Latest news with #EasternConferencePlayoffs
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Knicks Duo Joins Kobe, Shaq With Record Setting Performance Thursday
Knicks Duo Joins Kobe, Shaq With Record Setting Performance Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Knicks extended their Eastern Conference Playoffs series against the Indiana Pacers with a 111-94 win at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, giving Tom Thibodeau's team a chance to even things up at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday. Advertisement The game included stellar performances from Knicks stars Karl Anthony-Towns and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 56 points in the Big Apple. Brunson and Towns' performances put the Knicks duo in the NBA record books alongside Lakers legends Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, a testament to their considerable talents. Brunson and Towns scored 20-plus points during each of the Knicks' first five games of their conference series, making them the only duo to accomplish the feat since O'Neal and Bryant during the Western Conference Finals in 2002 against the Sacramento Kings. Jalen Brunson snags the ball against Indiana on Thursday night. © Brad Penner-Imagn Images Fellow Lakers duo Elgin Baylor and Jerry West also scored 20-plus points in five straight games against the St. Louis Hawks during the 1966 Western Division Finals. Advertisement Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart added 12 points apiece to help lead the Knicks in their win, sending the series back to Indianapolis for what will be another must-win game for coach Thibodeau's team. The Knicks held star Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton to just eight points on Thursday. Benndict Mathurin scored 23 points to pace the Pacers while Pascal Siakim added 15 points and Obi Toppin added 11 points. Haliburton smiled while walking off the court, a sign that he remains confident in the Pacers' chances heading into Game 6 Saturday night. Towns complimented the Knicks' support players after the game alongside the NBA on TNT crew, a sign of the team's cohesiveness heading into Saturday night's contest. Advertisement Related: Charles Barkley Reveals What 'Drives Him Crazy' About Jalen Brunson's Knicks Teammates Related: Charles Barkley Reveals Nine-Word Phrase That Caused Julius Erving to Fight Larry Bird This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers Listed as Potential Landing Spot For All-Star Center
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As the Los Angeles Lakers get ready to fully embrace the offseason, the roster has one big glaring need. This would be a center, and every other team in the NBA knows this. More NBA news: Lakers Could Be in Position to Land Perfect Luka Doncic Co-Star Due to this, it could cause some issues for Los Angeles as it tries to navigate the situation. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka will need to get clever in adding talent to this roster, specifically in upgrading the frontcourt. Los Angeles has been linked with all sorts of players already, but they are now being listed as a potential landing spot for an All-Star big. According to NBA writer Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers is a dream trade target for the Lakers. Allen could check a lot of boxes for the Lakers and would complement star guard Luka Doncic very well. But what the Lakers could offer Cleveland would remain to be seen due to their limited tradeable assets. CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 23: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the Eastern Conference... CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 23: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. More Photo byHowever, Cleveland will be entering an interesting offseason after an early playoff exit. There have already been reports coming out about Allen potentially being available on the trade market. More NBA news: Cavaliers Trade Proposal Has Darius Garland Land With Surprising Rival Cavaliers insider Chris Fedor reported that Cleveland would at least consider moving Allen this offseason. This is where the Lakers could strike gold due to the struggles that Cleveland saw in the postseason. "I think the two untouchables are Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley," Cavs insider Chris Fedor said. "I have been getting the sense that the Cavs would be more willing to entertain and at least consider possibilities for Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland than they have in the past." Allen averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. The big man would be perfect playing with Doncic and LeBron James, giving them a rim-running, lob-threat on offense. Defensively, Allen could hold his own and give Los Angeles a solid rebounder as well. The Lakers could make a push to land Allen, and if they were to agree on a deal, it could make all the difference in how next season plays out. More NBA news: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Shoe Brand Takes Massive Shot at Anthony Edwards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Could Match LeBron James, Steph Curry NBA Finals Feat For more on the Lakers, Cavaliers, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Smart drafting and strategic player development shaped core of the Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers celebrate the win after game 7 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs (Credit: Getty Image) The Florida Panthers' rise to the top of the Eastern Conference did not happen overnight It started with foundational draft picks. Notably Aleksander Barkov in 2013 and Aaron Ekblad in 2014. As both players became cornerstones, evolving into leaders on and off the ice. Also, Anton Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich, selected in 2020 and 2021 respectively, added fresh talent and depth to the lineup. These homegrown players reflect the team's strong development pipeline. Impact trades and experienced signings, transformed the roster The Florida Panthers are the 2023-2024 Eastern Conference Champions! While the draft laid the foundation, Florida's front office made critical trades. The signings to complete the picture. Matthew Tkachuk, acquired in a blockbuster deal with Calgary in 2022. This added elite offensive firepower. Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart were also key acquisitions who now play central roles in the team's offensive structure. Deadline additions like Brad Marchand and Nico Sturm brought in proven playoff experience. In total, seven playoff contributors were added via trade and eleven more through free agency. Notably, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. He signed in 2019, remains a key figure in net. Veteran coaching and front office, leadership delivered results The Florida Panthers celebrate the win after game 7 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs (Credit: Getty Image) Behind the bench, Paul Maurice provided consistency and structure. Since his hiring in 2022, his calm demeanor and decades of coaching experience. This helped guide the Panthers through tight playoff battles, also assistant coaches like Tuomo Ruutu and Jamie Kompon added layers of expertise. Especially in special teams and player development. General manager Bill Zito has been the architect of this new era. Since taking over in 2020, Zito's smart roster moves, contract management, and long-term planning have turned Florida into a perennial contender. His ability to identify undervalued players, manage cap space, and build a culture of winning has been central to the Panthers' sustained success. Read more: Pyotr Kochetkov's life and personal achievements The Florida Panthers' Eastern Conference title is no accident, it's the result of methodical roster building, smart scouting. And a leadership group committed to long-term success, as they prepare for another Stanley Cup Final. Most of their journey offers a clear example of how an NHL team can be built the right way.
Newsweek
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Cavaliers- Pacers Game 1: Darius Garland Injury Status
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Cleveland Cavaliers will host their division rival, the Indiana Pacers, in the second round of the playoffs. Game 1 is upon us, and with plenty of rest between these two teams, we should expect a hard-fought and great series ahead of us. More NBA news: Blockbuster Trade Proposal Has Giannis Antetokounmpo Team Up With Joel Embiid The Cavaliers will look to make their first Eastern Conference final since 2018, when LeBron James led them. As for the Pacers, they will look to seek their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, as they fell short to the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics. This series is sure not to disappoint; however, the Cavaliers could enter this series with a. slight disadvantage. Cleveland's top guard, Darius Garland, enters this match listed as questionable due to a big toe sprain. Garland missed the last two games for the Cavaliers and will miss his third consecutive game. The Cavaliers have downgraded Garland from questionable to out. He will be sidelined once again. Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a foul call during the third quarter against the Miami Heat of game one of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena... Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a foul call during the third quarter against the Miami Heat of game one of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 20, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Heat 121-100. More Photo byDarius Garland (toe) ruled out Sunday. — Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 4, 2025 Sam Merrill will start in place of Garland. Garland participated fully in practice on Friday. At the time, head coach Kenny Atkinson called his star's status "up in the air." However, the Cavaliers are not comfortable enough to trot out their star guard for a very important Game 1. More NBA news: Former Spurs Champion Reacts to Gregg Popovich Stepping Down "The toe's a tough one," Atkinson said. "There's pain and all that. But the good thing, when we watch him shooting right now, he's moving well." The 25-year-old was fantastic in the two games he played against the Miami Heat, averaging 24.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 51.6 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. Over the course of the regular season, Garland suited up for 75 games and delivered steady production with 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per outing. As for this Game 1, the Cavaliers enter this one as the massive home favorites with a -8.5 spread. According to ESPN analytics, the Cavaliers have a 71.5 percent chance to start the series 1-0, while the Pacers have a 28.5 percent chance of taking a 1-0 lead. More NBA news: Nuggets' Russell Westbrook Shares Surprising Accountability After Game 7 Lakers Hold Private Meeting With Luka Doncic as Contract Rumors Swirl Former NBA Superstar Carmelo Anthony Taking on New Broadcasting Role Lakers Have Major LeBron James Problem Heading Into Offseason For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
In Pistons Game 6, Brunson flopped shamelessly, Cade Cunningham showed endurance
Although I am a resident of New York State, I am a Pistons fan. My family drove nine hours last fall to see the opening game against the Knicks. It was a bad loss for the Pistons, but I was impressed by Cade Cunningham's steely endurance and rooted for him and the Pistons the rest of the year, faithfully following each game and each utterance. I was upset by the officiating in this series. It seemed to all of us that the Knicks and particularly their star, Jalen Brunson, have perfected flopping. To their credit, the Pistons never flopped. I was happy to see one of the last calls for Brunson was overturned upon review. Hardaway never touched him, but once again Brunson flopped, and showed no shame. On the final possession, Brunson can be seen to grab Asaur Thompson's right elbow and fling him in order to make an uncontested three. True to form, the New York press glibly said that Brunson had "broken Asaur's ankles" or some such rot. I think it was an obvious foul. The last sequence in which we had one last chance for one of Malik's threes, did not come to fruition, sadly, or it may have altered the game. In spite of all the flopping, we still won two games and there is always next year. The world is tuned into the Pistons, and perhaps next year the officiating will be less obviously for the major market team, and Detroit's manly basketball will return to being the thing of beauty that it once was and will be again so long as this team remains assembled. Thank you, Pistons, for a magnificent year. Kirby Olson Delhi, New York Congratulations to the Detroit Pistons. This team that won only 14 games last year, tripled their wins, qualified as the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, and fought tooth and nail with the 3rd-seeded New York Knicks, before losing the series 4-2. The young Pistons could not overcome their playoff inexperience, the Knicks, and the referees. Even with all that, the Knicks had to fight to outlast the Pistons. I know Knicks fans don't want to hear it, but the referees admitted they blew the call at the buzzer in Game 4, which in effect awarded the game to the Knicks. That is an objective fact, and facts are stubborn things. Keeping it real, if the Knicks had lost a game due to a blown call, Knicks fans would have had plenty to say about it. That said, the Pistons lost the series. The loss stings, but my, what this young team will become. They are young and athletic, and will build on the playoff experience they gained. The Pistons will be a force in the league. They are on the rise. Thank you, Pistons organization, coaches, staff and players for giving Detroit and Michigan, a thrilling season. You represented the "D" extremely well. Earnest L. Robinson Jr., Esq. Southfield Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response. Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pistons got a bad deal in Game 6 of NBA playoffs | Letters
