Leading the charge was Ben Rice, who homered in all three wins, bringing his streak to four straight games with a home run. Rice is now up to eight homers on the season, trailing Aaron Judge by just one HR as the slugger also went deep in Sunday's win.
With 17 home runs combined on the year (the most in the majors among a duo), Rice was asked what it's like "teaming up on opposing pitchers" with Judge and said he's just happy to contribute to winning baseball.
"I don't know about teaming up. It feels good to hit some homers. He's always going to be hitting homers," Rice said. "To be able to hit some along with him is cool for me. You don't really think about it too much to be honest."
Rice led off on Sunday and battled through a six-pitch at-bat to walk in the first inning, providing a baserunner for Judge to drive in on his two-run homer. Manager Aaron Boone spoke highly of Rice's first AB, saying it set the tone for the game and complimented his ability to hit tough pitches.
"Yeah, he's hit a couple on that same pitch," Boone said. "Feel like he got one the other day where it was tight to him like that and he's able to get the barrel to it and keep it fair. Really set a good tone first at-bat of the game, really long, grind it out walk ahead of Aaron's homer. More good ABs from him."
Boone added: "Bottom line is, again, I think he's turning into, or even is one of the really outstanding hitters in the league. That's what he is right now."
The manager went on to say that Rice has been on a "steady ascent" since his debut in 2024 and is now beginning to show his full potential.
"I think he's finding some more holes right now," Boone said. "Last year it was pretty dynamic. What did he end up with, 530 plate appearances, well over .800 (OPS). I think everyone's kind of done the digging where the underlying stuff suggests that it was even better than that probably. So it's just been a steady ascent for him.
"He did some really good things in '24 for us. Had some struggles in '24 that I think he grew from. Last year was really a breakout season for him and I think a prelude to what he can be, which is I think what we're seeing."
Judge agreed with Boone's assessment, calling Rice's performance so far this season as "top of the league."
"I know he's going to be on base a lot so it's going to make my job easy to get him into scoring position or drive him in like we did in the first," Judge said. "It definitely will be some headaches for opposing pitching staff. What Benny has done so far this year and will continue to do is top of the league right now."
The duo will look to keep it going this week when the Yanks face the Boston Red Sox for the first time, starting a three-game series on Tuesday at Fenway Park.
That was the Orlando Magic we have been waiting for all season.
From the opening tip, the Magic were the more physical team and pushed the No. 1 seed Pistons around, scoring 54 points in the paint (20 more than Detroit). Orlando started the game aggressively on defense and started hot on the other end — 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from the arc — while Detroit was an offensive mess, starting 1-of-6 shooting with four turnovers.
The result was that just four and a half minutes into the game, the Magic were up 13 and getting whatever they wanted.
Detroit never caught up.
"I thought we were a little rusty to start," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Giving up a 35-point quarter, that's not typical of us. I felt like we were chasing them all night."
While Detroit made some runs, they never got over the hump and Orlando pulled off the upset, 112-101. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Detroit.
Paolo Banchero was the best No. 1 pick on the court in this game, finishing with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, with nine rebounds. All five Magic starters scored at least 16 points, with Franz Wagner adding 19 on the night.
This was two monster games from the Magic in a row, including crushing Charlotte in the final play-in game. Orlando, finally healthy, may be peaking at the right time.
Detroit has some work to do to bounce back in Game 2.
There were a couple of concerns about the Pistons heading into the playoffs. One was who would be the secondary scoring behind Cade Cunningham? Turns out, nobody in Game 1. Cunningham was every bit the All-NBA player, putting up 39 points and leading the offense, but the only other Piston to score in double-figures was Tobias Harris with 17, and he shot 5-of-15 on the night.
The other concern was a lack of shooting, and that played out, too. Detroit shot just 36.8% outside the paint, including 31.3% from 3-point range. Orlando did not have to respect Detroit's shooters.
Which led to a rough night for Jalen Duren, who had just eight points on 3-of-4 shooting in his 33 minutes.
"They packed the paint," Bickerstaff said. "They're going to put a bunch of bodies in the paint to make it difficult on him." Detroit earned the No. 1 seed with its defense, but the Magic's 114.3 offensive rating for the night was right about their season average. On the other hand, Detroit's offensive rating of 102 was more than 15 points below its season average.
Detroit's going to have to match Orlando's physicality and be better in the paint in Game 2 — two areas where the Pistons thrived during the regular season.
All season long, the Pistons bounced back from adversity and exceeded expectations. Doing that in the playoffs is the real test, however.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic during the SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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
After an extended voting window for NBA awards, we are finally getting to the actual announcements. The NBA named finalists for all major awards during Pistons-Magic coverage. Unsurprisingly, the Sixers’ VJ Edgecombe was named a finalist for the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award, alongside Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel and Dallas’ Cooper Flagg.
The three finalists for the 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award:
For most seasons, VJ Edgecombe’s 2025-26 campaign would be good enough to lock up Rookie of the Year. The 20-year-old averaged an impressive 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 75 games, playing 35 minutes per contest and shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from three and 81.1 percent from the free throw line. As his playing time reflects, he was a key piece in the Sixers’ rotation who helped them make a postseason appearance. The role, wins and individual numbers are all Rookie of the Year-caliber. However, this isn’t like most ROTY races. In fact, you could argue this is the best one in quite some time.
Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel was instrumental in their midseason turnaround. The former Blue Devil showed historical efficiency and shooting. Then there’s Cooper Flagg, who might be the best 18-year-old in NBA history, with a 50-point game under his belt and numerous 40- and 30-point performances. As things stand, Knueppel appears to be the favorite, with Flagg narrowly behind.
Whatever happens, Edgecombe’s place among the finalists is well earned. His numbers, role and proven production throughout the season make a compelling case, and the mid-year growth he showed only strengthened it. In a weaker class, this would be a straightforward conversation. But finishing as a finalist in arguably the best rookie class in years is no small thing. Edgecombe held his own against two stellar talents, and that alone says plenty about the kind of player the Sixers have on their hands.
As for the winner, it remains to be seen when the league will make that announcement. NBA PR issued a week-long slow drip press release for all major awards outside of this one, so the timeline is anyone’s guess.
The winners of the following awards will be announced this week:
MON: Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year TUE: Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year WED: Kia NBA Sixth Man Award THU: NBA Sportsmanship Award FRI: Kia NBA Most Improved Player
DETROIT — Paolo Banchero had 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic to a 112-101 win over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on Sunday night in Game 1 of their first-round series, extending the longest home playoff losing streak in NBA history.
Detroit has dropped 11 straight home games in the postseason, a drought that dates to 2008.
The Pistons will get another chance against Orlando on Wednesday night in Game 2.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham scored a playoff career-high 39 points and Tobias Harris added 17 for the Pistons, but the rest of their teammates were quiet offensively.
“We’re sick about losing this one,” Cunningham said after the loss. “It’s a long series.”
Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball while defended by Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the game during Game 1. NBAE via Getty Images
“We didn’t come out with the right energy,” he added.
Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory for the Magic, who never trailed. Orlando’s Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter scored 17 points each and Jalen Suggs had 16.
The Pistons haven’t advanced beyond the first round in the postseason in 18 years and the Magic haven’t since 2010.
Orlando looked ready and Detroit looked rusty early.
The Magic, coming off a rout of Charlotte in a play-in game on Friday, led 18-5 midway through the first quarter after holding the Pistons to 1-of-6 shooting with four turnovers in their first game in a week.
Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NBAE via Getty Images
Detroit rallied to pull within two before Orlando closed with six straight points to lead 35-27 after Banchero and Suggs combined to score 20 points.
The Magic led 55-51 at halftime.
The Pistons came out flat in the second half and Orlando took advantage, scoring eight of the first nine points and prompting Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff to call a timeout.
“We were chasing them all night,” Bickerstaff said. “We made some runs to get ourselves back in the ballgame.”
Detroit scored 10 straight points and 13 of 15 to pull into a 65-all tie on Cunningham’s 3-pointer.
Banchero answered with a long jumper over Jalen Duren and Bane followed with a 3-pointer over Cunningham, leading to the Magic restoring a double-digit lead. Orlando led 81-74 going into the fourth quarter.
“They’ve been off and we’ve found a little bit of a rhythm,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “That always plays a part in it.”
DENVER, CO - APRIL 19: Mickey Moniak #22 and Troy Johnston #20 of the Colorado Rockies celebrate with teammates after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field on Sunday, April 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After getting pounded 7-1 on Friday at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Colorado Rockies bounced back with back-to-back come-from-behind victories. On Saturday, they were down 2-0 after just two pitches but ended up coming back to win 4-3 by putting up two runs in the sixth. On Sunday, after some “fishy” accusations, the Rockies once again climbed out of a 2-0 hole and ended up squeaking out a 9-6 dramatic victory.
Considering the Dodgers hadn’t lost to an NL West team in 2026, nor had they lost back-to-back games, this is a pretty big deal. Additionally, the Rockies hadn’t won a series — home or away — against the Dodgers since 2022. 2022!
So my questions to you this evening are this:
What are your biggest takeaways from this series so far?
Do you think the Rockies will win Game 4 tomorrow night?
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder began their title defense with a 119-84 rout of the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Sunday.
The reigning league MVP made just 5 of 18 field goals but went 15 of 17 at the foul line before sitting out the fourth quarter.
Jalen Williams scored 22 points and Chet Holmgren added 16 for the top-seeded Thunder, who will host Game 2 on Wednesday.
Devin Booker scored 23 points and Dillon Brooks scored 18 on 6-of-22 shooting for the Suns, who shot 34.9% from the field.
Phoenix broke out to a 5-0 lead as the Thunder started cold following a week off.
Oklahoma City heated up quickly. Brooks was called for a flagrant-one foul in the first quarter for hitting Holmgren in the face. The Thunder went on a 12-2 surge after that to take a 24-14 lead.
CELTICS 123, 76ERS 91
BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season, and Boston rolled past Philadelphia in Game 1 of the first-round series.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Neemias Queta added 13 for the second-seeded Celtics.
Tatum scored 21 points in the first half, playing in just his 17th game this season following surgery last May to repair his Achilles tendon.
Boston never trailed, building a 35-point lead as coach Joe Mazzulla gave minutes to 12 players. The Celtics connected on 16 3-pointers.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Boston.
Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP continues to recover following an appendectomy on April 9. It’s unclear when he will be able to return.
Paul George scored 17 points and V.J. Edgecombe added 13. Philadelphia was 4 of 23 from 3-point range.
Maxey was hounded by a Celtics defense that contested 12 of his 14 shot attempts in the first half and held him to 8 of 20 from the field.
Philadelphia’s 64-46 halftime deficit was its largest in a playoff game against Boston since 1982.
MAGIC. 112, PISTONS 101
DETROIT (AP) — Paolo Banchero had 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead eighth-seeded Orlando to a win over top-seeded Detroit in Game 1 of their first-round series, extending the longest home playoff losing streak in NBA history.
Detroit has dropped 11 straight home games in the postseason, a drought that dates to 2008.
The Pistons will get another chance against Orlando on Wednesday night in Game 2.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham scored a playoff career-high 39 points and Tobias Harris added 17 for the Pistons, but the rest of their teammates were quiet offensively.
Franz Wagner scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory for the Magic, who never trailed. Orlando’s Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter scored 17 points each and Jalen Suggs had 16.
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 19: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic plays defense on Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the game during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The playoffs are here, but Detroit’s still looking for their first home playoff win since 2008.
The Orlando Magic started off on a 13-5 run, including eight points from an active Jalen Suggs. They were able to extend their lead 18-5 until a Cade Cunningham three stopped the bleeding. After Isaiah Stewart met Paolo Banchero at the rim for a hell of a left-handed block, a Cunningham dunk in transition made it a 27-20 Orlando lead. A 12-0 Detroit run eventually tied the game at 27, but the Magic ended the first quarter on a 8-0 run to take a 35-27 lead heading into the second.
Coach of the Year finalist JB Bickerstaff stuck to his 11-man regular season rotation, though, three early fouls on Duncan Robinson left extra guard minutes on the floor in the first half. Detroit had multiple opportunities in the second to take the lead for the first time in the game, but could never find that basket when they needed it. Ausar Thompson looked like a Defensive Player of the Year finalist throughout the second quarter as his verticality shined on offensive rebounds and his quickness forced multiple turnovers.
Orlando went into halftime with a 55-51 lead. Detroit’s offense needed more outside of Cunningham’s 14 points, but the Magic packed the paint as Jalen Duren only had three field goal attempts. Duncan Robinson and Tobias Harris combined to shoot 3-for-12.
The Magic were able to go on another run as they started the second half on a 8-1 run that forced a Bickerstaff timeout. Detroit responded with eight straight points of their own after Harris knocked down a much-needed corner three. And yet, just as the Pistons got close to taking the lead again, Orlando responded with another run, this time with a 12-3 response to force another JBB timeout with the Magic up 79-68 with four minutes left. Detroit was struggling to generate good shots on offense and Orlando held a seven-point lead heading into the fourth.
A Duncan Robinson three brought Little Caesars Arena alive to make it a 85-81 game, but Jalen Suggs silenced the crowd with his own three to respond. Orlando started 6-for-6 as a Franz Wagner floater from 18 feet forced a Detroit timeout and extended the Magic lead to eight. All of Orlando’s early shot attempts were difficult or well-contested but they went in nonetheless.
Cunningham hit a midrange jumper for his 30th point and the Magic held a 101-92 lead with six minutes left in the game. He was doing his best to carry the offensive load with his shot creation in the Orlando defense and didn’t get much help from his teammates. The Magic offense made difficult shots throughout the fourth to maintain their lead the whole game and they’d go on to win 112-101.
This is now the 11th straight home playoff game the Detroit Pistons have lost and they weren’t good enough on either side of the court tonight. Every Magic started had at least 16 points and were able to convert on field goals down low as they outscored Detroit 54-34 in the paint. To be blunt, the Magic played a better version of Detroit’s playstyle.
Cunningham looked like a future MVP even after his recent return from a collapsed lung as he finished with 39 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Tobias Harris had 17 points, though, he shot 5-for-15 from the field and 1-for-7 from deep. Harris and Daniss Jenkins combined to miss 11 three-pointers and no other Piston finished in double digits. Javonte Green and Caris LeVert each played less than five minutes.
Orlando did a great job of limiting Jalen Duren on both ends as he only had eight points and seven rebounds, but he only had four shot attempts as well. After being Cade’s right-hand-man all year long, JB Bickerstaff is going to have to find ways to get Duren more involved on the offensive end in Game 2. Most of all, JBB can’t let Orlando be a better version of Detroit wants to be.
They’ll respond and play like the #1 seed that they are.
At long last, the puck dropped on the much-anticipated first-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. While the Bolts captain Victor Hedman skated on Sunday morning, his first time back on the ice, the Lightning had to make do without him for the game, just like the Canadiens were without Noah Dobson, even though he made the trip with the team.
Unsurprisingly, the atmosphere in the building was absolutely electric when the puck dropped, and the intensity level was dialed all the way up. As expected, Jakub Dobes was in the net for the Habs, starting just his fourth playoff game, while Andrei Vasilevskiy, a fixture in the Bolts’ net for years now, was playing the 121st playoff game of his career.
Despite his inexperience, Dobes showed absolutely no sign of nerves. He came out strong, and while the Canadiens were outshot 9-4 in the first frame, they still had a 1-0 lead on the board thanks to some big saves.
The Czech netminder was aggressive at the right time, coming out of his net to cut the angles as a Tampa Bay player had a golden opportunity all alone in the slot. Furthermore, he proved he had nerves of steel when he came out of the net to handle the puck, near the empty net, under pressure; he kept his cool and made the right play.
Josh Anderson always brings a lot of energy to the table in the playoffs. He clearly loves the importance of the moment and the electricity in the air. It’s no surprise, really, that he got the first goal of the game.
For a few minutes in the second frame, it looked like he had a second goal when he tipped a high puck in front of Vasilevskiy, but it was waived off because he touched it too high. Immediately after that, he got a two-minute charging penalty. He came at Charle-Edouard D’Astous like a train while the Bolts’ player was readying himself for contact with Jake Evans on the other side. As a result, D’Astous was hit by two Habs at once and fell to the ice, clearly shaken up. If he hadn’t been bumped by Evans at the same time, there might not have been a call, but there was.
Unfortunately for Anderson, that penalty would result in a big momentum swing. The hosts scored their first goal on the man advantage, then a second 29 seconds later, as the Canadiens looked panicked in their own end, the puck went through Kaiden Guhle’s leg on its way to the front of the net, where Brandon Hagel collected it before flipping it over Dobes’ arm. In those 29 seconds, the game had been turned upside down, and Montreal went from thinking it led 2-0 to trailing 2-1.
At that stage, Martin St-Louis spoke with the referees. Perhaps it was about a call he felt was missed, but it also looked like a way to take a time-out without actually calling for one, giving his team time to settle their nerves. If that was the case, it was an excellent move by the bench boss who was coaching his sixth playoff game.
Slafkovsky’s Strength
If anyone still doubted just how strong Juraj Slafkovsky is, that game should have settled any doubt. In heavy traffic with hits flying left, right, and center, the power forward made his way through the Tampa defense relentlessly. With half the game gone, he was the only member of the first line to have tested Vasilevskiy; he even had two shots.
After the Bolts had taken a 2-1 lead, it was the big Slovak who brought everyone back to square one with a one-timer on the power play with less than a minute to go in the second frame. Then, on another power play, early in the third, it was he again who scored for the Habs with a perfect shot from the bumper.
It used to be that if you contained Cole Caufield, the Canadiens’ power play was neutralized, but not anymore with Demidov on the other side, who can unleash a one-timer or distribute the puck in an elite manner, and Slafkovsky in the bumper ready to fire at will. On his second goal, Vasilevskiy was in close to the post, covering the near side that Caufield likes so much, so when he passed it, the goalie was vulnerable in his push to follow the puck. That’s when the power forward beat him.
With a 3-3 tie in the dying seconds of the third frame, the Canadiens got another power play, but they couldn’t score in regulation. Slafkovsky scored the game-winner, on the power play, in overtime, 4-3, against the Canadiens. Full marks to St. Louis, who didn’t call for a timeout earlier in the game when his young team panicked, but used it in overtime to extend his first unit’s shifts.
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg (31) and Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
DENVER, CO — Ball Arena was the stage, and playoff hockey was the entertainment, and we were not disappointed in the slightest.
The arena and its patrons started in a frenzy, and as Gangsters Paradise rang out, the frenzy built into downright bedlam as the white pom poms flew.
With three Stanley Cup banners wading in the noise, the Colorado Avalanche began their journey toward hopefully adding to the collection with the LA Kings standing in their way as first-round foe.
Will the Presidents’ winning Colorado Avalanche assert their dominance, or will LA prove pesky early in round one?
The Game
From puck drop, one thing was made very clear: the Avalanche were prepared and ready to get off on the right foot.
The pressure on the Kings’ netminder, Anton Forsberg, built and built; however, the Avalanche couldn’t cash in.
The Kings created a flurry of chances of their own late in the first frame, but a bit of puck luck and mostly stellar play from Wedgewood kept things tied at one.
A no-goal first period is likely exactly what the LA Kings players and staff had in mind, so I’d count that as a win for LA in period one.
The second frame began with much of the same.
Colorado’s second power play of the night led to some great chances, including a doorstep look for Landeskog, but the puck just didn’t go in.
The Avalanche appeared to score a goal, but it was immediately waved off for goaltender interference.
Fans were understandably displeased as it appeared that Drew Doughty’s check on Jack Drury caused the contact in the crease.
Inevitably, Jared Bednar would challenge the play.
Avs score but was ruled goalie interference, they challenged the call and it stood.
The call was upheld, and the Avalanche would have to kill a power play.
I’m of the opinion that, although the contact from Doughty was well away from the net, Drury couldn’t do much more to stay out of the blue paint.
Finally, after all of the attacks Colorado was bringing to the table, it was none other than Artturi Lehkonen who broke the scoreless tie, in typical fashion!
Lehky’s goal looked strikingly similar to his series-clincher back in 2022 against the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, in that Artturi was there to net a rebound and give his side the 1-0 lead. The Avalanche would hold that lead heading into the third period.
Next up on the goal-scoring train was Logan O’Connor, who, a few short months ago, hadn’t played any NHL hockey this season. His goal would give Colorado a 2-0 lead in the third period.
The Kings would cut the lead to one with a power play goal from Artemi Panarin with just over two minutes to go but Colorado held on to take the first game of the series by a 2-1 score.
Takeaways
There are very few environments in hockey like Ball Arena during the playoffs. The place was rocking, and during a game where the heavy favorites didn’t tally a goal in the first period, they stayed engaged and loud beyond the first wave.
This is why the NHL playoffs are so fascinating. No matter how the 82 games before the playoffs go, it’s still about who can win 4 games first, and the Kings played like a team with nothing to lose.
It was a low-scoring affair, but Colorado did control this one from the onset. Just took time to net one.
Scott Wedgewood with a playoff win to get things started, and I’m not sure the Avalanche could ask for more on that front.
Good for Scott, who more than earned his place as the starting netminder here in Colorado.
Did the Avalanche do a good job of sheltering their tender? Absolutely, but when he was on his own, he stood tall.
Upcoming
Same place, but different time (8:00 p.m. MT) as the Colorado Avalanche and the LA Kings meet for game two at Ball Arena on Tuesday.
Let us know what you thought of this contest in the comments!
Jan 3, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and center Neemias Queta (88) celebrate against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NBA has officially announced three finalists for all major awards, and it doesn’t look like any Celtic player will be taking home individual regular-season hardwood this season. But one pretty important Celtic is likely to come away with a trophy.
Joe Mazzulla is named a Coach of the Year finalist
Mazzulla seems pretty likely to earn his first-ever Coach of the Year award. The fourth-year Celtics head coach is one of three finalists for the NBA’s highest coaching honors, along with San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson and Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff.
What is unlikely, however, is that Mazzulla will celebrate the win.
“I don’t need it,” Mazzulla said last month. “I think it’s a stupid award. They shouldn’t have it. And it’s more about the players. It’s more about the work that the staff puts in. It’s just that simple. I really don’t ever want to be asked or talk about it again. It’s just that dumb. So, the players play. It’s about them. Staff works their ass off. I’m grateful to have them.”
Jaylen Brown was not named one of 3 MVP finalists
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Victor Wembenyama (San Antonio Spurs), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) were revealed as the three finalists for MVP. All three players have very strong cases.
The three finalists for the 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award:
SGA averaged 31.1 points on 55% shooting and 6.6 assists per game.
Jokić averaged 27.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 9 assists per game.
Wemby averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.
Jaylen Brown, who had the best season of his career, was not named a finalist. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game this season.
Derrick White was not named one of 3 Defensive Player of the Year finalists
The NBA’s three finalists for Defensive Player of the Year were Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson, and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembenyama.
Derrick White just had one of the best defensive seasons in NBA history
White averaged 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season, both career-highs. Jaylen Brown has also stumped for him several times, saying that White has had a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season.
Neemias Queta was not named one of 3 Most Improved Player finalists
Neemias Queta had a strong case for Most Improved Player, but he was not selected as a finalist for the award. The league’s three finalists are Atlanta Hawks forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.
Queta didn’t have the most conventional case, but he went from a fourth-string center to the starting center on one of the best teams in the league. He went from averaging 5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 13.9 minutes of playing time in the 2024-25 campaign to 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks this season. He also had the 5th-best net rating and 10th-best defensive rating in the NBA this year.
In a recent appearance on teammate Derrick White’s podcast “White Noise,” Queta weighed in on his case.
“I think I made a pretty good case for it,” he said. “And there’s always so much more I can get better at. I don’t get it this year, next year, it’s available again. That’s a good way to see it.”
Do you think any Celtic player deserved to be a finalist? Sound off in the comment section.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 8: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 8, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.
Here we are, it’s playoff basketball, and the Spurs are 16 wins away from their sixth championship. The journey starts tonight with a matchup against Tiago Splitter’s Portland Trail Blazers, led by Deni Avdija, who can be a real problem as he combines the shot making of Luka Doncic with the foul hunting of Shai Gilgeous Alexander, but at a slightly lower level of competence. He turned those skills into a 41 point, 13 free throw performance against the Suns as they dropped the Suns to the 8th seed in their play-in game last Tuesday night.
The Spurs have had a week off, and it remains to be seen if the team will be rested and ready, or rested and rusty tonight. It’s the first playoff game for 7 players on the Spurs roster, including Victor Wembanyama, Steph Castle, Dylan Harper, and even some veterans like Keldon Johnson. The Spurs have had an awesome regular season, winning 62 games and finishing in second place in the Western Conference, but playoff basketball is different and there are no easy games. The Trail Blazers are capable of taking some games from the Spurs, and it’s the job of veterans like Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox to have the team prepared for the extra intensity of playoff basketball. The Silver and Black cannot take any victory for granted for the rest or their playoff run, and if they allow the Blazers to keep the game close in the fourth quarter, they can finish strong like they did to Suns, erasing an 11 point Suns lead with a little over 6 minutes left and winning the game in the final minute.
The Spurs have the talent advantage tonight, but they cannot take their opponent for granted. Coach Splitter know the Spurs system well, so this is not a game where coach Mitch can win solely by out-strategizing the opponent. If the home team can limit mistakes and matches Portland’s commitment, it should be a Spurs win. Let’s all watch and find out. GO SPURS GO!
Game Prediction:
Deni Avdija asks Coach Splitter to sub him out when Victor enters the game late in the third quarter because he’s tired of getting his shots blocked.
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers, First Round, Game 1 April 19, 2026 | 8:00 PM CT Streaming: Peacock TV: Peacock, NBC Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
Apr 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates at second base after hitting a double during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Bryan Woo came to the ballpark seemingly on a mission today: to make the Rangers’ day miserable. So far this season, despite some solid performances, Woo has failed to notch a win, with three no-decisions and two losses. Today, he stepped on the hill, and, one inning aside, he looked as sharp as he has all season. While Woo certainly has the ability to flex his power, show off with a 97 mph fastball right at the numbers, today was all about keeping everyone off balance and dominating with soft contact, jam shots, and precision control. After the game, Dan Wilson commented on Woo’s mindset today:
“I think from pitch one you could see a little more determination on his face today, and wanting to really go out this afternoon and give us a good ballgame.”
Woo echoed much of the same sentiment:
“Being in the zone consistently, throughout the game, and not fishing for punchouts, just consistency in the zone and executing. And if they’re punchouts, if they’re quick outs, whatever they are, just take them as they come.”
The mindset showed as Woo used his fastballs to extreme effectiveness today, keeping the Rangers off balance and using his sinker to elicit weak contact and befuddled swings. Woo did an excellent job of keeping the ball in the infield as well, bringing about six ground balls and three infield fly balls to go against two hits from the Rangers today. Woo was near perfect in preventing free passes as well, issuing his only walk of the game to Corey Seager in the 7th inning (thanks partially to a savvy challenge from Mitch Garver in the first that flipped Seager’s first at-bat around from a 3-0 to a 2-1 count and eventual popout). Otherwise, Woo was playing in the zone all day, keeping hitters honest and tallying six strikeouts along the way.
The Rangers began to figure Woo out around the third time through the order, as a poorly timed walk to Seager to lead off the seventh, followed by a single Wyatt Langford and an HBP to Joc Pederson, loaded the bases. Josh Jung nearly got a hold of one but drove it out to the wall for a sacrifice fly as Seager ran in to score. A double from Evan Carter would bring home Langford and give the Rangers two runs off of Woo. Josh Smith would end the inning with a soft grounder to second, but the damage had been done, and Woo’s day came to a close at 7 innings pitched, 2 ER, 1 walk, and 6 Ks.
Despite the strong six innings, Woo struggled to hide his frustration with his difficulties in the 7th. But he remained calm, limited the damage, and finished the inning. Even so, Woo was very critical of the free pass and the HBP, expressing so after the game:
“The leadoff walk, number one. Hitting Joc, stupid. But it’s just the concept of keeping teams down when they’re down, not giving them any life, not letting them have any momentum, not letting them breathe in any way, just keeping our foot on the gas. You give up the two there and then it’s like, the at-bats for Gabe the next inning are just more stressful. And there’s no need for that if I just do my job. Yeah. I’m still beating myself up over it. It’s just little things like that. It’s like, if they were to hit their way through that inning it’s one thing, but for me to give them free passes, that’s another thing.”
Despite the negative self-talk, it seems to me that Woo is as locked in as he’s ever been, consistently focused on improving and not letting small mistakes eat at him too much:
“I give myself tonight to be pissed, and then once I wake up tomorrow, it’s a new day, and we get on it again…I try to take the positive and analyze the negative. So yeah. Six good and one bad. Try to weigh it in that way too, proportionally, like, don’t be too hard on yourself but take the good and learn from the bad, and it is what it is. Yeah, I hold high standards for myself but there’s a balance there too of not being too hard on yourself.”
The Mariners’ offense also put on a mighty display today to follow up on their strong performance from last night. Rob Refsnyder got the scoring started today with his first hit as a Mariner, a lead-off homerun off the first pitch of the day from MacKenzie Gore. Having just returned from paternity leave, it seems dad power is back on the menu!
Refsnyder spoke after the game on his struggles getting started here in Seattle:
“I feel thankful for my teammates, trying to help me through. I don’t think you ever want to slump, especially early in the year, new team, new city, so I’ve definitely been hard on myself, but I’ve had a lot of help. Our mental coach, Bern [Adam Bernero] has helped me a lot…And especially as a platoon guy, it kind of stinks because you have a couple of days to sit on it, too. But the most frustrating thing is that we feel like we’re playing decent baseball, just the results as a whole haven’t been exactly where we want it to be, but it’s a good group, and we honestly believe in each other. Hopefully this series we can kind of build on that.”
Refsnyder has had a difficult start to the season but remains committed to taking advantage of the opportunities and expressed thanks for the fan support he has received so far despite his cold start:
“I really appreciate, there’s been some fans out in early batting practice, even today in the outfield, who have been really supportive. That helps. Honestly, I’m human, so we hear a lot of things. So just to have the fan support, it meant a lot, it’s pretty cool. I’ve played in some places where you get booed at home and things like that, and it definitely wears on you…[The fans said] just supportive things like you got it, we believe in you, keep going, just nice stuff like that. And it means a lot when you’re going through it, wondering who knows if I’m ever going to get another hit. So just to have that support, honestly, it genuinely meant a lot. It was nice.”
Hopefully, today marks a turnaround moment for the journeyman outfielder and the spark for a successful run for him here in Seattle.
The Mariners wouldn’t end the scoring there, putting on a show of strength and power today in front of the hometown fans. In the second, a leadoff walk for Mitch Garver set up JP Crawford for a two-run home run of his own.
With the swing, Crawford became the first player to get a hit off of Gore’s curveball all year and the second lefty in the league with two career homeruns off of Gore (Michael Harris II being the other).
Randy Arozarena followed that up with a two-run homer of his own in the 5th. A Julio Rodriguez single put him on first and in a 0-2 count against the curveball Randy hit it off the left field foul pole to put the Mariners up 5-0.
The Mariners were relentless against Gore today in a way they have not been before. In the previous three games in which the Mariners faced Gore over 18 innings, they scored 1 run, struck out 25 times, and walked 3 times, a record that certainly suggests today’s game should have gone differently. Today, however, the Mariners sparked Gore for 5 runs on 7 hits over 5 innings today, a marked improvement from previous outings. On top of that, as I mentioned earlier, coming into this start, Gore had not given up a hit all year on his curveball. 4 of the Mariners’ 8 hits came on Gore’s curveball, and two of those were home runs. Whatever change was made in the clubhouse, the Mariners have finally managed to get to a guy who has seemingly had their number over the last year or so.
Muñoz came in and shut the door in typical fashion in the 9th to put the bow on one of the most complete Mariners games I’ve seen so far this season. The Mariners have struggled in various areas so far this season – the bullpen not showing up, the starter struggling through the first 5 innings, or the offense doing their best impression of a ghost – but today the Mariners really put it all together. All the ingredients were there: a dominant start from Woo, who went on a solid run, run support from the top of the order, and the bullpen came in and shut down the game without incident. Hopefully, this is a sign that the Mariners are turning it around and maintaining the strong performances we are used to seeing from last year. There is another division-winning team here; it remains to be seen if that team can show up consistently.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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
The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors. They kept Toronto from getting out in transition, forced them to play in the half-court, and then were able to out-execute them there on both sides of the court.
The Raptors desperately missed Immanuel Quickley in Game 1, who was out with a hamstring injury. His three-point shooting and quickness in the open court were things the team could’ve used. Toronto head coach Darko Rajaković mentioned before Saturday’s game that he was getting better even though he wasn’t able to go on Saturday. Quickly is once again questionable for Game 2.
The Cavs, meanwhile, have a clean injury report for the second game in a row. Thomas Bryant is the only player unavailable. He will be missing the game with a hamstring injury.
We’ll see if the Cavaliers can repeat Saturday’s success in Game 2 and grab a 2-0 series lead.
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It is one of the tightest, best three-way MVP races in recent memory between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.
Which is why it's no shock that those three were the top three vote-getters and are the finalists for Most Valuable Player, as the NBA released the finalists for all its awards this season.
Here is the full list (players listed in alphabetical order).
Most Valuable Player
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Rookie of the Year
VJ Edgecombe (76ers) Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
Defensive Player of the Year
Chet Holmgren (Thunder) Ausar Thompson (Pistons) Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Coach of the Year
J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons) Mitch Johnson (Spurs) Joe Mazzulla (Celtics)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Nuggets) Jamie Jaquez Jr. (Heat) Keldon Johnson (Spurs)
Clutch Player Of the Year
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
Five of the awards will be announced this week:
MON: Defensive Player of the Year (on Peacock) TUE: Clutch Player of the Year (on Peacock) WED: Sixth Man Award THU: NBA Sportsmanship Award FRI: Most Improved Player
Nothing is shocking on these lists. Which means no Lakers fans, Luka Doncic was not snubbed. As fantastic as he was this season, and even if he had played the final handful of games, he was half a step behind the top three in terms of consistency and two-way impact. Fifth in MVP voting will be Cade Cunningham or Jaylen Brown, but expect the Pistons' All-Star to get the nod.
The first weekend of the 2026 NBA playoffs has wrapped up, with each first-round series having one game completed.
And, thus far, all but one of the higher seeds have taken care of home-court advantage, but the playoffs are a long haul and series can change on an instant.
This may be disappointing to the rest of the league, but arguably no team was as impressive as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who dominated in their postseason opener. The top seed in the Eastern Conference cannot say the same.
So what, exactly, can be gleaned from the early games of the playoffs? Plenty.
Here are the winners and losers from the first weekend of the 2026 NBA playoffs:
WINNERS
The unlikely Magic steal one
Let’s be honest: the Pistons probably still win this series. But this is a massive game for Orlando, whose coach, Jamahl Mosley, came into the playoffs facing some pressure about his future. The Magic excelled in the paint, on both ends, despite Detroit leading the NBA this season with 57.9 points in the paint per game. On Sunday, Orlando held the Pistons to just 34 points in the paint and generated a 20-point advantage in the category.
All five Magic starters reached double-figures in scoring, and Orlando – which plays a similar style as Detroit – showed it won’t just roll over.
Jayson Tatum
What he’s doing, 11 months removed from a torn Achilles, is nothing short of spectacular. Tatum shined in his return to the playoffs, posting an all-around efficient game of 25 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. His day would’ve been even better had he not shot 1-of-7 from 3-point range, but Boston looked every part of a legitimate threat in the East in its commanding win Sunday over Sixers.
Knicks defensive versatility
Speaking of contenders in the East, the Knicks sent a message Saturday against an upstart Hawks squad that can generate offense from different sources. New York harassed the Hawks, deploying Josh Hart on Jalen Johnson, which allowed OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges to fly around the perimeter and smother other weapons. Even Karl-Anthony Towns made his presence felt with a team-high 3 blocks.
The Nuggets-Timberwolves series
This is, by far, the gem of the round. They’re frequent opponents, having met in three of the last four playoffs. These are fierce, competitive teams that don’t like each other. And these teams are fairly evenly matched. The play was physical, chippy and compelling, and there’s no shortage of star power. The rest of the series should be fascinating.
Donovan Mitchell is on a mission
Although he has put up statistically impressive performances in the postseason, Donovan Mitchell often draws criticism because his teams have never gotten past the second round. Mitchell appears determined to erase that narrative; in Game 1 on Saturday, Mitchell dropped 32 points and 4 assists on the Raptors. He, James Harden and backup guard Max Strus combined to shoot 12-of-20 (60%) from beyond the arc.
So are the Oklahoma City Thunder
The defending champions looked hungry, efficient and cohesive in a 35-point blowout victory over the Suns. The defense, unsurprisingly, was oppressive, holding Phoenix to just 34.9% shooting. That, plus the 17 turnovers Oklahoma City forced, opened the path for easier transition points, with the Thunder taking an 18-2 edge on fastbreak points.
LOSERS
A stunning letdown for the Detroit Pistons
Sunday’s shocking 8 vs. 1 upset exposed some of Detroit’s issues. For one, the Pistons clearly need more shooting. Cade Cunningham posted a monster game with 39 points, five rebounds and assists, but his supporting cast let him down. All-Star center Jalen Duren was mostly a non-factor, and Tobias Harris was the only other player to reach double-figures in scoring.
Credit the Magic for their defense, but the Pistons looked flat, almost like they were the ones who had to roll through the Play-In Tournament. Detroit had the week off and entered as 8.5-point favorites. Instead, the Pistons lost their 11th consecutive home playoff game and now have to search for answers. And, to be frank, it makes it feel like Boston is the team to beat in the East.
Lower seeds
The first round of the playoffs tends to produce expected results, and this year has been no exception. Through the Thunder-Suns game, higher seeds are a combined 6-1, and the games, in many cases, have been lopsided. The combined average margin of victory so far has been 17.4 points.
The Houston Rockets
Yes, Kevin Durant was out. But their opponent, the Lakers, was missing Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), the highest-scoring duo in the NBA this season. And, yet, the Rockets, a team that tied for fifth in defensive rating (112.1), allowed the Lakers to shoot 60.6% from the field, including 52.6% from 3-point range. Houston let Luke Kennard, a solid, role-playing shooter, hit all five of his 3-pointers for a playoff career-high of 27 points.
Arguably more disappointing was Houston’s lack of offensive cohesion. Often, players appeared to be ball watching and waiting for iso opportunities. The problem, however, was that the Rockets shot just 37.6% from the floor.
The 76ers without Joel Embiid
It’s clear that Philadelphia is going to struggle without its big man. Embiid (appendectomy) finished the regular season strongly, generating 28.6 points per game over his last five games played. The issue, as it has been with Embiid, is that he has been so infrequently available.
Against the impressive defense that the Celtics bring, there’s simply no way the 76ers can compete without Embiid. According to ESPN, Embiid hasn’t even started basketball activities for his return and may miss the entire first round. The Sixers, almost certainly, will be eliminated at that point, anyway.
Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels
Risacher, the 2025 No. 1 overall selection, played just 2:29 on Saturday against the Knicks and missed badly on his three shot attempts, two of which were point blank. Though he played far more, Daniels, similarly, forced difficult shots and couldn’t settle into a rhythm. The pair combined to go 2-of-10 for 4 points, though Daniels did dish out 11 assists and haul in 9 rebounds.
