Punjab Kings bowlers steamrolled through the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting order to secure a five-wicket victory, with Aussie star Tim David playing a lone hand.
Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. receives one-game suspension for ripping umpire on social media
Just moments after being ejected for arguing a strike-three call on Thursday, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. voiced his frustation with home-plate umpire John Bacon via social media, posting on his X/Twitter account that the seventh-inning pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays was, "Not even f---ing close."
While the message was deleted shortly thereafter, it still caught MLB's attention and called for punishment. Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed on Friday afternoon that Chisholm has received a one-game suspension and fine from the league for the incident, and that the veteran infielder intends to appeal the decision. Chisholm is in Friday's lineup.
The discplinary action was predictable, as MLB rules state that players aren't allowed to use electronic devices during a game. The league's social media policy also mentions that players can't produce or endorse content that questions the "impartiality of or otherwise denigrates" an umpire.
Chisholm addressed the feud after Thursday's win, saying that he was "fired up" after the call from Bacon and didn't feel the ejection was warranted until after he left the field. He owned up to the situation, confirming that he did tweet immediately from the clubhouse and accepting the consequences.
The first month of the 2025 season has been odd for Chisholm, who's displayed notable power at the plate but also struggled to reach base at a tolerable rate. He's slashing just .169/.272/.451 over 81 plate appearances, and his strikeout rate of 32.1 percent is currently a career-high mark. In spite of his pop -- he's tied for fourth in MLB with six home runs -- the consistent whiffs are a concern.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been ejected for arguing balls and strikes pic.twitter.com/eQcGyu2qqW
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) April 18, 2025
Top nine college football players remaining in the 2025 NCAA transfer portal
Tottenham showed true selves in Frankfurt, claims Guglielmo Vicario
- Spurs won in Germany to reach Europa League semis
- Goalkeeper admits team have ‘suffered a lot this season’
Guglielmo Vicario believes Tottenham showed their true colours as they progressed to the Europa League semi-finals and admitted they had “suffered a lot” during an otherwise disappointing season.
A first clean sheet since the 16 February 1-0 win against Manchester United, who Spurs could meet in next month’s final if they beat Athletic Bilbao, helped overcome Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on aggregate thanks to Dominic Solanke’s penalty. Ange Postecoglou’s side face the Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt as Spurs attempt to make up for an underwhelming Premier League campaign by claiming their first trophy since 2008.
Continue reading...Northampton hang on to edge out Newcastle in Premiership thriller
- Newcastle 34-35 Northampton
- Defending champions and bottom club share 10 tries
Northampton survived a late scare to snatch a narrow 35-34 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.
A thrilling encounter saw Craig Wright cancel out Jamie Blamire’s opening try and after Brett Connon sent the Falcons ahead again from the tee, Northampton seized control just before half-time with Luke Green, Fin Smith and debutant Will Glister all scoring.
Continue reading...2025 NBA Playoffs: Bracket, schedule, scores, matchups for first round including Jokic, Nuggets vs. Clippers
It's hard to think of an NBA Playoffs with as many tight, could-go-either-way series. When was the last time a No. 7 seed (Warriors) was a betting favorite over a healthy No. 2 seed (Rockets)? Three of the four series in the West and at least one in the East (two if you're a big Pistons fan) could go either way.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
When do the NBA Playoffs begin?
The play-in — the NBA's version of the Wild Card round — concluded on April 18, with two games: Miami defeating Atlanta and Memphis knocking off Dallas.
The playoffs start on Saturday, April 19, with four games, and will run through mid-June.
When do the NBA Finals begin?
The NBA Finals tip off June 5, with the first game set for 8:30 ET that day at the arena of the team with the better regular-season record (Oklahoma City has the best record overall in the league and would have home court advantage against anyone in the Finals).
The remainder of the NBA Finals games are: Game 2 June 8, Game 3 June 11, Game 4 June 13, Game 5 June 16, Game 6 June 19 and Game 7 June 22 (games 5-7 are if necessary). All games will be broadcast on ABC.
NBA Eastern Conference, Western Conference playoff bracket
PLAYOFF PICTURE
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2025
▪️ Winner of MIA/ATL with play #1 CLE
▪️ Winner of DAL/MEM will play #1 OKC#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google begin April 19th! pic.twitter.com/TNjKsldzXW
NBA Playoffs Schedule 2025
All times are Eastern (* = if necessary).
Eastern Conference
#1 Cleveland vs. #8 Miami
Game 1: Cavaliers 121, Heat 100
Game 2: Cavaliers 121, Heat 112
Game 3: Cavaliers 124, Heat 87
Game 4: Cavaliers 138, Heat 83
Cleveland sweeps series 4-0
# 2 Boston vs. # Orlando
Game 1: Celtics 103, Magic 86
Game 2: Celtics 109, Magic 100
Game 3: Magic 95, Celtics 93
Game 4: Celtics 107, Magic 98
Game 5: Celtics 120, Magic 89
Boston wins series 4-1
#3 New York vs. #6 Detroit
Game 1: Knicks 123, Pistons 112
Game 2: Pistons 100, Knicks 94
Game 3: Knicks 118, Pistons 116
Game 4: Knicks 94, Pistons 93
Game 5: Pistons 106, Knicks 103
Game 6: Knicks at Pistons, May 1, (7:30 ET, TNT)
Game 7: Pistons at Knicks, May 3, (TBD)*
New York leads series 3-2
#4 Indiana vs. #5 Milwaukee
Game 1: Pacers 117, Bucks 98
Game 2: Pacers 123, Bucks 115
Game 3: Bucks 117, Pacers 101
Game 4: Pacers 129, Bucks 103
Game 5: Pacers 119, Bucks 118
Indiana wins series 4-1
Western Conference
#1 Oklahoma City vs. #8 Memphis
Game 1: Thunder 131, Grizzlies 80
Game 2: Thunder 118, Grizzlies 99
Game 3: Thunder 114, Grizzlies 108
Game 4: Thunder 117, Grizzlies 115
Oklahoma City sweeps series 4-0
#2 Houston vs. #7 Golden State
Game 1: Warriors 95, Rockets 85
Game 2: Rockets 109, Warriors 94
Game 3: Warriors 104, Rockets 93
Game 4: Warriors 109, Rockets 106
Game 5: Rockets 131, Warriors 116
Game 6: Rockets at Warriors, May 2, (9 ET, ESPN)
Game 7: Warriors at Rockets, May 4, (TBD)*
Golden State leads series 3-2
#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #6 Minnesota
Game 1: Timberwolves 117, Lakers 95
Game 2: Lakers 95, Timberwolves 85
Game 3: Timberwolves 116, Lakers 104
Game 4: Timberwolves 116, Lakers 113
Game 5: Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96
Minnesoa wins series 4-1
#4 Denver vs. #5 LA Clippers
Game 1: Nuggets 112, Clippers 110 (OT)
Game 2: Clippers 113, Nuggets 112
Game 3: Clippers 117, Nuggets 83
Game 4: Nuggets 101, Clippers 99
Game 5: Nuggets 131, Clippers 115
Game 6: Nuggets at Clippers, May 1, (10 ET, TNT)
Game 7: Clippers at Nuggets , May 3, (TBD)*
Denver leads series 3-2
Phillies start hot again and Wheeler strikes out 13 Marlins in series-opening win
Phillies start hot again and Wheeler strikes out 13 Marlins in series-opening win originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
To begin their series with the Marlins, the Phillies carried over exactly what worked for them Thursday vs. the Giants.
The Phils again seized a quick lead and received a strong, strikeout-heavy performance from their starting pitcher. Zack Wheeler struck out 13 Marlins in a 7-2 win Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.
In seven innings, Wheeler allowed five hits and two runs. He walked none.
Wheeler tossed a seven-pitch, all-strike first inning. Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara was in for a much bumpier ride.
Though he lined out to center field, Bryson Stott had an exemplary, eight-pitch leadoff at-bat. Trea Turner walked and Bryce Harper then hammered a slider into the right field second deck.
A day after grabbing a 5-1 lead in the first inning against San Francisco, the Phillies stretched their advantage to 6-0 in the second. Alcantara needed 53 pitches to get four outs and didn’t reach the third inning.
“We’ve seen him a lot,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He probably wasn’t as sharp as he normally is, but I thought we were very disciplined. … I really liked our approach against him.”
Max Kepler opened the bottom of the second with another excellent at-bat and walked. J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm and Johan Rojas all smacked singles and the Phillies kept on scoring with assistance from two Alcantara wild pitches.
Meanwhile, Wheeler did smooth, no-nonsense work. He leaned on his four-seam fastball early and retired the first seven hitters he faced.
“Every time he goes out there, it’s special,” Harper said. “He pounds the zone, understands what he needs to do. I thought he was very sharp today.”
Wheeler said he “made a couple of adjustments” following a loss to the Cardinals in his last outing.
“Just getting into my front leg a little bit better,” he said. “My fastball was playing well, spinning nice and true how you want it to be. The split was playing well of of that. J.T. called a great game, just keeping them off balance, for the most part.”
Through five innings, one Marlin made it to second base. Eric Wagaman broke through for Miami with a two-out, two-run homer off of Wheeler in the sixth, but the Phillies had no trouble seeing their win through.
Kyle Schwarber provided the team’s only run after the second inning when he cracked a long ball in the fifth off of lefty reliever Anthony Veneziano. Tanner Banks pitched a scoreless eighth and Jose Ruiz handled the ninth.
Twenty games in, the 2025 Phillies sit at 12-8.
Injury updates
Nick Castellanos returned to the lineup after leaving Thursday’s win with left hip flexor tightness. He went 2 for 3 before Kody Clemens replaced him in the fifth inning.
“At that time I didn’t really want him to run the bases,” Thomson said. “And we were up 7-0, so I felt pretty comfortable with it just to get him out of there and make sure he’s safe.”
Brandon Marsh missed his second straight game with a right knee injury. Thomson said Marsh did some running pregame and would’ve been available to play in an emergency situation.
With Marsh still out, Rojas started his third consecutive game in center field. He’s gone 3 for 8 with an RBI, a walk and a stolen base during that stretch.
Weekend slate
Taijuan Walker (1-1, 2.30 ERA) and Cal Quantrill (1-1, 5.79 ERA) are set to start Saturday at 1:05 p.m.
Jesus Luzardo (2-0, 2.31 ERA) will pitch against his former team Sunday at 1:35 p.m. Connor Gillispie (0-2, 6.63 ERA) is Miami’s scheduled starter for the series finale.
Phillies start hot again and Wheeler strikes out 13 Marlins in series-opening win
Phillies start hot again and Wheeler strikes out 13 Marlins in series-opening win originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
To begin their series with the Marlins, the Phillies carried over exactly what worked for them Thursday vs. the Giants.
The Phils again seized a quick lead and received a strong, strikeout-heavy performance from their starting pitcher. Zack Wheeler struck out 13 Marlins in a 7-2 win Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.
In seven innings, Wheeler allowed five hits and two runs. He walked none.
Wheeler tossed a seven-pitch, all-strike first inning. Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara was in for a much bumpier ride.
Though he lined out to center field, Bryson Stott had an exemplary, eight-pitch leadoff at-bat. Trea Turner walked and Bryce Harper then hammered a slider into the right field second deck.
A day after grabbing a 5-1 lead in the first inning against San Francisco, the Phillies stretched their advantage to 6-0 in the second. Alcantara needed 53 pitches to get four outs and didn’t reach the third inning.
Max Kepler opened the bottom of the second with another excellent at-bat and walked. J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm and Johan Rojas all smacked singles and the Phillies kept on scoring with assistance from two Alcantara wild pitches.
Meanwhile, Wheeler did smooth, no-nonsense work. He leaned on his four-seam fastball early and retired the first seven hitters he faced.
Through five innings, just one Marlin made it to second base. Eric Wagaman broke through for Miami with a two-out, two-run homer off of Wheeler in the sixth, but the Phillies had no trouble seeing their win through.
Kyle Schwarber provided the team’s only run after the second inning when he cracked a long ball in the fifth off of lefty reliever Anthony Veneziano. Tanner Banks pitched a scoreless eighth and Jose Ruiz handled the ninth.
Twenty games in, the 2025 Phillies sit at 12-8.
Injury updates
Nick Castellanos returned to the lineup after leaving Thursday’s win with left hip flexor tightness. He went 2 for 3 before Kody Clemens replaced him in the fifth inning.
Brandon Marsh missed his second straight game with a right knee injury. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Marsh did some running pregame and would’ve been available to play in an emergency situation.
With Marsh still out, Rojas started his third consecutive game in center field. He’s gone 3 for 8 with an RBI, a walk and a stolen base during that stretch.
Weekend slate
Taijuan Walker (1-1, 2.30 ERA) and Cal Quantrill (1-1, 5.79 ERA) are set to start Saturday at 1:05 p.m.
Jesus Luzardo (2-0, 2.31 ERA) will pitch against his former team Sunday at 1:35 p.m. Connor Gillispie (0-2, 6.63 ERA) is Miami’s scheduled starter for the series finale.
Mets Notes: Dedniel Núñez closing in on return, early reports on Jeff McNeil in center
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discusses a number of different topics prior to Friday night's game against the Cardinals...
Núñez back soon?
Dedniel Núñez continues working his way back to the club.
The hard-throwing right-hander took the ball again on Friday night down in Triple-A and he put together another scoreless inning, striking out two as he worked around a pair of one out walks.
He threw 28 pitches and now has posted a zero in three consecutive appearances.
Núñez won't throw on Friday, but it appears he could be closing in on a return to the Mets' bullpen very soon.
"He continues to do whatever we ask him to do," the skipper said. "Now it's just a matter of when do we call him up. He pitched last night, definitely down today, so we'll see what we have in the next couple of days."
Núñez was optioned to Syracuse at the end of spring training so that he can properly ramp up after suffering a pronator strain in his right forearm last August.
When healthy, he was one of the Mets' most effective relievers, pitching to a 2.31 ERA across 25 appearances.
New York's bullpen has been spectacular thus far this season, but there's no denying that getting him back in the mix would be another big boost.
McNeil impresses in center
Jeff McNeil got his first taste of center field on Friday night and he looked strong.
The versatile defender played six innings for the St. Lucie Mets and he made all of the plays that came his way, including an impressive sliding catch to leadoff the game.
Mendoza likes what he heard from the early reports down in Single-A.
"We all saw the play he made," he said. "Overall, I thought he played well. Talking to some of the guys there, he should be here today so I'll talk to him -- he's going to get checked out again before heading back to Binghamton. But the reports that we got he looked really good."
It remains to be seen whether or not McNeil will actually see time in center when he makes his return from the injured list, but he's been mentioned in the mix along with Brandon Nimmo and Tyrone Taylor.
With McNeil closing in on his return, it means one of Luisangel Acuña or Brett Baty could potentially find themselves back off the roster soon.
The youngsters struggled early, but they've picked things up of late, making that decision all that more difficult.
"We'll cross that bridge when he have to," Mendoza said. "It's going to be a very difficult decision whether we decide to send one of them or we decide to keep both here because they're playing well -- I hope that's the case."
What Mets have learned about Kranick
Max Kranick didn't pitch for the Mets last season -- but this year he's quickly developed into a weapon for them.
The young right-hander has mastered the transition to the bullpen, building off his strong spring training to allow just two earned runs while striking out seven over his first seven appearances this season.
Mendoza has loved what he's seen from him thus far.
"He's a great kid, a competitor, wants to win," he said. "He's willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win baseball games. The biggest thing for me is his ability to bounce back -- we've asked a lot out of him early on with his ability to throw multiple innings.
"After an off day I'll check with him and he's like I'm ready to go if you need me. On days where I'm probably trying to stay away from him, the fact that he's telling me I'm ready if you need me to go -- that for me has been the biggest thing that I've learned from him. He's adjusting really well."
Because of his past injury troubles, the Mets will continue to monitor his workload moving forward.
But early on, Mendoza has been impressed with his willingness to take the ball whenever called upon.
NHL Calder Trophy Tracker: Hutson Edges Celebrini In The Final Top FIve
This is the final edition of the Calder Tracker for the 2024-25 season. That means it’s time to put together my unofficial ballot for the NHL’s rookie of the year award.
In each of the last two years of doing the monthly Calder Tracker, I identified each of the finalists and the winner, nailing the order of all three last year. With that said, let’s get to the top five on my unofficial ballot for the Calder.
1. Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens
Lane Hutson was a machine for the Montreal Canadiens, transforming the way they played. Not only did he lead all NHL rookies in scoring, but he finished sixth in scoring among all defenseman and tied for second in assists with Quinn Hughes, behind just Cale Makar.
Hutson’s 60 assists tied Larry Murphy for the NHL’s all-time rookie record for a defenseman. His ability to push the pace and drive offense from the back end is special. Although the conversation about Hutson getting into the Norris Trophy conversation seems a bit premature, that is the level of difference he’s making.
The debate between Hutson and Celebrini raged on virtually all year. Michkov and Wolf both presented challenges to the duo atop the Calder race every month, but it always seemed to come down to the dynamic defender and the cerebral center.
Ultimately, Hutson’s historic seasons and his pivotal role in helping the Habs into the playoffs were the edge in the race at the end of the season. Both are deserving candidates, though.
2. Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks
There wasn’t much more that Celebrini could have done this season.
The 2024 first-overall pick was dynamite in his first NHL season, seamlessly stepping into the San Jose lineup and asserting himself as the No. 1 center. He put up 25 goals and 63 points as a rookie on a team that struggled all year long. What was most impressive, though, was that although he missed a dozen games after making his NHL debut in the season opener, he was able to consistently keep the Sharks' vibes high.
If Celebrini wins the award, it would be well deserved. Although the points were impressive, his ability to excel at the finer details of the game, from winning puck battles to positioning himself on zone exits to providing an outlet when he wasn’t the primary puck carrier, Celebrini stepped into the NHL with the poise and steadiness of a 10-year veteran.
3. Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary Flames
Although he fell out of the race down the stretch, Wolf’s season with the Flames was incredible.
He was the team’s clear MVP despite it being his first season. Wolf came into the year and took hold of the starter job in the Flames crease. He was truly impressive from start to finish.
At one point, the Flames couldn’t get a win without their rookie goaltender in net.
His poise, battle and proficiency were all part of what made him a dark horse for Vezina votes at points in the season. Wolf belongs in the conversation for rookie of the year, and he more than deserves a finalist nod. In most seasons, what he did would likely earn him the honor, as he was one of the best rookie netminders we’ve seen in a long time.
4. Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
He’s had some ups and downs this year, as most rookies do, but Michkov wound up with 63 points on the season, finishing second in scoring and first in goals.
Michkov finished the year strong, really taking off after coach John Tortorella was let go. Michkov brought dynamism and skill to a Flyers lineup that desperately needed an injection of it, and with the trades of many key players throughout this season, you could see Michkov taking on a bigger role. He finished second in team scoring behind just Travis Konecny but well ahead of the rest of the pack.
5. Will Smith, C/W, San Jose Sharks
Smith was one of the hottest rookies down the stretch. He adapted to the NHL's pace and really brought together his skills and playmaking to impact the game.
He made a late surge up the scoring list among rookies and showcased his highlight-reel dangles and pristine passing ability throughout the final couple of months this season. He wound up finishing fourth in rookie scoring on a team that needed him to be the catalyst when Celebrini wasn’t on the ice.
Honorable Mentions: Cutter Gauthier (ANA), Marco Kasper (DET), Logan Stankoven (CAR), Maxim Tsyplakov (NYI)
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
Which Golden Knights Players Have Contract Implications Heading Into The Playoffs
The Vegas Golden Knights are heading into the playoffs with an abundance of confidence, winning the Pacific Division and ranking second in the Western Conference. Although most of the team is under contract beyond this season, some are not, and that could bode well for the Golden Knights.
Throughout the season, GM Kelly McCrimmon has handed out contracts to Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, Brett Howden, Keegan Kolesar and Adin Hill, ensuring they remain with the team beyond this season. Despite signing five pending UFAs, the Golden Knights still head into the playoffs with players not under contract for next season.
Those players include UFAs Reilly Smith, Victor Olofsson, Brandon Saad, Tanner Pearson, Ilya Samsonov and Group-6 UFA Jonas Rondbjerg. The pending RFAs include Nicolas Hague, Alexander Holtz and Cole Schwindt.
Contract talks can be a distraction for some players, thinking they have to be perfect to maximize the money they can earn on their next contract. For some, it's motivation to work hard and play better, and for others, it has no effect on their performance as they believe everything will work out.
For RFAs the pressure is lighter, the team has more control of what happens with them, and they are more than likely to work something out. For UFAs, they have more control over where they end up, but if a contending team isn't interested, they could find themselves on a bottom-feeder playing meaningless hockey.
Playoff performances can earn players extra money on their contracts, as it's done with Chandler Stephenson or Michael Amadio. If the Golden Knights are going to go on a long run, they'll need contributions from these players.
Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
Lakers extend contract of Rob Pelinka, give him new title of President of Basketball Operations
Rob Pelinka began this campaign by taking a risk and hiring an unproven coach right out of the broadcast booth in J.J. Redick. At midseason, he pulled off a shocking, all-time blockbuster of a trade, bringing Luka Doncic to the Lakers, setting the team up as contenders now and providing a bridge to the future. His Lakers finished with 50 wins and are the No. 3 seed in the West.
He's earned the contract extension and new title the team announced on Friday. Pelinka is now officially the President of Basketball Operations and General Manager.
"For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob's vision and leadership to do what's best for the Lakers organization," said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. "I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere."
Pelinka's ties to the Lakers date back to his role as Kobe Bryant's agent, a position he held before joining the team as general manager in 2017. He's had some hits and some misses since he arrived in Los Angeles, but he understood how to leverage the Lakers' brand and their highly desirable location to keep the team a threat in the West. That said, he entered this season knowing he had a good team with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rising stardom of Austin Reaves, but there was no bridge to a post-LeBron era in the season he turned 40. Davis, as good as he is, was not that guy. Then the Doncic trade was gifted to Pelinka by Nico Harrison and the Mavericks.
"We have a 25 year old global superstar that's going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball brand on the globe," Pelinka said at Doncic's introductory press conference. "And I think when those two powerful forces come together, it brings basketball joy to the world, because that's how Luca plays. He plays with joy. And if you think about kids in Barcelona or kids in Buenos Aires, or children in Shanghai or Sydney, they're going to be wearing a number 77 Luca Doncic Lakers Jersey, and bringing joy to basketball, just like he does. And that's why it's powerful."
It's powerful for the Lakers brand, and it's one reason Pelinka has even more job security now.
Lakers give Rob Pelinka a contract extension and new title
On the eve of the NBA playoffs, the Lakers showed executive Rob Pelinka that they think he’s the right person to help lead their future, rewarding him with a contract extension and the title of president of basketball operations.
Pelinka, previously the vice president of basketball operations, retains the title of general manager. He last agreed to a four-year extension in 2022.
“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization,” Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and the Lakers fans everywhere.”
Pelinka re-established himself as the trusted and clear leader of the Lakers’ basketball operations department this season, first by hiring JJ Redick last summer. Then, Pelinka struck a pair of trades, first for Dorian Finney-Smith and second for Luka Doncic, that it made clear that his position within the organization was more than safe.
Friday’s finalized extension was viewed as mostly a formality in NBA circles following the Doncic trade. Terms of the extension weren’t announced.
Read more:Luka Doncic had an epic playoff moment last year. Here's why it could happen again
Pelinka, Kobe Bryant’s longtime agent, built a championship roster around the trade for Anthony Davis in 2020 only to receive criticism for how it was dismantled. Within two years, the team had added Russell Westbrook, fired Frank Vogel and hired Darvin Ham. After trading Westbrook, Ham and the Lakers reached the Western Conference finals.
But following a second straight playoff elimination by Denver, Pelinka again fired the coach and hired Redick. The front office drafted Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, signed Jordan Goodwin to a two-way contract and made the Finney-Smith and Doncic deals to put the Lakers in position to host Game 1 of a first-round series Saturday at Crypto.com Arena.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Banchero is Magic's only hope of giving Celtics a first-round scare
Banchero is Magic's only hope of giving Celtics a first-round scare originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Orlando Magic are heading into their first-round NBA playoff series against the Boston Celtics as heavy underdogs, and if they’re going to have any chance at pulling off a historic upset, Paolo Banchero needs to deliver an all-time performance.
Banchero, who was selected by the Magic with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is a rising star. He averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season.
The 22-year-old forward has tremendous size, length and athleticism at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds.
Banchero is a legit centerpiece for Orlando. They’ve had a few in the franchise’s 36-year history, including Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and most recently Dwight Howard. Banchero is talented enough to join that group, but winning is the only way to do it.
One way for the Magic to have a chance at making this series versus the Celtics a long one is to slow the game down. Part of that is getting to the free throw line, and Banchero’s 8.4 attempts in the regular season ranked fourth-most in the league. And since the All-Star break he’s been averaging 9.2 free throw attempts per game. Banchero is great at using his quickness and strength to get to the rim, draw contact and finish.
The Magic are a great defensive team. They ranked No. 2 in defensive rating and play very physical on that end of the floor. But defense alone won’t give them a chance to win this series. They have to score at a much higher rate than they did in the regular season. Boston scored the eighth-most points at 116.3 per game. Orlando ranked 28th with 105.4 points per game.
If the Magic are going to close that 10-point gap, Banchero has to take his game to another level. And it’s possible he could get there. Just look at the Magic’s first-round series against the Cavaliers last season.
It was Banchero’s first time in the playoffs, and he didn’t look rattled at all. He averaged 27 points, 8.6 rebounds and four assists per game in the series. His best performance came in Game 7 at Cleveland, where he scored 38 points with 16 rebounds and three steals. Unfortunately for the Magic, their other four starters shot a combined 9-for-42 and they lost 106-94.
Paolo Banchero euros his way past the defense for the easy layup!
ORL leads in the 2Q of Game 7 on ABC pic.twitter.com/N3KaXNjRkV
— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2024
Banchero won’t just be asked to lead the offense for the Magic. He needs to be a stopper on defense, too.
The one head-to-head matchup where the Celtics played the Magic at full strength this season came on Jan. 17 at TD Garden. The C’s won by 27, but Banchero excelled defensively. He spent most of his time guarding Jayson Tatum and limited the Celtics superstar to four points on 1-for-4 shooting in that matchup. Tatum shot 11-for-17 against other Magic players in that game. Overall, Celtics players shot 1-for-9 that night when Banchero was the primary defender.
It’s probably a little too early for the Magic to make a statement in the playoffs. This is a really young team, and the Celtics have a distinct advantage in playoff experience, talent, depth and coaching. This should be a short series.
But the Magic play hard. They don’t quit. Banchero is going to be a superstar in the very near future. He has the potential to make this a five- or six-game series if he dominates at both ends of the floor.