Norman Powell wants some clarity on the Sixth Man of the Year criteria.  The Los Angeles Clippers...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12144" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a> wants some clarity on the Sixth Man of the Year criteria.</p><p>The Los Angeles Clippers guard issued a scathing critique of the award after he wasn't included among the three finalists unveiled Sunday despite an impressive individual season coming off the bench for the 51-win Clippers.</p><p>"I think it's B.S., to be honest, two years in a row," he told <a href="https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1782811866433216690">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. I mean, I don't know what else you got to do to be a sixth man. Last year, you're leading the league in bench points (and) don't get nominated. This year, the most efficient off the bench, given the fact that I'm playing with four Hall of Famers, limited touches, role decreases, and I'm still able to put out the same amount of production as the three finalists that was (picked)."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Powell continued: "I think it sucks. I think it's politics, publicity, and people aren't actually looking at the details of the game. Guys get a few highlight dunks and get posted on social media, and that's what it is. Nobody's posting my threes like that. So, I mean, it's just tough."</p><p>This year's award will go to either Minnesota Timberwolves big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69736" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/69736">Naz Reid</a>, Milwaukee Bucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30845" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/30845">Bobby Portis</a>, or Sacramento Kings guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53736" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/53736">Malik Monk</a>, all of whom had notable seasons off the bench for their respective teams. Powell, however, arguably has a solid claim of his own.</p><p>During the regular season, the Clippers guard finished as one of only 21 qualified players with minimum shooting splits of 45/40/80 while scoring at least 10 points per game, courtesy of <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/8Gu8g">Stathead</a>. However, Powell was one of just two players - the other being Chicago Bulls guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96051" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96051">Ayo Dosunmu</a> - to do it predominantly as a reserve, starting in only three of his 76 appearances this season (Dosunmu had a near-equal split while starting in 37 of 76 games).</p><p>In a direct comparison to Monk, Reid, and Portis, though, Powell's case is potentially harder to sell. His only statistical advantages over the three finalists are his 43.5% mark from deep and his 83.1% rate at the free-throw line. Monk provided the most scoring (15.4 points per game); Reid, whose Timberwolves finished a game off the Western Conference's peak, was a key factor in Minnesota's top-ranked stingy defense, recording a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/advanced?CF=MIN*GE*15:GP*GE*41&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;StarterBench=Bench&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=DEF_RATING">top-three</a> individual defensive rating (104.4) across the league (minimum 41 games played and at least 15 minutes per game).</p><p>Portis, meanwhile, played in all 82 games and was the best rebounder (7.4 per game) and the best shooter overall with a 50.8 field-goal percentage.</p><p>Despite having grievances about how the voting broke down, Powell said his priority is to win another piece of hardware with the Clippers in June.</p><p>"At the end of the day, the main focus is to win a championship," he told Youngmisuk. "It would be nice to be recognized for the work and everything that I've done to help this team contribute to winning and being a 50-win team. ... But I have a lot more to say if we win the championship at the end of the year."</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 05: LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) defends during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on April 5, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

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Clippers' Powell baffled by 6MOY snub: 'I think it's B.S.'

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard won't play in Sunday's series opener against the Dallas M...

<p>Los Angeles Clippers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> won't play in Sunday's series opener against the Dallas Mavericks, head coach Tyronn Lue announced, courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1782104516797907037">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>.</p><p>Leonard missed the final eight games of the regular season due to an inflamed right knee, though his status for Sunday was up in the air after being upgraded to questionable ahead of the encounter.</p><p>When asked if the six-time All-Star would be available for Game 2 on Tuesday or in any game during the series, Lue told <a href="https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1782106085442408873">reporters</a> that he was unsure. However, he added that the 32-year-old was undergoing daily assessments.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Leonard has only participated in noncontact practices since sustaining the injury. Lue said it's uncertain as to whether Leonard would be medically cleared for full contact this week.</p><p>"We haven't gotten that far yet," he said, courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina/status/1782105603089043680">Mark Medina of Sportskeeda</a>.</p><p>The two-time Defensive Player of the Year played in 68 games this season, his highest count since making 74 starts for the San Antonio Spurs in 2015-16. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals while also hitting 41.7% of his 3-point attempts this season.</p><p>Since joining the Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, however, Leonard has appeared in just 26 of 37 total playoff games across five seasons due to injuries; he's missed 11 of their last 13 postseason contests entering Sunday after suffering a partial tear of his ACL in 2021 and then a torn meniscus in 2023.</p><p>It's the third time during Leonard and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a>'s stint in L.A. that the Clippers have matched up with the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. The Clippers won both their previous series, though Leonard played in all six games of their 2020 series and all seven of their rematch the following year.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 27: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Kawhi ruled out for Game 1 vs. Mavs

Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood intends to play in Game 3 on Thursday against the Denve...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30890" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/30890">Christian Wood</a> intends to play in Game 3 on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1782097227080495504">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Wood has been out since Feb. 14 with a knee issue. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure in March and missed the remainder of the regular season, during which time Darvin Ham's squad went 17-9 and secured a play-in berth.</p><p>Wood is reportedly still set to miss Monday's Game 2. In 50 games this season with L.A., the 28-year-old averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. The return of the career 37.2% 3-point shooter will provide the Lakers' frontcourt with better spacing against a stingy Nuggets defense that allowed the second-fewest attempts per game from beyond the arc (11.2) during the regular season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Los Angeles is down 1-0 in the series after dropping Saturday's opener despite strong showings from co-stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24646" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/24646">Taurean Prince</a> was its only reserve to score, putting up 11 points in 20 minutes. Starting point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> also struggled with his shot, going 6 of 20 from the field, including 1 of 9 from deep.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 9: Christian Wood #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Lakers' Wood set to return for Game 3 vs. Nuggets

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri admits it's on him and the front office to determine why re...

<p>Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri admits it's on him and the front office to determine why recent free-agent additions haven't supplemented their core as well as they hoped.</p><p>"We've studied all of this. The last couple of years, we just haven't done very well in assessing what those fits could be," Ujiri told <a href="https://youtu.be/7Osjme7mEqw?t=1490">reporters</a> Wednesday at his end-of-season media availability. "But when you have the staple pieces like we had, sometimes ... with our jobs, you think bringing in a certain piece is not going to affect as much because you have staple pieces like a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96044" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96044">Scottie Barnes</a> or like a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a>, those kind of players. But on the lower level, we 100% need to do a better job of finding some of those players.</p><p>"Otto Porter didn't work out because he got injured, and sometimes those things are hard. But, yeah, we take responsibility. ... When we looked at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30613" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/30613">Dennis Schroder</a>, we absolutely studied it. We saw a point guard that's going to be a tough defender and come and play here for the team. Unfortunately, I don't know if we gave it enough time, but definitely, the time that he was here - not his fault or anything, I think more our fault - it didn't work out."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>For much of the franchise's short history, Toronto has struggled to land an impactful name on the open market, and nearly all of its free-agent signings over the last couple of seasons have failed to leave a lasting impression.</p><p>In the free-agency window ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, the Raptors' top additions were Porter, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37735" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37735">D.J. Wilson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96046" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96046">Justin Champagnie</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fiba/players/52282" href="https://www.thescore.com/fiba/players/52282">Juancho Hernangomez</a>, and Josh Jackson - none of whom remain with the club. Last summer, their new signings were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53230" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/53230">Jalen McDaniels</a>, Schroder, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96084" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96084">Jeff Dowtin</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5705" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/5705">Garrett Temple</a>; McDaniels is the only one under contract with Toronto for 2024-25.</p><p>Ujiri didn't specify if or how he and general manager Bobby Webster would alter their strategy for this summer. Barnes is now the face of the franchise after Siakam and Anunoby were dealt midseason to the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, respectively. However, the longtime NBA exec shed light on the kind of player they'll look for.</p><p>"Honestly, our team is not at a point where we can really pick and choose," Ujiri said. "I know backup point guard is something that we'll focus on a little bit. I think a wing defender-type player is something we'll focus on. I think we've been unlucky in the last year or so - maybe a backup big that's young and suits us in some kind of way."</p>

TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 2 - Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri takes questions as the Toronto Raptors hold their media day ahead of the 2023-24 season at Hilton Toronto in Toronto. October 2, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Ujiri laments Raptors' free-agency woes

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson won't play in Friday's winner-take-all play-in tourname...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> won't play in Friday's winner-take-all play-in tournament contest against the Sacramento Kings after an MRI Wednesday revealed a strained left hamstring, the team announced.</p><p>The two-time All-Star will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.</p><p>If the Pelicans defeat the Kings without Williamson, they'll advance to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. However, if they lose, they'll be eliminated before reaching the playoffs, a stage Williamson has yet to reach since the Pelicans drafted him first overall in 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williamson appeared to suffer the injury in New Orleans' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.</p><p>Immediately after scoring the last of his 40 points against L.A. - a driving floater over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> - Williamson grimaced and appeared to notice something was off. The Pelicans star angrily threw a towel on the ground while on the bench during the ensuing timeout before retreating to the locker room. The team shortly thereafter ruled the 23-year-old out for the remainder of the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zion to the locker room with an apparent injury. Sheeeeesh<br> <a href="https://t.co/qAdKf06VCq">pic.twitter.com/qAdKf06VCq</a></p>— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWarriorsTalk/status/1780415295787872300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Williamson's basket tied the score at 95-95 with 3:13 left in the fourth quarter. However, without their franchise star, the Pelicans were outscored 15-9 down the stretch as the Lakers moved on to the first round of the playoffs, where they will match up against the Denver Nuggets as the No. 7 seed in the West.</p><p>Game 1 of the series between the Thunder and either the Kings or Pelicans will tip off Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City. If necessary, a seven-game set would run through May 5.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands for the national anthem before their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 10, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

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Zion to miss play-in elimination game vs. Kings

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will fill the 12th and final roster spot on Team USA for ...

<p>Los Angeles Clippers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> will fill the 12th and final roster spot on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics.</p><p>Leonard's addition caps off a loaded squad that'll also feature <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a>, and a host of other top-tier American talent in Paris this summer. The final list was confirmed by USA Basketball early Wednesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What if our greatest basketball players were stacked on one team? <br><br>No more what-ifs.<br><br>🇺🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USABMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USABMNT</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParisOlympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParisOlympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/QDZE4Cxvht">pic.twitter.com/QDZE4Cxvht</a></p>— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1780578377130238240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="[ Insert title here ]" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lPuOq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lPuOq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="542" 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=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>"It's an honor to introduce the 2024 USA Basketball men's national team," USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill said in a statement. "I'm grateful to these 12 men for their commitment to represent USA Basketball.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The United States is home to some of the best basketball players in the world, and I appreciate the vast interest in being part of this roster. These decisions weren't easy, but it was a pleasure to go through the process and reach this outcome."</p><p>Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr will return behind the bench for the U.S. and will be flanked by assistants Mark Few of Gonzaga, the Clippers' Tyronn Lue, and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.</p><p>This will be the first time Leonard represents USA Basketball at the senior level. The six-time All-Star was one of the final cuts for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.</p><p>This has been Leonard's healthiest season as a Clipper. He eclipsed the 2,000-minute mark for the first time since the 2018-19 season when he was a member of the Toronto Raptors. Leonard, 32, is averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 68 games with Los Angeles this campaign.</p><p>The Americans will almost certainly be in the mix for gold, which would mark their fifth straight first-place finish at the Summer Olympics.</p><p>However, it won't be a straightforward tournament for the U.S., which will face Serbia - with two-time MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> likely in tow - in its tournament opener. Olympic debutants South Sudan will also join them in Group C, as will one of the teams competing in July's Olympic qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Mexico, Ivory Coast, Lithuania, Italy, Bahrain, or Puerto Rico.</p>

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Kawhi rounds out star-studded Team USA Olympic squad

Oumar Ballo has committed to Indiana after entering the transfer portal from Arizona, sources tol...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/78138" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/78138">Oumar Ballo</a> has committed to Indiana after entering the transfer portal from Arizona, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1780300719653871622">Jeff Borzello of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The center spent the last three years with the Wildcats and was considered the top transfer available.</p><p>Ballo averaged a double-double of 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds in his senior year with the Wildcats, helping Tommy Lloyd's side finish atop the Pac-12 before reaching the Sweet 16, where they lost to Clemson. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 7-foot Malian big man is Mike Woodson's third impactful addition of the offseason.</p><p>Ballo will be joined in Bloomington by reigning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Myles Rice, who pledged over the weekend to transfer to Indiana from Washington State, and five-star recruit Bryson Tucker, who committed to the school in March.</p><p>The Hoosiers went 10-10 in Big Ten play last season as part of an overall 19-14 record. They defeated Penn State in their conference tournament opener but were routed by third-seeded Nebraska in the quarterfinals.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Oumar Ballo #11 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrates in a game against the Clemson Tigers during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Crypto.com Arena on March 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Report: Oumar Ballo commits to Indiana

BYU named Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young as its next head coach.  Young will succeed Mark Pop...

<p>BYU named Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young as its next head coach.</p><p>Young will succeed Mark Pope, who left earlier this month after five years in Utah to replace John Calipari at Kentucky.</p><p>"We had a variety of excellent candidates and a lot of interest in this position," BYU athletics director Tom Holmoe said in a <a href="https://byucougars.com/news/2024/4/16/byu-hires-kevin-young-as-mens-basketball-coach">statement</a> Tuesday. "Kevin is someone we have had our eye on for a while. He has risen to the top of NBA assistant coaching ranks. He has been a lead candidate for NBA head coaching jobs and has been instrumental in developing top-level NBA talent.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Kevin will bring a new perspective, with an extensive NBA background to our program. He is a phenomenal fit at BYU. He is humble, fun and super intelligent. Cougar Nation is going to love getting to know Kevin.”</p><p>The 42-year-old Young is a native of Salt Lake City - a one-hour drive from the BYU campus in Provo - and considered one of the brightest up-and-coming coaches in basketball. He joined the Suns in October 2020 when he assumed a significant role on Monty Williams' staff but remained with the franchise after the organization fired Williams. In June, he was rewarded with a new contract by the team that made him the best-paid assistant coach in the NBA.</p><p>Phoenix will retain Young for its pending playoff run, which begins Saturday on the road against the 56-win Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he will simultaneously begin putting together a coaching staff to focus on recruiting for the Cougars.</p><p>Prior to joining the Suns, Young worked four seasons as an assistant on the Philadelphia 76ers. He also spent multiple campaigns as a head coach in the G League with affiliates of the Minnesota Timberwolves (Iowa Energy) and the 76ers (Utah Flash and Delaware 87ers).</p><p>Young has frequently been mentioned as a strong candidate for several NBA coaching jobs, including the Suns, who considered promoting him after Williams' departure. He was most recently linked to the Brooklyn Nets' vacancy and was reportedly among three finalists before the franchise opted for Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez, who also currently helms Canada's senior national men's squad.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 03: Associate head coach Kevin Young of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a time out during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Footprint Center on April 03, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Cavaliers 122-101.

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BYU hires Suns assistant Young as next head coach

Six-time All-Star Blake Griffin announced his retirement from professional basketball Tuesday aft...

<p>Six-time All-Star Blake Griffin announced his retirement from professional basketball Tuesday after a 14-year NBA career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C51A4abrJxl/?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/C51A4abrJxl/?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/C51A4abrJxl/?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 Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23)</a></p>
</div></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Griffin last played in the league on a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics during the 2022-23 campaign. He suited up in 41 games, including 16 starts, averaging 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 13.9 minutes.</p><p>The 2011 Slam Dunk champion is arguably best remembered for his eight-and-a-half years with the Los Angeles Clippers, who drafted him first overall in 2009. Though he missed what would've been his rookie campaign with a fractured kneecap, he made an immediate impact in 2010-11, playing in all 82 games and averaging 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists en route to Rookie of the Year honors.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>One of the most explosive athletes in the league during his prime, Griffin dominated highlight reels with vicious poster dunks, the most famous of which was arguably his rookie-year throwdown over then-New York Knicks big man Timofey Mozgov.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xwx9HiM4Aw0?si=WbfqDgpFeS1L8DAp" 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>Alongside fellow rim-runner DeAndre Jordan and later, veteran guard Chris Paul, Griffin helped usher in the Clippers' "Lob City" era, which peaked with a 57-win season in 2013-14 and a conference semifinals appearance under Doc Rivers.</p><p>Despite re-signing in L.A. on a five-year, $173-million deal, the Clippers shipped Griffin six months later to the Detroit Pistons, where the five-time All-NBAer remodeled his game after persistent injuries took a toll on his athleticism. In 2018-19, he averaged a career-best 24.5 points along with 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists in the Motor City. He also stretched out to the 3-point line as a shooter, putting up a personal high of seven attempts per contest while shooting 36.2 percent from beyond the arc.</p><p>Following a buyout in March 2021, Griffin joined the Brooklyn Nets for the rest of the season before re-upping on a one-year deal that summer. The 6-foot-9 forward first transitioned to a reserve role with the Nets but still made the occasional start, including in his first 17 games of 2021-22.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 20: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers waves to the crowd before the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 20, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE

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Blake Griffin retires from NBA

The Milwaukee Bucks anticipate that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for the start of thei...

<p>The Milwaukee Bucks anticipate that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> will be sidelined for the start of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers due to his calf strain, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1780240763286347959">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>The team is reportedly hopeful the two-time MVP will be able to return later in the series.</p><p>"He's doing well ... He's walking around and looks good," Bucks head coach Doc Rivers <a href="https://x.com/Bucks/status/1780361429998072090">told</a> reporters Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Antetokounmpo is reportedly receiving consistent treatment and has not played since going down with a non-contact injury on April 9 against the Boston Celtics. He missed the team's final three games of the regular season, in which the Bucks went 1-2. Milwaukee went 4-5 in nine games without the forward in 2023-24.</p><p>The first-round series against Indiana opens with Game 1 on Sunday, but no other dates have been determined. The Pacers present a difficult matchup for the Bucks; Indiana went 4-1 against Milwaukee during the regular season - the only team to defeat the Bucks four times this year.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 2: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game on April 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Bucks expect Giannis to miss start of Pacers series

Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns made his return Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. ...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> made his return Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.</p><p>Towns, who had been out since March 4 with a torn meniscus, was cleared for full-contact practices Tuesday.</p><p>Minnesota's matchup against the Hawks is its second-last game of the regular season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Timberwolves are now tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the No. 2 seed after Wednesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets. Minnesota currently holds the fourth tiebreaker over OKC thanks to its better conference record (37-14 to 35-16). The two teams, which play in the Northwest Division with Denver, split their season series 2-2, and both have a division record of 12-4.</p><p>Towns averaged 22.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and three assists while shooting a career-high 42.3% from three (5.3 attempts per game) in 60 starts before he suffered his injury. Minnesota went 12-6 in his absence to stay within reach of the No. 1 seed.</p><p>The Timberwolves will need the Nuggets to lose to either the San Antonio Spurs or Memphis Grizzlies in order to overtake Denver. After playing Atlanta, Minnesota will host the Phoenix Suns on the final day of the 2023-24 regular season Sunday.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 23: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves smiles against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 23, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Towns returns to lineup vs. Hawks

Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor voided the sale of the franchise, as well as the WNBA's ...

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor voided the sale of the franchise, as well as the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore due in part to forecasted cuts to team payroll, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39915638/alex-rodriguez-marc-lore-planned-timberwolves-roster-payroll-cuts-concerning-glen-taylor">Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Lore and Rodriguez reportedly shared budget projections to Taylor and the league, as well as private equity firm The Carlyle Group, that depicted a $171-million payroll for the 2024-25 campaign. However, Minnesota is already projected to have $185.7 million in taxable salaries next season, courtesy of <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves/yearly/cap/#:~:text=%24164%2C312%2C714-,%24185%2C737%2C284,-%24197%2C196%2C189">Spotrac</a>, despite only 10 players currently under contract. Part of the reason for the jump in spending is due to max extensions set to kick in for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> (five years, $204.5 million) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> (four years, $221.1 million).</p><p>Taylor reportedly feared the reduction in payroll would negatively affect the Timberwolves' potential to compete for a title. It's unclear how Lore and Rodriguez would have reduced the team's total salary, but their apparent budget target of $171 million would have gotten the team underneath next season's projected $172-million luxury tax marker. Minnesota is just under $1 million shy of crossing the tax threshold this season, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/tax/#:~:text=%24164%2C312%2C714-,%24981%2C286,-%240">Spotrac</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>At 55-24, Minnesota is wrapping up one of the best regular seasons in franchise history and can still equal the 2003-04 side's record of 58 wins. Chris Finch's squad has already secured the Western Conference's third seed, at minimum, and is aiming to be the first Timberwolves team to advance past the first round since 2004.</p><p>The team's sale was set to be finalized in March once Lore and Rodriguez submitted the last of three payments to Taylor. The two prospective owners had previously acquired 40% of the franchise in two installments and were set to acquire another 40% with the final transaction. However, Taylor abruptly called off the process on March 28, claiming that the two missed a 90-day closing deadline after exercising their option to acquire controlling interest. Taylor said the Timberwolves and Lynx are no longer for sale.</p><p>Lore and Rodriguez fired back the next day, with the former calling the move "a slap in the face." They also claimed that Taylor balked at completing the sale due to the franchise's valuation spiking as a result of the successful season. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/teams/minnesota-timberwolves/?sh=48c2ceb45075">Forbes</a> calculated the Timberwolves' value at $2.5 billion in October after the franchise had a $1.5-billion valuation when Taylor first agreed to sell 80% of the team in May 2021.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 2: Majority owner Glen Taylor (R) of the Minnesota Timberwolves and his wife Becky Taylor (L) greet players before the game against the Houston Rockets at Target Center on April 2, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Report: Taylor nixed T-Wolves sale over projected payroll cuts

Purdue star center Zach Edey was named the recipient of the 2024 Wooden Award, marking the second...

<p>Purdue star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87941" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/87941">Zach Edey</a> was named the recipient of the 2024 Wooden Award, marking the second straight year the Boilermakers standout has been recognized as the best player in men's college basketball.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Edey is the winner of the 2024 John R. Wooden Award Men’s Player of the Year Presented By Principal. What an incredible season and journey! <a href="https://twitter.com/principal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@principal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/zach_edey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zach_edey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoilerBall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LAAC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LAAC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xj1oxIbaRt">pic.twitter.com/Xj1oxIbaRt</a></p>— John R. Wooden Award (@WoodenAward) <a href="https://twitter.com/WoodenAward/status/1778191462041338104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Edey is just the second player ever to earn the honor a second time, joining Virginia great Ralph Sampson, who also won back-to-back Wooden Awards in the early 1980s. He's the first senior recipient since Iowa's Luka Garza in 2021 - the only two non-underclassmen to win since Kansas' Frank Mason III in 2017.</p><p>The 7-foot-4 Canadian big man put up a career-high 25.2 points per game in 39 starts in his fourth and final year in college. He added 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game as the Boilermakers reached their first national final in 55 years; however, Purdue had to settle for runner-up, losing to top-seeded UConn in Monday's championship game.</p>

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Zach Edey #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Samson Johnson #35 of the Connecticut Huskies in the second half during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.

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Edey lands 2nd straight Wooden Award

Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond left Tuesday's 128-117 loss to the New York Knicks early in t...

<p>Chicago Bulls center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12400" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/12400">Andre Drummond</a> left Tuesday's 128-117 loss to the New York Knicks early in the second quarter and was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair, according to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bulls center Andre Drummond has exited tonight’s game in a wheelchair early in the second quarter. <a href="https://t.co/0BOXzWEWN3">pic.twitter.com/0BOXzWEWN3</a></p>— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarnellMayberry/status/1777859813612896673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Drummond injured his ankle while attempting to grab a rebound against Knicks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60051" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/60051">Isaiah Hartenstein</a>. The Bulls center was in visible pain after the play in question, lying down in front of the bench during a timeout.</p><p>Just before getting hurt, Drummond had rushed back to Chicago's paint after miscommunicating on an alley-oop off the glass with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6803" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/6803">Torrey Craig</a>, causing the Bulls to miss the fast-break attempt.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chicago Bulls season in a nutshell. First the throw off the backboard dunk attempt and Drummond injured right after.<br><br>BAD BAD BAD <a href="https://t.co/pOWLlWmJTL">pic.twitter.com/pOWLlWmJTL</a></p>— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_MarcusD3_/status/1777862216559055317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 30-year-old finished with four points, two rebounds, and a steal in five minutes off the bench. He registered a double-double in three straight games entering Tuesday and was averaging 8.4 points - his most since the 2020-21 campaign - and 9.1 rebounds.</p><p>Chicago is preparing to compete in the play-in tournament for a second straight season. With only three games left to play, the Bulls are guaranteed to face the Atlanta Hawks to determine who will move on for a chance to grab the eighth seed. Despite losing, Chicago maintained its slim one-game advantage over Atlanta thanks to the Hawks' falling in double overtime Tuesday to the Miami Heat.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 27: Andre Drummond #3 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 27, 2024 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Drummond exits in wheelchair during Bulls' loss to Knicks

Departing Iowa star Caitlin Clark was named the recipient of the 2024 Wooden Award as the women's...

<p>Departing Iowa star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91509" href="https://www.thescore.com/wcbk/players/91509">Caitlin Clark</a> was named the recipient of the 2024 Wooden Award as the women's college basketball player of the year on Tuesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a record-breaking season and tournament run, Caitlin Clark is the winner of the 2024 John R. Wooden Award Women’s Player of the Year Presented By Principal <a href="https://twitter.com/principal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@principal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CaitlinClark22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@caitlinclark22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IowaWBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iowawbb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LAAC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LAAC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ms7dxM0iPr">pic.twitter.com/Ms7dxM0iPr</a></p>— John R. Wooden Award (@WoodenAward) <a href="https://twitter.com/WoodenAward/status/1777826851693769043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It's the second consecutive Wooden Award for Clark, who becomes just the seventh women's player ever to win the honor twice.</p><p>The Hawkeyes star put together one of the greatest individual seasons in NCAA history, averaging 31.6 points and 8.9 assists, leading the country in both marks. She also tallied a team-high 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 37.8% on 13.6 attempts from distance, taking the Hawkeyes to the national championship game for a second straight year. However, despite eliminating last year's champion LSU in the Elite Eight, Clark and Iowa fell to South Carolina in this year's title game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Though the Hawkeyes came up just short, Clark's senior season will still go down in the record books; the 22-year-old broke the longstanding NCAA scoring record set in the late '60s by Pete Maravich, who put up 3,667 points in three years with LSU.</p><p>Clark eclipsed the late basketball icon in Iowa's regular-season finale at home against Ohio State and then extended her record career tally to a total of 3,951 points.</p><p>Clark is widely expected to be taken first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, which will be held Monday.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 28: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes warms up prior to the start of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena on February 28, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Clark wins Wooden Award as women's player of the year

Kentucky's John Calipari is finalizing a five-year contract with Arkansas to take over as the Raz...

<p>Kentucky's John Calipari is finalizing a five-year contract with Arkansas to take over as the Razorbacks' head coach, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/petethamel/status/1777174492034601010">Pete Thamel of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The two sides entered serious discussions about the job Sunday evening, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/1777164450086392111">CBS Sports' Matt Norlander</a>.</p><p>Arkansas' agreement with Calipari is expected to pay the longtime bench boss between $7.5-8 million per season, a source told <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1777177343146197497">The Field of 68's Jeff Goodman</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Before agreeing, Calipari reportedly sought assurances from Arkansas that his transfers would be accepted, he'd be able to bring over his freshman class, and he'd have access to NIL guarantees, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/1777178279629443152">Norlander</a>.</p><p>The departing Wildcats coach reportedly had serious, prior interest in taking over at Ohio State but didn't feel the time was right. The Buckeyes fired Chris Holtmann on Feb. 14 and tabbed assistant Jake Diebler as an interim solution. Parting ways with the Wildcats reportedly first became a possibility for Calipari in February.</p><p>Following the conclusion of their season in March, Ohio State removed the interim label and hired Diebler on a five-year deal.</p><p>Across 15 seasons at Kentucky, the 65-year-old Calipari boasts 533 wins - second-most in school history. He led the Wildcats to the 2012 national championship.</p><p>In June 2019, Calipari signed a "lifetime" deal with Kentucky reportedly worth $86 million and containing a buyout north of $30 million. However, the deal was structured so that the head coach wouldn't be on the hook financially if he left on his own accord, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/status/1777151801659097203">Matt Jones of KY Sports Radio</a>.</p><p>Calipari has helped Kentucky make four separate Final Four appearances and 12 NCAA Tournaments but has drawn blowback over the program's lack of postseason success in recent seasons. The Wildcats last won the SEC Tournament in 2018 and have just one NCAA Tournament win in the last four years.</p><p>The Razorbacks began searching for a new head coach after Eric Musselman signed with USC to replace Andy Enfield. Musselman steered Arkansas to three consecutive national tournaments, including two Elite Eight trips, in five years. However, the side went 6-12 in SEC play this year (16-17 overall) and was eliminated by South Carolina in the second round of the conference tourney.</p>

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - DECEMBER 29: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats is seen during the second half against the Illinois State Redbirds at Rupp Arena on December 29, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Report: Arkansas finalizing 5-year deal with Calipari 

The field is set.  The Houston Rockets' 147-136 overtime loss Sunday to the Dallas Mavericks resu...

<p>The field is set.</p><p>The Houston Rockets' 147-136 overtime loss Sunday to the Dallas Mavericks resulted in the Golden State Warriors clinching a top-10 seed and cemented Steve Kerr's squad as the final team to qualify for the postseason.</p><p>At worst, the Warriors will compete in the play-in as the 10th seed and require back-to-back wins in order to return to the playoffs for the third straight year. However, Stephen Curry and Co. can still finish as high as sixth in the Western Conference thanks to the Phoenix Suns falling Tuesday to the New Orleans Pelicans.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Entering Sunday, the Rockets' slim hopes of qualifying for the play-in hinged on likely having to win out the five games remaining on their regular-season schedule. Ime Udoka's side was hanging on until Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. missed back-to-back free throws and Mavericks guard Dante Exum hit a buzzer-beating three to force overtime. Dallas then outscored Houston 18-7 in the extra frame to boot the Rockets from postseason contention.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 DANTE EXUM SENDS IT TO OT 🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFFL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/dallasmavs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallasmavs</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallySports</a> 📺 <a href="https://t.co/zX3fX04YG8">pic.twitter.com/zX3fX04YG8</a></p>— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsSW/status/1777098646623797627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Heavy changes in seeding are still possible over the final week of the regular season, but the field is clearer in the East than the West. The Boston Celtics are assured of the top record in the league regardless of what happens. The Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are locked into the play-in tournament but could still swap spots, and thus hosting duties, for their postseason encounter.</p><p>Aside from the Celtics, the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder are the only teams so far to clinch an outright playoff berth. However, none of their current seeds are safe, as the three are separated by just one game, with the fourth-place Los Angeles Clippers only three games behind the Thunder.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors & Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors embrace during the game on January 30, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Rockets' loss to Mavs gives Warriors final postseason spot

The New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns guaranteed postseason basketball Thursday thanks to the...

<p>The New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns guaranteed postseason basketball Thursday thanks to the Golden State Warriors' 133-110 win over the Houston Rockets.</p><p>The Dallas Mavericks also locked up a spot by defeating the Atlanta Hawks earlier Thursday. However, they, too, would've been safe courtesy of the Warriors' victory.</p><p>New Orleans and Phoenix will compete in at least the play-in tournament this year, leaving just three postseason spots up for grabs in the West. Coincidentally, the Warriors and Rockets are two of the four remaining sides in the conference yet to clinch a play-in berth at minimum. The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings require one more win, or another Rockets loss, to qualify.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>West standings</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>W-L</th>
<th>GB</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Timberwolves*</td>
<td>53-23</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Nuggets*</td>
<td>53-24</td>
<td>0.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Thunder*</td>
<td>52-24</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Clippers*</td>
<td>48-28</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Mavericks*</td>
<td>46-30</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Suns*</td>
<td>45-31</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>West play-in picture</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>W-L</th>
<th>GB</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Pelicans*</td>
<td>45-31</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Kings</td>
<td>44-32</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>44-33</td>
<td>9.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>42-34</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>38-38</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Warriors aren't in the clear yet but drastically improved their odds with a sixth consecutive victory Thursday. They now have a four-game lead over the Rockets, with each side having just six games left to play.</p><p>To supplant any of the three play-in sides above them, Houston would have to win at least five of its last six games. That'd give it a chance to vault Golden State for 10th, but only if the Warriors drop at least five of their last six contests. The Warriors hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Rockets.</p><p>The East's 10 teams have already been decided, with the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks destined for the play-in tourney. The Boston Celtics are the only other squad to already know their fate after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2884306" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2884306">locking up</a> the best record in the NBA on Wednesday.</p><p>Playoff seeding is still subject to plenty of change in both conferences due to the close proximity of several teams. For example, the Lakers or Warriors could still finish as high as fifth despite not having secured 10th yet.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 4: The Golden State Warriors enter a timeout during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 4, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Pels, Suns secure play-in as Dubs put Rockets on brink

LSU guard Hailey Van Lith has entered the transfer portal, a source told The Athletic's Chantel J...

<p>LSU guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91688" href="https://www.thescore.com/wcbk/players/91688">Hailey Van Lith</a> has entered the transfer portal, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/ChantelJennings/status/1775981382184890711">The Athletic's Chantel Jennings</a>.</p><p>Van Lith, who joined the Tigers for the 2023-24 campaign after three seasons at Louisville, has one year of NCAA eligibility remaining. Though Van Lith could have opted to enter this year's WNBA draft, she wasn't named in Thursday's list of NCAA players who have <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/2024-wnba-draft-eligible-candidates">declared</a>, suggesting she'll aim to rebuild her draft stock in 2024-25.</p><p>The 22-year-old's production took a step back in her senior season as she became accustomed to a supporting role at LSU after being a focal point of Louisville's offense through her junior year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After putting up 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game with the Cardinals in 2022-23, she averaged just 11.6 points per game on Kim Mulkey's squad, adding 3.6 assists, 2.4 boards, and 1.3 steals. Her field-goal attempts per game were nearly halved year-over-year; she managed just 9.9 shot attempts per contest in the SEC, converting just 37.8% of attempts, after shooting at a 41.1% clip on an average of 16.8 tries in her final year at Louisville.</p><p>The two-time All-ACC selection's season came to an end following Monday's loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight, during which Van Lith was primarily tasked with defending Hawkeyes star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91509" href="https://www.thescore.com/wcbk/players/91509">Caitlin Clark</a>. Van Lith struggled to contain Clark, who finished with 41 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds as Iowa won to advance to the Final Four.</p><p>"Hailey Van Lith came to LSU after being an abundant shooter," Mulkey told reporters after their season-ending defeat Monday, courtesy of <a href="https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/lsus-hailey-van-lith-entering-ncaa-transfer-portal/article_921f6a96-f2ba-11ee-b476-8fb8a8f2d75b.html#tncms-source=featured-2:~:text=%E2%80%9CHailey%20Van%20Lith%20came%20to%20LSU%20after%20being%20an%20abundant%20shooter%2C%E2%80%9D%20Mulkey%20said.%20%E2%80%9CShot%20it%20a%20lot%20at%20Louisville.%20Had%20great%20success.%20Was%20on%20good%20teams.%20But%20she%20graduated%20in%20three%20years%20with%20a%20finance%20degree.%20She%20wanted%20to%20experience%20all%20the%20things%20I%20guess%20she%20saw%20from%20afar%20with%20our%20championship%20last%20year.%E2%80%9D">NOLA.com's Reed Darcey</a>. "Shot it a lot at Louisville. Had great success. Was on good teams. But she graduated in three years with a finance degree. She wanted to experience all the things I guess she saw from afar with our championship last year.</p><p>“For her to take that leap of faith and leave her comfort zone at Louisville, you don't see many players do that when she was that big a piece to their puzzle. She has embraced learning a new position, taking less shots."</p><p>If she completes a transfer elsewhere, Van Lith will be LSU's second high-profile departure this offseason. Tigers standout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92203" href="https://www.thescore.com/wcbk/players/92203">Angel Reese</a> announced Wednesday that she'll <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2883868" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2883868">enter</a> the 2024 WNBA Draft, where she's expected to be among the top picks.</p>

ALBANY, NEW YORK - APRIL 01: Hailey Van Lith #11 of the LSU Tigers dribbles during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York.

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Report: LSU's Van Lith enters transfer portal

It's official: The Boston Celtics are the 2023-24 regular season's top squad.  With a 135-100 ham...

<p>It's official: The Boston Celtics are the 2023-24 regular season's top squad.</p><p>With a 135-100 hammering of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, their 60th victory of the campaign, the Celtics have mathematically guaranteed they'll finish with the best record in the league.</p><p>"Sounds pretty good to me," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a>, who finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks, told <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1775707391478104160">NBC Sports' Abby Chin</a> postgame. "We worked hard all season long ... we deserve it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BEST RECORD IN THE <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBA</a> CLINCHED 😤 <a href="https://t.co/BdjYgs4BZD">pic.twitter.com/BdjYgs4BZD</a></p>— Boston Celtics (@celtics) <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1775708644299952316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It's the first time Boston will enter the postseason with the NBA's best overall mark since 2007-08. That season's Celtics squad - led by the Big Three of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett - tallied 66 regular-season wins before defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the Finals to claim their 17th title and their first since 1986.</p><p>Boston hasn't won the NBA championship since.</p><p>This year's Celtics can still equal that 2007-08 side's regular-season tally but would have to win all six of their remaining games. Five of those are at home, where Joe Mazzulla's squad has lost just three times all year. However, their one outlying road contest is against the Milwaukee Bucks next Tuesday; Boston lost at Milwaukee on Jan. 11, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> the only Celtics starter to score in double digits in a 33-point loss.</p>

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 3: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 3, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Celtics clinch best record with rout of Thunder

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Jonathan Soveta

News Editor

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