DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost 107-97 in Game 2 to the Detroit Pistons. Their season now comes down to defending a home stand.
The Cavs once again started this game down by double digits. Careless turnovers and poor three-point shooting add up quickly in the NBA Playoffs. Even more so when you’re playing against a 60-win team that has the capacity to burn you.
This game started with both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen practically handing the ball straight to Duncan Robinson on separate plays. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell would join them, coughing it up throughout the first half for five combined turnovers. The Cavs had nine turnovers overall by halftime.
Harden was especially bad in the opening half. He started the night shooting 1-9 from the floor with 3 turnovers to just 1 assist. Some of his decision-making was as puzzling as it gets. He now has 30 career playoff games with more turnovers than made field goals.
The margin for error in the playoffs is remarkably small, and it continues to shrink the further you go. For all the credit that Detroit deserves, the Cavs are not giving themselves a chance with the way they are turning it over.
Cleveland’s saving grace was getting to the free-throw line. They attempted 12 free throws in the first half. That helped them make up for a 3-14 start from downtown and kept the Pistons from totally running away with this one.
This put the Cavs in a position to rally in the second half.
The Cavs flipped the script, only turning it over once until the final minutes of the fourth quarter (when Harden dribbled his way into a trap).
Mitchell came alive for the first time in this series, scoring 31 points. He still settled for a few difficult jumpers that he shouldn’t have, but overall, Mitchell attacked the basket with more intention than he has in weeks.
This spark from Mitchell helped the Cavs pull back into the game and even take a momentary lead in the fourth quarter. That would quickly evaporate, as Tobias Harris (21 points) and Duncan Robinson (17 points) hit timely shots to close the door.
Cade Cunningham poured in 25 points and 10 assists for the Pistons.
Cleveland goes back home feeling like they could have won either of the first two games, but stay in a 0-2 hole regardless.
May 7, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Joe Mack (80) scores the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning as Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) walks away at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
A series of missed opportunities and a Coby Mayo 9th-inning error sunk the Orioles Thursday, as the Marlins walked off the O’s for a 4-3 loss.
After the O’s tied the game in the 8th but couldn’t score in the top of the 9th, Andrew Kittredge entered to try and force extras. The start of the inning couldn’t have gone better for Kittredge, who got pinch-hitter Kyle Stowers to pop out to first before striking out Jakob Marsee with a slider in the dirt.
The inning unraveled with two outs, though. Rookie Joe Mack came off the bench trying to extend the inning, and succeeded with a double into the right-field corner. That brought No. 9 hitter Javier Sanoja to the plate. On a 0-1 slider, it looked like Kittredge got out of the jam, as Sanoja rolled over the ball to third. However, the ball kicked off the heel of Mayo’s glove, and although he recovered to snag the ricochet, his rushed throw to first skipped past Pete Alonso and allowed Mack to score the winning run.
While Mayo’s error was the game-losing play, the Orioles’ inability to come up with clutch hits was the biggest reason for the loss. Down 3-2 entering the top of the 8th, Alonso delivered the O’s only clutch hit of the evening. Taylor Ward started the rally on a leadoff walk and moved to second on a soft single to right from Dylan Beavers. Alonso then broke his bat on a Josh Ekness sweeper, but was able to muscle a single into shallow center, driving home Ward to tie the game at three. Samuel Basallo couldn’t keep the hit parade going, grounding into a double play on a 109mph grounder. Tyler O’Neill then left Beavers stranded at third on a towering flyout to left.
After falling behind early, the O’s had plenty of other chances to tie the game or take a lead but consistently failed to capitalize. Trailing 2-0 in the 3rd, Mayo kicked off a rally by reaching on an infield single hit 101mph to short. Jeremiah Jackson then worked a five-pitch walk to move Mayo into scoring position, setting up Gunnar Henderson for an RBI single up the middle to bring home Mayo. With two outs, Beavers worked a walk to load the bases, but Alonso couldn’t come through, striking out to strand all runners.
Baltimore failed to capitalize on another promising opportunity in the 4th. Now down 3-1, Basallo led off the inning with a beautiful piece of hitting, taking a backdoor breaking ball and lining it into the left-center gap for a double. O’Neill then followed it up with a single the other way to score Basallo and bring the O’s back within one. However, the rally died there as Colton Cowser lined into an unassisted double play and the inning ended on a Jackson strikeout after a Mayo single.
In the 5th, Beavers once again put the tying run on base with a two-out double down the left field line. Alonso just missed a two-run home run that would’ve given Baltimore the lead, sending a 104mph, 384-foot fly ball to the warning track to end the threat. The Marlins would rob Basallo of a similarly loud fly ball in the 6th, with Marsee making a leaping catch on a ball 103mph and 396 feet to dead center.
The heartbreaking nature of the loss distracted from the loss of left-hander Cade Povich, who was forced to leave early with what the Orioles called “left forearm discomfort.” The outing got off to an inauspicious start in the 1st when he issued a four-pitch walk to former Orioles Connor Norby. Two pitches later, Povich hung a slider over the plate to Marlins’ No. 3 hitter Liam Hicks, who launched it over the right field fence to give Miami a 2-0 lead.
After allowing yet another early long ball, Povich rebounded with a much calmer 2nd. He began the inning by winning a 10-pitch battle with Esteury Ruiz, getting the speedy outfielder to fly out harmlessly to right. The Orioles’ southpaw would then put Jakob Marsee on base via HBP, as a first-pitch fastball just grazed the front of Marsee’s jersey. Povich would immediately erase the base runner, however, getting Leo Jiménez to ground into an inning-ending 4-3 double play.
Trouble would find the Orioles’ starter again in the 3rd. Miami’s No. 9 hitter Javier Sanoja led off the inning with a walk, before Povich left a fastball over the plate to Otto Lopez. The shortstop’s deep fly ball to right just missed leaving the yard, but Sanoja clearly thought the ball left the yard, as he jogged around second. When Tyler O’Neill’s throw reached relay man Jeremiah Jackson, both runners were halfway between a base—but the O’s defense failed to convert the base-running error into an out. With runners now at first and third, Baltimore pulled the infield in, only for Norby to rocket a single past Gunnar Henderson to give Miami a 3-1 lead.
Povich hung tough to limit any further damage. He got the first out of the inning by getting Hicks to fly out to shallow center, before getting Christopher Morel to pop up to Alonso on his best curveball of the evening. Heriberto Hernández looked like he had a two-out RBI single, only for Povich to snag the comebacker and flip it to Alonso for the final out. There were no signs that it’d be the lefty’s final batter of the game, but he’d exit after three with a final line of 3 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB and 1 K. Should Povich land on the IL, he’d be the Orioles fourth starter to go down injured, joining Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer and Trevor Rogers.
The bullpen kept the O’s in the game, despite being called into action way earlier than expected. Yennier Cano entered in the 4th, and set down six straight batters to keep the Baltimore deficit at one. Deitrich Enns then breezed through the 6th on five pitches for the Orioles’ third-straight scoreless frame. Jiménez broke a streak of 14 straight Marlins retired when he worked a two-out walk in the 7th. One pitch later, Enns got Sanoja to fly out on a running catch by Colton Cowser in center, as the bullpen set the stage for the comeback.
Keegan Akin then performed a Houdini act in the 8th. The lefty started the inning by giving up a single to Lopez, before Xavier Edwards laid down a perfect bunt single to give the Marlins two on with no out. Akin then punched out Hicks looking with a 3-2 fastball at the knees. Morel then flew out to center to move both runners into scoring position, before the Orioles’ reliever got Hernández to pop up to short to keep the game tied, 3-3.
The loss denied the Orioles their second sweep of the season and dropped their record to 17-21 as they head back to Baltimore. The O’s open a new series tomorrow against the A’s, with Kyle Bradish getting the ball, looking to start a new win streak.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 19: Matthew Liberatore #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the fourth inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on April 19, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals begin a brief west coast trip in San Diego as Matthew Liberatore (1-1, 4.50 ERA, 23 SO) will get the first start versus the Padres who will put Michael King (3-2, 2.95 ERA, 39 SO) on the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 9:10pm central time. TV broadcast will be on ESPN late Thursday night.
Athletics catcher Shea Langelierscelebrates with Nick Kurtz after his homer put the A’s on top in the first inning. Tonight was She’s first game back from Paternity Leave and he went 2-5. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Athletics finished off the three game series in a big way with the Philadelphia Phillies this afternoon before packing up to head to Baltimore to finish up this road trip.
Now that’s the kind of first inning we were hoping for. A walk, a bomb, a walk, another bomb and before the Philly fans could wipe the cheese whiz off their chins their hometown boys were down 4-0. Welcome back to the squad Shea Langeliers with his MLB leading 46th hit which just so happened to leave the ballpark for his eleventh long ball of the season.
After a Tyler Soderstrom walk, Brent Rooker launched his fourth homer of the season. In the meantime, J.T. Ginn worked two effective and efficient innings to get his defense back into the dugout.
After skipping a second inning scoring outburst, the A’s got back to business in the third with a leadoff walk by Tyler Soderstrom who advanced to second on a long fly out to deep center field. Advancing on that out allowed him to score rather easily on a Carlos Cortes base hit. Jacob Wilson made scoring super-easy for Cortes from first on a long home run to left field. That was Wilson’s third homer and eighteenth RBI of the season.
With two outs in the fourth inning, and Shea Langeliers on first, Don Mattingly pulled Painter and replaced him with lefty Tanner Banks. Soderstrom said “welcome” with a single into right field allowing Langeliers to cruise into third with two outs. Rooker fought off an inside slider to poke it into right field for an RBI on his 500th career hit. Soderstrom moved to third on the knock. That gave the A’s an 8-0 lead going to the bottom of the fourth.
Kyle Schwarber got the Phillies on the board with his 12th homer of the season. The line-drive shot exited the building quickly. But the A’s got that run right back with a walk to Lawrence Butler and a triple totally lost in the sky to center field by Zack Gelof. Gelof scored on a base hit by Nick Kurtz.
Ginn continued to cruise, finishing the sixth inning with only seventy pitches allowing only two hits and one earned run! Lawrence Butler doubled to lead off the seventh for the A’s. The homer parade continued on a nine-pitch AB, with Zack Gelof’s third homer of the season, scoring Butler.
Ginn finished off the eighth inning, already surpassing the longest outing for an A’s starter in 2026. That would be all for him this Spring evening in Philly. He exited with 8.0 innings, one earned run on four hits and one walk. Hs struck out eight. Brooks Kriske entered the game to handle the ninth. He gave up two hits but no runs and ended the game with a 12-1 victory over the Phillies.
Roman Anthony (19) warms-up before batting against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox will be without one of their young stars for the near future as their season continues to spiral.
Boston placed outfielder Roman Anthony on the 10-day injured list for a sprained right wrist, the team announced Thursday.
The 21-year-old injured his wrist in his first at-bat of the Red Sox’s 5-4 win over the Tigers on Monday before flying back to Boston to see the team’s hand specialist.
Roman Anthony (19) warms-up before batting against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Fenway Park. Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said an IL stint was required for Anthony, adding that there was not enough progression over the past few days.
“Still sore,” Tracy told reporters, according to the Associated Press. “I think it’s more of a case of, ‘How are we willing to play short-handed?’ We’ve already done it for two days.”
Anthony said he has not picked up a bat since Monday.
He was seen sporting a brace on his right hand.
“Obviously not where I want to be, but just got to keep getting better every day,” Anthony told reporters. “The hand is tricky, and I’ve never dealt with a hand issue before. Getting the news that it’s nothing serious is the best news we’ve could have gotten.
“When the IL stint is over, I plan to be in that game the next day and off the IL.”
Anthony has experienced a slow start to his second MLB season, batting .229 with only one home run through 30 games.
Boston Red Sox’s Roman Anthony (19) has his hand looked at by trainer Brandon Henry as interim manager Chad Tracy (17) looks on against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, May 4, 2026, in Detroit. AP
“Just got to get better as fast as I can,” Anthony said.
The Red Sox signed Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million contract midway through his impressive rookie campaign last season, where the former second-round pick posted a slash line of .292/.396/.463 with 18 doubles across 71 games played.
Anthony’s injury comes shortly after the Red Sox axed manager Alex Cora and four members of his coaching staff following a disappointing 10-17 start.
The move, which happened following Boston’s 17-1 win over the Orioles on Saturday, has seemingly not sat well with the players.
Shortstop Trevor Story told reporters that management’s explanation for Cora’s firing was not sufficient.
“Some of the best coaches in the world didn’t get a fair shot,” he said.
Pitcher Garrett Whitlock added: “They made it very clear that we get paid to play baseball, and we need to just focus on playing baseball.”
The Red Sox sit alongside the Blue Jays at the bottom of the AL East, with 16-21 records.
May 7, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter (24) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Athletics at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
It’s one start, only one start. Andrew Painter will make many more this season and over his big league career and hopefully, most of them end better than this. This start is probably an outlier in the grand scheme of things for a young pitcher who has to learn the sport.
However, there was a trend that was bubbling and this start saw it burst like it was the housing crisis in 2008. Going into this start, Painter had thrown 63 total four-seam fastballs to right handed hitters and it was getting crushed. Those right-handed hitters that saw it hit .364 with a 92.5 mph average exit velocity.
In the 34 pitches Painter threw to right-handed hitters in Thursday night’s powder blue outing against the Sacramento Oakland Athletics of Las Vegas, only six of them were four-seam fastballs. Two of them landed in the seats that made it 4-0 early.
His sinker joined in on the fun of getting demolished by Jacob Wilson and there was another run allowed in the middle of that because Carlos Cortes is the best left-handed hitter the Bay Area has ever seen.
Painter allowed eight earned runs through less than four innings of work, Tanner Banks allowed two more right after, and Chase Shugart looked mortal in low-leverage time. Kyle Schwarber had two of their four total hits through the first eight innings of work against Athletics right-hander JT Ginn. The Schwarbinator socked a middle-middle sinker for a solo home run but the offense didn’t generate much otherwise.
Garrett Stubbs eventually played third base and then came into the game to pitch the ninth inning. He has now played catcher, left field, third base, and pitched for them this season. It’s easy to wonder if Stubbs should be considered a utility player. What’s the definition of a utility player? Usually, those guys don’t catch. Did Danny Santana or Marwin Gonzalez ever get behind the dish?
Neither have but Gonzalez did pitch so you be the judge.
Just so this game recap is not just about Andrew Painter’s fastball or if Garrett Stubbs should be considered a utility player, here are some other notable lowlights:
Felix Reyes came into the game to play first base for Bryce Harper to start the sixth inning and he got two at bats. JT Ginn struck him out on a sinker that landed in the dirt, and he hit a single off former New York Yankee Brooks Kriske. Rafael Marchán caught this game and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout. He is hitting .074 with a .253 OPS.
Lee Goldsmith recommended that I write this recap like a Jerry Seinfeld stand up routine. Here you go:
Jerry Seinfeld voice GARRETT STUBBS! IS HE A UTILITY PLAYER? WHAT IS A UTILITY PLAYER?
Despite what tonight is going to do to their run differential, they are 8-2 in the Don Mattingly era and play the Colorado Rockies next. It could be worse.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Gavin Sheets #30 of the San Diego Padres hits a home run against the San Francisco Giants in the fourth inning at Oracle Park on May 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
St. Louis Cardinals (21-15) at San Diego Padres (22-14), May 7, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST
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The Yankees are optioning Brendan Beck and, according to the NY Daily News' Gary Phillips, are set to call up Kervin Castro ahead of the team's road trip, which begins Friday night against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Beck entered the game in relief of opener Paul Blackburn and pitched three full innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits, walking three batters and striking out one. He threw 52 pitches, 28 of them strikes.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone brought in trusty southpaw Tim Hill to replace Beck with the team trailing 2-1. A sixth-inning explosion of offense would turn the tide for the Bronx Bombers, and they would eventually cruise to a 9-2 win, the team's sixth straight series win.
Beck will return to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, and in his stead, Castro will join the Yankees bullpen.
The Yankees chose Beck in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Stanford University. Beck's young career has been hampered by injury, and he did not pitch for the organization in both 2022 and 2024.
In spite of this, Beck has gradually climbed the ladder of the team's farm system, and made his MLB debut during Thursday afternoon's series-clinching home victory against the Texas Rangers.
Castro has not pitched in the MLB since 2022, when he appeared in 10 total games for the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs.
Since joining the organization in November of 2023, Castro has rebounded from UCL reconstruction surgery to impress mightily at the Triple-A level with the RailRiders.
The 27-year-old Castro has thoroughly earned the opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in a Yankees bullpen which -- at least on paper -- looks like one of the team's few weaknesses.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during a 122-97 Lakers win at Intuit Dome on February 04, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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
If the Golden State Warriors were hoping to keep their offseason intentions a secret, well … they failed. Because we all know exactly what Golden State wants to do this summer, after they figure out Steve Kerr’s future, and maybe even extend Steph Curry.
It’s the same thing they want to do every offseason, only this year it feels more urgent: acquire a star.
There are a lot of dark horse options. Karl-Anthony Towns always seems to have one foot on the trading block. The Philadelphia 76ers could look to move on from Joel Embiid, though their first-round upset of the Boston Celtics makes that less likely. There are the tiniest rumors swirling around Nikola Jokić’s future with the Denver Nuggets. Kevin Durant is still playing, which means he’s not far away from moving to a new team. The NBA offseason is as messy and dramatic as a Keeping Up With The Kardashians episode, so it’s impossible to tell just how it will unfold.
But there’s a trio of names that stand above the rest when it comes to being linked to the Warriors: LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kawhi Leonard.
We know that the Dubs have been poking around James for years, trying to see if he wants to chase a ring alongside Curry before hanging up his signature Nikes. We know that Golden State tried like hell to trade for Antetokounmpo at the deadline, before the Milwaukee Bucks decided they were bluffing. And we know that the Warriors actually came somewhat close to dealing for Leonard at the deadline, putting forth a package that, according to reports, they thought the LA Clippers would accept.
Not much has changed. All three of those Hall of Famers enter the summer knowing that they could be hitting up Zillow sometime between now and October. And the Warriors, even more star-craved than they were in February, are going to try like hell for all of them.
So for now, let’s focus on those three. Which of the three is the best fit for the Warriors, and also the most realistic? Let’s examine them one by one.
LeBron James
Contract status: Player option for one year, $52.6 million
How the Warriors could acquire him
James is the only one of these three who could sign with the Warriors outright. He gets to choose his fate, as he can opt into another year with the Los Angeles Lakers (and ask for a trade if he’s done there), or enter free agency. The easiest way for the Warriors to acquire James would be if he really wanted to sign with Golden State, in which case he could join for the mid-level exception. However, there’s nothing to indicate that he would be willing to leave tens of millions of dollars on the table. He has enough sway that if he decides to opt into his deal and then ask for a trade, that he could probably decide where to go. So acquiring him is all about LeBron deciding that he wants to finish his career in the Bay Area.
Why he’d fit
Do we really have to ask that? He’s LeBron Freaking James, after all. He’s arguably the greatest player in NBA history and he’s remarkably selfless. James would give the Warriors pretty much everything they’re looking for: an elite second scoring option, a dynamic playmaker that allows Curry to play off ball, and a walking money maker who will ensure that the Chase Center is sold out every night.
One of the benefits of James is that we know he’s willing to be the 1B at this stage in his career. Despite being in SoCal before them, James publicly pronounced the Lakers as Anthony Davis’ team, and then Luka Dončić’s. There would be no star tug-of-war with Curry.
We also know that LeBron gets along incredibly well with the Warriors core. He and Curry have a great relationship, have the utmost respect for each other, and have shared the court very well during their time as teammates for Team USA and in the All-Star Game. James and Draymond Green are very close friends. And we know from his stint in the Olympics that LeBron has a huge level of respect for Kerr.
He’s not the player he once was, but he’s still one of the most well-rounded stars in the league, and one who would buy into what Golden State is doing.
Why it might not work
The biggest reason is that James will turn 42 next season, and he’s finally starting to show some cracks in the armor in terms of availability; he’s played 60 or fewer games four times in the last six seasons. Any move for a star is a short-term acquisition made to maximize Curry’s title window, but James probably will retire in a season or two, and who knows how many games he’ll play between now and then.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Contract status: Two years, $121.2 million, with a player option for the second year
How the Warriors could acquire him
It’s a three-step plan. First, Antetokounmpo has to actually be available this summer. Second, the Warriors have to ask the Bucks to take their pick of any and everything they have to offer. Third, they have to hope that someone else doesn’t have a whole lot more. In all likelihood, someone else will have a whole lot more, and then it’s a matter of if Antetokounmpo wants to play for the Warriors, and if he’s willing to force his way there.
Why he’d fit
At this stage in their respective careers, Antetokounmpo is pretty comfortably the best player of the three. He’s pretty much a lock to be a top-five MVP finisher if healthy (his run of seven straight top-four finishes will come to a close this year, after he only played 36 games). And at 31 years old, he’s also easily the youngest, and could help keep the team competitive post-Curry.
What he does on the court is desperately needed by the Warriors. He draws fouls. He vacuums up rebounds. He gets out in transition. He defends brilliantly. He’s the total package, and it’s a dream imagining his combination of size and athleticism — which is second only to Victor Wembanyama — paired with Curry’s shooting. It’s pretty easy to imagine Antetokounmpo immediately giving the Warriors a top-10 offense and defense. Plus, we know he has great respect and adoration for Curry.
Why it might not work
Once arguably the most likable player in the league, Antetokounmpo has started to attract drama. He’s lost a lot of fans with his stop-and-start status over the last year, as he seems to keep publicly changing his mind as to whether he wants to be traded or to stay in Milwaukee forever. He’s jovial and he loves Curry, but it’s fair to wonder if he might be a disruption on the Dubs, and if he’d be comfortable not being the focal point of the offense, or the last name announced overs the PA system. And it’s not hard to imagine something blowing up between Giannis and Draymond.
He also had some injury issues this year, and his body is one that you could see falling apart in his 30s. His lack of a three-point shot also isn’t ideal for a Warriors team that needs more shooters.
Kawhi Leonard
Contract status: One year, $50.3 million
How the Warriors could acquire him
From the sound of it, Steve Ballmer was unwilling to trade Leonard to the Warriors at the deadline, so this starts with him having a change of heart. Perhaps LA’s inability to make it past the Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament will help convince Ballmer that a rebuild is in order. From there, it’s probably a simple trade package centered around Jimmy Butler III and a draft pick or two. Leonard is the most feasible from an acquisition standpoint.
Why he’d fit
In many ways, Leonard is the ultimate Kerr player. He’s one of the top scorers in the league, but doesn’t seem to care whether he’s the go-to option or not, and doesn’t like to hog the ball. He’s a strong three-point shooter (39.1% for his career), but doesn’t settle for jumpers. He’s a good playmaker and a willing passer. And, of course, he’s one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, with the length and skillset to switch on any screen.
Leonard (who averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game this year) and Curry would instantly be one of the best scoring duos in the NBA. Leonard and Green would instantly be one of the best defensive duos in the NBA, and one of the most versatile as well. That Kawhi has a knack for elevating his game in the playoffs sure doesn’t hurt, either.
In many ways, Leonard is like Andrew Wiggins, just significantly better at everything, and substantially quicker at making his decisions. When you look at Golden State’s roster, there’s a strong case to be made that Leonard would be the best addition of these three in terms of fit.
Why it might not work
Kawhi might be the best fit on the court, but he’s the worst at staying there. He played 65 games this year, which was just his second time exceeding 60 games in the least nine seasons. The Warriors are old and have a lot of injuries. Curry will miss time. Green will miss time. Butler, if the Warriors somehow find a way to pull off a star acquisition without trading him, will miss a whole lot of time. Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis, should they return, will miss time. With Leonard, the Warriors would be putting a lot of faith in the health of a player who has, unfortunately, developed a reputation that conflicts with that faith.
But it’s hard to find a reason it wouldn’t work beyond that.
In all likelihood, the Warriors won’t get any of these three. But it is fun to think about…
May 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Dbacks dropped the series finale and the series on Thursday afternoon as the Dbacks offense simply did not show up to the ballpark for the second straight game. Alex D’Agostino said it best on twitter: The Diamondbacks just lost a series in which none of their starters went less than six innings and no bullpen arm gave up a single run. Brutal.
The gut punch is also a silver lining of this series was that the starting pitching showed up. The starting staff was able to eat 19.1 innings in the 3 game set and allowed just 5 earned runs good for a 2.36 ERA. Maybe that meeting by Torey lit a fire under those guys? Most of this quality starting was due to ERod and Soroka as 4 of the 5 runs were given up by Gallen on Thursday. Gallen’s final line wasn’t terrible as he was atleast able to get through 6 IP, but they really needed Gallen to continue the momentum started by ERod and Soroka. A team that once used to count on Zac Gallen to be the stopper in a World Series contending rotation just a few seasons ago needed more Thursday and Gallen continued his trend of not being able to deliver. Jack Sommers said it best in a tweet, to paraphrase, Zac Gallen has a 4.70 ERA after 8 starts… last year 4.83 ERA… Very, very sadly this is just who he is now. It’s 41 starts.
Perhaps what is most frustrating watching Gallen pitch is that it still feels like the Zac Gallen of old is just within reach, and then he gives up a big inning. That big inning came in the 5th on Thursday. Gallen entered the inning having given up only 1 run in the game so far, and got 2 quick outs. Then with 2 outs he gave up a single, walked the next batter, and then gave up 2 consecutive singles and all of a sudden the Dbacks go from being up 2-1 to being down 3-2. Had Gallen been able to just get one more out and not walk guys and give up consecutive hits, this would have been a quality outing where the Dbacks could have potentially pulled it out despite only scoring 2 runs. So close, but yet so far.
The bullpen was simply outstanding this series pitching 7.2 scoreless innings of relief. That was continued on Thursday as Brandyn Garcia, Ryan Thompson, and Paul Sewald looked dominant. After the struggles this team has had over the past few seasons with the bullpen, I definitely believe this group deserves a shout out.
The real culprit in the series was the ‘big 3’ not being so big. In the 3 games Perdomo, Marte, and Carroll went a combined 6-29 batting .207 with just 4 RBI. Carroll was atleast able to hit his 5th HR of the season on Thursday, but it was just a solo shot. Overall the quality of at bats from this group needs to improve. Lots of unproductive quick outs. After Skenes went 8 innings yesterday, Keller needed just 84 pitches to get through 6 innings on Thursday as the Dbacks hitters were once again just making it too easy.
The New York Mets come to Chase Field tomorrow and this team really needs to show us something and get back over .500. They will face 2 more good starting pitchers on Friday and Saturday in Nolan Mclean and Clay Holmes who have been rolling so far this season and this offense needs to get back to seeing pitches, taking walks, and getting some traffic on the bases. They also need Ryne Nelson and Merrill Kelly to pick back up the torch that Gallen just fumbled and get this starting rotation back on track to where it was the past 2 days. Hopefully this team is in a much better position when I recap again next Tuesday!
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers 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
There aren’t a lot of things to complain about through two games of a series where you’ve won both games, especially in the ways the Knicks have won them.
But there was a somber feeling after the gritty Game 2 victory at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night because of the unknown status of OG Anunoby, who came up lame on a cut to the basket and left in the final three minutes of a tight game. The Knicks were able to close out the game, but had to hold their breaths.
Ugh… looks like a right hamstring injury for OG Anunoby.
You can see him grab at the back of his right leg on a cut with 3:00 mins remaining in the 4Q. Stays in the play got a few seconds but then immediately motions to the bench that he needs to come out pic.twitter.com/Pn9rPJvVtq
It’s worth noting that, unlike his severe hamstring strain in 2024, Anunoby was much more fluid afterwards. He crumpled to the floor in pain mid-play in that Pacers series, while he hobbled and stayed in the game here. Either way, it seems to be of a lesser severity, and that seemed to be backed up by the recent report by Shams Charania that he’s questionable for Game 3:
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been diagnosed with right hamstring strain and will be day to day, sources tell ESPN. Anunoby is the Knicks second-leading scorer this postseason at 21.4 points per game. He is listed questionable for Game 3 on Friday against Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/q1zLXpbRkr
Now, is this a true game-time decision questionable, or a gamesmanship questionable? I lean towards the latter, as even if this is not anything major, a Grade 1 hamstring strain feels like something that will take more than two days to recover from. Maybe it’s not that bad, and he’ll be ready for Game 4 if the Sixers avoid the 0-3 deficit tomorrow, but either way it seems like the Knicks should be cautious and play to their series advantage.
There are a lot of unknowns with both teams’ injury reports. Joel Embiid is still battling his general soreness, and Mitchell Robinson is battling an illness. Both of their statuses are paramount to the overall strategy of the game, but let’s assume that both play for the sake of trying to game-plan life without Anunoby.
The biggest thing you’re losing with Anunoby is his defense, especially on the red-hot Paul George. After George carried the Sixers’ offense early in Game 3, Anunoby did a fantastic job of clogging him up on the perimeter and keeping him from getting enough separation to fire up a 3. He also did a good job when switched onto guys like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
On that end, the solution isn’t an easy one. The only proper forward on the bench is Mo Diawara, who I suspect could get some run, but won’t start. The Knicks could go to Landry Shamet off the bench, who found his way back into the rotation on Wednesday, and play to the fact that George hasn’t been aggressive off the bounce at all in this series, but would be taking a risk.
Who would even be the best option to replace Anunoby in the starting lineup? Conventional wisdom says Deuce McBride or a healthy Mitchell Robinson, but it can also be matchup-based. If Embiid is out, there’s going to be a lot of small ball for Philly, making the double big lineup not a priority. With Embiid, it would make sense to start Robinson to match their size and physicality.
What about Deuce McBride, who closed last night’s game despite a subpar offensive night? It would give you another defender to throw on Maxey or Edgecombe, and you could shift Josh Hart to George. He would certainly give you the off-ball shooting, but he can’t drive the way Anunoby has in the postseason.
That’s arguably the second biggest thing. Anunoby has been a force in the paint in the playoffs and has lived off cuts to the rim, something that nobody else on the roster can easily do. In a matchup where OG’s defense is more impactful with what he does off the ball, it might be the least replaceable.
OG Anunoby has been playing some of the best basketball in the entire league on both ends of the floor these Playoffs… pic.twitter.com/hB9z9ApgPF
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) May 5, 2026
He’s also been exceptional as a secondary rebounder. Late in the third quarter, he got a steal, two offensive rebounds, and nailed a go-ahead three-pointer in a span of 25 seconds. Considering the flow of the game, the way he willed that entire possession was extremely important.
You just can’t replace his impact; you can only hope to mitigate the magnitude of his loss. It’ll be a team effort, as the team is going to need even more from the likes of Bridges and Hart, while asking guys like Shamet, McBride, and maybe Diawara to step up for stretches. The one thing that this team has that they’ve lacked in recent years (especially last year) is tested, playable depth. With a 2-0 series lead, there’s as much margin for error as you can ask for in a postseason setting.
The best news of all of this is that Anunoby seems to have avoided a severe injury, something that would’ve been crippling to this team’s hopes of making the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. It’s hard to tell when he’ll be back at this point, but it thankfully seems to be sooner rather than later.
Often, McBride’s workloads more closely resemble a starter’s than a bench player’s.
And he has experience.
He started 15 games in the regular season.
OG Anunoby attempts a shot during the Knicks’ May 6 win against the 76ers. Charles Wenzelberg
When Mikal Bridges was twice benched in the first round, McBride closed with the other starters.
He’s been particularly effective when sharing a backcourt with Jalen Brunson — the Knicks have a net rating of plus-33.4 points per 100 possessions when the two share the floor.
But it should be noted that the Brunson-McBride-Bridges-Josh Hart-Karl-Anthony Towns lineup has played just five minutes together this postseason.
It has usually been Bridges, not Anunoby, who McBride replaces on the court when he plays with the starters.
Miles McBride defends during the Knicks’ May 6 win against the 76ers. Charles Wenzelberg
So, this would be a new twist.
2. Knicks coach Mike Brown could also insert Mitchell Robinson — who is listed as probable (illness) for Game 3 and expected to return — into the starting lineup and roll with a double-big look.
Playing Robinson and Towns together is something Brown said he did not like to do during the first round because of the matchup problems it presents defensively, but he has since done it for brief stretches anyway.
Robinson and Towns have shared the floor for 16 minutes this postseason, during which the Knicks have a net rating of plus-19.5 points per 100 possessions.
How does this affect the Knicks on the court?
Mitchell Robinson defends during the Knicks’ Game 1 win against the 76ers on May 4. Charles Wenzelberg
It will require the biggest adjustment on the defensive end.
Bridges has done a terrific job guarding Tyrese Maxey in the series.
But no Anunoby could change that.
3. If it’s McBride elevating to the starting lineup, it could mean he gets the Maxey assignment.
Anunoby was guarding Paul George, and McBride is much smaller than George.
It would make sense to have the bigger Bridges shift down and guard George, have McBride on Maxey and keep Brunson on Kelly Oubre, Hart on VJ Edgecombe and Towns on Joel Embiid — if he plays — or whomever the 76ers have at center.
McBride has guarded Maxey when Bridges has gone to the bench.
4. It gets trickier if Robinson starts in a double-big lineup, which is why it’s more likely that it will be McBride.
If Bridges is on Maxey, Brunson is on Oubre, Hart is on Edgecombe and Robinson is on Embiid or the 76ers center, that leaves Towns on … George.
That’s not a good matchup.
What are the domino effects to the bench?
5. The most obvious would be Landry Shamet returning to the rotation.
Other than a few minutes Wednesday, he has only played in garbage time since Game 2 of the first round.
Landry Shamet warms up before the Knicks’ Game 2 win against the 76ers on May 6. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
A key bench weapon during the regular season, his shooting woes at the end of the regular season spilled into the start of the postseason.
And Brown said the Knicks offense grew “discombobulated” with Shamet serving as a makeshift backup point guard.
That meant Jose Alvarado, more of a natural point guard, took his spot in the rotation.
But if McBride moves to the starting lineup, his bench minutes have to go somewhere — Shamet is the most likely recipient.
6. If it’s Robinson in the starting lineup, or getting a bigger workload regardless, that could open up minutes for Ariel Hukporti or even Jeremy Sochan.
7. Brown’s ability to go with small-ball lineups is hampered, since Anunoby often played center in those groupings.
Anunoby is so important to so much the Knicks do on both ends of the floor.
So if he misses any time, there will be a lot of moving parts.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 06: Dylan Harper #2 and Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs high five during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 06, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After dropping Game One to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there was a lot of talk about the demise of the San Antonio Spurs. Some ESPN commentators even suggested they could be swept in the series.
The young team responded with a resounding 133-95 victory over the Wolves, where every player but one scored a point. It was an utter and thorough beating. It was the type of performance that should inject some confidence into Spurs fans. It’s likely why the Spurs are -196 favorites to defeat the Wolves in the Twin Cities on Friday’s Game Three.
Before we focus on the future, let’s talk about what made them successful in Game Two in today’s player grades. As a quick reminder, these grades are based on each player’s on-court performance, going beyond just the stat sheet. A “B” grade represents the average performance for an individual. If a player logs fewer than 5 minutes or plays only in garbage time, their grade will be incomplete.
Wembanyama didn’t put up the eye-popping counting stats like he’s typically known for, but he was incredibly impactful. The big man made an effort to get more shots around the rim, attacking the glass and going right at smaller Minnesota defenders. Overall, he looked more controlled offensively. He didn’t post 10+ blocks on defense, but he still altered shots at the rim. He was a big reason why the Spurs outscored the Wolves in the paint 58-36.
Fox bounced back in a big way. He was in total control during his minutes. When things got tight, he gave the Spurs a bucket. He competed defensively at the point of attack, was active on traps, and snatched steals when Minnesota wasn’t paying attention. It was exactly the type of savvy veteran game the Spurs needed from Fox. Fox looks much more locked in after a lackluster Game One.
Caslte has been the enforcer for the Spurs in this series. His physicality has been incredibly necessary in both games. Minnesota couldn’t stop him from getting to the basket. He made all nine of his free throw attempts, managing to get the Wolves’ best defender, Jaden McDaniels, in foul trouble. His defensive pressure has been great, but he needs to find a way to stay out of foul trouble moving forward. San Antonio will need him to play big minutes in this series.
That is how you respond to missing the potential game-winner in Game One. Champagnie has been red hot from three in the playoffs, shooting 58.8% from deep. He’s held his own defensively in this series, even when the Wolves try to pick on his matchup. This was a big turnaround game for Champagnie after Game One. It’s one her desperately needed.
Vassell hit one of the craziest shots I have seen, where he jumped before catching it, then released it quickly to beat the shot clock and nailed it. It’s funny that it was one of the two threes he made. He missed some open shots in this one, which didn’t hurt San Antonio because they dominated every other aspect of the game. But the Spurs will need him to hit open threes as the series shifts to Minnesota.
Harper is going to be a mega star. He’s not afraid of anyone and was a huge reason the team built its big lead at the end of the first half. He was incredible defensively at the point of attack. He was a thrill to watch run and operate the fast break. He and Castle have been the Spurs’ most consistent producers through two games of this series.
Johnson wasn’t able to finish around the rim, but his intensity was crucial in this game. He got to the free-throw line 8 times. Grabbed offensive rebounds and dove after loose balls. Even if his offensive game isn’t working, he can provide a lot of energy with his effort. He clearly turned things up another degree in Game Two.
Kornet played fantastic minutes. After a poor performance in Game One, the Spurs were actually able to increase the lead while he was in for Wembanyama. Protected the rim well and had some clutch tips to teammates on the boards. Just doing those things solidly while Wembanyama takes a breather will be a big factor for the Spurs’ success in this series.
Unc had himself a game! A lot of it was in garbage time, but it was great to see Barnes break out of his slump a bit. That behind-the-head, cock-back dunk was a thing of beauty. He also hit a couple of sweet-looking threes. Hopefully, just seeing the ball go in will help his shooting moving forward in this series.
Bryant is going to play a role in this series. Spurs’ head coach, Mitch Johnson, wanted him to play physical defense on Anthony Edwards. He did a solid job, but he fouled a ton. Bryant has some much-needed energy and strength to help the Spurs in this series.
KO was putting on a clinic out there! He and Joe Ingles were going at each other in the final minutes of the game. This might have been his best garbage time performance of the year.
Waters hit a couple of threes in garbage time, racking up 8 points in just 8 minutes.
Grade:B+
Bismack Biyombo
3 minutes, 2 points, 1-for-2 shooting, -4
Biyombo made a nice-looking jump hook! He almost got a reverse layup to go. Fun minutes from the veteran center.
Grade: Incomplete
Mason Plumlee
3 minutes, 1 assist, 2 blocks, -4
Plumlee made an awesome pass and had a few blocks. He may have been the only Spur not to score, but these were productive minutes from Plumdog Millionaire.
Grade: Incomplete
Inactives: Harrison Ingram, David Jones-Garcia, Emanuel Miller
Jaylen Brown called the 2025-26 season his “favorite.”
Taking into account that the Celtics were bounced from the first round of the playoffs — after blowing a 3-1 series lead — Stephen A. Smith believes this is a preposterous notion.
The Boston star is not only sticking by his words, but calling out the ESPN talking head by telling him to hang up the microphone and “retire.”
"He needs to be quiet … unless you're trying to get traded." @stephenasmith reacts to Jaylen Brown doubling down on his previous comments pic.twitter.com/3xV00b7tXo
“I say this and I stand on this again. Clip this up. This was my favorite season of my career,” Brown added. “Like, I will say it even louder. I stand on it. I triple down, quadruple down, whatever y’all want me to say.”
Brown clarified that it was his “favorite” because his teammates around him grew and had a largely successful season despite many pundits picking against the Celtics from the outset.
Smith, talking on “First Take” on Thursday, couldn’t believe that someone like Brown, who plays for a storied franchise like the 18-time NBA champion Celtics, could consider this season a favorite.
“The first order of business is that he needs to be quiet, and like [Kendrick Perkins] said, go on vacation unless you’re trying to get traded,” Smith said.
“I’ll ‘be quiet’ / stop streaming if you ‘be quiet’ and retire let’s give the people what they want,” Brown wrote.
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics shoots a free throw during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston. NBAE via Getty Images
Smith replied to the post and said why he has “love” for Brown, he was just trying to offer advice after what was a tough end to Boston’s season.
“Bro, I got love for you so I’m not going to even go there,” Smith wrote on X. “Folks are looking out for you and you don’t even realize it. Here you are making this kind of noise and it hasn’t even been a week since you lost a 3-1 lead. You’re HOME. A champion and a Finals MVP saying his favorite season is the season he’s home in the FIRST ROUND. This is not about ME. It’s about YOU….and what YOU SAID. Enjoy your offseason.”
Brown, without the benefit of having Jayson Tatum, who missed the Game 7 loss with a leg issue, scored 33 points on 44.4 percent shooting from the field with nine rebounds and four assists.
He said on his livestream Wednesday that any perceived rift between him and the Celtics is unfounded, and he felt bad that president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was asked questions about it earlier in the day.
“I hate that our president of basketball operations even had to respond to this,” Brown said. “Me and Brad have a great relationship. I love Boston. And if it was up to me I could play in Boston for the next 10 years.”
In case you missed it, Rangers boss Chris Drury is cleaning house. Jed Ortmeyer is out as director of player development.
Our superior judge of hockey personnel Jess Rubenstein has some thoughts on that. Go, Jess, Go!
"The 47-year-old spent the previous nine seasons in the role following an eight-year playing career, which included three years with the Rangers," Rubenstein recalls.
The change comes following a second straight season without the playoffs for New York, which finished last in the Eastern Conference in 2025-26 and holds the third-best odds for the No. 1 overall pick in Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.
Here's why Ortmeyer is the wrong guy to blame for the mess the Rangers are in:
1- You had four different coaches with four different systems
2- Ortmeyer's job was development, but he cannot develop young players when the core is all veterans
3- How can Ortmeyer develop players when they don't draft correctly?
4- And it is not Ortmeyer's fault when those drafted are pushed to the NHL before they are ready or they skip time in Hartford
5- Ortmeyer can't develop young players when they are traded in their first year (Exhibit A Mancini).
