Dennis Schroder may have completed the NBA rainbow, but as far as international play is concerned, he’s only familiar with one color: gold.

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday Dennis Schroder, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jason Terry, and Mike Dunleavy! 🎉

Around the Association

Schroder, Bonga, Wagner lead Germany to 88-83 win over Turkey in EuroBasket final

With 1:34 left to go in the EuroBasket title game, Turkey’s Shane Larkin cashed in a layup to put his squad ahead 83-82. Dennis Schroder ensured that lead didn’t last long.

Over the final minute and a half, the NBA veteran scored Germany’s final six points to secure the nation’s first EuroBasket since 1993 and its second major international trophy in two years after winning the World Cup in 2023. Isaac Bonga led the way for the team with 20 PTS, while Franz Wagner added 18. On the other side, Turkey got 28 PTS from Alperen Sengun, 23 from Cedi Osman, and 12+ from both Larkin and Adem Bona.

In the third place game, Giannis helmed Greece to a dub over red-hot Finland with 30 PTS and 17 REB. After the game, he called the win for his country his “greatest accomplishment.” Seeing players compete for their pro clubs is one thing, but the heart they show laying it all on the line for their country is something else. We’re already looking forward to EuroBasket 2029. 👀

WNBA Playoffs

Liberty, Lynx, Dream, Aces secure wins as WNBA Playoffs begin

The WNBA postseason is finally here, and Day 1 did not disappoint. Let’s break down each game:

• The reigning champion Liberty won a 76-69 overtime thriller over the Mercury, who they went 1-3 against in the regular season. Vet Natasha Cloud had a gem of a game with 23 PTS, 6 REB, and 5 AST while Breanna Stewart added 18 PTS before injuring her knee in overtime. Hoping for a quick recovery for Stewie! 🙏

• The top-seeded Lynx took care of business, cruising to a near-30 point victory over the expansion Valkyries. MVP candidate Napheesa Collier dropped 20 PTS on 11 shots while Natisha Hiedeman added 18 off the bench en route to a 101-72 win. Minny is loaded up and down the lineup.

• Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard each scored a cool 20 PTS to lead Atlanta past the Fever, who got a 27-point performance from Kelsey Mitchell. Indiana led at the end of the first quarter, but a big effort from the Dream in the second gave them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Ultimately, Atlanta took home the dub 80-68.

• No player scored more points on the first day of the postseason than A’ja Wilson, and the Aces followed suit. Las Vegas thumped Seattle 102-77 behind a 29-point performance from the reigning MVP as well as 18 PTS and four threes from Jackie Young. The Storm saw five players score in double-figures, but it was not enough to dig out of a 21-point halftime hole.

Since the first round of the WNBA postseason is best of three, we could see teams advance to the semifinals as soon as Tuesday. Here’s to all the great hoops in the horizon.🍿

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, see if you can give up a portion of your time to do something nice for someone you love. No matter how small the favor, kindness makes the world go round! See you soon.

Walker Carnathan