8:00 AM ET It’s no coincidence that in the same year the NBA is celebrating its 75th anniversary, the league is unveiling an ensemble of trophies and awards that will feature new designs and will honor iconic players such as Larry Bird, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson. During the conference finals, which
NBA
12:34 PM ET PHILADELPHIA — Pat Riley has already earned enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame, but Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra believes his longtime boss belongs in even more exclusive company. “Pat is on the Mount Rushmore of executives,” Spoelstra said Thursday, in advance of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against
10:00 AM ET All odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook. What you need to know for today’s playoff games Collaborative Creation: Kyle Lowry has been ruled out for Game 6 in Philadelphia, meaning Jimmy Butler could flash serious passing potential as the Miami’s lead distributor. Butler paced the team with 38 passes in Game 5.
8:00 AM ET PHOENIX — Fifteen minutes remain before tipoff inside Phoenix’s Footprint Center, and Deandre Ayton is on all fours outside the locker room, barking like a dog. “I’m the big dog,” Ayton specifies. “Without the leash.” But before Ayton can complete his center-to-canine transformation, a chaotic yet beautifully orchestrated few minutes ensue inside
3:26 AM ET MEMPHIS — Moments after the Grizzlies pummeled the Golden State Warriors to keep their season alive, Ja Morant started a chant that gained some steam among his teammates. The injured Morant repeatedly chanted, “Grizz in seven,” after Memphis routed Golden State 134-95 in Game 5 on Wednesday night to send the Western
1:13 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN BOSTON — The Milwaukee Bucks leaned on their championship pedigree in Game 5 on Wednesday night, rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to escape Boston with a 110-107 victory against the Celtics and take a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The winner of Game 5 in a
9:39 PM ET The Los Angeles Lakers have been granted permission to interview Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson for the franchise’s coaching job, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The Lakers have been methodically meeting with candidates in recent weeks and plan to talk with Atkinson in the near future, sources said. Atkinson built a
1:32 AM ET BOSTON — The relationship between Giannis Antetokounmpo and teammate Khris Middleton, now nine years in, is well known for its depth and trust. But about that Jrue Holiday relationship … “It’s blooming, it’s blooming!” Antetokounmpo said after the Milwaukee Bucks finished off a jaw-dropping display of clutch play in stealing a 110-107
12:45 AM ET Brianna Williams The Golden State Warriors entered Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals up 3-1, with a chance to end the Memphis Grizzlies‘ playoff run. Ahead of the potential series closer, Stephen Curry gave Kendra Andrews some insight on Golden State’s mentality, saying: “Whoop that trick! That is our game plan.”
7:54 PM ET Brianna Williams Some players spend their offseasons in Cancun, Mexico. Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who officially won a second straight NBA Most Valuable Player trophy, goes to Sombor, Serbia. Despite Denver’s first round playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors, the 27-year-old Serbian native put together an impressive season, leading the