Latest news with #TheFinals
The Hindu
08-08-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
NBA: Boston Celtics extends contract of head coach Joe Mazzulla
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Boston Celtics, the team announced on Friday. However, it did not reveal either the length of the deal or its monetary value. Mazzulla, 37, has compiled a 182-64 regular-season record and a 33-17 playoff mark in three seasons with Boston. The Celtics won the NBA title in 2024. He was the youngest head coach to win the NBA Finals since the 1968-69 season, when Bill Russell, then 35, led the Celtics to the NBA championship as a player-coach. 'We are very excited that Joe has agreed to extend with the Celtics,' said Brad Stevens, the team's president of basketball operations. 'He understands the job and has a passion for the Celtics that is only rivaled by our most die-hard fans. ✅ 2024 NBA Champion ✅ Youngest coach to win The Finals since Bill Russell ✅ Four-time Eastern Conference Coach of the Month ✅ 215-81 overall record (.726) ✅ Averaging over 60 wins a season Joe Cool is here to stay 😎 — Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 8, 2025 'He's worked hard and accomplished amazing things in his first three years as a head coach — including averaging over 60 wins per season and winning the 2024 NBA Championship. Joe is a gifted leader who brings a consistent commitment to learning, improving and maximizing each day we get to compete for the Boston Celtics.' A Rhode Island native, Mazzulla was a Celtics assistant coach for three seasons before taking the helm. 'This is truly a blessing,' he said. 'I would not be here without my faith, my wife and my children. We are thankful for the partnership with our ownership groups, Brad's mentorship and the support of our staff. Most importantly, I am grateful for the players I have been able to coach the past three seasons. I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston.' The Celtics will be a new-look team in the 2025-26 season. Jayson Tatum is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in the playoffs and could miss the entire campaign. The Celtics also traded away veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and aren't expected to bring back Al Horford.
NBC Sports
08-08-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Boston Celtics sign coach Joe Mazzulla to multi-year contract extension
We've got a few more years of nature documentary metaphors ahead of us now. Joe Mazzulla signed a multi-year extension to remain head coach of the Boston Celtics, the team has announced. We have signed Joe Mazzulla to a multi-year contract extension ☘️ This is truly a blessing,' Mazzulla said in a statement announcing the signing. 'I would not be here without my faith, my wife, and my children. We are thankful for the partnership with our ownership groups, Brad's mentorship, and the support of our staff. Most importantly, I am grateful for the players I have been able to coach the past three seasons. I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston.' This extension is not a surprise. Mazzulla was thrust into a tough spot when he took the job, replacing the suspended Ime Udoka first as the interim head coach, just days before training camp opened in 2022. Despite that, he has thrived in the role. Mazzulla led the Boston Celtics to an NBA title in 2024 and has had them at the highest levels of the sport since he took over. That earns a coach some extra years. ✅ 2024 NBA Champion ✅ Youngest coach to win The Finals since Bill Russell ✅ Four-time Eastern Conference Coach of the Month ✅ 215-81 overall record (.726) ✅ Averaging over 60 wins a season Joe Cool is here to stay 😎 'We are very excited that Joe has agreed to extend with the Celtics,' Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens said in a statement. 'He understands the job and has a passion for the Celtics that is only rivaled by our most die-hard fans. He's worked hard and accomplished amazing things in his first three years as a head coach — including averaging over 60 wins per season and winning the 2024 NBA Championship. Joe is a gifted leader who brings a consistent commitment to learning, improving, and maximizing each day we get to compete for the Boston Celtics.' The extension ends the speculation in Boston about his contract heading into a season where Mazzulla is likely to hear more criticism from fans and media than in the past. This is going to be a gap year for the Celtics, who will not be a bad team, led by Jaylen Brown, but will not be title contenders without Jayson Tatum (torn Achilles expected to keep him out most, if not all, of next season) as well as trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. This is no longer a deep team, it looks more like a play-in team, even in a down Eastern Conference. The Celtics have a 'no ceiling' mindset heading into this season, with the focus clearly on saving money now and then reloading for another title run in the 2026-27 season with a healthy Tatum. We now know that Mazzulla will be coaching that team as they try to get back to the mountain top.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Finals Season 7 Patch Notes (The Divide) - New gadgets, arenas, factions, and more
The Finals Season 7 has arrived, bringing a fresh wave of content, balance changes, and quality-of-life improvements. The latest update, titled The Divide, introduces new gadgets, sponsors, and a brand-new map, along with weapon adjustments and gameplay refinements. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Below is a complete breakdown of The Finals Season 7 patch notes . The Finals Season 7 (The Divide) detailed patch note: Everything new in the game The Arena is divided. Lines have been drawn. Now, it's time to pick a side. Welcome to The Finals Season 7! CNS has forcefully entered the spotlight, and VAIIYA is stepping up to counter them. On one side: precision, order, and machine logic. On the other: chaos, color, and glitchy defiance. Their conflict has fractured the Arena, creating a new map—now, you must navigate the aftermath. This season brings: - A new destructible map - Game-changing gadgets for each class - Bold cosmetics and expanded Battle Pass options - Fresh challenges and progression updates Whether you're here to dominate, strategize, or wreak havoc, The Divide awaits! The Rift Introducing NOZOMI/CITADEL, a stunning new destructible Arena split down the middle by The Rift. - VAIIYA controls one side with structured precision. - CNS dominates the other with vibrant chaos. - Between them lies a dynamic battleground, shifting from tight corridors to open combat zones. This map is the epicenter of rivalry, blending brutal architecture with reactive environments. New Gadgets in The Finals Season 7 THE FINALS Season 7 Early Gameplay - The Game Is THRIVING Again Three game-changing gadgets have arrived: H+ Infuser (Light) - Heal teammates by shooting them. - Precision matters—gratitude is optional! Breach Drill (Medium) - Stick it to any surface—it drills through, blinds enemies, then explodes. - Perfect for flushing out defenders. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Healing Emitter (Heavy) - Toss it near allies for sustained healing over time. - Watch out—enemies can knock it away! The Sponsors in The Finals Season 7 This season, you must choose a side between two sponsors: Vaiiya in The Divide - The Arena's digital shield, led by CEO Sal Scoria. - Focuses on cybersecurity, neural implants, and machine-augmented precision. - "Fight smart. Stay protected." CNS - A rogue collective exposing MultiCo's secrets. - Masters of hacking, corruption, and digital rebellion. - "They weren't invited. They broke in." Your choice lasts the entire season! The Finals Season 7 Battle Pass More Battle Pass options than ever before: Premium Battle Pass in The Finals Season 7 - 106 rewards (including bonus page) - 1,575 Multibucks Premium+ - 106 rewards + 20 instant level unlocks - 1,575 Multibucks Ultimate Battle Pass - 116 rewards (including 10 elite unlocks) - 2,575 Multibucks + 25% XP boost - 20 instant level unlocks Free Track - 26 unlocks, including the Mythic Devourer outfit - 375 Multibucks The Battle Past in The Finals Season 7 - Unlock Legacy Battle Passes from Seasons 1-4. - Earn exclusive legacy rewards with Show Tokens (earned by playing). Practice Range Challenges The Practice Range now features combat trials to: - Sharpen aim and loadout skills - Test against reactive dummies - Play solo or with a team Recruit & Rise New onboarding improvements: - Veterans (Recruiters) can guide newcomers (Prospects). - Earn rewards for helping Prospects advance. - Badge upgrades for successful recruiters. Easier Unlocks in The Finals Season 7 Everything New in Season 7 of THE FINALS - Reduced VR costs for items from Seasons 1-6 (now 500 VRs). - Increased VR earnings for new players (2,400 → 5,000). Badge Hunters Rejoice! - Faster progression in Quick Play & World Tour. - Less grind for higher ranks. QOL Improvements in The Finals Season 7 - Signature Stickers – Mark objectives with personal flair. - Deep Shuffle – Randomize weapon/gadget skins. - Console text chat now available. - Audio prioritization – Important sounds (like footsteps) won't get drowned out. Balance Changes in The Finals Season 7 Arena Carriables Item Changes Gas Canister No longer requires instant damage to trigger. Glitch Barrel Health reduced (75 → 50). Goo Barrel Health reduced (75 → 50). Goo blob health reduced (300 → 240). Healing Barrel Health reduced (50 → 15). No instant damage trigger needed. Powder Canister Health reduced (50 → 15). No instant damage trigger needed. Gadgets - Anti-Gravity Cube – Cooldown reduced (35s → 28s). - APS Turret – Now blocks 5 projectiles (up from 4). - Flashbang – Reduced effectiveness when looking away. - Goo Grenade – Goo wall size reduced (2x6 → 2x5). Goo blob health reduced (300 → 240). - Gravity Vortex – Cooldown reduced (24s → 20s). Weapons Weapon Changes 93R Magazine size increased (21 → 24). Cerberus Damage per pellet reduced (10 → 9). KS-23 Environmental damage increased (700 → 1000). LH1 Damage increased (40 → 42). M134 Minigun Environmental damage increased (25 → 30). Sledgehammer Primary attack damage reduced (115 → 100). Secondary attack damage reduced (200 → 154). Bug Fixes and Improvements in The Finals Season 7 - Animation fixes (vaulting, weapon inspection, ladder exits). - Audio prioritization (footsteps no longer get cut off). - Controller improvements (better aim assist for deployables). - Cosmetic fixes (clipping, texture issues, skin rarity updates). - Game mode adjustments (spawn zones, reconnection windows). - UI/UX refinements (spectator HUD, scoreboard fixes). Also read: The Finals Season 7: The Divide is a massive update, offering new content, balance tweaks, and quality-of-life enhancements. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, there's plenty to explore.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
All new gadgets in The Finals Season 7 - What they do, how to use, and more
DrillBreach in The Finals (Image via Embark Studio) Season 7 of The Finals has introduced a host of exciting new features, gadgets, and gameplay improvements that are set to change the dynamics of the game significantly. New Gadgets in The Finals Season 7 Season 7 brings three brand-new gadgets, each designed to enhance team play and strategic options across different player classes: - Breach Drill (Medium class): The Breach Drill can be attached to any surface, where it burrows through and detonates, dealing damage. Uniquely, it also emits a flashbang effect to blind enemies on the other side before the explosion, combining breaching and crowd control into one gadget. This makes it a powerful tool for Medium players, adding a strategic breaching option beyond existing gadgets like the Dematerializer. - H+ Infuser (Light class): This innovative gadget allows players to heal teammates by shooting them with the device. It requires precision aiming, as it is not a tracking heal, making skillful use crucial. This friendly fire healing mechanic is a fresh twist, giving Light players a new supportive role. - Healing Emitter (Heavy class): This throwable gadget creates an area near the squad that restores health over time. It extends healing capabilities to Heavy players, balancing the support roles across all classes and encouraging more cooperative gameplay. New Arena in The Finals Season 7: NOZOMI/CITADEL SEASON 7 Gadgets First Impressions | THE FINALS #thefinals #thefinalsgame The latest arena added is NOZOMI/CITADEL, which is uniquely divided by "The Rift," creating two distinct environments within the same map. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo This duality offers players varied tactical opportunities and challenges as they navigate the contrasting zones. Gameplay and Quality of Life Improvements in The Finals Season 7 - The Season 7 update includes a new Battle Pass system, introducing Legacy Battle Passes that allow players to unlock rewards from Seasons 1-4, provided they owned the Premium Pass at the time. Future seasons will continue to unlock subsequent Legacy Passes. - To make the game more accessible, the VR cost for all items released from Seasons 1 through 6 has been reduced to 500 VRs, and VR earnings in the first three rounds have been increased from 2400 to 5000. This change aims to help new and returning players catch up faster with loadout options. - Additional quality of life updates include the ability for players to leave signature stickers on objectives, a weapon and gadget skin randomizer called Deep Shuffle, and enabling in-game chat for console players. Audio prioritization has also been improved to ensure players hear critical sounds first. - Weapon and gadget balance changes have been implemented, such as adjustments to environmental damage, magazine sizes, and damage outputs for various weapons to create more consistent gameplay experiences. Overall, The Finals Season 7 offers a substantial evolution in gameplay with its new gadgets that emphasize team support and tactical versatility, alongside a fresh arena and numerous quality of life improvements designed to enrich player engagement and accessibility.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Commissioner Finally Addresses Finals Court Debate Before Game 2
NBA Commissioner Finally Addresses Finals Court Debate Before Game 2 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Every year during the NBA Finals, fans point out the same thing: there's nothing on the court that shows it's the Finals. Advertisement The league used to place a large Larry O'Brien Trophy logo at center court, giving the series a unique look. That lasted through 2009. In 2010, the NBA switched to a smaller "The Finals" script logo along the sideline, but even that stopped in 2014. The chatter from fans has continued through these NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. With two smaller market teams facing off and no Finals logo in sight, Game 1 felt more like a regular-season game. General view of the Finals logo on the court prior to game four of the 2014 NBA Finals.© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images On Friday, two days before Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver finally addressed the topic while attending an NBA Cares charity event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. Advertisement Silver admitted the league will look at bringing the Finals logo back next season. "I think for a media-driven culture, whether it's people watching live or seeing those images on social media, it's nice when you're looking back on highlights and they stand out because you see that trophy logo or some other indication that it's a special event. So, we'll look at it," Silver told reporters via Sam Amick on The Athletic. Silver also shared the reason the NBA stopped putting the Finals logo on the court, citing "slipperiness." "One of the reasons we moved away from the logos on the courts is — whether it was perception or reality — there was a sense that maybe the logos added some slipperiness to the court, and it was a change sort of on the court that was coming just at the time of the finals," Silver added. Advertisement "Maybe it's for superstitious reasons or just a sense from teams that we shouldn't be changing things around such important competition. That's largely why we stopped putting the logos on the court." Related: Tyrese Haliburton's Girlfriend Jade Jones Flexes NBA Finals Outfit with One Word Related: Tyrese Haliburton's Postgame Moment with His Dad Is Turning Heads This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
