to the Detroit Pistons that "there were a couple of possessions where I had some bad shots."

"That’s on me to just understand the situation where I need to get off of it," he continued, clarifying that he meant he needs to pass the ball more.

Despite having "some bad shots," Brunson still finished with 37 points on 12-of-27 shooting from the field (4-for-12 from three) and almost willed the Knicks to a win. However, the 27 shots he took were almost nine shots more than the 18.5 field goal attempts he averaged in the regular season.

In fact, in Game 1 -- a 123-111 Knicks win -- Brunson also went 12-for-27 from the field and scored a game-high 34 points.

None of this should diminish Brunson's role as a facilitator, though, as the point guard still managed to have eight assists in Game 1 and seven assists in Game 2 (almost half of New York's season-low 15 total assists), right on par with his season average of 7.3

Regardless, for the Knicks to have success in the postseason, other players besides Brunson will need to step up in big moments, so getting his teammates involved more often can only help in doing that. Karl-Anthony Towns, for example, had just 10 points in Game 2 and didn't attempt a shot in the fourth quarter.

"That’s the toughest part is trying to find that balance," said Josh Hart about Brunson. "I think him coming in, maybe at the start of the game, try to get some of these guys involved and get them free flowing and feeling great… It’s a feeling out process, but the good thing is it’s all fixable things."

Brunson will have a chance to showcase that balance on Thursday night in Game 3 against Detroit.

Cousins says Warriors-Rockets refs are ‘letting too much go' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins believes the referees are letting too many calls go in the Warriors’ playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

The first-round Western Conference matchup has been bruising so far, but Cousins is not a fan of how the refs are calling things on the court.

“It is getting a point where I think the refs are letting too much go,” Cousins told Michelle Beadle and Chandler Parsons on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.” “As a fan and as a physical player myself, I enjoy this type of basketball. I think this is the foundation of basketball. It has always been a [part of the game]. I think in the past 10-15 years, we’ve kind of shied away from the physicality in basketball.

“That being said, there were some plays within the game that I thought the refs let go a little too much. There was one specific play where [Gary Payton II] tried to drive down the lane and went up for a dunk and completely got clipped. I think Steve [Kerr] called a timeout immediately after that. It was plays like that that stood out to me. You have to make those calls. Certain things you just can’t let go.”

"The refs are letting too much go." 😱

Boogie Cousins was never afraid of contact in the NBA, but (like Warriors fans) he thinks the Rockets' physicality should be put in check 👀

Agree?@boogiecousins | @MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsonspic.twitter.com/yElcWmw5rB

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 24, 2025

Houston’s physical and swarming defense has been causing issues for Steph Curry and the rest of Golden State’s offense in two games of the best-of-seven series. For the most part, the refs have not been calling many fouls despite the Rockets contesting every shot around the rim.

With Jimmy Butler sidelined with a pelvic contusion, Golden State struggled to get in an offensive rhythm in Game 2 as Houston brutalized them. The NBA officiating crew appears content to let the two teams trade blows, harkening back to previous generations of professional basketball, when teams could hand-check with impunity.

Even a more favorably officiated game would do little for the Warriors if they cannot devise a successful offensive strategy against the Rockets.

With Butler’s status uncertain for Game 3, the Warriors must get more offensive production out of their bench players. If not, no amount of favorable officiating will stop Houston from pulling out another win.

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