Diggins calls Storm 'most talented' roster of career
Storm guard Skylar Diggins said at Monday's media day that this season's Seattle team is "definitely the most talented roster I've been a part of in my 13 years" in the WNBA.
Basketball
29th April 2025
NBA playoffs: Draymond Green narrowly avoids ejection, leads Warriors past Rockets late to grab 3-1 series lead
Draymond Green got into a bit of trouble early on Monday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Despite his near-ejection, however, the Golden State Warriors are now just a single game away from knocking off the Houston Rockets and making it out of their opening-round playoff series.
Cavs humble Heat, set records in lopsided sweep
The Cavaliers finished off the most lopsided series in NBA history with a 138-83 win over Miami in Game 4.
‘Keep our foot on their throat’: Fallen giant embarrassed, swept via horrific blowout — NBA Wrap
The Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Miami Heat 138-83 to complete a 4-0 series sweep and cruise into the NBA Eastern Conference playoff semi-finals on Monday (all times US).
NBA playoffs takeaways: Cavs sweep Heat, handing Miami another record defeat
The Cavaliers will play the winner of the Pacers-Bucks series, which Indiana currently leads 3-1.
Sources: Shaq agrees to be Sac State's hoops GM
Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to become the men's basketball general manager of Sacramento State, sources told ESPN.
Sources: Marshall AD Spears won't return in 2026
Athletic director Christian Spears and the school have mutually agreed that they will not be renewing his contract, sources told ESPN.
NBA playoffs: Cavaliers hammer Heat in historic 55-point blowout to sweep most lopsided series in NBA history
Are you paying attention to the Cleveland Cavaliers now?. Cleveland completed a sweep of the Heat Monday night with an overwhelming 138-83 win in Game 4 in Miami. The 55-point margin of victory is the fourth-largest in NBA playoff history.
NBA Considers International Format For 2026 All-Star Game
The NBA is exploring the possibility of transforming its 2026 All-Star Game into an international competition format.
Anthony Edwards shines against Lakers, Knicks get controversial win and Damian Lillard's scary injury
On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and J.A. Adande praise Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on their game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers while also pointing out some mistakes JJ Redick may have made.
U.S. vs. World? NBA considering All-Star tweak after success of NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off
On the heels of the NHL's successful All-Star pivot to the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA is considering a similar international event.
Shaquille O'Neal to join Mike Bibby's staff at Sacramento State as voluntary general manager
Chris Saucedo via Getty ImagesShaquille O’Neal is following his son to college. Shaq has agreed to become the general manager of the men’s basketball program at Sacramento State, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday night. The roll will be a voluntary one for Shaq.
Warriors' Butler to return, start vs. Rockets in G4
Warriors star Jimmy Butler will make his return from a pelvic injury and is in the starting lineup for Monday night's Game 4 against the Rockets.
NBA says Doncic was fouled late in Lakers' G4 loss
Referees missed the Lakers' Luka Doncic getting fouled with 33 seconds left in Game 4 of their playoff series against the Timberwolves, the NBA said Monday.
Garland (toe) sits again as Cavs go for sweep
Darius Garland will get at least a couple more days off, after the Cavaliers ruled the All-Star guard out of Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Heat on Monday night.
Clark feeling 'stronger'; Fever camp vibes 'good'
The revamped Fever opened training camp with really good vibes, according to Caitlin Clark, who says she's feelings stronger following the offseason.
NBA: Jaden McDaniels tripped Luka Dončić late in Timberwolves' win over Lakers, and refs missed the call
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick was adamant that Luka Dončić got fouled when he tripped over Jaden McDaniels late in Sunday's playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It turns out that the NBA agrees.
What to watch in sports this week: Playoffs, Champions League semis and 151st Kentucky Derby
Here's what to look out for on the sports calendar, from nightly postseason action to big races in Miami and Churchill Downs.
Jimmy Butler reportedly will play in Game 4 of Warriors vs. Rockets after missing time with pelvic contusion
The Golden State Warriors will reportedly have one of their key starters back on the floor Monday. Jimmy Butler, who has been out with a pelvic contusion, will play in Game 4 on Monday night as the Warriors take on the Houston Rockets, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Jimmy Butler will return to court for Warriors in Game 4 vs. Rockets
Butler missed Game 3 due to a deep glute contusion he suffered during a rough fall in Game 2.
USC's Arenas avoids major injuries from crash
Alijah Arenas, a basketball recruit for USC, is expected to be released from the hospital with no major injuries following a car crash Thursday morning.
With Damian Lillard out, it's time for the Bucks to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks, trailing the Indiana Pacers, 3-1, are in danger of losing a first-round playoff series for the third straight season. They are beyond any shadow of a doubt stuck in the NBA's dreaded middle. Or worse.
Bucks' Lillard tears Achilles; '25-'26 in jeopardy
Bucks star Damian Lillard has a torn left Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery. The injury ends his season and puts his 2025-26 season in jeopardy.
Warriors' Curry voted 2024-25 teammate of year
The Warriors' Stephen Curry, 37, has been named the 2024-25 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year. Current NBA players voted for Curry, 37, who is a first-time winner of the award.
Bucks’ $77m NBA nightmare laid bare a as All-Star’s devastating blow confirmed
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will miss the remainder of the NBA season after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during his team’s playoff defeat to the Indiana Pacers, ESPN reported on Monday.
Stojakovic's son, coveted transfer, picks Illinois
California transfer Andrej Stojakovic, the son of former NBA star Peja Stojakovic and one of the best available players in the portal, has committed to Illinois over Stanford and North Carolina.
Fredette named USA hoops men's 3x3 director
Jimmer Fredette was announced Monday as the first managing director of USA Basketball's 3x3 men's national team, the same role that Grant Hill has with the senior men's national team.
Judge tosses former basketball players' NIL suit
A federal judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit Monday that had been brought against the NCAA by several former college basketball players.
This Week In ???? can only SMDH in wonderment ... because the NBA's Crisis Club has indeed expanded
Phoenix.Philadelphia.Dallas obviously.
The Luka Dončić trade alone won’t make the Lakers title contenders: Why JJ Redick went all-in
With the Lakers’ season very likely on the line on Sunday — down three at the half on the road against the tough-as-hell Timberwolves, just 24 minutes away from either snatching back home-court advantage or falling into a 3-1 hole that NBA teams climb out of just 4.5% of the time — L.A. head coach JJ Redick decided to damn the torpedoes.
Jimmy Butler Expected To Play In Game 4
Jimmy Butler was a full participant in shootaround on Monday and is expected to play for the Golden State Warriors in Game 4. The Warriors enter the game with a 2-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets.
'Entire NBA Offseason Will Hinge' On Giannis Antetokounmpo's Decision With Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo's long-term commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks has become an increasingly significant topic among NBA insiders following Damian Lillard's Achilles tendon tear, which threatens to compromise the team's championship aspirations next season.
Andrej Stojakovic Transfers From Cal To Illinois
Andrej Stojakovic, one of the top available players in the transfer portal and son of former NBA star Peja Stojakovic, has committed to Illinois over North Carolina and Stanford, he told ESPN on Monday.
Entire WNBA preseason slate aired for first time
For the first time, every WNBA preseason game will be available via national broadcast or online streaming this year, with four games to be televised nationally.
It's the only Olympic basketball event the U.S. hasn't won. Can Jimmer Fredette fix that?
Jimmer Fredette was named the new managing director of 3x3 basketball for Team USA, hoping to lead the team to an Olympic breakthrough.
Damian Lillard tears Achilles, ending his season with Bucks: Where does Milwaukee go from here?
The nine-time All-Star will now face a grueling rehab process as he tries to return to the floor.
What Damian Lillard's cruel Achilles injury means for the Bucks and their star guard
The fears, it turns out, were founded.
Damian Lillard Diagnosed With Torn Left Achilles Tendon
Damian Lillard has been officially diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon following an MRI. Lillard was believed to have suffered the injury with the original diagnosis in the locker room following the first quarter injury in Game 4. Lillard recently returned from a deep vein thrombosis to play in the playoffs.
Bucks star Damian Lillard out for season with torn left Achilles
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is out for the season after tearing his left Achilles, the team announced on Monday afternoon. Lillard sustained the injury during the team's 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.
JJ Redick Plays Starting Five Entire Second Half In Game 4 Loss To Wolves
JJ Redick made a bold strategic decision in Sunday's Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, keeping his starting lineup of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith on the floor for the entire second half.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: We're Going To Help Damian Lillard 'Overcome'
Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke after the Milwaukee Bucks' Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers in which Damian Lillard was injured with an apparent Achilles tear.
Championship winner becomes Free Agent
The New Zealand Breakers have parted ways with veteran guard Mitch McCarron.
Stephen Curry Named Twyman-Stokes Teammate Of The Year
Stephen Curry has been named the 2024-25 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year. The award recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment to his team.
Warriors star Stephen Curry wins NBA's Teammate of the Year Award
Another year, another award for Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. On Monday, the NBA announced Curry as its Teammate of the Year. The NBA hands out the Teammate of the Year award to the teammate who displays selfless play and is a mentor to others.
Kevin Love announces death of father, former Lakers player Stan Love, amid absence from Heat
Former NBA forward Stan Love — father of Miami Heat forward Kevin Love — died Sunday. He was 76. Kevin, who has been away from the Heat for personal reasons, announced the news in an Instagram post Sunday. Kevin referred to Stan as his "greatest teacher" in the post.
Kevin Love shares emotional embrace with former Cavs teammate Tristan Thompson after death of his dad, ex-Laker Stan Love
Former NBA forward Stan Love — father of Miami Heat forward Kevin Love — died Sunday. He was 76. Kevin, who has been away from the Heat for personal reasons, announced the news in an Instagram post Sunday. Kevin referred to Stan as his "greatest teacher" in the post.
Pacers, led by ‘a lot of heroes,’ take 3-1 series lead over Bucks
The Pacers are on the verge of closing out the Bucks for a second straight year.
Zach Kleiman Acknowledges Grizzlies 'Not Close' After Disappointing Season
The Memphis Grizzlies face significant organizational decisions this offseason following their first-round playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the pre-playoff dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins.
The Pistons-Knicks Game 4 no-call: How costly could that be?
The Athletic NBA Daily discuss the controversial missed foul call on Tim Hardaway Jr. in Game 4 of the Pistons-Knicks series.
Dunc'd On: End of an Era in Milwaukee; LAL/MIN, DET/NYK, ORL/BOS Game 4s
We begin with the somber reality that Damian Lillard likely has a torn Achilles tendon, a season-, career- and franchise-altering injury for him, Giannis, and the Milwaukee Bucks.
2025 NBA Playoff Snapshots (April 27): Wolves/Lakers, Knicks/Pistons, Celtics/Magic, Pacers/Bucks
What happened in four snapshots in the NBA Playoffs on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Warriors Believe Jimmy Butler Acquisition Extends 'Last Ride' By Couple Years
The Golden State Warriors' acquisition of Jimmy Butler on February 5 has transformed an aging and middling 25-25 team into a legitimate championship contender. The Warriors have gone 26-9 since Butler's debut and head into Monday with a 2-1 series lead against the Houston Rockets.
NBA playoffs energized by close buzzer-beaters, controversial non-calls and more
The Nuggets were on the verge of a brutal collapse before Aaron Gordon breathed new life into their playoff run.
28th April 2025
Lillard's Achilles injury, Warriors' needs: What's ahead for the 2025 NBA playoffs teams
From mid-series adjustments to series surprises, here are the biggest takeaways from the first week of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Steph and Draymond's 'last ride' comes down to Playoff Jimmy
Ten years after their first title, Curry and Green know Butler is the key to their pursuit of a fifth ring.
Morgan State alum DJ Heat provides the soundtrack for D.C. sports teams
As confetti fell following the championship game of Unrivaled, the 3×3 professional women’s basketball league, Morgan State University alumna Nicole Mosley stood on the court, reveling in the moment and the role she played in it.
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II changes Game 3 vs. Rockets to dad’s delight
SAN FRANCISCO – As former NBA star Gary Payton Sr. took pictures and returned hi-fives from fans after the Golden State Warriors’ Game 3 playoff victory, he seemed distracted while keeping his eye on the court.
Ariel Atkins on ‘bittersweet’ trade from Washington Mystics to Chicago Sky
The best moment of Ariel Atkins’ seven-year run with the Washington Mystics is the most obvious one: Winning the 2019 WNBA championship. A season before that win, the Mystics had been swept in the 2018 Finals by the Seattle Storm.
Zach Kleiman Says Grizzlies Should Have Picked Up Jake LaRavia's Option
Memphis Grizzlies front office executive Zach Kleiman held his postseason media availability. Among the topics discussed were things Kleiman could have handled different.
Grizzlies Admit Mistake In Not Picking Up Option On Jake LaRavia
Memphis Grizzlies front office executive Zach Kleiman held his postseason media availability. Among the topics discussed were things Kleiman could have handled different.
Josh Hart always wanted to be a star. Now he's the 'heartbeat' of these Knicks
The 30-year-old Hart had a career season with New York. Maturation and self-realization helped make that happen.
Anthony Edwards and the complicated pathway to becoming the face of the NBA
Try as he might to avoid it, the spotlight is drawn to Edwards like Coppola's camera was to Pacino.
Lakers' bold second-half lineup adjustment worked — until it didn't. Now what?
"We had opportunities to win," LeBron James said. "We just didn't close.".
A bad day for superstars, and a draft prankster gets revealed
The Pulse Newsletter ???? | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Don’t fight a gorilla today.
NBA Playoffs picks, odds, schedule for Monday: Cavs go for sweep, Warriors try for 3-1 lead
In Monday's NBA Playoffs action, Cleveland is one game away from a sweep and Golden State can take a 3-1 lead.
Tatum again leads C's, features wrist in celebration
Jayson Tatum scored 37 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, to give the Celtics a 3-1 series lead over the Magic -- and showcased a new celebration featuring his injured right wrist.
Ex-NBA player Stan Love, Kevin's father, dies at 76
Former NBA player and Oregon star Stan Love, the brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love and the father of Miami Heat player Kevin Love, has died. He was 76.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown have help. Can the Magic get some for their young stars?
Boston got supporting help for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Now Orlando must do the same for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Sources: Possible Achilles injury for Bucks' Lillard
"It's not very promising," Bucks coach Doc Rivers said after Damian Lillard was helped off Sunday.
Ant zooms past 'gassed' Lakers to take 3-1 lead
Anthony Edwards was able to "keep my foot on the pedal" and take advantage of a gassed Lakers team to the tune of 16 points in the fourth quarter.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers on Damian Lillard's injury: 'It's not very promising'
Star guard hurt in Game 4 loss to Pacers, will have imagining on leg Monday.
Damian Lillard Leaves Game 4 With Potentially Severe Lower Leg Injury
Damian Lillard exited Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first round series against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter with a potentially severe lower left leg injury.
Damian Lillard Exits Game 4 With Suspected Achilles Tear
Damian Lillard exited Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first round series against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter with a potentially severe non-contact lower left leg injury.
The Lakers are on the brink of elimination — and Anthony Edwards is the biggest reason why
MINNEAPOLIS — Exhausted, weary and frustrated, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink. Elimination is staring them in the face, an unexpected development considering how well the LeBron James-Luka Dončić partnership has worked in a few short months.
NBA Playoffs: Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis hang on late to lift Celtics past Magic in Game 4
The Boston Celtics didn't make it easy, but they are now just a single game away from closing out their opening-round playoff series. The Celtics held on late to grab a 107-98 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 4 of their series on Sunday night at the Kia Center.
Pacers' Mathurin (abdomen) misses G4 at Bucks
Indiana guard Bennedict Mathurin didn't play in Game 4 of the Pacers' first-round series with the Bucks on Sunday night due to an abdominal bruise.
Barnett, 2-time champion with Knicks, dies at 88
Dick Barnett, a basketball Hall of Famer who played on both New York Knicks NBA championship teams, has died. He was 88.
Trae Young Considered Likely To Remain With Hawks
Trae Young appears to have locked his position as the Atlanta Hawks' cornerstone following a strong 2024-25 campaign that has quieted previous trade speculation, reports The Stein Line.
Storm's Quinn: No timetable for Malonga's arrival
No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga, whose French team was recently eliminated from the LFB playoffs, wasn't in attendance as the Storm opened training camp Sunday.
Kings Will Not Tear Down Roster This Offseason
Scott Perry will not tear down the Sacramento Kings roster this offseason, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. Perry replaced Monte McNair as the general manager of the team this offseason.
Kings Will Not Tear Down Roster In Offseason
Scott Perry will not tear down the Sacramento Kings' roster this offseason, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. Perry replaced Monte McNair as the general manager of the team this offseason.
James Jones Leading Search For New Suns Coach Amid Front Office Restructuring
The Phoenix Suns are looking to restructure their front office before deciding on a new head coach to replace Mike Budenholzer, according to Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. James Jones is currently leading the search for the next head coach of the team.
Pelicans To Retain Bryson Graham As General Manager
Joe Dumars will retain Bryson Graham as the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. The confirmation comes following several changes to the Pelicans front office thus far this offseason.
Valkyries set tone, preach defense in camp opener
The Valkyries preached defense and having a "killer" mentality in their first day of training camp as a WNBA franchise.
‘Heartbreaker’: LeBron fumes at refs as late foul call puts Lakers on the brink of elimination
The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of elimination from the NBA playoffs as the Minnesota Timberwolves claimed 116-113 victory on their home court to take a 3-1 lead in the first round Western Conference match up.
Jalen Brunson was NBA's top clutch player for a reason. In Game 4, he got the last laugh
At one point Sunday, it was unclear whether Brunson would even finish Game 4. Unfortunately for Detroit, he did.
NBA playoffs: Lakers coach JJ Redick's refusal to sub players in 2nd half, Anthony Edwards' 43 points put L.A. on brink of elimination
. Perhaps in response to Anthony Edwards big game and feeling a sense of desperation, Lakers coach JJ Redick took a major gamble Sunday. It didn't pay off.
NBA playoffs: Lakers coach JJ Redick's refusal to sub players in second half, Anthony Edwards' 43 points put L.A. on brink of elimination
. Perhaps in response to Anthony Edwards' big game and feeling a sense of desperation, Lakers coach JJ Redick took a major gamble Sunday. It didn't pay off.
Sunday Best: The latest on coaches, front offices and, yes, potential trades from the NBA grapevine
Around-the-league NBA notes on a Sunday?. On the day after the first buzzer-beating dunk in NBA playoff history?. As it should be!. And, no, we haven't gotten so swept up in Aaron Gordon's heroics at the horn Saturday night that we forgot about Deandre Ayton's Valley Oop (hat-tip to NBA TV's Matt Winer) that helped fuel the Phoenix Suns' run to the NBA Finals in 2020-21. Oft-misremembered in the wake of the heartbreak that Ayton slammed upon the LA Clippers: 0.7 seconds were thrown back on the clock in that instance to keep him out of the NBA record books.
Dick Barnett, Champion Knick With a Singular Jump Shot, Dies at 88
A high-scoring guard, he played on New York’s two title-winning teams in the 1970s. He was remembered for his “fall back, baby” shooting style.
NBL26 Roster Tracker: Every signing, extension and departure
Keep up with the latest news and moves from all across the NBL.
Liberty 'building to be better' after 2024 title
Breanna Stewart and her Liberty teammates are focused on the present, and that includes defending the WNBA championship.
Bucks star injured in huge blow; NBA’s huge admission as contender left fuming over ref blunder
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard was helped off the court during game four of their series against the Indiana Pacers in a huge blow.
Duke big man Maluach enters draft at deadline
Duke big man Khaman Maluach is jumping to the NBA, where he is a potential top-10 pick after helping the Blue Devils reach the Final Four.
Officials admit error with Knicks-Pistons ending
Crew chief David Guthrie said referees missed Knicks guard Josh Hart's foul of Detroit's Tim Hardaway Jr. on the final shot of the Pistons' loss to the Knicks in Game 4 on Sunday.
Referees acknowledge missed foul call at the end of Pistons-Knicks Game 4
After the game, Tim Hardaway Jr. called the missed call "blatant.".
Khaman Maluach Declares For NBA Draft
Duke freshman Khaman Maluach declared for the NBA Draft on Sunday. Maluach, who averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, could be a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. "I can't wait to see what he's going to do because he's just scratching the surface," said Jon Scheyer.
NBA playoffs takeaways: Wolves push Lakers to brink of elimination; Knicks take 3-1 lead
The Wolves take 3-1 lead over the Lakers, while the Knicks grab a 3-1 edge over the Pistons.
NBA playoff results, takeaways: Pacers, Celtics, Wolves, Knicks grab 3-1 series leads
Indiana, Boston, Minnesota and New York all move within a game of advancing to the second round.
NBA playoffs: Knicks beat Pistons in Game 4 after controversial no-call that set off coach J.B. Bickerstaff
The New York Knicks escaped Detroit on Sunday afternoon with a wild one-point win, which pushed them to a 3-1 lead in their opening-round playoff series with the Pistons.
