Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has vigorously defended Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following their recent playoff exit to the San Antonio Spurs.
Presti used a 100-minute end-of-season press conference on Monday to voice his unwavering support for his foundational players.
The executive backed his young centre as an underdog while dismissing relentless online criticism directed at his star point guard.
Holmgren backed to bounce back
The highly-rated big man endured a difficult seven-game series against the Spurs, seeing his regular-season scoring average of 17.1 points drop to just 10.7.
His postseason culminated in a quiet four-point, four-rebound performance during the decisive Game 7 defeat.
However, Presti was quick to highlight the former draft pick’s vital contributions throughout the year, noting his runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year.
“He drives winning on so many different levels for us. He’s a first-time All-Star, second in Defensive Player of the Year, third team All-NBA.”
“This is a guy that is intrinsically motivated. He doesn’t need people questioning him or things on the Internet to drive his improvement.”
Fighting the social media machine
Presti also addressed the persistent online discourse surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw fouls.
The reigning two-time league MVP frequently features in viral videos analysing his exaggerated movements to secure referee whistles.
Rather than entertain the criticism, the Thunder architect praised the Canadian guard’s resilience and two-way impact on the court.
“He’s playing against six people. He has five defenders and the sixth defender is social media.”
“It’s a reality. He’s not going to be the last player that the machine decides to target. But nobody is going to handle it as gracefully.”
The general manager further highlighted that his talismanic player is the antithesis of modern NBA complaints.
He noted that Gilgeous-Alexander received only three technical fouls all season, none of which were for complaining to officials.
The Atlanta Hawks have secured the future of head coach Quin Snyder by agreeing a new multiyear contract extension following a strong finish to the NBA season.
This agreement marks a deliberate push for organisational stability by the Georgia-based franchise.
It follows a similar long-term commitment made to Onsi Saleh, who was recently promoted to president of basketball operations.
Navigating life after Trae Young
The veteran tactician has been at the helm in Atlanta since the 2022-23 campaign.
He navigated a turbulent period this year, notably trading four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in early January.
Despite losing their franchise cornerstone, the reshaped roster featuring new arrivals CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert produced a furious late-season rally.
They secured victories in 19 of their final 24 regular-season fixtures to finish with a respectable 46-36 record.
Post-season impact and player development
That late surge earned the team a first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.
Although they ultimately suffered a six-game elimination, they remain the only side to have beaten the Eastern Conference powerhouse during this postseason.
Beyond overall team success, the 57-year-old has demonstrated an exceptional ability to develop emerging talent.
He has made NBA history by coaching back-to-back Most Improved Player of the Year award winners.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels both claimed the prestigious individual accolade under his direct tutelage.
Former Chicago Bulls player and beloved television broadcaster Stacey King has died at the age of 59, the NBA franchise has announced.
No cause of death has been disclosed for the three-time NBA champion.
The Eastern Conference franchise confirmed the news on Sunday, paying tribute to a man who spent more than three decades deeply intertwined with Chicago basketball.
A vital piece of the first Bulls dynasty
Drafted sixth overall out of Oklahoma in 1989, the standout collegiate prospect immediately established himself as a reliable contributor at the professional level.
Playing alongside Michael Jordan, the rookie featured in all 82 games during his debut campaign, averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds.
He became a key rotation player off the bench as the team secured three consecutive championships between 1991 and 1993.
Over an eight-season playing career, the versatile frontcourt player also spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks.
Transitioning from the court to the microphone
Following a brief stint coaching the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association, the former first-round pick found his true calling in the media.
He became the unmistakable voice of Bulls television broadcasts, renowned globally for his infectious energy, trademark catchphrases, and passionate commentary.
Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf described him as a cherished member of the family and a truly unique personality in the organisation’s history.
“His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans,” Reinsdorf said in a statement.
“We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion that he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day.”
An enduring legacy in Chicago
The late broadcaster’s impact transcended his on-court statistics, forging a deeply personal connection with the city’s devoted supporters.
Team president and chief executive Michael Reinsdorf noted that his profound love for the franchise was evident in everything he did.
“He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal,” Michael Reinsdorf stated.
“Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better.”
The wider sporting community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved figure whose legacy will forever remain a cornerstone of Chicago basketball lore.
New York Knicks fans have been warned to arrive at Madison Square Garden at least two hours before tip-off for Game 3 of the NBA Finals due to enhanced security for President Donald Trump’s attendance.
The franchise confirmed that strict Transportation Security Administration screening procedures and a no-bag policy will be enforced for the crucial matchup.
This highly anticipated fixture marks the first NBA Finals game to be hosted in New York since 1999.
Enhanced security at Madison Square Garden
A long-standing supporter of the team, the US President confirmed his attendance from the Oval Office on Thursday.
He praised franchise owner Jim Dolan and commended the roster for their remarkable resilience.
I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan. He’s a nice guy.
The Commander-in-Chief revealed that he accepted a personal invitation from Dolan to witness the basketball spectacle.
Celebrity presence and Finals context
The 47th President will join a raft of high-profile supporters, including filmmaker Spike Lee and actor Timothée Chalamet.
Both Hollywood stars were courtside alongside comedian Tracy Morgan and actor Ben Stiller for the opening game of the series in San Antonio.
The Eastern Conference champions secured a dramatic 105-95 victory over the Spurs in that opening encounter.
They managed to overcome a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to stun the Texas-based franchise.
I saw the beginning of the game, and it wasn’t looking good. But I watched that end of the game, and they were dominant.
This upcoming appearance adds to a growing list of major sporting events the President has attended during his second term, following visits to the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, and the Ryder Cup.
The New York Knicks have moved within two victories of their first NBA championship in 53 years by utilising a revitalised bench rotation under head coach Mike Brown.
The Eastern Conference franchise are currently battling the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
Game three takes place at Madison Square Garden on Monday, with the hosts looking to capitalise on their tactical evolution.
Under former boss Tom Thibodeau, the starting lineup was notoriously overworked during frustrating playoff exits in 2024 and 2025.
A shift in strategy pays dividends
Brown replaced Thibodeau and immediately implemented a system that trusts reserve players in critical moments.
This profound shift was perfectly illustrated during an astonishing comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
Trailing by 22 points, talismanic point guard Jalen Brunson ignited the fightback with 15 points in the final eight minutes.
However, the crucial game-tying three-pointer came from Landry Shamet, a late training camp addition on a non-guaranteed contract.
Role players stepping into the spotlight
Shamet is not the only substitute thriving under the new regime in Manhattan.
Miles McBride is enjoying a breakout postseason, registering career-high averages in minutes, scoring and three-point efficiency.
Defensively, mid-season acquisition Jose Alvarado has provided relentless energy and disruption.
Furthermore, the carefully managed Mitchell Robinson is now entrusted with guarding generational talent Victor Wembanyama during clutch situations.
Chasing a historic championship
This collective effort follows dominant series victories over the Atlanta Hawks and a sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the postseason.
“Everybody understands what our standard is,” Brown said earlier in the campaign.
“It’s about sacrifice.”
That shared sacrifice has finally brought the legendary team to the precipice of basketball history.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu will miss Saturday’s WNBA matchup against the Indiana Fever after experiencing a flare-up of back soreness following team practice.
The franchise star had participated in Friday’s training session, which marked the first time this season the New York roster was fully available.
However, Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco confirmed the dynamic playmaker felt significant discomfort shortly after leaving the court.
Frustrating start to the WNBA season
This latest setback prolongs a highly disruptive start to the campaign for the American international.
A preseason ankle injury previously forced her to sit out the first five contests of the current schedule.
She has managed just one appearance so far this year, taking to the court against the Dallas Wings on 24 May where the back issue originated.
“After the game I played in, it was pretty evident that I needed to get the treatment. Take some time to make sure it feels good.”
Ionescu explained to reporters regarding her cautious approach to the ongoing recovery.
“See how I feel, taking every day in stride and see how it responds to what I do. It is what it is, I haven’t really tried to think too much into it.”
Rookie Astier steps up for New York
In her absence, rookie prospect Pauline Astier has been drafted into the starting lineup with consistently impressive results.
The first-year professional has capitalised on the opportunity, averaging 11.8 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.
DeMarco remains optimistic about his primary ball-handler’s return timeline as the team prepares to travel.
“She wants to be out there, and she’s trying her best and she’s getting better. Hopefully we’ll have her on a road trip.”
New York currently holds a 6-4 record as they look to conclude a seven-game homestand against an Indiana outfit sitting at 5-4.
A costly late turnover from Victor Wembanyama allowed the New York Knicks to secure a dramatic 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
The narrow defeat leaves the Texas franchise trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven championship series.
San Antonio had mounted an impressive 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter to level the score at 104-104 with just 12.7 seconds remaining.
After claiming a crucial defensive rebound, Wembanyama attempted to launch a rapid counter-attack but inadvertently threw the ball against the back of retreating team-mate Stephon Castle.
Wembanyama admits urgency disrupted comeback
The stray pass fell directly to Jalen Brunson, forcing the Frenchman into a desperate foul that resulted in the game-winning free throw.
The 20-year-old centre took full responsibility for the chaotic sequence that squandered their hard-fought resurgence.
“That’s the most frustrating thing: to throw it away after putting in all this work,” Wembanyama said.
“I threw that one away. I messed up. It’s like the body reacts quicker than the mind.”
Despite the severe miscommunication, Castle defended his own positioning on the decisive play.
“I didn’t see him throw it to me,” the point guard explained. “I see Vic has the ball, tie game. I was just trying to give Vic space.”
Historical odds stacked against San Antonio
The Knicks unexpectedly offered one final opportunity for a rescue, but Wembanyama missed a contested 20-foot jump shot over Mitchell Robinson at the buzzer.
That final miss highlights a concerning statistical trend for the towering forward in clutch situations.
He has now converted just one of his nine go-ahead field goal attempts in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime throughout his career.
The Spurs face a monumental challenge to keep their championship hopes alive in Game 3.
No team in NBA Finals history has ever recovered to win the title after losing the opening two games on their home court.
NBA investigators have interviewed LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer as part of an ongoing probe into alleged salary cap circumvention.
The league is examining claims that the Western Conference franchise used a third-party banking company to compensate their star player outside of standard contractual rules.
Leonard’s uncle and business adviser, Dennis Robertson, has also been questioned by officials regarding the allegations.
Executives from Aspiration, a now-defunct green financial firm at the centre of the inquiry, have also provided information to investigators.
Silver expects swift conclusion
Speaking prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals, commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the investigation is reaching its final stages.
The league is close to the point now where I think we need to wrap this up.
Silver added that the franchise and the other 29 teams require clarity on the situation moving forward.
Denials and frustration
Both the organisation and their billionaire owner have publicly and vehemently denied the allegations.
They remain adamant that no evidence exists to support claims of financial wrongdoing.
However, sources indicate mounting frustration behind the scenes as team officials struggle to prove a negative against high-profile accusations.
There is reportedly uncertainty within the front office regarding potential punishments for the league’s wealthiest owner.
The Aspiration connection
The controversy stems from reports that Ballmer invested $50m into Aspiration through his personal business ventures in September 2021.
Shortly after, the franchise signed a massive $300m partnership with the company to become a founding partner of their new Intuit Dome arena.
Aspiration subsequently agreed a separate $28m endorsement deal with the two-time Finals MVP six months later.
An unnamed former employee alleged this subsequent sponsorship agreement was explicitly designed to bypass strict league financial regulations.
A source close to the six-time All-Star rejected these claims, stating his camp’s negotiations were standard and entirely independent of team affairs.