about 1 month ago

NBA East/West Standings Update (April 1st)

Magic fall to 9th while the Hawks further solidify 5th. 76ers tied at 42-34 with Toronto while the Heat fall to 10th. Rockets move up to 5th over Minnesota (0.5 games ahead). Knicks 1.5 ahead of Cavs for the 3rd seed and the Nuggets remain 4th. Warriors remain 10th after their loss and the Spurs are 2 GB from OKC.

By Samir Mehdi

about 1 month ago

Brian Windhorst Pushes Back on the Criticism Victor Wembanyama Facing Over MVP Campaign

"I'm having a difficult time understanding why anybody doesn't love this," Windhorst said, defending Wemby's public MVP campaign against growing criticism. He argued that openly caring about winning shouldn't be treated as a character flaw. "If SGA doesn't want to publicly campaign, of course that's fine. But why would anybody not be engaged by somebody saying he cares?"

By Adit Pujari

about 1 month ago

Stephen A. Smith Wonders if the Lakers Should Even Want the No. 3 Seed

Smith floated a risky playoff question on First Take: Should the Lakers prefer dropping to fourth? He noted the current No. 3 slot could mean a first-round matchup with Minnesota, “the team that took them out last year.” Smith said Houston might be more favorable, but added he still expects Los Angeles to hold third and chase revenge.

By Raahib Singh

about 1 month ago

Paige Bueckers Says Sarah Strong’s Biggest Leap Has Been Her Voice

Bueckers said Strong’s growth isn’t just in the box score. “The thing that stands out to me the most is her vocalness and her willingness to use her voice,” she said. Paige added that Strong now leads huddles, holds teammates accountable, and earns that respect because “she doesn’t demand anything of anybody else that she doesn’t do herself.”

By Raahib Singh

about 1 month ago

Stephen A. Smith Calls Boston the Team to Beat in the East Again

Smith said the Celtics now look like the East’s most dangerous team. “Boston looks like the most formidable team in the Eastern Conference,” he said on First Take. He pointed to Brown “playing like an MVP,” Tatum rounding back into form, and Boston’s depth with White and Pritchard. Smith added that Celtics have the scoring answers contenders need in May.

By Raahib Singh

about 1 month ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo on Why a Team's 15th Man Can Make or Break a Season

"When a guy at the end of the bench is like 'I should be getting more minutes,' it's we and they," Antetokounmpo said, explaining how one negative player can fracture a team. "The 15th guy, the 12th guy has to be positive because if that guy is positive it can translate all the way to the front."

By Adit Pujari

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