Thunder Lock Down Jokic Again to Tie Series 2-2

12 May 2025

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Sunday, Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals

Jokic endured his third consecutive poor shooting game, going 7-of-22 and missing key free throws late as OKC defeated Denver 92-87 to level the series.
OKC’s Isaiah Hartenstein anchored disciplined team defense to contain Jokic, who’s now shooting just 33.3% over his last three games. SGA closed out the game with clutch buckets, helping erase an 8-point deficit in the fourth.

Randle’s Triple-Double Pushes Wolves to 2-1 Lead Over Warriors

11 May 2025

Julius Randle (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Saturday, Game 3 – Western Conference Semifinals

Randle recorded 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds to become the second Timberwolves player in playoff history with a triple-double, helping Minnesota take a 2-1 series lead.
Randle’s decision-making and fourth-quarter playmaking — including key assists to McDaniels, Gobert, and Edwards — sealed the win. His versatility caused mismatch problems, and his leadership has been key since arriving in the KAT trade.

Celtics Embrace the Darkness to Stay Alive with Game 3 Blowout Win

11 May 2025

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
Saturday, Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3

Facing a potential 0-3 hole, the Celtics responded with a dominant 115-93 win in New York, shooting 50% from three and locking in defensively to halt the Knicks’ comeback magic.
Joe Mazzulla urged his team to “tap into their darkness,” focusing on eliminating live-ball turnovers, staying confident from beyond the arc, and finishing quarters strong. Payton Pritchard’s 23 points off the bench were key as six Celtics hit multiple 3s.

Edwards Shrugs Off Ankle Scare to Lead Wolves to Vital Game 2 Win

10 May 2025

Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
May 2025

Anthony Edwards re-aggravated his left ankle mid-game but returned to power the Timberwolves to a 117-93 win over the Warriors in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal, tying the series 1-1 with a gritty 20-point performance.
After being stepped on by Trayce Jackson-Davis and leaving briefly, Edwards passed mobility tests and returned stronger, finishing with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and a team-best +21 rating, earning praise for his toughness and resilience.

Pat Riley Reflects on Jimmy Butler’s Exit and Miami’s Future

10 May 2025

Pat Riley (Miami Heat), Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Pat Riley spoke for the first time since Jimmy Butler’s trade to Golden State, acknowledging Butler’s impact, the strained relationship, and Miami’s decision not to extend his contract. Riley emphasized the need for offseason changes.
Riley cited last year’s contract standoff and Butler’s public remarks as turning points. He took responsibility for the outcome, declined to apologize for rejecting the extension, and confirmed Miami will pursue roster changes after a disappointing playoff sweep.

Draymond Green Addresses ‘Angry Black Man’ Label After Game 2 Tech

10 May 2025

Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

After receiving his fifth technical foul of the playoffs, Draymond Green condemned an alleged media “agenda” painting him as an “angry Black man” and expressed frustration over biased narratives affecting how he’s officiated.
Green flailed his arm after being fouled by Naz Reid and was given a technical upon review. He also encountered a racial slur from a fan, prompting an ejection. Teammates and coaches emphasized composure, citing his value and past suspensions.

Curry Calls Hamstring Injury a “Gut Punch,” Remains Uncertain on Return Timeline

9 May 2025

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Stephen Curry said he’s “a little ways away” from basketball activities as he recovers from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain suffered in Game 1 of the Warriors’ semifinal series. He’s ruled out through Game 4 and will be re-evaluated afterward.
Curry described the setback as emotional, admitting he’s never had a hamstring issue and can’t predict his return. He stressed the importance of not rushing recovery due to the tricky nature of soft tissue injuries. The Warriors lead the series and hope to buy him time.

Atkinson Avoids Blaming Refs Despite NBA Confirming 3 Missed Calls in Game 2 Loss

9 May 2025

Cleveland Cavaliers v Indiana Pacers
May 2025

The NBA admitted three missed calls in the final minute of Indiana’s 120-119 comeback win over Cleveland in Game 2, including a lane violation by Haliburton before his game-winning 3-pointer. Despite this, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson refused to blame the refs, focusing instead on his team’s collapse from a 20-point lead.
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report revealed missed lane violations and a defensive 3-second call. Atkinson acknowledged collective errors from players, coaches, and officials, while Pacers coach Rick Carlisle noted Indiana had more fouls called overall in the series. Game 3 shifts to Indianapolis.

Stephen Curry Ruled Out at Least One Week with Hamstring Strain

8 May 2025

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Injury confirmed May 7, 2025 (Game 1 vs. Timberwolves)

Curry has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will miss at least a week, sidelining him for Games 2–4 of the playoff series against Minnesota. He will be reevaluated before a potential Game 5.
The injury occurred during the second quarter of Game 1 after a driving floater. Curry signaled to the bench and later exited. MRI results confirmed the muscle strain. Coach Steve Kerr emphasized that the team is adapting and won’t rush Curry’s return, while Brandin Podziemski and others voiced their determination to win in Curry’s absence.

Timberwolves, Warriors Both Voice Frustrations Over Officiating After Game 1

8 May 2025

Chris Finch (Timberwolves), Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors)
After Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals (May 2025)

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said the team submitted clips to the NBA showing Rudy Gobert being “tackled” during defensive rebounding with no foul calls. Meanwhile, Steve Kerr also complained about the lack of fouls called when Steph Curry was grabbed off-ball before exiting with a hamstring injury.
Finch called out what he described as excessive physicality allowed against Gobert, while Kerr pointed to playoff leniency by referees as a consistent issue, especially in defending off-ball motion. Both sides acknowledged the playoff environment as physical but felt the officiating lacked consistency.