The Houston Rockets and veteran center Steven Adams agreed to a three-year, $39-million contract ...

<p>The Houston Rockets and veteran center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24302" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24302">Steven Adams</a> agreed to a three-year, $39-million contract extension, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1933954097821974734">Shams Charania of ESPN</a> on Saturday.</p><p>The pact is fully guaranteed with no options, according to <a href="https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1933958062286459016">The Athletic's Kelly Iko</a>. It's also a front-loaded deal that will descend year-to-year, a source told <a href="https://x.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1934008273180770519">Spotrac's Keith Smith</a>.</p><p>Adams averaged 3.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 blocks over 13.7 minutes per game across 58 regular-season contests in 2024-25. However, his role grew in the playoffs, logging 22.1 minutes per game as a key rotation piece.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old will likely continue to be Houston's No. 1 option off the bench behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, as the pair was on the court together for only 334 possessions last season, per <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/team/11/lineups?on=4879&amp;on=21#tab-four_factors">Cleaning The Glass</a>.</p><p>Adams missed the entire 2023-24 campaign after undergoing knee surgery.</p><p>The Pitt product has also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Memphis Grizzlies over his 11-year career.</p><p>The Rockets now have $210 million in projected salary if they exercise <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a>'s $44.9-million team option, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1933958228389302771">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>. The team has until June 29 to pick up the option.</p><p>Houston finished second in the West with a 52-30 record but was eliminated from the postseason's first round by the Golden State Warriors.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Steven Adams #12 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA preseason game on October 15, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Rockets extend Adams on 3-year, $39M deal

The Oklahoma City Thunder put faith in their MVP with Game 4 on the brink, and he delivered.  OKC...

<p>The Oklahoma City Thunder put faith in their MVP with Game 4 on the brink, and he delivered.</p><p>OKC trailed Friday's contest 97-95 with five minutes remaining before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> went nuclear, scoring 15 of his game-high 35 points in the final 4:38 to help the Thunder eke out a 111-104 victory and tie the series at two wins apiece.</p><p>"I knew what it would have looked like if we lost tonight," Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45510291/sga-dazzles-4th-thunder-rally-take-game-4-nba-finals">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "I didn't want to go out not swinging. I didn't want to go out not doing everything I could do in my power, in my control, to try to win the game."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kentucky product outscored the entire Pacers team by eight in the final five minutes. </p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander also recorded three rebounds, three steals, and a block in the win.</p><p>Head coach Mark Daigneault <a href="https://www.x.com/NBA/status/1933761300233928816">lauded</a> Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to turn it on when his team needs it most, saying: "For him to be able to flip the switch like that and get the rhythm he got just speaks to how great of a player he is."</p><p>Teammate Chet Holmgren was equally impressed but not entirely shocked by Gilgeous-Alexander's performance.</p><p>"I didn't know that, but that's crazy," Holmgren <a href="https://www.x.com/NBA/status/1933762767204593932">said</a> after learning Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of Oklahoma's final 16 points. "That's impressive. You know, we've seen it before from him. We know that's the type of player he is, but it's still impressive."</p><p>The last player to score 15 points and go 8-for-8 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter of an NBA Finals contest was Michael Jordan in his series-clinching Game 6 victory in 1998.</p><p>"That's what it's all about," Gilgeous-Alexander said, according to MacMahon. "Winning, especially this time of the season, it comes down to the moments. It's going to come down to late game. Every team is good. There's rarely a blowout. It comes down to the moments and who is willing to make winning plays on both ends of the floor.</p><p>"I relish those moments, love the moments, good or bad."</p><p>The series returns to Oklahoma, with Game 5 scheduled for Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 13:Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game Four of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 13, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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SGA erupts late in Game 4: 'Didn't want to go out not swinging'

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook declined his $3.4-million player option and will become an...

<p>Denver Nuggets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> declined his $3.4-million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30, sources told <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1933548181142278556">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Friday.</p><p>Denver is $10.6 million below the second apron with 12 players under contract after Westbrook declined his option, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1933557650656276709">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p><p>The former MVP recently announced that he underwent surgery to repair two broken bones in his right hand.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Westbrook posted 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 games in his one season in Denver. The 36-year-old also led the Nuggets' bench unit during the playoffs, averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 24 minutes per contest.</p><p>Denver went 50-32 this season but fired longtime head coach Michael Malone just ahead of the postseason. Assistant David Adelman took over on an interim basis before the club gave him the full-time head coaching gig in early May.</p><p>The Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated the Nuggets in Round 2 of the postseason.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets walks down the floor during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Report: Westbrook declines $3.4M option, will become UFA

Interest in Kevin Durant is heating up.  The Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minn...

<p>Interest in Kevin Durant is heating up.</p><p>The Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks, are among several teams that have made inquiries about trading for the 15-time All-Star in the past seven-to-10 days, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45491931/sources-suns-durant-business-partner-weigh-trade-options">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>There have also been several wild-card suitors, Charania adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Durant and his team have reportedly met with the Phoenix Suns multiple times over the past week to discuss preferred trade destinations.</p><p>Durant is on an expiring deal valued at $54.7 million and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He will be eligible for a two-year, $112-million extension July 6, which could rise to as much as $124 million if he waits six months before signing. Durant's desire for a long-term extension will be crucial in a potential deal, according to Charania.</p><p>The Suns have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295238" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295238">allegedly</a> been shopping Durant aggressively since their season ended. The organization is reportedly focused on recouping its draft capital, including the 10th pick in this year's draft. The Suns don't control their own first- or second-round selection until 2032; their 2025 and 2027 first-rounders are owned by Houston, and the Washington Wizards control swap rights to their first-round selections in 2026 and 2030.</p><p>The 2025 NBA Draft will take place June 25 and 26.</p><p>The Suns reportedly attempted to move Durant at the trade deadline and fielded calls from multiple organizations, including his former squad, the Golden State Warriors. The New York Knicks allegedly made an official offer that was rebuffed by Phoenix.</p><p>Despite having the highest payroll in league history, Phoenix failed to make the play-in tournament after going 36-46 in the regular season and finishing 11th in the West. The Suns have since made several organizational changes, including the hiring of Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as head coach.</p><p>Durant averaged 26.6 points, 4.2 assists, and six rebounds in his 17th NBA campaign.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Report: Rockets, Spurs, T-Wolves, Knicks among teams inquiring about Durant

Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right kne...

<p>Boston Celtics wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right knee, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Brown is expected to be a full participant at training camp.</p><p>The four-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3287412" href="https://thescore.com/news/3287412">reportedly</a> played through a partially torn meniscus during the last month of the regular season and through the Celtics' second-round playoff exit, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3264976" href="https://thescore.com/news/3264976">apparently</a> receiving pain-killing injections since March.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brown missed Boston's final three regular-season games due to the injury, which wasn't revealed until reports surfaced shortly after the New York Knicks eliminated the Celtics.</p><p>Brown averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 46.3/32.4/76.4 shooting splits in 63 regular-season games in 2024-25. The 28-year-old maintained that level of production in 11 postseason contests, posting 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 44% from the field and 33.3% from deep.</p><p>The 2024 Finals MVP will likely become the focal point of Boston's offense next campaign as star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> is expected to miss most of the campaign due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.</p>

BOSTON, MA - MAY 14: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics plays defense during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Five of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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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Celtics' Brown has arthroscopic knee surgery, will be ready for camp

Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins was involved in a raucous altercation while playing for Mets de ...

<p>Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins was involved in a raucous altercation while playing for Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico's BSN league.</p><p>Cousins was ejected from Guaynabo's contest versus Vaqueros de Bayamon on Monday after the four-time All-Star got into a <a href="https://x.com/LaGuerraBSN/status/1932262728414200077">spat</a> with fans sitting courtside.</p><p>While heading down the tunnel, Cousins flipped off several opposing fans, prompting them to hurl drinks at the 34-year-old. The former first-round pick had to be restrained by multiple staff members as he attempted to confront more patrons.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s close of DeMarcus Cousins going crazy when fans threw beer at him <a href="https://t.co/iOmtuWl8YX">pic.twitter.com/iOmtuWl8YX</a></p>— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoopMixOnly/status/1932276272815624435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Vaqueros eventually won 101-91, dropping Mets' record to 9-18 on the season. Cousins was averaging 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in nine games before Monday's contest.</p><p>Cousins hasn't played in the Association since the 2021-22 season, when he appeared in 48 games split between the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.</p><p>The Kentucky product has bounced around international basketball since leaving the NBA, including stints in Mongolia and Taiwan.</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 05: DeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Ball Arena on April 5, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

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Ex-NBAer Cousins gets into altercation with fans in Puerto Rico

Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot will miss the rest of the 2025 campaign after an MRI revea...

<p>Chicago Sky guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/15298" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/15298">Courtney Vandersloot</a> will miss the rest of the 2025 campaign after an MRI revealed a torn ACL in her right knee, the team <a href="https://x.com/chicagosky/status/1931853791097200879">announced</a> Sunday.</p><p>The 36-year-old will undergo surgery to repair the ligament.</p><p>Vandersloot sustained the injury while driving to the basket midway through the first quarter of Saturday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3297399" href="https://thescore.com/news/3297399">79-52 loss</a> to the Indiana Fever. She had to be carried off the floor and didn't return to the game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Vandersloot led the Sky in assists (5.3) and was their third-leading scorer (10.6) through the first seven games of the season.</p><p>The Gonzaga product will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.</p><p>The Sky sit 11th in the WNBA after a 2-5 start. They'll take on the undefeated New York Liberty on Tuesday night.</p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 31: Courtney Vandersloot #22 of the Chicago Sky dribbles the ball against the Dallas Wings during the second half at College Park Center on May 31, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Sky's Vandersloot done for season with torn ACL

BYU has locked down head coach Kevin Young with a long-term contract extension, the school announ...

<p>BYU has locked down head coach Kevin Young with a long-term contract extension, the school announced Thursday.</p><p>"My family and I have loved our first year at BYU, being surrounded by great people, at a great university with shared values," Young <a href="https://byucougars.com/news/2025/06/5/byu-extends-kevin-young-as-head-mens-basketball-coach">said</a> in a statement.</p><p>"I'm excited to continue to build a program based on trying to help young men prepare for the NBA, win at the highest level, and do it at BYU."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Cougars went 26-10, finished fourth in the Big 12 regular season, and reached the Sweet 16 in Young's first season at the helm of the program.</p><p>The 43-year-old quickly turned BYU into one of the nation's best offensive teams. The Cougars had <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjOE">KenPom</a>'s ninth-best offensive rating and trailed only Arizona for most points per game (81.4) in the Big 12. Young was a finalist for the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year award, which is given to the best first-year men's head coach in D-I basketball.</p><p>BYU made a giant recruiting coup when it received a commitment from AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked player in ESPN's class of 2025. The 6-foot-9 scoring forward is the best recruit in program history and the highest-ranked recruit from Utah.</p><p>Dybantsa's NIL package is reportedly worth more than $7 million.</p><p>Young was often mentioned as a candidate for vacant coaching positions before entering the collegiate ranks. He spent several years as an assistant coach in the NBA, working with the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, and he coached the affiliates of the Minnesota Timberwolves and 76ers in the G League.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 26: Head coach Kevin Young of the BYU Cougars speaks during media interviews before the East Regional Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Prudential Center, on March 26, 2025 in Newark, NJ.

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Young signs long-term extension with BYU

Natasha Cloud is tired of seeing her New York Liberty be overlooked in a crowded New York City sp...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18106" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18106">Natasha Cloud</a> is tired of seeing her New York Liberty be overlooked in a crowded New York City sports market.</p><p>The Liberty captured their first-ever championship in 2024, and Cloud wants it known they're hunting for more.</p><p>"Pay attention to Liberty basketball," she told theScore's Brad Parker. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Natasha Cloud said put some respect on the Liberty name 🏆🗣️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/clips_league_wnba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#clips_league_wnba</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxKqaAqP06">pic.twitter.com/DxKqaAqP06</a></p>— theScore (@theScore) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1929956554280775981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The New York sports market, which boasts two men's franchises in each of the NHL, MLB, NFL, and NBA, has failed to win a championship in those markets since 2011. The Big Apple's last men's sports victory came when New York City FC won the MLS Cup in 2022.</p><p>The Liberty have jumped out to a 7-0 record, tying the franchise record for most wins to start a season. Most recently, they destroyed the Connecticut Sun by the second-largest margin in a WNBA game (48 points).</p><p>New York traded two first-round picks to acquire Cloud this past offseason. The defensive ace is averaging 10.9 points and 6.9 assists so far this campaign.</p><p>The Liberty will have an opportunity to collect their eighth consecutive victory against the 3-4 Washington Mystics on Thursday.</p>

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 1: Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty celebrates during the game against the Connecticut Sun on June 1, 2025 at Barclays Center Arena in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Cloud: 'Pay attention to Liberty basketball'

Kevin Durant's time with the Phoenix Suns may be coming to an end.  The Suns are in "aggressive p...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>'s time with the Phoenix Suns may be coming to an end.</p><p>The Suns are in "aggressive pursuit" of a trade partner for the 15-time All-Star and have gradually lowered their asking price, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6396071/2025/06/03/rockets-steven-adams-giannis-antetokounmpo-nba-draft/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=nbatw&amp;source=nbatw">The Athletic's Kelly Iko</a>.</p><p>The Suns' main priority is to regain full control of their draft capital, including the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft, Iko adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Durant has spent the past two-and-a-half seasons in Phoenix and has just one playoff series win to show for it. The 36-year-old averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 62 games last campaign. He'll make $54.7 million in 2025-26 and is set to become a free agent next summer. </p><p>Phoenix doesn't control its own first- or second-round selection until 2032, as the club used most of its picks in those rounds to trade for Durant and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a>.</p><p>The Houston Rockets possess the Suns' 2025 and 2027 first-rounders and have the right to swap 2029 firsts. The Washington Wizards, meanwhile, hold the rights to swap selections in 2026 and 2030.</p><p>Phoenix reportedly fielded calls from multiple teams for Durant ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, which came as a surprise to the two-time Finals MVP. Durant's former squad, the Golden State Warriors, was among the interested clubs. </p><p>Phoenix went 10-18 after the All-Star break and fell short of the play-in games, finishing 11th in the West. Durant missed the final seven contests of the year due to a left ankle sprain.</p><p>The Suns were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3231658" href="https://thescore.com/news/3231658">contemplating</a> making major offseason changes if the team didn't make a deep postseason run, and they reportedly have four to six contenders interested in Durant this offseason.</p><p>Phoenix's attempt at building a superteam around Durant, Beal, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> has failed to yield anything fruitful. The trio hasn't won a playoff game since being put together in the summer of 2023.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at PHX Arena on March 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Report: Suns aggressively seeking Durant deal, lower asking price

Despite falling short of leading the Knicks to their first Finals appearance in over 25 years, Ja...

<p>Despite falling short of leading the Knicks to their first Finals appearance in over 25 years, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> remains unwavering in his belief that this New York squad can win an NBA title.</p><p>"The most confidence. Overconfident," Brunson <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1929021531264294943">told</a> reporters after the Knicks' playoff run ended with Saturday's Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. </p><p>"Seriously, there's not an ounce of any type of doubt that I'm not confident with this group."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brunson led the conference finals in scoring, tallying 30.7 points per game.</p><p>But his efforts weren't enough to push the Knicks over the Pacers, who also eliminated New York in the second round last year.</p><p>The familiar results follow a 2024 offseason in which the Knicks made several big swings in pursuit of a championship. The front office dealt five first-round picks to acquire <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a> from the Brooklyn Nets, then traded All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31118" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31118">Julius Randle</a> and sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45225" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45225">Donte DiVincenzo</a> to the Minnesota Timberwolves for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> in October. Towns recorded 24.8 points per contest in the series versus Indiana, while Bridges averaged 15.8 points.</p><p>Following Saturday's disappointment, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau admitted that this upcoming summer will be critical for the organization.</p><p>"Like you would do after every season, you take a step back, I think decompress, you do a deep dive on the team, and then you analyze what you think you need to improve upon. ... It's a big offseason for us," Thibodeau <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1929009140220703203">said</a>.</p><p>The Knicks are projected to be a luxury tax team in 2025-26, with $200 million already committed to next season's roster and nine players headed to free agency, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1929008383249564012">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p><p>New York hasn't appeared in a Final since 1999 and hasn't won a championship since 1973.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Brunson 'overconfident' Knicks can take next step

Pascal Siakam was named the Eastern Conference finals MVP after the Indiana Pacers eliminated the...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> was named the Eastern Conference finals MVP after the Indiana Pacers eliminated the New York Knicks in Game 6 on Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">PASCAL SIAKAM IS THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS MVP!!!<br><br>He receives the Larry Bird Trophy 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/ucKfAnWPEE">pic.twitter.com/ucKfAnWPEE</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1929008634756800836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The three-time All-Star received five of the nine votes from the media panel, narrowly edging out his teammate, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>.</p><p>Siakam was Indiana's leading scorer against the Knicks, averaging 24.8 points to go along with five rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also had 30 points or more in three of the Pacers' four wins, including 31 in the closeout contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Siakam joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> (2022), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> (2023), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> (2024) as the only players to win the award.</p><p>The NBA Finals begin June 5 and will feature the Pacers versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates the 125-108 win against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Siakam wins East finals MVP

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards isn't judging his Game 4 performance against the Okla...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> isn't judging his Game 4 performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder solely on his box score.</p><p>"I don't look at it like I struggled," Edwards <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY38DKMHj1c">said</a> after the Timberwolves lost 128-126 on Monday night to trail 3-1 in the Eastern Conference finals.</p><p>"They had a good game plan, making us get off the ball. Especially for me, they was super in the gaps. I made the right play all night, so I don't really look at it like I struggled. I didn't get enough shots to say I struggled. ... I didn't struggle at all. I made the right play."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edwards recorded 16 points - his second-lowest output this postseason - along with four rebounds, six assists, and five turnovers in Game 4. He shot 5-of-13 from the field and 1-of-7 from three.</p><p>"You don't want to take bad shots and get your team out of rhythm. Just playing the game the right way, man, and that's what we did tonight as a team," Edwards added.</p><p>T-Wolves forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31118">Julius Randle</a> also struggled Monday, tallying five points on 1-of-7 shooting and seven rebounds.</p><p>"I think it was just lot of me just spectating," Randle said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/JonKrawczynski/status/1927221924507074572">The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski</a>. "I've gotta figure out a way to get myself involved in actions."</p><p>Monday marked the second time Edward took only 13 shots in the series. The first came in OKC's blowout loss in Game 1, after which he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3289190" href="https://thescore.com/news/3289190">admitted</a> he "definitely" needed to shoot more if the T-Wolves wanted to upset the top-ranked Thunder.</p><p>Edwards and Randle combined for 54 points in Minnesota's lone playoff victory over the Thunder in Game 3.</p><p>The Timberwolves will attempt to stave off elimination in Game 5 on the road Wednesday night.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 26: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a free throw during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals on May 26, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Edwards shrugs off 16-point outing in Game 4: I didn't struggle

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the 2024-25 NBA MVP, the league announced ...

<p>Oklahoma City Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> is the 2024-25 NBA MVP, the league announced Wednesday. </p><p>The Kentucky product beat out Denver Nuggets big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> and Milwaukee Bucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, who have won the award three times and twice, respectively, to claim his first MVP award.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td> Thunder</td>
<td> 913</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic</td>
<td> Nuggets</td>
<td> 787</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
<td> Bucks</td>
<td> 470</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayson Tatum</td>
<td> Celtics</td>
<td> 311</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td> Cavaliers</td>
<td> 74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td> Lakers</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td> Pistons</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td> Timberwolves</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Curry</td>
<td> Warriors</td>
<td> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td> Knicks</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Harden</td>
<td> Clippers</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Evan Mobley</td>
<td> Cavaliers</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 of 100 first-place votes. Jokic received 29. </em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I always thought that I could be a really good player because I had seen what putting your head down and working and controlling what you control can do for you," Gilgeous-Alexander said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45256670/sources-thunder-shai-gilgeous-alexander-wins-nba-mvp">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "I made tremendous strides, but I never thought this was going to happen.</p><p>"I dreamt about it as a kid, but as a kid, it's a fake dream. But as the days go on and you realize that you get closer to your dream, it's hard to not freak out. It's hard to not be a six-year-old kid again. And I think that's what's allowed me to achieve it. I tried to just not focus on it and just worry about what's gotten to this place."</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander is the second Canadian to win the NBA's most prestigious trophy - Steve Nash won back-to-back awards in 2005 and 2006. It's the seventh consecutive year the MVP was born outside the United States.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander was last season's runner-up but lost to Jokic by 286 points.</p><p>He's the first guard to be named the league's most valuable player since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> in 2018. The 26-year-old is the third Thunder player to win the award, joining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> in 2014 and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> in 2017.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC to a league-best 68 wins, which was also a franchise record, and the second-highest net rating in NBA history.</p><p>His 32.7 points per game represented the highest average in the league, and he led the Association in 50-, 40-, 30-, and 20-point outings. Gilgeous-Alexander was also fifth in the league in steals per game (1.7) and 14th in assists (6.4).</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible to sign a five-year, $380-million extension in the 2026 offseason, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1925282001411539451">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Gilgeous-Alexander named MVP over 3-time winner Jokic

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle were named to the A...

<p>Memphis Grizzlies center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121683" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121683">Zach Edey</a> and San Antonio Spurs guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> were named to the All-Rookie first team, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>The pair was joined by Washington Wizards forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121720" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121720">Alex Sarr</a>, No. 1 overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121714" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121714">Zaccharie Risacher</a>, and Edey's Grizzlies teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121734" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121734">Jaylen Wells</a> to round out the five-man squad.</p><p>A group of 100 NBA writers and broadcasters vote to select the All-Rookie teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Rookie Team.<br><br>The complete voting results ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/z50948YPcu">pic.twitter.com/z50948YPcu</a></p>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1924888168509141258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>All-Rookie first team</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephon Castle</td>
<td>Guard</td>
<td>Spurs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Edey</td>
<td>Center</td>
<td>Grizzlies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zaccharie Risacher</td>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Sarr</td>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>Wizards</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Wells</td>
<td>Guard</td>
<td>Grizzlies</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Castle won the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year after leading all first-year players in points (1,190) and steals (74).</p><p>Risacher topped all rookies with four games of at least 30 points, including a career-high 38-point outing against the Brooklyn Nets in April.</p><p>Edey and Wells became the first Grizzlies duo to earn All-Rookie honors since Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke in 2019-20. Edey led all rookies in field-goal percentage (58%), as well as rebounds (8.3) and offensive rebounds (3.5) per game. Wells, the only second-rounder to make either All-Rookie team, started 74 games for the Grizzlies and emerged as one of Memphis' best perimeter defenders. He averaged 10.4 points while shooting 35.2% from three this season.</p><p>Sarr ranked No. 2 in rookie scoring (minimum 30 games played) with 13 points per contest. He also averaged 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks.</p><p><strong>All-Rookie second team</strong></p><p>The league recognized the first-year class' stellar big men by adding the Miami Heat's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121675" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121675">Kel'el Ware</a>, the Portland Trail Blazers' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121690" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121690">Donovan Clingan</a>, and the New Orleans Pelicans' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121684" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121684">Yves Missi</a> to the All-Rookie second team.</p><p>Chicago Bulls forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121704" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121704">Matas Buzelis</a> and Washington Wizards guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121678" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121678">Bub Carrington</a> also cracked the team.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Matas Buzelis</td>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>Bulls</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bub Carrington</td>
<td>Guard</td>
<td>Wizards</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Clingan</td>
<td>Center</td>
<td>Blazers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kel'el Ware</td>
<td>Center</td>
<td>Heat</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yves Missi</td>
<td>Center</td>
<td>Pelicans</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Utah Jazz guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121691" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121691">Isaiah Collier</a> trailed Carrington for the final All-Rookie spot by one point.</p>

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 01: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 01, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Grizzlies' Edey, Spurs' Castle headline All-Rookie teams

Former five-star recruit Boogie Fland will play his sophomore season for head coach Todd Golden a...

<p>Former five-star recruit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/161991" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/161991">Boogie Fland</a> will play his sophomore season for head coach Todd Golden at Florida, he told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1924842560348160045">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Tuesday.</p><p>Fland was the second-highest-ranked point guard and the 16th overall recruit in <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings/_/class/2024/order/true">ESPN</a>'s 2024 rankings. He was initially going to play at Kentucky but decommitted after head coach John Calipari left for Arkansas. Fland was one of several Kentucky recruits and players to follow Calipari to Fayetteville.</p><p>The 6-foot-3 point guard averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 21 games with the Razorbacks while shooting 37.9% from the field and 34% from deep.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fland underwent hand surgery in late January but returned for Arkansas' Sweet 16 run. He struggled in his three post-surgery appearances, totaling 12 points in March Madness. Fland only played nine minutes in Arkansas' season-ending overtime loss to Texas Tech.</p><p>The 18-year-old tested for the NBA draft but withdrew his name from consideration last week.</p><p>Florida's backcourt will look very different from its national title-winning campaign. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85616" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85616">Alijah Martin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr.</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96288" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96288">Will Richard</a> have all turned professional. Key reserve <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103034" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103034">Denzel Aberdeen</a> is transferring to Kentucky.</p><p>In addition to Fland, Florida has also acquired fellow transfer guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/105711" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/105711">Xaivian Lee</a> from Princeton and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103475" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103475">AJ Brown </a>from Ohio.</p><p>Starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110644" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110644">Rueben Chinyelu</a> tested for the NBA but reportedly withdrew his name and will be returning to Gainesville for his junior campaign. Chinyelu's frontcourt partner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110701" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110701">Alex Condon</a>, is still going through the draft process.</p><p>Florida <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281553" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281553">rewarded</a> Golden with a six-year contract extension worth $40.5 million after he led the Gators to their third-ever NCAA Tournament title last season.</p>

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - MARCH 22: Boogie Fland #2 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles up court during a second round game against the St. John's Red Storm in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavillion on March 22, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island.

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Ex-Arkansas guard Fland commits to Florida

The Eastern and Western Conference finals were decided when the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City...

<p>The Eastern and Western Conference finals were decided when the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder secured spots in the penultimate round, joining the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves.</p><p>Here, we rank the four potential combinations to meet in the NBA Finals, which begin June 5.</p><h3>4. Pacers vs. Timberwolves</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786100/cropped_GettyImages-2206887227.jpg?ts=1747492609" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786100/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206887227.jpg?ts=1747492609 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786100/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206887227.jpg?ts=1747492609 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786100/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206887227.jpg?ts=1747492609 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786100/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206887227.jpg?ts=1747492609 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786100/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206887227.jpg?ts=1747492609 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Key matchup: </strong>Tyrese Haliburton versus Anthony Edwards</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It may rank fourth on our list, but a series between the Timberwolves and Pacers would be a sight to behold. These two top-10 offenses go about their scoring in very different ways. Indiana is run-and-gun, pushing the ball whenever possible, while Minnesota was the sixth-slowest team in the regular season.</p><p>The Pacers won both contests in March. Controlling the glass would be key for both squads. Minnesota's gargantuan starting five is averaging 9.2 offensive rebounds per game in the postseason. Rudy Gobert, in particular, has been a menace on the glass and pulled down eight offensive boards across his two regular-season matchups against Indiana. To their credit, the Pacers have been the best defensive rebounding team in the playoffs, grabbing 43.7 per game.</p><p>Both teams possess explosive guards who can take over a series. Haliburton has turned into prime Steve Nash since the calendar flipped to 2025; including playoff games, the Pacers guard has racked up an absurd 472 assists to just 78 turnovers. Edwards, meanwhile, was the regular season's second-leading scorer (29.5) and recorded nine games of 40-plus points.</p><h3>3. Thunder vs. Pacers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786358/cropped_GettyImages-2190874544.jpg?ts=1747618736" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786358/w220xh124_GettyImages-2190874544.jpg?ts=1747618736 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786358/w320xh180_GettyImages-2190874544.jpg?ts=1747618736 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786358/w640xh360_GettyImages-2190874544.jpg?ts=1747618736 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786358/w768xh432_GettyImages-2190874544.jpg?ts=1747618736 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786358/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2190874544.jpg?ts=1747618736 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">A.J. Mast / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Key matchup:</strong> Jalen Williams versus Pascal Siakam</p><p>An Oklahoma City-Indiana matchup could be considered one of the smallest in terms of market size, but that doesn't take anything away from their quality of basketball. In a clash of contrasting styles, the Pacers rank first in offensive rating (117.3) out of all teams remaining in the playoffs, while the Thunder have the top defensive rating (101.6).</p><p>Oklahoma City won both regular-season matchups. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped at least 30 points in each, while Indiana struggled to get a high-scoring effort from any player. The Pacers would need someone to take the reins offensively to match SGA. Siakam leads the team in playoff scoring at 18.8 points per game, but Tyrese Haliburton (17.5) and Myles Turner (16.5) are close behind.</p><p>The Thunder have intriguing matchups to defend Siakam. They used several different defenders in their final regular-season matchup, most notably Jalen Williams. Siakam would be the likely candidate to guard J-Dub, who averaged 17.6 points in the West semifinals.</p><h3>2. Thunder vs. Knicks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763482/cropped_GettyImages-2121060225.jpg?ts=1735943013" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763482/w220xh124_GettyImages-2121060225.jpg?ts=1735943013 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763482/w320xh180_GettyImages-2121060225.jpg?ts=1735943013 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763482/w640xh360_GettyImages-2121060225.jpg?ts=1735943013 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763482/w768xh432_GettyImages-2121060225.jpg?ts=1735943013 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763482/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2121060225.jpg?ts=1735943013 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Key matchup: </strong>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander versus Jalen Brunson</p><p>The Thunder and Knicks are led by ball-dominant point guards who can both score and distribute at will. Eyeballs will be on Gilgeous-Alexander and Brunson, who are both averaging at least 28 points and 6.5 assists in the postseason.</p><p>Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein would be a player of interest. The former Knicks big man spent two seasons with New York, but Oklahoma City signed him away last summer. Hartenstein averaged career highs in points (11.2), rebounds (10.7), and assists (3.8) during the regular season. He ranks fourth in points and second in rebounds for his team in the playoffs.</p><p>A key contrast would be the minutes distribution. No player in the Knicks' starting lineup is averaging less than 35 minutes, while Oklahoma City's deep rotation has nine players averaging at least 11 minutes. Only Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams play as much as New York's starting five.</p><h3>1. Knicks vs. Timberwolves</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786089/cropped_GettyImages-2193738847.jpg?ts=1747488317" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786089/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193738847.jpg?ts=1747488317 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786089/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193738847.jpg?ts=1747488317 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786089/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193738847.jpg?ts=1747488317 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786089/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193738847.jpg?ts=1747488317 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786089/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193738847.jpg?ts=1747488317 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Key matchup: </strong>Julius Randle<strong> </strong>versus Karl-Anthony Towns</p><p>We rarely see two teams swap multiple-time All-Stars and face off in the NBA Finals a few months later. The trade involving Towns for Randle and Donte DiVincenzo has been an unmitigated success for both franchises; an NBA title would make it a championship-winning trade for one organization.</p><p>Towns' acquisition gave the Knicks an elite shooter, as the 29-year-old is knocking down 42% of his 3-pointers. Randle, meanwhile, gifted the T-Wolves some interior toughness and scoring, grabbing 2.1 offensive rebounds per game despite playing next to Rudy Gobert. The battle between Brunson and Edwards is another tantalizing matchup involving two of the league's best offensive guards. Brunson and Edwards are the postseason's sixth- and eighth-leading scorers, respectively.</p><p>How 37-year-old Mike Conley holds up would be a major storyline. New York and Minnesota split the season series 1-1. Conley scored 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the T-Wolves' victory, but he was held to three points and hit just one of his five field-goal attempts in the loss.</p>

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Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman may not have the full-time job yet, but he does h...

<p>Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman may not have the full-time job yet, but he does have the backing of his players.</p><p>"I love DA. I hope he's here next year," Denver forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45215850/nuggets-coach-david-adelman-earns-praise-backing-players">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "I hope he's our next coach. I hope he gets an entire training camp and a whole offseason to figure out his philosophy. DA's great."</p><p>Adelman became the interim coach after the Nuggets fired Mike Malone with just three games left in the regular season. Denver had lost four straight games before Adelman assumed the role, but he led the Nuggets to three consecutive victories and a first-round series win against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team also pushed a 68-win Thunder squad to a Game 7.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Adelman's effort impressed reigning MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>.</p><p>"You had three games to change something," Jokic said after Denver's Game 7 defeat to the Thunder on Sunday.</p><p>"I think he changed (the) energy. I think the guys were woken up a little. Guys had more energy. He made us believe in something, and we played good. We played a seven-game series against the best team in the NBA. We had (an) opportunity, we had chances. I think he did a really good job."</p><p>Adelman is considered a strong candidate to become the Nuggets' full-time head coach, sources told MacMahon.</p><p>"Decision-makers will make that decision," Adelman said. "Obviously blessed to have this opportunity to take the helm and lead this team. If I'm not back next year, I'll obviously never forget this. It's been an incredible experience. To have the buy-in from the guys was really special for me."</p><p>Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke was pleased with Adelman's performance.</p><p>"Outside of the championship, this is the most proud I've been because these guys have really rallied," he said.</p><p>Adelman, 44, spent eight campaigns as an assistant coach with the Nuggets before Malone's firing.</p><p>All five of Denver's starters are under contract for next season. Key reserve <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> has a $3.5-million player option. </p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 5: Nikola Jokic (15) and Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets prepare to enter as Russell Westbrook (4) disputes a foul call to head coach David Adelman during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Monday, May 5, 2025.

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Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper will miss about four-to-six weeks following arthroscopic sur...

<p>Phoenix Mercury guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27523" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27523">Kahleah Copper</a> will miss about four-to-six weeks following arthroscopic surgery on her left knee, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>Copper played in Phoenix's first preseason game against the Las Vegas Aces earlier in May but didn't participate in practices over the final week of training camp, <a href="https://x.com/benpickman/status/1923824448227954889">Ben Pickman of The Athletic</a> reports.</p><p>The 30-year-old averaged 21.1 points per game last season, ranking third in the league. Copper also contributed 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 37 regular-season contests to earn her fourth consecutive All-Star nod.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2021 Finals MVP was to become Phoenix's leader after the retirement of franchise legend <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/23080" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/23080">Diana Taurasi</a> and the departure of longtime center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/16585" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/16585">Brittney Griner</a>, who signed with the Atlanta Dream in the offseason.</p><p>Phoenix finished seventh last campaign with a 19-21 record before losing to the Minnesota Lynx in Round 1.</p><p>The Mercury open their 2025 season Saturday night against the Seattle Storm.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 5: Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Mystics on September 5, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Mercury's Copper out 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery

The Boston Celtics might look a lot different next season, and it's not just because of Jayson Ta...

<p>The Boston Celtics might look a lot different next season, and it's not just because of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a>'s torn Achilles.</p><p>The Celtics were already pondering making significant changes this offseason before Tatum's injury, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6363051/2025/05/17/celtics-nba-playoffs-knicks-loss-jayson-tatum/">The Athletic's Jay King</a>.</p><p>Boston's payroll is projected to reach roughly $500 million if it maintains its current roster. That figure includes a $270-million tax penalty for being above the salary-cap threshold for a third consecutive season and $225.2 million for just 11 players.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Now that Tatum is unlikely to play next season, there's the possibility of a more drastic shakeup, King notes. Jrue Holiday should interest several contending teams should Boston try to move him, sources told King. He's slated to make $32.4 million next season.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> has an expiring contract worth $30.7 million that should have value around the NBA, King notes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12">Al Horford</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30792" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30792">Luke Kornet</a> are impending free agents, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/32925" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/32925">Derrick White</a> is set to earn $28.1 million in 2025-26.</p><p>However, the Celtics aren't expected to trade a starter in a salary dump, per King. They'll likely attempt to add young pieces to build around their current core, or what remains of it next season.</p><p>Boston won 60-plus games for the second straight campaign in 2024-25. However, the Celtics failed to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, losing to the New York Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 look on in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Report: Celtics were considering offseason changes before Tatum's injury

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Tom Ruminski

News Editor

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Thomas Tittley

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