SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he thought he was fouled by the Denver Nuggetsin the second half during Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 27, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly
Month: April 2022
1:29 PM ET BOSTON — Celtics star Jaylen Brown plans to play in Sunday’s Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks as he battles a right hamstring injury. Brown aggravated the injury Monday in his team’s close-out Game 4 victory over the Brooklyn Nets and needed the time off and treatment between series to be able
WNBA superstar Skylar-Diggins Smith illustrates the value of brand-building in women’s sports as players continue to fight for equal pay and representation. Who is the face of the WNBA? It’s impossible to choose one woman to represent the entire brand of American professional basketball over its 26-year history. Perhaps that’s why the WNBA still hasn’t
Chris Herring’s Blood in the Garden is a well-researched work that captures the tenacity of the 1990s Knicks in all its feral glory The New York Knicks of the 1990s continually found themselves intersecting with greatness. In the words of Chris Herring, whose debut book Blood In the Garden covers those teams, “They were a brute-force
11:59 PM ET MINNEAPOLIS — A first-round series highlighted by dramatic Grizzlies comebacks, poster dunks, foul trouble, and a healthy serving of trash talk came to a close in Game 6 on Friday night, as Memphis eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106 with yet another impressive rally. The Grizzlies advanced to the conference semifinals for the
Apr 28, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) gestures as he speaks with team mates in the first half against the Toronto Raptors during game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports Watch Dustin Poirier name the second round
Magic Johnson is indelibly linked with the Lakers. But he wasn’t necessarily a slam-dunk draft pick. What if the Lakers took Sidney Moncrief instead? OK, fine, let’s address the Winning Time imbroglio since the latest edition of “What If…” ties into the popular HBO dramatic series, which completes its first season on Sunday, May 8.
The New Orleans Pelicans return home, looking to take a 2-1 series lead over the Devin Booker-less Phoenix Suns with a Game 3 win on Apr. 22. The Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans first-round series is officially tied at one game apiece. Phoenix, the reigning Western Conference champions, took Game 1 by the score
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Of all the shocking trends we’ve seen so far in the first round of the playoffs (and there have been more than a few) the New Orleans Pelicans splitting
8:57 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN The Philadelphia 76ers announced Friday evening that superstar center Joel Embiid will be out indefinitely after suffering a right facial fracture and mild concussion in Philadelphia’s dominant Game 6 win over the Toronto Raptors. Embiid, who had 33 points and 10 rebounds in 36 minutes in the win, suffered the
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning.’ The second round of the playoffs will kick off this weekend, with the Timberwolves and Grizzlies as the lone first-round series still in progress. To break down some of
The Minnesota Timberwolves seemingly had Game 3 won, but then an epic comeback by the Memphis Grizzlies happened. For those of you who walked away from your televisions thinking that the Minnesota Timberwolves had Game 3 secured, please sit down. We need to inform you about some news. The Memphis Grizzlies had an epic comeback
Apr 21, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) talks to fans during a gamne against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game one of the three round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports 11 best viral tweets from Timberwolves historic collapse
8:30 AM ET NBA Insiders The NBA first-round playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves has the makings of an all-time classic. We’ve seen young superstars Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards take their games to new heights — literally, in Morant’s case — Karl-Anthony Towns letting it fly from deep and some massive
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Last week on The Whiteboard, I began the annual exercise of examining the offensive style of each team using the same NBA offensive style charts I’ve been building for
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena on April 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
Apr 27, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Javonte Green (24) during the first quarter during game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Devin Booker injury: Will Suns star play
10:12 PM ET NEW ORLEANS — With the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in some danger with one star hurt and an ascendant Pelicans team giving them problems, future Hall of Famer Chris Paul delivered a signature series performance, including the best shooting game of his career to finish the close out. Riding his favorite play, Paul
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 17: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 17, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors hugs Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets after Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 27, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading
Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade is clearly supporting Jimmy Butler in the playoffs with a ringing endorsement of his 3-point shot. The Miami Heat are currently on a hot streak to open up the NBA Playoffs, boasting a 2-0 record over the Atlanta Hawks. Yet no player shines quite as brightly as Jimmy Butler, who
Game 5 of the Heat vs. Hawks NBA Playoffs series is on tap with Miami one victory away from advancing and Atlanta holding on for dear life. While Atlanta didn’t get the two victories they needed on their home floor, they got the one they needed to push things back to Miami. Now, Game 5
5:47 PM ET Adrian Wojnarowski Close Senior NBA Insider Host of The Woj Pod Joined ESPN in 2017 Brian Windhorst Close ESPN Senior Writer ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010 Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years Author of two books NEW ORLEANS — Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker will return for his team’s Game 6 against
Tyrese Maxey and Jordan Poole are two of the NBA playoffs’ emerging stars, plus Luka Doncic’s return throws the Mavericks into a mini-identity crisis. The NBA playoffs have a way of testing first-timers in a way nothing else really can. The difference in focus, intensity and execution between the regular season and postseason has arguably
Ja Morant trolled the Minnesota Timberwolves following the Memphis Grizzlies’ epic Game 3 comeback victory. The Minnesota Timberwolves had to be feeling well entering the fourth quarter, as they had a 98-percent chance of winning Game 3 of their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, they were outscored by 25 points and lost 104-95
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 26, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is
10:11 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN MILWAUKEE — The Bucks lost forward Khris Middleton to a sprained MCL and responded with three consecutive victories over the Chicago Bulls, advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs with a 116-100 win in Game 5 on Wednesday. The Bucks will play the Celtics in the second round;
The Atlanta Hawks’ run in the playoffs lasted one round, as they were eliminated by the Miami Heat. Here are three players who likely won’t be back next season. The Atlanta Hawks had to get through the play-in tournament to clinch a spot in the playoffs. They did just that, defeating the Charlotte Hornets and
With news that Jay Wright is reportedly retiring at Villanova, Lakers fans were hoping he was Los Angeles bound. Insiders offered an immediate answer. Reaffirming what was already factual, Jay Wright led the Villanova Wildcats to another Final Four appearance this past season before being eliminated by the eventual national champion Kansas Jayhawks. Still, the
Shaquille O’Neal (Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Pepsi Stronger Together) How different will Wimbledon look with no Russians or Belarusians? Fans call for slam boycott by Veronica Elizabeth Bruno When it comes to potentially coaching the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O’Neal named his price. After finishing the 2021-22 season 11th-place in the Western Conference, the Los
12:45 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry dribbled through nearly the entire Denver Nuggets team before putting up the perfect tear-drop layup to put the Warriors up with 30 seconds left in the game Wednesday night. As he came down the court, he looked at the audience and clasped his hands under
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Head coach Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat look on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at FTX Arena on January 15, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is
The Milwaukee Bucks will look to close out their first round series with the Chicago Bulls with a Game 5 win on Wednesday, Apr. 27. The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to win back-to-back NBA titles. Their first road block of accomplishing that goal came in the form of their rivals, the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks
7:08 PM ET Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker is progressing on a return soon, possibly for Game 6 on Thursday or a potential Game 7 on Saturday in the franchise’s Western Conference first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told ESPN. Booker has made significant progress with his strained right hamstring in
Ja Morant’s heroics led the Memphis Grizzlies to a huge Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. That caught the attention of LeBron James and NFL stars. The Memphis Grizzlies hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5, searching to take a pivotal 3-2 series lead. Things certainly looked bleak for Memphis, as they trailed 85-74
10:35 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN Chicago Bulls guards Zach LaVine (health and safety protocols) and Alex Caruso (concussion protocol) will both miss Game 5 on Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bulls were hoping either player’s health would approve ahead of their win-or-go-home game in Milwaukee, but they downgraded both guards on their injury
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Last week on The Whiteboard, I began the annual exercise of examining the offensive style of each team using the same NBA offensive style charts I’ve been building for
10:20 PM ET MIAMI — The Heat were missing two of their starters yet hardly missed a beat in Tuesday’s 97-94 Game 5 win over the Atlanta Hawks to advance to the second round. With Kyle Lowry sidelined since late in the third quarter of Game 3 with a left hamstring strain and Jimmy Butler
Apr 21, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dad Tee Morant talks to Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell (0) in the fourth quarter during game one of the three round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports Memphis Grizzlies: Whoop that trick meaning, explained
When Charles Barkley called Kevin Durant a “bus rider” on NBA championship teams, Durant said it all with photos of Barkley’s own former teams. Criticism deserves context: only the greatest players in NBA history have the right to call out fellow players if their game is lacking. Though Charles Barkley is absolutely qualified to comment
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports) Ja Morant buried entire state of Minnesota with tweet after comeback vs. Timberwolves by Scott Rogust Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry made a fan’s day when he stopped to sign her jersey before Thursday’s playoff game. Steph Curry makes fans dreams come true
Mar 8, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) gestures during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports UFC Vegas 53: Yohan Lainesse is the fighter to watch by Curtis Calhoun Packers targeting massive trade to get Aaron Rodgers an elite
4:00 PM ET MIAMI — Heat star Jimmy Butler has been ruled out of Game 5 of Miami’s first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks because of right knee inflammation, the team announced on Tuesday afternoon about three hours before tipoff. Butler had been dominant in the series thus far, averaging 30.5 points on 54.3% shooting
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports The 2021-22 NBA regular season has come and gone, but who are the players that led each team in total dunks? And which teams had the most and the least amount of dunks? The NBA’s 75th Anniversary season featured 11,111 total dunks that occurred in 1,230 regular-season games. After counting down the
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders The first round of the playoffs is barely a week old and has already packed in plenty of intrigue. The Boston Celtics became the first team to advance to the second round when they completed a sweep of the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. If the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks win
The Brooklyn Nets are “exasperated” by the Ben Simmons injury saga after the star guard was ruled out of Game 4 vs. the Celtics, per Brian Windhorst. By trading James Harden for Ben Simmons, the Nets have apparently traded one problem for another. Simmons has yet to suit up for Brooklyn. He’s been missing because
Apr 16, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) dribbles the ball in warmups before game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports 76ers steamroll Raptors for 2-0 series lead: Best memes and
2:10 AM ET Mike D’Antoni was watching the Brooklyn Nets‘ season-ending loss to the Boston Celtics Monday night from his living room in Austin, Texas, a world away from the drama his protégé, Nets coach Steve Nash, had just lived through. A year ago, D’Antoni had been on the Nets bench alongside Nash as the
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets helps up Kevin Durant #7 during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 20, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Nets 114-107. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Joel Embiid
BRAZIL – 2022/04/11: In this photo illustration, the official profile of Elon Musk on the social network Twitter. The billionaire Elon Musk bought 9% of Twitter, an investment of USD 3 billion. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Reds executive apologizes to fans weeks after the fact by Eric Treuden Athletes react
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 23: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a basket during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 23, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges
The Utah Jazz have an opportunity to prove they belong and get ahead of the Dallas Mavericks. How will Game 5 play out? After an exciting win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4, the Utah Jazz are seeking an opportunity to get a lead in this NBA Playoffs series. That’ll be easier said than
6:44 PM ET Ja Morant has been named the NBA’s most improved player after a season in which the Memphis Grizzlies point guard went from future star to superstar. In his third year, Morant was named an All-Star starter and averaged career bests of 27.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game to go along with
Here is how to watch all three NBA playoff games on the schedule for Monday, April 25. The intensity will be high as the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs are starting to wind down. After a full slate of four games on Sunday, basketball fans everywhere will be able to enjoy three playoff hoops
Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors won the 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year award. But was Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley robbed of the award? With the NBA Playoffs commencing, the league announced the winners of some of their year-end awards, such as Defensive Player of the Year. On Saturday, Apr. 23, the league
8:00 AM ET AN EIGHT- OR nine-figure subplot hovers over Jalen Brunson‘s star rise during these NBA playoffs. Brunson, the other guard the Dallas Mavericks landed in the 2018 draft, is poised to enter unrestricted free agency this summer. Suffice it to say that the price to retain his services, a priority for the Mavs,
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 23: Patrick Beverley #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket while Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends in the second quarter of the game during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round at Target Center on April 23, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User
The Chicago Bulls look to take a 2-1 series lead over the division rival Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference playoff series on Friday night. After stealing Game 2 on the road, the Chicago Bulls are hoping to keep the positive momentum in their direction when they host the Central Division rival Milwaukee Bucks on Friday
Michael Jordan was so ruthless with the “advice” he gave Magic Johnson way back in 1996. After spending five years out of the league because of his HIV diagnosis, Magic Johnson got some hard-hitting advice from none other than Michael Jordan upon his return to the NBA in 1996. When Johnson had to retire prematurely in
2:16 AM ET NEW ORLEANS — Normally low-key by design, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams had cutting remarks about the officiating after the New Orleans Pelicans took Game 4 on Sunday to even the first-round series at 2-2. The Pelicans shot 42 free throws to the Suns’ 15 and it was a 17-2 disparity in
Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Cris Cyborg blasts PFL’s Donn Davis after slight by Chad Porto Ben Simmons was destroyed on Twitter for missing the Brooklyn Nets playoff game yet again. The last time Ben Simmons played in a basketball game that mattered, he quit on the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports) Patchy Mix upsets Kyoji Horiguchi in thriller Bantamweight Grand Prix opener by Chad Porto NBA Twitter couldn’t believe another protester made it onto the court during the Grizzlies-Timberwolves NBA Playoffs series, but some see it as a good omen. Just call this the playoffs of protests for the Minnesota
5:06 PM ET Within hours of his planned season debut, Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons reported a return of back soreness on Sunday and has been ruled out for Monday’s Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, sources told ESPN. After approximately 10 days of pain-free ramp up following recovery from a herniated disc, Simmons’ admission
Here is how to watch all four NBA playoff games on the schedule for Sunday, April 24. While the first round of the NBA Playoffs is starting to wind down, the intensity is only amplifying as eight teams are looking to advance to their respective conference semifinals. With every playoff game having at least a day off
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) How many games are in the first round of the NBA Playoffs? by Patrick Schmidt Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant had a miserable performance in Game 2 against the Celtics and NBA Twitter won’t let him live it down. The Nets fell down 0-2 in
Apr 23, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives past Brooklyn Nets forward Nic Claxton (33) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports MLB Twitter in disbelief as Rays blow no-hitter, still get walk-off win vs. Red Sox by Alicia de Artola Ben Simmons
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN WHILE THE NBA world waited on the offseason’s biggest drama, Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers pondered the future of a point guard not named Ben Simmons. When Rivers met with his coaches ahead of the 2021-22 season to discuss lineups, he made a bold declaration: No matter what happened with
After an embarrassing loss in Game 3, can the Minnesota Timberwolves find a way to even the series back up against the Memphis Grizzlies? The Memphis Grizzlies just made an incredible comeback to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 3 was remarkable in so many ways that folks in Minnesota won’t be all that fond of. But,
The Boston Celtics are carrying a 2-0 lead into Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets. Will the Nets be able to defend their home court and get a win? As the series shifts up to Brooklyn, the Boston Celtics are holding an impressive 2-0 lead over Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports) Ben Simmons getting clowned by NBA Twitter for another ridiculous outfit by Ethan Lee The Boston Celtics took a 3-0 lead over the Nets in the NBA Playoffs on Saturday, prompting dreams of a sweep and criticism of Brooklyn. When Game 1 ended with a thrilling
1:14 AM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant admitted Saturday night that he has been “thinking too much” throughout the first-round series against the Boston Celtics and that it has been a factor in his poor play. After being held to 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting in a 109-103 loss the
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) USC football fans will love what Matt Leinart said about Lincoln Riley by Alicia de Artola Tyson Fury TKOs Dillian Whyte in round 6 with uppercut (Video) by Jeremy Herriges Joel Embiid gave a round of applause to the referees after the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 4
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 01: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks off the court after warming up before the basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on April 1, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this
Apr 15, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) waves to fans after a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports Bellator 277: Linton Vassell pulls off miraculous first-round comeback over Tim Johnson (Video) by Curtis Calhoun The Atlanta Hawks have clinched the eighth-seed
Apr 22, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; An announcement on an arena video board before the game between the Miami Heat against the Atlanta Hawks prior to game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports 76ers vs. Raptors: TV channel, live stream, prediction,
1:45 PM ET Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has been named the 2021-2022 NBA Rookie of the Year, the league announced Saturday. Barnes received 378 points (48 first-place votes). Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley finished in second place with 363 points (43 first-place votes). The 15-point difference between the first- and second-place finishers is the
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks. (Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) NC State baseball: Tommy Tanks slugs home run out of Louisville’s stadium by Ethan Lee Aaron Rodgers seemingly tweeted out his reaction to the Milwaukee Bucks blowing out the Chicago Bulls in Game 3. The Chicago Bulls earned their first playoff
12:14 AM ET ATLANTA — Miami Heat point guard Kyle Lowry suffered a left hamstring injury in the third quarter of the Hawks’ 111-110 Game 3 victory on Friday night. He could only watch from the bench as Atlanta, the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed, erased a double-digit deficit to draw within 2-1 of the
James Borrego, Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) Former Vikings GM says Drake London struggles in one key area by John Buhler The Charlotte Hornets have shockingly fired head coach James Borrego after four seasons. James Borrego will not get a fifth year at the helm in the Queen City, as the Charlotte Hornets fired their
After battling injuries all regular season, the Warriors are finally healthy and firing on all cylinders. Plus — a worrying trend for the Utah Jazz. Until the start of the playoffs, the promise of the Golden State Warriors was mostly theoretical. Here was a potential juggernaut kept under wraps all year by injury, unable to
Dwyane Wade may be best known for his titles with the Miami Heat, but the former NBA All-Star is also a part-owner of the Utah Jazz. Dwyane Wade made an impact on the basketball court as a player. He made waves off it with his fashion choices. He’s judged America’s Got Talent and been a
2:19 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN NEW ORLEANS — The Point God was at it again. Just five days after Chris Paul scored 19 fourth-quarter points to will the Phoenix Suns to a Game 1 victory, Paul scored 19 fourth-quarter points again on Friday night to lead the top-seeded Suns to a 114-111 win over the
The Dallas Mavericks look to extend their first-round series lead over the Utah Jazz to 3-1 with a Game 4 win on Saturday, Apr. 23. No Luka Doncic, no problem for the Dallas Mavericks. Without their star player available due to a calf injury, the initial thought as that Dallas would struggle against the Utah
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Charlotte Hornets make shocking decision to fire James Borrego by John Buhler With Devin Booker ruled out for Game 3 against the New Orleans Pelicans, Cam Johnson may be next up to start in his place. Devin Booker will miss Game 3 against
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers holds back Danny Green #14 as he yells at a referee in the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly
The Philadelphia 76ers look to complete the sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a Game 4 victory on Saturday, Apr. 23. The Toronto Raptors are on the verge of being the first team eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, as they face an 0-3 deficit to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite returning home to Toronto and the
5:20 PM ET Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is experiencing significant pain and discomfort in his right thumb and could get an MRI in the near future to determine whether there is ligament damage, sources told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski. Despite the discomfort, Embiid practiced on Friday and expects to play in Game
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning.’ The first round of the NBA Playoffs are moving quickly with several teams already facing elimination as soon as this weekend. To break down some of the biggest questions
8:00 AM ET JUST ACROSS THE street from FTX Arena, on a billboard space that was regularly occupied by Dwyane Wade during his legendary Miami Heat tenure, Tyler Herro is all angles, pictured in a Hudson Jeans advertisement dribbling a basketball, wearing a short-sleeved black T-shirt, ripped black jeans and black boots. Inside the arena
Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets . (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Alex Morgan raising the standards, as a professional athlete and a mom by Mark Carman Kevin Durant explains Celtics’ defense: ‘two or three guys hitting me’ by Sapphires Sealey Fans may finally get to see Ben Simmons make his Brooklyn Nets debut for
12:47 AM ET MINNEAPOLIS — In one of the most dramatic comebacks in NBA postseason history, the Memphis Grizzlies clawed their way out of a 26-point hole on Thursday night to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-95. Improbably, the Grizzlies now lead the best-of-seven first-round series 2-1. “We all know the game is never over until
The Miami Heat have a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks, and look to make it 3-0 with a Game 3 win on Friday. The Miami Heat entered the NBA Playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks earned the eighth seed after defeating the Charlotte Hornets and
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Ben Simmons could make his Nets’ debut at home in Game 4 by Sapphires Sealey Kevin Durant has not been his best offensively in the first two games of the Brooklyn Nets-Boston Celtics series. He explained why. Kevin Durant has not been himself
6:48 PM ET Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton will miss the rest of the opening-round playoff series against the Chicago Bulls due to a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, sources told ESPN on Thursday. Middleton will be re-evaluated in two weeks when a timeline on his possible return in these playoffs —
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. In yesterday’s installment of The Whiteboard, I began the annual exercise of examining the offensive style of each team using the same NBA offensive style charts I’ve been building
Chris Paul has had the worst luck in playoff games refereed by Scott Foster, and last night his luck did not change. The Chris Paul, Scott Foster playoff curse continues. Last night, Paul added another loss for playoff games he has been in that were refereed by Scott Foster. The New Orleans Pelicans beat the
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker had to leave Game 2 against the Pelicans with a hamstring injury and he’s likely to miss more game time. The Suns were riding high after a Game 1 blowout over the Pelicans but things have definitely taken a turn for the worse since. New Orleans evened the series with
8:00 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN JUST SEVEN MONTHS ago, one of the most important role players on a club desperate to return to its dynastic reign and the son of the legendary Seattle Supersonics’ Gary Payton, was preparing to apply for a desk job in the team’s video department. Seven months ago. Gary Payton II,
Aaron Rodgers No. 12 of the Green Bay Packers. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Joel Embiid talked s**t to Drake after sinking game-winning shot vs. Raptors [Video] by Patrick Schmidt Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn’t just attend Milwaukee games as a fan. He’s a minority owner of the Bucks. If you caught Packers stars Aaron
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers puts up a shot over Precious Achiuwa #5 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in the final seconds of overtime in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers holds his thumb in the second half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or
11:41 PM ET Brianna Williams Joel Embiid knows what it’s like to be losing on the side of a go-ahead 3-pointer in the NBA playoffs, but that wasn’t the case on Wednesday night. The Philadelphia 76ers star splashed a turnaround three with under one second remaining in overtime to secure a 104-101 win against the
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a picture with Grateful Dead musician Bob Weir following Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on April 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly
Cleveland Cavaliers’ President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman, spoke on Collin Sexton’s future with the team The Cleveland Cavaliers‘ season ended with a play-in game loss to the Atlanta Hawks. But now that their season is over, the front office has some decisions to make, and one of those decisions has to do with the
2:43 PM ET Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker is likely to miss Games 3 and 4 against the New Orleans Pelicans with a mild right hamstring strain, but he hasn’t been ruled out for the rest of the opening-round Western Conference series, sources told ESPN. The Suns were still evaluating results of an MRI on
The NBA’s regular season has come and gone, but an important question remains: What are the top 10 power dunks of the 2021-22 season? The NBA’s 75th Anniversary regular season commenced on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, and concluded on Sunday, April 10, 2022. The season featured 1,230 regular-season games across those six months. According to
3:27 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN PHOENIX — Before every game when his team is doing pregame handshakes, New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. has a message for Brandon Ingram. “You’re the best player on the floor,” Nance tells him. Nance and Ingram were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2016-17 season and
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Head coach George Karl of the Sacramento Kings talks to DeMarcus Cousins (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) Freddie Freeman gets emotional before facing the Braves for the first time by Rylie Smith Former Sacramento Kings Coach George Karl responded to comments DeMarcus Cousins made regarding his time with the team.
12:18 AM ET PHOENIX — After a prolific 31-point first half, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was forced from his team’s playoff game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday with right hamstring tightness. Booker appeared to suffer an injury with 4:30 left in the third quarter after challenging a Jaxson Hayes dunk in transition.
Apr 18, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts with forward Tobias Harris (12) after a score and one against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Freddie Freeman
In Joel Embiid’s postgame interview, following the Philadelphia 76ers’ win over the Toronto Raptors, he spoke about what was said to Nick Nurse. During the NBA playoffs, it is expected for players to heckle their opponents. It is a high-intensity atmosphere, and it often brings out the best in the players. Most would expect the
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The Hawks used a balanced effort to knock off the Hornets last night, with six different players scoring in double-figures and five players knocking down multiple 3-pointers. They’ll face
Will the New Orleans Pelicans have Zion Williamson available for the NBA Playoffs? Opinions differ on the star big man’s return to the lineup. Three years ago, the Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson with hopes of the Duke star leading them to playoff glory. They’ve made it to the postseason for the first time in his
5:09 PM ET BOSTON — Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons has been cleared for contact as he continues to make his way back from a back injury that has prevented him from playing since he was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers just before February’s trade deadline. Nets head coach Steve Nash ruled Simmons out of
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 18: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 18, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 13: De’Anthony Melton #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves battle for the the ball during the first half at FedExForum on January 13, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images Watch: Randy Arozarena launches bat after 2 awful calls in same at-bat by Mark Powell ESPN had some audio issues during Game 1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies series, and NBA Twitter had enough. With all due respect to the Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks series, there was
8:00 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN IT WAS AN early April evening, and the Miami Heat had just gone up by 18 points with 1:36 to play against the Chicago Bulls. It was time to call it. So when coach Erik Spoelstra looked down his bench, he called out a familiar name. Udonis Haslem, now 41
SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 25: (L-R) Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley speak onstage at the 2018 NBA Awards at Barkar Hangar on June 25, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner Sports) Twitter thread shows Patrick Mahomes might be better businessman than QB by
Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns XXXX against the Milwaukee Bucks during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks XXXX against the Phoenix Suns during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum.
1:11 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN PHILADELPHIA — 76ers star Joel Embiid heard Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse complain about the way Embiid was officiated in the opener of the teams’ first-round playoff series on Saturday night. So, after Embiid finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and went 12-for-14 from the free throw line — taking
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Celtics take Game 1: Best memes and tweets about insane ending by Alicia de Artola Check out this fan angle of the Jayson Tatum game-winner for the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Jayson Tatum lifted the Boston Celtics past the division rival Brooklyn Nets in the final seconds.
Kyrie Irving returned to Boston for the first day of the playoffs on Sunday, and he was not given a warm welcome. The Brooklyn Nets point guard and shooting guard Kyrie Irving returned to the TD Garden in Boston for the Playoffs on Sunday. He’s a former Boston Celtics player, and his return to the
The top-seeded Miami Heat are ready to make a run for the NBA Finals and the journey begins with a first-round showdown against Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. After an impressive showing in the regular season, all eyes are on the Miami Heat to see if this team can live up to their No.
Jan 21, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) fight for the ball on the court during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Look: Georgia football players show off national championship rings at G-Day by John Buhler Atlanta
5:16 PM ET MIAMI — A couple of hours after the Miami Heat opened up their postseason run with a dominant 115-91 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, the NBA announced the finalists for the 2021-22 regular-season awards. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was named one of the top three candidates for Coach of the
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges
So far, the Timberwolves are two-for-two in fan protests this postseason, if you count the play-in. So, why are fans against Glen Taylor? Timberwolves protest, explained. Taylor sold the Timberwolves to a new group of owners, that of which includes former baseball star Alex Rodriguez. However, he is still connected to the franchise for now.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugás live results and highlights by Jeremy Herriges The fathers of Ja Morant and Karl-Anthony Towns shared some friendly banter after Game 1 between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves. Ja Morant and Karl-Anthony Towns have a rivalry on the court to worry
8:00 AM ET If NBA fans outside of Pennsylvania didn’t know the name Tyrese Maxey, they sure do now. While the Toronto Raptors were keying in on superstars Joel Embiid and James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers‘ second-year guard was showcasing why he is such an important player in their success with 38 points in a
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 15, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports As the Los Angeles Lakers come off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, there are several questions they need to address. The team that won the NBA Finals two years ago has headed downhill, after coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history. After being eliminated by
Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports Bud Light offers to set up Patrick Beverley with post-game beverages by Sapphires Sealey Brad Stevens did not hesitate to shoot down the idea of him taking over the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers are on
8:49 PM ET BOSTON — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving said he was responding to words he heard from the crowd when he flipped off several Boston Celtics fans on two separate occasions during Sunday’s 115-114 loss in Game 1. After the game, Irving made it clear that he would have “the same energy for
Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Jayson Tatum game winner: Celtics steal show from Kyrie Irving, Nets by Mark Powell Brooklyn Nets star guard Kyrie Irving absolutely hates everything about the Boston Celtics. The pure unrivaled disdain Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets has for the Boston Celtics is
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 17: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat fouls Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round at FTX Arena on April 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
1:55 PM ET Adrian Wojnarowski Close Senior NBA Insider Host of The Woj Pod Joined ESPN in 2017 Tim MacMahon Close ESPN Staff Writer Joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009 Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks Appears regularly on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic remains unlikely to play in
Despite leading by 10 points entering the fourth quarterback, the Clippers blew their double-digit lead to the Pelicans. The NBA is a game of runs, and the Pels were lucky that their surge was best saved for last. Despite holding a 15-point lead of their own in the second quarter, the Pelicans answer with a
There are two early suitors that could be interested in acquiring guard Russell Westbrook from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to be contending for the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of the 2021-22 regular season, especially after they brought in guard Russell Westbrook. Instead, the team failed
3:40 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors have a long-standing history of small-ball lineups. During the first championship run of their dynastic era, their small lineup was so lethal it was dubbed the “death lineup.” It has gone through a few different renditions since then, but as the Warriors embark
Adam Silver, NBA Draft. (Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Pelicans advance: Best memes and tweets after another Clippers meltdown by Mark Powell With the NBA play-in tournament behind us and only the postseason to look forward to, the Draft order is set for all teams that did not make the playoffs. The Clippers held
4:00 PM ET The 2022 NBA playoffs have finally arrived! After an unprecedented regular season, featuring some of the closes races in recent memory, Saturday marks the beginning of what each of these 16 teams hope will be a two-month march to the NBA championship. In the Western Conference, Donovan Mitchell and the No. 5
A woman chained herself to the basket during Game 1 of the Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff series vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the second postseason round in a row, the NBA has to deal with protestors interrupting Minnesota Timberwolves games, as a woman chained herself to the back of the basket during Game 1 of their playoff series
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is great at playing the villain, and he’s fine with that role. Trae Young knows that people are going to talk about it. Trae Young wants people to talk about it and so Trae Young goes out of his way to get them talking. Young walks a fine line between
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry should be good to go for the first round of the NBA playoffs with his foot injury healing quickly enough. The Warriors had to finish out the regular season without Stephen Curry for the final 12 games. Fortunately, they won’t have to begin the postseason without him. The star
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Draymond Green #23 after Curry made a three-point basket against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Chase Center on March 14, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
11:35 AM ET After running and shooting without back pain for over a week, Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons is expected to take the next step on the floor in the coming week and begin practicing against teammates on the court, sources told ESPN on Saturday. His continued progress is fostering hope that Simmons could
For much of the regular season, the Milwaukee Bucks have avoided the national spotlight. They begin their campaign for a second-consecutive championship on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, and the numbers say they’re just as good as last year. Less than nine months ago the Milwaukee Bucks secured the franchise’s second championship and first in
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders The NBA playoffs are here with four first-round games taking place on Saturday and Sunday. In the East, all eyes will be on the Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets series as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving look to upset the No. 2 seed Celtics, who are without injured center Robert
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning.’ The NBA Play-In Tournament wraps tonight, setting the final two playoff spots, with the postseason proper beginning Saturday and Sunday. To break down some of the biggest questions in
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Wayne Ellington called out Denver Nuggets point guard Facundo Campazzo on Twitter after an egregious flagrant 2 foul. Sometimes, a flagrant 2 foul call just isn’t enough. At least, that’s how Lakers shooting guard Wayne Ellington seems to feel following a high-scoring 146-141 win over the Denver Nuggets on April
1:07 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN For the New Orleans Pelicans, all seemed lost in the third quarter Friday night in Los Angeles. The team that started the season 1-12 and was 14-32 at its lowest point had fought its way back to 36-46 and grabbed the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference play-in tournament.
Mar 29, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) high fives guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Pistons 130-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Kevin Durant makes his pick for NBA MVP by Cody Williams The Brooklyn
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 26: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on December 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting
Apr 10, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) walks off the court injured during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Auburn football schedule won’t do the Tigers, Bryan Harsin any favors by Alicia de Artola Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks is attended to my Casey Smith head trainer in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on April 10, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this
12:37 PM ET LA Clippers star Paul George has entered health and safety protocols after testing positive for COVID-19 and will miss Friday night’s play-in game against the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim Bontemps. The winner of Friday’s game earns the No. 8 seed and a first-round meeting with the
Every NBA MVP candidate has flaws in their resume but digging into those flaws leads down a neverending rabbit hole of arguments and counterarguments. The NBA MVP Award, given to the most valuable player of the current regular season, has been around since 1956. Until the 1979-80 season, players voted on the winner. Since then,
Apr 12, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Bears draft picks: 5 receivers to target to support Justin Fields by Alicia de Artola Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen will attempt to play
8:00 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN THE LINE WAS wrapped around the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. It was July 5, 2019, and the debut of Zion Williamson was here. After waiting through the first three games, fans were eager to see the main event: Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans taking on the
ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke ( Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports How can Steelers make room to sign Tyrann Mathieu? by Rylie Smith Marcus Smart has a strong case for why he should win DPOY. In a Twitter conversation ESPN Broadcaster, Doris Burke added her opinion on why he should win too. Doris Burke and Malika
4:38 PM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry participated in the team’s scrimmage Thursday, marking another benchmark in his return from a left foot strain that has kept him out since March 16. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said both he and Curry are optimistic that the guard will be
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 10: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors stands on the court during the second quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on April 10, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
Indian basketball player Satnam Singh Bhamara (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images) Packers sign former Chiefs star to help fill wide receiver void by Cody Williams Tom Brady has hilarious request for Elon Musk buying Twitter by Sapphires Sealey Former NBA Player Satnam Singh made his debut last night, and it was not
9:00 AM ET Mark Fainaru-Wada Close ESPN Staff Writer Investigative reporter for ESPN’s Enterprise and Investigative Unit since 2007 Co-author of New York Times best-selling books “League of Denial” and “Game of Shadows” Co-winner, 2004 George Polk Award Steve Fainaru Close ESPN Senior Writer Winner, 2008 Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting Four-time first-place winner in
The Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets feature three of the smartest and most creative stars in the NBA. How will their first-round matchup play out? The NBA playoffs have a way of selecting for the most disciplined, intelligent and adaptable teams, but it’s still rare for the first round to deliver the kind of
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The NBA Play-In Tournament kicked off last night with the Nets and Timberwolves advancing and seizing the No. 7 seed in each conference. Tonight, the Atlanta Hawks will take
James Harden has been critiqued many times for being out of shape and now a recent report has revealed that Kevin Durant had a problem with Harden’s shape too. It has been reported that the Brooklyn Nets’ former big three of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden were not on the best of terms
11:02 PM ET Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges struck a young fan with his mouthpiece after he was ejected from the team’s 132-103 play-in loss to the host Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, later calling his actions as he exited the court “unacceptable.” With Atlanta up big in the second half and Charlotte’s season winding
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) Florida State football gets huge transfer win with former Georgia 5-star OT by Cody Williams Charlotte Hornets star Miles Bridges lost his temper after being ejected against the Hawks and threw his mouthguard at fans in Atlanta. Play-in games can feel like life or death situations
12:24 AM ET ATLANTA — Atlanta Hawks coach Nate McMillan took some heat from his coaching staff — as well as some fans on social media — for having starters on the court with just over five minutes left in Wednesday night’s 132-103 play-in victory over the Charlotte Hornets. “The coaches were yelling and screaming
Apr 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) locks arms and has words with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley (22) after a whistle during the first quarter of a play-in game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports Watch: Kyrie Irving explains being able to play while fasting
Apr 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley (22) throws his jersey into the crowd after the Timberwolves secured a play-off spot by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in a play-in game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports The Whiteboard: Nets precision, Clippers meltdown and the Trae Young stopper
7:00 AM ET Andrew LopezESPN ON THE FINAL night of the All-Star break, New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, forward Brandon Ingram and coach Willie Green went out for a small, private dinner at FLINT by Baltaire in Phoenix. The Pelicans had gone 1-4 since the Feb. 8 trade that sent Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky,
Patrick Beverley has plenty of playoff experience, and he revealed the advice he gave his Timberwolves teammates. For just the second time since a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2004, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in the playoffs. It’s just the play-in games right now, but they’ll host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday
3:23 AM ET MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley stood on the Target Center scorer’s table, screaming and celebrating in an ode to an iconic moment in Minnesota Timberwolves franchise history when Kevin Garnett stood on the table and celebrated in the 2004 playoffs. Not long after jumping off the table, Beverley sat on
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The NBA Play-In Tournament kicks off tonight with the Brooklyn Nets facing the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves. In each case, the
12:38 AM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant has been in the league long enough to know that it’s not wise to give a playoff opponent any extra motivation before a series begins. So when Durant heard Nets guard Bruce Brown‘s critique of the Boston Celtics, saying that the Nets can
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 05: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
3:09 PM ET Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams — architect of the NBA’s best regular-season team — has been voted the National Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year for a second consecutive time. The award, named in honor of the late NBCA executive director Michael H. Goldberg, is based on a vote of the
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The NBA Play-In Tournament begins tomorrow and the potential for chaos is everywhere. To break down some of the biggest questions in the NBA this week, I tapped in
8:24 PM ET DALLAS — An MRI on Monday confirmed that Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic suffered a left calf strain in the team’s regular-season finale, a source told ESPN. The source said no timetable has been set for Doncic’s return. Asked if he could be ruled out for Game 1 of the team’s first-round
David Fizdale, Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers will likely replace former head coach Frank Vogel after three seasons. With Frank Vogel likely out, the Los Angeles Lakers need to find a new head coach to lead them. The Lakers failed spectacularly this season. Not only did the lineup age horribly,
10:43 PM ET EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — With Frank Vogel removed as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the day, Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook opened up about the disconnect that existed between the two of them in his first season in L.A. “I think it’s unfortunate, to be honest, because I’ve never
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Pirates: Latest report makes Bob Nutting look even cheaper by Ethan Lee The NBA Playoffs begin on Saturday, Apr. 16. Here are the matchups for the first-round. The 2021-22 NBA regular season has officially reached its conclusion on Sunday night. With that, it is time for the playoffs, where teams will
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports 3 coaches the Lakers could hire to replace Frank Vogel by John Buhler The Los Angeles Lakers have fired head coach Frank Vogel, but the worst isn’t behind them just yet. NBA fans are ruthless, and they’re coming for the Lake Show. LA informed Vogel he was fired on Monday afternoon, after
2:08 PM ET The Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Frank Vogel on Monday, the team announced. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Frank both on and off the court,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “Frank is a great coach and a good
Apr 10, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) reacts with teammates after leaving the game after just eight seconds played in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports Watch Scottie Scheffler put on the Green Jacket after winning The Masters by
1:03 AM ET DENVER — Anthony Davis thinks he and LeBron James can still be the core of a title team moving forward despite two straight disappointing seasons following their championship in 2020. “I think us two can. We’ve shown that we can,” Davis said, conducting a season-wrap news conference before the Los Angeles Lakers
Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (7) and Kyrie Irving (11): Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Scottie Scheffler continues his year for the ages with Masters title by David Salituro The NBA’s Play-In Tournament is officially set. Here is the schedule and seeding in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Sunday was the last official day of the
Matisse Thybulle, #22, Philadelphia 76ers, (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) Watch: Patrick Beverley ejected from T’Wolves season finale, tells ref ‘you’re trash’ by Scott Rogust The Philadelphia 76ers will be without Matisse Thybulle once they play the Raptors in Toronto in the first-round. The Philadelphia 76ers clinched the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference,
3:38 PM ET Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons‘ pain-free progress is fueling hope that he could return in the first-round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, even if it’s just in a 10-15 minute a game role, sources told ESPN on Sunday. The Nets would need to advance out of the Play-in Tournament this week and,
For the second consecutive season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the worst teams in the NBA. For Sam Presti, it’s all going according to plan. There may not be another executive as intrinsically tied to his team’s success as Sam Presti. The current tankathon the Oklahoma City Thunder have been on for the
6:46 PM ET DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic avoided a one-game suspension when the NBA rescinded the technical foul called on him during Friday night’s blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The league office made the determination Saturday after a review of what would have been Doncic’s 16th technical foul of the
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images) Cardinals Opening Day roster has 3 likely surprises by Miranda Remaklus Luka Doncic put on a show for the Mavericks against the Pistons on Wednesday night, stunning NBA Twitter with his no-look passes. The Mavericks continued to put pressure on the Warriors for third place in the Western
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN The NBA regular season’s final weekend is here, and all we know is 48 hours of chaos lie ahead. Thanks to a jumbled seeding picture in both conferences, only a handful of seeds are decided. Here’s a quick rundown of all of it, beginning with the crowded top of the
Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers refused to speak on LeBron James’ recent comments about wanting to play with Steph Curry. This week, LeBron James made some headlines, and not just for the Los Angeles Lakers being eliminated from playoff contention following a blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns. A clip from James’ HBO
New Orleans Pelicans Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports Pittsburgh Steelers full 2022 NFL mock draft by Rucker Haringey The New Orleans Pelicans have been waiting three years for their moment to get back at Anthony Davis for forcing a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers and last night that moment finally came. Last night,
7:58 PM ET ESPN News Services NEW YORK — Rookie Evan Mobley was back in the starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers for Friday’s key game against the Brooklyn Nets. Mobley missed the previous five games with a sprained left ankle and the Cavaliers lost four of them without their big man. Mobley is a
The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic got chippy on Thursday as a scuffle resulted in ejections for Robin Lopez, Admiral Schofield and Montrezl Harrell. The Hornets are battling for a more favorable draw in the Eastern Conference play-in games. They have plenty to play for this season. The Magic have been eliminated from the postseason.
1:17 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN CHICAGO — After entering the All-Star break tied for first place in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls’ prolonged second-half struggles have seen them fall in the standings as they endure their worst stretch of the season heading into the playoffs. Chicago locked itself into the No. 6 seed in
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 01: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks off the court after warming up before the basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on April 1, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this
9:36 PM ET DALLAS — Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic will be suspended for Sunday’s regular-season finale unless the NBA office rescinds the technical foul called against him after the first quarter of Friday night’s 128-78 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It was officially Doncic’s 16th technical foul of the season, triggering an automatic one-game
Optimizing the combination of James Harden and Joel Embiid for the 76ers means utilizing the pick-and-roll, a play neither player has used much the past few years. With the NBA playoffs less than three weeks away, teams are clawing for spots within the standings, looking to cement their seeding, avoid play-in games, and secure the
This season delivered a fascinating and unique MVP race, but only one of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić can take home the most sacred of the individual NBA awards. With Rookie, Coach, Sixth Man, Most Improved, All-Defense and Defensive Player of the Year awards taken care of, it’s time to wrap up the
1:21 PM ET LOS ANGELES — LeBron James will not play in the final two games of the Lakers season because of soreness in his left ankle, the team announced on Friday. The Lakers, already eliminated from play-in tournament contention since Tuesday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns guaranteed the San Antonio Spurs would finish ahead
Kentucky basketball star Oscar Tshiebwe is putting his name in the NBA Draft pool to explore his options but a return to the Wildcats is still open. Kentucky had the unanimous player of the year in their lineup in 2021-22. Could they get him back for 2022-23? Oscar Tshiebwe has accomplished just about every individual
Our WNBA Mock Draft takes a look at a talented crop of prospects and a draft order that has been dramatically remade by a number of trades. We’re less than a week away from the 2022 WNBA Draft. The Atlanta Dream hold the No. 1 pick for this year’s draft after a trade with the
12:57 AM ET ESPN News Services DENVER — Nikola Jokic made history on the night his Denver Nuggets clinched a fourth consecutive playoff berth with a 122-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Jokic became the first player in NBA history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season. He had 35 points,
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) Frank Clark recruits Tyrann Mathieu back to Chiefs by Braulio Perez Kyrie Irving broke his silence on being snubbed from the NBA 75 team. He believes he deserved to make the list. At the beginning of the NBA season, the NBA released their list
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James named Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry as the player he most wants to play with in the NBA. LeBron James’ career is going to come to an end eventually, but the 37-year-old still has eyes on playing with a couple of figures before it is all said and
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports) Buccaneers snipe former Cowboys LB to further bolster defense by Aryanna Prasad Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry responded to LeBron James wanting to team up with him by shooting down the idea in the most brutal way. LeBron James opened the door to
8:22 PM ET Associated Press DENVER — The Memphis Grizzlies would like for All-Star guard Ja Morant to play at least once before the regular season ends. The final decision for Morant’s return rests with the team’s medical staff. “He’s doing great,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said Thursday. “All signs are in a really good
Apr 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Durant (7) looks to make a move against New York Knicks shooting guard RJ Barrett (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports The Brooklyn Nets are gearing up to compete in the play-in tournament,
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 26: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on December 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting
Injured Los Angeles Clippers Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard are healing well as the NBA Playoffs approach, signaling a potential return for the two. As the Los Angeles Clippers face off against the Phoenix Suns in a regular season preview of the playoffs, Clippers small forward Robert Covington made sure to remind everyone that the
7:42 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday that while there was no specific discussion of the impending arbitration between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers, he said his bigger concern moving forward is “a trend of star players not participating in a full complement of games,” and hopes
Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul has made history with four different NBA teams, which serves as a timely reminder as the No. 1 Suns enter playoffs. The NBA’s WAR (wins above replacement) metric offers a statistical quantification of how much one player influences a team’s record. According to FiveThirtyEight’s RAPTOR WAR calculations, Denver Nuggets
12:43 AM ET NEW YORK — For the first time since they both spurned the New York Knicks and joined forces with the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2019, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving played together inside Madison Square Garden and helped lead their team to a 110-98 victory over a Knicks team that
LeBron James is in range to win the 2021-22 NBA scoring title but he’ll need to overcome some hurdles to get to the top of the stat charts. It’s been an utterly disappointing season for the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been eliminated from the playoffs despite compiling a “big three” of stars including LeBron
Apr 5, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard Jalen Green (0) drives the ball against Brooklyn Nets small forward Bruce Brown (1) and Brooklyn Nets center Andre Drummond (0) during the first half of the game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports White Sox shopping young outfielder after electric
7:10 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN The Philadelphia 76ers listed guard Matisse Thybulle as “ineligible to play” in Thursday’s game in Toronto against the Raptors, a sign Thybulle could also be unable to play in the three road games of a potential playoff series between the two franchises. Last week, ESPN asked the four teams atop
Despite his longtime Philadelphia 76ers ties, Sixers legend Julius Irving (Dr. J) picked Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic over 76ers big man Joel Embiid. As the NBA season draws to a close, MVP votes are being cast by all who watch the game. Three big men continue to dominate this conversation—Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Meet Sam Gordon, the girl changing football for good by Aryanna Prasad Last week, Joel Embiid was a guest speaker on Draymond Green’s podcast. The two had some strong words to exchange. Joel Embiid and Draymond Green are no strangers to a little bit of healthy trash talking. Last June, Green
With the NBA season almost finished, which players distinguished themselves most this year on the defensive end? Accurately evaluating NBA defense is an almost impossible endeavor, and opinions of individual defenders depend largely on the eye of the beholder. There are so many little things that happen (or don’t) within a possession that can fly
11:51 AM ET Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball will not return for the remainder of the season, the team announced Wednesday. Ball, who has not played since Jan. 14, had surgery on his left knee on Jan. 28 to repair a slight meniscus tear. The team said he is still experiencing pain “with high-level
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The 50-40-90 season is one of the rarest achievements in the NBA record books. It requires a player to shoot at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent
12:57 AM ET PHOENIX — A season that started with championship promise for the Los Angeles Lakers ended with the pain of failing to even qualify for the play-in tournament. Tuesday’s 121-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns — coupled with a 116-97 win by the San Antonio Spurs over the Denver Nuggets — officially eliminated
Former Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut spoke on a recent podcast about how the refs let him get away with anything when it came to physical play. For over a decade, the face of illegal screens in the NBA seemed to be former NBA center Andrew Bogut. Bogut embraced this identity, saying in 2019
2:26 PM ET PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Lakers will head into a potential elimination game without their leader, LeBron James. James was ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns with left ankle soreness, the team announced. It will be James’ third missed game out of the Lakers’ last four. The Lakers, who
A general view of the NBA logo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports The NBA Playoffs are right around the corner, but unlike most years, there is an impossible amount of questions still surrounding the league. Most important among them is, who is the best team this season? The NBA Playoffs are just about here, but there
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 16: Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash instructs his team against the Dallas Mavericks during their game at Barclays Center on March 16, 2022 in New York City. The Nets aren’t going to enter the NBA Playoffs with a high seed, but that doesn’t mean they can’t defy the
8:00 AM ET Could the NBA regular season’s final week decide the 2022 MVP? While Denver Nuggets center and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has the inside track at the award, both he and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid have plenty to play for down the stretch. (The Nuggets can still capture home-court advantage in the
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6): Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports The NBA Playoffs are right around the corner, but there is still a lot that must be settled before we get there. That doesn’t mean it’s too early to make some bold predictions about what’s going to happen. It’s been a wild NBA season.
With the start of the playoffs just a few days away, it’s time to hand out some awards for the 2021-22 NBA season. Amazingly, we are less than two weeks away from the end of the NBA season, which means it’s time to get to work on selecting 2021-22 award winners. I, of course, do
7:37 PM ET Free-agent guard Luca Vildoza is expected to finalize a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks that’ll take him through the 2022-23 season, sources told ESPN. Vildoza — MVP of the 2020 Spanish ACB League finals — has fully recovered from foot surgery and will be activated for the Bucks in the playoffs, sources
Kevin Love is playing for a resurgent Cavaliers as LeBron and the Lakers drop out of the playoffs. Could LeBron be headed back to Cleveland again? The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers that shocked the Golden State Warriors still keep in touch. Often. “100 percent, We have six of us on there.” Kevin Love told FanSided. “It’s
2:35 PM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant said he believes his team’s season got derailed when he injured the MCL in his left knee in mid January. “To be honest, I feel like our season was derailed by my injury,” Durant said after Monday’s practice. “So I’m not looking at it
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 02: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat shoots in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on April 02, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. The Heat may have had some dysfunction on the sidelines recently, but they’re still a legitimate NBA title contender for these five reasons. Jimmy
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook isn’t quite finished with hinting at disagreement with Frank Vogel and the Lakers coaching staff. When ESPN reported in early March that the Lakers organization was pressuring Frank Vogel to demote Russell Westbrook from the starting lineup, Vogel maintained that there was enough time for Westbrook to turn his
8:00 AM ET With one week to go in the NBA’s regular season, only three postseason seeds are locked in: The Phoenix Suns will have the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies will have the second and the LA Clippers are locked into eighth. The other 17 seeds remain up for
Doug Pensinger /Allsport These five legends are known for their incredible play on different teams, but here we take a look back at their time with the Brooklyn Nets The Brooklyn Nets, formally known as the New Jersey Nets, are composed of superstars. From the sharpshooting Kevin Durant to Kyrie Irving, who possesses handles that
10:23 PM ET LOS ANGELES — After the Lakers continued their free fall from play-in tournament contention with a sixth straight loss on Sunday, Anthony Davis looked back at a season gone awry and reflected on what “could have been.” “I think the biggest thing that I think about personally is what we could have
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili. (Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports) NJPW: Starter’s guide to New Japan Pro Wrestling by Gerard Hennessy Who will be inducted into the 2022 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class? Reports are trickling in about the latest Hall of Famers. When it comes to individual honors in sports, it doesn’t
4:34 PM ET LOS ANGELES — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly criticized LeBron James once again Sunday, with the Los Angeles Lakers legend saying he believes the current Lakers star has a greater responsibility in how he conducts himself given his elevated platform. “Some of the things he’s done and said are really beneath him, as far
Apr 1, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; A man is carried off by security personnel after running onto the court during the third quarter of the game between the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Dolphins make Xavien Howard NFL’s highest-paid CB: NFL Twitter reacts by Scott
12:15 AM ET ATLANTA — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant scored a career-high 55 points that included a career-high eight 3-pointers on Saturday night — but those weren’t the numbers he was focused on after a disappointing 122-115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Durant said he was frustrated that his team was “undisciplined” defensively, and
After defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, the New Orleans Pelicans updated their Twitter bio in a savage way. Despite the return of Anthony Davis and a resurgent effort from LeBron James, the Lakers fell short against the New Orleans Pelicans. With the loss, the Lakers fell one game out of the play-in
1:02 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors have been coy about how much they’ve been watching the Western Conference standings. Some have admitted to monitoring them. Others have said they’re an afterthought. But, heading into Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz, there was not one person in Golden State’s locker
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the new all-time leading scorer in Milwaukee Bucks franchise history by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It was only a matter of time, but it finally happened, as Giannis Antetokounmpo finally overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the all-time leading scorer in Milwaukee Bucks franchise history. Antetokounmpo is averaging a career-best 30.1 points per game in
2:18 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN Four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobili, five-time NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, three-time WNBA champion and two-time gold medalist Swin Cash, and five-time WNBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion Lindsay Whalen highlighted the 13-member Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 that was announced Saturday. Other honorees included two-time NCAA
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning.’ There are just nine days left in the NBA season and plenty of things still need to work themselves out. To break down some of the biggest questions in
8:57 AM ET Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has filed a grievance to challenge the nearly $20 million of salary withheld to him by the Philadelphia 76ers this season, setting up a potentially significant showdown, sources told ESPN on Saturday. The grievance — which will now go to an arbitration process — could have larger
With six regular-season games left, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo could win his first ever scoring title. Fresh off surpassing the iconic Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most points scored in Milwaukee Bucks history, Giannis Antetokounmpo stands a real chance at winning his first ever scoring title. The two-time MVP and reigning NBA champion is averaging 30.1 points
10:19 PM ET LOS ANGELES — Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis will return to the lineup for the Lakers‘ crucial game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, the team announced. James missed the past two games with a sprained left ankle and was cleared to play after undergoing an on-court workout about an
LeBron James had Los Angeles Lakers fans panicking after his April Fool’s Day tweet. After ruining Space Jam, LeBron James backed up his Razzie Award-winning performance as a fictionalized version of himself by sending Los Angeles Lakers fans everywhere into a full-blown panic. It may have been April Fool’s Day, but nobody is laughing. How could they
4:01 PM ET Adrian Wojnarowski Close Senior NBA Insider Host of The Woj Pod Joined ESPN in 2017 Kendra Andrews Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry will have his left foot sprain re-evaluated in a week, but both he and the team are confident that the recovery timeline will allow for him to be back
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Draymond Green #23 and head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts when Green was ejected from the game after receiving his second technical foul against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Chase Center on March 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. The Warriors
Kevin Durant expects for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors organizations to retire his No. 35 jersey shortly after he calls it a career. While Kevin Durant is one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, his exits from both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors were not exactly smooth. Now
8:00 AM ET New Los Angeles Lakers are typically brought to owner Jeanie Buss’ second-floor office overlooking the practice floor at the team’s training facility. And with good reason: On a specially designed credenza under a wide window sit 11 Larry O’Brien trophies — the centerpieces of the building and the sources of constant motivation
The Pelicans won’t entertain Zion Williamson trade offers unless he forces their hand. But if he does, the New York Knicks should be ready to pounce. Let’s say this off the top – the Knicks need to stay the course and continue to build through the young guns and the draft. They have a collection
Every team is looking for a sharp jersey to rally their fans. But no one topped the Phoenix Suns, who won Best Costume Design at the FanSided Sports Oscars. The late French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” If YSL were still with us today he’d doubtlessly have much
1:28 AM ET NEW YORK — Giannis Antetokounmpo became the Milwaukee Bucks‘ all-time leading scorer on Thursday night by delivering the type of unbelievable performance that has defined his star-studded career. Antetokounmpo broke Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s franchise mark of 14,211 points, scoring 44 points on Thursday to move his total to 14,216. As
If LeBron James doesn’t make it back in at least some of the season’s remaining games, he may not win the scoring title after all. As the NBA season approaches a close, certain unknowns come into focus. There’s still a battle among big men for the MVP candidacy, and there are a few teams battling
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. As the end of the NBA season approaches playoff and award races are narrowing. In the case of MVP, that latest straw poll at ESPN indicates that we’re likely
Joel Embiid has put the Philadelphia 76ers on his back and earned MVP-caliber recognition as an all-around player—but he nearly left the NBA back in 2014. Sixers big man Joel Embiid is being able to shine in a way he hasn’t for years. There are various factors—he’s watched tape to improve as an all-around player,
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, the leading defender on the NBA’s leading defense, believes he is the Defensive Player of the Year. So, too, does Mikal Bridges, the Phoenix Suns‘ fourth-year wing and the franchise’s top NBA All-Defensive candidate. But, based on the award’s history, it’s unlikely either of the