Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was ejected in the first quarter of Sunday's 129-109 Game...

<p>Indiana Pacers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102759">Bennedict Mathurin</a> was ejected in the first quarter of Sunday's 129-109 Game 4 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers for striking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> in the sternum with a closed fist.</p><p>Hunter responded by shoving Mathurin after a stoppage in play and was subsequently assessed a technical foul. Pacers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37711" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37711">Myles Turner</a> was also given a technical for pushing Hunter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bennedict Mathurin has been ejected from Game 4 against the Cavs.<br><br>🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/RomeovilleKid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RomeovilleKid</a> <a href="https://t.co/5cqJexELow">pic.twitter.com/5cqJexELow</a></p>— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthletic/status/1921726763186438269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"During review, it was observed that Hunter pushed Mathurin with two hands. That dead ball act was deemed to be (an) unsportsmanlike act and (a) technical foul was assessed for that action," crew chief John Goble <a href="https://official.nba.com/pool-report-on-the-flagrant-foul-penalty-2-and-the-technical-fouls-called-in-the-first-quarter-of-tonights-cleveland-at-indiana-game/">told</a> The Indianapolis Star's Dustin Dopirak in the postgame pool report interview.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Turner was then also observed bumping Turner, and that dead ball act was also deemed to be (an) unsportsmanlike act and a technical foul was assessed."</p><p>Mathurin played just one minute, recording a single rebound. Hunter recorded five points and two rebounds in the first quarter.</p><p>In seven playoff games this season, Mathurin has averaged 13.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 20.3 minutes of action. The 22-year-old missed the Pacers' 2024 run to the Eastern Conference finals due to a torn labrum in his shoulder.</p><p>Indiana selected Mathurin with the eighth pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.</p><p>The Pacers hold a 3-1 series lead and can book a second straight East finals appearance with a victory Tuesday in Cleveland.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round 2 Game 3 on May 9, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Pacers' Mathurin ejected in Game 4 win for striking Hunter

The Indiana Pacers took a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals thanks to a domina...

<p>The Indiana Pacers took a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals thanks to a dominant 129-109 victory over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.</p><p>The Pacers claimed a whopping 80-39 lead at halftime and extended it to 44 in the second half. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> put up 21 points and was one of six Indiana players to score in double figures.</p><p>The team is now one victory away from reaching the Eastern Conference finals, where the eventual champion Boston Celtics ended the Pacers' season last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cavaliers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a> didn't play in the second half due to a left ankle injury. Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said Mitchell will get an MRI on Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ScottAgness/status/1921759089203273907">NBA reporter Scott Agness</a>.</p><p>"I will be good for Tuesday," Mitchell said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6348937/2025/05/11/donovan-mitchell-mri-ankle-injury-cavaliers-paceres/">Joe Vardon of The Athletic</a>. He left the arena without a walking boot or crutches, under his own power.</p><p>Mitchell recorded 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> led the Cavs in scoring with 21 points and six assists.</p><p>Indiana bench boss Rick Carlisle surpassed Larry Bird for most postseason wins with 33. Carlisle won 18 playoff games between 2004 and 2006 before returning to the franchise in 2021, taking the team back to the postseason two seasons later.</p><p>"We haven't done anything yet," Carlisle said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1921764618478706848">ESPN</a>. "We're a pretty significant underdog in every game that we've played in this series, and that will continue until the end. We're going to keep approaching this like we have everything to prove, and we know people don't believe in us. We're just gonna stay in the fight and keep fighting." </p><p>Pacers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102759">Bennedict Mathurin</a> was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284393" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284393">ejected</a> early into the contest after striking Cavaliers wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> in the sternum with a fist. Hunter responded by pushing Mathurin to the court.</p><p>Indiana shot 52.7% from the floor and took 23 more shots than Cleveland. The Pacers also forced 22 turnovers, leading to 35 points from the Cavs. Atkinson called his opponent's performance "complete domination," according to <a href="https://x.com/NBAonTNT/status/1921762528691937630">NBAonTNT</a>.</p><p>"They raised their game to another level, and we didn't match it," Atkinson added, per <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1921765416478593240">NBA TV</a>.</p><p>After losing the first two games in Cleveland, the Cavs came back to win Game 3 by 22 in Indiana on Friday.</p><p>The Pacers can clinch the series with a victory Tuesday.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 11: Myles Turner #33, Aaron Nesmith #23, Pascal Siakam #43, Andrew Nembhard #2 and Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers look on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round 2 Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Pacers demolish Cavs to snatch 3-1 series lead

Draymond Green pushed back against the perception that he's an angry person following his latest ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> pushed back against the perception that he's an angry person following his latest controversial on-court interaction during the Golden State Warriors' 117-93 Game 2 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.</p><p>The veteran forward gave a brief postgame statement, saying there's a concerted effort to make him look bad before walking away from the media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Draymond Green just wanted to give one quick postgame statement: “The agenda to continue to keep making me look like an angry black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.” <a href="https://t.co/ay7TLFhjWL">pic.twitter.com/ay7TLFhjWL</a></p>— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1920689619999289793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I'm not an angry Black man," Green said, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. "I'm a very successful, educated Black man with a great family, and I'm great at basketball, I'm great at what I do. The agenda to continue to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I'm sick of it. It's ridiculous."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Green picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs Thursday after <a href="https://x.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/1920649625439990015">hitting</a> Timberwolves forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69736" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69736">Naz Reid</a> in the face with his arm. He then argued with officials following the call while teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a> attempted to calm him down.</p><p>Green previously <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3280968" href="https://thescore.com/news/3280968">took</a> accountability for his actions during the Warriors' first-round series against the Houston Rockets. Following a Game 6 flagrant-1 foul call involving arguing with referees during live play, Green said he was "embarrassed."</p><p>The 35-year-old has a long history of on-court misconduct both during the postseason and the regular season. He was suspended for 16 games last season after he hit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37599" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37599">Jusuf Nurkic</a> in the head. Green also received a five-game ban last campaign for putting Timberwolves center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a> in a headlock.</p><p>The Warriors big man is two technical fouls away from his seventh this postseason, which would result in an automatic one-game suspension. He also has two flagrant fouls, two shy from another one-game ban.</p><p>"He's going to have to be careful," Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1920679882423443854">Slater</a>. "He's going to have to stay composed, and I'm confident he will because he knows the circumstances."</p><p>Green recorded nine points, five assists, and four rebounds in Thursday's loss.</p><p>The Warriors host Game 3 on Saturday. </p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 8: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Draymond: I'm tired of 'agenda' to make me look bad

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch called out star guard Anthony Edwards for his lack ...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch called out star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> for his lack of energy in the team's 99-88 home defeat to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals</p><p>"You're the leader of the team, and you've gotta come out and set the tone," Finch said, per <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1919974283368874199">NBA TV</a>. "If your shot's not going, you still have to carry the energy. If I have to talk to guys about having the right energy coming into an opening second-round game, then we're not on the same page."</p><p>Edwards scored 23 points in the defeat but went 9-of-22 from the field and 1-of-5 from three. He had just one point in the first half.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It starts with Anthony. He struggled early and the light went out," Finch said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonKrawczynski/status/1919970808853631096">The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski</a>. </p><p>Finch called the team's decision-making in transition "diabolical," per <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1919970637579264508">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>The Timberwolves struggled to shoot the ball overall. They went 5-of-29 from three and missed all 15 of their first-half attempts.</p><p>"It didn't look like us at all. It didn't feel like us at all," Finch said, per <a href="https://x.com/JonKrawczynski/status/1919970964042899857">Krawczynski</a>.</p><p>Minnesota can tie up the playoff series with a victory Thursday. </p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 06: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 06, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Finch calls out Edwards' effort: 'You're the leader of the team'

Cleveland Cavaliers forwards Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter missed Tuesday's 120-119 Game 2 defe...

<p>Cleveland Cavaliers forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> missed Tuesday's 120-119 Game 2 defeat against the Indiana Pacers due to their respective ankle and thumb injuries.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> also missed his fourth straight game because of a toe sprain.</p><p>The Cavs led by seven points with 1:06 left in the contest. The Pacers scored 10 points to finish the game, including a game-winning, step-back three from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cleveland started <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53038" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53038">Ty Jerome</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52639" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52639">Max Strus</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44986" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44986">Dean Wade</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a> in the loss.</p><p>The Pacers were led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37711" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37711">Myles Turner</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93847" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93847">Aaron Nesmith</a>, who scored 23 points each. Haliburton added 19 points and nine rebounds. </p><p>Mobley and Hunter suffered their injuries during Sunday's Game 1 defeat.</p><p>Mobley was named Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season. He averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks over the regular season. </p><p>Hunter was acquired at the trade deadline from the Atlanta Hawks. The 27-year-old has averaged 12.6 points in the playoffs, shooting 60% from deep. </p><p>The Pacers host Game 3 on Friday.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 04: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court during the first quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Arena on May 04, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Mobley, Hunter join Garland on sidelines for Game 2 loss to Pacers

Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers was named Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season, the...

<p>Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers was named Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season, the NBA <a href="https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1919520869442896086">announced</a> Monday.</p><p>Atkinson received the award over J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets. </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Coach</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>1st-place votes (5 points)</th>
<th>Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Atkinson</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>59</td>
<td>401</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.B. Bickerstaff</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>305</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ime Udoka</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>113</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Daigneault</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyronn Lue</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JJ Redick</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Cavs' bench boss took over this campaign after spending four seasons as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. He won a championship with the Warriors in 2022.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Atkinson guided Cleveland to a 64-18 record, good for first in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers finished the regular season with the best offensive rating (121.0) and eighth-best defensive rating (111.8).</p><p>Prior to joining the franchise, Atkinson spent just under four seasons with the Brooklyn Nets as head coach. He finished fifth in Coach of the Year voting in 2019 after leading the Nets to a 42-40 record. He stepped down in 2020 after Brooklyn posted a 28-34 record through 62 games.</p><p>The Cavaliers lost the first game of their second-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 28: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Cavs' Atkinson wins Coach of the Year

The Golden State Warriors vanquished the Houston Rockets' hopes of a 3-1 series comeback Sunday w...

<p>The Golden State Warriors vanquished the Houston Rockets' hopes of a 3-1 series comeback Sunday with a 103-89 road victory in Game 7.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a> led the way with 33 points - 22 in the first half - and nine 3-pointers, tying the record for most triples in a Game 7. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> added 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.</p><p>The Warriors led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter, including a 12-0 run to seal the game. They held the Rockets to 40.5% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Golden State has now won five playoff series against the Rockets with Curry on the roster. The Warriors have closed out three of those matchups in Houston - 2018, 2019, and 2025.</p><p>"I'm blown away by Steph's competitive fight," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1919234228127945175">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "He has four rings, a gold medal. He has nothing to prove, and yet he is going to come in every single night with something to prove. Draymond (Green) and Jimmy too."</p><p>Green complimented the Rockets postgame, praising coach Ime Udoka along with center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24302" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24302">Steven Adams</a>, and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102778" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102778">Jabari Smith Jr.</a></p><p>"I gained a lot of respect for that team throughout this series, one of the tougher series I’ve played in, personally," Green said, per <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1919242458346459316">NBA TV</a>. "But that’s a young team to be reckoned with."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a> scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Rockets. Sengun recorded 21 points and 14 rebounds.</p><p>The Rockets made the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. They finished the regular season with a 52-30 record, second best in the Western Conference.</p><p>The No. 7 Warriors will face the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference semifinals beginning Tuesday. This is the third occasion in NBA history when a six and seven seed have matched up in the postseason, according to <a href="https://x.com/keerthikau/status/1919233857829700057">NBA reporter Keerthika Uthayakumar</a>.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 4: Buddy Hield #7 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round 1 Game 7 on May 4, 2025 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Warriors end Rockets' 3-1 comeback attempt with Game 7 win

NBC Sports announced Saturday that Carmelo Anthony will join its NBA coverage team as a studio an...

<p>NBC Sports announced Saturday that Carmelo Anthony will join its NBA coverage team as a studio analyst for next season.</p><p>"Watching the NBA on NBC growing up shaped my love for the game," Anthony said in a statement. "Now, I'm thrilled to join the NBC Sports family. I've always used my platform to help grow the game, and I'm excited to bring fans a fresh perspective as we usher in a new era of NBA coverage and programming."</p><p>Anthony, a newly inducted member of the Hall of Fame, also confirmed the news during NBC Sports' coverage of the Kentucky Derby. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Anthony played 19 years in the NBA, primarily with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks. A 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection, Anthony ranks 10th on the league's all-time scoring list with 28,289 points.</p><p>The 6-foot-7 forward holds career averages of 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.</p><p>Anthony also led Syracuse to an NCAA championship in 2003 and won three consecutive Olympic gold medals with Team USA between 2008-16.</p><p>Since retiring in 2023, Anthony has hosted a podcast, "7PM in Brooklyn."</p><p>NBC has hired Anthony, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller as game analysts for its NBA coverage next season, with Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle handling play-by-play duties. The network will broadcast regular-season and playoff contests and is set to launch "Sunday Night Basketball" in 2026.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 8: Carmelo Anthony looks on during the game between the Boston Celtics ant the New York Knicks on April 8, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Carmelo Anthony joining NBC Sports as studio analyst

The Phoenix Suns promoted vice president Brian Gregory to general manager, the franchise announce...

<p>The Phoenix Suns promoted vice president Brian Gregory to general manager, the franchise announced Thursday.</p><p>James Jones will transition to a role as senior adviser. He had been the team's full-time general manager since 2019 after serving as director of player personnel and interim general manager for the 2018-19 campaign.</p><p>"Brian has been a valuable member of our front office, playing an integral role in drafting and developing our young players," Suns owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement. "I am excited for him to step in to the role of general manager. He is a brilliant basketball mind, and he will transform and elevate our team."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gregory originally served as vice president of player programming, overseeing personnel decisions. He helped select forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121680" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121680">Ryan Dunn</a> and big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121728" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121728">Oso Ighodaro</a> in the 2024 NBA Draft.</p><p>The 58-year-old had been a head coach at Dayton, Georgia Tech, and South Florida before joining the Suns in 2023. He led the Flyers to two March Madness appearances and the 2010 NIT championship.</p><p>He was also an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1999-2003, overlapping with Ishbia's tenure on the team. Gregory and Ishbia won a national championship together in 2000.</p><p>Gregory will report directly to Ishbia, according to <a href="https://x.com/Gambo987/status/1918026293326823671">John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM</a>. Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein will remain in his position.</p><p>Jones won Executive of the Year for the 2020-21 season, and the Suns went on to reach the 2021 Finals.</p><p>"James' contributions have been instrumental to our organization, and we appreciate everything he has done for the Suns on and off the court," Ishbia said. "We are grateful to continue to have his experience and insight."</p><p>The Suns finished 2024-25 with a 36-46 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Phoenix fired Mike Budenholzer in April and will now hire its fourth coach in as many seasons.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 10: A close up view of the Phoenix Suns logo during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 10, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE

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Suns promote Gregory to GM as Jones moves to advisory role

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said the front office will add players with more s...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said the front office will add players with more size at the center position during the offseason.</p><p>"When you make a huge trade at the deadline where you trade your starting center (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>) for a point guard (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>), of course that's going to create significant issues with the roster," Pelinka said, according to <a href="https://x.com/LakersReporter/status/1917999338317595058">team reporter Mike Trudell</a>. "We saw some of those play out. One of our primary goals is going to be to add size to our frontcourt at the center position." </p><p>Pelinka described filling out the team's roster after the Davis-Doncic trade as "trying to build an airplane in the sky."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Lakers played various centers following the trade, giving more minutes to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70968" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70968">Jaxson Hayes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102748" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102748">Christian Koloko</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/112841" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/112841">Trey Jemison</a>. They also signed veteran big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12506" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12506">Alex Len</a> in February.</p><p>Los Angeles deployed none of those players in its series-losing Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60967" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60967">Maxi Kleber</a> (6-foot-10) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> (6-foot-9) were the tallest players to appear for the Lakers on Wednesday.</p><p>Minnesota outrebounded L.A. 219-195 over the five-game series.</p><p>Pelinka added that the team will also prioritize defensive help at the wing position, according to <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1917992429636206878">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>Pelinka believes LeBron will have high expectations for the roster and said he plans on doing everything possible to meet them.</p><p>The Lakers have $192 million committed in salary next season, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1917962552237052118">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>. The organization will have their tax mid-level exception and three trade exceptions at their disposal to improve the team.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) with Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during game 5 of the first round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on April 30, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

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Pelinka says Lakers will address center position in offseason

John Haliburton, the father of Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, said he stepped onto the court and...

<p>John Haliburton, the father of Pacers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>, said he stepped onto the court and spoke with Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> after getting caught up in the excitement of Indiana's series-clinching win Tuesday.</p><p>"It was in the moment," Haliburton told <a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/04/30/tyrese-haliburton-dad-john-apologies-for-giannis-antetokounmpo-game-5-postgame-incident-pacers-bucks/83366015007/">Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star</a>. "It was in that dad proud moment. You know what I mean? And I just reacted because my son, he just did something very incredible, and I just jumped. ... Am I sorry for being proud of my son? No. No. I'm not going to tell you that because I'd be lying. But I was wrong for going on the basketball court because I shouldn't have ever done that."</p><p>After the final horn, the elder Haliburton <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3277736">walked</a> onto the court waving a towel featuring his son's image. He turned to show it to Antetokounmpo and appeared to exchange words with the two-time MVP before Bucks guard Pat Connaughton intervened. The pair then had another brief interaction before being separated again.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Haliburton shared his side of the encounter, saying there was no hostile intent on his end.</p><p>"He came and he put his head on my head and we held hands and he said to me, 'Don't you ever disrespect me like that again,'" Haliburton said. "I said. 'It was not my intention to disrespect you. I love you.' And if you watch the video, he said the same thing, 'I love you.' We gave the thumbs up, and he walked away. That was it."</p><p>Haliburton also disputed Antetokounmpo's postgame comments that he cursed at him.</p><p>"Everybody who knows me knows that I don't swear. I can't stand it," Haliburton said. "It's on record that I say things to my son when he swears on the basketball court because kids are watching him. I don't do that. I don't believe in it."</p><p>Haliburton apologized on social media shortly after the incident.</p><p>The Pacers face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Sunday. </p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: John Halliburton poses for a photo during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Haliburton's dad says he was 'in the moment' during Giannis exchange

Washington Mystics rookie Georgia Amoore suffered a right ACL injury during practice, the team an...

<p>Washington Mystics rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/171759" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/171759">Georgia Amoore</a> suffered a right ACL injury during practice, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Amoore and the Mystics will examine treatment and rehabilitation options.</p><p>Washington drafted the former Virginia Tech and Kentucky guard with the sixth pick in the WNBA draft earlier in April.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Amoore averaged 19.6 points, 6.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and a steal for the Wildcats last campaign.</p><p>The Mystics drafted three players in the first round. Notre Dame guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/171757" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/171757">Sonia Citron</a> was selected third overall and USC forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/171756" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/171756">Kiki Iriafen</a> was the next selection.</p><p>Washington finished with a 14-26 record last season and missed out on the playoffs.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Georgia Amoore #8 of the Washington Mystics photographed during WNBA Content Day on April 28, 2025 at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC.

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Mystics rookie Georgia Amoore suffers ACL injury

USC recruit Alijah Arenas, the son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, has been released f...

<p>USC recruit Alijah Arenas, the son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, has been released from hospital following his car crash, his family told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1917602388627558815">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>"While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support," his family said.</p><p>Arenas <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277051" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277051">suffered</a> no major injuries after he lost control of his Tesla Cybertruck on his way back from the gym. The L.A. Fire Department said the vehicle struck a tree and/or fire hydrant.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He was placed into a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation and remained intubated after he awoke from it. </p><p>Arenas is a five-star prospect in the class of 2025 who ranks 13th overall. He's the third-highest-ranked shooting guard and is the Trojans' top prospect for the recruiting cycle.</p>

Sacramento, CA - March 15: Alijah Arenas #0 of Chatsworth Chancellors prepares to shoot a free-throw against the Jesuit Marauders in the second half of a boys CIF State Division II championship basketball game at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

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USC's Arenas released from hospital after car crash

Head coach David Adelman praised point guard Jamal Murray after his 43-point performance in the D...

<p>Head coach David Adelman praised point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> after his 43-point performance in the Denver Nuggets' 131-115 Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>"These big moments, these situations - he was born for this," Adelman said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44929823/jamal-murray-puts-43-nuggets-take-3-2-lead-vs-clippers">ESPN's Ramona Shelburne</a>. "You can kind of tell the way the ball comes off his hand on certain nights. ... When it's flowing like that, it's the guy that's won us so many playoff games in the past."</p><p>Murray shot 17-of-26 from the field, including 8-for-14 from three. He joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a>, Ray Allen, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> as players to hit eight 3-pointers in at least three career playoff games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Along with 43 points, Murray added seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals in 40 minutes. The 28-year-old stepped up for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>, who recorded 13 points on 4-for-13 shooting, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.</p><p>"When he's complementary with Nikola, it's great," Adelman said. "But it sure is nice to have these nights where it's his show. We needed it tonight in a big game."</p><p>Murray is averaging 24.6 points, 6.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in the playoffs. A noted postseason riser, he posted 26.1 points, 7.1 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game during Denver's championship run in 2023.</p><p>"This is really what it's about," Murray said. "Just coming down, playing hard and everybody trying to be on the same page with whatever we're trying to accomplish."</p><p>The Nuggets would reach the Western Conference semifinals and face the Oklahoma City Thunder with a victory Thursday.</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 29, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Nuggets coach lauds Murray's 43-point effort: 'He was born for this'

Two-time MVP Steve Nash is joining Amazon Prime Video's NBA studio and game coverage for its inau...

<p>Two-time MVP Steve Nash is joining Amazon Prime Video's NBA studio and game coverage for its inaugural season, according to insider <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1917262762704597487">Marc Stein</a>.</p><p>Nash reunites with former Dallas Mavericks teammate Dirk Nowitzki, who <a href="https://x.com/swish41/status/1917267712939528436">commented</a> on the news by saying he will "have to carry" Nash once more.</p><p>Amazon hired Nowitzki and six-time All-Star Blake Griffin in January. The company is also bringing in Stan Van Gundy as a game analyst, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6320606/2025/04/29/amazon-stan-van-gundy-nba-analyst/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Andrew Marchand</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nash joined <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> as co-host of the "Mind the Game" podcast earlier in April.</p><p>The Canadian guard played 18 seasons in the NBA, winning back-to-back MVP trophies in 2005 and 2006. He also reached the All-Star Game on eight occasions, twice with the Mavericks.</p><p>Nash and Nowitzki joined Dallas together in 1998. The tandem made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2003. In 2004, Nash went back to the Phoenix Suns, the franchise with which he started his career.</p><p>He holds a 94-67 head coaching record after spending a little more than two campaigns with the Brooklyn Nets.</p><p>Amazon and the NBA reached an 11-year streaming agreement this past July. Prime Video will broadcast 66 regular-season games as well as NBA Cup and playoff contests in its first year.</p>

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 12: Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash attend the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks during Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 12, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Steve Nash joining Amazon's NBA coverage

The Sacramento Kings and interim head coach Doug Christie are finalizing a multi-year contract to...

<p>The Sacramento Kings and interim head coach Doug Christie are finalizing a multi-year contract to make him the full-time bench boss, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44918568/sources-kings-name-doug-christie-full-head-coach">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Christie took over for Mike Brown after the former Coach of the Year was fired in December. He went 27-24, helping the team finish with a 40-42 record. The Kings lost in the play-in tournament to the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>After the defeat, the club and general manager Monte McNair mutually agreed to part ways. The Kings hired former New York Knicks executive Scott Perry as McNair's replacement shortly after.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Christie joined the franchise as an assistant under Alvin Gentry in 2021 and was retained by Brown the following season. The Kings went 48-34 and 46-36 in two campaigns with Brown and Christie on the coaching staff.</p><p>Christie also played five of his 15 NBA seasons with the Kings between 2000 and '05. He averaged 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in Sacramento. Christie made four All-Defensive teams, including a first-team nod in 2003.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 16: Head Coach Doug Christie of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Kings retaining Christie on multi-year deal

UConn forward Alex Karaban is returning to Storrs for his senior season, he announced Tuesday.   ...

<p>UConn forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102538" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102538">Alex Karaban</a> is returning to Storrs for his senior season, he announced Tuesday. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCOYU3RzQ2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCOYU3RzQ2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Karaban originally submitted his name to the NBA as an early entry candidate for the 2025 draft, but he was not <a href="https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1917229076420366823">included</a> on the official list Tuesday. He also tested the draft process last year.</p><p>The 22-year-old averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 2024-25. In three campaigns with the Huskies, he has knocked down 37.5% of his 3-point attempts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Karaban won back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024. UConn was eliminated in the Round of 32 by eventual national champion Florida in the most recent March Madness.</p><p>Three of the team's four leading scorers are returning next season: Karaban, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110441" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110441">Solo Ball</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102849" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102849">Tarris Reed</a>. UConn also added Georgia guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110707" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110707">Silas Demary Jr.</a> and Dayton guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95476" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95476">Malachi Smith</a> in the transfer portal.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 14: Alex Karaban #11 of the Connecticut Huskies dribbles the ball against the Creighton Bluejays in the first half of a semifinal game of the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 14, 2025 in New York City.

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Karaban returning to UConn for senior season

Jimmy Butler is feeling the love playing with the Golden State Warriors.  After Monday night's 10...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> is feeling the love playing with the Golden State Warriors.</p><p>After Monday night's 109-106 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277176" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277176">Game 4 victory</a> over the Houston Rockets, Butler shared his appreciation for his team as it inches closer to the next round.</p><p>"It means the world. I'd die for these guys, for real it's so fun," Butler said to <a href="https://x.com/NBAonTNT/status/1917081953389412477">TNT's Allie LaForce</a> postgame. "I got my joy back as some would say. But more than anything, it's always good to win."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In his return after missing Game 3 with a pelvic contusion, Butler recorded 27 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, along with six assists and five rebounds. The Warriors are now up 3-1 in the first-round playoff series.</p><p>"He played through the injury," Draymond Green said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44912704/jimmy-butler-plays-pain-delivers-late-help-warriors-win-game-4-take-3-1-series-lead-rockets">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "(It) was beautiful. But what his presence does for this team is humongous. The first three quarters, he couldn't move. Not sure how he started moving in the fourth quarter, but he never complained. He stuck with it.</p><p>"I think what was most important, when the time was right, everybody on our side looked to get him the ball. When you get him the ball, he made great things happen for himself or for others. It was huge. I think my favorite play was the last rebound. I looked up, I thought it was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96094">(Jonathan) Kuminga</a> out there flying. It was Jimmy."</p><p>Since joining the Warriors in February, Butler has recorded at least 20 points in 14 games - compared with nine for the Miami Heat before the trade. The 35-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3177631" href="https://thescore.com/news/3177631">said</a> he wanted to get his "joy" back playing basketball and didn't see that as a possibility with the Heat a month before the trade.</p><p>Miami went 11-21 after Butler's departure. The Heat were eliminated from the playoffs in a 55-point <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277074" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277074">blowout loss</a> to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the Rockets-Warriors contest.</p><p>Golden State can advance to the Western Conference semifinals with a victory Wednesday.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 28: Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Butler: 'I got my joy back' playing with Warriors

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard suffered a noncontact leg injury during Sunday's Game 4 agai...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> suffered a noncontact leg injury during Sunday's Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers.</p><p>Lillard sustained the injury while attempting to run and grab an offensive rebound. He was carried off the court by Bucks staffers and teammates and didn't return.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Damian Lillard goes down with a non-contact injury. <br><br>Prayers. 🙏<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/5tcfsPSOCb">pic.twitter.com/5tcfsPSOCb</a></p>— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1916673991093481799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There's fear Lillard suffered a left Achilles tear, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1916678815616798724">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bucks head coach Doc Rivers admitted postgame the team isn't optimistic about Lillard's imaging, which is scheduled for Tuesday.</p><p>"Obviously, it's lower leg, and just being honest, it's not very promising," Rivers said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_nehm/status/1916712287450153433">Eric Nehm of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The 34-year-old missed the final 14 regular-season contests, as well as Game 1 of the playoff series, due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He was placed on blood-thinning medication but returned for Game 2.</p><p>"I knew it right away. I feel bad for him," Rivers said, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByTimReynolds/status/1916709976661234026">Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press</a>. "The guy tried to come back for his team. I just feel bad for him."</p><p>Lillard averaged 10.5 points, six assists, three rebounds, and a steal in two postseason contests.</p><p>"This is a tough one, honestly. Blood clot, followed by this," Rivers <a href="https://x.com/ByTimReynolds/status/1916710294409093607">added</a>. "It's just tough. ... He's just such a great freakin' dude. On the basketball level, but more importantly, as a teammate and a father, all that stuff. No one deserves it."</p><p>The nine-time All-Star holds career averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and a steal over 13 seasons.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 27: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts from the court after an apparent injury during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 27, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Lillard helped off court, reportedly feared to have torn Achilles

Anthony Edwards scored 43 points, Julius Randle added 25, and the Minnesota Timberwolves took a 3...

<p>Anthony Edwards scored 43 points, Julius Randle added 25, and the Minnesota Timberwolves took a 3-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers with a 116-113 victory Sunday.</p><p>The Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 32-19 in the fourth quarter. Minnesota was down by two points with 1:29 left in the game but retook the lead on an and-1 dunk from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93891" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93891">Jaden McDaniels</a>. Edwards then sank two free throws after a replay found he was fouled by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>.</p><p>Lakers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> missed a game-tying 3-pointer with less than a second remaining.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edwards became the fourth player to record at least five 40-point performances in the playoffs before turning 25, joining James, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, and Rick Barry, according to <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1916617796999405684">Statmuse</a>. The Timberwolves star recorded 16 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter.</p><p>"You could see it in his eyes that he was going to bring it home," coach Chris Finch said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonKrawczynski/status/1916625468142321774">Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The Timberwolves trailed by as much as 12 points. They dominated points in the paint, leading Los Angeles 48-30. Minnesota also grabbed eight more rebounds, and its bench outscored the Lakers' 25-8.</p><p>Los Angeles played five players for the entire second half: James, Reaves, Doncic, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53163" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53163">Rui Hachimura</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11858" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11858">Dorian Finney-Smith</a>. Doncic led the Lakers with 38 points. James added 27 and 12 rebounds, but he scored no points in the fourth quarter.</p><p>The Timberwolves have a chance to advance to the Western Conference semifinals with one more win Wednesday.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 27: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks to pass the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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T-Wolves surge in 4th quarter to beat Lakers, take 3-1 series lead

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Donald Higney

Basketball News Editor

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