The Denver Nuggets announced Thursday they're removing the interim tag from David Adelman and mak...

<p>The Denver Nuggets announced Thursday they're removing the interim tag from David Adelman and making him their next head coach.</p><p>Denver was impressed with Adelman's work during his brief time as the full-time coach and moved swiftly to make him the permanent successor for Michael Malone, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1925628122164068687">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Nuggets shockingly parted ways with Malone just before the postseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Adelman subsequently guided the team to a 3-0 mark in the regular season and was one victory away from helping the Nuggets reach their first Western Conference finals since capturing the NBA title in 2023.</p><p>"I knew that (Adelman) was more ready than people probably thought," Nuggets president Josh Kroenke said. "David went above and beyond where I thought that he would be."</p><p>After Denver's season ended, Adelman received public support from multiple players, including three-time NBA MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> and starting forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a>.</p><p>Adelman served as an assistant under Malone since 2017. The Oregon native also spent five years with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a player development coach and one campaign with the Orlando Magic on Frank Vogel's staff.</p><p>Adelman's father, Rick, was an NBA head coach for parts of 23 seasons with five clubs.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 18:Head Coach David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Nuggets promote Adelman to head coach

New York Knicks wing Josh Hart says a lack of execution down the stretch allowed the Indiana Pace...

<p>New York Knicks wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30695" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30695">Josh Hart</a> says a lack of execution down the stretch allowed the Indiana Pacers to stage an improbable Game 1 comeback.</p><p>"Defensively, we let off the gas. The intensity and physicality weren't there," Hart told reporters after the Knicks' 138-135 overtime defeat, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45264106/knicks-acknowledge-let-late-game-1-loss-pacers">ESPN's Chris Herring</a>. "Offensively, we were playing slower and more stagnant. It looked like we were playing not to lose."</p><p>New York led Indiana by as many as 17 points, including a 14-point advantage with 2:51 to go and a nine-point edge with 58 seconds remaining in regulation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But a flurry of threes from Pacers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93847" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93847">Aaron Nesmith</a>, a late turnover from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a>, and a missed free throw from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a> paved the way for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>'s game-tying basket at the buzzer.</p><p>The Knicks appeared to right the ship in overtime when they scored the first four points, yet they squandered another opportunity to close out the visiting side.</p><p>Indiana now has three seven-point comeback wins in the final minute this postseason.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT 🔥<br><br>Down 17, 6:46 left in regulation.<br>Down 14, 2:40 left in regulation. <br>Down 9, 52 seconds left in regulation. <br>13 PTS in OT. <br><br>Aaron Nesmith with 6 3PM &amp; Tyrese Haliburton with ANOTHER clutch shot 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/NBWNhphPMl">pic.twitter.com/NBWNhphPMl</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1925398661053522169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"There's a lot of things we did good, and we put ourselves in position to win," said Knicks big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a>. "We played 46 good minutes. Those two minutes (are) where we lost the game, and that's on all of us."</p><p>The Knicks hope to avoid going down 0-2 when the Eastern Conference finals resume Friday at 8 p.m. ET.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 21: Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 21, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Hart on Knicks' Game 1 collapse: 'We were playing not to lose'

Former Kansas star Jacque Vaughn is returning to his alma mater as an assistant on Bill Self's co...

<p>Former Kansas star Jacque Vaughn is returning to his alma mater as an assistant on Bill Self's coaching staff, the Hall of Famer announced Wednesday.</p><p>Vaughn had a decorated playing career with the Jayhawks, earning consensus All-American second-team honors twice and Big Eight Player of the Year in 1996. His No. 11 jersey was retired by the program in December 2002.</p><p>"We're very excited to welcome Jacque and (his wife) Laura into the fold," Self said in a statement. "I've known Jacque from a distance for several years now and have always admired how he has conducted himself professionally and how he has treated people.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think he will be an excellent addition to our program while also serving as a great mentor, coach, and representative of Kansas basketball."</p><p>Vaughn was most recently the Brooklyn Nets' head coach, guiding them to a 71-68 record over parts of three seasons and a pair of playoff appearances.</p><p>The 50-year-old also had a three-year stint as the lead man for the Orlando Magic, posting a 58-158 mark.</p><p>Vaughn was previously an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich from 2010-12.</p><p>"I'm truly honored and overwhelmed with excitement to return to my alma mater and join Coach Self's staff as an assistant coach," Vaughn said. "The game of basketball has provided me the incredible privilege to mentor, coach, and compete alongside some of the best in the game.</p><p>"I couldn't pass up the opportunity to bring those experiences back to the school that means so much to me. It's a blessing to once again be part of the Jayhawk tradition."</p>

Boston, MA - February 14: Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn yells in the first half. The Nets lost to the Boston Celtics, 136-86.

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Former Kansas star Jacque Vaughn joining Self's staff

Anthony Edwards knows he has to be much better following the Minnesota Timberwolves' lopsided 114...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> knows he has to be much better following the Minnesota Timberwolves' lopsided 114-88 Game 1 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><p>"I definitely got to shoot more," Edwards told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45248300/optimistic-edwards-felt-great-wolves-game-1-loss">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "I only took 13 f-----g shots. ... Probably just get off the ball a little more, play without the ball. I think that will be the answer. Because playing on the ball, they're just going to double and sit in the gaps all day.</p><p>"So, got to go watch some film and pick it apart. We'll figure it out."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edwards managed just 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting to go along with four turnovers. It was the fewest field-goal attempts for the All-Star guard this postseason.</p><p>Edwards' bread-and-butter all season was his ability to get into the teeth of the defense. The 23-year-old averaged 8.5 points on 13.2 drives per contest during the regular season. He had just one field-goal attempt in the paint against the Thunder in Game 1.</p><p>Edwards credited Oklahoma City's defensive scheme for forcing him to become a passer.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31118" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31118">Julius Randle</a> was the only other T-Wolves player to register double digits in scoring, tallying a team-high 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting.</p><p>The Thunder's top-ranked defense held Minnesota to 29.4% shooting from deep and 34.9% overall.</p><p>"I mean, they clogged the paint," Edwards said. "That's what they do. They don't got much size down there, so they bank on us not making shots, I guess. Because every time I go to the rim, it's like four people in the paint."</p><p>The Timberwolves will try to avoid going down 0-2 when they square off with the Thunder again Thursday.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 20: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of the Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Ant shoulders Game 1 loss: 'I only took 13 f-----g shots'

Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised Aaron Gordon's effort for playing through a hamst...

<p>Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a>'s effort for playing through a hamstring strain in the team's 125-93 Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><p>"Gordon is incredible," Adelman said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SIChrisMannix/status/1924228163405758519">Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated</a>. "What he played with today, I don't know many people that would even attempt to go run up and down ... one of the most incredible things I've ever seen."</p><p>Gordon recorded eight points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes Sunday after being given the green light following the pregame warmup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The injury, which occurred during the Nuggets' Game 6 win, is a Grade 2 strain and will need several weeks to heal, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1924099706130514392">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> reports.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> led the Nuggets in scoring with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102793" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102793">Christian Braun</a> added 19 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> contributed 13.</p><p>Gordon was a key part of the Nuggets' playoff run, averaging 16.2 points, 7.6 boards, and 2.7 assists across 14 appearances. The 6-foot-8 forward had his share of clutch moments in this postseason, including a game-winning triple against the Thunder in the series opener.</p><p>Denver was scoring 28 more points per 100 possessions with Gordon on the floor in the playoffs entering Game 7.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 18: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder plays defense during the game against the Denver Nuggets during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Adelman: Gordon 'incredible' for playing through injury in Game 7

David Fizdale and James Borrego headline the list of candidates that have advanced to the second ...

<p>David Fizdale and James Borrego headline the list of candidates that have advanced to the second round of interviews for the Phoenix Suns' head coaching vacancy, sources told NBA insider <a href="https://youtu.be/cPcrziN8xso?si=2_ds5fzJ1Sk7Ksp3&amp;t=141">Chris Haynes</a>.</p><p>Fizdale has spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Suns. The 50-year-old previously served as head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, posting a 71-134 record over four seasons.</p><p>Fizdale's best campaign came in 2016-17 when he guided Memphis to a 43-39 record and a first-round playoff exit to the San Antonio Spurs. He won a pair of NBA titles in 2012 and 2013 with the Miami Heat as a member of Erik Spoelstra's staff.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Borrego served as an associate head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans last season. The New Mexico native was a longtime assistant in San Antonio for Gregg Popovich, including during the Spurs' 2005 and 2007 championship runs.</p><p>Borrego previously went 138-163 over four seasons as the lead man for the Charlotte Hornets. He was reportedly among the Los Angeles Lakers' head coaching targets a year ago before ultimately losing the job to JJ Redick.</p><p>Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sean Sweeney of the Dallas Mavericks, Dave Bliss of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Steve Hetzel of the Brooklyn Nets, and Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott are the other candidates on the Suns' shortlist, adds Haynes.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 03: Assistant coach David Fizdale of the Phoenix Suns looks on before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.

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Report: David Fizdale, Pelicans' Borrego on Suns' head coach shortlist

Stephanie White is exactly where she's supposed to be.  The new Indiana Fever head coach had many...

<p>Stephanie White is exactly where she's supposed to be.</p><p>The new Indiana Fever head coach had many reasons to return home for a second stint after splitting with the Connecticut Sun last October.</p><p>White starred for Purdue during its national championship run in 1999, played four seasons for the Fever, and later guided her home-state WNBA team to the 2015 Finals in her first season as a head coach.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But the prospect of coaching a rising contender led by superstar Caitlin Clark stood out most as White contemplated her next stop.</p><p>"Part of filling your cup in coaching is not just working with great players and working with great people, but it's how they go to work and how they show up … This is a competitive group. This is a selfless group. This is a high-energy group. That fills our cup every day," White told theScore during the Fever's season launch press conference.</p><p>White added: "I've been around a lot of different teams and there's just no greater compliment than to walk into work every day and knowing that you're getting your cup filled."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785822/cropped_GettyImages-2182322345.jpg?ts=1747339824" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785822/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182322345.jpg?ts=1747339824 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785822/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182322345.jpg?ts=1747339824 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785822/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182322345.jpg?ts=1747339824 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785822/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182322345.jpg?ts=1747339824 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785822/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182322345.jpg?ts=1747339824 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ron Hoskins / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Indiana president of basketball operations Kelly Krauskopf and general manager Amber Cox took a calculated approach to the offseason, surrounding their young core with veterans - specifically, ones with championship rings.</p><p>DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson have each won multiple WNBA titles and bring a combined 164 postseason appearances to the table. No player is as battle-tested as Bonner, the league's all-time leader in playoff minutes who trails only Diana Taurasi in points scored.</p><p>Last year's entire Fever roster entered their first-round postseason series against the Sun with 19 playoff games under their belts.</p><p>"The main thing we were lacking last year was (playoff) experience," Clark told reporters, including theScore. "Adding really great vets like (Bonner), Syd (Colson), and Tash (Howard) and putting that experience around us of not just being in this league, but also winning.</p><p>"They have the championship pedigree … and I think having their voices in our locker room and on the court every single day is what's gonna really help us."</p><p>Colson was part of the Las Vegas Aces' back-to-back title runs in 2022 and 2023. The 11th-year backup guard highlighted communication as a key component of those championship teams.</p><p>Colson fully grasps her role as a mentor, but she's also encouraging her younger teammates to express themselves.</p><p>"A lot of us vets, we're not really coming in and waiting to speak," Colson <a href="https://youtu.be/YCO6w4BvD1k?si=aH8MdO1RoDhjNbfg&amp;t=22">told</a> reporters at the team's media day in April. "You know that you have wisdom and advice to give and so you want to give it. But the beautiful thing is that our younger players speak too.</p><p>"It's not just if you're older, you get a say. Everybody has some knowledge to give, and we all respect one another's voices."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785823/cropped_GettyImages-2213831684.jpg?ts=1747340445" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785823/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213831684.jpg?ts=1747340445 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785823/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213831684.jpg?ts=1747340445 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785823/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213831684.jpg?ts=1747340445 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785823/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213831684.jpg?ts=1747340445 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785823/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213831684.jpg?ts=1747340445 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NBA Photos / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Clark emerged as one of the WNBA's new faces last year, becoming the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to earn an All-WNBA first-team nod. The Iowa standout also set a new single-game league record for assists (19) and led her peers in both dimes (8.4 per contest) and triples (122) during her Rookie of the Year campaign.</p><p>Clark's debut season was a smashing success, but the All-Star guard wishes she'd been more vocal.</p><p>"When you're the point guard, you've gotta be the strongest voice on the floor," Clark said. "I think at times that's where I struggled last year just coming in as a rookie. You don't know when to use your voice. You didn't know when to listen to your vets. You don't know the best way to handle a lot of those situations."</p><p>Like any player transitioning to the pros, Clark initially had trouble with the increased physicality and athleticism of the WNBA. Opponents often threw blitzes and double-teams at Clark in an attempt to wear her down.</p><p>All the contact Clark took while cutting through the lane or finishing at the basket added up as the season progressed. She's better prepared to handle the cumulative wear and tear after dedicating much of her offseason to the weight room.</p><p>"You can tell looking at her frame that she has more bulk to her. She has more strength to her," WNBA color commentator Rebecca Lobo told reporters, including theScore, during ESPN's tip-off media call.</p><p>Lobo added: "How much stronger is she going to feel come playoff time or nearing the end of the season because of the strength she put on and how she's able to absorb that contact a little bit better?"</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well someone’s been in the weight room 👀😮‍💨 <a href="https://twitter.com/CaitlinClark22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaitlinClark22</a> <a href="https://t.co/yBU8p7tp31">pic.twitter.com/yBU8p7tp31</a></p>— Bri Lewerke (@brilewerke) <a href="https://twitter.com/brilewerke/status/1898400024234492409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The supporting cast around the pre-existing core of Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell is stronger as well.</p><p>Free-agent signings Bonner and Howard give the Fever a pair of rim-running forwards to leak out in transition with Clark.</p><p>While Bonner and the departed NaLyssa Smith made a nearly identical percentage of their 3-point attempts, the former knocked down 44 more triples and is a threat from beyond the arc in pick-and-pop actions.</p><p>Sophie Cunningham, acquired from the Phoenix Mercury, adds another sharpshooter to the team's dynamic attack. The 6-foot-1 wing has drilled 36.2% of her threes since entering the league in 2019 and provides some much-needed offensive pop off the bench.</p><p>But Bonner, Howard, and Cunningham will likely make their most important contributions to the Fever at the other end of the court. Indiana finished second-last in defensive efficiency in each of the previous two campaigns. The Fever tallied the fewest steals and points off turnovers during the 2024 season.</p><p>Bonner remains a versatile defender despite earning her lone WNBA All-Defensive second-team selection a decade ago. The same can be said of the 33-year-old Howard, who earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2019. Cunningham has been lauded for her toughness and ability to guard multiple positions. The Fever also brought in Brianna Turner - a two-time WNBA All-Defensive first-team member - on a one-year deal worth slightly more than the veteran minimum. Turner likely won't play heavy minutes, but her shot-blocking and ability to play the four or five could be an asset in certain matchups.</p><p>"We have the deepest team probably that I've ever been a part of," White <a href="https://youtu.be/BldbL3xTwLU?si=WpB5owipRtmaEEwc&amp;t=471">told</a> reporters at media day. "It takes everybody and it takes sacrifice. There are players who probably should be in (the) rotation that might not be at times. ...</p><p>"Everybody's gonna have to sacrifice at some point for us to be as good as we can be. And so if you talk to people who've won championships, they talk about being stars in your role. They talk about playing outside of position. They talk about not being in rotation. We have players on our team that have won championships that have done just that."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785824/cropped_GettyImages-2212922787.jpg?ts=1747340713" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785824/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212922787.jpg?ts=1747340713 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785824/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212922787.jpg?ts=1747340713 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785824/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212922787.jpg?ts=1747340713 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785824/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212922787.jpg?ts=1747340713 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785824/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212922787.jpg?ts=1747340713 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Haynes / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Indiana's no longer flying under the radar, as Clark's rapid ascension put the Fever in position to aggressively pursue a title in just her second season.</p><p>The pressure is now on White and the players to deliver on those heightened expectations.</p><p>"We understand the spotlight," Clark said. "We understand people expect this team to win, and that's exactly what we want to do for our fans and for this organization. ... I wouldn't want it any other way.</p><p>"We get to show up every single night and there's people cheering for us. You get to play the game you love. If there is that pressure ... I think that's just something you embrace. That's always what I've always tried to remind myself over the course of my career. You just rise to the occasion because you wouldn't want it any other way."</p>

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Fever look to veterans for boost in Year 2 of Clark era

Jamal Murray had a gutsy performance Thursday with the Denver Nuggets' season on the line, battli...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> had a gutsy performance Thursday with the Denver Nuggets' season on the line, battling through an illness to lead his club to a 119-107 Game 6 win over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><p>Murray tallied 25 points, eight boards, and seven assists in a game-high 42 minutes after being listed as questionable earlier in the morning.</p><p>"Jamal is just a different cat," Nuggets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110279" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110279">Julian Strawther</a> told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45171218/jamal-murray-scores-25-nuggets-force-game-7-vs-thunder">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "He's wired differently. We know he's one of the toughest guys in the league."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Murray had treatment around the clock Thursday, including receiving intravenous fluids. The Nuggets guard said he had difficulty breathing at times during the contest.</p><p>Murray set the tone early with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the opening quarter. The Canadian later sparked a key 10-2 scoring run to end the third frame, converting a transition layup off a turnover and assisting on a trio of baskets from Strawther.</p><p>Murray led all players with a plus-28 rating.</p><p>"Once the game starts, the team needs you and the adrenaline kicks in," Murray said. "You see a couple of shots going in and you just suck it up and play through it."</p><p>The series shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 7, with the winner booking a spot in the West final against the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p><p>Denver last reached the conference finals two years ago during their inaugural title run, while the Thunder are seeking their first appearance in the third round since 2016.</p>

DENVER, CO - MAY 15: Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets plays to the crowd afte mimicking the foul-drawing body movements of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter of the Nuggets' 119-107 win at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The Nuggets forced a game seven in their Western Conference semifinal on Sunday at Oklahoma City.

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Nuggets praise Murray's gutsy Game 6: 'Jamal is just a different cat'

The WNBA is coming off its most successful season ever.  Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese both set l...

<p>The WNBA is coming off its most successful season ever.</p><p>Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese both set league records in their rookie campaigns, while A'ja Wilson became just the second player to unanimously win MVP.</p><p>The WNBA also shattered its previous attendance and viewership records, and the buzz carried into the offseason as numerous stars found themselves on the move.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are six storylines to watch when the new campaign tips off Friday.</p><h3>Aces go all-in on Loyd</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784208/cropped_GettyImages-2213268184.jpg?ts=1746479560" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784208/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213268184.jpg?ts=1746479560 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784208/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213268184.jpg?ts=1746479560 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784208/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213268184.jpg?ts=1746479560 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784208/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213268184.jpg?ts=1746479560 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784208/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213268184.jpg?ts=1746479560 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Las Vegas Aces are betting that Jewell Loyd's 2024 campaign was just an anomaly. The Aces acquired the six-time All-Star in a three-team trade that sent starting guard Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks. Loyd's scoring dropped five points from the previous season when she averaged a league-leading 24.7 points. The 31-year-old also shot a career-low 36% from the field, including a 27.4% clip from downtown.</p><p>Loyd is familiar with the Aces' core, having suited up for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics alongside Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young. Loyd won't have to shoulder as much of the offensive load in Las Vegas, but her shot selection needs to improve for this to be a success. Loyd's athletic finishing at the rim and ability to get to the charity stripe adds another dimension to an already potent Aces offense.</p><h3>Plum joins childhood team</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784217/cropped_GettyImages-2199280737.jpg?ts=1746483533" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784217/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199280737.jpg?ts=1746483533 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784217/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199280737.jpg?ts=1746483533 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784217/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199280737.jpg?ts=1746483533 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784217/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199280737.jpg?ts=1746483533 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784217/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199280737.jpg?ts=1746483533 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kirby Lee / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Plum attended Sparks games while growing up in the San Diego area. Her move to L.A. is a full-circle moment and addresses many needs for a squad in desperate need of an offensive boost. Plum provides stability at the point with her shot creation, playmaking, and sound decision-making. The former No. 1 pick drilled the third-most threes (110) last season and was 10th in scoring (17.8 points per contest).</p><p>While Plum mostly served as a secondary facilitator for the Aces, she's more than capable of running an offense. The Washington product has posted an assist percentage of 20% or higher in six of her seven seasons and ranks 10th among active players with a career average of four dimes. Plum's 3.44 assist-to-turnover ratio in 2018 trailed only Sue Bird.</p><p>Plum can push the ball upcourt in transition, orchestrate the pick-and-roll, and create clean looks for 3-point shooters off the drive-and-kick. Rickea Jackson's off-ball cutting and Dearica Hamby's prior chemistry with Plum from their time in Las Vegas will help maximize Plum's court vision. New Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts' up-tempo offensive system has Plum eager to get going.</p><p>"I think the most exciting part is obviously playing in space ... Everyone's a threat," Plum told theScore during a recent media availability. "In this league, you've gotta have multiple players firing on all cylinders to be extremely effective.</p><p>"I definitely understand there's a transition period with any offense that you enter in any sport ... But I do know that when it clicks, it's gonna be wonderful."</p><h3>Mercury's new Big Three</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785211/cropped_GettyImages-2214046541.jpg?ts=1747017638" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785211/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214046541.jpg?ts=1747017638 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785211/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214046541.jpg?ts=1747017638 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785211/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214046541.jpg?ts=1747017638 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785211/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214046541.jpg?ts=1747017638 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785211/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214046541.jpg?ts=1747017638 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kate Frese / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Phoenix Mercury didn't waste much time forming a new Big Three centered around Kahleah Copper. The front office added All-WNBA first-team forwards Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally in a four-team blockbuster deal following Diana Taurasi's retirement and Brittney Griner's departure in free agency. The significant splash puts Phoenix in a position to contend now, and the club's aggressiveness wasn't lost on Copper.</p><p>"I want to play with great players ... I want to win," Copper told theScore. "It means everything when they're willing to do whatever to put those great pieces around me."</p><p>Copper had a strong debut campaign in the desert last year, averaging a career-high 21.1 points and earning her fourth consecutive All-Star nod. She's one of the league's top scorers and will benefit from Thomas' elite passing. Sabally's 3-point shooting will draw opposing bigs away from the paint and create space in the lane for Copper to attack. The German's defensive versatility is also an asset in the club's switch-heavy scheme. All three players have grab-and-go ability in transition off a missed shot, which should help a Mercury unit that scored the fewest fast-break points last season.</p><p>Phoenix boasts the top-end talent needed to win a championship, but the pressure will be immense with Copper, Thomas, and Sabally all on expiring deals. Will a lack of depth be the team's downfall once again?</p><h3>Bueckers' transition to pros</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785386/cropped_GettyImages-2214193570.jpg?ts=1747141445" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785386/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214193570.jpg?ts=1747141445 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785386/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214193570.jpg?ts=1747141445 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785386/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214193570.jpg?ts=1747141445 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785386/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214193570.jpg?ts=1747141445 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785386/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214193570.jpg?ts=1747141445 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Gonzales / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Clark changed the Indiana Fever's fortunes when they drafted her first overall a year ago. Can Paige Bueckers have a similar impact for the Dallas Wings in her rookie campaign?</p><p>Bueckers will have every opportunity to leave her imprint on the game. She'll immediately slot in as starting point guard and gives the Wings their best floor general since Skylar Diggins. Bueckers' efficient three-level scoring and defensive playmaking will bolster a Dallas squad in need of help on both ends. The All-American guard even served as UConn's power forward for most of her junior year with the roster decimated by injuries. Bueckers says that experience helped her develop into a versatile defender.</p><p>"I can stay in there and guard fours, but it's definitely a different level of physicality and grown women strength in the fours here than the fours in college," Bueckers told theScore. "But it just adds another layer to competitiveness to make a point, that you want to prove that you can do it. So just wanting to get defensive stops and be able to guard one through five - probably not five - but we'll get there."</p><h3>Laney-Hamilton's absence</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784904/cropped_GettyImages-2178929317.jpg?ts=1746827139" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784904/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178929317.jpg?ts=1746827139 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784904/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178929317.jpg?ts=1746827139 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784904/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178929317.jpg?ts=1746827139 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784904/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178929317.jpg?ts=1746827139 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784904/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178929317.jpg?ts=1746827139 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Dow / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The New York Liberty will embark on their title defense without key starter Betnijah Laney-Hamilton after they suspended her contract for the 2025 campaign. The two-time WNBA All-Defensive selection was set to miss most if not the entire season after undergoing knee surgery in March. The move opens up a roster spot and provides an additional $185,400 in cap space for a potential external move.</p><p>Laney-Hamilton was often tasked with covering the opposing team's top perimeter threat. Those duties will now collectively fall on veteran floor general Natasha Cloud, second-year forward Leonie Fiebich, and ex-Chicago Sky guard Rebekah Gardner. Cloud was named to her second WNBA All-Defensive second team last season, Fiebich has the size and length to disrupt opponents, and Gardner is a multi-positional defender who registered the league's second-best steal percentage (3.3%) in her last healthy campaign.</p><p>Head coach Sandy Brondello knows it won't be easy to fill Laney-Hamilton's shoes. But she expressed full confidence in the options at her disposal.</p><p>"Gardner is coming back from a serious injury, but she looks great. So I'm excited to see her development as the year goes on," Brondello told theScore. "But (Cloud) is one of the greatest perimeter defenders I've ever seen in the WNBA. So I'm happy that she's on the Liberty now.</p><p>"And then adding the other pieces with the versatility of (Breanna Stewart) and (Jonquel Jones), I'm really excited with how we can continue to grow."</p><h3>Rookie head coaches</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784905/cropped_GettyImages-2185145866.jpg?ts=1746827202" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784905/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185145866.jpg?ts=1746827202 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784905/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185145866.jpg?ts=1746827202 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784905/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185145866.jpg?ts=1746827202 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784905/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185145866.jpg?ts=1746827202 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784905/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185145866.jpg?ts=1746827202 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Hagy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Over half the league will have a new voice leading the locker room after a flurry of offseason head coaching changes. Seven of the eight vacancies were filled by a first-time WNBA head coach, with the Fever's Stephanie White being the lone exception.</p><p>The Atlanta Dream's Karl Smesko and the Sparks' Lynne Roberts are making the jump to the pros after spending nearly the last two decades coaching Division-I basketball. Both are offensive-minded with an emphasis on high-volume 3-point shooting.</p><p>Chris Koclanes of the Dallas Wings specializes on the opposite end of the floor. He's previously served as Curt Miller's defensive coordinator during the latter's coaching stops with the Connecticut Sun and Sparks. Koclanes returns to the WNBA after spending the past two seasons on Lindsay Gottlieb's staff at USC.</p><p>The Chicago Sky's Tyler Marsh and the Golden State Valkyries' Natalie Nakase each spent the previous three campaigns on Becky Hammon's Aces staff. Marsh and Nakase also have prior assistant coaching experience at the NBA level and have been lauded for their player development during their Las Vegas tenure.</p><p>Sydney Johnson of the Washington Mystics and Rachid Meziane of the Sun round out the list of rookie head coaches. Johnson coached Princeton's men's program to an Ivy League regular-season title in 2011 and was an assistant with the Sky last season. Meziane served as head coach of the Belgium women's national team. He's spent the last 18 years plying his trade in his native France and was the 2023-24 EuroLeague Coach of the Year.</p>

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Plum's full-circle move to Sparks among WNBA storylines to watch

Another WNBA season is on the horizon after a busy free agency and multiple blockbuster trades in...

<p>Another WNBA season is on the horizon after a busy free agency and multiple blockbuster trades involving All-Stars.</p><p>Here's a look at how each of the league's 13 teams fared over the offseason.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="DREAM

" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OrgTx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OrgTx/4/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Atlanta undoubtedly upgraded its frontcourt with free-agent additions Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. The Dream finished ninth in points in the paint last season, and the All-Star duo gives the team a pair of bona fide post-up threats. While they're a questionable fit in new head coach Karl Smesko's five-out system, there's some optimism as Griner knocked down all three of her 3-point attempts during the preseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>On the flip side, second-round pick Te-Hina Paopao should feel right at home as a career 40% 3-point shooter, including an NCAA-leading 46.8% clip in 2023-24. The South Carolina product had a strong showing in Atlanta's preseason finale, making 3-of-4 attempts from deep in a 14-point performance.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="SKY" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fAN8e" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fAN8e/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Sky are much stronger at the point with Courtney Vandersloot returning to the Windy City after spending the past two seasons with the New York Liberty. Hailey Van Lith was selected with the No. 11 overall pick and will have an opportunity to learn from the veteran floor general in hopes of becoming the club's long-term solution.</p><p>Chicago also acquired Ariel Atkins from the Washington Mystics. The two-time All-Star guard gives the Sky a strong defensive presence and some much-needed outside shooting. However, the price was a bit hefty for a player on an expiring deal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="SUN" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4Tgv7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4Tgv7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Sun are in full rebuild mode after mutually parting ways with head coach Stephanie White and losing their entire starting lineup from last year's WNBA semifinal squad. Key reserve Marina Mabrey - their marquee acquisition at last year's trade deadline - could also be on her way out after requesting a trade in the offseason.</p><p>Connecticut brought in veterans center Tina Charles to guide a young locker room that features second-year guard Jacy Sheldon and first-round picks Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WINGS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ej2qh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ej2qh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Dallas struck gold in the draft lottery when it won the right to select Paige Bueckers with the top overall selection. The UConn standout fills a longstanding need at the point and gives the Wings another foundational piece to build around.</p><p>However, it wasn't all good news as the franchise dealt Satou Sabally to the Phoenix Mercury after the two-time All-Star expressed a desire to play elsewhere. Fortunately, Dallas managed to recoup DiJonai Carrington - the reigning Most Improved Player - former No. 2 overall pick NaLyssa Smith, and Tyasha Harris as part of the four-team blockbuster trade.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="VALKYRIES" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Nd3Vf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Nd3Vf/5/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Golden State was unable to reel in any of the top free agents despite having loads of cap space. Its most high-profile signing was Las Vegas Aces guard Tiffany Hayes, who'll likely be leaned on for her leadership and scoring punch. The reigning Sixth Woman of the Year isn't the only Aces connection as inaugural head coach Natalie Nakase spent the past three years on Becky Hammon's staff.</p><p>The Valkyries' expansion draft selections were highlighted by second-year guard Kate Martin and an abundance of veterans, including Kayla Thornton and Temi Fagbenle. The upside of first-round selection Juste Jocyte was well worth the gamble at No. 5 overall, but she's set to represent Lithuania at FIBA EuroBasket next month and isn't expected to play for Golden State this season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="FEVER" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xfjGq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xfjGq/4/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Caitlin Clark's extraordinary rookie campaign put the Fever in position to pursue a title in just her second season. Indiana's front office brought back the defensive-minded White from Connecticut for a second head coaching stint, re-signed Clark's backcourt partner Kelsey Mitchell, and added multiple veterans with championship pedigree.</p><p>DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Brianna Turner should strengthen the WNBA's second-worst defensive unit last season. Howard's rim-running ability is tailor-made for the team's up-tempo style of play. Meanwhile, sharpshooting guard Sophie Cunningham gives the Fever another reliable floor-spacing option.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ACES" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jJgAW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jJgAW/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Aces shook up their core after falling short of a three-peat bid, swapping Kelsey Plum for Jewell Loyd in a three-team blockbuster deal. Loyd is coming off the worst shooting season of her career, but is only two years removed from a scoring title. She brings a different element to Las Vegas' offense with her athletic finishing ability at the rim.</p><p>The free-agent signings of Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Dana Evans also add more offensive juice. Parker-Tyus provides another threat down low alongside A'ja Wilson, but the veteran forward will miss at least the first three months of the season because she's expecting her second child, according to <a href="https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/aces/exclusive-aces-free-agent-signee-announces-pregnancy-3346881/">Callie Fin of The Las Vegas Review-Journal</a>. Meanwhile, Evans could fill Hayes' role off the bench as a microwave scorer. Can all these new additions be integrated without disrupting the chemistry that's made the Aces so successful?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="SPARKS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BXrwa" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BXrwa/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Los Angeles' bold move to trade the No. 2 pick in this year's draft for Plum might have been the right call, especially with All-American floor general Olivia Miles opting for another year of college over the WNBA.</p><p>The Sparks ranked 10th in offensive efficiency, 3-point percentage, and assists last season. They now have an established point guard who can create scoring opportunities for herself and the talented frontcourt trio of Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Cameron Brink. While Plum is on an expiring deal, she's from Southern California and is willing to sign a long-term contract to stay close to home, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6090208/2025/01/26/kelsey-plum-jewell-loyd-aces-sparks-storm-trade/">The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="LYNX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-IH8Me" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IH8Me/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Lynx could very well be back in the WNBA Finals after falling one win short of their fifth title. Minnesota returns its entire starting five, as well as key reserve Natisha Hiedeman. Former No. 2 overall pick Diamond Miller might have an expanded role with Dorka Juhasz sitting <a href="https://lynx.wnba.com/news/dorka-juhasz-to-miss-2025-season">out</a> the 2025 campaign to "rest and recover" after playing year-round for the last two years. Miller flashed some promise during her WNBA All-Rookie Team campaign two years ago, averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 boards, and 2.5 assists.</p><p>The acquisition of Karlie Samuelson from the Mystics gives last season's top-ranked 3-point shooting unit another floor-spacing weapon. The Lynx also inked French center Marieme Badiane to a one-year contract to offset the loss of veteran big Myisha Hines-Allen.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="LIBERTY" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ax724" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ax724/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>New York is primed for another deep run with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones back together for a third consecutive campaign. The Liberty upgraded their backcourt by acquiring Natasha Cloud to replace Vandersloot. Cloud tallied the third-most assists (6.9 per contest) and earned her second WNBA All-Defensive second-team nod last season.</p><p>Marine Johannes also returns to the fold after sitting out the previous campaign to suit up for France at the Paris Olympics. The signing of Rebekah Gardner gives the team another reliable wing defender alongside Cloud in the absence of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. The Liberty are set to suspend Laney-Hamilton's contract to open up a roster spot and additional cap space. The two-time WNBA All-Defensive selection underwent knee surgery in March and was expected to miss most of the season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MERCURY" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Alh8K" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Alh8K/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>It'll be a new era in the desert with Diana Taurasi riding off into the sunset and Griner now a member of the Dream. Four-time All-Star wing Kahleah Copper will be joined by Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to form a new Big 3 in Phoenix. Thomas will assume primary playmaking duties and her screening will help free up Copper.</p><p>Meanwhile, Sabally's ability to step out beyond the arc at 6-foot-4 is a new wrinkle that Griner couldn't provide, and it should open driving lanes for Copper to exploit. The Mercury somehow managed to land Thomas and Sabally without giving up their first-rounder in the 2027 draft, which is expected to include JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="STORM" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hChiY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hChiY/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Seattle made the best of a tough situation, shipping out a disgruntled Loyd to the Aces in a multi-team trade that netted the No. 2 overall selection in this year's draft. The Storm subsequently used the draft pick on French phenom Dominique Malonga, who might have the highest ceiling in her class. Former MVP Nneka Ogwumike and versatile forward Gabby Williams were re-signed to solidify the club's starting five.</p><p>Malonga and Williams opted not to play for France at this summer's EuroBasket, ensuring that both players will be in the fold for the entire campaign. Veteran forward Alysha Clark is back for another stint, too, and should provide some much-needed floor spacing. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MYSTICS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-54FP4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/54FP4/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Washington began a complete rebuild in October when it parted ways with general manager Mike Thibault and head coach Eric Thibault. The Mystics then offloaded Atkins and Samuelson in separate trades that brought back multiple draft picks and a 2027 first-round pick swap.</p><p>The Mystics had a strong draft as they filled many needs with their trio of first-round selections. Sonia Citron should make an immediate impact with her 3-and-D skillset, while Kiki Iriafen is a post threat and boasts the athleticism to defend multiple positions. Georgia Amoore, the No. 6 overall pick, was arguably the best pure point guard available. However, she'll miss the 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury during training camp.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31284337/related

WNBA offseason grades: Mercury's new Big 3, Sun's mass exodus

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered an apparent right leg injury in the fourth quarter of M...

<p>Boston Celtics star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> suffered an apparent right leg injury in the fourth quarter of Monday night's 121-113 Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks.</p><p>Tatum sustained the injury while trying to secure a loose ball. The All-Star forward couldn't put any weight on his right foot and needed to be carried off the court.</p><p>Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said postgame that Tatum will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/GwashburnGlobe/status/1922117182986596530">Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jayson Tatum was helped off the court late in Game 4 after an apparent leg injury on this play. <a href="https://t.co/UF8D4mxqlo">pic.twitter.com/UF8D4mxqlo</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1922111572735865106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"The loss is the loss. More importantly, it's Jayson I'm worried about," veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12">Al Horford</a> told reporters postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/ByJayKing/status/1922118872653533315">The Athletic's Jay King</a>.</p><p>Tatum was having one of the best playoff performances of his career at the time of the injury. He had 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting to go along with eight boards, four assists, four steals, and two blocks in 40 minutes. </p><p>It was the fifth 40-point playoff game of Tatum's career. He also surpassed Derek Fisher for 12th on the NBA's all-time leaderboard for threes made in the postseason.</p><p>Tatum entered Monday's contest leading the Celtics in points, rebounds, assists, and steals through its first eight playoff games.</p><p>New York holds a 3-1 series lead heading into Wednesday's Game 5 clash in Boston.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is assisted off court after being injured against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City.

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Tatum carried off with apparent leg injury in Game 4 loss to Knicks

Stephen Curry is considered day-to-day after suffering a left hamstring strain during the Golden ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> is considered day-to-day after suffering a left hamstring strain during the Golden State Warriors' Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, coach Steve Kerr said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1919972526953845011">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>.</p><p>"He’s obviously crushed," Kerr said Tuesday. The Warriors coach added that Curry will get an MRI on Wednesday.</p><p>"We're definitely game-planning for him to not be available on Thursday," Kerr said, per <a href="https://x.com/BenGolliver/status/1919973372718403597">Ben Golliver of The Washington Post</a>. "We don't know yet. With a hamstring, it's hard to imagine he would play Thursday."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Curry grabbed the back of his left leg while on defense and then asked to be subbed out after making a basket on the next possession.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Steph Curry left hamstring injury. <a href="https://t.co/JrSjMIHemc">pic.twitter.com/JrSjMIHemc</a></p>— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/1919941589780021274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Curry has managed a knee injury throughout the campaign, while a pelvic contusion sidelined the All-Star guard for two contests late in the regular season.</p><p>The 37-year-old also re-injured his right thumb in the second-last game of the regular season and has been wearing a wrap around it during the playoffs.</p><p>Curry had 13 points in 13 minutes at the time of his departure. He entered Tuesday averaging 24 points, 5.9 boards, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals over his first seven postseason appearances.</p><p>There's only one day of rest between each matchup from Games 1 to 5. A potential Game 6 would happen three days after the previous matchup.</p>

Stephen Curry (30) heads back to the bench in the first half as the Golden State Warriors played the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Second Round of the NBA Playoffs at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

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Curry day-to-day after suffering hamstring strain in Game 1

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard sustained a torn left Achilles tendon during the club's Game ...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> sustained a torn left Achilles tendon during the club's Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Lillard underwent an MRI on Monday that confirmed the season-ending injury.</p><p>The injury <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3276132" href="https://thescore.com/news/3276132">occurred</a> midway through the first quarter as he attempted to secure an offensive rebound. Lillard immediately grabbed his left leg after falling to the ground and remained on the floor until a stoppage in play. The nine-time All-Star needed to be assisted off the court as he couldn't put any weight on his left foot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lillard returned in Game 2 after missing nearly one month of action due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.</p><p>The 34-year-old struggled in his brief return to the lineup, averaging just seven points on 22.2% shooting across three playoff appearances.</p><p>"A lot of people don't see what Dame had to deal with, but I've been around him every single day and it's hard," Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> told reporters postgame Sunday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6316705/2025/04/27/damian-lillard-out-game-4-bucks-pacers/">Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Tobias Bass of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>"It's hard being in his position, but he's one of the toughest, mentally toughest guys I've ever been around and that's why he is who he is, and I think he's going to overcome every obstacle that's going to be in front of him. Everybody's going to be there for him. No matter what the obstacle is for him, he's going to overcome and we're going to help him overcome."</p><p>Lillard tallied 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 boards, and 1.2 steals over 58 appearances this season.</p><p>He's under contract through next season and has a $58.5-million player option for 2026-27.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 27: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks is helped off 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 diagnosed with torn Achilles

Andrej Stojakovic, son of former Sacramento Kings star Peja Stojakovic, will suit up for Illinois...

<p>Andrej Stojakovic, son of former Sacramento Kings star Peja Stojakovic, will suit up for Illinois next season, he announced Monday on social media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/KcTNfHTHcq">pic.twitter.com/KcTNfHTHcq</a></p>— Andrej Stojaković (@AndrejSto2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrejSto2/status/1916900508884996128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Andrej Stojakovic committed to the Fighting Illini over North Carolina and Stanford.</p><p>The 6-foot-7 wing is fresh off a breakout sophomore year with California, averaging 17.9 points, 4.7 boards, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks over 29 appearances. He was named to the All-ACC Tournament first team after dropping 33 points per contest across a pair of games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Stojakovic entered the portal after the 2024-25 campaign.</p><p>"I think the main reasons were pretty clear to my inner circle as a basketball fit," Stojakovic told <a href="https://www.espn.com/espngamer/ncb/story/_/id/44903078/andrej-stojakovic-son-peja-tops-portal-picks-illini">ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Jonathan Givony</a>. "Coach (Brad) Underwood has been very aggressive recruiting me from the start and constantly reiterating how much I'm wanted and needed as a basketball player there.</p><p>"They really believe I'm the missing piece to what they think is a national championship team."</p><p>Stojakovic was a top-25 recruit and McDonald's All-American coming out of high school. He spent his freshman year at Stanford before making the move to Cal.</p><p>Stojakovic joins a Fighting Illini program that has a strong track record with bigger playmakers and international prospects. He's projected to have a major role this upcoming season with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121809" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121809">Kasparas Jakucionis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121811" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121811">Will Riley</a> heading to the NBA.</p><p>Illinois lost to Kentucky in the second round of this year's NCAA Tournament.</p>

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 15: Andrej Stojakovic #2 of the California Golden Bears attempts a three-point shot against the North Carolina Tar Heelsduring the game at the Dean E. Smith Center on January 15, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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Andrej Stojakovic, son of ex-Kings star Peja, commits to Illinois

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was voted the 2024-25 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Yea...

<p>Golden State Warriors guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> was voted the 2024-25 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, the league announced Monday.</p><p>He's the first Warriors player to win the annual award, which recognizes selfless play, leadership on and off the court, and commitment to their team.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your 2024-25 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year,<br>Stephen Curry 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/VWyhDloZRw">pic.twitter.com/VWyhDloZRw</a></p>— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) <a href="https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1916932553170407479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24302" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24302">Steven Adams</a> of the Houston Rockets and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> of the New York Knicks came second and third, respectively.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Twelve players - six from each conference - are nominated by a panel of NBA executives, and the winner is chosen by their peers.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>1st-place Votes</th>
<th>Total Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Curry</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>1257</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steven Adams</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>1237</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>925</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DeAndre Jordan</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>897</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nicolas Batum</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>868</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Association also donates $25,000 to a charity of the recipient's choice.</p><p>Curry averaged 24.5 points, six assists, and 4.4 boards across 70 regular-season appearances this season. He also shot a league-best 93.3% from the charity stripe.</p>

Stephen Curry (30) claps and urges on the crowd in the second half as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in the NBA play-in game at Chase Center in San Francisco, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31130359/related

Curry named Teammate of the Year

Ex-Auburn wing Chad Baker-Mazara committed to USC, he announced Monday on social media.          ...

<p>Ex-Auburn wing Chad Baker-Mazara committed to USC, he announced Monday on social media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_mBIBxVSG/?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/DI_mBIBxVSG/?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/DI_mBIBxVSG/?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 Chad Baker-Mazara (@cbuckets27)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Baker-Mazara spent the last two seasons with the Tigers. The 25-year-old played a key role on last season's Final Four squad, averaging 12.3 points and shooting 38.1% from distance across 38 appearances.</p><p>His strong performance earned Baker-Mazara All-SEC third-team honors and a finalist nod for the Julius Erving Award, which annually recognizes the top small forward in college basketball.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He also had stints with Duquesne, San Diego State, and Northwest Florida State. He was the Mountain West Conference's Sixth Man of the Year in 2022.</p><p>Baker-Mazara is the Trojans' seventh transfer addition this offseason.</p><p>A few hours after his post, Cal State Northridge transfer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/111433" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/111433">Keonte Jones</a> announced he was no longer joining the Trojans.</p><p>"After much thought, I have decided to decommit from the University of Southern California. Thank you to USC for the opportunity," Jones <a href="https://x.com/Jelly_Keonte/status/1916908983052603505">wrote</a> on social media.</p><p>USC went 17-18 in its first season under Eric Musselman and missed its second consecutive NCAA Tournament.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 05: Chad Baker-Mazara #10 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during the first 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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<p>Cleveland Cavaliers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> missed Saturday's 124-87 Game 3 win over the Miami Heat due to a sprained left toe.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93904" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93904">Sam Merrill</a> took Garland's spot in the starting lineup and went scoreless in 19 minutes of action.</p><p>It's unclear when Garland suffered the injury, but he missed a pair of regular-season contests down the stretch with the same ailment.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cleveland went 4-3 this season with Garland sidelined.</p><p>Garland averaged 24 points and seven assists in the first two games of the series. The Cavs also scored 3.7 more points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor.</p><p>Garland was 12th in the Association in assists (6.7 per contest) during the regular season.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 23: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court during the second half of game two of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena on April 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Heat 121-112.

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60234" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60234">Gary Trent Jr.</a> made an instant impact in his first start of the series, dropping a playoff career-high 37 points in the Milwaukee Bucks' 117-101 Game 3 win over the Indiana Pacers.</p><p>The Bucks guard did most of his damage from downtown, knocking down nine threes to tie Ray Allen's single-game franchise playoff record.</p><p>"It's really a blessing, a testament to my hard work and everything that I put into it," Trent told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44860278/gary-trent-jr-ties-franchise-mark-9-3s-lift-bucks">ESPN's Jamal Collier</a>. "A big fan of Ray Allen as a kid, I watched him accomplish great things as a Buck, as a Celtic, just followed his whole career, the way he shot the basketball.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"So, to be in that group, your name near him as a shooter, it's a great thing for me. It's a testament to just keep going and keep going."</p><p>Milwaukee's starters have struggled against the Pacers, except for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>. The Greek Freak was the only Bucks player in the first five to tally double digits in scoring in Game 1.</p><p>Antetokounmpo had more support in the next contest, but it wasn't enough to avoid going down 0-2 in the series.</p><p>Trent's offensive outburst was needed in Game 3. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/300" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/300">Brook Lopez</a> went scoreless and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> is still working his way back into game condition after missing one month due to a blood clot. The Duke product scored 18 points in the third quarter as the Bucks outscored the Pacers 39-18 in the frame and erased a 10-point halftime deficit.</p><p>Trent and Antetokounmpo are the first pair of Bucks players to each score at least 35 points in a postseason contest, per ESPN Research.</p><p>"It's almost like a fulfilling feeling," Trent said. "I put in a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of hours. I sacrifice a lot of things going into this. But again, the cream always rises to the top and continue to keep working and it should showcase itself when the opportunity presents itself."</p><p>Milwaukee can tie the series at two games apiece with a win Sunday evening in Game 4.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 25: Gary Trent Jr. #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks makes a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of game three of the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 25, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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<p>Boston Celtics star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> was critical of the referees for continuing to allow the Orlando Magic to play an overly physical brand of basketball.</p><p>"There might be a fight break out or something because it's starting to feel like it's not even basketball, and the refs are not controlling their environment," Brown told reporters, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44861538/after-game-3-loss-celtics-again-question-magic-physical-play">ESPN's Baxter Holmes</a>, after the Celtics' 95-93 Game 3 loss Friday night to the Magic.</p><p>"So it is what it is. If you want to fight it out, we can do that. We can fight to see who goes to the second round."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Orlando has been assessed three flagrant-1 fouls in as many games. The latest incident occurred early in the second quarter of Game 3 when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93882" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93882">Cole Anthony</a> fouled Brown hard as he attempted to go up for a basket.</p><p>Brown immediately grabbed his left hand as he writhed on the floor in pain. The reigning Finals MVP stayed in the contest but revealed postgame that he dislocated his left index finger on the play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DwIXFRJDvAM?si=pFEdLxUSaBc1IeFJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>"They got away with a lot," Brown said. "So if you get away with it, I would do it too. That definitely affected us, but we'll be ready for Game 4."</p><p>The series resumes at 7 p.m. ET Sunday with the Celtics up 2-1.</p>

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 25: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic during the first half in Game 3 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at the Kia Center on April 25, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Celtics 95 to 93.

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