Josh Hart nearly brought Larry David to his knees.
The guard’s missed layup with 1:57 left in the fourth quarter as the Knicks sought to fully realize their 29-point comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday caused David, the “Seinfeld” co-creator and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star, to nearly fall over in shock on celebrity row.
Hart was later beaten to a rebound and fouled Stephon Castle, who sank a pair of free throws with 30.3 seconds left to give the Spurs a lead.
Fortunately for Hart, the flub became a moot point, thanks to OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left to give the Knicks the 107-106 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
“I’ve got a special shoutout for OG, man, because he saved me, at least for this game, a lifetime of regret,” Hart said.
Larry David after the tip in by OG Anunoby went in. Getty Images
Anunoby not only saved Hart, but also David, a native New Yorker, longtime Knicks fans and sideline staple, who was able to revel in the record win with the rest of celebrity row.
The bonkers postgame scene saw David and Jerry Seinfeld embrace, both being among a fan base unable to believe what they’d just seen.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift was hugging pals and fellow musicians Alana and Este Haim along with “Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay — all decked out in custom “Stevie Knicks” t-shirts.
Timothée Chalamet celebrated wildly after the win, jumping up and down with fans and even stealing a reporter’s mic to tell the world that the Knicks would win in 5.
In less than two minutes, David went from near-collapse to over-the-top jubilation — and now, the Knicks, up 3-1 in the series, sit one win away from their first NBA title in 53 years.
As David’s version of himself on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” famously says, “Pretty, pretty, pretty good!”
The ninth pick in the NBA Draft is quite the interesting place to be. When you look back at the past 25 to 30 years, the swings between “complete flame out” and “Hall of Famer” are quite volatile. Dirk Nowitzki, Amar’e Stoudamire, Andre Iguodala, DeMar Derozan and Kemba Walker were all selected at the ninth pick. In that same span, Rodney White, Mike Sweetney, Ike Diogu and Pat O’Bryant were all picked. Volatile is an understatement!
In recent years as teams have refined the draft process, the swings have gotten a bit less dramatic. With that in mind, let’s look back specifically at the last ten NBA Drafts to see if we can find any trends that could help us see what the Dallas Mavericks could be doing in this draft.
Flame outs
2017: Dennis Smith Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
2018: Kevin Knox II (New York Knicks)
2022: Jeremy Sochan (San Antonio Spurs)
It doesn’t take an incompetent organization to miss on a pick, as evidenced by the Spurs missing on Sochan in 2022. Jalen Williams and Jalen Duren were taken just a couple picks after the Spurs took Sochan at ninth. Others taken after that pick include Tari Eason (17th), Christian Braun (21st), Walker Kessler (22nd) and Andrew Nembhard (31st).
In the case of the Mavericks and Knicks, I think it’s fair to classify those front offices as incompetent. But even then with DSJ and Dallas, it seems like he was doomed due to coaching, which is unfortunate. However, organizations can make their own luck here, and the all three of these failed to with their picks.
Jury is still out
2023: Taylor Hendricks (Utah Jazz)
I think Hendricks has the potential to be a good pro. Obviously, his career was thrown for a loop after he suffered that awful leg injury in Dallas a couple of years ago, but Hendricks is a talented player who could thrive in the correct system.
Stars in their role
2016: Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors)
2019: Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards)
2021: Davion Mitchell (Sacramento Kings)
The interesting parallel here is that only one of the three here, Poeltl, is making an impact for the team that drafted him. And even Poeltl was shipped off early on in his career before finding his way back. That’s why it’s important to do the scouting on all of the guys in this range, because you never know if eventually, you’ll be the place where the player shines brightest.
All-star ceiling
2020: Deni Avdija (Washington Wizards)
2024: Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
2025: Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors)
Deni is the only All-Star to come from the ninth pick since Andre Drummond, who was drafted in 2012. That being said, even in consensus weaker classes in 2024 and 2025, the ninth pick has panned out well. Edey, when healthy, has been a force for Memphis. Murray-Boyles was Toronto’s third best player in their seven-game battle against the Cavs this postseason.
Tally it all up, and there’s truly nothing off the table with this pick. Which makes it all the more interesting as we turn to our friends at the FanDuel Sportsbook to see who is favored to be selected ninth overall.
What do you think about the options who could be available? Let us know in the comments!
Wager Responsibly! Odds are subject to change. If you need help, call 1 (800) GAMBLER.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 7: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks hug after the game on January 7, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Minnesota and Golden State were both prominent Antetokounmpo suitors in February when the Bucks briefly invited trade interest in their Face of the Franchise, but sources say neither team has factored into the Bucks’ recent trade talks.
Golden State has long been viewed as a potential destination for Antetokounmpo in an attempt to extend Stephen Curry’s shrinking championship window. However, the Warriors currently lack the combination of young talent and draft assets that other contenders can offer Milwaukee. Any trade package would likely require Golden State to part with multiple future first-round picks, which have become increasingly valuable under the NBA’s revised draft lottery system.
Meanwhile, according to Fischer, the Bucks have a firm offer on the table from the Miami Heat centered around Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and “prime draft capital.” If that’s the case, the Warriors would likely have a difficult time fielding a more competitive offer without mortgaging their post-Curry future.
Of course, trade talks can evolve quickly during the offseason, but for now, the Warriors’ long-rumored pursuit of Antetokounmpo has seemingly lost momentum.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Thursday, June 11th:
Porter Jr., who turns 28 on June 29th, drew trade interest from teams, including the Golden State Warriors, as the deadline neared. The Warriors considered parting with a first-round pick for Porter Jr. hours before the deadline, league sources told HoopsHype. In addition, Terance Mann was brought up in expanded discussions involving Porter Jr., but there were complications regarding his involvement, which would’ve necessitated a potential third team, HoopsHype has learned. Brooklyn also values Mann, who was a starter last season and is considered a strong veteran presence in their young locker room.
Lendeborg’s individual workout and in-person meeting with the front office Thursday will assuredly play a role in whether the Warriors decide to draft him in two weeks. It’ll also matter how the board in front of them falls. There are plenty of intriguing players who could surprisingly fall out of the top 10, including Arizona guard Brayden Burries, who league sources said is expected to be among the lottery prospects working out for the Warriors next week. — Anthony Slater
LeBron James reportedly has ‘curiosity’ about playing for the Warriors, and the possibility of him joining Golden State should not be ignored 😳, per @MontePooleNBCS
“I know it seems crazy. But there is at least curiosity on both sides. This wouldn’t even be a conversation five… pic.twitter.com/1VtkglsHtu
“When you do it once, you know you can do it again,” said OG Anunoby, who strengthened his NBA Finals MVP case with a 33-point performance to help New York take a 3-1 series lead back to San Antonio for Game 5. “You never want to be down, but that’s just how it goes. It’s a game of runs. They went on their run early, but we knew we had a run to go on, as well. So, just staying with it, not getting too low in the moment, and keep pushing, having confidence, believing in ourselves and knowing it’s a 48-minute game. Play until the end.”
That could make him the perfect fit on the Warriors, who are still chasing superstars, and hoping to build one more NBA Finals contender around Steph Curry. Lendeborg, who is talented defensively on both the perimeter and interior, can score in a variety of ways, and is very polished, would likely slot right into the rotation, as he figures to be one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. But, despite his age, there’s also a belief by many that Lendeborg has a lot of untapped potential, and has a star ceiling rather than just a high floor.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
On today’s episode, Andrew Dukowitz of Zone Coverage joins the show to discuss a wild New York Knicks win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals and the 10-2 start of the season for the Lynx:
— The Knicks erased an NBA Finals record 29-point deficit to win Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead. Jalen Brunson was incredible yet again down the stretch, and OG Anunoby had the clutch block and tip-in layup to seal the victory.
— Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two early fouls, which kept him out most of the first half, but still finished with a game-high +17 as the former Minnesota Timberwolves franchise player is one win away from becoming a champion.
— It is easy to look back on the trade of Towns and have regret. Ultimately, the Knicks will end up winning the trade if they close out these Finals, but the Wolves still have a path to make the trade a positive from their perspective as well.
— The Minnesota Lynx have started the season with a 10-2 record, including eight straight wins. They are leading the WNBA in almost every conceivable category, including best record, most points scored, and fewest points against, while Napheesa Collier hasn’t played a single minute.
— Olivia Miles has been incredible to start her WNBA career. She has put up 17.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game on 53.2/37.1/91.2 percent shooting splits. Miles is well on her way to winning Rookie of the Year and may finish on the ballot for Most Valuable Player.
— It is still unclear when Collier will return to the court, but it appears as though the talk of her leaving in the offseason has died down at least for now, with the Lynx getting off to a hot start.
Actress Mariska Hargitay delivered a heartfelt message to Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson after New York's historic comeback from down by as many 29 to beat the Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night at the Garden.
Actress Mariska Hargitay delivered a heartfelt message to Jalen Brunson after the Knicks’ historic comeback from down by as many as 29 to beat the Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday night at The Garden.
The “Law & Order: SVU” actress was ecstatic as she and Brunson, who finished with a game-high 36 points, hugged on the court.
“I love you so much, I’m so happy!” Hargitay said.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates with Mariska Hargitay after Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 10, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NBAE via Getty Images
Before that, she sprinted onto the court and hugged Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, an assistant to Knicks head coach Mike Brown and member of the 1999 New York Knicks team that reached the NBA Finals.
The moment was captured on video by actor Ben Stiller, a fellow diehard Knicks fan who last season described Hargitay as the “envy” or celebrity row.
“The love that Mariska Hargitay gets from you postgame is the envy of every other Knicks fan, Knicks celebrity fan. She gets a hug after a loss,” Stiller said on Brunson’s “Roommates” podcast with Josh Hart.
During a recent appearance on the “Today” show, Hargitay described Brunson as “magnificent” and called him “my inspiration.”
She previously said the two became friends when they learned they were fans of each other.
(L to R) Este Haim, Taylor Swift, and Mariska Hargitay attend Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images
Hargitay sat with her friend, superstar singer Taylor Swift, and singing sisters, Este Haim and Alana Haim, at Game 4 — and they wore matching blue and orange shirts with “Stevie Knicks” written on them.
They were seen jumping up and down after a go-ahead tip-in by Knicks forward OG Anunoby with 1.2 seconds remaining sealed the win over San Antonio.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks could close out the series in Game 5 in San Antonio on Saturday.
Jun 2, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Over the past four weeks, the Jays are 14-12 with a 3.97 ERA
Hot
Kevin Gausman: 5 starts, 2-1, 3.14ERA. In 28.2 innings, batters hit .243/.278/.411 with 3 home runs, 5 walks and 31 strikeouts.
Two quality starts, one good start that went five innings and a couple of less great starts. At 35 he’s still a very good starting pitcher.
Louis Varland: 11 games, 2-0, 6 saves, 0.64 ERA. In 14.0 innings, batters hit .163/180/.204 with no home runs, 1 walks and 14 strikeouts.
He also had 2 holds. Louis allowed one earned run over the last 4 weeks (and two this season). I’m pretty amazed at the just one walk, as he had walked quite a few before that. He’s been amazing. We are very lucky to have him.
Braydon Fisher: 13 games, 3 as opener, 0-0, 2.08 ERA. In 13 innings, batters hit ..156/.240/.289 with 2 home runs, 5 walks and 18 strikeouts.
He had 2 holds. Yeah, he’s been terrific. He gave up one run in each of two appearances, and that was it.
Tyler Rogers: 12 games, 0-0, 2 saves, 1 blown save, 4.50 ERA. In 6 innings, batters hit .346/.414/.423, with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts.
Tyler had 7 holds. He gave up three runs in those 12 games, 2 in one games, and 1 in the next. I really enjoy watching him.
Adam Macko: 12 games, 1 as opener, 2-0, 3 holds, 1.50 ERA. In 12 innings batters hit ..244/.292/.333 with 1 home run, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts.
He was good and now he’s in Buffalo. The life of a reliever with options.
Cold
Patrick Corbin: 5 starts, 1-2, 5.48 ERA. In 23.0 innings, batters hit .269/.343/.484 with 4 home runs, 10 walks and 18 strikeouts.
There were also 8 stolen bases, with no one caught in the last four weeks. He’s averaged 4.6 innings per start. Maybe Spencer Miles should stay in the rotation and Corbin should go to the pen. He had one QS, one game that would have been a QS if he had pitched one more inning and three that were poor starts.
Jeff Hoffman: 12 games, 2-2, 5.91 ERA. In 10.2 innings, batters hit .268/.348/.439 with 1 home run, 4 walks and 18 strikeouts.
He had 2 holds. He had one blowup appearance (more than one run against, and it was epic) and two games where he allowed one run and 8 with no runs allowed.
Yariel Rodríguez: 9 games, 0-1, blown save. 8.64 ERA. In 8.1 innings, batters hit .343/.452/.543. with 2 home runs, 6 walks and 4 strikeouts.
Also had a hold. He’s been DFAed again. No one will pick him up off waivers. I don’t know if it is time to release him and let him earn his money at home, or store him in Buffalo.
Connor Seabold: 5 games, 0-0, 8.10 ERA. In 3.1 innings, batters hit .375 /.444/ .375, with 2 walks and 1 strikeout
Had a hold. He’s been DFAed.
Inbetween
Dylan Cease: 3 starts, 0-2, 4.60 ERA. In 15.2 innings, .193/.270/.449, with 4 home runs, 6 walks and 28 strikeouts.
Three starts, he had one Quality start, one bad start and one in between. The ERA is high, but the other numbers are good….almost two strikeouts an inning. And of course, there was a IL stint in between.
Trey Yesavage: 5 starts, 1-2, 4.30 ERA. In 29.1 innings, batters hit .180/.278/.330 with 2 homers, 14 walks and 29 strikeouts.
Trey had two QS. one game that was an inning short of a QS and two very poor starts. There were no steals against him in those five games. In fact there has only been 1 steal attempt with Trey on the mound, and it was successful.
Mason Fluharty: 14 games, 1-0, 2 as opener, 2.31 ERA. In 11.2 innings, batters hit .261/.320/.413 with 2 home runs, 3 walks and 17 strikeouts.
He had 3 holds. He’s very good vs LHH .514 OPS, but not good against RHH (883).
Spencer Miles: 6 games, 1 start, 4 opener, 2-1, 3.80 ERA. In 21.1 innings, batters hit .184/.262/.276 with 2 homers, 8 walks and 23 strikeouts.
Spencer also had a hold. He had one blow up outing, (6 earned in 3 innings), one where he gave up 2 earned in 1.1 innings, and another where he allowed one run in 4.1.
Also Pitched
Max Scherzer: He pitched yesterday, and you likely remember it.
Tommy Nance: 3 games, 0-0, 0.00 ERA. In 3 innings batters hit ..273/.273/.273, with 0 home runs, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.
Austin Voth: Pitched in that one game, gave up 5 earned in 3.1 innings. Now he’s in the minors with the Twins.
Simeon Woods Richardson: Threw 4 innings in that one game, allowed just 1 hit with 3 strikeouts.
Chad Dallas: Pitched in 1 game, gave up a run in 3.2 innings, 2 hits, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts.
Chase Lee: Pitched in 2 games. In 2 innings, he gave up 2 earned, on 1 hit, a home run, 4 walks and no strikeouts.
Tanner Andrews: Pitched in 2 games. Batters hit .111/.273/.111. And didn’t give up a run.
Hayden Juenger: Pitched in 2 games. Gave up 3 earned in 2 innings. Batters hit .286/.400/.429, 2 walks, no strikeouts.
IL
Joe Mantiply: Pitched in two games. 0.00 ERA. in 1.2 innings, batters hit .333/.429/.333. Might be back before the season’s over.
Yimi García: Could be back in the next week or so.
Cody Ponce: Will miss the season.
Shane Bieber: Could be back next week?
José Berríos: Had Tommy John. Might be back by the end of next season.
Ricky Tiedemann: They haven’t talked about him in awhile, which is never a good thing.
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Jackson Chourio (11) is out on second after Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Isaac Collins (6) grounds into a double play during the fifth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday September 4, 2025 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Brewers are back in town this weekend, as they’ll host the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game set beginning Friday night. The Brewers, at 41-25 on the season, sit in first place in the NL Central, 3.5 games ahead of the Cardinals entering Thursday’s play. They’re coming off a 4-2 road trip in which they swept the Rockies and dropped two of three against the A’s in Las Vegas.
On the other side, the Phillies sit at 37-31 and in second place in the NL East, eight games behind the NL-leading Atlanta Braves. After getting out to a dismal 9-19 start that resulted in the firing of manager Rob Thomson, the Phils have rattled off a strong month-and-a-half, with a 28-12 record since April 27 under interim manager Don Mattingly.
The Brewers are currently without starters Quinn Priester, Logan Henderson, and Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff is expected to rejoin the team in Milwaukee this weekend, and he’ll potentially make his return next week against the Guardians. Priester continues to struggle with his command during his rehab assignment, while Henderson is targeting a July return. Relievers Jared Koenig, Angel Zerpa, Rob Zastryzny, Brian Fitzpatrick, DL Hall, and Carlos Rodriguez are also out, with Zerpa out for the season, Fitzpatrick evaluating whether to get Tommy John surgery, Hall out until late July, Rodriguez with a TBD return, and Zastryzny and Koenig on their way back. Outfielder Brandon Lockridge is also nearing a rehab assignment as he recovers from a knee injury.
UPDATE: While I was writing this, Priester was returned from his rehab assignment again and remains on the IL.
Seems like not great news for Quinn Priester: He’s been returned from rehab assignment again and remains on the IL. He had been pitching in rookie ball in Arizona.
The Phillies are without outfielder Johan Rojas, who is out for the season after a suspension followed by a torn right UCL. Left-hander Kyle Backhus just began a rehab assignment, and outfielder Adolis García is considered day-to-day with a pulled muscle in his throwing arm. Lastly, top prospect Aidan Miller (MLB No. 14), who is with Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate, is out until August with a back injury.
Offensively, the Brewers are led by Jake Bauers, Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, and Christian Yelich. Catcher Gary Sánchez’s power made a return during the team’s recent road trip, while Andrew Vaughn continues to mash against lefties. Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, David Hamilton, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Luis Rengifo round things out. As a team, the Brewers are hitting .254/.340/.389 (.729 OPS ranks eighth) with 57 homers (27th), 352 runs (third), and 68 steals (third).
The Phillies’ big 1-2 remains Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber leads the majors with 24 homers this season, as he’s hitting .239/.358/.575 with 100 strikeouts to 42 walks over 65 games. Harper, who has 15 homers, is hitting .267/.376/.517. Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh have eight homers each, and Marsh leads the team with a .326 batting average. The aforementioned García is hitting just .195 but he does have seven homers, and Trea Turner and Bryson Stott both remain speed threats with 26 steals between them (14 for Turner, 12 for Stott). J.T. Realmuto is in the midst of another down year, and he’s sharing time behind the plate with Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs. Edmundo Sosa, former Brewer Steward Berroa, and prospect Justin Crawford (the son of Carl Crawford) round out the squad. As a team, the Phillies are hitting .228/.298/.389 (.687 OPS ranks 27th), with 86 homers (ninth), 276 runs (24th), and 54 steals (tied for 10th).
After all of the injuries, Milwaukee’s bullpen leaders as it stands are Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, Grant Anderson, and Aaron Ashby. Chad Patrick has also been effective in his bullpen role (though he did allow three runs in Wednesday’s loss). Rookie Coleman Crow appears to be moved to the bullpen, too, and newbies Joel Kuhnel and Drew Rom round things out. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.47 team ERA (fourth), including a 3.50 starter ERA (fifth) and a 3.43 bullpen ERA (eighth). They’ve struck out 639 batters (tied for second) over 591 1/3 innings.
Jhoan Duran leads the Phillies’ bullpen, as he has a 1.99 ERA and 17 saves in 18 chances this season. José Alvarado and Brad Keller are tied for the team lead with 30 appearances apiece, though Alvarado’s 5.25 ERA over 24 innings isn’t ideal (Keller’s 3.38 ERA over 29 1/3 innings is much better). Orion Kerkering has also been solid, with a 2.10 ERA over 25 2/3 innings. Tanner Banks (6.08 ERA over 23 2/3 IP), Tim Mayza (3.41 ERA over 29 IP), Chase Shugart (3.48 ERA over 20 2/3 IP), and Jonathan Bowlan (3.92 ERA over 20 2/3 IP) fill the rest of the ‘pen. As a staff, the Phillies have a 4.01 team ERA (12th), including a 4.14 starter ERA (13th) and a 3.79 bullpen ERA (12th). They’ve struck out 641 batters (first) over 606 1/3 innings.
Probable Pitchers
Friday, June 12 @ 6:40 p.m.: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (7-2, 1.50 ERA, 1.91 FIP) vs. RHP Andrew Painter (1-7, 6.21 ERA, 5.09 FIP)
Misiorowski continues to mow down hitters at a crazy rate, as he leads the majors with 116 strikeouts over just 78 innings. He also sports a league-best 0.808 WHIP, allowing just 4.7 H/9. He’s allowed a whopping one earned run since the end of April, spanning 45 1/3 innings over seven starts. In that time, he has a perfect 6-0 record and 65 strikeouts, including at least eight strikeouts in all of those appearances. He’s coming off a seven-inning outing against the Rockies, in which he allowed an unearned run on four hits, three walks, and a hit batter, striking out eight. Miz’s only career appearance against the Phillies came last September, when he allowed three runs on six hits and a walk, striking out four over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision.
Painter is a highly regarded prospect who has unfortunately dealt with injuries early in his career. Even so, he’s just 23, though he hasn’t had much success here in his rookie season. Across 12 appearances (11 starts), Painter has totaled 58 innings, with a 6.21 ERA, 5.09 FIP, and 47 strikeouts. He’s lost each of his last three outings, allowing 12 runs over 14 1/3 innings against the Guardians, Dodgers, and White Sox. This marks Painter’s first career appearance against Milwaukee.
Saturday, June 13 @ 6:10 p.m.: LHP Shane Drohan (3-1, 3.11 ERA, 2.71 FIP) vs. RHP Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.86 ERA, 4.21 FIP)
Drohan, who made his MLB debut as a starter but then followed with 10 bullpen outings, is set for his third turn through the rotation since rejoining this month. He has a 3.11 ERA, 2.71 FIP, and 37 strikeouts across 37 2/3 innings this season, and the Brewers dominated in both of his recent starts. In those games, he allowed five runs on nine hits and three walks, striking out nine over 10 1/3 innings as the Crew won 16-2 against the Giants and 12-4 against the Rockies. This marks Drohan’s first career appearance against Philadelphia.
Nola, 33, is in his 12th MLB season, all of which have been with the Phillies. While “even year” Aaron Nola was very much a thing entering this year — he had a 2.37, 3.28, 3.25, and 3.57 ERA in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, respectively, compared to a 3.87, 4.63, 4.46, and 6.01 ERA in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025, respectively — he hasn’t had a very “even year” kind of year in 2026. Across 13 starts, he has a 5.86 ERA, 4.21 FIP, and 68 strikeouts over 66 innings. He got roughed up in his last appearance, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four over 4 1/3 innings against the White Sox. Nola has made 15 career starts against Milwaukee, with a 7-3 record, a 3.09 ERA, and 101 strikeouts over 90 1/3 innings, though he got roughed up last September, allowing six runs in five innings in a loss.
Sunday, June 14 @ 1:10 p.m.: LHP Kyle Harrison (7-1, 2.72 ERA, 3.11 FIP) vs. LHP Cristopher Sánchez (8-2, 1.54 ERA, 1.85 FIP)
Harrison, who has a 2.72 ERA, 3.11 FIP, and 77 strikeouts across 59 2/3 innings this season, is coming off his worst start as a Brewer, though that can be blamed at least in part on the environment of Las Vegas Ballpark. He went just 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits and a pair of walks with four strikeouts on 71 pitches, but the Brewers were able to pull out a 15-14 comeback win in 12 innings. Harrison has made a pair of starts against the Phillies while with the Giants, one in 2023 and one in 2024. In those games, he’s totaled six runs allowed on 17 hits and two walks, striking out 10 over 8 1/3 frames.
Sánchez, 29, has developed into one of the best pitchers in MLB. After finishing second in NL Cy Young voting and leading all pitchers with an 8.1 bWAR in 2025, he’s doing it again in 2026. Across 14 starts, he leads the league with 93 1/3 innings and a 5.0 bWAR, sporting a 1.54 ERA, 1.85 FIP, and 113 strikeouts. After allowing no runs in the month of May, he eked out an NL Pitcher of the Month Award over Misiorowski. Sánchez is coming off his worst start in a while, though, as he allowed all of two runs over seven innings, still picking up 10 strikeouts in a 5-2 win over the Blue Jays. Sánchez has made three career appearances (two starts) against the Brewers, with a 2.03 ERA and eight strikeouts over 13 1/3 innings.
How to Watch & Listen
Friday, June 12: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Saturday, June 13: Brewers TV & nationally on FS1; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Sunday, June 14: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Prediction
The Phillies and Brewers both got out to sluggish starts and both have turned it on over the last month-plus to push themselves well over .500. This should be a fun series with some great pitching matchups. Give me the Crew to eke out two of three.
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final comes to us live from Lenovo Center in Raleigh tonight, with the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes knotted at 2-2.
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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Jordan Staal Over 0.5 points
Price: +120 at BET99
Jordan Staal has been an issue for the Vegas Golden Knights all series, and the longer this Cup Finals goes, the more of an impact he will have.
He has six points in two games and multiple points in back-to-back matches. His 5-on-5 line is better with the addition of Seth Jarvis, and there is a case to be made that he is playing among the most offensively talented wingers on the team.
Staal also gets PP1 looks until the puck is cleared, and he changes. Carter Hart is giving up goals in bunches, and Staal is getting some Conn Smythe love for a reason
Neil Parker's expert pick: Brandon Bussi Over 21.5 saves
Price: +100 at BET99
While the Golden Knights have been on the losing end of the 5-on-5 possession battle with a 42.0 Corsi For percentage, they’ve consistently pushed back, and their 47.5% shot share paints a far clearer picture of how the series has played out through four games.
As a result, I’m anticipating the Golden Knights showing up on time and with an emphasis on testing Carolina Hurricanes rookie goalie Brandon Bussi in Game 5.
Bussi has only faced 22.76 shots per 60 minutes since taking over the crease in Game 3, and Vegas has recorded 25.2 shots per 60 this postseason, so a slight uptick from the Golden Knights is all it will take for Bussi to clear this low total.
I recommend this to -110 odds.
Todd Cordell's expert pick: Taylor Hall Over 0.5 points
Carolina has controlled better than 68% of the expected goals during Hall’s 5-on-5 minutes. No other player is above 58%. He’s full value for it, leading the way in shot attempts, scoring chances, and sitting tied for first in Grade A opportunities.
Brett Howden has quickly made a name for himself in the playoffs. He leads the Vegas Golden Knights with 14 goals in just 20 games and has already scored four times in the Stanley Cup Final. The center has generated 22 individual high-danger chances this postseason, including 14 on the road.
In the Final alone, Howden has produced 12 individual Fenwick attempts, ranking third on Vegas. The veteran continues to put himself in dangerous scoring areas, and the underlying chance generation suggests more opportunities should follow.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Somewhere, Pau Gasol let out a sigh of relief on Wednesday night.
Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals saw what announcer Mike Breen called "the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history" — and it felt like every bit of that. This was an iconic moment. New York trailed by 29 in the third quarter and by 20 with 9:30 left in the game. It should have been over... but Madison Square Garden had some magic left in her. However, was this the greatest comeback in NBA postseason history? Here were the top three coming into the game.
Celtics vs. Lakers, 2008 NBA Finals Game 4
These Lakers featured Kobe Bryant at the peak of his powers and picked up Pau Gasol midseason from Memphis, but it was Lamar Odom who sparked the Lakers early in Game 4 — 13 first-quarter points — and they raced out to a 26-7 lead to open the game. The Lakers built up a 24-point first-half lead and were on their way to tying up the series with the Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen Celtics. The Celtics chipped away at that lead some, but the Lakers still led 70-50 with 6:04 remaining in the 3rd quarter — the Lakers were in total control on their home court.
Then the Celtics went on a 21-3 run and made it a game behind a spark from James Posey off the bench, scoring 18 and punctuated by a P.J. Brown dunk over Kobe at the end of the third.
Boston scored 57 in the second half, went on to win Game 4 97-91, and that was the series.
Before this week, that was the largest blown lead in NBA Finals history, which is why Gasol may rest a little easier this week.
Rockets vs. Magic, 1995 NBA Finals Game 1
This series had all the star power — Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler against Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway — but very little drama as the Rockets swept that series.
The only drama came in Game 1, when the Magic raced out to a 20-point first-half lead, and it looked like the young legs and energy would have their day. Houston stormed back, and the end of the game became the stuff of legend: Orlando's Nick Anderson missed four straight free throws that could have sealed the win, which opened the door for Kenny "The Jet" Smith to knock down an off-balance 3-pointer that forced overtime. In the extra frame, an Olajuwon tip-in won the game.
June 7, 1995: G1 NBA Finals. Magic’s Nick Anderson misses four consecutive FTs which would have iced the game leading to a Kenny Smith three to send it into OT where the Rockets won 120-118. pic.twitter.com/ybe0ECIBhN
— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) June 8, 2026
Warriors vs. Clippers, 2019 First Round
This remains the biggest comeback in playoff history statistically, even if it happened in the first round.
With 7:31 remaining in the third quarter, Kevin Durant scored an and-1 on a driving dunk and, after he knocked down the free throw, it was 94-63. The game was over... except nobody told the Clippers. Led by Lou Williams, the Clippers outscored the Warriors 72-37 the rest of the way and pulled off the greatest comeback in NBA playoff history, eventually taking the lead on a Landry Shammet 3-pointer in the final minute and going on to a 135-131 win.
"When I say we stopped playing, we stopped playing, like defense, offense, execution-wise we were not as engaged as we needed to be," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "We got exactly what we deserved. The Clippers were great. They executed, they were hungry, they stayed connected. They were together."
The Warriors went on to win that series and advance to the NBA Finals for the third straight year, then physically broke down and lost to a red-hot Toronto Raptors team with a young OG Anunoby.
Knicks top them all
A Celtics fan could argue that their 26-point comeback on the then New Jersey Nets in the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals, behind 41 points from Paul Pierce, should be included on the list.
However, the Knicks in 2026 top them all. When you consider the stakes and the stage — and the history of the franchise having not won a title in 53 years — what the Knicks have done is now the greatest comeback in NBA history.
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra (28) pursues a foul ball during the second inning of the Major League Baseball game between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians on June 8, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Austin Wells’ injury has put the Yankees in quite a difficult spot. It’s safe to say that right now, their catching situation is among the worst in the league because even when Wells was healthy, he was sporting a woeful 54 wRC+. And that’s the starter behind the plate.
The cold, hard numbers show just how bad the Yankees’ catchers have been this year, especially since the start of May. Per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, since May 1, the team’s backstops had a combined 8 wRC+, a slash line of .130/.205/.165, and a strikeout rate of 30.7 percent before Wednesday’s matinee in Cleveland, and they hadn’t even reached base in June. That’s just rough.
Wild stat: Since May 1, Yankees catchers have a combined 8 wRC+, a slash line of .130/.205/.165, and a strikeout rate of 30.7%. They have a combined 15 hits and 11 walks since May 1.
In June, a Yankees catcher has yet to reach base. 0-for-22, 0 BB, 10 K
Since the Yanks are reluctant to try Ben Rice behind the plate, which is fair and understandable for many reasons ranging from catching defense to not overloading Rice with the burden of learning a pitching staff, they really need to bring in someone, even if it’s not a star.
The in-house solutions are J.C. Escarra, who entered Wednesday’s game with a 25 wRC+, newly promoted backup option Alí Sánchez, a non-roster invitee in spring who had a 22 wRC+ for his career in the majors and an 88 mark in Triple-A before taking the field, 26-year-old career minor leaguer Abrahan Gutiérrez, and Miguel Palma. Payton Henry could have earned a call-up, but he’s currently on Scranton’s injured list.
The Yankees have trusted Wells for years, almost blindly, to the point of trading multiple catching prospects over the years because he was the unquestioned starter. He was, after all, a 2024 AL Rookie of the Year finalist. He’s at a bit of a crossroads, though, with just 0.2 fWAR and a horrible .533 OPS this year before going down with cervical headaches.
It appears his stint on the injured list will be short, but even if that’s the case, it’s becoming increasingly clear that he needs some sort of competition for playing time and at-bats. Given the bleak outlook of the position in the organization, a trade shouldn’t be ruled out. It would actually be the best idea, all things considered.
Of course, getting an impact catcher via trade in the middle of the season is not exactly realistic. Teams just don’t give those away so easily. However, the Yankees should be on the market for a backup-type backstop who can start for stints and not embarrass himself. Think about how even an 80-wRC+ catcher would improve the bottom of the lineup.
You probably won’t see any deals for Adley Rutschman, Hunter Goodman, or Dillon Dingler, for example, but perhaps a veteran who’s still a decent hitter, or a failed prospect behind the plate with a decent floor, could become viable options for New York. They need catching help badly, and if Wells doesn’t return to form eventually, the position could become the team’s Achilles heel heading into the stretch run and October.
Right now, the Yankees have several areas in which they could potentially improve. They could definitely use a late-inning reliever or two, for example. No need is as big as the one they have behind the dish, though, and they need to do something about it.
By now, it’s well-established that the organization loves a good framer who can handle the pitching staff well. There’s a lot of catching talent around the league, so it’s just a matter of finding the right fit with a team that is actually willing to part with one.
It won’t be as easy as it sounds, even if the hypothetical player in question is not a star, because many clubs are contending or in a weird gray area in which they are close enough to contention that they won’t want to part with assets. But the Yankees need to make an effort, even if it means overpaying a bit. Bringing in a catcher who can compete with Wells and play some decent baseball when he’s not around is a must.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 09: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs to first after hitting an RBI single in the seventh inning during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Christopher Denver/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Only a few months away from turning 37, Freddie Freeman seems intent on materializing one of the smoothest “declines” in baseball, if we can even call it that. The Dodgers’ star first baseman isn’t the same hitter he was when he joined this team back in 2022, but you wouldn’t really know it from looking at his numbers. Preparing for a matchup against Mitch Keller, a pitcher against whom Freeman is batting .500 in 18 at-bats, he is in the middle of his finest stretch this season, having recorded a hit in 13 out of his last 15 appearances, once again maintaining an OPS in the mid .800s.
When he takes the field today, it’ll be Freeman’s 66th appearance in 69 games. That level of availability indicates a durability ever more important in the context of this current season, with Shohei Ohtani receiving more days off, Betts facing his issues, both health and production-wise, and even Kyle Tucker not quite hitting the ground running as many expected he would.
Freeman and many Dodger left-handed hitters have enjoyed a terrific first two games in this series against the Pirates, particularly when you adjust the expectations for having faced Paul Skenes. A brief rundown of the Pirates’ numbers against lefty hitters shows why that success shouldn’t come as a surprise. Pittsburgh’s staff has allowed a 5.14 ERA against left-handed hitters, the fourth highest in the big leagues. Mitch Keller, today’s starter, is one of many Pirates pitchers whose stats plummet when facing lefties. Eighteen of the 22 extra-base hits given up by Keller in 2026 have come against left-handed hitters.
Mar 13, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kristaps Porzingis (7) spins away from Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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The Celtics will have roughly $20 million in wiggle room if they want to stay under the luxury tax next season. At their disposal are the $27 million traded player exception generated after dealing Anfernee Simons and the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Brad Stevens is on record that he wants to add some rim pressure to the roster and after getting crushed by Joel Embiid in the first round, he could choose to add a penetrating point guard or a back-to-the-basket, rim-rolling big man to solve his team’s problems.
In their 2024 championship run, they really had the best of both worlds. In one offseason, Stevens added Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and the rest is history. It’s unlikely that there are seismic opportunities like that this upcoming July, so the front office might be faced to make a choice between the two.
There are a few options on the table. Could Stevens and Mazzulla convince Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu to be the next starting point guard? With Nikola Vucevic reportedly not returning to Boston, is there a reunion with Porzingis or Robert Williams III in the future? Would the Celtics be willing to part with Derrick White or Sam Hauser to upgrade at the 1 and/or the 5?
With rumors dying down that Giannis Antetokounmpo — a player that would seemingly solve Boston’s problems — isn’t joining the Celtics, what would you do, armchair GM?
“That moment when the Knicks cinch the win on your flight back to New York,” the fan wrote.
The video was filmed by Kyle Heiner, traveling in the dreamily blue-lit cabin of a Delta flight from Los Angeles International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
What caught the eye of multiple social media users, however, was the one passenger who was completely oblivious to it all — and while everyone cheered around him, he watched the animated movie Avatar.
With the hometown heroes only one game away from winning their first championship in over 50 years, strangers are unifying in their shared joy of witnessing New York sports history. All across the five boroughs, bar watch parties and city streets are filled with electrified fans.
Tens of millions of other people have been catching this week’s nail-biters from more down-to-earth spots. Monday’s matchup was the most-watched Game 3 of the NBA Finals since 1988, Michael Jordan’s last final with the Bulls, raking in 23.8 million viewers.
Emotions were high even for players, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jose Alverado on the verge of tears after the game, and Josh Hart shouting out teammate Anunoby for saving him from a “lifetime of regret” after missing a transition layup with 1.57 seconds left.
The Knicks will face the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday for the chance to win the finals.
Every game of the NBA Finals will air on ABC. If you don’t have cable, you can take advantage of a DIRECTV free trial to cheer on the New York Knicks from home.
Want to be in the room where it happens? Shop NBA Finals tickets on SeatGeek and make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout if you’re a first-time SeatGeek user.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 9: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs and AJ Dybantsa pose for a picture during 2026 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 9, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There’s only one reason the Utah Jazz should try to loosen the Washington Wizards’ vice-like grip on the number 1 pick in the NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa. Combine his elite athleticism, prolific scoring and defensive potential with his close ties with Utah and the Jazz organization and we’re looking at a prospect who could thrill local fans for many years to come. But would the price to wrestle him away from a hungry Wizards team, when potential franchise players like Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer will still be available at number 2, be worth it?
The thought of Dybantsa slotting into the starting line up next to Markkanen, Jackson Jr., Keyonte George and Walker Kessler/Ace Bailey should have every Jazz fan drooling into their Cheerios. He is an elite scorer at all three levels, has an all-round game that opens up the floor and creates scoring opportunities for his teammates, and has the length and athleticism that make him an instant problem for opposing teams.
Dybantsa’s transition to the Jazz would be relatively easy. He has already spent two years in Utah, playing high school and college ball, and his parents are here too, having relocated to Provo when he declared for BYU. For their part the Jazz would be getting a rookie who is already acclimatized to the altitude and community and is more likely to stick around to not only shine in the short term, but to be part of their ultimate push for an NBA Championship.
The Jazz Owner, Ryan Smith, is keeping draft trade options open, telling the Deseret News that “Everything should be on the table” and that “Austin and Danny [Ainge] have also been known to do some pretty crazy stuff on draft night” (Deseret Voices Podcast, 5/12/26). Boston Celtics fans will remember the 2017 NBA draft when Danny Ainge traded the #1 pick to the 76ers to pick up Jason Tatum at #3. At the time this seemed a little crazy, but when you compare Tatum’s career to that of Markelle Fultz, who the 76ers drafted, you begin to see the method behind the madness. Are the Ainges preparing a similar surprise on draft night for the Utah Jazz?
Drafting Dybantsa would certainly put to rest some of the health concerns associated with Darryn Peterson or the worry over Cameron Boozer’s lack of athleticism. But assuming the Wizards are open to a trade, what kind of assets would they expect from the Jazz? You have to remember that Washington had their fans endure a similar slide to the cellar that we experienced here in Utah and are looking to build around recent acquisitions Anthony Davis and Trae Young. They will likely require a hefty (nonrefundable) deposit for the number 1 pick, which will almost certainly involve players and future draft capital.
Would the Jazz consider the loss of a Kyle Filipowski, a Cody Williams, or even an Isaiah Collier, along with a first round pick in the 2027 or 2028 draft? We have a mere 12 days to find out. One thing is for sure: Jazz management is looking at all options (crazy and otherwise) to maximize the return on what could be their most consequential draft in decades.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 5: Jose Alvarado #5 and Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks talk during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The New York Knicks are on the cusp of their first NBA championship in 53 years after the greatest comeback in the history of the NBA Finals. What was looking destined to be a tied series with the San Antonio Spurs through four games is now a commanding 3-1 Knicks lead, with the first of three title-clinching opportunities set for Saturday night in San Antonio.
Unlike the Spurs, whose core pieces have come through the draft, the Knicks are the polar opposite. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Game 4 hero OG Anunoby were all acquired via trade, while Jalen Brunson was the bargain of a free agent signing who got this era of Knicks basketball rolling. But there was another piece added at February’s trade deadline who had a massive role in New York’s epic 29-point rally.
Jose Alvarado, a fan favorite with the New Orleans Pelicans, was dealt to his hometown team for Dalen Terry, cash, and a couple of second-round picks. Aside from his high effort and pesky defense, Alvarado gave the Knicks with another ball-handling guard who could initiate offense and create rim pressure with Jalen Brunson off the court. During the regular season, Brunson and Alvarado played all of 114 minutes together through 20 games. In the postseason, that number dropped all the way to zero.
That is, until Knicks head coach Mike Brown made maybe one of the most impactful coaching adjustments we’ll ever see in a Finals game.
As had been the theme all playoffs, Brunson and Alvarado’s minutes were separate in the disastrous first half of Game 4. Alvarado played a shade over three minutes, fouled twice (perhaps fortunate to avoid a flagrant foul while grabbing Victor Wembanyama’s leg), and his turnover was a “bad pass” that sure looked like an uncalled goaltend against Luke Kornet.
Down by 19 points at the 5:33 mark of the third quarter, Brown sat the largely ineffective Mikal Bridges and paired Brunson and Alvarado together. Brunson was in for all but two defensive possessions (10 total seconds) in the second half, while Alvarado was in for 12 of the game’s final 17 minutes. It was the most Alvarado had played all postseason. The result was something the Spurs had no answers for.
NYK scored 1.727 points per possession with these two on the court in G4.
In 9:40 of fourth quarter action, Alvarado scored 8 points on 3/3 shooting (including a critical 3 in clutch time), along with 2 rebounds and 3 assists, which was one fewer than the entire Spurs team had in the second half. The Knicks were a +19 overall in the Brunson-Alvarado minutes, and Alvarado had double the points of the rest of the bench, which combined to shoot 2/16.
“I know a lot of you guys can’t [clap] because you’re in the media and you’ve got to be neutral, but I’m gonna f—king clap for Jose,” Mike Brown said in his post-game press conference. “Sorry, Mom.
“Jose was unbelievable tonight. He changed the game. His speed, his ability to touch the paint. You give San Antonio a lot of credit for trying to throw a lot of different things at us defensively—kind of a match-up man/zone. If you don’t close out to Jose as hard as he works on his shot, he’s going to make you pay. If you close out to him, he’s quick enough to go by you. He made some great basketball plays offensively tonight, and then he was great defensively.”
Alvarado provided a much-needed release valve and screen-setter for Brunson in the face of Spurs double teams and constant on-ball pressuring up near half court. Brunson could work a little bit more off-ball while Alvarado spaced the floor in a way that, say, Josh Hart really cannot as a secondary ball-handler in a half-court offense.
The Jose Alvarado 4Q sequence. Working off the tilted defense the Spurs were sending towards Jalen Brunson.
“Jose’s been good in the pick-and-roll,” Brown said. “Jose’s been good touching the paint. And if Jalen wanted to get off the ball for a few possessions, Jose could handle it. And he could touch the paint and make the game easier for others. If Jalen was on the ball and the ball got sprayed and it found Jose, Jose can then touch the paint with his speed.
“So that’s all I was trying to do, is see if we could touch the paint a little bit more with the two guards out there, while the floor was spaced the right way, see if we can get some easy looks, especially from the three-point line, while trying to play faster.”
Mike Brown was in desperate search of something to crack the Spurs defense. Nothing was working in the first half and Karl-Anthony Towns’ early foul trouble created a cascading effect where he went seven-deep in his rotation. Much like in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals when Brown sat Josh Hart for the three-point shooting of Landry Shamet in New York’s other improbable 20+ point comeback, Brown unstuck the offense by finding his solution off the bench—an antithetical to what’s regularly felled his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau.
On an unforgettable, still scarcely believable night at Madison Square Garden, the decision to call on the New York City native to play the role of backcourt super sub alongside the Knicks’ superhero could end up as a championship-winning coaching masterstroke.
Jordan Staal Over 0.5 points
Brett Howden anytime goal scorer
