With Game 1 of Knicks-Hawks coming up on Saturday, an Eastern Conference scout shares three things to watch during the series:
SLOWING ATLANTA IN TRANSITION
"They have been really good getting out on the break. Jalen (Johnson) is such a great rebounder and he gets it and goes. New York’s transition defense has been okay lately. But Jalen will put a lot of pressure on them. You (have to) pay attention to (Nickeil Alexander-Walker). He’s great in transition. (Jonathan) Kuminga can hurt you. Atlanta doesn’t need a turnover to get going – that’s what makes them so tough. It’s a rebound from Johnson and they are off. And they have multiple guys who can (push the ball off of a rebound). Even if you get back, their flow and the screening in their half court offense is tricky.
"Maybe the Knicks give up something on the offensive glass and keep some people back to slow the Hawks. This, to me, is where the Knicks can get into trouble if they don’t execute.”
HAWKS VS. KAT
"So many teams have put a wing on (Karl-Anthony Towns) and put a center on (Josh) Hart. That’s obviously worked for some of (those teams). I don’t know if the Hawks will do that. I can’t see (Jalen Johnson) defending KAT. Maybe there is another wing who can do it? It’s one of the biggest factors, to me. If Atlanta defends Towns with (Onyeka Okongwu), I think that’s a potential series-killer for them. When a big (is guarding Towns) it just opens up so much for the Knicks.
Jan 27, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner - Imagn Images
"The (Jalen Brunson-Towns two-man action) was strong the (last time the Knicks played Atlanta, which was a road win). Putting (Okongwu) on KAT gives them a chance to really get (the Towns-Brunson action) going. Tough call for Quin (Snyder) and the group."
DEFENDING BRUNSON
"The results have been up and down, but I like (Dyson) Daniels on Brunson. If they try to get Daniels off of him with a screen, the Hawks have other (versatile defenders) who can step in. You know Brunson is going to get to his spots but you want to make him work for everything and play him physical without fouling. Not an easy (job), but I’d take Daniels over just about anybody.
"On the other end, does (Brunson) guard CJ (McCollum)? Can Atlanta create mismatches by screening (and forcing Brunson to switch who he is defending)? That’s obviously what they want to do. But (Brunson) is tough and doesn’t die (on screens). That’s another (part of the) chess match I’m keeping an eye on."
PREDICTION
"I love Atlanta but I think the atmosphere at the Garden could be tough for them and I think they’ll struggle with Towns (and Mitchell Robinson). I don’t think this is going longer than six (games), so I’ll take Knicks in six."
DENVER , CO - MARCH 1: Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets stand on the court during the third quarter at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, March 1, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Welcome to the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
For the third time in four years, the Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. The two teams have become incredibly familiar with each other as they have played a total of 28 times over the past four seasons.
Three years ago, fresh off a trade for Rudy Gobert, the eighth-seeded Wolves lost to the eventual champion Nuggets in five games, a series that Nuggets players called the toughest of their playoff run. The next season, in possibly the greatest game in Timberwolves history, Minnesota came back from 20 points down in the second half of Game 7 in Denver to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years.
For the two fanbases, the history goes back even further than that. In 2004, the Wolves’ first-ever playoff series victory as a franchise came against Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets. In 2018, Jimmy Butler and the Wolves beat the Nuggets, eliminating them on the final day of the regular season while clinching the franchise’s first playoff berth in 14 years.
“I don’t think there’s anything else to call it but a rivalry.” -Anthony Edwards on the Timberwolves-Nuggets matchup.
A new chapter in this rivalry is set to begin Saturday afternoon in Denver, and it’s sure to be electric. It always is with these two teams.
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 19, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. 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 C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Playoff Anthony Edwards
Any discussion of the Timberwolves in the playoffs, but especially against the Nuggets, has to begin with the team’s superstar, Anthony Edwards.
Edwards comes into the playoffs as the biggest health question mark for Minnesota. Ant played in a career-low 61 games, 18 fewer than the past three seasons. Since mid-March, Edwards has only played in a total of three games, averaging just 25.3 minutes per game.
The most recent issue has been what is colloquially known as “runner’s knee.” It’s an injury that is unlikely to lead to further issues, but also one that can flare up seemingly out of nowhere and cause pain. The best thing an athlete can do to treat the injury is rest, something Edwards has gotten plenty of the past month.
Edwards was a full-go at practice this week, but his ability to play at 100 percent in this series likely won’t be known until the two teams step on the floor for Game 1. If Ant is limited physically in this series, the Wolves’ path to winning this series becomes a lot more clouded.
If Edwards is healthy, this Denver matchup should be an advantageous one for him. The Nuggets’ defense ranked 21st during the regular season, and they do not have a traditional rim protector or an All-NBA caliber wing defender, two archetypes that have given Edwards issues in the past.
Given Denver’s lack of point-of-attack defenders or an ideal matchup for Ant, the Nuggets will likely throw multiple defenders at Edwards as many as possible. That is what happened during the Wolves’ lone win over the Nuggets on March 1. The Nuggets consistently sent two defenders at Edwards in an attempt to get him off the ball, and by the end of the game were picking him up the moment he crossed the mid-court line.
How Anthony Edwards deals with Denver's different defensive coverages and double-teams is going to play a huge role in this series. Here's what that looked like in the Wolves lone win over Denver on 3/1
Finch said at practice today: “If they’re going to pick him up and pressure,… pic.twitter.com/gExYnkuz0r
“My 4 is better than they 3,” Edwards said following that game. “We’re playing 4 on 3. So, I hit Rudy, and he makes a play, and I feel like we’re gonna win if they keep making us play like that.”
A month and a half later, Ant still feels the same way. “I’ve seen everything now. So nothing they’re going to throw at me that’s unexpected. I know they’re going to put two or three on the ball. I’ve just got to be willing to make the right play and take my shots and live with it.”
“Ant sees a ton of different types of coverages,” Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch explained. “We review them as the season goes along. This week gives us a chance to put him through a lot of live reps where he’s gotta make reads against what we think might be coming or just anything that’s out there.”
Speaking specifically about Denver picking up Edwards at halfcourt, Finch said, “If they’re going to pick him up and pressure, we just need him to make the easy play to the right guy and trust the open man to make the same decision.”
Ant’s ability to pick apart the Denver defense and dominate the series offensively is the Wolves’ most straightforward path to beating the Nuggets. If Edwards is merely good instead of sensational, that will likely not be good enough against a Nuggets team looking for revenge from what happened two seasons ago.
Game 1 should be an interesting litmus test for this. The Wolves’ margin of error in this series is already slim, so if Edwards is slow to find his legs or a rhythm in the game, that might be a bad sign for the Wolves in this series. Minnesota will need Edwards to step up his game right from the opening moments or potentially dig themselves into a hole.
Let’s see if Ant can rise to the occasion yet again.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 05: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Target Center on April 05, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tradeoff of Offense vs Defense
The Timberwolves’ largest challenge in this series will be containing the Nuggets on offense. During the regular season, Denver sported the league’s best offensive rating of 121.2, a full point better than second place.
Unsurprisingly, the two main drivers for Denver’s incredible offense this season were Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. This season, the pairing of Jokić and Murray led the NBA in scoring efficiency among qualified pairings with an offensive rating of 128.7. For comparison, the Wolves’ best offensive two-man pairing was Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo with a 120.8, which ranked 102nd.
If Minnesota has any chance of slowing down the league-best Denver offense with possibly the best two-man game of the past half-decade, they are likely going to need to utilize Rudy Gobert in this series, both on offense and on defense.
While Gobert has been the foundation of a Timberwolves defense that has been one of the best units in the league since he arrived in Minnesota in the summer of 2022, the Wolves have struggled to maximize his impact on the offensive end. This season has possibly been the most extreme differential between the two sides of the court with Gobert.
With Gobert on the court this season, the Timberwolves have a defensive rating of 109.8, which would rank 3rd in the NBA as a team. The offense on the other end had a 114.8 rating, which would rank 16th. While the +5.4 net rating Gobert generated while on the court speaks positively of his impact, it also begs the question: Can the Timberwolves outperform their mediocre offensive numbers with Gobert on the court?
At many points this season, when the Wolves have been down in games, the first lever Finch has pulled is to take Gobert off the floor to generate more offense. While that move may make sense in the regular season or in a different
In the minutes with Gobert on the bench this season, the Wolves had a defensive rating of 118.8, a number worse than the 26th-ranked Memphis Grizzlies’ defense. While the offense often made up for that and more in those minutes, the Wolves’ inability to defend without Gobert on the floor would likely mean disaster if Minnesota decided to increase the minutes of the Julius Randle-Naz Reid frontcourt.
With Edwards set to receive an outsized portion of the attention from the Nuggets’ defense, the ball is more likely to end up in Gobert’s hands as it did down the stretch of the Wolves’ win over the Nuggets on March 1. Gobert was successful in that game in receiving the ball from Edwards and making the right play against the shifted defense, often finding open teammates either under the basket or on the perimeter.
“Just being poised,” Gobert said about the potential of increased offensive touches against Denver. “Take whatever the defense gives us. I’m going to have a lot of opportunities to find my teammates. I’m going to have a lot of opportunities to be aggressive. It’s the beauty of our team. Taking what the defenders give us and doing that as a team, and if we do that, we will have some success.”
“I feel like every series that we’ve been in when I play with Rudy, they’re like daring us to throw it to him,” Edwards explained about Gobert. “Just getting comfortable with throwing that lob, with getting downhill, with him getting to the dunker more instead of pick-and-roll, just getting to the dunker and allowing me to go by my man and them helping uphill, just throwing that lob, learning how to throw it, how much touch to put on the pass.”
To keep Gobert on the floor in this series, the Timberwolves will need to keep him involved in the offense, at least on a level that prevents Denver from completely ignoring him on that side of the court. Minnesota has not done well in that area this season, or really at any time during Gobert’s time with the Wolves. They have often been hesitant to throw him the ball with worries that he will either fumble the pass or be unable to finish near the rim.
To upset a dangerous Nuggets team, though, what the Wolves did during the regular season is not going to be good enough. They will need to either trust their franchise center on offense or look to find any defense with their other lineups.
DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 1: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots against Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What Version of Julius Randle Shows Up?
The Timberwolves have seen two different forms of Julius Randle this season.
The one from the first half of the season gave the Wolves exactly what they needed. Randle scored at a solid clip, defended his matchup well, and dished out assists whenever a second defender came to help. For most of the first couple of months of the season, it appeared Julius was on track to make the All-Star Game.
In the second half, all of that completely flipped for Randle. The scoring dipped, his defensive focus fell off a cliff, and the turnovers went up while the ball movement stopped.
The statistical splits from before and after the All-Star Break tell the story of Radle’s Jekyll and Hyde season. Before the All-Star Break, Rande averaged 22.3 points and 5.4 assists on 49.2/32.5/82.3 shooting splits with a net rating of +5.7 while he was on the court.
In the second half, all of those numbers went down. Randle had just 18.1 points and 4.2 assists per game while putting up rough shooting splits of 44.9/28.2/75.3.
A large x-factor in this Timberwolves-Nuggets series is whether or not Randle can return to his first-half form. One possible reason for optimism in that area is that Julius was outstanding in the first two rounds of the playoffs last season.
“First and foremost, health,” Randle explained as the reason for his success in the playoffs last season. “ Going into the playoffs healthy was big. Just a competitive nature. It’s the basketball you live for throughout the year. Just having that certain level of focus and sharpness and attention to detail and all that different type of stuff. I felt good. Coaches had a great game plan for us and myself. It’s really about trusting that and trusting your work. It’s no different than any other game.”
A positive sign for Randle is that he appears to be entering the playoffs healthy again. Julius played in the Wolves’ first 79 games before sitting out the last three once the Wolves’ seed was more or less solidified.
If the Wolves can get the first-half version of Randle, the Wolves will have a much easier time attacking the Denver defense, which is likely to focus a majority of their attention on Edwards. If the second half of the season is more indicative of what to expect from Julius, it might spell the end of the power forward’s time in Minnesota.
DENVER, CO – MARCH 1: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game on March 1, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Can the Wolves Flip the Switch?
For the second straight season, the Timberwolves finished the regular season with 49 wins and in sixth place in the Western Conference. Unlike last season, though, there was not a big trade that was made right before training camp; instead, they returned all but Nickeil Alexander-Walker from their “seven starters” rotation.
There have been some solid stretches of play and wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. There have also been mind-numbingly poor stretches, including a five-game losing streak in January and a three-game losing streak by a combined 66 points in March.
There has been a sense all season that the Timberwolves have just been waiting for the playoffs to begin, and that when they do, they will be able to flip a switch and transform into a capable of beating anyone in any given series. In their minds, it seemed they had proven all they needed to by making the past two Western Conference Finals, the second of which as the lower seed following a lackluster regular season.
Edwards was asked if the team had been just waiting for the playoffs to begin: “It felt like that at times, like we was just trying to get through the season to get to the playoffs, but we’re here now, and all the other excuses are out the window. So it’s time.”
Ant is right about one thing: nothing from earlier in the season matters now. While there will be plenty of time in the offseason to debate the success or failure of the regular season, the entire context of the season changes if the Wolves can play as they have in the past two postseasons.
To do that, though, they are going to need to play with a level of intensity and consistency on the defensive end of the floor that was severely lacking during the regular season.
“We don’t have a choice,” Gobert said about the defense needing to find another gear. “When our group doesn’t have a choice, usually it shows up, and so once again it’s all in our hands. It’s all in our power. We’re facing a great opponent, and we know that if we don’t come out hungry, we don’t have a chance.“
Naz Reid echoed Gobert’s points, saying, “It has to. We have no choice. Defense wins games. They say that in football, and I think it translates to basketball, as well. You can score, but who’s going to get the stops? We have no choice.”
Whether or not the Wolves can pull it all together will be tested right out of the gates against the Nuggets. “It’s really on us to do it,” Randle posited. ”We gotta come in with that focus from Game 1. We can’t ease our way into the series.”
The Timberwolves have said all the right things. They’ve acknowledged their shortcomings, identified what needs to change, and spent the week at practice and in film sessions implementing their new game plan. Everything gets put to the test Saturday afternoon in Denver for Game 1. The Wolves can either back up their words and lock in for the next weeks and possibly months, or continue down the path of a disappointing season.
When asked if Finch believes the Wolves have a flip to switch, the Wolves coach stated through a chuckle, “We’ll see.”
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 13: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs plays defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game on January 13, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
And just like that, the 2025-26 NBA regular season has come to an end.
It’s been one of the weirder years in league history. We started with a tree-planting controversy in pre-season, to the tanking and 65-game rule discourse hitting overdrive, and most recently, the entire Wizards organization almost got cancelled for a misinterpreted April Fools joke.
Thankfully, that’s all in the rearview mirror. Before the playoffs start, though, we need to have a cordial discussion about awards.
Let’s start with the Big Kahuna.
Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Runner-ups: Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic
The MVP is Shai, and I don’t think it should be that close. His 55.3% FG is the highest out of every 30-point-per-game season in history, and his 66.5% true shooting is also the second-highest, only behind Steph’s outlandish 2016 season at a nice 66.9%. Shai also tied his own record for least turnovers per game in any 30ppg season at just 2.2, which he first set two years ago. Oh, and did I mention that the Thunder are the West’s one-seed for the third straight season?
The best argument against Shai is OKC’s elite supporting cast, as the Thunder still have a +4.8 net rating with him off the floor. However, they are also an absurd +12.3 with Shai on and Chet and JDub both off, and OKC has arguably been the most banged-up team amongst the MVP candidates. The case in favor of Wemby and Jokic is that they both have larger on/off splits than Shai does. However, Jokic’s lack of defensive effort is impossible to overlook, and while the Alien has a case as the most impactful player per minute, it doesn’t make up for the 400-minute difference between him and Shai (as shown by their overall plus-minus, with Shai at 788 and Wemby at 682).
If the award only takes into account the last three months, then Wemby and Luka would have a case. If it only takes into account the first two months, then Jokic would have a case. Unfortunately for those three, MVP encompasses the entire regular season, and none of them consistently played at their best for the whole year. Shai did, which is why he is the clear MVP.
Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama
Runner-ups: Chet Holmgren, Rudy Gobert
Uhh… do we even need to discuss this? It’s obviously Trae Young — his defensive prowess forced Ben Simmons into a pro fisherman!
Jokes aside, this year’s DPOY is the most obvious award pick since Steph’s 2016 unanimous MVP season, and Wemby should be the unanimous pick here too. San Antonio’s 105.1 defensive rating in Wemby’s minutes is 2.2 points lower than OKC’s this season, and many already consider the Thunder to be one of the greatest defensive teams ever. Unlike OKC, though, the Spurs only have one other elite defender in Castle, and the numbers bear that out too: San Antonio has a 117.4 DRTG without Wemby, which would rank 21st in the league.
Surprisingly, Wemby isn’t the absolute best in any one rim protection stat, but that’s because opponents only take shots around the basket when they’re somewhat confident he can’t block it, and oftentimes, he still does. The more revealing number is the drop in opponent rim attempts when Wemby is on/off the floor: with him playing, 31.7% of opposing shots are at the basket (49th percentile), which drops to just 26.2% when he plays (94th percentile). Opponents are also making just 60.8% (93rd percentile) of their shots around the rim, even with those being very selective attempts.
Wemby is well on his way to becoming perhaps the greatest defensive player ever, and he’s just getting started.
Coach of the Year: Joe Mazzulla
Runner-ups: JB Bickerstaff, Mitch Johnson
I didn’t have much hesitation picking Mazzulla over Bickerstaff, though the latter is very deserving of this award too. Ultimately, the decision came down to the following question: which team exceeded expectations more through the coach putting players in the best position to succeed?
To me, the answer is Mazzulla. Boston lost 3/5 starters and their entire frontcourt rotation in one offseason, and none of their core players are young enough to make the leaps that the Detroit stars have. Mazzulla has gone from running 5-out with Porzingis and Horford to designing a scheme with a rolling big in the middle, while also rotating a bunch of former “who he play for?” guys to fill Tatum’s absence. Bickerstaff has done a great job maximizing Duren’s improved offensive game and role players like Jenkins too, but Mazzulla leading Boston to 56 wins following their roster turnover is simply more impressive.
Most Improved Player: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Runner-ups: Keyonte George, Neemias Queta
NAW is the epitome of what this award is for: a player well into their career who takes an unexpected leap when everyone thought his role would never change. Yes, he’s been given more responsibility in Atlanta, but the Wolves were also desperate for another lead guard to play alongside Ant, and they moved on from NAW specifically because he never showed the ability to be that guy.
This year, he’s more than doubled his scoring average from last season, going from 9.4 to 20.8 points per game. Remarkably, NAW has increased his efficiency too, and not by a little: his 61% true shooting is way above the positional average, and his previous career average was just 55.7%. Atlanta also has a +4.6 net rating with him playing, which drops to -1.8 when he sits, with most of that change coming from offense. Moreover, NAW has still been a good perimeter defender even with the increased offensive responsibilities, playing at an All-Star level on both ends of the court.
Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg
Runner-ups: Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe
One of the tightest award races in recent history, ROY is truly a coin toss. However, if you base this off advanced metrics, it’s not even close. Kon is way ahead due to his three-point volume and efficiency, and he’s also been an underrated playmaker who’s been Charlotte’s connector at times. Leading the league in threes made as a rookie is absolutely bonkers, and Kon’s already one of the most efficient players at his position with a true shooting of 63.3%.
With that said, my pick is Flagg because his season has been just as impressive, and I view him as the better player — not just moving forward, but right now too. Yes, his 54.8% true shooting is way below not just Kon’s, but also the league average, but I think he’s a better player in every facet of the game outside of shooting. Now, the gap between their shooting is much larger than the gap in every other skill that Flagg has an advantage in, but I also believe that Kon went to the absolute best team for his specific skillset while Flagg went to the worst: the Hornets would be just as good with Flagg in Kon’s place, while Kon wouldn’t be in this race if he were on the Mavs.
Again, both players are absolutely deserving of this award and this pick was by far the most difficult one to decide on. I flip-flopped 10 times while writing and could regret this choice in the next hour, but as of this exact moment, I’m going with Flagg.
Sixth Man of the Year: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Runner-ups: Keldon Johnson, Naz Reid
No offense to Jaime Jaquez, but this is one of the worst sixth-man crops in recent memory. All other candidates either did not play enough minutes (off the bench) or had lackluster counting and/or advanced stats. Keldon Johnson, for instance, played all 82 games, but I didn’t even think he was the most impactful bench player on the Spurs. That belongs to Dylan Harper, who I would’ve picked if he played more minutes. Reed Sheppard also lacks the minutes, while Naz Reid isn’t as well-rounded a player as Jaquez is. The latter is the only player who has somewhat eye-popping stats (15/5/5) with positive plus/minus splits while also playing enough minutes.
Congrats Miami! You can hang a new banner beside the #heatculture and #bam83 ones.
All NBA First Team: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi has been the best player this year outside of the four MVP candidates, which is why he snagged that final First-Team spot over Jaylen Brown. It was a hard decision, though, given the Clippers’ turbulent season (and their tree planting), but Kawhi deserves almost all the credit for LA finishing above .500, along with help from Harden at the start of the year. Meanwhile, I would attribute Boston’s overachieving more to Mazzulla’s genius than Brown’s play since the Celtics are good no matter who’s been on the floor, though I’d also have no problem with the latter finishing on the First-Team given his borderline MVP-level play this year.
All NBA Second Team: Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant
Jamal Murray deserves a special shoutout. Contrary to popular belief, he never deserved to be an All-Star in previous seasons, and was overrated due to playing above his usual level during the 2020 and 2023 playoff runs. However, he’s finally played at that level for a full regular season, being one half of the most dynamic offensive duo in the league (Denver has a 130.6 ORTG with him and Jokic playing, the highest in league history) while also keeping the Nuggets’ offense afloat without Jokic (116.5, 61st percentile). Murray is also having the most efficient high-volume three-point shooting season in the league by making 43.5% on 7.5 attempts per game, vaulting his true shooting to 62.2% — the first time he’s been above 60%.
All NBA Third Team: Jalen Duren, Jalen Johnson, Tyrese Maxey, Chet Holmgren, Deni Avdija
The Third-Team is composed of first-time All-NBA selections. Maxey leads the league in minutes per game and is fifth in overall points, Chet will likely finish second in DPOY voting, and Johnson is averaging 22/10/8 as the first option on a playoff team. Meanwhile, Duren went on a rampage after I foolishly left him off my All-Star team, averaging 23 and 10 with Cade out. I’m still not sure if he can be the second option on a true title team, but there’s no doubt that he’s blossomed into one of the 30 best players in the league and is still just 22. The last spot was a toss-up between KAT, Deni, and Toronto’s own, Scotland Barnes. KAT has by far the best advanced numbers and also improved his defense during the second half of the season, while Scottie is arguably the most well-rounded player of the three. I ultimately went with Deni, though, since he was essentially a one-man offense in Portland, averaging 24/7/7 and leading the Blazers to an above-average 116.7 ORTG with him on, which drops to 110.8 when he sits — equivalent to the 28th-ranked offense in the league.
This week, please check out Marilyn’sregular season recap! The Spurs have been one of the league’s most pleasant surprises this year and are ready to get their first taste of the playoffs.
CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 14: Kon Knueppel #7, Sion James #4, and Grant Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets smiles before the game against the Miami Heat during the 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 14, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Charlotte Hornets beat Miami in a highly entertaining play-in game the other night, and it sparked a ton of conversation. Some of the themes: Kon Knueppel blew the Rookie of the Year race, the Hornets are in big trouble, and one more we’ll get to in a minute.
The Rookie of the Year business is stupid. It’s going to be Knueppel or Flagg, if not both. One game is not going to change that.
And secondly, for anyone who has paid attention to Knueppel, he’s not going to let that game control the next game. He’s too smart and too competitive to do that.
Third, Miami has one of the best cultures in the NBA, and in particular, one of the best defensive cultures in the league. They singled out the rookie, and took him down.
And fourth, while Knueppel had a bad game, Charlotte definitely didn’t.
On Friday, the Hornets will play the Orlando Magic for the final spot in the playoffs. Orlando has some talent, notably up front with former Dukies Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter.
The teams played four times this season, with the Hornets winning three of those. Orlando won the first one, in October, but the Hornets won the other three quite easily.
Knueppel averaged 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in those games. It doesn’t mean the Hornets will win a third time, but it is a clear pattern.
Okay, back to what we said we’d come back to. It turns out that LaMelo Ball had a key role in Charlotte’s drafting Knueppel. In fact, his analysis of Knueppel was so impressive that Hornets GM Jeff Peterson said this about Ball:
“[Ball] was very detailed in his evaluation of why he liked him. That was even more impressive that he was able to kind of highlight him because there were some other guys that he didn’t highlight. He may have a future in the front office if he wants.”
That’s pretty high praise.
That said, one other topic of conversation about Ball is his flagrant foul against Bam Adebayo. It was intentional and dangerous, and it may have cost Miami the game. He’s lucky to have only gotten a $35,000 dollar fine.
The first time Kevin Durant and LeBron James stepped on the basketball court together the NBA landscape looked a lot different.
The Lakers and Celtics rivalry had been renewed featuring the “Big Three” against Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.
The year was 2008. James led the league in scoring and Durant was named NBA Rookie of the Year for a forgotten franchise of green and gold, the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics.
The first ever matchup between LeBron James and a 19-year-old rookie Kevin Durant of the Seattle SuperSonics.
By the time they faced off against each other, James was already a force of nature and the future face of the league. He had been to one NBA Finals, and would soon run off a streak of eight-straight appearances. But through that first meeting a budding rivalry of future NBA legends was born.
Because over the next two decades, Durant and James would become two of the greatest players in NBA history, and their playoff matchups are the stuff of mythology and lore.
And it’s not finished yet.
The 2012 NBA Finals
The early years weren’t so much a rivalry, but a warning sign. Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden were slowly turning the Oklahoma City Thunder into contenders. James finally left Cleveland to join forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.
The first true collision between Durant and James came in the 2012 NBA Finals between the Thunder and the Heat.
Durant was brilliant in that series. He averaged 30.6 points. But James was at the peak of his powers and still thirsting for his first NBA title. He finally got it. Miami won the series in five games, and even though Durant outscored him, James was named the Finals MVP.
But it was that first playoff series that established the dynamic that would shape their future collisions. Durant could score and dazzle, but he needed more help to defeat LeBron.
Durant guarded by James. REUTERS
The Decision That Changed Everything
After James’ decision to leave Cleveland for Miami—only to return four years later—came another decision that created a seismic shift in the NBA.
It was the Fourth of July in 2016, and the record-breaking 73-win Golden State Warriors had just blown a 3-1 lead to LeBron’s Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
Durant was a free agent, and he announced his decision in an article for The Player’s Tribune entitled “My Next Chapter.” Call it revenge. Call it opportunistic. Call it weak if you want. But Durant’s decision to join those Warriors and form a super team alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green titled the basketball universe.
Now with Durant, the Warriors didn’t just beat LeBron and the Cavaliers over the next two NBA Finals, they overwhelmed them. A gentleman’s sweep in 2017, a four-game sweep in 2018. Durant was the best player on the floor in both series. Winning back-to-back Finals MVP Awards and his first two NBA championships.
James’ back-to-back Finals losses to Durant led to his decision to head west and join the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers and Suns Rebirths
James’ back-to-back Finals losses to Durant and the Warriors led to his decision to head west and join the Los Angeles Lakers. As James was busy trying to build a contender in Hollywood, Durant was cementing his legacy with a third straight Finals appearance.
But in Game 5 of the 2019 Finals, Durant snapped his Achilles. Everything changed. He signed with the Brooklyn Nets that summer, and oddly the rivalry went dormant. They never played against each other when Durant was in Brooklyn.
When it resumed in 2023, Durant and James were in the same conference for the first time in their careers. James had joined forces with Anthony Davis and won another title in the bubble in 2020. Durant had been traded to the Phoenix Suns. Their head-to-head matchups were more frequent now, less mythic, but still meaningful. They had a couple clashes in the NBA Cup, including a quarterfinal game in 2023 that proved to be a step in crowning the Lakers as the first Cup Champions.
Durant, in his first season with the Houston Rockets, faces LeBron’s Lakers in the first round. AP
James, at 41 years old, is trying to carry the Lakers on his back for one last career-defining playoff achievement.
When they take the court on Saturday, they will have played against each other a total of 46 times. NBAE via Getty Images
When they take the court on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena for Game 1 of the series, they will have played against each other a total of 46 times. James holds the overall edge at 26-20, but because of those back-to-back Warriors titles, Durant has the advantage in the postseason 9-5.
If Durant and the Rockets win the series as expected, that advantage will only grow and it will likely close the book on their playoff rivalry.
But if LeBron wins?
Strip away the nostalgia and mythology, because it might be one of the most remarkable feats in his 23-year career.
Game 1 is scheduled for 5:30 PM PST on ABC.
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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 17: Collin Gillespie #12, Oso Ighodaro #11, Jordan Goodwin #23 and Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns look on during the game against the New York Knicks on January 17, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With the Suns exceeding most people’s preseason expectations, we saw many guys shine when they were not expected to. This was all led by new head coach Jordan Ott, who took the team and changed the narrative. He wanted to change the culture in Phoenix and did so by getting players who fit his playstyle and the scheme he wanted to run. That was one invested in three-pointers, but also one who played fast-paced and caused havoc on the defensive end.
This allowed many players to succeed on this team, but I think three players truly exceeded everyone’s expectations. Players that truly shocked the development of this team and the future of how the Suns will continue to build.
Collin Gillespie
The first of those and the biggest riser, honestly, has to be Collin Gillespie.
Gillespie started the season last year on a two-way contract and found himself with playing time with the Suns as injuries depleted the roster. In that short stint last season, he averaged 5.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.6 steals in 14 minutes over 33 games. This showed the Suns that if they invested in Gillespie, they could find a diamond in the rough, and they did. He was brought back on a one-year deal, something he wanted to sign, to prove his worth and show his true value.
The Suns have announced the re-signing of guard Collin Gillespie. Here’s what GM Brian Gregory said in a statement:
“Collin earned this opportunity with his work ethic, toughness, and the way he competes every single day. He brings a gritty edge and a high-energy presence that…
Well, Gillespie did that from the jump, as he showed he was a lot better than anyone anticipated. He first came off the bench for the team, looking to be the great sixth man that many, including myself, thought was his best role, but then he continued to succeed, finding himself in the starting lineup when Jalen Green was injured for most of the season. This allowed Gillespie to get comfortable alongside Devin Booker, someone he showed last year worked well with.
Collin Gillespie is so much fun to watch for the Suns
Gillespie remained in the starting lineup throughout the year, even as everyone wondered whether it was too small. This is due to his tremendous effort and hard work on both ends throughout the year. Gillespie, who is known for his solid three-point shooting and playmaking, broke a franchise record for most threes in a season with 232, passing Quentin Richardson on the list.
He also plays on the defensive end, plays with that heart and grit this team embodies. He is fighting for loose balls, always trying to steal, and even though he may be the smallest on the court, he is fighting for offensive rebounds.
Your new franchise leader in single-season three-pointers made: Collin Gillespie 👏 pic.twitter.com/Gf9bxaC7uX
He finished the season, suiting up for 80 games and averaging 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in almost 29 minutes. As you can see, every stat rose for Gillespie this season, and he worked hard to showcase it. He has proved that, regardless of what contract you are on in the NBA, if given the opportunity, you can find your path to greatness.
Jordan Goodwin
The next player I would like to acknowledge is another guard, Jordan Goodwin. Goodwin came back to the Valley this year looking for some redemption after not fitting in on his first stint. He was picked up off waivers by Phoenix when the Los Angeles Lakers waived him this offseason. That move would be one that I have been eternally grateful for all season long.
I once again thank the Lakers for waiving Jordan Goodwin
When Goodwin was signed, he had to compete against Jared Butler for the final roster spot. This left fans wondering whether he would even make the team, but he proved his playstyle was a perfect match for Ott’s system. A guard who could pick up anyone on the court and allow the Suns to have the defensive versatility with him out there. Goodwin had proven that in our guard lineups, it did not matter; he was going to disrupt the opponents’ wings and bigs, just as he could with opposing guards.
Goodwin also had a season with the Lakers, where he was a pretty solid three-point scorer last year. Even if his numbers dropped a tiny bit (38.2% to 37.1%) from three, he still proved he could hit them for this team. Especially in the big game against OKC, where he had a career high six threes that helped the Suns beat the Thunder for the first time this year.
Jordan Goodwin would make an All NBA 1st Effort Team if there was one of those
Man is just relentless on both ends trying to create opportunities for his team
Goodwin is the epitome of what Ott wants for this team on all cylinders, and he was rewarded for that by winning the Dan Majerle hustle award this season. This award goes to the player who shows the most heart and grit on the court for Phoenix. Goodwin showcased that all season long with his relentlessness to never give up on a play, even if it put him in a silly situation.
With Goodwin and Gillespie hitting free agency, these are two players the Suns need to bring back, as they fit exactly what Phoenix wants. Not only that, but both of them also work very well together in a bench backcourt that can squander their opponents. Similar to Gillespie, his stats rose with more playing time. In 22 minutes of play, Goody averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals, which was a beautiful sight to see.
Oso Ighodaro
Lastly, but certainly not least, let’s dive into one of the centers who has had this fanbase second-guessing him since he arrived in Oso Ighodaro. Ighodaro last year did not get much playing time under coach Budenholzer, but this year his trust in coach Ott has grown immensely. When the season started, Mark Williams was still ramping up for 5 on 5, and Khaman Malauch was unproven. This gave Ighodaro the keys to the frontcourt, leaving many fans puzzled. Especially with the Suns beginning the year by taking on Ivica Zubac and Nikola Jokic, it looked not great.
Many fans were turning on Ighodaro and ready to ship him out, but they were seeing Oso in a spot he is not used to. Then, when Williams came back, and Ighodaro was allowed to be the backup big, he began to flourish. He started learning to work with Gillespie in the pick-and-roll, and the two had a nice connection that was blossoming. One that would stick around all season long as the two Big East graduates had now found some chemistry.
Among the topics we covered on today's show was the two-man game of Brunson and KAT, which has had a significant uptick in efficiency over the last couple of months https://t.co/P0mxq3Errjpic.twitter.com/XhlOSthKzv
Not only would Oso shine with Gillespie, but he would show off in other ways. One of those would be his defense and his rim protection. As he is not the best offensive big, Ighodaro has to be resilient on defense and not make mistakes. One memory that still sticks with me is when the Suns took on the Knicks at home back in January. The game was close late, and Oso Ighodaro was forced onto Jalen Brunson via a switch after missing two free throws, keeping the Suns up three. Many would be nervous in this situation, but Ighodaro showed no fear, not biting on any pump fakes and staying grounded.
This then forced Brunson to make a bad pass to Mikal Bridges, who was intercepted by Grayson Allen, who then threw it to Bridges for the possession.
"Didn't want to give him the cheap foul."
"He knew the stepback was going to come."
"When they challenged it, I had a little bit of a doubt."
"Game changer."
Oso Ighodaro, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Ott and Grayson Allen discuss defending Jalen Brunson on biggest play of Suns… pic.twitter.com/Z64Pv4KCpV
Most would reward Allen for the play, and I definitely recognize that, but without Ighodaro, it never happens. The fact that he also missed both free throws in a close game, yet remained focused and unfazed, shows why Ott has trust in him.
He may not be the best big man or the flashiest, but famn, he does his job effectively as a backup big. Arguably one of the best in the league on his current contract, which is a scam. The iron man who was the only one to suit up for all 82 games this year averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks. Many people called me crazy for my predictions at the beginning of the season, but he proved all those doubters and haters wrong.
I hope everyone who hated on Oso Ighodaro at the beginning of the season realizes they woke up a beast!
The growth from the sophomore this year has been key not only for his but the teams success
With no MW his role is continuing to increase and he does not slow down
That being said, many of the Suns played to a great standard this year. All of them showed they can be viable for this team in one or another for the future, which is something we have not seen for years. This team was deep and has the depth to match opponents if needed, and will continue to do so in the future. If all three players are back next year, their development will only improve the team, and the Valley will witness another finals run in the future!
There are collapses, and then there are Clippers collapses.
The latest chapter of the Clippers Curse was authored on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome when L.A. unraveled in the fourth quarter, blowing a 13-point lead to the Warriors that ultimately ended their season.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green guards Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Clippers latest meltdown felt so familiar, so painfully on-brand, that it felt less like a loss and more like a highlight reel of the franchise’s greatest hits of heartbreak.
LA led its do-or-die elimination play-in game by for 85% of the game. A majority of it by double-digits. They were up by 13 with nine minutes left, and they still found a way to lose.
“I’m pissed off,” said Clippers head coach Ty Lue after the season-ending loss. “We had the game in our hands. To be up 13 in the fourth quarter we have to finish that game.”
He’s right.
But finishing off a diminished Warriors team playing without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody is not what the Clippers do. It’s not in their DNA. This is a franchise that keeps changing jerseys, logos, and arenas more than leaves change colors.
But in Los Angeles, the ending never changes.
On Wednesday night the Clippers didn’t just blow a big fourth quarter lead to the Warriors, they surrendered it piece by piece, like a team unsure if they even deserved to win in the first place.
They committed 18 turnovers, gifting Golden State 26 points.
They allowed a 43-point fourth quarter.
With their season on the line, they couldn’t even execute an inbounds pass. Possession after possession, chance after chance, it all slipped through the Clippers’ fingers like sand.
DRAYMOND GREEN WITH A PAIR OF INCREDIBLE STEALS IN THE CLUTCH.
Each bucket louder than the last, until his dagger three with 50 seconds left echoed through a building that had turned against the home team. As he drilled the go-ahead three and fell into the front row, the arena erupted in chants of “MVP!” and “Warriors…”
This may have been a road game on paper, but it sure as hell didn’t sound like it in the arena.
“When he’s on the floor, you always have a chance,” said Draymond Green of Curry.
The Clippers had every chance to win too. Maybe a dozen or more chances to put the game away. That’s what makes this sting. That’s what makes this different—and yet exactly the same.
Because we’ve seen this before.
We saw it in 2015 when a 3-1 lead vanished against Houston. We saw it again in the 2020 bubble when another 3-1 cushion disintegrated against Denver. We saw it last season in a Game 7 collapse in Denver. And now this—another double-digit lead, another fourth-quarter fade, another season ending not with a fight, but with a shrug.
Here in Los Angeles, we call it the “Clippers Curse.”
And it’s real.
AP
Even Kawhi Leonard couldn’t escape it. The stoic star, who had his best season in two years, looked shell-shocked in the fourth quarter. When the game mattered most, he disappeared into the margins, picked clean by Green on a possession that could have breathed life into the Clippers, instead they were left gasping for air.
“Draymond is a hall of fame defender. It was hard to get shots up,” Leonard admitted.
Hard isn’t supposed to mean impossible. The Clippers didn’t lose because of bad luck or coincidence. This is who they are.
And the embarrassment doesn’t stop at the final buzzer. The loss drops them into the lottery—except their pick belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder who now have a 9.4% chance of a top-four selection and a 2% chance of the number one overall. The rich get richer while the Clippers stare into another offseason with nothing but questions, and an NBA investigation into Leonard-Aspiration and salary cap circumvention looming over their head like a dark cloud.
Even their past came back to mock them. Chris Paul—discarded midseason, unceremoniously shipped out before getting the retirement tour he deserved—watched from afar and posted the internet’s coldest meme, the digital equivalent of showing up in a black suit just to confirm the burial.
Chris Paul’s IG story tonight after the Clippers collapse against the Warriors in the play-in game. pic.twitter.com/st3u72hEAP
This was supposed to be a new era for the Clippers. A new building. A new culture. A new hope. It was supposed to lift the curse, not continue it.
Benjamin Franklin once famously said that nothing can be certain in life but death and taxes. The Clippers have added a third certainty—finding the most painful way possible to lose when it matters most.
The curse didn’t just follow them to Inglewood.
It beat them to the door and let itself in.
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There’s still a better than 50-50 chance of the Boston Bruins getting the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top-five protected 2026 first-round draft pick to complete the Brandon Carlo trade from March 2025.
But they are going to need a little luck in the NHL Draft Lottery next month.
For much of the post-Olympic break portion of the season, the Maple Leafs had either the seventh- or eighth-worst record in the league. In those scenarios, the Bruins’ chances of getting the Leafs’ pick this year were pretty high.
But the Leafs essentially tanked over the last week-plus and finished with a 32-36-14 record — the fifth-worst in the league. Toronto ended the regular season on a five-game losing streak and a 2-7-1 record in its last 10 games.
As a result, the Leafs improved their chances of keeping their 2026 first-round pick.
The Bruins now have a 58.2 percent chance of getting this pick. However, they need at least one team that finished lower in the standings than the Maple Leafs to jump Toronto in the lottery.
Last year, two teams jumped up in the lottery: the Mammoth from No. 14 to No. 4, and the Islanders from No. 10 to No. 1. Teams cannot move up more than 10 spots in the lottery under the current format.
Here are the Maple Leafs’ draft pick odds, per Tankathon. If the pick lands outside the top five, it goes to Boston this year.
No. 1: 8.5 percent (stays with Leafs)
No. 2: 8.6 percent (stays with Leafs)
No. 3: 0.3 percent (stays with Leafs)
No. 4: N/A
No. 5: 24.5 percent (stays with Leafs)
No. 6: 44 percent (conveys to Boston)
No. 7: 14.2 percent (conveys to Boston)
Ironically, the Bruins were in the same spot last year with the fifth-worst record and they fell to No. 7 after the Islanders and Mammoth leapfrogged them. It ended up working out for the Bruins because Boston College center James Hagens fell to them at No. 7 overall.
In the four years since the league tweaked its draft lottery rules, the team with the fifth-worst record has moved up to second once, remained at five twice and dropped to seventh once.
What happens if the Maple Leafs remain in the top five and keep the pick? Well, it’s a little complicated.
“The (Leafs’) 2027 pick goes to Philadelphia (as part of Laughton trade) if it is outside the top 10, which converts this pick to Boston to a 2028 unprotected 1st Round Pick. If this Pick slides to 2027 and is in the top 10, TOR can either transfer it to BOS to satisfy this trade and then give PHI the 2028 unprotected, or transfer it to PHI and give BOS the 2028 unprotected 1st Round Pick.”
So, the Bruins will get a first-round pick from the Maple Leafs at some point, but the exact year is still TBD. It could convey in 2026, 2027 or 2028.
The ideal scenario for the Bruins would be getting it this year and picking No. 6 or No. 7 overall in what is considered a strong 2026 draft class that is loaded with top-tier defenseman prospects. The Bruins need to bolster the talent and depth of their blue line prospects. Also, any player picked this year could join the Bruins when David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy are still in the primes of their careers. A 2028 draft pick might not be ready to join the NHL until 2030 or so.
The Bruins are back in the playoffs after failing to qualify last season, but the most impactful event for the franchise over the next month might be the draft lottery. Getting the No. 6 or No. 7 pick would be a massive boost for the B’s.
Apr 13, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren (29) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images
Monday night’s zany 11-10 walk-off win over the Angels will be remembered for the offensive heroics of both lineups far more than any pitching performance. However, there was a sequence from Will Warren right before his start got turned on its head that caught my eye. So, I’d like to share what I felt was a good illustration of the growth Warren achieved over the offseason in terms of stuff but also sequencing.
We join Warren in the top of the third with the Yankees already winning, 4-0, courtesy of a pair of two-run home runs by Aaron Judge and José Caballero. Warren is coasting to this point, only Jo Adell having reached on a hit-by-pitch. Warren’s collected a pair of quick outs in the frame on a Logan O’Hoppe groundout and Adam Frazier strikeout, but has to face the top of the order for the second time.
Warren has already struck out Zach Neto to open the contest — making him look silly on a sweeper down and away (though it did require a nine-pitch battle). In the first encounter he started Neto with a first-pitch sinker in on the hands that Neto swung through, so Warren feels he can achieve a similar result with a first-pitch four-seamer in the same location.
Similar pitch and an even more painful outcome, Neto fouling this pitch off his front foot and collapsing in a heap of pain.
After a result like that, the hitter might become a little gun-shy against future pitches inside. Warren leverages that hesitation with a front-door sweeper trying to steal a called strike two.
This is perfect execution of his pitch, Warren landing this sweeper right on the corner down and in. You can see Neto flinch slightly as it appears this pitch is heading right for his front kneecap and gives up early, only for the sweeper’s foot-and-a-half of horizontal break to bend it into the zone at the last moment. You don’t always want to throw your sweeper for strikes, but this is an encouraging development from Warren to be able to command this pitch to the corner rather than pigeonholing himself into throwing the sweeper only for chase.
In the blink of an eye, Warren is in the driver’s seat, 0-2. He has a wealth of options available to him — fastball above the zone, sweeper off the plate away, or he can even go back inside with a pitch running towards the hitter and away from the barrel. Warren elects the latter option given the success he’s had busting Neto inside so far.
Another excellent pitch from Warren, this sinker running viciously in on Neto’s hands. Neto is barely able to nub it foul with the handle of his bat to stay alive.
After three straight pitches inside, Warren has the situation perfectly set up to get Neto to chase a breaking ball down and away.
This is just a filthy pitch. The sweeper looks like a fastball down Broadway out of the hand, only to take a sharp left hand turn. Neto waves weakly at the pitch, his bat nowhere near making contact to give Warren five strikeouts through the first three innings. You might wonder why Neto is swinging at a pitch that ends up so far off the plate away. Not only is the command of this individual pitch just as Warren intended, it comes out of almost exactly the same tunnel as the sinker that immediately preceded it, a pitch that Neto also swung at. It’s truly the perfect two-pitch sequence given all the other pitches Warren had thrown Neto to this point.
For as smoothly as Warren’s outing was going up until this point, it was abruptly derailed an inning later. The leadoff error by José Caballero certainly didn’t help, but you can’t let four of the next six hitters to reach the minute you encounter the first inconvenience of your start. That being said, I think we can still acknowledge the excellence of Warren’s first three innings this game. Warren recorded strikeouts on four different pitches — four-seamer, sinker, sweeper, and changeup — which to me is an encouraging sign given I feel he can become a little over-reliant on his four-seamer and sweeper in two-strike counts. I liked that he varied his approach with the sweeper, throwing it for called strikes and chase, and I though he tunneled pitches well on a handful of occasions. Obviously, the biggest adjustment is to not let a single moment derail his entire start, maturation in that department one of the keys in taking him from an MLB starter with question marks to a legitimate middle-of-the-rotation arm.
LIV chief’s rallying email to staff did not refer to 2027
Without alternative funding future is bleak for rebel tour
Several of golf’s leading names are facing career limbo at the end of 2026 amid expectation Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will withdraw backing for the LIV Tour.
While the likelihood is Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm will be afforded a pathway back to the PGA Tour, the future for others who made lucrative switches to LIV is far more uncertain.
Cricket fans down under will get to see more of the world’s best in action as Bangladesh hosts New Zealand, Pakistan and Australia over the next couple of months.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan isn't sure if he'll join the AHL's Toronto Marlies for their Calder Cup Playoff run.
The 20-year-old wrapped up his first NHL season on Wednesday night with an assist on William Nylander's goal in the third period in a 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators. His rookie year came to a close with 11 goals and 29 points in 66 games.
"I know I'm an NHL player. I feel comfortable, but I still got a lot more to give and I know I'll have a good summer here and get bigger and faster," Cowan told reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday.
"Everyone says that, but just take some time off and just get back to work, put in the work, and just get ready to have a better year next year."
Along with his 29 points, Cowan played throughout Toronto's forward group and finished the year averaging 14:43 of ice time. He also spent some time on the Maple Leafs' top power play unit after Auston Matthews' season ended due to a knee injury.
He impressed many this season and grew as the year continued. What caught a lot of people's eyes was how he reacted in the aftermath of Matthews going down, fighting Jackson LaCombe in the game against the Anaheim Ducks, and then standing up to Boston Bruins defender Nikita Zadorov a few games later for his hit on John Tavares.
At the trade deadline, though, the Maple Leafs sent Cowan down to the Marlies, making him eligible for the AHL club's Calder Cup Playoff run later this month.
He's one of seven players on Toronto's NHL roster — along with Jacob Quillan, Luke Haymes, Michael Pezzetta, Ryan Tverberg, William Villeneuve, and Dennis Hildeby — who can return to the Marlies for their postseason.
But will Cowan be there when the Marlies' playoff run begins?
"I'm not exactly sure," Cowan said on Wednesday. "I mean, yeah, I'd love to play more hockey. But it's not my decision. Whatever the management thinks is right, I'll agree with them."
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was also asked if Cowan would go down to the Marlies after their exit interviews on Thursday, to which Toronto's coach said, "We'll discuss that tomorrow."
Berube continued, "Definitely a benefit for him playing in the (AHL) playoffs, right? You can look at the league, and you can dissect it anyway you want. It's a good league, and it's a good experience for him."
The Marlies have two more regular season games — on Saturday and Sunday against the Laval Rocket at Coca-Cola Coliseum — before their playoffs begin. Toronto currently holds the fourth spot in the North Division, but could squeeze into third place, depending on how the Cleveland Monsters' final two games go.
If the Marlies lock up third in the division, they'll begin their playoffs in the division semifinals (a best-of-five series) against the second-seeded team in the division. However, if Toronto ends up in fourth, they'll play a best-of-three series against the fifth-seed in their division.
As the start of the Montreal Canadiens’ first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning approaches, the Habs coaching staff has plenty of strategizing left to do and wisdom to impart on their players. Part of that strategy should be warning their young player about Corey Perry.
The former Anaheim Ducks first-round pick at the 2003 draft may not score like he once did; he put up 98 points in the most productive season of his career, but he’s still as much of a pest as he always was. In his 1463 NHL games, the veteran has racked up 1566 penalty minutes and has made it a habit to get in people’s faces. Furthermore, he’s got a wealth of experience in the playoffs, which makes him an even more formidable foe.
While the one-time Hab (one season in 2020-21) has only won a Stanley Cup in his first NHL season, he has come very close to winning another one in the last few years, making an appearance in five of the last six Cup finals; twice with the Edmonton Oilers, once with the Bolts, once with the Canadiens and once with the Dallas Stars.
After 237 playoff games, the veteran knows all the tricks of the trade and is the kind of player who makes the most of the fact that the referees are somewhat more permissive in the playoffs, which is what makes him so dangerous.
With the extra leeway, he’s got plenty of opportunities to get in players’ faces and haggle with them; a push here, a slash there, that’s just another day at the office for Perry. In the last game between the two teams on April 9, he did just that and baited Arber Xhekaj into taking a roughing penalty. Something coach Martin St-Louis did notice: telling the media that Perry has been setting traps for 40 years, and Xhekaj fell for it. A cautionary tale if there ever was one. The Canadiens will need to take a page out of Lane Hutson's book, who just ignored Perry when he came knocking.
How one should deal with Corey Perry. Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
While the Lightning haven’t had the best power play this season, they are in 16th place with a 21% success rate. You do not want to give them any opportunities. The Bolts are the kind of team that will “make you pay cash”, as the coach so often said last season, when you shoot yourself in the foot. There’s a reason why Tampa Bay went out and got Perry from the Los Angeles Kings, and it’s because they know he can be a difference maker in the playoffs.
Corey Perry was telling Lane Hutson to get off the ice while both teams were in a big scrum, Hutson wasn't listening and Perry wasn't happy 😭🫣 pic.twitter.com/9NRv3hVXqz
The NBA released a list of their best selling jerseys. The results should come as little surprise. At the top, Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP is the greatest shooter of all time. He’s the face of the last NBA dynasty, and an internationally recognized superstar.
Luka Doncic has the second best selling jersey. He’s the leagues best scorer and ranks third in assists and three-pointers made, and twenty-second in rebounds.
The third best jersey sales goes to Jalen Brunson. The once back-up Dallas Mavericks guard honed his game in New York and revealed a three-time All-Star.
And the fourth best selling jersey this season belongs to the face of the NBA. San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama continues to shatter records as he molds himself to MVP levels. His maturity, grace, and eloquence is infusing an international appeal transcending the court
All-time legend LeBron James has the fifth best selling jersey this season. The hardest working man on the hardwood still plays at a high level considering the years, games, and minutes he’s played over the last two-plus decades.
Anthony Edwards (6), Jayson Tatum (7), Shai Gilgeous- Alexander (8), Cooper Flagg (9), and Nikola Jokic (10) round out the top 10 with Kevin Durant (11), Tyrese Maxey (12), Devin Booker (13), Cade Cunningham (14), and LaMelo Ball (15) close behind.
Are there any of these that catch you off guard?
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Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
This is the second of a series of roundtable questions I’m asking the staff here at Peachtree Hoops about the Hawks as we approach the postseason. Today’s question: should the Hawks have pushed harder for the 5 seed to play the Cavaliers instead of the Knicks?
Wes: For me, no. Making sure your playoff rotation is as healthy as can be for the first round is a much bigger deal than any gap between how difficult the matchups are between the Knicks and the Cavs. There’s just no reason to have anyone turn an ankle in a meaningless game against the Heat.
Jackson: No. I thought going in that New York was a more favorable matchup for the Hawks, primarily due to the Cavs’ size on the interior and the personnel they have to throw at Jalen Johnson defensively. The Hawks are understandably underdogs against New York as well, but things broke well for them matchup-wise in my opinion, and they didn’t risk suffering an unnecessary injury against a physical Heat team.
Malik: I don’t think so. There wasn’t much of a difference between playing the Cavs or Knicks, and neither team has something where I think they’d rather avoid just to play the other. I personally believe the Knicks were the better matchup for the Hawks because you don’t know what you’re going to get from anybody outside of Jalen Brunson on any given game, and that can benefit the Hawks.
Graham: I’m going to say yes, perhaps they should have. I think while both Cleveland and New York are very likely to beat the Hawks on the offensive glass in a series, I actually prefer the Cavaliers matchup for the Hawks than the Knicks, who averaged more offensive rebounds (15) per game in the season-series against the Hawks; Towns and Robinson kicked the Hawks’ ass when they played. I also believe there’s a postseason vulnerability with the Cavaliers, who flamed out after their stellar regular season last season. Donovan Mitchell hasn’t had deep playoff success, Mobley and Allen have disappointed previously in the postseason, and James Harden can be…hit or miss in the postseason.
I’m also thinking of the second-round matchups should the Hawks advance. I think all of the contending Eastern teams will be interested to see how the Detroit Pistons will fare in the postseason, and if I were the Hawks I would be one of those teams interested in testing that squad. That assumes the Hawks progress, which is absolutely not a guarantee, but I think the Hawks should have pushed more for that side of the bracket than the one they ended up in.
Hassan: I’m going to go with the majority here and say no, the Hawks should not have pushed harder on the final day of the regular season to try to face Cleveland instead of New York in the first-round of the playoffs. Given that the Hawks are currently operating on 24 year-old Jalen Johnson’s timeline, any postseason experience for this iteration of the team is a positive, and I don’t think the team’s odds of advancing out of the first-round would be significantly different if they were playing the Cavs rather than the Knicks.
Man for man, Cleveland has the most talented roster in the Eastern Conference, and as scary as Jalen Brunson is as a postseason closer, I don’t want any part of Donovan Mitchell either. New York’s first-four off the bench are Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson – not nearly as frightening as Cleveland’s options off the bench. Given Atlanta’s lack of depth, I think they’ll benefit from playing more of a top-heavy Knicks team.
Additionally, is there a better place to find out what this team is made of than Madison Square Garden – one of the most raucous playoff atmospheres in the league? What is for certain is that if any of Atlanta’s starters suffered an injury on the final day of the regular season, their chances of advancing out of the first-round – regardless of their opponent – would have taken a major hit. Simply put, not worth the gamble. Bring it on, New York!
