We’re down to two teams in the NBA playoffs: Mom Made Pizza Rolls vs. the ~soothing~ breeze of Lance Stephenson.

We’ll see which side prevails in Game 1 on Thursday, but for now, let’s hit on some of our favorite off-the-court NBA stories! 🏀 

Today’s Lineup

⚡️ Shai’s Stylish Smackdown

The Thunder did unspeakable things to the Minnesota Timberwolves for 48 minutes on Wednesday in a closeout home Game 5 victory. But in addition to proving themselves as the best team in the West and one of the better defenses this century, their star also gave one of the more stylish shoe performances of the playoffs with some CRAZY postgame antics on social media. 

On the way to a smooth 34 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wore a very special colorway of his SHAI 001 sneaker. The “HAIL CLAY” version pays tribute to his wife Hailey Summers, whom he praised in his MVP acceptance speech, and the hue is inspired by the color of her eyes. The MVP is nothing without his Most Valuable Person! ❤️

Our jaws were on the floor after the game—not just because the Thunder forced a turnover on seemingly every possession, but because Shai’s Converse marketing team put Anthony Edwards and Adidas in a body bag. 😭 

The ad starts with an ant (subtle, we know) with the words “NOTHING LEFT 2 SAY? UNBELIEVABLE.” It’s a clear play on Edwards’ Adidas slogan, “Believe That.” They didn’t need to do our boy Ant like that, but we know he’ll be in the lab next season to improve on his superstar skillset. 💪 

🙏 Immanuel Quickley Gives Back

Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley was recently honored with the Bob Lanier NBA Community Assist Award, a recognition that celebrates his ongoing commitment to youth development, education, and health in underserved communities.

Through his Quickley Family Foundation and the Immanuel Quickley Scholarship Awards, IQ is offering full four-year scholarships—worth about $80,000 each—to up to five students at his high school alma mater in Bel Air, Maryland. These scholarships aren't just about financial support; they're geared toward young basketball players who show academic excellence, leadership, and strong character.

Even better, Quickley and his foundation personally mentor the recipients, ensuring a long-term investment in their success. 🐐 

But Quickley’s impact goes beyond the classroom. He’s also made major contributions to Courtside Care, a collaborative event with the Raptors and other groups that offers free health screenings and fun basketball activities for low-income families.

On the hardwood, Quickley mentors young athletes through his IQ5 Elite Youth Basketball Program, which blends high-level hoops training with tutoring, leadership development, and community service.

Shoutout to IQ! The NBA is set to donate $10,000 to the Havre de Grace Boys & Girls Club in Quickley’s name after his award win—a well-deserved honor for someone making real, lasting change beyond hoops! 🙏 

Your college graduation is a big moment. It’s a culmination of one’s education and a triumph after years of hard work.

And for some, it’s an opportunity to stan LeBron. 

That’s right. A kid at James Madison University listed his middle name as “LeBron” for graduation, and they actually said it as he walked across the stage. Nothing quite like this:

complexsports

View more on Instagram

Another recent graduate just finished his rookie season in the NBA! Quincy Olivari, the Lakers player who made headlines for his earnest meeting with idol Steph Curry, had yet another “good for him” moment: ⬇️

The 23-year-old who appeared in 2 games for LA this season also completed his masters’ degree at Xavier University and walked at graduation! The best part is, as he walked across the stage, he unzipped his gown to reveal his Lakers jersey. At the end of the day, NBA players are also humans, and we love witnessing a young kid’s dreams coming true in real time.

Signing Off

We’re counting down the days until we get NBA basketball again. It’s four, but it feels like four hundred right now. 😵‍💫 

Conor Geelan