Knives were out rather quickly as Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics fell in a winnable six-game series against the Golden State Warriors in last season’s NBA Finals. After the star forward revealed to B/R at the weekend he quietly played through a non-displaced left wrist fracture for three months, will that change the criticism or narrative weighted on his shoulders?
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Tag: NBA Playoffs
Conference Finals set after Celtics, Mavericks dominate their respective Game 7 duels
With their Game 1 clash vs. the Miami Heat set for tip-off in a few hours’ time, here’s a quick refresh: Boston Celtics, armed by a new career-high display from Grant Williams, overcame a 3-2 series deficit to knock out the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Hours later, Dallas did similar but in enemy territory, stunning the Phoenix Suns in a historic blowout win. Continue reading
Relive the action: NBA Playoffs East Semi-finals – Bucks 110-107 Celtics, Game 5
After a turnover-heavy first-half, the Milwaukee Bucks were down by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 40-point effort – alongside some big Jrue Holiday defensive plays late on – helped Mike Budenholzer’s men silence Boston inside the TD Garden. Read on, to relive my play-by-play live commentary from an enthralling Game 5 encounter.
Ja Morant listed as doubtful for rest of playoffs with right knee bone bruise
After relinquishing their hard-earned Game 4 advantage on Monday night, the Memphis Grizzlies have a seemingly impossible job on their hands: overturning their 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors without the franchise star guard who helped them get there. Continue reading
After his 23-point gamewinning display vs. Atlanta, is Victor Oladipo an x-factor in Miami?
After posting his second-highest scoring total since eventually joining Miami in a trade from Houston 13 months ago, is two-time All-Star shooting guard Victor Oladipo now ready to be their x-factor as the postseason deepens, with questions over Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler? Continue reading
After firing James Borrego, Charlotte can’t afford to waste potential with his successor
In a surprise to some, the Hornets sacked their head coach James Borrego on Friday after the Hornets again failed to make the postseason for a sixth consecutive year. Despite more year-on-year improvement, it’s clear the franchise view themselves as much better than a play-in team, but will they get the next hire right? Frank Vogel, recently dismissed from the Lakers, and Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson are linked with the new vacancy.
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2021-22 NBA award finalists named: Jordan Poole, Jaren Jackson Jr snubbed for MIP shortlist
As everyone recovered from the end of an enthralling Game 1 between Brooklyn and Boston overnight, the NBA announced half-a-dozen three-man shortlists for this year’s awards. Some didn’t need a debate, like MVP and Coach of the Year, while others sparked outrage and incredulity as Warriors’ Jordan Poole and Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr were snubbed.
NBA news digest: Head coach movement, injury updates and more as playoffs inbound
Mere moments after the Lakers’ season-ending overtime win vs. the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, news leaked surrounding Frank Vogel’s impending sacking – just 18 months after leading LA to a title following another injury-hit campaign. Alvin Gentry won’t remain Sacramento’s head coach, while there are updates on Luka Doncic (calf) and Gregg Popovich among others. Continue reading
Ja Morant is right to feel hurt, but Memphis must show their star some love
Memphis Grizzlies’ franchise star Ja Morant returned from a 12-game absence on Monday, but the 22-year-old point guard was hurt by heckling home fans courtside who suggested he “sit back out,” en route to their 102-99 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder – amidst a deep dive into whether they’re actually a more efficient unit without his ball-dominant tendencies. Continue reading
As rumours continue, All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis wants out of Indiana
As speculation continues rumbling about the Indiana Pacers’ desired long-term direction, their two-time All-Star power forward Domantas Sabonis reportedly wants a change of scenery in 2022. Sacramento and Phoenix have been previously linked with a possible trade deal, while the league-leading Golden State Warriors are among interested suitors for the 25-year-old. Continue reading
Wizards’ Bradley Beal keeping all of his options open ahead of free agency
This coming offseason, Washington Wizards’ star shooting guard Bradley Beal is set to become an unrestricted free agent – which inevitably will see multiple franchises circling as they try convincing him to leave a market he’s remained in since he was drafted ten years ago. As far as he’s concerned, every option remains available to him as far as his next career step goes… Continue reading
Russell Westbrook’s trade request and tensions in Houston is no surprise
As reported by The Athletic and ESPN, Houston Rockets All-Star guard Russell Westbrook has expressed his desire to leave – less than 18 months after joining in a blockbuster trade from Oklahoma City. After taking a moment to absorb the news, you’ll quickly begin to understand that this latest development isn’t really a surprise at all. Why though and how did we get here? Continue reading