POWERED BY

We’ve got a lot of playoff talk for you today, especially with Denver forcing Game 7 against OKC last night. But first…

From the city to the court, we grew up on these teams. Now, we wear the legacy. The Hometown Pride capsule features four of the most iconic NBA franchises: the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors.

Built for the fans and made with pride. Get ready to rep your squad on Tuesday, May 20th!

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Terence Davis! 🎉

Playoff Recaps

Nuggets beat Thunder 119-107, set up winner-take-all match on Sunday

In a duel between MVP candidates Nikola Jokic (29 PTS, 14 REB, 8 AST) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32 PTS, 6 AST), it was the two stars’ supporting casts that ultimately made the difference.

Jokic and Jamal Murray (25 PTS, 7 AST) opened up a double-digit lead late in the first quarter of Game 6, and what came after was a lengthy Thunder run that put OKC up 12 late in the second. But the Nuggets, having evened out the game by the middle of the third, were able to put their foot on the gas and grab the W thanks to a big time bench performance from Julian Strawther (15 PTS, 3-4 3PT).

A big Strawther three with just under four minutes put the Nuggets up 16 and sealed the win despite a late Thunder push in the final 90 seconds, sending both teams back to Oklahoma City for a huuuuge Game 7 matchup.

Minnesota moves on to WCF with wire-to-wire 121-110 G5 win over Warriors

Why is this Wolves team extra dangerous heading into the Western Conference Finals? We’ll explain.

Minnesota is heading to their second straight WCF because they’ve been able to win playoff games in so many different ways, and that flexibility is a hallmark of what makes them so lethal this year. Anthony Edwards’ offensive spark is enough to take over any single game under the right circumstances, but when he draws too much defensive attention, he can have playmaking-focused games like he did on Wednesday (22 PTS, 12 AST) and let Julius Randle (29 PTS, 8 REB) cook.

And that’s not even all—just this postseason, we’ve also seen the Wolves win games behind 20-20 games for Rudy Gobert and nights when either Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, or Nickeil Alexander-Walker steps up and takes over a game.

Jonathan Kuminga (26 PTS) and Brandin Podziemski (28 PTS) combined for 50+ on Wednesday, but it just wasn’t enough against versatile Minnesota, who seem to be exacting revenge over former Timberwolf Jimmy Butler (17 PTS, 6 AST, 3 STL). Could this be Ant’s year?

Derrick White steps up in Tatum’s absence, Celtics make it a 3-2 series with 127-102 win over Knicks

The Celtics aren’t ready for their season to be over just yet.

Despite Jayson Tatum’s heartbreaking Achilles injury and subsequent surgery, Boston was able to keep Game 5 close throughout the entire first half thanks to a big shooting night for Derrick White (34 PTS, 7-13 3PM) and a great all-around performance from Jaylen Brown (26 PTS, 12 AST, 8 REB).

And when the second half started, it was all Celtics. Boston held Josh Hart (24 PTS, 7 REB) and the Knicks to a 29.4% mark from the floor and 30.8% from three after halftime while White and Payton Pritchard (3 second-half 3PM) rained down threes and overpowered New York’s defense. Add in a defensive masterpiece from Luke Kornet (10 PTS, 9 REB, 7 BLK), and this game was a done deal by the beginning of the 4Q.

Hart and Miles McBride (11 PTS, 3-6 3PT) were the only Knicks to hit more than one three, and as the series shifts back to New York for Game 6, the MSG faithful will want to see a more dynamic offense than that to ensure a Knicks win.

Otherwise, we might be headed back to Boston for Game 7…

Award Watch

It’s been dope to see guys like Evan Mobley and Dyson Daniels take home big-name trophies this spring. But the other reasons we love award season are the lesser-known awards that highlight every little part of the game of basketball, both on and off the court.

Here are three end-of-season awards we think you should be aware of: ⬇️

1. NBA Social Justice Champion

2024-25 Winner: Jrue Holiday (BOS)

Why? Holiday and his wife Lauren run the Jrue and Lauren Holiday (JLH) Social Impact Fund, an organization that has delivered over $5 million in grants and countless hours of support to hundreds of small businesses across the country. Additionally, Holiday serves on the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition board and works with fellow players, coaches, and leadership to advocate for policy around criminal justice reform and community safety.

“Holiday has dedicated himself to helping others in their times of greatest need,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum. And this isn’t just a trophy—the NBA will donate $100K to the JLH Fund as a result! Keep up the incredible work, Jrue! 💪

Other finalists: Bam Adebayo (MIA), Harrison Barnes (SAS), Chris Boucher (TOR), CJ McCollum (NOP)

Previous winners: Karl-Anthony Towns (‘23-’24), Stephen Curry (‘22-’23), Reggie Bullock (‘21-’22)

2. NBA Hustle Award

2024-25 Winner: Draymond Green (GSW)

Why? The veteran Draymond’s versatile defensive abilities make him the perfect candidate for this award, which honors players who make an effort to impact the game in ways that don’t show up in traditional box scores.

Green, the second former DPOY to win this award after Marcus Smart, ranked in the top 10 in multiple “hustle” stats this season on a per minute bases: charges drawn (6th), contested three-pointers (2nd), and defensive box outs (10th). He was also the first winner in the award’s history—which goes back to 2016-17—to rank in the top 40 in all nine hustle stats, which include deflections and loose balls recovered.

There truly is no one like Draymond. We’re excited to see what the Warriors can put together next year! 🤔

Other finalists: Cason Wallace (OKC), Guerschon Yabusele (PHI), Lu Dort (OKC), Dyson Daniels (ATL)

Previous winners: Alex Caruso (‘23-’24), Marcus Smart (‘18-’19, ‘21-’22, ‘22-’23)

3. PBWA Magic Johnson Award

2024-25 Winner: Kevin Durant (PHX)

Why? This award recognizes a player who complements his performance on the court with ”cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans,” and according to Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA) president Howard Beck, Durant is “one of the NBA’s most thoughtful and accessible stars.”

The PBWA praised Durant’s passion for the game and willingness to make time for reporters in both formal and casual settings, citing his advocacy for reopening NBA locker rooms after the pandemic as another reason why he deserved this honor. Durant also took this award home in 2011—congrats on the repeat, KD!

Other finalists: Donovan Mitchell (CLE), Bam Adebayo (MIA), Tyrese Haliburton (IND), Draymond Green (GSW)

Previous winners: Steph Curry (‘23-’24, ‘15-’16), Giannis Antetokounmpo (‘22-’23)

Three in the Key

Signing Off

Thanks for sticking with us this week. Temperatures are rising out there, so get out there and Enjoy it—only a few weeks until that real summer heat hits!

Austin Zeglis