The Cleveland Cavaliers were determined to punch their ticket to the second round as soon as poss...

<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers were determined to punch their ticket to the second round as soon as possible.</p><p>However, they probably expected a little more resistance.</p><p>The Cavs' 138-83 rout of the Miami Heat in Monday's Game 4 capped one of the most lopsided series wins in NBA playoff history, with plenty of statistical context to illustrate their four-game dominance over the Heat.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>1st </strong>- Cleveland's 55-point win is the largest margin of victory in any postseason series-clinching game in league history.</p><p><strong>4th </strong>- The result is also the fourth-biggest victory ever registered in a playoff contest, according to the <a href="https://x.com/Anthony_Chiang/status/1917034614268309862">Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang</a>. The Minneapolis Lakers (1956) and Denver Nuggets (2009) share the record with 58-point wins.</p><p><strong>11 </strong>- The Cavaliers pulled off their 11th sweep in franchise history, but the first without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> on the roster.</p><p><strong>30</strong> - This year's Heat are the first NBA team to lose back-to-back playoff games by at least 30 points in the same season, per stats specialist <a href="https://x.com/keerthikau/status/1917035208093700284">Keerthika Uthayakumar</a>. Both big losses came in front of their fans in South Beach.</p><p><strong>39 </strong>- Cleveland's 39-point halftime lead (72-33) is the third-largest in postseason history. The record still belongs to the Cavaliers, who led the Boston Celtics by 41 at the break in Game 2 of the 2017 East finals before cruising to a 130-86 win.</p><p><strong>77</strong> - No other team has ever hit more threes in a four-game playoff series than this year's Cavaliers. The only club to match that number across four contests was the 2016 Cavs - the same squad that went on to win the franchise's only championship.</p><p><strong>122</strong> - Cleveland's point differential over the four-game series is the largest in playoff history, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds/status/1917034943500226781">The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds</a>.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after making a basket against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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By the numbers: Cavs in rarified air with dominant sweep of Heat

Shaquille O'Neal is joining Sacramento State to become the general manager of the school's basket...

<p>Shaquille O'Neal is joining Sacramento State to become the general manager of the school's basketball program, reports <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1917006039754445184">Shams Charania of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The Hall of Famer is reportedly taking the role on a voluntary basis.</p><p>O'Neal will be joined by his son Shaqir at Sacramento State for the 2025-26 season. The 22-year-old announced in March that he was transferring to the Hornets for his senior year after playing 29 games and making 17 starts for Florida A&amp;M this past season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A 6-foot-8 forward, the younger O'Neal scored 6.7 points and grabbed 3.4 rebounds per game in 18.1 minutes per contest with the Rattlers. He joined Florida A&amp;M after his freshman and sophomore campaigns with Texas Southern.</p><p>Sacramento State hired former NBA guard Mike Bibby in March to be its next head coach. Bibby played 14 seasons in the league but is likely best remembered for his six-and-a-half-year stint with the Sacramento Kings, during which he frequently battled Shaquille O'Neal's Los Angeles Lakers in both the regular season and playoffs.</p><p>Under head coach Michael Czepil last season, Sacramento State went 3-15 (7-25 overall) and finished last in the Big Sky. The Division I program, which has posted an overall winning record in just two of its 34 seasons of existence, is still searching for its first NCAA Tournament appearance.</p><p>O'Neal has worked as an on-air analyst with TNT since 2011. He's part of the network's main quartet on "Inside the NBA" alongside host Ernie Johnson and fellow ex-NBAers Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member Shaquille O'Neal gets a fist bump as he attends a semifinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena between the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks on December 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bucks defeated the Hawks 110-102.

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Report: Shaq agrees to join son at Sacramento State in voluntary GM role

The NBA's last-two-minute report for the Minnesota Timberwolves' narrow Game 4 win over the Los A...

<p>The NBA's last-two-minute <a href="https://official.nba.com/l2m/L2MReport.html?gameId=0042400164">report</a> for the Minnesota Timberwolves' narrow Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday determined that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93891" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93891">Jaden McDaniels</a> should've been assessed a foul for tripping <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> with 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter.</p><p>"McDaniels (MIN) steps forward into Doncic's (LAL) path, initiating illegal foot contact that causes him to lose his balance," the league said in its assessment Monday.</p><p>The play, which occurred after McDaniels converted a free throw to put Minnesota up one, forced JJ Redick's squad to burn a timeout with Doncic grounded inside the Lakers' half. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>' attempted bounce pass to Doncic from the sideline was then poked away by McDaniels, returning possession to Minnesota.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Luka got tripped. That was a blatant trip," Redick told <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooSports/status/1916634001303019896">reporters</a> postgame. "He doesn't just fall on his own. We watched it - he gets tripped. We should have been at the free-throw line. That's not an excuse for why we lost, but he got fouled."</p><p>Replays of the incident show Doncic <a href="https://x.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1916735102438015081">stepping</a> on McDaniels' right foot before stumbling with the ball in his hands.</p><p>L.A. appeared to get the ball back after the next possession when James seemingly knocked the ball loose off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a>, causing the guard to slip and the ball to roll out of bounds. However, Wolves coach Chris Finch successfully challenged the play, and James was instead assessed a foul after a video review. Edwards' two free throws then put Minnesota up 116-113, which held as the final score after Lakers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> missed a corner three at the buzzer.</p><p>The last-two-minute report confirmed the foul on James was the correct call. However, the Lakers star disagreed with the officials immediately following the loss, which left his squad one loss away from elimination.</p><p>"That play happens all the time. Hand is part of the ball, that's what they say," James <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1916648547266478385">said</a> after the loss. "I feel like the hand was a part of that ball. I was able to get his hand on top of the ball, the ball stripped down, and out on him. Seen that play over and over before, but it is what it is."</p><p>Game 5 is Wednesday in L.A. If the Timberwolves advance, it'll mark the first time in franchise history that the club has progressed past the first round in consecutive seasons.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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L2M report rules McDaniels tripped Doncic late in Game 4

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler will start Monday's Game 4 against the Houston Rockets...

<p>Golden State Warriors forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> will start Monday's Game 4 against the Houston Rockets, the team announced.</p><p>Butler returns to the lineup after missing Game 3 with a pelvic contusion sustained after a hard fall in Game 2.</p><p>The Warriors were hopeful that Butler would return Monday, but head coach Steve Kerr said the six-time All-Star would go through his warmup first before a decision was made, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1917010172666613872">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kerr <a href="https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1917010711731179854">added</a> that Butler wouldn't be under a minutes restriction if he plays.</p><p>The 35-year-old scored 25 points and led the Warriors in assists (six) and steals (five) while playing over 42 minutes in their Game 1 win. However, he left Game 2 with under 2 minutes to play in the first quarter after Rockets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a> inadvertently undercut Butler as he attempted to grab a rebound.</p><p>Following the multi-team swap that sent Butler to the Bay Area ahead of the February trade deadline, he averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 30 games. Golden State went 23-7 with Butler in the lineup, helping Kerr's squad finish seventh in the West and advance to the playoffs through the play-in tournament.</p><p>Monday marks Butler's first home playoff contest at Chase Center, though he previously played in front of the Warriors fans during their 121-116 play-in tournament victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 15: Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors /smiles during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Butler starts Game 4 vs. Rockets after missing Game 3

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard suffered a noncontact leg injury during Sunday's Game 4 agai...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> suffered a noncontact leg injury during Sunday's Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers.</p><p>Lillard sustained the injury while attempting to run and grab an offensive rebound. He was carried off the court by Bucks staffers and teammates and didn't return.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Damian Lillard goes down with a non-contact injury. <br><br>Prayers. 🙏<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/5tcfsPSOCb">pic.twitter.com/5tcfsPSOCb</a></p>— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1916673991093481799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There's fear Lillard suffered a left Achilles tear, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1916678815616798724">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bucks head coach Doc Rivers admitted postgame the team isn't optimistic about Lillard's imaging, which is scheduled for Tuesday.</p><p>"Obviously, it's lower leg, and just being honest, it's not very promising," Rivers said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_nehm/status/1916712287450153433">Eric Nehm of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The 34-year-old missed the final 14 regular-season contests, as well as Game 1 of the playoff series, due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He was placed on blood-thinning medication but returned for Game 2.</p><p>"I knew it right away. I feel bad for him," Rivers said, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByTimReynolds/status/1916709976661234026">Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press</a>. "The guy tried to come back for his team. I just feel bad for him."</p><p>Lillard averaged 10.5 points, six assists, three rebounds, and a steal in two postseason contests.</p><p>"This is a tough one, honestly. Blood clot, followed by this," Rivers <a href="https://x.com/ByTimReynolds/status/1916710294409093607">added</a>. "It's just tough. ... He's just such a great freakin' dude. On the basketball level, but more importantly, as a teammate and a father, all that stuff. No one deserves it."</p><p>The nine-time All-Star holds career averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and a steal over 13 seasons.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 27: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts from the court after an apparent injury during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 27, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Lillard helped off court, reportedly feared to have torn Achilles

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed Luka Doncic was battling an illness before and ...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> was battling an illness before and during their 116-104 Game 3 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.</p><p>"He hasn't been feeling well for the last 24 hours," Redick told <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ohnohedidnt24.bsky.social/post/3lnowfdwuz22j">reporters</a> postgame. "I don't know how much he slept last night. He didn't feel well last night. His stomach was bothering him. He was vomiting all afternoon.</p><p>"I'm not sure what happened at half time, I'll find out. But he's really under the weather."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Doncic, who usually opens the third quarter with the rest of the Lakers' starters, was not with the team when it emerged from the locker room to begin the second half. However, he rejoined the bench on his own shortly thereafter before subbing in for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38557" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38557">Gabe Vincent</a> 49 seconds into the second half.</p><p>The 26-year-old Doncic, who wasn't on the team's injury report ahead of Game 3, scored 17 points with eight assists and seven rebounds in 40 minutes Friday but was a minus-16, tied for the second-worst mark in the game. He was 6-of-16 from the floor and 2-of-8 from deep, with his 37.5 field-goal percentage ranking worst among Lakers to attempt at least four shots.</p><p>Doncic's 17 points were also his fewest in any game since he scored 14 on Feb. 19, in what was his third game as a Laker following his stunning midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks. After scoring 14, 16, and 14 respectively in his first three contests with L.A., Doncic averaged 29.8 points through the final 25 games of the regular season. He then opened the series against the Timberwolves with 37 points on 12-of-22 shooting in a Game 1 loss, followed by a 31-point showing (9-of-20) to help the Lakers rebound with a Game 2 win.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 25: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the game during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Redick: Luka 'vomiting all afternoon' before Game 3 loss to Wolves

It's going to take more than some profanity to throw off the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year.  De...

<p>It's going to take more than some profanity to throw off the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year.</p><p>Detroit Pistons fans launched audible "F--k you, Brunson" chants during the New York Knicks' 118-116 Game 3 victory Thursday in Detroit, but Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau brushed off the notion that the crowd at Little Caesars Arena got into his star guard's head.</p><p>"To Jalen, those are cheers," Thibodeau said postgame, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/IanBegley/status/1915592542197895438">Ian Begley of SNY</a>. "He lives for that stuff."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brunson didn't appear bothered by the chants, which appeared to break out for the first time after he was assessed a flagrant 1 for hitting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6179" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6179">Tim Hardaway Jr.</a> in the face on a 3-point contest midway through the first quarter. The Knicks guard finished with 30 points, second only to teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> among all scorers.</p><p>He led all players with 12 in the final frame, with eight coming in the final 1:24 to help New York deny Detroit its first playoff win at home since Game 2 of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.</p><p>Brunson, who said he'd never been subjected to that kind of targeted hostility from an opposing crowd in the NBA, credited the Detroit faithful for trying to inspire their squad.</p><p>"They made an environment special for their home team," Brunson said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1915601753606594976">SNY</a>. "At least we found a way to win the game, but that was definitely a lot. So I gotta give a lot of credit to that fan base."</p><p>Brunson will face the Pistons crowd again when the two sides square off Sunday in Detroit for Game 4.</p>

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 27: Jalen Brunson #11 and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks talk during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 27, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Thibodeau dismisses Pistons fans' anti-Brunson chants: 'He lives for that'

USC junior guard Desmond Claude will enter the transfer portal, sources told Jeff Borzello of ESP...

<p>USC junior guard Desmond Claude will enter the transfer portal, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1914831635939532806">Jeff Borzello of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Claude averaged 15.8 points and 4.2 assists this past season, leading the Trojans in both categories. He scored 20-plus points in 11 contests, including a 28-point showing in a double-overtime victory over Rutgers in the Big Ten Tournament and a season-high 31 in a January regular-season win over Illinois.</p><p>Claude's departure would mark USC's second significant transfer development Tuesday following the commitment of former Maryland guard Rodney Rice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rice became head coach Eric Musselman's eighth transfer addition this offseason, reportedly joining the Trojans on an NIL deal worth over $3 million, according to the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2025-04-22/usc-basketball-recruiting">Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje</a>.</p><p>Claude's next squad will be his third in four seasons. The 6-foot-5 ball-handler represented Xavier as a freshman and a sophomore, winning the Big East's Most Improved Player award in his second campaign.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 03: Desmond Claude #1 of the USC Trojans handles the ball during the quarterfinal round of the Crown College Basketball Championship against the Villanova Wildcats at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Report: USC's leading scorer Claude enters transfer portal

The NBA revealed its three finalists for the 2024-25 awards Sunday. Oklahoma City Thunder guard S...

<p>The NBA revealed its three finalists for the 2024-25 awards Sunday. Oklahoma City Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> is attempting to dethrone three-time MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> of the Denver Nuggets. The pair is joined by Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> as the third finalist.</p><h3>Most Valuable Player</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781509/cropped_GettyImages-2210569557.jpg?ts=1745179271" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781509/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210569557.jpg?ts=1745179271 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781509/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210569557.jpg?ts=1745179271 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781509/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210569557.jpg?ts=1745179271 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781509/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210569557.jpg?ts=1745179271 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781509/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210569557.jpg?ts=1745179271 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Murphy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Position</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td> Oklahoma City Thunder</td>
<td> G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic</td>
<td> Denver Nuggets</td>
<td> C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
<td> Milwaukee Bucks</td>
<td> F</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The MVP race has been a two-man competition all season between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic. SGA led the Thunder to the winningest campaign in franchise history and the NBA's best record. He also paced the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game. Meanwhile, Jokic is looking to win his second consecutive MVP and third in the last four years. He became the third player in league history to average a triple-double and posted career highs in points (29.6) and assists (10.2). Antetokounmpo's numbers were nothing to laugh at either, as he posted 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. He also shot over 60% from the field for the second straight season.</p><h3>Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781516/cropped_GettyImages-2209584209.jpg?ts=1745180643" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781516/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209584209.jpg?ts=1745180643 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781516/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209584209.jpg?ts=1745180643 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781516/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209584209.jpg?ts=1745180643 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781516/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209584209.jpg?ts=1745180643 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781516/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209584209.jpg?ts=1745180643 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Gonzales / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Position</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephon Castle</td>
<td> San Antonio Spurs</td>
<td> G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zaccharie Risacher</td>
<td>Atlanta Hawks</td>
<td>F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaylen Wells</td>
<td>Memphis Grizzlies</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>San Antonio Spurs freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> is the likely front-runner for the league's first-year honor. The 20-year-old led all qualified rookies in scoring with 14.7 points per game while missing just one contest all season. However, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121714" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121714">Zaccharie Risacher</a>, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, impressed out of the gate for an Atlanta Hawks squad that reached the play-in. Meanwhile, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121734" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121734">Jaylen Wells</a>, a second-round find by the Memphis Grizzlies, was thrust into the starting lineup after just six games and never relinquished his spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Sixth Man of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781517/cropped_GettyImages-2210099367.jpg?ts=1745180691" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781517/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210099367.jpg?ts=1745180691 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781517/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210099367.jpg?ts=1745180691 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781517/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210099367.jpg?ts=1745180691 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781517/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210099367.jpg?ts=1745180691 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781517/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210099367.jpg?ts=1745180691 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Fluharty / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Position</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Payton Pritchard</td>
<td> Boston Celtics</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malik Beasley</td>
<td>Detroit Pistons</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ty Jerome</td>
<td>Cleveland Cavaliers</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Microwave scoring guards are frequent candidates to win the league's top reserve prize, and this year is no exception. All three finalists averaged at least 12 points and shot a minimum of 40% from distance while providing their respective squads with timely offensive boosts when called upon off the bench.</p><h3>Defensive Player of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781518/cropped_GettyImages-2208651664.jpg?ts=1745180754" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781518/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208651664.jpg?ts=1745180754 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781518/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208651664.jpg?ts=1745180754 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781518/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208651664.jpg?ts=1745180754 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781518/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208651664.jpg?ts=1745180754 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781518/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208651664.jpg?ts=1745180754 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Liam Kyle / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Position</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Evan Mobley</td>
<td> Cleveland Cavaliers</td>
<td> F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dyson Daniels</td>
<td> Atlanta Hawks</td>
<td> F</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Draymond Green</td>
<td> Golden State Warriors</td>
<td> F</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Defensive Player of the Year award race was blown wide-open once <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> went down with a blood clot. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> felt like the favorite as the defensive catalyst of the East-best Cavaliers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102785" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102785">Dyson Daniels</a> led the league with three steals per game and 229 total swipes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a>, unlike the other finalists, forced himself into contention with some self-promotion, and the Warriors' 20-7 record post-All-Star break added fuel to his fire.</p><h3>Most Improved Player</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778564/cropped_GettyImages-2205959916.jpg?ts=1743623257" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778564/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205959916.jpg?ts=1743623257 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778564/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205959916.jpg?ts=1743623257 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778564/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205959916.jpg?ts=1743623257 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778564/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205959916.jpg?ts=1743623257 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778564/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205959916.jpg?ts=1743623257 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Position</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>Detroit Pistons</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dyson Daniels</td>
<td>Atlanta Hawks</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivica Zubac</td>
<td>Los Angeles Clippers</td>
<td>C</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Cade Cunningham's incredible leap was a pivotal factor in the Detroit Pistons' complete turnaround following a dismal 2023-24 campaign, making him the likely favorite. However, Ivica Zubac's own across-the-board improvement was instrumental in helping the Los Angeles Clippers replace some of the production that left with Paul George's exit, while Daniels' emergence as a defensive menace earned him plaudits in his debut campaign with the Hawks.</p><h3>Coach of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781555/cropped_GettyImages-2209564484.jpg?ts=1745190234" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781555/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209564484.jpg?ts=1745190234 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781555/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209564484.jpg?ts=1745190234 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781555/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209564484.jpg?ts=1745190234 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781555/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209564484.jpg?ts=1745190234 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781555/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209564484.jpg?ts=1745190234 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Liam Kyle / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Atkinson</td>
<td>Cleveland Cavaliers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.B. Bickerstaff</td>
<td>Detroit Pistons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ime Udoka</td>
<td>Houston Rockets</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ime Udoka is the only Coach of the Year finalist who was with his current team last season. In his debut year in Cleveland, Atkinson transformed the Cavaliers into a free-flowing juggernaut in the Eastern Conference, and with much of the same roster from last season. J.B. Bickerstaff, who Atkinson replaced in Cleveland, vindicated himself in the Motor City by winning 44 games with a Pistons squad that won just 31 in the previous two seasons combined.</p><h3>Clutch Player of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781556/cropped_GettyImages-2204207527.jpg?ts=1745190337" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781556/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204207527.jpg?ts=1745190337 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781556/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204207527.jpg?ts=1745190337 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781556/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204207527.jpg?ts=1745190337 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781556/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204207527.jpg?ts=1745190337 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781556/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204207527.jpg?ts=1745190337 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">AAron Ontiveroz / Denver Post / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Position</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic</td>
<td>Denver Nuggets</td>
<td>C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>New York Knicks</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>Minnesota Timberwolves</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The league's most recently introduced end-of-season honor recognizes those who made the most significant contributions in crunch time. It's no surprise then that all three finalists ranked inside the top 10 for total points in clutch games, which the NBA defines as contests separated by no more five points with five minutes remaining in the fourth or overtime. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> were Nos. 1 and 2 with 157 and 156 clutch points, respectively, while Jokic placed fourth with 140.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets look on during the game on March 10, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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<p>JJ Redick doesn't believe his Lakers were prepared for the Minnesota Timberwolves' physicality in Los Angeles' series-opening blowout defeat Saturday.</p><p>"It's not to say our guys weren't ready to withstand a playoff-level basketball game," the Lakers head coach <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1913798958964498477">said</a> following the 22-point loss in L.A. "We were mentally ready. I thought our spirit was right. I thought even when they made runs, our huddles were great. The communication was great. I'm not sure physically we were ready, if that makes sense.</p><p>"Really, when they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn't respond immediately to that. And then that stretch from the start of the second through four-to-five minutes to go in the third, we lost that stretch by 34. So that's a blowout."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The span in question resulted in the Timberwolves' largest lead of the game at 27 after a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69736" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69736">Naz Reid</a> three made it 88-61 with 4:23 left in the third.</p><p>The Lakers did mount a 17-6 run to close out the frame. However, Minnesota opened the fourth by making its first three field goals, including a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31118" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31118">Julius Randle</a> 3-pointer immediately after the Lakers had trimmed the gap to 12 - the closest Redick's squad came in the final quarter.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> suggested the Timberwolves' imposing style of play caught the Lakers off guard, but he said they shouldn't have any excuses come Game 2 back in L.A. on Tuesday.</p><p>"We know when you play this Minnesota team, you gotta be physical," James told reporters, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/MarkG_Medina/status/1913801992591589693">Mark Medina of Sportskeeda</a>. "That's what they bring to the table.</p><p>"Maybe it took us one playoff game to now get a feel for it and know to up our physicality, to up our intensity ... because that's just the way they play. We should be more than prepared for that on Tuesday night."</p><p>The 22-point loss is the Lakers' largest in the playoffs since the Golden State Warriors defeated them by 27 in Game 2 of the 2023 Western Conference semifinals. The last time they suffered a heavier margin of defeat in a series opener was in 2012 when they were blown out by 29 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semis.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during Round 1, Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 19, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Redick, LeBron: Lakers not physical enough in blowout loss to Wolves

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor is declaring for the NBA draft, the school announced Friday.  Proctor c...

<p>Duke guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103281" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103281">Tyrese Proctor</a> is declaring for the NBA draft, the school <a href="https://x.com/DukeMBB/status/1913381412314501294">announced</a> Friday.</p><p>Proctor confirmed he was moving on from the Blue Devils following three seasons with the program, a run coinciding with the start of Jon Scheyer's coaching career after he succeeded Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski.</p><p>"It's been an incredible ride with Tyrese Proctor. ... 89 wins he's impacted for our program," Scheyer said in a <a href="https://x.com/DukeMBB/status/1913383919149371600">video</a> posted by the school. "Really, came here at a time when he's playing for a guy that had never been a head coach before. And to see him this season, the way he shot the ball, and the way he defended, in particular, was as high of a level as any guard in the country."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIm23oeT7pY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIm23oeT7pY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIm23oeT7pY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Tyrese “P” Proctor (@tyrese4proctor)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The 6-foot-6 Australian started 38 games for the Blue Devils as a junior, averaging 12.4 points, three rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 40.5% on 5.8 attempted threes per contest.</p><p>Proctor is widely projected to be a second-round pick, though he could garner late first-round consideration.</p><p>He's the second Duke player to enter the draft this week following freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162168" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162168">Kon Knueppel</a>. Blue Devils teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> is all but guaranteed to be taken first overall June 25, although the touted forward has yet to officially declare.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 05: Tyrese Proctor #5 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball during the second half in the Final Four Game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

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Duke's Proctor declares for NBA draft

DeMar DeRozan acknowledged his offseason focus will be on maximizing future playoff success in a ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/470" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> acknowledged his offseason focus will be on maximizing future playoff success in a career he admits is in its final stages.</p><p>"I think for me, the realization of, I'm going into my 17th season. That's the reality of it," the veteran said Thursday after he and the Sacramento Kings were eliminated from the play-in tournament by the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>"For me, you don't have many opportunities left to give yourself a chance to compete in the playoffs, and that's all you kind of want at this stage of your career - just have a chance to get in there and see what happens. Not necessarily play in the play-in. For me, being in the playoffs the last couple years, it's not something I desire or not a goal for me. A lot of that will be on my mind."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>DeRozan, 35, joined the Kings on a three-year, $73.9-million contract in July as part of a three-team sign-and-trade involving the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs. Though he fared well individually in Sacramento, averaging 22.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, the team's campaign was thrown into disarray with the sudden firing of head coach Mike Brown in December.</p><p>Doug Christie replaced Brown on an interim basis and immediately won 10 of his first 12 games in charge. However, the Kings were unsettled again in early February when they sent franchise star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> to San Antonio in another three-team deal involving the Spurs and Bulls. Though that swap also reunited DeRozan with his former Bulls teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a>, Sacramento went just 16-18 after parting with Fox and never climbed above eighth in the Western Conference.</p><p>"I think it really won't hit me for the next couple days," DeRozan said when asked to gauge the team's year. "It's probably the most I've been through in my 16-year career. The season that we had, it was a lot.</p><p>"It's too hard to kind of fathom right now. But I'm pretty sure over the next couple of days, it will kind of hit - the reality of everything we all went through."</p><p>DeRozan is under contract with the Kings through his age-37 season in 2026-27. However, Sacramento's future plans at this point are unclear; the franchise mutually <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269288" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269288">parted ways</a> with general manager Monte McNair on Thursday and is reportedly set to hire former New York Knicks executive Scott Perry as his replacement.</p><p>The Kings could explore trading DeRozan with the goal of retooling the roster. They may also shift course to a full-fledged rebuild, with DeRozan, LaVine, and three-time All-Star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a> all being candidates to fetch significant returns via trade.</p><p> </p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 16: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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DeRozan to mull future, calls Kings' season 'most I've been through'

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been medically cleared of deep vein thrombosis in his rig...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> has been medically cleared of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912921505073356982">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Lillard remains out for Game 1 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. However, the 34-year-old is reportedly no longer taking blood-thinning medication and can resume contact workouts to ramp up for a potential return.</p><p>Lillard practiced Thursday, sources told <a href="https://x.com/sam_amick/status/1912921577085374972">Sam Amick of The Athletic</a>. A firm return date <a href="https://x.com/sam_amick/status/1912923589130719256">reportedly</a> depends on how his ramp-up proceeds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Bucks were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267854" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267854">reported</a> Tuesday to be optimistic that Lillard would be cleared to return this postseason. General manager Jon Horst said the guard's latest weekly scan showed significant improvement, though he hadn't been approved for contact at the time.</p><p>Lillard, a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, missed the team's final 14 games after a blood clot was discovered in his calf. He's the second player to receive a deep vein thrombosis diagnosis this season; San Antonio Spurs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a>'s season was cut short immediately following the All-Star break due to the same issue affecting his right shoulder.</p><p>Doctors informed the Bucks that they'd never seen someone recover from deep vein thrombosis in three weeks as Lillard has, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912921635537264998">Charania</a>, crediting early detection and quick treatment.</p><p>Lillard scored 24.9 points per game and added 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 appearances throughout his second regular season in Milwaukee, posting shooting splits of 44.8/37.6/92.1.</p><p> </p>

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 13: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 13, 2025 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE .

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Report: Lillard cleared of blood clot, can resume contact workouts

Auburn senior guard Chad Baker-Mazara announced Thursday he intends to transfer following two sea...

<p>Auburn senior guard Chad Baker-Mazara announced Thursday he intends to transfer following two seasons with the Tigers.</p><p>Baker-Mazura posted on <a href="https://x.com/ChadBaker2700/status/1912881663631048857">X</a>:</p><blockquote><p>First I wanna thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to do what I love but I wanna thank my teammates, coaching staff and the Auburn Family for the incredible support for this past two years! With this been said I would be entering the transfer portal.</p></blockquote><p>The Dominican Republic native was the second-leading scorer for Bruce Pearl's squad this season, averaging 12.3 points in 38 games. He led Auburn in steals with 1.2 per game while averaging 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists and shooting 38.1% from deep on 4.1 attempts per contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>As a freshman in 2020-21, Baker-Mazara played 15 games, starting all but two, for Duquesne in the Atlantic 10. He moved to the West Coast for his sophomore campaign, joining San Diego State for a year before transferring to junior college Northwest Florida State. He then enrolled at Auburn for 2023-24. He started in nine of his 35 appearances that season, averaging 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and a steal per game while shooting a team-high 41.8% on threes.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 05: Chad Baker-Mazara #10 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during the second half in the Final Four game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Florida Gators at the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

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Auburn's Baker-Mazara to enter transfer portal

The Sacramento Kings wasted no time making a leadership change after losing their play-in game We...

<p>The Sacramento Kings wasted no time making a leadership change after losing their play-in game Wednesday.</p><p>General manager Monte McNair and the Kings mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>"I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and the invaluable contributions he made during his time in Sacramento," Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/James_HamNBA/status/1912892972108255241">ESPN 1320's James Ham</a>. "He helped build a strong foundation for continued success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings quickly found a successor, finalizing a deal Thursday with former New York Knicks GM Scott Perry to replace McNair, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912904593534754826">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>. Perry ran the Knicks' basketball operations from 2017-23 following a brief three-month stint with the Kings' front office.</p><p>McNair took over as GM ahead of the 2020-21 season and signed a multi-year extension in January 2023, months before being named NBA Executive of the Year.</p><p>The 40-year-old was behind multiple high-profile acquisitions for the franchise, including the February 2022 blockbuster that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6364" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6364">Tristan Thompson</a> to the Indiana Pacers for a package centered around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a>.</p><p>Ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, McNair landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/470" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> from the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade as part of a three-team deal with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/25">San Antonio Spurs</a>. Those three teams swung another swap this past February, reuniting DeRozan with former Bulls teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> in Sacramento while sending star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> to San Antonio.</p><p>Under McNair, however, the Kings struggled to add impactful players through the draft.</p><p>Of the team's four first-round picks since 2021, only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102776" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102776">Keegan Murray</a>, the fourth overall pick in 2022, remains part of the team's rotation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96105" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96105">Davion Mitchell</a> (No. 9 in 2021), was sent away in a June 2024 move to dump Sasha Vezenkov's salary on the Toronto Raptors.</p><p>Last year's No. 13 pick, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121681" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121681">Devin Carter</a>, averaged 11 minutes across 36 games for the Kings as a rookie. He injured his shoulder in a pre-draft workout and missed the first few months of the season recovering from surgery. The Kings took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110269" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110269">Olivier-Maxence Prosper</a> with their first-rounder in 2023 (No. 24) but two weeks later traded the forward alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24525" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24525">Richaun Holmes</a> to the Dallas Mavericks for cash.</p><p>Sacramento made one playoff appearance under McNair, finishing 48-34 in 2022-23, but was eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round. It was the first time the organization reached the playoffs in 16 years.</p><p>The Kings went 40-42 this season and were eliminated from playoff contention after falling at home to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in game. </p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - JUNE 25: Sacramento Kings 2022 NBA Draft Pick Keegan Murray and General Manager, Monte McNair talks to the media on June 25, 2022 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE

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Kings mutually part ways with GM McNair, will reportedly hire Perry 

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III will miss the rest of the season after suffering a t...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96120">Trey Murphy III</a> will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder, the team announced.</p><p>Murphy suffered the injury in the first quarter of Monday's 127-81 loss against the Detroit Pistons. The 24-year-old's arm became <a href="https://x.com/TrendingSportsP/status/1901803453443199081">entangled</a> in the legs of Pistons wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110235" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110235">Ausar Thompson</a> after diving for a loose ball, causing a dislocation of his shoulder.</p><p>A subsequent MRI revealed the tears, the team said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Murphy emerged as a bright spot in a bleak Pelicans season that's been decimated by injuries. The 6-foot-8 wing came into Monday's game averaging career highs of 21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, and he's one of just six players on the team to appear in at least 50 contests this season.</p><p>New Orleans, which has already been eliminated from playoff contention, owns the fourth-worst record in the league at 18-51. The franchise controls its own first-round pick this summer, which currently stands a 12.5% chance of becoming the No. 1 selection.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 13: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 13, 2025 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Pelicans' Murphy done for season with torn labrum

No Nikola Jokic. No Jamal Murray. No problem.  Aaron Gordon scored a season-high 38 points and Ru...

<p>No <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>. No <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a>. No problem.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> scored a season-high 38 points and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> added a triple-double with 16 assists as the Nuggets fended off the Golden State Warriors 114-105 to end their winning streak at seven games.</p><p>Jokic was sidelined due to an elbow contusion and an ankle impingement, while Murray was out with left knee inflammation. The Nuggets were also without starting guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102793" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102793">Christian Braun</a> due to inflammation in his left foot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gordon, who missed Denver's 126-123 loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday with calf and ankle issues, shot 14-of-23 from the field, including 4-of-6 from deep. His 38 points are the most he's scored for the Nuggets since arriving in a midseason trade in March of 2021. It's also three points shy of matching his career high, which he set as a member of the Orlando Magic in October 2017.</p><p>The Warriors, meanwhile, struggled to find their shot, shooting a collective 24.2% (8-of-33) from beyond the arc. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> led Steve Kerr's squad with 23 points to go with eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block, but was just 1-of-4 from three. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> added 20 points and seven assists but also had an off-shooting night, going 4-of-14 from distance as part of an overall 6-of-21 performance while contributing seven turnovers.</p><p>"The right team won," Kerr said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1901860872500420738">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "We didn’t deserve that … We got what we deserved, for sure."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60530" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60530">Michael Porter Jr.</a> chipped in with 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the win, which kept Denver on equal footing with the Houston Rockets for the Western Conference's No. 2 seed. The Rockets temporarily pulled ahead earlier Monday with a 144-137 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers.</p><p>Monday's encounter was Denver's third game in four nights following a Friday-Saturday back-to-back at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards.</p><p>The Nuggets face the Lakers again Wednesday in L.A.</p><p>Jokic is building a strong case for a fourth MVP award in five seasons. The 30-year-old Serbian is averaging a triple-double of 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 1.8 steals, while shooting a career-high 41.3% from distance on 4.6 attempts per game.</p><p>Murray, meanwhile, has been one of the Nuggets' hottest scorers since the All-Star break. He's averaged 23.2 points per game in 13 contests and is hitting 46.7% of his threes.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 17: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 17, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Gordon drops 38, Nuggets snap Warriors' 7-game streak without Jokic, Murray

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal will miss at least one week with a hamstring strain, head coach M...

<p>Phoenix Suns guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a> will miss at least one week with a hamstring strain, head coach Mike Budenholzer said Monday, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/GeraldBourguet/status/1901790816944988611">Gerald Bourguet of PHNX</a>.</p><p>Beal sustained the injury Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>Monday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors will be the 21st game Beal misses this season. The 31-year-old was sidelined for five consecutive games in November with a calf injury and missed four straight contests in early February due to an ankle sprain. The Suns went a combined 1-8 in those games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Beal is averaging 17.3 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and one steal in 48 games this season (33 starts). He's also posting 50.5/39.5/81.3 shooting splits.</p><p>Phoenix could be without the three-time All-Star during a pivotal portion of its remaining schedule. The Suns sit 1.5 games back of the final play-in seed, which is occupied by the reeling Dallas Mavericks, and are home for five consecutive games, beginning Monday against Toronto. They host three of the East's top four teams - the Cleveland Cavaliers (March 21), Milwaukee Bucks (March 24), and Boston Celtics (March 26) - in the backend of the five-game homestand.</p><p>The Suns are also attempting to stave off a late-season push by the Portland Trail Blazers. Chauncey Billups' squad remains just two games adrift of Phoenix despite going 2-6 in March so far.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 14: Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 14, 2025 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Beal out at least 1 week with hamstring strain

The New York Liberty landed veteran guard Natasha Cloud from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for ...

<p>The New York Liberty landed veteran guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18106" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18106">Natasha Cloud</a> from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for first-round picks in consecutive drafts, the teams <a href="https://twitter.com/nyliberty/status/1901433842969301172">announced</a> Sunday.</p><p>New York is sending Connecticut the seventh overall pick in this year's draft and a first-rounder in 2026.</p><p>Cloud spent the 2024 campaign with the Phoenix Mercury after playing eight seasons with the Washington Mystics, which drafted her 15th overall in 2015. She started all 38 regular-season games for Phoenix last season, averaging 11.5 points, 6.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. She also earned a spot on the All-Defensive second team, marking the third All-Defensive recognition of her career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 33-year-old, who will likely fill the gap in the rotation created by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/15298" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/15298">Courtney Vandersloot</a>'s return to the Chicago Sky, provides the defending champs with more security behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27502" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27502">Breanna Stewart</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/55066" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/55066">Sabrina Ionescu</a>, . The duo led the Liberty to the franchise's first championship in 2024 and were complimented by a solid, defensive-minded supporting cast that included <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/21760" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/21760">Betnijah Laney-Hamilton</a> and former MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27540" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27540">Jonquel Jones</a>.</p><p>Connecticut acquired Cloud from Phoenix in February as part of a four-team blockbuster. That deal was headlined by the Sun sending five-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18102" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18102">Alyssa Thomas</a> to the Mercury following 11 seasons in Connecticut.</p>

COLLEGE PARK, GA AUGUST 21: Phoenix guard Natasha Cloud (0) reacts during the WNBA game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Atlanta Dream on August 21st, 2024 at the Gateway Arena in College Park, GA.

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Liberty acquire Cloud in trade with Sun

Cooper Flagg's ACC Tournament is officially over.  The star freshman will not suit up for Saturda...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a>'s ACC Tournament is officially over.</p><p>The star freshman will not suit up for Saturday's final against Louisville after sustaining an ankle sprain in Duke's quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech, head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Friday. </p><p>"All the imaging came back negative, but he sprained it pretty good," Scheyer said after the Blue Devils defeated rival North Carolina 74-71 to punch their ticket to the final, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44258036/cooper-flagg-doing-better-saturday-jon-scheyer-says">ESPN's David Hale</a>. "It's a good sprain. I'm not breaking any news. He's not going to play (Saturday)."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Flagg turned his ankle as he came down with a defensive rebound in the first half of Tuesday's matchup. He played just 15 minutes, finishing with two points on 1-of-7 shooting, but he pitched in with four rebounds, two steals, and a block.</p><p>The 18-year-old averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks during the regular season, helping the Blue Devils go 28-3 and set themselves up as the top seed in the ACC Tournament.</p><p>Duke will likely be named a regional No. 1 in the NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday regardless of Saturday's result. Scheyer said the team is prioritizing having Flagg healthy for the national competition, which could see Duke play again as soon as Thursday.</p><p>"Our goal is to have him ready for the tournament," the coach said. "But we need to see how this weekend goes with the swelling and what he can do."</p><p>Tuesday's win was Flagg's first - and likely last - appearance in the ACC Tournament. He's widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which will be held on June 25.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 13: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a quarterfinal game of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.