But when the world needed him most…

… he dropped a playoff career-high!

🎉 Happy birthday to Lauri Markkanen and “Beef Stew” Isaiah Stewart! 🎉

The Josh Hart Game? Believe that.

New York heads into Cleveland up 2-0 with some help from their Hart and Soul. Josh Hart put up a playoff career-high 26 PTS to go with 5 three-pointers, making Cleveland seriously reconsider leaving him open again.

After a tight first half, the Knicks came out firing, opening up the third quarter with an 18-0 run. The Cavs wouldn’t go away quietly, as Donovan Mitchell scored 19 of his 26 PTS in the second half to help cut the lead to seven in the fourth. The comeback fell short, as the Knicks sealed the win with a 17-7 run to close out the game. 

This marks 9-straight playoff wins for the Knicks, who are now two games away from reaching the Finals for the first time since 1999!

Mike Brown has the Knicks playing like a well-oiled machine with all five starters scoring in double figures. Even Jalen Brunson, who struggled from the field (7/16 FG), still set a playoff career-high of his own with 14 AST!

Don’t count out Cleveland just yet. The Cavs lost their first two road games in Rounds 1 and 2, and they hope to successfully defend home court again when they return for Game 3 on Saturday.

Until then, perhaps a celebratory slice?

Crisis averted.

After a crushing Game 1 loss that many were dubbing the Game of the Year, OKC responded to tie the series up at 1-1 as we head to San Antonio.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30 PTS, 9 AST, 1 TO) is still showing why he’s the NBA’s top dog, delivering a smooth performance from wire to wire.

Even in defeat, the Spurs look formidable. Driving into the paint looks like a Sisyphean effort when Victor Wembanyama (21 PTS, 17 REB, 6 AST, 4 BLKS) is around, and defending the paint is even tougher when Stephon Castle (25 PTS, 8 AST) and Dylan Harper (12 PTS) are attacking it.

For OKC, their strength in numbers continues to shine. They received some huge help from their bench mob with Alex Caruso (17 PTS), Jared McCain (12 PTS), Cason Wallace (12 PTS), and Ajay Mitchell (10 PTS) all putting up double figures. Caruso, in particular, has been a spark for OKC and has been all over the court. From guarding Wemby to hitting the three-ball at a high clip (61% in the series), he’s been a much needed asset for the Thunder.

J-Dub and Dylan Harper both left the game with hamstring injuries and are questionable for Game 3. Keep an eye out for De’Aaron Fox, who will be a game-time decision.

With Game 3 tonight, we’ll be sure to have the popcorn out for another classic. 🍿

This new crop of rookies came in hot and made some lasting first impressions around the league. Check out the 2025-26 NBA All Rookie Teams.

1️⃣ All-Rookie First Team:

2️⃣ All-Rookie Second Team:

Leading the way for the First Team is ROY winner Cooper Flagg, joined by runners-up Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe. Dylan Harper and Cedric Coward round out the group.

Ace Bailey, who came on strong in the back half of the season, headlines the Second Team alongside Swiss Army knife Collin Murray-Boyles and a pair of Pelicans in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Shoutout to Maxime Raynaud, the only second-round pick to earn the nod this season.

Congrats to the guys! Hoping we can see them shine for years to come!

On this day in 1994, the Toronto Raptors officially unveiled their prehistoric team name.

As part of the NBA’s expansion into Canada for the 1995-96 season, the league added teams in Toronto and Vancouver. Toronto’s ownership group invited fans to submit potential names through an open call in the Toronto Star newspaper, giving fans the chance to help name their new local team.

The final list of names included Dragons, Beavers, Bobcats, Grizzlies, Hogs, Scorpions, T-Rex, Tarantulas, and Terriers. After a suggestion from majority owner John Bitove’s 8-year-old son, Raptors was added to the list, and won the final fan vote.

The name was heavily influenced by Jurassic Park, which had torn up box offices around the world in 1993. Jurassic Park is still the nickname for the sea of Raptors fans who gather in Maple Leaf Square outside Scotiabank Arena.

Great call from the lil’ dude! 🫡

Thanks for making us a small part of your Friday. We’ll catch up on Monday! Until then, celebrate victories (even the small ones), tell someone you love them, and drink some water… seriously, have you had a sip today?

Brian Shkabari