Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has finalised his championship-contending squad by prioritising strategic acquisitions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso over high-profile superstars.
The highly-rated executive travelled to Eugene, Oregon, at the opening of the 2024 free agency window to secure his primary target.
That target was a journeyman centre who had recently established himself as a vital component for the New York Knicks.
Rather than offering guaranteed playing time, the front office pitched a strong team ethos alongside a lucrative three-year contract worth $87m (£68.5m).
Patience pays off for youthful squad
Oklahoma City made history last season by becoming the youngest top seed in the competition’s history.
Despite possessing a massive stockpile of draft picks, the organisation resisted the urge to orchestrate immediate blockbuster trades.
Management chose to evaluate their emerging core during a postseason run that ultimately ended in a second-round defeat by the Dallas Mavericks.
Following that elimination, the franchise felt ready to make calculated roster additions.
Targeting strategic fits over star power
Instead of pursuing another marquee name, the focus shifted entirely to securing complementary veterans.
The strategy reflects an unwavering belief in the talented trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
A trade was executed in late June for a renowned defensive specialist who previously won a championship ring in Los Angeles.
Just over a week later, the ambitious Western Conference side secured their priority free-agent big man.
Reflecting on the initial recruitment meeting, the new signing recalled the unique approach taken by the general manager.
“I can’t promise you minutes. I can’t promise you a role. But I can promise you a culture.”
Sam Presti
The WNBA has issued a formal warning to the Indiana Fever after star guard Caitlin Clark was omitted from the team’s injury report prior to Wednesday’s game against the Portland Fire.
The prominent playmaker was a late withdrawal from the midweek fixture due to back soreness.
League regulations mandate that franchises must disclose player absences and participation status by 17:00 local time on the day preceding a match.
However, the first public confirmation of any physical issue for the 22-year-old arrived just 100 minutes before tip-off.
Coach defends reporting protocol
Head coach Stephanie White confirmed her primary ball-handler woke up on Wednesday experiencing stiffness.
White noted that the former Iowa standout missed Tuesday’s practice session to receive treatment and undertake modified workouts.
Despite the procedural breach, the Fever manager insisted she did not anticipate financial penalties for the organisation.
“Not everybody that doesn’t practice or gets a pro day is on the injury report. That happens all the time. And she wasn’t listed on the injury report earlier because we expected her to play.”
Upcoming Valkyries fixture
Even without their talismanic scorer, Indiana secured a comfortable 90-73 victory over Portland.
Attention now turns to Friday’s home encounter against the Golden State Valkyries.
The point guard has officially been listed as probable ahead of that clash.
Indiana opted against holding a formal team practice on Thursday as they manage their ongoing domestic schedule.
With the 2026 NBA conference finals underway, a historic reunion between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs has emerged as the most highly anticipated potential matchup for next month’s championship series.
Just four teams remain in the hunt for the Larry O’Brien Trophy as the postseason reaches its decisive stages.
The Knicks currently face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East, while the Spurs battle the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West.
Should New York and San Antonio advance, it would set up a tantalising repeat of the 1999 Finals.
Echoes of 1999 and Wembanyama’s rise
During that clash 27 years ago, a 22-year-old Tim Duncan secured the Finals MVP award at Madison Square Garden.
Now, French prodigy Victor Wembanyama has the opportunity to replicate that exact feat at the very same age.
The towering center’s unique skill set on basketball’s most famous stage would provide a spectacular storyline for neutral supporters.
Knicks chase long-awaited glory
A meeting between these two franchises also offers the Eastern Conference side a chance to end a generational title drought.
While the other three remaining contenders have all claimed a championship within the last dozen years, New York fans have been waiting since 1973.
Head coach Mike Brown’s team hold a psychological edge, having won the regular-season series 2-1.
That impressive record includes a crucial victory over the Texan outfit in the NBA Cup final last December.
The Eastern powerhouse were also one of just two teams to defeat the Western Conference finalists during their remarkable 30-4 close to the regular season.
Tactical battles on the court
On the hardwood, the tactical matchup presents fascinating challenges for both coaching staffs.
Karl-Anthony Towns possesses the perimeter shooting ability to pull the league’s most fearsome rim protector away from the basket.
Meanwhile, defensive specialist OG Anunoby provides the perfect wing option to attempt to neutralise the 7ft 4in superstar.
These intriguing elements combine to make a potential Spurs-Knicks showdown the ultimate prize for basketball enthusiasts this June.
The New York Knicks completed a staggering 22-point fourth-quarter comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday by relentlessly targeting James Harden.
The strategy deployed by head coach Mike Brown was unapologetically simple but highly effective.
His side ruthlessly exposed the defensive vulnerabilities of the former MVP to steal the opening victory.
Jalen Brunson capitalised on the resulting mismatches to score heavily during the closing stages.
“It was no secret. We were attacking Harden.”
– Mike Brown
Record-breaking defensive pressure
The tactical shift did not fully materialise until the crucial final period.
Facing a massive deficit, the Knicks used the player guarded by the veteran guard to set a screen 16 times in the fourth quarter alone.
This represents the highest number of screens any guard has defended in a single playoff quarter since tracking data began in 2013.
Overall, the future Hall of Famer faced 27 picks throughout the match.
Brunson dominates the mismatch
Down the stretch, New York forced 10 consecutive possessions where their star point guard was switched onto the Cleveland defender.
Despite failing to convert on the first two attempts, the visitors quickly found their rhythm with devastating precision.
Brunson scored 13 points during an 18-point surge across the next eight possessions.
The agile playmaker utilised floaters, pull-up jumpers and step-back three-pointers to dismantle the opposition defence.
The Cavaliers now face a significant tactical dilemma to adjust their defensive principles heading into Game 2.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points on Wednesday as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 to level the Western Conference finals at 1-1.
The league MVP produced a commanding response following a subdued performance in the opening game of the series.
His crucial offensive display ensured the defending champions avoided falling into a perilous 2-0 deficit on home court.
Thunder bench makes the difference
While the 26-year-old guard spearheaded the attack, the hosts relied heavily on their supporting cast to secure the vital victory.
Oklahoma City’s second unit outscored their Texan counterparts by a staggering 57-25 margin.
Alex Caruso contributed 17 points off the bench, while rookies Jared McCain and Cason Wallace each added 12 points.
Isaiah Hartenstein also made a significant impact with 10 points and 13 rebounds after barely featuring in the series opener.
“The guys brought it tonight. Knowing what it would have meant if we lost this one, we brought the energy from the jump.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Wembanyama effort falls short
San Antonio trailed by 11 points at half-time but mounted a fierce comeback effort in the closing stages of the contest.
A corner three-pointer from Harrison Barnes reduced the deficit to just two points with nine minutes remaining.
However, the home side responded with a decisive 11-0 run to regain a comfortable double-digit advantage and effectively seal the game.
Victor Wembanyama produced a spectacular individual performance for the visitors, recording 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks.
The French superstar was supported by Stephon Castle, who registered a team-high 25 points, alongside Devin Vassell with 22.
The pivotal third game of the series will take place on Friday when the contest shifts to San Antonio.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe have been unanimously selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
The standout trio appeared on all 100 media ballots to secure their places among the league’s elite first-year players.
San Antonio Spurs prospect Dylan Harper and Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward complete the formidable five-man lineup.
Harper also featured on every single ballot, earning 93 first-team nods alongside seven second-team votes.
Flagg secures Rookie of the Year honours
These five first-team members were the only individuals to receive votes in the overall Rookie of the Year race.
The Mavericks sensation ultimately edged out the Charlotte sharpshooter to claim the prestigious individual award.
His victory underlines a remarkable debut campaign in Texas following his highly anticipated transition into the professional ranks.
Second team revealed ahead of further awards
The New Orleans Pelicans were heavily represented in the All-Rookie Second Team, with both Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen earning selections.
They are joined by Utah Jazz talent Ace Bailey, Sacramento Kings big man Maxime Reynaud and Toronto Raptors prospect Collin Murray-Boyles.
Further accolades will be distributed throughout the week as the NBA’s post-season recognition continues.
The league is scheduled to announce its All-Defensive team on Friday before revealing the prestigious All-NBA squads on Sunday.
The New York Knicks overcame a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, securing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Jalen Brunson scored 38 points to inspire one of the greatest postseason recoveries in basketball history.
The home side appeared destined for a heavy defeat after falling 93-71 behind with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation.
However, an astonishing 18-1 scoring run dragged the hosts back into the contest before tying the game with just 19 seconds left.
Playmaker sparks stunning late revival
The dynamic point guard relentlessly attacked James Harden defensively during the decisive late surge.
Overtime then belonged entirely to the home team, who launched a 9-0 run while a delirious crowd celebrated in the aisles.
“I don’t have an answer for you. We got some stops, we kept fighting, kept believing.” Jalen Brunson
“Just kept chipping away. They were playing great basketball, and we just found a way.”
Historic comeback stuns visitors
This result marks only the second time in 30 postseasons that a franchise has successfully erased a 22-point deficit in the final period.
Before this dramatic encounter, teams facing such an imposing late margin possessed a dismal 1-594 postseason record.
Mikal Bridges provided crucial support with 18 points, while three other roster members each contributed 13.
Among those was OG Anunoby, who made vital plays upon returning from a two-game absence caused by a strained right hamstring.
Mitchell effort in vain for collapsing Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell led the visitors with a game-high 29 points before their sudden and spectacular collapse.
The Ohio-based outfit had previously seemed entirely in control and poised to secure a third consecutive road victory.
Instead, momentum shifts completely toward New York, who now sit just three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
The Dallas Mavericks have mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday following a five-year tenure in Texas.
The outgoing coach leaves the franchise despite having four years and more than $40m remaining on his current contract.
Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont gave newly appointed president Masai Ujiri full authorization to determine the coaching future upon his recent arrival.
Search for new direction
“As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team,” Ujiri said in a statement.
“We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”
The former point guard had previously expressed a desire to transition into the front office following the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison in November.
However, ownership informed the Hall of Fame player months ago that he would not be considered for the president of basketball operations vacancy.
Doncic departure and decline
During his half-decade at the helm, the 52-year-old guided Dallas to a 205-205 regular-season record and 22 post-season victories.
His tenure peaked with a run to the 2024 NBA Finals, but the organisation made a shocking pivot shortly after by trading franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The controversial February 2025 exchange brought Anthony Davis to Dallas, but the move ultimately proved disastrous and contributed to Harrison’s exit.
Rebuilding phase ahead
Minority owner Mark Cuban recently claimed the coaching staff were directly involved in the decision to move Doncic, although these allegations were strongly denied.
The Slovenian superstar was the undeniable driving force behind the team’s success, with Dallas boasting a 136-87 record when he featured in the lineup.
Without their talisman, the Mavericks struggled immensely, culminating in a dismal 26-56 record last season.
The oft-injured Davis was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards at the deadline to create financial flexibility for an impending rebuild.