Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama felt some type of way going into his Western Conference finals debut after losing out on NBA MVP honors to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After putting up playoff career highs in points (41) and rebounds (24), Wembanyama said it was personal for him when asked about Gilgeous-Alexander after San Antonio’s 122-115 double-overtime road victory Monday night in Game 1 against Oklahoma City.
“Was that in your mind at all knowing that Shai had gotten that award and you were in the top three for it — and did any part of tonight feel personal, some of your facial expressions kind of looked like you were really going for it,” Wembanyama was asked in his post-game press conference.
“Yeah, for sure, everything you just said,” Wembanyama said.
The French phenom did not elaborate further.
Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP for the second straight year Sunday, beating out Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Wembanyama used it as motivation for his historic Game 1 showing — highlighted by monster dunks and the occasional muscle flex.
His deep game-tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds left in the first overtime forced a second extra stanza.
Wembanyama’s 41 points and 24 rebounds put him in elite company, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to tally 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds in their Conference finals debut.
Victor Wembanyama celebrates after a Game 1 win over the Thunder in the Western Conference finals on May 18, 2026 at Paycom Center. NBAE via Getty Images
He also recorded three blocks.
Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper had 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals, and also made playoff history.
Harper, a Franklin Lakes, N.J. native, became the first rookie to notch 15-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus steals in a playoff game since Magic Johnson in 1980.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) lifts the MVP award before Game 1. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, had an off night and vowed he will be better after scoring 24 points on an inefficient 7-of-23 shooting performance, including 2-of-7 from 3.
The Kings and the Warriors officially have set their sights on the 2026 NBA Draft to bolster their rosters following their disappointing seasons.
Sacramento and Golden State didn’t have much luck during the draft lottery, with the Kings dropping to the No. 7 pick and the Warriors standing pat with their No. 11 selection.
Following the NBA combine, ESPN dropped its latest 2026 mock draft projecting who Sacramento and Golden State will select with their respective picks.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 183 pounds, Flemings makes a lot of sense for a Kings team that’s looking to find a true starting point guard.
“The Kings drew a short straw on lottery night but will have an opportunity to address their need for a point guard at this spot, with Acuff frequently tied to them, and Flemings and Mikel Brown Jr. also potentially still on the board,” ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote.
“In what order Sacramento prioritizes those players — and whether they value Acuff enough to consider moving up to get him — remains to be seen, but it was a point of speculation from other teams at the combine.”
Sacramento has not had a consistent, young starting point guard since trading away star De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite his small size, Flemings can be a viable option at point guard thanks to his explosiveness, athleticism, and defensive ability. In 37 appearances with the Houston Cougars last season, the San Antonio native averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
With Kings coach Doug Christie’s defensive-minded approach, Flemings seems to be a solid fit for a team looking to bring playoff basketball back to Sacramento.
11. Golden State Warriors: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
With major injuries to wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, the Warriors will have a glaring hole entering the 2026-27 NBA season. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Burries could slide in as an impactful combo guard in Golden State.
“Burries is drawing looks inside the top 10, but could also end up being the guard who falls,” Woo wrote. “He would be a solid fit for the Warriors in this scenario. His dimensions will play up better on the ball than at the two, but his sturdy build should also help him defend wings.
“The fact he’s a year older than some of the other freshmen and somewhat caught between positions based on tools makes him more of a back-half lottery option.”
In 39 games for the Arizona Wildcats last season, the Southern California native averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game and shot 49.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range.
With Steve Kerr officially returning as Warriors coach alongside stars Steph Curry and Draymond Green, Burries could become one of the pieces Golden State needs to rejuvenate its roster and get younger as a team.
May 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) celebrates with designated hitter Mickey Gasper (30) after hitting a two run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Throughout their history, the Boston Red Sox have notoriously done damage at the plate.
It’s pretty difficult to find an era in which they didn’t have mashers — or at least long, sustained periods where they ranked among the best in baseball at putting runs on the board.
Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr were the standard bearers in the 1940s and 1950s. Carl Yastrzemski then showed up in 1961, ushering in an era that included the likes of Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, and Carlton Fisk. Dwight Evans and Wade Boggs knocked the cover off the ball throughout the 1980s. (I don’t want to talk about the early 1990s, because that doesn’t fit my agenda.) Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers are just a few of the names who have led the charge for top-five offenses since the turn of the century.
It’s tradition — though that seems to have been lost this season…
The Red Sox seem to have forgotten what they’re supposed to be, as they ranked 29th in OPS (.666) and HR (33), 27th in total bases (546), and 22nd in batting average (.235) entering this week’s series against the Kansas City Royals.
EW!
I don’t need to get into all of the things that got them to this point, but a mix of stupid personnel decisions (Durbin, Caleb), regressing veterans (Duran, Jarren; Story, Trevor), injured youngsters (Anthony, Roman) and an entirely new coaching staff full of dweebs who have never played the sport in their lives are probably a good place to start the conversation — but where does it end?
I’d be extremely surprised if we see any meaningful moves made to get this group back on track before it’s too late, nor do I expect many of the names listed above to just turn things around. I just think they’re going to start playing a brand of baseball that works for them.
If that means playing like the Tampa Bay Rays, they’re going to play like the Tampa Bay Rays!
Boston’s pitching staff could be one of the three or four best in baseball, with the starting rotation giving you a quality start in seven of the last nine games. The Red Sox haven’t been able to consistently turn those performances into wins however, so there has been an emphasis on getting guys into the lineup who can actually put the ball in play and attempt to manufacture runs.
Mickey Gasper has started seven of the last nine games. Nick Sogard was called up and immediately inserted into an every day role. Andruw Monasterio is getting regular at-bats with the injury to Story. Connor Wong is playing a bit more.
It’s not sexy, but at least they aren’t swinging through everything and routinely posting uncompetitive innings.
Wong, Sogard, and Duran combined for an instance of small ball in Monday’s victory at Kauffman Stadium, with the former lacing a double down the line, moving over to third base on a bunt single, and scoring on a sacrifice fly — scoring an insurance run that gave them some breathing room in a 3-1 win over Kansas City.
It’s insane that those things get me excited, but that’s where we’re at!
Boston needs to continue playing that brand of baseball, which means more Sogard, Monasterio, Gasper, and whoever else is willing to actually give a shit.
Junior Caminero would be helpful, too, but they can’t actually be those guys…
In the process, Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history (22 years, 134 days) to score at least 40 points and grab at least 20 rebounds in a playoff game.
Victor Wembanyama stats in Game 1
In the double-overtime win over the top-seeded Thunder, Victor Wembanyama was on the court for the most minutes he's ever played in an NBA game. And his stat line might not even do him justice.
May 18, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the twelfth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets won an absolute insane baseball game, becoming the first team since 1983 to score double digit runs in extra innings as they prevailed 16-7 over the Nationals in twelve innings. It was the club’s third straight victory and their sixth win in their last seven games.
The Mets brought up Daniel Duarte and optioned Joey Gerber to Triple-A. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mets transferred A.J. Minter to the 60-day IL.
Will Sammon shared the story of Joe Raccuia, the scout who discovered A.J. Ewing. Raccuia is recovering from a stroke and the loss of his son, but has found solace in watching Ewing’s rise to the majors.
Bo Bichette discussed his slow start and how he’s trying to get back to being the player the Mets signed.
Jorge Polanco has begun the strengthening phase of his road back to the majors, with the hope being that he could begin a rehab assignment in a week or so.
Kodai Senga tossed 46 pitches during a Sunday bullpen session as he tries to work his way back from injury.
Jared Young will move his rehab to Triple-A as aims to return from his injury.
Dave Kerpen, CEO of Kerpen Ventures, talked about how being a Mets fan, moreso than exiting companies or getting an MBA, was the best training to becoming a founder.
Around the National League East
The Braves activated Ronald Acuña Jr. from the injured list and played Kyle Farmer on the 10-day IL.
The Phillies scored two in the eighth to top the Reds 5-4.
The Marlins cooled off the red-hot Braves, shutting them out 12-0.
Around Major League Baseball
Gerrit Cole could make his next start in the majors after touching close to 100 mph in his latest rehab start.
Tarik Skubal was encouraged by his latest symptom-free rehab start.
Roman Anthony of the Red Sox has hit a snag in his rehab and has hit pause as he tries to work his way back.
Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed regret at his ‘choice of words’ with a White Sox fan in a recent exchange.
An Astros fan who did not interfere with Brandon Nimmo stealing back a home run was rewarded with a signed ball and a nice message from the ex-Mets outfielder.
The Padres blanked the Dodgers 1-0. Mason Miller showed his human side but still recovered to shut down L.A.
The Diamondbacks toppled the Giants 12-3.
The Mariners easily handled the White Sox 6-1. In the win, Colt Emerson hit his first major league home run, and after missing his debut, his family did not miss this feat.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Seth Ashby looked at what might be wrong with Bo Bichette.
Chris McShane previewed the team’s series against the Nationals.
May 17, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar (53) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Let’s dial back to Sunday. With the caveat that I’m surprised Sean Manaea is still on an MLB roster, Aaron Boone hit all the right buttons. Pinch-hitter Paul Goldschmidt gets dotted to load the bases with one out, Max Schuemann comes into run for him. Anthony Volpe has his big two-run single, and Boone goes to his bench one more time, eschewing J.C. Escarra in favor of Amed Rosario. Rosario gets a ball in the air, Schuemann scampers home, and the Yankees have their third run of the frame. Not a bad bit of managing from Aaron Boone, and more importantly, highlights this reported sense of “urgency” the team seems to be running with.
From in-game snap decisions to broader choices like optioning Volpe to Triple-A, cutting Randal Grichuk, sending down Luis Gil, this does feel like a Yankee team that’s less interested in waiting out the first half of the season than most years. Of course the great irony is that while Boone made all those good moves in the top of the sixth, the Yankees actually lost that game because the bullpen collectively allowed six runs across five remaining innings.
And that’s the circle that we’re here to square today. The Yankees have some very obvious holes. It starts with the bullpen, where the team hovers around the median of baseball and can creep into the top ten depending on what metric you want to use. However, when we pair the relative weakness of the bullpen with the inconsistency of the offense — holes at catcher, third base, and a newly-discovered lack of depth in the outfield — and you start to get a picture of a team that can’t hit its way out of trouble.
I know people don’t like to hear this, but it is still early. I don’t think anyone should be doing serious roster analysis until a team has played 50 games, but I’m writing this a couple of hours before Game 48 with the Blue Jays kicks off. It’s early, but it’s starting to get not early. The trade market hasn’t quite kicked off yet, but one wonders just how far the Yankees are going to take this supposed sense of urgency. The club seems to perennially trade for relief pitchers that on paper improve the club, even if the 2025 version of that plan leaves some things to be desired.
Neither Escarra nor Austin Wells seems particularly interested in hitting a baseball, or are perhaps even aware there is a baseball to hit, and a change in the backup catcher slot seems inevitable. Ryan Jeffers’ 166 wRC+ will not hold up over a full season, but in a contract year for a pretty tough Twins team, he might be the type of target these oh-so-ruthless Yankees need to slightly overpay for.
Improving the outfield depends on how confident you can be in Jasson Domínguez’s return, and how he’ll hit upon returning. Spencer Jones, in at least his first taste of MLB action, doesn’t seem to have it, and while I’m going to be a little skeptical Domínguez has it long term, at least he’s shown more flashes than Jones has. That the Martian avoided a concussion while colliding with the wall should make us all optimistic, but outfield support could still be needed.
I know there are a lot of people who will probably stop reading the moment I type this, but this is a good baseball team. More than that, the club is combining yet another, improbable, year of Aaron Judge’s prime with performances by Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice that we may never see again. You can’t bank on a 1.35 ERA in perpetuity, even if Cam continues to soar across 2026 every reasonable bettor in the world would hedge on him being worse next year. The Yankees have wasted potential seasons of destiny before — the nice thing this year is you know exactly where the holes are. Want to prove you’re feeling the urgency? Fill them.
Would he play another season? And would it be with the Los Angeles Lakers?
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania was asked on “The Pat McAfee Show” what the future holds for James.
“Every contender” is inquiring about LeBron James, according to ESPN. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I do know a lot of teams are calling him and his camp,” Charania said. “I spoke with Rich Paul the other day at the Chicago Draft Combine last week and he told me like every contender in the NBA is essentially since the season ended, placed a call.”
With interest in the four-time MVP simmering, James still has to determine whether or not a move will happen.
If he decides to return for his 23rd season, he will be 41 years old. Father time is slowly chasing him down, but James is still competing at a high level. He finished last season averaging 21 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
With Luka Doncic missing the entire postseason and Austin Reaves the start of the postseason, James still guided the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round before running into the juggernaut defending champs.
Shams says EVERY contender team has called to ask about LeBron
But still showing he can play at a productive level this late into his career, Charania said that James needs more time with his family and inner circle to discuss his future.
“I don’t think anyone would hold it against him. But I think the expectation has been that probably you’re gonna get one more and we’ll see if he’s gonna be with the Lakers or somewhere else,” Charania said.
While teams are reaching out, Charania noted that the Lakers would still like to keep James in the building as they are chasing down their 18th championship in franchise history.
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France’s Diane Parry wins 6-4, 7-6 (4) in first round
Raducanu competes for first time since Indian Wells
Emma Raducanu’s return to competition for the first time in more than two months ended in a frustrating defeat as she fought hard but failed to convert a string of early opportunities, eventually falling 6-4, 7-6 (4) to France’s Diane Parry in the first round of the Strasbourg Open.
This was an unsurprising result for Raducanu, who now faces the challenge of regaining her rhythm, form and confidence after not competing since her straight-sets loss by Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells in early March. She was outplayed here by a talented and accomplished clay-courter in Parry, the world No 94, who dominated with her forehand while effectively using her variation to keep Raducanu uncomfortable.
The Mets are designating outfielder Austin Slater for assignment, with his replacement on the active roster being outfield prospect Nick Morabito.
In addition moves, the Mets selected left-handed pitcher Anderson Severino to the major league roster before optioning him to Triple-A Syracuse, and transferred Clay Holmes to the 60-day IL.
Morabito, 23, is hitting .253/.364/.390 with four homers, six doubles, one triple, and 14 stolen bases in 41 games for Syracuse this season in what is his first taste at the level.
He spoke to reporters before Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals, a team he grew up rooting for, and said he got the call "pretty late" on Monday night that he was getting called up and said the last 12 hours have been "kind of hectic."
"Just do my best out there and be the [best] player I can be," Morabito said of the Mets' expectations of him. "Go out there and have fun and just try and help this team win."
Morabito has been a weapon against left-handed pitchers this year, posting a .936 OPS (his OPS against righties is .702).
In five minor league seasons in New York's system, Morabito has a .769 OPS.
Morabito has played primarily center field this season, but has also gotten starts in right field and left field. He'll make his MLB debut on Tuesday in left field while batting seventh in the lineup.
"It’s very special," he said of his debut. "I grew up coming to this park so it’s a pretty surreal moment for me, just to be here and it’s very special."
The youngster added that he'll have a good amount of family and friends at the ballpark.
Meanwhile, Slater, 33, struggled in limited opportunities with New York this season. Often getting chances against left-handed pitching, the right-handed hitter slashed .250/.286/.300 with one double in 21 plate appearances across nine games.
He had been signed by the Mets earlier this season after being DFA'd by the Marlins.
May 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Masataka Yoshida (7) at bat against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Last night in the Red Sox 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals, Masataka Yoshida hit a triple and threw out a runner at the plate. When I think about Masataka Yoshida, hitting triples and throwing runners out at the plate aren’t things that come to mind. In fact, it was his first of each statistic since 2023.
What are some other uncharacteristic games that come to mind? Did Mo Vaughn ever steal two bags in a game or something? I’m young(ish), educate me! Talk about what you want and be good to one another. Go Sox.
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting Blake Snell (7) warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
A potential example of the shorter timeline is Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who had surgery on May 6. Skubal’s surgery was also performed by Dr. ElAttrache, who used a smaller NanoNeedle during the procedure. Cody Stavenhagen wrote about the procedure at The Athletic:
In the room with Skubal, ElAttrache explained how the smaller scope could change the procedure. There would be a smaller incision, almost like a poke for an IV. Where a larger arthroscope has to push through layers of tissue, sometimes causing more bleeding, scarring and inflammation, the NanoNeedle could more easily glide to the location. The surgery would require pumping an estimated 65 percent less fluid to insufflate the joint.
Skubal threw his first bullpen session for the Tigers on Monday, just 12 days after the surgery.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes spoke with reporters about Snell and other topics on Monday in San Diego, per Sonja Chen at MLB.com:
“Hopefully, it’s the shorter timeline,” Gomes said. “That’s the hope and expectation right now. Obviously we don’t know 100% until they’re in there, but that’s what we’re expecting.”
Gomes also talked about newcomer Eric Lauer, who was acquired on Sunday and will be activated during this series in San Diego. Lauer will likely pitch in relief this week before slotting into the six-man rotation next week at some point, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
Justin Turner through the weekend was hitting .314/.424/.543 in 21 games for the Tijuana Toros in the Mexican League, where he’s managed by Roberto Kelly, another former Dodger. The 41-year-old Turner talked with Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times:
“I love playing,” he said. “I love competing. As long as I feel I’m serviceable and not just here for entertainment purposes, I’m going to keep doing it.”
The thing about rivals is that they are necessary. They are the result of multiple teams from the same division going after the exact same piece of glory and hardware. You’re probably not going to get to where you want to go without a rival pushing you to find your absolute peak. That’s what shows you where the ceiling is. That’s how you get to where you want to be.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 02: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Arena on April 02, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 124-105. 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
It’s been a million years since the New York Knicks last graced a basketball court. But the playoffs haven’t stopped and our beloved Knickerbockers are back it, starting on Tuesday, and hooping in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year and row.
After beating a pesky Atlanta Hawks squad and vaporizing the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks are facing a much tougher matchup on paper against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Can they keep it rolling? Can they extend their ongoing seven-game winning streak? Will the vibes stay the same as they’ve been for the past few weeks and into the depths of June!?
As usual, the Posting & Toasting crew has squeezed back around the round(ball) table to cut through the noise and tackle the juiciest questions surrounding New York’s EFC showdown with their Cleveland foes. Our panel of basketball geniuses tackled the following questions:
How many games will the Knicks-Cavaliers ECF last, and who makes the Finals?
Antonio: I failed miserably predicting Embiid/Maxey to have an unwinnable game each against the Knicks. I’ll put my reputation on the line once again cause I don’t think it’s that risky. I refuse to believe Donovan Mitchell won’t at least have one of those ridiculous 50-burger outings he puts together here and there, and the Cavs have a bunch of very solid starters, so as not to combine for another victory. Give me Knicks in six and I’d be pleased.
Miranda: Knicks in five. The Cavs won two Game 7s to get this far, and that has to mean something. But those wins were over two teams still learning to rub two sticks together on offense, so how much those Cavs wins matter is pro’ly more eye-of-the-beholder than usual.
Zeno: I gave the Sixers way too much credit last round, and that’s my bad, but I would truly be shocked if the Cavs looked as bad as they did, even with the grueling postseason they’ve endured so far. There are a lot of key matchups in this one, but I lean the Knicks to win a war of attrition and wear down a fatigued Cavs squad in six games to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years.
Kento: The Cavaliers will be the best team the Knicks have played. They, even more so than the two previous teams the Knicks played, pose some unique challenges, but they aren’t hurt, and they aren’t inexperienced. The Cavaliers have a lot of talent, and are more versatile in the ways they can play than the Hawks, and 76ers too. I also think the Knicks’ offense, partly because of how the Cavaliers will defend them, will come back down to earth. But I still think they have the depth, talent, home-court advantage, and rest to take them over the top. Knicks in six.
Beyond Jalen Brunson, who is the most important Knick in the ECF?
Antonio: Everybody’s talking about OG—both health- and talent-wise—but I just can’t go with anyone else than Mitchell Robinson. Yes, bench guy. Yes, awful at the line. Yes, a limited-minutes, strategical advantange for the Cavs. But when Mitch is on, he’s a menace, and the Knicks will need all of it to deal with the Mobley-Allen pairing in the paint. Robinson already dominated Cleveland’s bigs in 2023. Let’s have a re-do.
Miranda: OG Anunoby. Specifically, his hamstring. Both these teams feature multiple quality big men. Both feature elite combo guards. Both are led by coaches whose CV would be gussied up quite a bit with the addition of an NBA title. And while I agree with Joe Vardon that Max Strus looks a little beefier than in the past, maybe the biggest difference between the teams is one has an 80-inch, 240 pound two-way monster who was the Eastern playoffs MVP before hurting his hamstring, and the other has Strus. If OG is anything close to what he was the first two rounds, Cleveland has no chance.
Zeno: The longest tenured Knick, Mitchell Robinson. In 2023, he and Isaiah Hartenstein brutalized Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to a pulp on the boards. iHart is gone, and Karl-Anthony Towns does more than enough on the boards to replace him, but I truly believe this series needs to have a gigantic performance from Big Mitch on the boards. In two games against Cleveland this year, he grabbed 29 rebounds (16 offensive) in 36 total minutes. More of that, please.
Kento: Josh Hart. The Cavaliers have the defensive personnel to guard Hart with a center-something that has long stifled the team’s offense. The Knicks have found some workarounds, but still lack a consistent enough counter to when opponents do that. If Hart is a willing, and effective enough shooter, it won’t matter. But if he becomes hesitant, or goes completely cold, this series could get uncomfortable. I also think his offensive rebounding, and defense on Harden and or Mitchell will be imperative to winning this series as well.
What must New York do to win this series and represent the East in the Finals?
Antonio: Drag the series into a seven-game affair so the Cavs wave the white flag. No, seriously, they simply have to do what they earned in the regular season and Cleveland helped them get for the third consecutive round: play to their home-court advantage, start the ECF going up 2-0, and go from there. There’s no way the Cavs pull off the miracle if they go two games behind to start the conference finals, coming off playing 14 games in a month, let alone with New York having nine days off. If we’re going Xs & Os, be mad quick and jump all possible passing lanes. Yes, you’ll get caught here and there, but the Cavs turn the ball over like madmen, so more often than not, those mistakes and an active D should do wonders for the Knicks.
Miranda: The Cavaliers barely beat a Raptors team with RJ Barrett as a leading scorer and a Pistons team whose best scorer after Cade Cunningham was Tobias Harris, who shot 39% in the series. So they’re obviously leveling up taking on the scoring Xanadu that is these Knicks. But the surest way for the Knicks to win the series is to pick their poison on defense and stick with it: either play Donovan Mitchell pretty straight-up and ensure none of his teammates get going, or refuse to let Mitchell beat them and leave it to the rest of the Cavs to make shots. The Cavs are by far the best scoring side the Knicks have seen this postseason, but I don’t think they have enough players capable of going off. After Mitchell, I don’t think they have any.
Zeno: Make Cleveland’s offense uncomfortable. They lead all the teams in turnovers and points allowed off turnovers as Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are trading bad performances. It’s hard to shut the water off on both of them, but even making one extremely frustrated can disrupt their offensive flow and allow you to score in transition.
Kento: Win the possession battle. Throughout the ups and downs, and the craziness of the Cavaliers’ postseason run, a few things remain a constant. They’ve actually been a good offensive rebounding team, but still struggle with keeping opponents off the offensive glass, and they have not only been turnover prone, but have been abysmal in transition defense. Thankfully, the Knicks have been great at rebounding the ball on both ends of the floor, and while they don’t force a ton of turnovers, they’ve been among the best in the league at converting their limited opportunities into points. If the Knicks can win the possession battle against an already fatigued team, it could be the ultimate difference-maker.
What concerns you most about the Knicks entering the ECF?
Antonio: Rust. If you frequent the comment section of P&T, you’ve read me mentioning it since the day the Knicks clinched their spot in the ECF, let alone each passing day the Cavs-Pistons series extended for yet another game. Having a few days off might help, but being out for damn nine days is unheard of, so we don’t even know how that might or might not work out in favor of or against New York. That said, once both teams settle into the series, and the longer they last, it’s fair to assume the Knicks should have a sizable fresh-legs advantage.
Miranda: Madison Square Garden is as big a homecourt advantage for a Game 7 as there is in the Association, but earlier in playoff series it can feel more the opposite. I think that’s more about how fandom has evolved over time than anything specific to MSG, but I suspect that as players have become more like comrades than enemies (which I don’t mind) and every team is now a billionaire vanity project, the little things that used to differentiate between the haves and have-nots don’t really apply anymore, including homecourt advantage.
When the Bad Boys won back-to-back titles in the late 1980s, owner Bill Davidson made them the first team to have their own private charter, Roundball One. If the Pistons were flying private during a playoff series and whoever they were beating up on was still flying commercial, that was a big advantage. A year ago Forbes estimated Cavs’ owner Dan Gilbert’s “worth” as $22.5 billion. That’s par for the course nowadays. My biggest worry, at least earlier in the series, is whether playing at home with all the pressure to win that there is on this group, for the first time ever, could build to an uncomfortable point.
Zeno: The long time off might be an obvious answer, but I’ll go with Cleveland’s 3-point shooting. The biggest advantage you had in a potential series against Detroit was their lack of it, but the Knicks will have to not only guard Mitchell and Harden closely, but stay home on guys like Max Strus, Dean Wade, and Sam Merrill on the perimeter. This team is very capable of pouring it on offensively.
Kento: As mentioned above, the Cavaliers defense, and more specifically, how they defend Hart. Dean Wade has boasted great individual defensive numbers against Brunson this year, but seeing as he averaged damn near 30PPG against VJ Edgecombe, who had similar success, I’m not as worried there. But the Knicks’ worst offensive droughts often come when teams put their centers on Hart. When, not if, the Cavaliers deploy that strategy, how will Hart, the rest of the Knicks, and Brown respond? And just as importantly, if the offenses starts to struggle, can Brown pull the plug, and not only make the necessary adjustments, but do so quick enough to avoid becoming the next Thibodeau?
Heading into the ECF, what gives you the most confidence about New York amid its postseason run?
Antonio: It took them more than 90 games and a few locker room discussions amid the Hawks series, no less (welp) to get their excrement together, but the Knicks have finally blossomed into the uber-killing machine we envisioned in August and watched win the winter tourney. Seriously, there is just no realistic scenario in which the Cavs catch such a massive break as the Pacers did last year—injuries, bounces, whatnot—to kick the Knicks out of contention. I just refuse to believe it.
Miranda: They’ve never lost a playoff series against Cleveland. Plus, after their last four ECFs dating back to 1994 came against Indiana, the Knicks’ mirror nemesis, it will be refreshing not to face the dark chaos magic that is every f***ing Pacers team ever.
Zeno: Two things, actually. The rest advantage and the way they’ve been playing. The Cavs have played 14 games in 30 days leading into this series and could play as many as 21 in 44 days. In the regular season, players will load manage, and the games are less intense, but it’s a whole different beast in the playoffs. They were exhausted against the Pacers last year, and the Knicks can do the same thing to them. Secondly, we just watched the most dominant seven-game stretch in Knicks history. I’m not going to doubt them until I see them deviate from this winning formula on both ends of the floor.
Kento: I’ll cheat and go with two. One is Brunson. I tend to believe that in the postseason, when the talent level is close enough, the team with the best player usually wins. That should give the Knicks the advantage. But I’ll echo what everyone else is saying and also go with the trajectory of both teams. I get that every series is a new series but the Cavaliers have played four more games, needed seven games to beat a solid, but mediocre Raptors team, and a Pistons team who’s second best offensive player was…. Tobias Harris? Meanwhile, the Knicks are rested, are more prepared, and have been playing the best basketball of the season, and overall look as focused as they ever have.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When talking about the 2026 NBA draft, everyone knows about the top 4.
But there is a player who will almost certainly be available when the Mavericks pick at 9 who matches all of the top 4 statistically, so why isn’t he viewed with the likes of AJ Dybansta and Cam Boozer?
Well, he’ll be 24 when the season starts.
The basics
Yaxel Lendeborg was born Sep. 20 2002 in Puerto Rico, before moving to Ohio when he was 2 years old. He attended Pennsauken High School in New Jersey, but only played in 11 varsity games in his high school career.
This unusual circumstance was caused by his bad grades, which kept him from playing on the varsity squad. This began his roundabout basketball career, as Lendeborg would commit to Arizona Western, a junior college school, where he would play for 3 seasons.
He would be recognized as the NJCAA and ACCAC player of the year in his 3rd season, averaging 17.2 points and 13 rebounds per game. After this season he would transfer to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He would again dominate this level, where he would win back-to-back American Athletic Conference (AAC) defensive player of the years, where he averaged 17.7 points 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game in his final season.
Following this season Lendeborg would enter the transfer portal, while also attending the NBA draft combine. After the combine, Lendeborg would choose to return to school, where he would transfer to the Michigan Wolverines.
This decision proved to be the right one, as Lendeborg and the Wolverines would cap off a dominant season with a National Championship.
Lendeborg would have a tremendous season, being named the Big 10 National player of the year, as well as a consensus first team All-American.
Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 stocks per game.
The good
Lendeborg’s biggest strength is his combination of size and athleticism. He measured in at 6’8.75 barefoot, and weighed in at 241 pounds, with a 7’3 wingspan. These measurables are absolutely outstanding, as Lendeborg should be able to play the 3-5, giving him supreme positional versatility. He also has a fluidity that is rare for his size. This shows itself both as a driver, and as a defender, as he’s able to guard both speedy wings, and powerful big-men. This frame is also NBA ready, as he should have the strength to battle with almost any player in the league.
Lendeborg also possesses elite efficiency across almost all play-types. He shot 72% at the rim, and 37% from three, both being great numbers for his playstyle. He was also efficient in every context: attacking the rim, posting up smaller defenders, or popping off of a screen for a three. He’s able to effortlessly switch between off and on-ball play-types, capable of creating his own shot, or playing off of others. His shot diet is also nearly perfect, as almost all of his shots come at the rim or three point line. While he may not posses the self-creation ability of the truly elite prospects, his versatility allows him to be impactful whether he has the ball or not.
Perhaps the most NBA ready part of Lendeborg’s skillset will be his defense, as he projects to become an elite backline menace. Lendeborg doesn’t necessarily have one skill that sets him apart defensively; rather, it is his ability to slot in wherever a team is lacking. He can perform as a great secondary rim-protector next to a center, a wing stopper, or even a small-ball five. His long arms and thick frame lead to a high number of steals and blocks. Lendeborg also could become a volume rebounder, as he has shown the ability to grab double digit boards during his college career. While those numbers dipped last season, it can be chalked up to playing alongside Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara. Overall, Lendeborg will immediately become one of the more versatile defenders in the NBA, and has the potential to truly wreck games.
An underrated part of Lendeborg’s game is his playmaking, which could have the potential to be truly great. While his raw assist numbers may be lackluster, the advanced metrics paint a different story. Lendeborg posted an 18% AST%, 3.1 AST/TO, and 2.9 rim AST a game, all numbers in the 85th percentile or better. While these numbers could suggest hidden upside as an on-ball creator, he will more than likely be limited due to his scoring ability. At the very least, he should be an effective connective passer who always makes the right play.
Finally, Lendeborg’s advanced impact metrics cannot be ignored, as he has some of the best in this class. Lendeborg posted the second best BPM in the class, only behind Cameron Boozer. This impact felt on both sides of the ball, as he was second best in both metrics. This level of impact usually translates to the NBA, even if it’s inflated due to his age.
The bad
Simply put, Yaxel Lendeborg’s age is the only reason he isn’t discussed as a top 5 prospect in this class. Lendeborg will be 24 years old when the 2026-2027 NBA season begins, a truly outrageous age for a rookie. To put this in perspective, he is older than Paolo Banchero, who will be entering his 5th NBA season. His age is a nuanced topic, as many have claimed that the only reason he has the impact that he showcased in college was due to his age. While this is a bit extreme, the cause for concern is not fully without merit. While Lendeborg’s raw BPM was 15.1 (second best in the class), his BPM+ (which accounts for factors such as age) was only 5.1, which is 15th in the class. His age also means that his potential is capped at being a role player, as teams can expect very few physical changes for Lendeborg at this point in his career.
When it comes to his game the biggest concern is the three-point shot. While Lendeborg shot 37% from three last season at Michigan, it was the first season in his long college career where the 3-ball was a legitimate weapon. His form is solid, but I do have concerns about whether he will have real three-point gravity at the next level.
Fit with the Mavericks
While many Mavericks fans would hate this draft selection, his fit would be incredibly seamless. Lendeborg could immediately start at the 4 next to Cooper Flagg, helping him on both sides of the ball.
The issue is that the Mavericks already have a player that is very similar to Lendeborg, while only being 3 years older.
That being P.J. Washington Jr.
The other problem is Flagg’s timeline. Lendeborg is ready to help a contending team win now, and while the Mavericks should be feisty next year, winning is not a priority. Furthermore, Lendeborg will be 30 years old before Flagg turns 25, and will be on the decline before Flagg hits his prime years.
Player comparison
The most obvious comp for Lendeborg is Aaron Gordon with slightly less athleticism. This comp is mainly rooted in their shared physical traits and defensive versatility. While Gordon is not a star, he routinely has been one of the most impactful players in the entire league, and is vital to the Nuggets system. Lendeborg’s low end comp is the aforementioned P.J. Washington Jr.
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 20: Ethan Anderson and Joseph Dzierwa of the Baltimore Orioles celebrate after the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Vincent Mizzoni/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The promotions have begun. If you were waiting to go see this year’s possible breakout pitching prospect Joseph Dzierwa in Frederick, tough luck, because he’s headed to Double-A. You’ll have to find him now in Bowie, where the team that once called itself Bowie and now calls itself Chesapeake plays its home games. We can hope this is the start of a summer full of prospects playing so well that they practically have to be promoted. Dzierwa may just be the first to go from Frederick to Chesapeake within this season.
These weekly updates focus on the team’s top prospects, particularly those on Camden Chat’s composite top 20 Orioles prospect list from before the season. They also include other guys who interest me who might develop into prospects over time. I do not tend to spend much time on non-prospect journeymen, though one never knows who might turn into the next Jeremiah Jackson. Or even, over the long haul, whether someone turning into Jackson is worth all that much to the franchise.
Here’s how things went this week:
Triple-A Norfolk Tides
Last week: 3-3 at Charlotte (White Sox)
Coming week: at Jacksonville (Marlins)
Season record: 18-27, last place (9 GB) in International League East
Norfolk has been simultaneously playing host to the rehab assignments of Jackson Holliday and Heston Kjerstad. The infielder may finally be settling back in to a good groove on this latest assignment; though he had 4-17 hitting, that included a triple and a homer, plus three walks, so it was a good OPS. Kjerstad, on the other hand, had 6-22 batting, with only one double, and no walks, so at .591 his OPS looks much worse.
Tougher to find real prospects in this lineup, particularly with Enrique Bradfield not having played since April 21. One other outfielder made his way back from the IL over this week. That’s Reed Trimble, who is on the 40-man roster right now. Trimble was back for two games and that was enough time for him to hit two home runs. Offseason acquisition Payton Eeles batted 15 times across five games, picking up five hits and five walks. Eeles is now sitting at a .327/.465/.364 line for the season. Gotta like the OBP, even if you also gotta be skeptical he’ll do anything like that at the next level when hitting for so little power.
More interesting are Norfolk’s pitching prospects, or at least they would be if they were pitching well. The trio of Nestor German, Trey Gibson, and Levi Wells each pitched four innings this week. Of these, only Gibson’s approximated something like acceptable, as he gave up one run on three hits and four walks. The others were much worse.
Others of interest
C/1B Creed Willems – Not a great week for Creed, 5-19 with no walks, but he’s still OPSing .842 in 37 games.
Season record: 15-23, fifth place (13 GB) in Eastern League Southwest
Not a good week for the Baysox as a team, but it was a good week for my guy Aron Estrada, so I’m going to tell you about him first. Eight hits in 19 AB, plus a couple of walks and a couple of stolen bases. These were his first two steals of the year. He’s got a .672 OPS after that hitting, so, I’d like to see more hot weeks. Mostly light-hitting infielder Griff O’Ferrall got in on the party as well, batting 6-19 with a pair of doubles, five walks, and three stolen bases. Don’t look at his season batting average. Dang it, I told you not to look.
It was mostly the offense that dragged the Baysox down this week, as they lost four games where they scored 3, 3, 2, and 1 runs apiece. Among pitching prospects worth following, things were mixed, with some decent things if you look only at the earned runs column. My honorary hyphenated cousin Juaron Watts-Brown tossed four scoreless, though he did walk four batters. Lefty pitching prospect Luis De León also had a zero in the ER column, though there were three unearned over a 3.1 inning start. This team has a 5.43 ERA. It’s not great.
Others of interest
OF Thomas Sosa – 5-21 hitting for the week included a double and a homer. Now a .666 OPS for the season, which is nothing to be superstitious about except that it’s way below a number where he’d be more exciting.
C/1B Ethan Anderson – Not one of his better weeks so far this season, batting 4-21, also with a double and a homer. Season OPS remains at .816 after 31 games.
Season record: 25-13, first place (0.5 games ahead) in South Atlantic League North
There is one affiliate in the Orioles system that has been playing good baseball, and one affiliate only. It is this one. The Keys are winners of seven games in a row and 12 of their last 13. That’s good stuff. They will have to do it going forward without Joseph Dzierwa, since he got the promotion – certainly a deserved one. Dzierwa allowed two runs over five innings in his start this week, picking up six strikeouts. That almost feels disappointing compared to some of his earlier games. Over eight games with the Keys, he had a 2.21 ERA and 0.811 WHIP.
Hopefully they don’t have to do it without Ike Irish; this wasn’t a good week for last year’s first round pick anyway, but also he was removed from the last game of the week after being hit by a pitch on the hand. That is the kind of luck the Orioles are having in 2026. Geez.
Fellow high 2026 draft pick Wehiwa Aloy did not add to his double-digit home run total this week. He still had an excellent week at the plate overall, with nine hits, including a pair of doubles, across 21 at-bats. Leading the way for Frederick on the week, though, was Braylin Tavera. Still just 21 years old, this outfield prospect hit three homers and stole four bases this week, raising his season OPS to .792. Heading in the right direction there.
Dzierwa wasn’t the only Keys pitcher worth following over this past week. Twine Palmer, the pitcher from last July’s Ramón Urías deal, threw another scoreless game, allowing two hits and two walks over four innings. Boston Bateman from the Padres trade also had a zero in the earned run column, though he managed to walk five batters and gave up one unearned run over 4.2 innings.
Others of interest
OF Vance Honeycutt – This week’s “How many times did Vance Honeycutt strike out?” answer is 11. Eleven times in 21 at-bats! I wanted that spring training stuff to mean something good for the future. It’s just not looking that way.
1B/DH Victor Figueroa – 6-22 hitting with nine runs driven in for the week. This big dude from the Padres trade last July is slugging .600 through 32 games. He’s 22, which is old to be a prospect at this level, but I’m keeping an eye on him anyway.
RHP Yeiber Cartaya – This 6’5” Venezuelan righty is 23, old to be a pitching prospect at this level, but he’s got an 11.3 K/9 and sub-1 WHIP and it’s possible there’s some late blooming going on here.
Season record: 14-25, last place (13 GB) in Carolina League North
It’s the 18- and 19-year-olds on this roster who are probably the ones worth watching; hopefully enough of them can actually do good things. For the youngest guy, outfielder Stiven Martinez (turns 19 in August), this was a good week, as he hit two home runs to give him three on the season. After 25 games in his first taste of a full-season affiliate, he’s hitting .242/.308/.411. A tougher week for another young guy, DJ Layton, who struck out 10 times in 20 AB.
The pitching prospect on this roster who came into the season with the most hype was Esteban Mejia. Like Keeler Morfe before him, I’m just not seeing it in the actual results so far. Mejia walked three guys in a 3.2 inning start where he gave up four earned runs, and has now walked 25 batters in 22.1 innings. No, really, that’s more walks than innings pitched. That takes some work.
Others of interest
LHP Caden Hunter – A sixth round pick from USC last year, Hunter is old for this level, so it’s only worth so much, but still: Two starts this week, just one hit and three walks allowed over 8.2 innings. 0.95 ERA and 0.842 WHIP for the season.
With the option to create polls in The Feed, we are able to once again proclaim a fan-voted minor league player of the week.
Last week, you voted Aloy to be the player of the week. No surprise! He hit five homers. Irish was the choice in the first poll the week before that. Maybe a player from somewhere other than Frederick will win this week? The choice is yours. Vote below:
Tuesday’s Scheduled Games
Norfolk: at Jacksonville, 7:05. Starter: TBD
Chesapeake: vs. Somerset, 6:35. Starter: TBD
Frederick: vs. Greenville, 6:00. Starter: JT Quinn
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 14: Kris Bubic #50 of the Kansas City Royals delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on May 14, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“It’s frustrating,” Bubic said. “I want to be available. A big goal of mine, I don’t set many numericals, but in terms of just being available, I wanted to make a full season of starts this year. And the goal is to keep this at a couple weeks, which we should. But yeah, it’s frustrating. I’m not gonna lie.”
This is the fourth straight season Bubic has been placed on the IL. He missed part of the 2023 and ‘24 seasons after having Tommy John surgery. A year ago, a strained left rotator cuff ended his season early.
If Bubic’s recovery goes the way he and the Royals expect it to, though, it will be a short stint on the IL before he slots back into the rotation.
“Very mild in nature,” Bubic said. “It’s not something I want to push, given my history and given the timing of the year. So for me, this is good news in a sense. I’ll talk to [Dr. Vincent Key] when he’s here later, but I expect this to be pretty minimal IL, just a few weeks, and we should be back. That’s the expectation in my head.”
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep takes a look at Vinnie Pasquantino’s struggles.
There’s a lot to be said about Pasquantino, who launched 32 home runs, collected 113 RBI, hit .264, posted a 116 wRC+, and accumulated a 1.5 fWAR in 682 plate appearances last year, a career-high. The Royals agreed to a modest extension with him for the 2026-2027 seasons ($11.1 million), and it seemed like Pasquantino was going to continue to be a force in the Royals lineup this year.
Unfortunately, that’s been far from the case for Pasquantino.
In 189 plate appearances, Vinnie is hitting .201 with a .627 OPS. He also has five home runs, 18 runs scored, 22 RBI, and a wOBA of .278. When it comes to his Statcast percentiles, they haven’t been impressive, though he has been walking more (10.8%) than he did a season ago.
Jac Caglianone talks about recent lineup choices and how he’s sometimes not in them (video interview).
The Sports Business Journal named Kansas City as a top-10 sports city.
Caleb Moody at Kings of Kauffman takes a look at ESPN’s recent mock draft.
Kari Anderson at Yahoo Sports gives a little more detail on Blake Snell’s surgery. Max linked to a story yesterday on this topic; this story just expands it a bit.
Kyle Teel will remain out with a sprained LCL for a bit longer after suffering a setback in rehab.
The Mariners are promoting top prospect Colt Emerson to MLB.
DraftKings is closing its in-person sportsbook at Wrigley Field.
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Shams says EVERY contender team has called to ask about LeBron 
