Tyrese Haliburton scored 20 points and the Indiana Pacers dismantled the New York Knicks 121-89 on Sunday to level their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series at two games apiece.
After the first three games of the best-of-seven series came down to the final minutes, Haliburton and the Pacers finally got their high-octane offence firing and fashioned a blowout, a raft of injuries at last catching up with the Knicks.
And the misfiring Knicks were utterly roasted for their poor performances. The NY Post wrote: “Tom Thibodeau’s squad was a disaster in the opening quarter, a lethargic, misfiring mess before rolling over in a Mother’s Day Massacre administered by the Pacers, 121-89, who evened the East semis series at 2-2.”
ABC pundit Stephen A. Smith was asked at halftime what he would do if he was Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. He replied: “Well, the first thing I’d do is I’d get out of the bathroom because I just finished throwing up after watching my team play the way that they played in the first half. It was absolutely, positively awful.”
Haliburton fired up as the Pacers routed the Knicks.Source: AFP
The banged-up Knicks were again without OG Anunoby, who injured a hamstring in game two to join key contributors Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic on the sidelines.
The strain was telling on Brunson, who is playing through a right foot injury. Brunson connected on six of 17 attempts to score 18 points with three rebounds and five assists before checking out with two and a half minutes left in the third quarter.
Coach Tom Thibodeau said: “He says he’s fine … He’ll keep going.”
Donte DiVincenzo also set an unwanted piece of history for the Knicks – his plus-minus of negative 40 in his 32 minutes was a new Knicks playoff record.
With the contest out of hand and game five coming up at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, both coaches pulled their starters for the fourth quarter.
“Now we’ve got to go there and get a win in the Garden,” Haliburton said. “We expect them to throw a big punch going into game five, but we’re capable of doing that at the same time.”
Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks has big headaches.Source: Getty Images
NUGGETS LEVEL SERIES AFTER EPIC HALF-TIME STUNNER
The defending champion Denver Nuggets outgunned the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-107 to level their NBA playoff series on Sunday as the Indiana Pacers pulled even with the New York Knicks.
The Nuggets, fueled by 35 points from NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon’s 27 points on ruthlessly efficient 11-of-12 shooting and 19 points from Jamal Murray, claimed a second straight win in Minneapolis to knot their best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series at two games apiece.
“Now it’s best of three,” Jokic said, adding that the Timberwolves’ stunning victories in games one and two in Denver had only strengthened the defending champions.
“We took a hit and we bounced back and hopefully we can defend the home court now,” said Jokic, looking forward to game five in Denver on Tuesday.
Jokic fights for the ball with Rudy Gobert.Source: AFP
The Nuggets withstood a 44-point performance from Anthony Edwards, but the Timberwolves star just didn’t have enough scoring support despite an energetic effort from the hosts.
Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points but was 0-for-7 in the first quarter, when the Nuggets closed the period on a 14-2 run to seize a five-point lead.
Edwards’ dunk with less than a minute left in the first half cut what had been a 16-point deficit to seven.
Jokic then came up with a steal and fed Michael Porter Jr. for a dunk and Murray grabbed a steal, turned and unleashed a buzzer-beating shot from beyond the halfcourt line that swished through and sent the Nuggets into the break with a 64-49 lead.
Murray scored 12 points in the third quarter to keep the Nuggets in control as early foul trouble sent Jokic to the bench.
Jokic returned to score 16 in the fourth and the Nuggets kept the Timberwolves at bay.
The Dallas Mavericks dug deep in the second half to erase a double-digit deficit, holding off the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-101 to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA Western Conference semi-final series on Saturday.
Kyrie Irving scored 14 of his 22 points in the second half, including a floater with 39.3 seconds left that pushed Dallas’ lead to five points.
Luka Doncic scored 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the face of another bruising defensive effort from the Thunder.
The Slovenian star took a hard fall flat on his back after a mid-air collision with Luguentz Dort and said he tweaked his sprained right knee as the game ended.
“We got the win, that’s all that matters,” said Doncic, who when asked what was hurting the most replied “everything.” “I think I’m battling,” he said, adding that a bit of extra rest without travel before the Mavs host game four on Monday was welcome.
P.J. Washington led the Mavs’ scoring with 27 points and Dereck Lively added 12 off the bench to help Dallas withstand a 31-point performance from Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Both teams struggled to get their offences firing in the first quarter, but Dallas out-rebounded Oklahoma City 17-5 and dominated in the paint to take a three-point lead through one period.
Doncic impressed with a double-double for the Mavericks. (Photo by Tim Heitman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
Dallas continued to control the boards, but Oklahoma City connected on 60% of their shots in the second to take a 52-51 lead at halftime, pushing their advantage to 65-55 with an 11-0 scoring burst in the third.
The Mavs responded with a 16-0 run that featured a huge dunk by Washington and was capped by his three-pointer that pushed the hosts’ lead to 71-65.
The run energised the American Airlines Center crowd, but Oklahoma City quickly cut the lead to one before the Mavs responded again, Irving connecting on a pair of three-pointers and feeding Daniel Gafford for a dunk before Tim Hardaway Jr. closed the period with a three-pointer that put Dallas up 82-78 going into the final quarter.
“We started to get some stops and then we started to run,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We relied on our defence, we made some shots and our energy picked up.”
Kyrie Irving also showed out for Dallas. (Photo by Tim Heitman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
Irving, who handed out seven assists as he focused early on getting his teammates involved, said one Dallas coach told him he’d left it a bit late to make a scoring push.
“Obviously I’ve got to be better on my end,” Irving said, but Doncic said his contribution was “amazing.” “He’s doing it all on both ends of the floor,” Doncic said.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said his young team — with an average age of just over 23 — got a little sloppy in the third quarter to squander a golden chance to grab a win in Dallas.
“We were up by 10 and had a pretty good grip on it and just didn’t stack quality enough possessions,” he said. “There’s a lot of things we can learn from.”
Elsewhere on Saturday Cleveland hosted the Boston Celtics, the Cavs aiming to press their advantage after stunning the Eastern Conference top seeds on their home floor to level their series at one game apiece.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe said earlier in the week that this Western Conference semi-finals series against Dallas would either see Josh Giddey “sink or swim”.
“And the Thunder sink or swim with him,” Lowe added on his podcast.
Well, it seems like Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault was wise to that reality on Friday, playing Giddey a season-low 11 minutes as the Australian struggled in a 119-110 loss to the Mavericks.
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Giddey impressed in Oklahoma City’s sweep of New Orleans in the opening round of the playoffs, averaging 12.5 points and shooting 50 per cent from downtown.
But it has been a different story so far in the first two games of the series against Dallas, with the Mavericks hunting Giddey on defence with success early on Friday.
That, along with Giddey’s shortcomings as a shooter, made it tough for Daigneault to commit to too many minutes with the 20-year-old guard on the floor.
Now, with the series tied, the question for the Oklahoma City coach is how he divides up the usual minutes he would give the Australian, with the likes of Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and rookie Cason Wallace all candidates to see more playing time.
It was a different story for fellow Australian Josh Green, who went 3-for-5 from 3-point land on his way to 11 points in a handy showing off the bench for the Mavericks.
Josh Green had a great game. Sam Hodde/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Dante Exum, on the other hand, went scoreless in just six minutes of playing time.
Dallas’ win came despite a rough shooting night for Kyrie Irving, who went 2-for-8 from the field, with Luka Doncic (29 points) and P.J. Washington (29 points) carrying the load.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was also massive off the bench with 17 points while guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, one steal) led the way for OKC.
The Mavericks made a much better start to Friday’s game, getting clean looks and jumping out to a 7-0 lead as Giddey missed his first 3-point attempt of the night.
The Australian was creating some opportunities with his movement off the ball, scoring OKC’s first points of the game on a layup before later missing a mid-range floater.
However Giddey’s shortcomings on defence, and specifically in this Mavs match-up, saw him taken off the floor after just four minutes as Dallas had success targeting him early on Friday.
Josh Giddey only played 11 minutes. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
At that stage of the game the Mavericks were already leading 16-7, with Doncic going 3-for-3 from the field on his way to seven quick points to go with an assist and rebound.
It prompted Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to go to a two-big line-up, inserting Jaylin Williams into the mix and he found immediate success as OKC went on a 7-0 run.
Not only did the addition of Williams help the Thunder on the defensive end but the former Arkansas forward made a 3-pointer within 30 seconds and added another a minute later.
The Mavericks responded with an 8-0 run of their own but then missed three consecutive 3-pointers as Oklahoma City chipped away at the deficit.
Doncic though put an exclamation mark on what was a dominant first quarter as he drained his fourth 3-pointer of the period, finishing with 16 points, 6 rebounds and three assists.
Co-star Irving missed his only field goal attempt of the quarter but trade deadline acquisition Washington had 11 points, three rebounds and two assists in the quarter.
A full-court pass and clutch shot from Chet Holmgren on the buzzer reduced the Mavs’ buffer to 36-32, which was slightly concerning given they had shot 61.5 per cent from deep in the quarter and yet only lead by four points.
Jokic named NBA MVP for 3rd in 4 seasons | 00:36
Giddey opened the second with a tough bucket as he re-entered the game while the Mavericks started the period without Doncic.
But Giddey’s struggles in defence continued and once again saw the Australian only given four minutes on the court before he was substituted off, with Gilgeous-Alexander brought in.
The Mavericks had opened up a 47-37 lead at that point in the second quarter and pushed it out to a 13-point advantage a few minutes later, prompting Daigneault to call a timeout.
Dallas was largely able to maintain its double-digit cushion until Gilgeous-Alexander made three quick field goals in the space of two minutes, then assisting on a Lu Dort 3-pointer that reduced the Mavs’ lead to 59-56.
A pair of 3-pointers from Josh Green pushed the visitors further ahead, with the Mavs taking a 68-62 halftime lead after the Australian hustled for an offensive rebound that led to his second bucket.
While obviously a small sample size, entering the second half of Game 2 the Thunder were -21 in Giddey’s 25 minutes throughout the series.
And although the Australian had some of his best games of the season in the first round against New Orleans, this series was quickly proving a bad match-up for the 20-year-old.
Daigneault made the decision to start Wiggins ahead of Giddey in the third quarter and it immediately paid off as the third-year guard made a 3-pointer on OKC’s first possession.
Aaron Wiggins had some nice moments. Joshua Gateley/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Wiggins then gave the Thunder the lead for the first time in the game before Dort drained one from deep to cap off a 13-4 run to begin the quarter and put OKC ahead 75-72, forcing Dallas into a timeout.
Daigneault later said in his post-game press conference that halftime substitutions are nothing new for the Thunder and that he didn’t view it as anything different to in-game substitutions.
Just as the Thunder looked to be getting into a rhythm, the Mavericks went on an 18-4 run to re-gain ascendancy, finding success with the Irving, Green, Hardaway Jr., Washington and Derek Lively Jr. line-up.
Green made his third 3-pointer of the game while Hardaway Jr. continued his productive night off the bench, adding 10 quick points to put Dallas in front 90-79 with four minutes left in the third.
Giddey’s tought night, meanwhile, continued as the Australian turned the ball over immediately when he was reintroduced to the game, leading to fastbreak points on the other end for Dallas.
What made the Mavericks’ run late in the third quarter all the more impressive was the fact it came with Doncic on the bench.
Thunder strike first in Mavs series | 01:09
Giddey, to his credit, grabbed two defensive rebounds and aggressively drove towards the rim to add a pair of points on both occasions before exiting with just over one minute still left in the quarter.
Giddey or no Giddey though, sloppy turnovers from Oklahoma City continued and given the way the Mavericks were shooting the Thunder were in no position to be giving up easy buckets.
Dallas took a 99-89 lead into the fourth but that quickly shrank as Wallace came up with two big plays, first burying a 3-pointer before expertly anticipating a Daniel Gafford pass to spark a Jalen Williams putback on the other end.
That, along with a Dort layup, started a 6-0 run to the quarter for the Thunder but as had been the case all game long, the Mavericks answered right back with two quick buckets of their own.
Dallas didn’t look back from that point, finishing 119-110 winners to level the series.
CAVALIERS SURPRISE CELTICS TO LEVEL SERIES (via AFP)
Donovan Mitchell led a comprehensive Cleveland team effort as the Cavaliers powered past the top-seeded Celtics 118-94 in Boston to level their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series at one game apiece.
Mitchell scored 23 of his 29 points in the second half and received plenty of support from aggressive teammates as the Cavs bounced back from a game-one rout.
Evan Mobley, 22, got Cleveland going early, scoring 15 of his playoff career-high 21 points in the first half. Mobley added 10 rebounds and five assists and reserve guard Caris LeVert added 21 points off the bench for Cleveland, who had six players score in double figures.
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“I like the way that we were just attack-minded,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We didn’t settle for the first quick (shot) that we saw. We were attack-minded and understanding how they’re playing with their space.”
The Cavs fell behind in each of the first two quarters but finished both of them strong and had tied it up 54-54 at halftime.
Mitchell erupted for 16 points in the third quarter as the Cavaliers seized control, taking the first double-digit lead of the night for either team on Darius Garland’s three-pointer midway through the period that put Cleveland up 77-66.
Cleveland finished with 13 three-pointers while Boston made just eight on 35 attempts. The Celtics, who led the league with 64 regular-season wins, were 0-for-8 from three-point range in the third quarter.
The Cavs, up by 12 going into the fourth, pressed their advantage, as Mitchell drained three straight baskets that included a spinning drive for a hook shot that made it 99-83.
Celtics masterclass blow Cleveland away | 00:39
By the time Tatum was called for a flagrant foul — when his arm made contact with LaVert’s head on a play that pushed Cleveland’s lead to 24 points — fans were streaming out of T.D. Garden arena.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters, with Tatum finishing with 25 points and Jaylen Brown adding 19.
“Everybody did their job,” Mitchell said, heaping praise on Mobley, who started in place of injured center Jarrett Allen.
“To come out here on the road as a young player, that’s a big-time performance to set the tone for us.”
Now, Mitchell said, the Cavs need to keep the pressure on when the series shifts to Cleveland for game three on Sunday.
“At the end of the day, it’s one win,” Mitchell said. “We’ve got to do it at the crib.”
A war of words erupted between the coaches pre-game, setting the scene for a spicy game 1, but it was Melbourne United who got on with the task at hand, cruising to a one-game lead over Tasmania JackJumpers in the best-of-five NBL Championship Series.
United centre Jo Lual-Acuil Jr stamped his authority on the series opener, dominating on both ends of the floor as United ran out 104-81 winners at John Cain Arena on Sunday.
Lual-Acuil Jr finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a dominant display.
United were dominant on the boards, out-rebounding the visitors 50-36.
When Lual-Acuil Jr was on the bench, young star Ariel Hukporti maintained the advantage with seven points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
If Lual-Acuil Jr was Batman for United, Chris Goulding was Robin.
Sharpshooter Goulding was on fire from the outset, draining 22 points, including six three pointers.
United’s three-point shooting was a feature, going 14/28 (50%).
They defended the three-point arc well, restricting the JackJumpers to 8/18 (44%) from three.
Matthew Dellavedova’s offensive outburst in these playoffs continued with three triples in his 11 points, while NBL sixth man of the year Ian Clark was a constant threat with 18 points, including three triples.
United scored as they pleased, inside and out, with the JackJumpers offering little resistance.
Only seldom did the JackJumpers threaten, with star Milton Doyle having his moments with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony Drmic fought hard with a team-high 18 points on 66% shooting.
Will Magnay was one of the star JackJumpers in their semi final series against the Wildcats, but his game 1 minutes were capped after he picked up a fourth foul early in the third quarter.
The 2024 NBL Championship Series is set, with the Tasmania JackJumpers once again featuring as they look to win their first-ever title against Melbourne United.
Read on for a full wrap of how both teams got there, with Tasmania making a statement against Perth while United held off a plucky Illawarra outfit.
EMOTIONS HIGH FOR ROTH AS JACKJUMPERS CONTINUE CHARGE
The Tasmania JackJumpers will contest their second NBL championship series despite only having been in the competition for three seasons.
The JackJumpers became the only team across both semi-final series to win on the road, when they beat the Wildcats 100-84 at RAC Arena on Wednesday night.
Perth looked lively in the first half, but could only manage a three-point lead, which came midway through the second quarter.
Then Scott Roth’s boys took control.
Led by a season-high 27 points from Jack McVeigh, the JackJumpers outscored Perth 48-41 after half-time and were always in control.
“The island defended. Love those people back in Tasmania, this team loves you, we’re coming back home,” an emotional Roth told John Casey post-game.
“… It’s all about defending the island and taking care of this state.”
Nothing to lose
So, Tasmania will play Melbourne United in a five-game series, after United won Game 3 of their semi-final series against Illawarra Hawks earlier on Wednesday.
Game 1 is on Sunday at John Cain Arena.
In the past 10 years, eight championships have been won by teams entering the playoffs from one of top-two positions on the table.
The Sydney Kings (2021-22) and the Perth Wildcats (2016-17) both won titles from third spot in that time, where the JackJumpers were ranked after qualifying.
Tassie will start underdog, but that won’t bother them.
Some Milton magic
It was Milton Doyle who broke the game open in the second term, dropping 11 points for the quarter to give the visitors a nine-point lead at half-time.
Bryce Cotton had just started the term on fire, with the first five points, as the Cats went on a nine-point run either side of the quarter-time break.
The four-times MVP scored 10 points in the second term.
But when Doyle dropped the first two points of the second half, the JackJumpers lead went to 11 points. It didn’t get back below nine.
Doyle finished with 24 points and nine assists.
Milton Doyle wins possession for the ball against Keanu Pinder. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Talls just too big
Import Marcus Lee returning to the JackJumpers was just one too many tall for the Wildcats to handle.
Lee missed his side’s home victory in Game 2, suspended for unduly rough play on Jordan Usher, deemed to be intentional, medium impact and high contact.
The rebound count was 40-31 Tasmania’s way. The JackJumpers pulled in 13 offensive boards.
They were able to add 58 points from inside the paint as a result.
Will Magnay continued his terrific late-season form, with nine boards and 18 points.
Keanu Pinder had his hands full. Having scored 25 points in Game 1 of the semi-final, his frustrations from Game 2 continued to Wednesday. He didn’t score at all.
Perth scoring woes
Remember when the Wildcats went on a seven-game run mid-season, scoring triple figure totals in every game?
They reached 100 in 10 of 14 games.
But over their finals campaign, scoring hasn’t been that easy.
Cotton again led the way on Wednesday night, scoring 21 points. The four-times NBL MVP dropped all three attempts from three-point territory.
But after him, it was slim pickings. Hyrum Harris contributed 13 points, but no one else made it to double figures.
Magnay goes huge as Jackjumpers win | 02:00
‘UNBELIEVABLE’ DELLY HELPS UNITED TO VICTORY
The pressure on Melbourne United to close out a semi final series it was heavily favoured in was immense.
A basketball nation jumped on board the Illawarra Hawks bandwagon and were waiting to point and laugh at a top-ranked United if they were to slip up.
But United showed its championship credentials, standing up when it counted most in a do-or-die game and declaring the Hawks fairytale would end in their house.
Dean Vickerman’s team advanced to their first NBL championship series since 2020-21 with another tight 100-94 win in game 3 at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night.
United exorcised the demons of 2021-22 when a fourth-ranked Tasmania JackJumpers shocked top-seeded United to take game three of their semi final series.
It was all hands on deck for United with all five starters, led by 22 points from point guard Shea Ili, and sixth man Ian Clark scoring in double digits.
Matthew Dellavedova made some big plays. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
United’s offence was sharp early and a little less predictable than their go-to-Jo Lual-Acuil Jr start in game 2.
The Hawks were caught on the hop as United opened up what would prove to be an unassailable 21-6 lead.
Hawks coach Justin Tatum was not liking what he saw and called a time out just three minutes in.
It lit a fire in Hawks forward Wani Swaka Lo Buluk who unceremoniously barged through hometown favourite Chris Goulding.
Three triples from Hawks guard Justin Robinson trimmed a 15-point deficit to just six at quarter time.
United came out with a stronger defensive focus in the second.
Veteran Matthew Dellavedova typified that when he dove head first over the advertising boards in a bid to try and save a ball.
The Hawks stuck around with Robinson, who had 19 points and seven assists, a key reason, the sixth man playing his best game of the series.
Robinson was the one Hawk that was able to penetrate with regularity.
Hawks centre Sam Froling was ever-present inside the paint with 23 points.
When Robinson connected on an alley-oop with Froling, United’s lead was cut to three, but two late Shea Ili’s threes had United up 54-47 at half time.
United opened the third quarter on a 9-0 run to have their biggest lead of the night at 16.
Smooth-as-silk United forward Luke Travers, who finished with a double double 15 points and 11 rebounds, was getting to the hoop at will and providing efficient scoring.
A four-point play to Hyunjung Lee late in the third boosted the Hawks spirits.
The Hawks were not going to simply roll over, but they just couldn’t bridge a gap that hovered around 10, particularly with their slipshod 63% free throw shooting (24/38).
Target on his back
If United was going to get beaten, they didn’t want to get beaten by Gary Clark.
Clark, the game 2 star for the Hawks, was met with a double team nearly every time he took possession in the first half.
The former NBA player was bereft of ideas for most of the night and finished with just 14 points, a significant win for United.
Ty-ed down
Hawks guard Tyler Harvey endured a hellish night.
The 30-year-old had a killer mentality in game 2, but it eluded him on this occasion.
When the star scorer went to the bench in the third quarter with four fouls, he only had a single point to his name and finished with just nine.
With his team seconds away from a famous victory, little-used Illawarra Hawks point guard Kyle Adnam inexplicably threw the ball away from the inbounds pass with 18 seconds left in regulation, and Melbourne United gleefully accepted the donation, scoring through Chris Goulding to take the game to overtime.
Staring a 16-point deficit in the face early in the fourth quarter, United pulled off a miraculous come-from-behind win to take game one of the best-of-three semi final series 115-106 in overtime at a rocking John Cain Arena on Thursday night.
Chants of “Melbourne” rained down as the pro-United crowd showed their appreciation for the never-say-die attitude of their team.
United can clinch their first trip to the NBL grand final since 2020-21 with a win in game two in Illawarra on Sunday.
Veteran guard Matthew Dellavedova was the architect for United.
The 33-year-old produced his game of the season with 30 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.
His impact was so significant, the crowd was chanting “MVP” when Dellavedoca went to the free throw line late in the game.
Talented young forward Luke Travers was instrumental with 24 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two and Goulding bobbed up at crucial times with 18 points, including four threes.
The Hawks have gone close the past two times against United, but the minor premiers have their measure.
That is five straight wins for United over the Hawks and Justin Tatum’s men must be wondering what they have to do to break through for a victory.
The quality of play in the first half was straight from the top shelf.
Hawks centre Sam Froling’s finesse on the inside saw the visitors settle the better.
Froling, who had a team-high 26 points, was aggressive with 17 first half points and caused headaches for United starting centre Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.
United’s slow start was remedied by Travers, who started to take over.
Locked in Luke
Travers was clearly locked in, as you would expect from a player who opted to sit out national representation to focus on United’s playoffs.
Hawks import forward Gary Clark went up a notch for the playoffs with 22 points and 12 rebounds, but he will be frustrated by his five turnovers.
Goulding, who had knocked down a three-pointer in 57 consecutive games, hit three first half triples.
With the Hawks leading by four midway through the second, Dellavedova took a stand, stealing the ball off a driving Clark and transitioning for a three.
It was the catalyst to United taking the lead for the first time in the game.
Sam the man
But the Froling show rolled on.
The league’s Next Generation Award recipient was nigh on unstoppable.
His stand out play helped the Hawks go on a 6-0 run and take a 57-56 lead at half time.
The Hawks came out of half time with all guns blazing, going on a 7-0 run, as United struggled to match the Hawks up tempo style,
Up 16 early in the fourth, the Hawks looked set to cause an upset, but United came roaring back to steal victory in overtime.
Public enemy
Justin Robinson had a target on his back all game.
Robinson was charged with an unsportsmanlike foul when he bowled over United fan favourite Shea Ili in a play straight from an AFL playbook and it drew the ire of the home fans.
The United fans made their displeasure known, booing the American in unison.
NBL SCOREBOARD
Melbourne United 115 (Dellavedova 30 Travers 24 Goulding 18) d Illawarra Hawks 106 (Froling 26 Clark 22 Harvey 15)
Scribbled on a whiteboard in the Los Angeles Lakers locker room was a number: 0.3.
Proof of just how far this team had come. Proof of just how far they had fallen at the start of the season.
Winning just two of their first 12 games, analytics gave the Lakers just a 0.3 per cent chance of making it to the playoffs. But all LeBron James and the Lakers needed was a chance.
Now, forget just making the playoffs, the Lakers are title contenders again after qualifying for the Western Conference Finals.
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They took down second seed Memphis and defending champions Golden State along the way, with the top team in the West — the Denver Nuggets — to come.
Should the Lakers go one step further to the NBA Finals, it will complete what has been one of the most stunning in-season turnarounds in NBA history.
Stunning not just because of how the Lakers started but also how what should have been one of the team’s best moments only instead further raised questions around their chemistry.
When James made a turnaround jumper to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in September last year, all eyes were understandably on the Lakers superstar.
But while the rest of the Lakers bench waited in anticipation for James to break the record, teammate Anthony Davis’ reaction was interesting — to say the least.
Speaking to reporters after that video went viral, Davis insisted his reaction had nothing to do with any ill-feelings towards James, adding he was simply “pissed off” about losing the game.
“I mean, we’re losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game we needed,” Davis said.
“And I was pissed off that we were losing. It’s that simple. It’s nothing that has to do with Bron. He knows that.”
Davis’ reaction had people talking. (Photo by Harry How / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
ESPN’s Jalen Rose though claimed at the time that Davis’ reaction made him appear “petty” and “jealous” of his teammate’s accolades.
“There’s no way on God’s green earth that you can be sitting down when the greatest record in the history of basketball is being broken,” Rose said at the time.
All of this is to say that irrespective of who you side with, this should have been a magical moment in what was otherwise shaping as a disappointing season in L.A.
Instead, it became yet another example of disharmony for the team’s critics to point towards.
And even if it was exactly how Davis described it — just a player being “pissed off” about losing — the Lakers were doing plenty of that by that point of the season.
L.A. fell to 25-30 on the season with the loss to Oklahoma City and was two full games out of 10th seed in the West as it hunted a spot in the play-in tournament.
Even James breaking the all-time scoring record in itself highlighted one of the team’s biggest flaws — that they could only count on him to carry the team on his back for so long.
LeBron James celebrates after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Russell Westbrook was supposed to help ease the offensive burden on James and Davis but instead he only added to it, not that it was a surprise to many people anyway.
“Quite frankly it’s not the team that’s geared for him, with the roster that they have,” now Clippers teammate Paul George told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne in October last year.
Moving on from Westbrook was always going to be a challenge given his contract, with a $44 million salary in 2021-22 and $47 million player option in 2022-23.
It would also require the Lakers to admit they had made a big mistake but it was a move the front office had to make if it wanted to salvage its season.
What the Lakers got in return had The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor declaring it “might just save their season”. That wasn’t hyperbole either.
In trading away Westbrook and Patrick Beverley, the Lakers received D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba in return.
Beasley and Bamba haven’t played big minutes this post-season, averaging 9.0 and 3.3 respectively, but they haven’t had to.
More than anything, they give the Lakers handy depth — something the team didn’t have in the early stages of the season.
Russell and Vanderbilt though have been big success stories, as has Rui Hachimura, who the Lakers traded Kendrick Nunn and a second-round pick for before the more noteworthy Westbrook move.
The Lakers moved on from Westbrook. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Reflecting on the successful trade period earlier this week, James said it was particularly important that the Lakers found more shooting options to space around himself and Davis.
“We play on the perimeter but we are not primarily three-point shooters,” James said.
“I will take my fair share, but when you have that space it allows us to do what we do best. He also pointed to the fact that Russell’s ability as a ball-handler eases the pressure not just on him but also Denis Schroder and Austin Reaves to create.
Russell has embraced his role of being the third wheel behind James and Davis, although he has also proven himself capable of so much more, putting up 31 points in a Game 6 win over Memphis last month.
Overall, Russell has averaged 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists to provide the Lakers with a much-needed consistent third option behind their superstar duo.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s physicality and energy helped limit Ja Morant’s effectiveness in the paint in the Memphis series before then turning his attention to a tough assignment against Steph Curry.
The Golden State sharpshooter is going to make shots. That’s a given. But Vanderbilt made him work for them and has helped the Lakers rediscover some of their defensive identity.
Of course, a lot of that defensive identity goes back to Davis, who may not always be as consistent on offence but has been a destructive force on defence all season.
Stephen Curry controls the ball around Jarred Vanderbilt. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
In fact, as much as the Lakers’ turnaround largely centres around their moves at the trade deadline, Davis also deserves plenty of credit for putting the team on his back at stages.
Most notably, according to The Athletic, Davis was putting up career-highs in points (28.6), rebounds (12.8), field-goal percentage (59.0 percent), true-shooting percentage (65.6 percent), effective field-goal percentage (60.2 percent), Player Efficiency Rating (31.9) and Win Shares per 48 minutes (.288) by early December.
That came after a dominant stretch from the Lakers big man that started in late November and eventually came to an end when he was sidelined with a foot injury.
But again, that was part of the problem for the Lakers. As much as Davis and James were capable of monster performances, the risk was always there that one of the two or potentially both would burn out.
With a strong supporting cast though, James and Davis have both been able to sacrifice their scoring for the benefit of the entire team — and themselves in the long run.
You only have to look at Game 3 against Golden State, where James did not even attempt a single field goal in the opening quarter for the first time in his playoff career.
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Usually alarm bells would be ringing for the Lakers if that was the case but this new version of the team has allowed James to find different ways to impact winning.
Russell was doing all the damage early in that game while even in a Game 1 win over Memphis James and Davis attempted just one shot apiece in the final 11 minutes.
Instead, it was Hachimura who came up clutch with nine of his 29 points in the fourth quarter while Austin Reaves went 5-for-5 in the period on the way to 23 points of his own.
Speaking of Reaves, any assessment of the way the Lakers have turned around their season can’t ignore the importance of the 24-year-old’s growth as a playmaker since the Westbrook trade.
“It’s not surprising to me. I knew from the first practice that we had when we grabbed him that he wasn’t going to be a two-way player for long,” James said of Reaves after that Memphis game.
“I know the type of players that fit with my game. I knew Austin would be that.”
Reaves, a second-year guard undrafted out of Oklahoma, was initially signed on a two-way contract which saw him split time between the G League and Lakers.
Reaves has emerged as a key player for the Lakers. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Now though, Reaves may well have emerged as the team’s third-most important player with an infectious energy and swagger that has quickly made him a crowd favourite.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, the only downside of Reaves’ breakout season is the fact they will have to pay a lot to keep him as the 24-year-old prepares to hit free agency.
Reaves is set to earn just $1.6 million this season but could see offers in excess of $50 million over four years this summer according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
That though is a headache for another day. After all, Lakers fans have every right to live in the present and enjoy this successful season for what it is.
Regardless of what the future holds, the Lakers can always look back at this year and that trade deadline as the catalyst for a dramatic turnaround unlike many others in the NBA.
Once 2-10, the Lakers were seemingly at a crossroads but instead became the first team to start with that record and finish above .500 since the Bulls in 2004-05.
Now, a team that was once just a 0.3 per cent chance of making the playoffs is one series away from the NBA Finals — and a shot at the unlikeliest of championships.
“Wembanyama is a basketball evolution all his own, a unicorn even among unicorns, the unholy melding of the best traits of Ralph Sampson, Kristaps Porziņģis and Dirk Nowitzki.
“Between the size and length and the off-the-charts skill level, calling Wembanyama a generational prospect feels somewhat like calling fire an important discovery; while true, it still comes across as a massive understatement.”
Victor Wembanyama will be in the spotlight come draft night. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
For teams like Detroit, Houston, San Antonio and Charlotte, Wembanyama could be their ticket back to the playoffs.
Then there are those around in or around the playoff picture, the likes of Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Toronto, who could bolster already strong rosters with the French sensation.
While there are some landing spots are better than others, Wembanyama apparently does not have one favoured destination ahead of the draft lottery.
“There’s no wrong team,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said on The Hoop Collective podcast. “He, in his mind, thinks that he’s going to go figure out even the worst situations in the NBA. He’s kind of already putting on the table that he’s fine going whoever lands No. 1.”
Of course, there are some worse situations than others and with that in mind, foxsports.com.au assesses what Wembanyama could look like on all 14 lottery teams.
Detroit Pistons: 14.0 per cent
After finishing this season with a league-worst 17-65 record, winning the Wembanyama sweepstakes would be exactly what Pistons fans need right now.
Sure, there are other reasons to be excited for the future, headlined by the 2021 No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham along with rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.
But Cunningham wasn’t even on the court very long this season, sidelined with a shin injury and later undergoing surgery, robbing him of a chance for much development in year two.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) and Jaden Ivey pose for photos after Ivey was drafted with the 5th overall pick. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Then you add in the fact the Pistons go into the summer looking for a new head coach after Dwane Casey stepped down from the role with one year left on his contract.
When you put that all together, you have an exciting team with plenty of potential but still in need of one final piece to potentially complete the rebuild.
In French phenom Wembanyama, the Pistons would not just add another piece that sets them up for the future, there would be the very real potential of being at least competitive right away.
Detroit already has two young bigs on the roster in Duren and James Wiseman but that in itself could be a plus for Wembanyama given the question marks over his frame.
It would allow the Pistons to limit his minutes defending centers and the best part is they would be able to do so without really disrupting the rest of the team anyway.
As for the offensive side of things, Wembanyama would be a perfect match given his potential in the pick-and-roll with Cunningham while his game would also open up playing alongside the pass-first guard.
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Wembanyama could thrive alongside Cunningham. (Photo by Geoffroy VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)Source: AFP
Houston Rockets: 14.0 per cent
Like Detroit, Houston has also spent the past few years rebuilding its roster through the draft, adding Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and more recently Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.
The Pistons are also entering next season with a new coach, hiring Ime Udoka to replace Stephen Silas in the hope he can get the best out of a young core that has flashed its potential occasionally but struggled to sustain it.
For a team with more questions than answers heading into the offseason, drafting a generational talent like Wembanyama would give the Rockets a clear focal point to build around.
Of course, that is if James Harden is not that focal point instead. After all, Harden has been linked to a Houston return since December and the nature of Philadelphia’s playoff exit will only add to speculation there could be big changes on the horizon at the Sixers.
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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, drafting Wembanyama would not have an impact on the Rockets’ potential pursuit of Harden in free agency.
“If they win the draft lottery [Tuesday] night here in Chicago and they’re the ones that can draft Victor Wembanyama, my sense is that would not necessarily change the Rockets’ intentions to pursue James Harden,” Wojnarowski said on ‘Get Up’.
At least adding Harden would ease the pressure on Wembanyama to produce on the offensive end right away, although obviously expectations will be high irrespective of where he lands.
Where the Rockets would need Wembanyama to step up right away though is in defence, having finished 29th in defensive rating at 118.6 points per 100 possessions last season.
Sengun is not a rim protector and so Houston would benefit from having someone of Wembanyama’s height and speed to keep teams out of the paint.
The biggest question mark though when it comes to Wembanyama’s potential fit at the Rockets is whether they can foster a winning culture under Udoka, or at least not be the dysfunctional mess they have been in recent years.
Is Houston the right fit for Wembanyama? (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It is why ESPN insider Brian Windhorst described them as a “dangerous” fit earlier this year.
“I think Houston is a dangerous fit for anybody, because that team is out of control,” Windhorst said on The Tony Kornheiser Show.
“They have completely destroyed and broken down [head coach] Stephen Silas, who is a good man but cannot handle the renegade operation that has become. Pretty much everything the Rockets do is a mess right now, so if I were Victor, I would be a little bit worried about Houston.”
San Antonio Spurs: 14.0 per cent
Again, here is another team with a core group of young players (Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan) in need of a centrepiece to bring it all together.
But while the Spurs finished tied for the worst record in the Western Conference this season, there is a clear difference between them and the Rockets and Pistons.
That all comes back to legendary coach Gregg Popovich, who has experience working with international players and in general fosters a culture of selflessness that is in everyone’s best interests.
Of course, the biggest concern for Wembanyama at San Antonio would be whether Popovich stays around much longer.
But the 74-year-old is approaching the current situation at San Antonio the right away, talking about how the challenge of coaching younger players has re-energised him.
Speaking of being re-energised, what about the chance for Popovich to work with Wembanyama, a rare blend of size, speed and ballhandling ability that only comes once in a generation?
Charlotte Hornets: 12.5 per cent
LaMelo Ball was the star attraction in his rookie year. But after an injury-interrupted season for the 21-year-old, adding Wembanyama alongside Ball would be exactly what Hornets fans need to be excited again about the franchise’s future.
Plus, Ball is eligible for a five-year, $202.5 million extension this summer and convincing him to stay put would certainly be a lot easier with a player of Wembanyama’s undeniable talents added to the roster.
Ball, who averaged 23.3 points and 8.4 assists last season, certainly needs all the help he can get in a Hornets team that finished the season with the worst offensive rating (108.4) in the league.
LaMelo Ball and Wembanyama would be a lot of fun. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Obviously Wembanyama is a lob threat at 7-foot-4 but that is just the start of what he could do to lift Charlotte’s offence, with a feel for playmaking that will only continue to improve as he gets more comfortable in the NBA.
Plus, playing with someone like Ball who can both score and facilitate at a high rate could only be a good thing for Wembanyama if it means easing the pressure for him to perform immediately.
The Hornets also desperately need a defensive stopper, particularly in the paint having given up 52.8 paint points this season, ranking them 23rd in the league.
Wembanyama and his eight-foot wingspan may discourage some players from even going close to the paint — full stop.
More than anything though, for a team that has not made it past the first round of the playoffs in over two decades, Wembanyama is a chance to give Charlotte fans a reason to believe.
Wembanyama is a once-in-a-generation prospect. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Portland Trail Blazers: 10.5 per cent
Damian Lillard has been patient enough and drafting Wembanyama could be exactly what Portland needs to finally make a call on its superstar guard.
The Blazers could decide Wembanyama is the new face of the franchise, putting all their energy into building this team around him and starting afresh.
That, of course, would involve trading away Lillard but could net them quite the return to add alongside an already promising crop of young players including Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe.
The alternative is that Wembanyama is everything he promises to be on both sides of the floor in his first year in the league and that he immediately helps raise Portland’s ceiling in the Western Conference.
Damian Lillard has been patient. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
That, in turn, is enough for Lillard to stay put and for the Blazers to re-sign Jerami Grant and try contend for a title.
Lillard averaged a career-high 32.2 points this season, also ranking him third in the league only behind Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic.
The seven-time All-Star was able to keep the Blazers competitive with his offensive output alone, even putting up 71 points in a win against Houston.
What Portland needs though is defence. Enter Wembanyama, who averaged a league-best 3.1 blocks and 0.7 steals per game in the LNB Pro A League.
Orlando Magic: 9.0 per cent
Unlike some of the other teams high up in the Wembanyama sweepstakes, things are already on the up in Orlando.
The Magic started the season 5-20 and had every right to tank but instead finished with a 29-28 record during the rest of the regular season, giving their young core every opportunity to develop.
While Orlando may have a nine per cent chance of getting the first overall pick, the Magic will be hoping it will be a long time before it finds itself near the top of the lottery odds again.
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Of course, this is still a developing team with plenty of improvement left in it and so there will naturally still be the growing pains you come to expect with any young group.
But adding Wembanyama to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz would give Orlando more than enough to build around now and into the future.
“If we were able to add that guy [Wembanyama], I think it would take this team to another level,” Banchero said on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today’.
“That guy’s a player who I don’t think people have seen before in terms of height and skill and movements. How he was able to move at that size, it really doesn’t make sense when you watch it. So whatever team gets him is gonna be lucky, but if we get him, I think it’s going to cause a lot of problems for this league.”
His arrival would likely come at the expense of the team’s starting center Wendell Carter Jr. and while the Magic were a much-improved defensive team as last season progressed, they could certainly benefit from Wembanyama’s size and frame in rim protection.
Indiana Pacers: 6.8 per cent
First, there is the fact that Indiana as a small-market team could do with an exposure boost. The Pacers played sneaky good basketball particularly in the first half of this season, led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
This is a promising young team that is well worth keeping an eye on and adding Wembanyama would certainly direct the league’s attention towards Indiana.
Then there is the prospect of a Wembanyama-Haliburton tandem. The pair would be a dangerous pick-and-roll combination while Wembanyama’s ability to get stops will give the Pacers more opportunities to attack in transition.
For reference, Indiana had the fifth-ranked pace (101.68) in the league last season while 15.5 per cent of its points came in fast break, ranking second in the NBA.
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Washington Wizards: 6.7 per cent
Now, this would be a particularly interesting landing spot for Wembanyama. Why?
Well, it could involve pairing him with the original ‘Unicorn’ Kristaps Porzingis.
Although according to LeBron James, that nickname doesn’t even suit Wembanyama, who the Lakers superstar described as an “alien” in an interview with Sports Illustrated this year.
Regardless of what you call him, should Porzingis return to Washington he would likely partner up alongside Wembanyama in Washington’s two-big starting lineup.
That would be a sight to behold but it may not happen even if the Wizards end up drafting Wembanyama, with the possibility Porzingis opts out of his contract and tests free agency.
Kyle Kuzma also plans to go through the full free agency process while there is always a chance of Bradley Beal being moved should he be convinced to waive his no-trade clause.
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All of that is to say that even if the roster remains intact heading into next season, the Wizards weren’t that good anyway and need some form of hope for their fans to hold onto.
Wembanyama would be that ray of light at the end of the darkness that has consumed the franchise for a number of years now.
Although the fact the Wizards haven’t even found a replacement for general manager Tommy Sheppard has to be a red flag for Wembanyama’s camp.
The Frenchman may have said he would be happy regardless of where he lands but right now there is little reason to be confident in where Washington is heading as an organisation.
Can Wembanyama trust the direction Washington is heading in? (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
Utah Jazz: 4.5 per cent
The Jazz, at least on paper, were supposed to have a much better chance of winning the lottery this season after trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
But instead Lauri Markkanen earned All-Star honours and was later crowned the league’s Most Improved Player while Walker Kessler impressed in his rookie season.
Kessler’s defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy, with his 2.3 blocks per game tied for the third-best in the NBA while he finished 17th in the league in overall defensive rating.
Adding Wembanyama would give the Jazz one of the most dynamic and versatile frontcourts in the NBA.
Lauri Markkanen was crowned the league’s Most Improved Player. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Those two are 7-footers, can shoot it, can finish above the rim, run the floor, protect the rim, defend on the perimeter and are elite athletically,” Tony Jones, a Utah Jazz reporter for The Athletic, wrote of the potential Markkanen-Wembanyama forward pairing.
“It would be arguably the best thing to ever happen to the Jazz as a franchise.”
The Jazz have also had past success with a French center in Gobert, who told reporters last year that Wembanyama is “something that we’ve never seen before”.
“I’m excited to keep watching him grow and see what he’s going to turn into. But he’s unique, something that the world has never seen and it’s exciting,” Gobert said of his French National Team teammate.
Of course, even with Wembanyama the Jazz would not be the complete picture, with the need to bolster their starpower in the backcourt.
But with 14 first-round picks stockpiled over the next six years, Utah has more than enough ammunition to find solutions there either through the draft or trades.
Wembanyama would be a top-tier addition for any team. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
Dallas Mavericks: 3.0 per cent*
It cost the Mavericks a lot to blatantly tank at the end of the season to protect its lottery odds.
But you know what would make the $750,000 tanking fine worth it in the end? Somehow rising up to the top spot and taking Wembanyama.
Now obviously the chances of this happening are pretty slim, with the Mavericks only having a three per cent chance of winning this year’s lottery.
If somehow Dallas did end up being awarded the No. 1 overall pick, drafting Wembanyama would help address some of the team’s most pressing needs while also making them must-match television.
The Mavericks traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who was dubbed the ‘Unicorn’ by Kevin Durant early in his career, with the expectation he could be the team’s defensive anchor.
Injuries obviously spoiled Porzingis’ chance of having the kind of impact Dallas was hoping for but the Mavs could somewhat right the wrongs of that failed trade by landing Wembanyama.
The Mavericks have big decisions to make this summer. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
The Frenchman won’t solve all of their problems and there is still very much a need for Dallas to put the right supporting cast around Doncic, with perimeter defence a glaring need after Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure.
But The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie believes if the Mavericks were to somehow find themselves with the top pick in this year’s draft, it could be the start of a “very real potential dynasty”.
“Watching Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama would be like world-breaking,” Vecenie said on his ‘Game Theory’ podcast.
“What does Dallas desperately need? They need front-court size and rim protection. What does Victor Wembanyama provide? He brings all of that and more. What could they use in the frontcourt? Another shot creator next to Kyrie and Luka.
“This is like a very real potential dynasty if they don’t f*** up building their pieces around Luka and Victor Wembanyama.”
Wembanyama would be an intriguing addition at Dallas. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
Chicago Bulls: 1.8 per cent**
Now, this pick will go to the Magic as part of the Nikola Vucevic trade, unless the Bulls jump into the top four. That, of course, includes winning the lottery entirely.
But honestly, even if Wembanyama would benefit from playing alongside an NBA veteran like DeMar DeRozan, Chicago may not be the best fit for him given the uncertainty surrounding its roster.
DeRozan, 33, is about to enter the last year of his deal while Nikola Vucevic, 32, is set to become a free agent.
“If you’re Chicago, you clearly have decisions,” NBA insider Shams Charania said on FanDuel TV’s ‘Run It Back’.
“DeMar DeRozan’s going into the last year of his deal next year so you’re going to have to make a decision. He’s eligible for a massive extension this summer, do you want to give him that?”
“Vucevic, also will be a free agent so Chicago will for sure have decisions to make.”
Will the Bulls keep Nikola Vucevic? (Photo by Quinn Harris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
Obviously the Bulls would be in need of a boost to their frontcourt if Vucevic left and so, in that sense, Wembanyama would be an ideal addition.
There are just so many question marks over where this Chicago team is heading, coming off a season where it ranked 24th in the league in offensive efficiency despite having scoring options like DeRozan, Vucevic and Zach LaVine.
Wembanyama would help solve some of the team’s offensive issues given his ability to space the floor and open up driving lanes or opportunities to kick it out for 3-point attempts.
At least if the Bulls were to head in a new direction this summer and look towards rebuilding their roster, Wembanyama would be the perfect starting point.
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1.7 per cent
Talk about an embarrassment of riches. This is a team that wasn’t even supposed to have a winning record this season, let alone qualify for the play-in tournament.
Yet, the Thunder flipped the script and fast-tracked their rebuild on the back of a breakout season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished fifth in MVP voting.
Meanwhile, Australian Josh Giddey built on a record-breaking rookie campaign to dispel any concerns over his fit with Gilgeous-Alexander, also making leaps in his 3-point shooting.
Add in the emergence of Jalen Williams and the fact OKC’s second overall pick Chet Holmgren did not even get on the court last season — and there are already plenty of reasons to be excited about the Thunder’s future.
Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren. Ian Maule/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
With all that in mind, adding a one-of-a-kind talent like Wembanyama to that young core would just be plain unfair.
Wembanyama and the 7-foot Holmgren would make up one of the lengthiest and most intriguing frontcourts in basketball with potential for so much more when they fill out.
Of course, expectations will be even higher at OKC next season if it was to luck out and draft Wembanyama, but playoffs would’ve been the goal even without the 19-year-old.
Toronto Raptors: 1.0 per cent
With Nick Nurse gone, the Raptors are on the lookout for a new coach and — potentially — a completely fresh direction to head in.
So why not completely start things from scratch with a franchise-altering player like Wembanyama?
Drafting Wembanyama wouldn’t necessarily require the Raptors to start from scratch anyway. Toronto has already embraced the positionless basketball revolution, acquiring long, versatile wings who can defend across multiple positions.
Fred VanVleet is one Raptors player whose future is up in the air. (Photo by Carmen Mandato / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
The French phenom’s versatility in both his offensive and defensive game makes him the perfect fit should Toronto continue that approach.
Like Chicago though, there are genuine question marks over what the Raptors’ roster could look like next season, with Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. and Jakob Poeltl all a chance of leaving.
Poeltl will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer while the same goes for VanVleet and Trent Jr. if they decline their player options.
The Raptors could decide to move on from their veteran players and rebuild around Wembanyama and the impressive Scottie Barnes, or they could keep a few of them and once again hover in and around playoff contention with the hope for more.
The odds are obviously not in Toronto’s favour though, with the Raptors having just a one per cent chance of winning this year’s lottery.
Victor Wembanyama’s versatility would suit Toronto. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP
New Orleans Pelicans: 0.5 per cent
Look, it’s highly unlikely the Pelicans jump all the way to top spot and to be completely honest, they have other things worth worrying about anyway.
Starting with Zion Williamson’s health. You know, the former first overall pick has struggled to stay on the court since being drafted by the Pelicans back in 2019.
For a team that has been cursed by injury in recent years, maybe landing Wembanyama would be the basketball gods’ way of apologising? But even that seems a stretch.
If anything, Wembanyama landing in New Orleans would be his best chance of tasting immediate success in the NBA given the state of the Pelicans roster.
Can Zion Williamson stay healthy? (Photo by Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
With Williamson hopefully healthy again and Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum still on the roster, there won’t be any pressure on Wembanyama to be a leading contributor right away.
It’s all but a pipe dream at this stage but the idea of Wembanyama and Williamson as frontcourt partners is too good not to imagine, even if it is only a 0.5 per cent chance of happening.
* = Dallas’ pick will go to New York if it’s outside of top 10, which would require one of Teams 11-14 to jump ahead of Dallas
** = Chicago’s pick will go to Orlando if it’s outside the top 4, meaning the Bulls need to jump up the order to keep it
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has been handed a $25,000 fine but remarkably escaped suspension for pushing Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia.
Jokic was given a technical foul in the second quarter of Game Four between the Nuggets and Suns when the Serbian star tried to grab the ball from Ishbia, who held onto the ball in a little bit of gamesmanship.
Ishbia then fell over somewhat theatrically after Jokic accidentally caught him to grab the ball back and there were immediate fears the Nuggets ace could be suspended for the crucial Game Five.
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However, he will now be free to play as Denver looks to wrestle back control in their Western Conference semi-final series.
Jokic’s lucky break comes not long after former NBA star Chandler Parsons claimed he could see the “race card” be played in the future should the former escape suspension.
“He didn’t dive into the crowd. It wasn’t an argument. This was [Ishbia] actually trying to give his team an advantage to his team in holding the ball, and the dude was actually holding the ball. I don’t think [Jokic] knew it was the owner when that happened. Obviously they were made aware before the press conference, and I thought it was hilarious that they kept calling him ‘the fan.’
“But I will say this: Get ready for the race card when he does not get suspended, because I don’t think he’s gonna get suspended, and there’s gonna be a lot of things [like] ‘If this were Draymond or Dillon Brooks, or anybody with a past reputation, he’d be suspended.’”
Despite being on the wrong end of the exchange, Ishbia also called for Jokic not to be suspended before the ruling came in.
“Great win for the Suns last night in an amazing series so far,” Ishbia wrote on Twitter.
“That should be and is the only story. Suspending or fining anyone over last nights incident would not be right.
“I have a lot of respect for Jokic and don’t want to see anything like that. Excited for game 5! Go Suns!”
Ayton watched from the bench as the Suns secured a crucial 121-114 victory over the Nuggets in Phoenix, with coach Monty Williams playing Landale down the final stretch.
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The 24-year-old fumed from the sidelines, refusing to talk to reporters after the seven-point triumph. He finished the contest with four points on 2-of-6 shooting, with nine rebounds, one block and four personal fouls in 26 minutes.
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“Guys have tough games, and DA didn’t have his best tonight,” Williams told reporters.
“But it’s great to be able to have your brother pick it up for you.”
Meanwhile, Landale made all three of his field-goal attempts, finishing with six points, nine rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes.
Speaking to reporters this weekend, Landale declared he was “sick of people s***ting” on Ayton, who has copped criticism for his underwhelming contribution during the playoffs.
Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets drives against Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“It’s hard for me to sit back and be OK with all the slander that’s thrown at DA,” the Australian said.
“People are making him out to be a selfish individual who is playing terribly all the time and hurts the Phoenix Suns, but it’s Deandre Ayton. DA has had 30-20 games on the regular for a month at a time for us this season. DA has held down some big-time areas of games for us this year and I am kind of sick of hearing people s***ting on him nonstop. I know it comes with the business and that is your guy’s job, but it’s other people’s right to say what they want to say. D.A. has been f***ing great for us.
“He is allowed to have a bad night, we are basketball players and playing against a two-time MVP right now, it’s tough.
“There is a little bit of growing pain, but at the same time, he does so many great things for us. He is a great guy on the bench, a great locker room guy, there are so many positives that people seem to just leave out and ignore. They just want to harp on the negatives. I know part of that is to push him to be better, but man, sometimes the guy just needs to be left alone.”
Last year, the Suns matched the four-year, $197 million offer restricted free agent sheet Ayton signed with the Indiana Pacers, keeping him in Phoenix.
The Nuggets lead the semi-final playoff series 2-1. Game four gets underway at Phoenix’s Footprint Center on Monday morning AEST at 10am.
