18 articles
The Blazers are showing newfound grit and maturity as the playoffs near, transforming into a team that can close out games. Players discuss their development, international backgrounds, and the team's strong finish to the season.
The 'Inside the NBA' crew dissects MVP debates, player rest controversies, and playoff scenarios as the NBA season concludes. Barkley champions Wembanyama and Brown for MVP, while the panel clashes over tanking and the importance of playing 82 games.
Forward Cam Johnson believes the Denver Nuggets are hitting their stride and still have a higher ceiling to reach. He highlighted the team's poise in overcoming a hot-shooting opponent, showcasing their depth and resilience. The potential return of P.J. Washington further boosts Denver's playoff outlook.
Stephen Curry is set to return Sunday against the Rockets after a long absence due to injury. Meanwhile, the MVP race is heating up, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominating a recent straw poll with 88 first-place votes. Other NBA news includes the Cavaliers clinching a playoff spot and the Spurs extending their winning streak.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a victory over the New York Knicks, exposing defensive struggles and raising concerns about the Knicks' readiness for the playoffs. Analysts question New York's identity and consistency.
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung, raising serious concerns about his return and the team's championship hopes. While doctors believe it's a mild case, the injury will sideline him for weeks, potentially impacting their playoff seeding and aspirations.
Stephen A. Smith and Charles Barkley clash over the Los Angeles Lakers' contender status. Smith argues a top-three seed and strong post-deadline performance qualify them, while Barkley dismisses home-court advantage as insufficient proof of championship potential.
Charles Barkley's worst nightmare is the Lakers becoming contenders, sparking a fiery debate with Stephen A. Smith. Smith argues that a top-three seed and the team's post-trade deadline performance, including strong three-point shooting and elite play from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, prove their contender status.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff hopes are being closely scrutinized due to Jaylen Williams' lingering hamstring injury. Analysts debate the team's competitiveness without him, stressing the need for clear communication on his recovery timeline.
Isaiah Hartenstein described a chaotic, game-tying rebound in Game 2 against the Sixers as 'almost championship level.' The play led to Dante DiVincenzo's improbable shot, sending the game into overtime and giving the Knicks a 2-0 series lead.
