POWERED BY

With their backs against the wall, the Knicks took care of business and sent the ECF back to Indiana. Was it the witch? Nope. It was him: ⬇️

Before we get into it, fill out this questionnaire to be a part of Episode 3 of ENJOY Family Feud! Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey for Episode 2—we can’t wait to see how this one turns out.

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Harrison Barnes, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jeremy Lamb! 🎉

Playoff Recaps

Knicks stay alive with 111-94 win over Pacers, send ECF back to Indiana in 3-2 deficit

The Knicks knew they needed this one—bad. So bad, in fact, that they led for the entire game and never looked back.

In a pivotal Game 5, Jalen Brunson (32 PTS, 5 AST, 5 REB) and company handled the Pacers easily in a statement win with their backs against the wall. Despite a banged-up knee that put Karl-Anthony Towns (24 PTS, 13 REB) on the pregame injury report, his aggression on both ends helped the Knicks jump out to a 14-point lead in the first half. From there, Brunson worked his usual magic and New York raced to the finish line.

After a string of incredible performances for Indy, Tyrese Haliburton (8 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL) faded from the spotlight and left the Pacers without a primary creator. Bennedict Mathurin (23 PTS, 9 REB) picked up some of the slack on the offensive end, but he, Pascal Siakam (15 PTS), and Obi Toppin (11 PTS) were the only Pacers in double-digits, all accounting for a series-low 94 PTS for Indiana.

We’re headed back to Indianapolis, folks! 🏎️

Thunder advance to Finals, send Wolves packing with 124-94 G5 win to end WCF

We have our first Finals team, and it’s no surprise who.

After a series that saw blowout wins in both directions, the Thunder shut the door on Minnesota with a huge 30-point win of their own in Game 5 of the WCF. Anthony Edwards (19 PTS) shot the ball 18 times but could never get a rhythm going, Mike Conley turned in a scoreless effort, and Julius Randle (24 PTS, 4-6 3PM) was left to lead the Wolves in scoring as Minnesota’s usually electric chemistry started to flicker.

Meanwhile, the Thunder are rolling into the Finals with all the momentum in the world. They led virtually wire-to-wire in this final game of the Western Conference Finals, stretching the lead to nearly 40 by the fourth quarter. WCF MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (34 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST) had a more-than-MVP-worthy performance, with sidekicks Chet Holmgren (22 PTS, 3 STL) and Jalen Williams (19 PTS) adding their own flair to the blowout effort.

This OKC team looks incredibly dangerous, and the numbers back it up. Whether it’s the Pacers or Knicks staring them down in the Finals, we can’t wait to see how this all plays out. More Thunder basketball ASAP, please! 🙏

Offseason Rumor Mill

Read this Shams quote from The Pat McAfee Show and try to tell us not to get pre-excited about this upcoming offseason:

“This is the most, I think, anticipation team executives have had over an offseason… I think this offseason might be the most craziest ever.”

Right?!? In the spirit of things, let’s go through a couple of the rumors swirling around the NBA world that could be game-changers if true.

Clippers interested in Jrue Holiday after Celtics’ early playoff exit

Los Angeles might get lucky looking for a third big name next to James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. ☘️

The Clippers were interested in Boston’s Jrue Holiday, who averaged 9.5 points and 4.0 assists in the Celtics’ unexpectedly short playoff run this year, back in 2023 when Holiday found himself on the trade market a few days after the blockbuster deal that sent him to Portland and Damian Lillard to Milwaukee.

Now, Celtics beat reporter Brian Robb says the Clippers are once again expected to show interest in Holiday this offseason. The two-time All-Star is under team control until the summer of 2027, with a $37.2 million player option in 2027-28.

Cavs not ruling out moving Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland this offseason

Just a few months after a 64-win regular season, Cleveland might be ready to shake things up.

Cleveland insider Chris Fedor reported this week that, while the Cavaliers consider Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley untouchable, they’re demonstrated willingness to consider offers regarding their other two stars—Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen. 😳

The deal would have to be a step forward, with the Cavs’ championship window already here. But a weak point guard market in free agency could make Garland a prized asset for any team looking to make the championship leap.

Kevin Durant linked to Spurs after trade deadline intrigue

Shams just revealed that there was mutual interest between Kevin Durant and San Antonio at the trade deadline, leaving the door open for a potential move this offseason. 👀

The probability KD stays in The Valley seems to be waning with every new report, and the Spurs would be the fifth team of Durant’s illustrious NBA career. Any package Phoenix receives in exchange for him would likely include the contracts of Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes, along with future assets like third-year forward Jeremy Sochan and robust draft compensation.

But if the rumor is true, what do you think about the fit?

Three in the Key

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Sign up now!

Signing Off

It’s Friday, Enjoyers. Bask in it. Enjoy it. We’ll see you on Monday, when the real home stretch of the season begins.

Austin Zeglis