Trail Blazers cut over 70 staff in restructuring
#TrailBlazers #NBAThe Portland Trail Blazers laid off over 70 business-side employees under new owner Tom Dundon, who defends cost-cutting as avoiding waste. The team restructured for long-term success while supporting affected staff. read more
Ujiri Takes Sole Blame for Kidds Firing
#NBA #MavericksMavericks president Masai Ujiri took full responsibility for firing coach Jason Kidd after five seasons, seeking a clean slate. Kidd led Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals but missed playoffs after trading Luka Doncic. Ujiri called it a "very tough decision." read more
MVP Gilgeous-Alexander Struggles in Double-OT Loss
#NBA #ThunderVsSpursShai Gilgeous-Alexander took responsibility after scoring 24 points on 7-of-23 shooting in the Thunder's 122-115 double-overtime Game 1 loss to the Spurs, citing Victor Wembanyama's elite defense and promising improvement for Game 2. read more
Spurs star DeAaron Fox out for Game 1 vs Thunder
#Spurs #NBASpurs guard De'Aaron Fox is out for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Thunder due to a right ankle sprain. Fox averaged 18.8 points in the playoffs. Luke Kornet is available, while Jalen Williams returns for Oklahoma City. read more
Knicks Anunoby optimistic hamstring injury less severe
#Knicks #NBAOG Anunoby practiced again with the Knicks, stating his right hamstring injury is less severe than his 2024 left hamstring issue. He is a full participant, feeling good, as the team awaits the Eastern Conference finals starting Tuesday. read more
Jalen Williams declares himself healthy for WCF
#NBA #ThunderThunder star Jalen Williams declared himself fully healthy entering the Western Conference finals after missing six games with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He took extra recovery time since OKC swept the Lakers, ensuring readiness for the next series. read more
Kerr admits subpar season, vows improvement in return
#NBA #WarriorsSteve Kerr admitted he "didn't have a great coaching year," vowing to improve after the Warriors' 37-45 season. He and GM Mike Dunleavy seek younger legs around Steph Curry, aiming to rebuild a winning foundation with the 11th draft pick. read more
Spurs championship legacy powers young playoff run
#SpursCulture #NBAThe young Spurs embrace lessons from legends like Popovich, Duncan, and Ginobili as they pursue a first Western Conference finals since 2017, blending past wisdom with their own identity. read more
Warriors assistants Stotts, Stackhouse exit as Kerr stays
#Warriors #NBADespite Steve Kerr’s return, top Warriors assistants Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse depart after two seasons. Stotts seeks head coaching opportunities; Stackhouse pursues similar goals. The team will rebuild coaching staff and roster around Steph Curry. read more
NBA upholds no-call in Cavaliers overtime win
#NBA #CavsPistonsNBA confirmed correct no-call on Jarrett Allen's contact with Ausar Thompson in Cavs-Pistons Game 5. League deemed it marginal contact while pursuing loose ball. Cavaliers won 117-113 in overtime, taking 3-2 series lead. Game 6 in Cleveland. read more
Knicks Anunoby Expected Back for Conference Finals
#Knicks #NBAOptimism grows that Knicks forward OG Anunoby will return from a hamstring injury by the Eastern Conference Finals start. He missed the sweep over the 76ers but practiced partially Wednesday, averaging 21.4 points this postseason. read more
NBA defends 11% spike in playoff foul calls
#NBA #PlayoffsNBA playoff foul calls increased 11% from the regular season, one of the largest jumps in 60 years. The league defends this, citing playoff intensity. Aggression is rewarded, but rough play is not. Victor Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid. read more
NBA Trailblazer Jason Collins Dies at 47
#JasonCollins #NBAJason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, died at 47 from glioblastoma. His 2013 announcement pioneered LGBTQ inclusion in sports. He played 13 seasons for six teams and recently received the Bill Walton Global Champion Award. read more
Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47
#JasonCollins #NBAJason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, died at 47 from brain cancer. He inspired millions by coming out in 2013 and later became an NBA global ambassador, fighting glioblastoma with experimental treatments before passing peacefully at home. read more
Thunder sweep Lakers, reach Western Conference Finals
#NBA #ThunderSweepShai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, Chet Holmgren hit a tiebreaking dunk, and the Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Lakers 115-110 in Game 4, improving to 8-0 in the playoffs. LeBron James had 24 points in his 23rd season finale. read more
Mitchell’s 43 Points Ties Playoff Record, Cavs Even Series
#NBA #CavsPistonsDonovan Mitchell scored 39 of his 43 points in the second half, tying an NBA playoff record, as the Cavaliers beat the Pistons 112-103 to even their series 2-2, fueled by a 24-0 run. read more
Wembanyama Cleared for Game 5 After Ejection
#Wembanyama #NBAVictor Wembanyama will not be suspended for elbowing Naz Reid above the neck, allowing him to play in Game 5. The Spurs star was ejected for a flagrant foul 2 as the series is tied 2-2. read more
76ers face familiar questions after another playoff exit
#NBA #SixersJoel Embiid and the 76ers face another early playoff exit, swept by the Knicks in the second round. Injuries and roster limitations persist, leaving questions about their championship future with Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. read more
Thunders Blueprint Exposes Lakers Star-Driven Flaw
#ThunderVsLakers #NBALakers star Austin Reaves rushed back from injury in four weeks, but top-heavy LA can't match the Thunder's perfectly constructed, process-driven team, now down 3-0 in a series exposing their outdated superstar model. read more
Oklahoma City Thunder Embrace Role as NBA Villains
#NBA #OklahomaCityThunderThe Oklahoma City Thunder have become the NBA's newest villains due to their dominant play, physical defense, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-drawing tactics. Opponents and coaches frequently complain about favorable officiating, but the Thunder dismiss the criticism as distractions from their championship success. read more
Edwards scores 36 for late mom, Timberwolves even series
#NBA #TimberwolvesAnthony Edwards scored 36 points to lead the Timberwolves to a 114-109 Game 4 win, tying the series. He dedicated the victory to his late mother on Mother's Day, overcoming Victor Wembanyama's ejection. read more
Embiid Confident in Knee After Another Playoff Exit
#NBA #76ersJoel Embiid expressed confidence in his knee health after the 76ers were swept by the Knicks. Despite another injury-plagued season ending in the second round, he aims for greater availability next year, emphasizing better preparation over personal goals. read more
Timberwolves coach blasts Tony Brothers after Game 3 loss
#NBA #TimberwolvesTimberwolves coach Chris Finch called official Tony Brothers' confrontational behavior "completely unprofessional" during a timeout dispute in a 115-108 Game 3 loss to the Spurs. Brothers approached Finch twice, sparking heated exchanges. The Spurs lead the series 2-1. read more
Wembanyamas 39 points push Spurs to 2-1 series lead
#NBA #SpursVictor Wembanyama's 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks powered the Spurs to a 115-108 win over the Timberwolves, taking a 2-1 series lead. De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle contributed, while Anthony Edwards' 32 points weren't enough. read more
VJ Maxx Ignites Sixers But Knicks Answer
#NBA #NBAPlayoffsDown 2-0, Philadelphia needed a spark. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe ignited Game 3 with two early lob dunks, pushing the Sixers ahead. The Knicks answered, trailing 31-27 after one. Mitchell Robinson later posterized Joel Embiid in the second quarter. read more
Knicks-76ers Series Hinges on Anunoby Injury Status
#NBA #Knicks76ersKnicks lead 2-0 as series shifts to Philadelphia with key injuries looming. Anunoby's hamstring status is critical for New York's title hopes, while Embiid's health and Towns' foul trouble remain pivotal. Game 3 is a must-win for Philly. read more
Hornets Extend Charles Lee After 25-Win Surge
#Hornets #NBAThe Charlotte Hornets signed coach Charles Lee to a contract extension after a 25-win improvement to 44 wins. He built a team-first culture, earned Coach of the Month in January, and fell one win shy of ending the NBA’s longest playoff drought. read more
Brown Vows to Stay in Boston for Next Decade
#NBA #CelticsJaylen Brown reaffirmed his commitment to Boston, stating he could stay for another decade. Brad Stevens denied any rift, calling their conversation positive. Brown called this his favorite season despite a first-round exit, praising team growth. read more
Bucks demand Giannis decision before NBA draft
#NBA #GiannisAntetokounmpoBucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam wants Giannis Antetokounmpo's future resolved before the NBA draft, citing the need to either sign him to a max extension or trade for assets. New coach Taylor Jenkins communicates with the star, who may leave after a 32-50 season. read more
Doncic uncertain on return as Lakers battle Thunder
#LukaDoncic #NBALuka Doncic remains uncertain about his return from a Grade 2 hamstring strain, calling the wait "very frustrating." He underwent PRP therapy in Spain and is taking recovery day by day, prioritizing caution to avoid re-injury. read more
Stevens denies Brown frustration reports
#NBA #CelticsBrad Stevens downplayed a rift with Jaylen Brown, saying the star didn't vent frustration after Boston's playoff exit. Stevens praised Brown, calling their conversation "nothing but positive," amid speculation about his future with the Celtics. read more