Playoff basketball is back! Well, technically, play-in basketball. Is it okay to refer to play-in games as the playoffs? It’s still a winner-take-all game, right?

Now we’re just confusing ourselves. Let’s talk ball.

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Luol Deng, Reggie Jackson, and Wendell Carter Jr.! 🎉

Play-In Update

Steph and Jimmy combine for 75, Warriors escape Grizzlies 121-116

Now that’s a play-in game!

The first half was an undeniable masterclass in how to take over a game (despite barely touching the ball) from Steph Curry (37 PTS) and Jimmy Butler (38 PTS). Whether it was making a smart cut off a double team or running baseline to baseline to find an open corner look, the two racked up points in bunches and scrambled the Grizzlies’ defense.

And yet, Memphis simply refused to go away. Desmond Bane (30 PTS) and Ja Morant (22 PTS) led the charge with some tough shotmaking and the defense did a good job of forcing the ball out of the Warriors’ stars’ hands. By the beginning of the 4th, it was a touch-and-go game that was there for anyone to take.

But the Grizzlies couldn't quite complete the comeback, as a tweaked ankle came at the worst time for Ja and some costly turnovers—along with a pair of clutch Steph threes—all but sealed Memphis’ fate. The Warriors will now face the Rockets in the 2-7 matchup, while the Grizz will head back home to await the winner of Kings-Mavs.

Magic bench steps up, blows by Hawks 120-95 to secure 7th seed

Paolo Banchero? Franz Wagner? Who needs those guys to score?

On a night where the Magic’s stars couldn’t buy a shot, Orlando’s backup guards stepped up and delivered a gem. Cole Anthony (26 PTS) and Anthony Black (16 PTS) were like lightning rods of positive energy, consistently pushing the pace, burying open looks, and keeping the Magic’s offense afloat through some tumultuous stretches before exploding to life in the 4th to turn this one into a blowout.

Don’t worry, though—Orlando’s usual Alcatraz-esque defense was still in full effect. Trae Young (28 PTS) had to fight tooth and nail for every one of his points, and nobody else on the Hawks’ roster had any luck making plays off the dribble. If there was one real positive for Atlanta, it was Mo Gueye (12 PTS), who did an impeccable job of keeping Banchero (17 PTS, 4-13 FG) quiet and helped the Hawks stick around longer than they probably deserved to.

Orlando goes on to face the defending champion Celtics in the 2-7 matchup, while the Hawks anxiously await the winner of Bulls-Heat in a battle for the final playoff spot in the East!

Around the League

Mike Budenholzer let go by Phoenix after one season

This wasn’t the script the Suns had in mind.

After all the hype, all the headlines, and all the money poured into their star-studded trio, Phoenix finished the season just outside the postseason picture. And now, just one year into the job, Mike Budenholzer has been fired.

There’s plenty of blame to go around, but the core issue was clear all year: this team never quite made sense. Behind Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, Phoenix lacked any real cohesion, especially on the defensive end.

Now, the future in the Valley is as murky as ever. Does Booker stay as the face of the franchise? Do they find a new home for KD? Can they do anything with Beal’s contract and no-trade clause?

The answers aren’t obvious, but they’ll have to answer them sooner than anyone anticipated…

Joe Dumars named Head of Basketball Ops in New Orleans

After another season that started full of promise but ended with more injuries than playoff wins, the Pelicans are shaking things up. David Griffin is out after six years running the front office, and New Orleans is bringing in Hall of Famer Joe Dumars to steer the ship.

On paper, the Pels have a core worth believing in: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray. But year after year, something’s always missing. Health. Depth. Consistency. Whatever the reason, it’s added up to just two playoff appearances and zero series wins during Griffin’s tenure.

Now, the baton passes to Dumars, a Louisiana native who built the famously gritty ‘04 Pistons title team. That squad was all defense and chemistry, and no egos. Of course, his resumé also includes giving Josh Smith a lot of money… so yeah. It's a mixed bag.

But there’s no easing into this job. Ownership has reportedly tasked Dumars with a massive decision: find a new direction and explore trading Zion. It could mark the beginning of a whole new era in New Orleans hoops…

WNBA Draft Recap

Dallas gets its star 🌟

From being named 2020 National Player of the Year to suffering two season-ending injuries to winning a national championship and being selected number one overall in the WNBA draft, Paige Bueckers’ basketball journey has been nothing short of astounding.

A tall guard with elite three-level scoring ability, great vision, and some of the best handles in the game, Bueckers will immediately form a fearsome backcourt duo with another college legend in Arike Ogunbowale and look to immediately put the Wings back in postseason contention.

Seattle’s getting serious… 👀

In almost any other year, Dominique Malonga goes first overall. The 6’6” French phenom, nicknamed “the female Wemby” by Tony Parker, blends towering length with on-ball craft in a way that shouldn’t be possible.

Already a pro standout in France and fresh off an Olympic silver medal, Malonga brings game-ready experience and massive upside to Seattle’s squad. If she’s throwing down dunks like this in real games… she’s going to be must-watch from day one.

A Windy City reunion 🌪️

A savvy guard who proved she can win wherever she goes, Hailey Van Lith is teaming up with former LSU teammate Angel Reese in the Windy City! The 11th-overall pick was the first women's college player to make the Elite Eight with three different teams and should be a dynamic talent in the pick-and-roll with Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

Add in 10th pick Ajsa Sivka, whose shooting abilities at 6’4” should provide a nice change of pace to the Sky’s bruising bigs, and Chicago could be playing playoff basketball sooner rather than later.

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Three in the Key

Signing Off

Thanks for reading, y’all! With the playoffs finally here, we’re reminded how lucky we are to watch the best players in the world go all out and witness greatness unfold in real time. Here’s to the next two months!

Talk soon,

Spencer Poole