Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray has spoken out about the hard foul he received from Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul during Game One of their series. After the match, Murray went on record to suggest that people should examine Paul's history when it comes to hard fouls. His comments have raised the question of whether referee officials should be monitoring Paul's actions more closely. The Suns' point guard has been known to push players hard in the past, including Giannis Antetokounmpo during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. However, Paul did not have the best of games himself, scoring just 11 points on 5-11 shooting and one steal.

At present, the series stands at 2-0, with Denver having won both games. During Game Two, Paul left the match after suffering a groin injury and did not return. The Suns are hoping he can return in time for Game Three but are bracing themselves for the possibility that he may not. Phoenix will need to make a comeback if they are to stand a chance of sending Denver home and progressing in the playoffs, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker needing strong performances.

As the NBA playoffs continue to deliver standout performances, fans are left wondering if these postseason games count towards the season's Most Valuable Player award. The answer is no, as the NBA MVP award is presented annually to the player who made the biggest impact on their team's success throughout the regular season. This highly respected individual award is decided by a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NBA in the US and Canada, with each expert selecting their top five candidates. The player with the highest point total is awarded the MVP, an award in which each first-place vote is worth 10 points. Since 2010, fans have been given the opportunity to cast their ballot and have a say in the MVP with online voting. While standout performances continue to make headlines in the postseason, only the regular season is considered for the MVP award. On Tuesday, the NBA is expected to name the season's MVP among finalists Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Jamal Murray is known for performing exceptionally well in high-pressure situations during the playoffs. However, in the recent game against the Phoenix Suns, Murray couldn't seem to sink a basket, finishing 0-for-9 from 3-point range. Although he is clearly critical of himself and his performance, Murray has not lost his passion for basketball, nor is he too concerned about this one missed opportunity. He joked that he tried to pretend that he was sinking those same attempts during practice, even if that was not the case. Murray has always been diligent in his training, as evidenced by his consistent practice on difficult, almost impossible shots, including those behind the backboard.

Murray's perseverance has paid off during this postseason, in which his professional skills have been on full display. Against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he achieved an impressive five-game series sweep. In the current second-round series against the Phoenix Suns, Murray scored 34 points in Game 1, enough to give the Nuggets a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference second-round series. Although Murray's recent performance was not at its best, it is not surprising that he may still make an even stronger comeback in future games.

During the 1989-90 NBA season, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson had an intense battle for the MVP award. While Barkley received more first-place votes, Johnson ultimately won the award due to receiving more second and third-place votes. Barkley had led his Philadelphia 76ers to a 53-29 record, while Johnson had led his Los Angeles Lakers to the top of the league with a 63-win season. However, the race was close, with Johnson winning by just 22 points. Some critics argued that Barkley had been robbed of the award. Barkley later changed his jersey number from 34 to 32 in honor of Magic after he retired due to HIV. Interestingly, Barkley would win the MVP award the following season after being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan, who had also had a great season in 1990, finished third in the MVP voting. Ultimately, the 1990 MVP race remains a point of contention for basketball fans, with some arguing that Barkley deserved the award over Johnson.

In Game 4 of the second-round series between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets, Landry Shamet was the unexpected hero. With Devin Booker in foul trouble, Shamet stepped up by draining three consecutive three-pointers to help the Suns win the game and even the series at 2-2. Shamet's offensive display was critical for a Suns team that has faced challenges with Chris Paul out with a strained groin muscle. Shamet, who has played a bigger role in Paul's absence, showed great resilience and contributed 19 points in the Suns' 129-124 victory. However, if the Suns hope to advance past the Nuggets and secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals, they will need more contributions from players like Deandre Ayton, who has struggled on the court. Despite Ayton's subpar production in the past two games, the Suns have been able to rely on the impressive performances of Booker and Kevin Durant. As the series returns to Denver for Game 5, the Suns will need Shamet and Ayton to step up and carry the team to victory.

As conference tournaments continue across the country, teams will be seeking conference championships as a way to secure an automatic bid to the women's lacrosse NCAA Tournament. However, teams on the bubble are anxiously awaiting the selection committee's decision. With 14 at-large bids to be awarded, potential bid stealers, and unusual RPI rankings this season, Selection Sunday may bring many surprises.

Some teams expected to make it based on their strength of schedule, significant wins, head-to-head matchups, and records against common opponents, could be left out if they fail to secure wins in their respective conference tournaments. Teams like Virginia and Duke, which have top RPI rankings, can secure at-large bids if they fail to claim conference championships.

The suspense continues as the final conference tournaments conclude today, and the NCAA selection committee unveils the field on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

James Harden, NBA star and player for the Philadelphia 76ers, has invited shooting survivor John Hao to attend Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Hao was one of the victims of the mass shooting incident at Michigan State University in February of this year. Previously paralyzed from the waist down, Hao has made a remarkable recovery and can now attend the game to watch his favorite player in action. Harden had promised Hao that he would invite him to a game as soon as he was able to attend. The star player had previously sent Hao a pair of game-worn shoes, among other memorabilia, and offered words of encouragement via Facetime. With the series tied at 1-1, Game 3 proves crucial for the 76ers who seek a win against the Celtics.

Grant Williams is currently playing his fourth season with the Boston Celtics, with his contract set to expire after the season. The forward joined the Celtics in 2019 after he was selected 22nd in the NBA draft, and he signed a four-year contract worth $11.8 million. Currently, Grant Williams is in the final season of his contract with the Celtics and is set to become a restricted free agent after the postseason concludes. His club option for the 2021-22 season was worth $2.61 million, and he opted to accept another club option this year, which will earn him $4.3 million before his contract expires. Furthermore, the Celtics offered him a qualifying offer worth $6.23 million, but as he is already a starter for the team, the offer increased to $8.48 million for one season.

During his rookie season, Grant Williams played 15.1 minutes per game, while in his second season, his numbers remained the same. However, in his third season, his growth as a player was noticed, as he became a knockdown shooter. This season, he has proved himself to be an important role player for the Celtics, currently averaging 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, shooting an efficient 45.4% from the field. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Williams for bringing a level of physicality and poise to the team, and his knack for contributing and turning something good into something great.

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2022-23 season, after a scattering start to his career. He underwent foot surgery and then had to be benched again due to a knee injury. But doubts about his ability to fully recover from these injuries were laid to rest as he led the NBA in scoring for a second straight year. This is also a boost to what the Sixers called The Process, which was initiated in the 2010s and was seen as a way to lose numerous games so that they could land young prospects like Embiid. The move was met with criticism and the term 'tanking' was coined afterwards. In the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs, the 76ers was undefeated. Embiid is the fifth 76er ever to win the NBA MVP, following in the footsteps of legends Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Julius Erving, and Allen Iverson.

Despite some doubts at the end of the season, Trae Young has proven his abilities to lead his team to victory in a high-pressure game. While the Hawks ultimately lost the series against the Celtics, Young was the standout player in at least two, if not three, of the games. Although his season was marked by struggles to build synergy with newly-acquired player Dejounte Murray, these concerns have been put to rest after Young showed his tenacity in the final four games of the series. While there may still be some chatter in the media regarding a potential trade, true basketball fans know that trading Young would be a delusional move. Admittedly, there are still some flaws in the Hawks' gameplay, such as their point-of-attack defense that allowed the Celtics to score so easily. However, the talent that Young possesses when he is at his best is undeniable, and it's clear that when surrounded by the right pieces, he has the potential to lead his team all the way to a championship. With the official announcement of the end of the season, Young is already looking ahead to next year, eager to continue growing and improving his game.

According to recent reports, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers did not have any issue with James Harden's trip to Las Vegas in the middle of the playoffs. Rivers even mentioned that he had told Harden to "do whatever they want" since they had three days off. The backlash that Harden received for his trip was due to the fact that it occurred during the team's first-round playoff series against the Nets. Despite the public's criticism, Harden maintained his calm and put up an impressive performance during Game 1 of the team's series against the Boston Celtics. He scored 45 points and helped lead the 76ers to a victory. Rivers, who previously said he would have "overreacted" to such an incident when he was a younger coach, seems to have a new attitude as he gets older and more experienced in coaching adults. With the 76ers tied 1-1 heading home for Game 3 against the Boston Celtics, it remains to be seen if Harden's trip will have any further impact on his performance and the team's success in the playoffs.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum joined an elite group of active players in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, tying Paul George for having 6 career postseason games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, according to NBA.com. George has endorsed Tatum for the MVP race with admiration for his game, and referring to Tatum as “incredible.” At only 25, Tatum has already become one of the best players in the NBA, and he still has room to grow. As the playoffs continue, Tatum is poised to climb even further up the impressive playoff list. In Game 1 against the 76ers, the Celtics collapsed over the final few minutes, losing to the Sixers 102-104, and Tatum found himself the victim of a non-basketball act by Philadelphia’s PJ Tucker. A wild swing by Tucker caught Tatum below the belt, but to the Celtics’ dismay, the officiating crew failed to call a foul. Nevertheless, the Celtics will look to bounce back and Tatum will continue to prove his worth as one of the most elite players in the association.

Despite Joel Embiid's 30-point performance, the Boston Celtics secured a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid's dominance wore off in the fourth quarter of Game 3, thanks to Joe Mazzulla's adjustments as the Celtics put multiple defenders, including smaller guards, on Embiid, making his every move unpredictable. James Harden's regression from Game 1 added to the Sixers' woes, making them easier to defend. However, Boston's tactics are well-suited to counter teams with physicality in the frontcourt, giving them a favorable matchup against Philadelphia, unlike the Warriors that prefer long-range shooting. Despite beating Embiid's squad in two games, Boston expects a more desperate and flawless Philadelphia in the upcoming games. Doc Rivers' counter-strategy will be crucial, and the other players, including Maxey and Harris, need to step up their game. If the Celtics defense falters, other Sixers players could go off, challenging Boston's lead. Tipoff for Game 4 is scheduled for May 9th.

After a dominant performance by Anthony Davis in Game 1 of the Lakers-Warriors Western Conference semifinals series, the Lakers are looking to take a 2-0 lead over the Golden State Warriors before heading back to Los Angeles. Davis had an impressive stat line with 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocked shots. The Lakers are hoping to avoid a repeat of their first-round playoff series with the Memphis Grizzlies, where they dropped Game 2 after winning Game 1. Davis emphasized the importance of being "greedy" and not settling for a split with the Warriors. The Lakers understand the threat that the Warriors pose and are looking to bring their best defensive effort in Game 2 to secure another victory. Kerr acknowledges the difficulty of facing Davis and says, "You can see it on tape, but you got to feel it in order to understand how to attack." With Davis and LeBron James leading the Lakers, they are aiming to make a deep playoff run and cement Davis's legacy as a franchise great.

After a controversial tweet by Skip Bayless calling Anthony Davis the Lakers' best player, Lakers fans are left wondering whether their team is better off without LeBron James. While the tweet managed to enrage a few LeBron fans, it is hard to ignore the fact that the Lakers' record has been better when Davis performs well, as was the case in their recent dominant victory against the Golden State Warriors. In Game 3 of the best-of-seven series against the reigning champions, the Lakers convincingly won 127-97 with Davis scoring 25 points along with 13 rebounds, and James contributing 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The two respectively shot 11/12 and 7/8 from the free-throw line. While teamwork is undoubtedly crucial in basketball, individual performances often play a significant role in deciding the outcome of a game. Although James is still a champion and an elite player, perhaps it is time for the Lakers to prioritize playing their best player, regardless of who that may be, if they want to have a shot at winning another championship.

LeBron James has changed his playing style since joining the Lakers, as noted by Warriors' Draymond Green. Green stated that LeBron "is playing a totally different style, totally different game than he's ever played before." LeBron's usage rate in the playoffs is 27.2%, considerably lower than his regular season rate of 33.3%, and in his first game against the Warriors in the regular season, his role had changed drastically. This adjustment is partly due to the Lakers' strong roster which gives LeBron more flexibility and the opportunity to take a back seat when necessary. LeBron has also been dealing with a foot tendon injury that has limited him through the playoffs. Although he has been effective with the injury, the Lakers' new playing style complements this, rather than relying on him to carry extra weight. Draymond's observation shows how this Lakers' team is shaping up as one of LeBron's most offensively talented teams; his ability to be a fourth-option offensively is indicative of this.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers' second win against the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James emphasized the importance of staying away from TV and social media after a win. He remarked that people perceive a team differently; when they win, everyone sings their praises, but when they lose, they are heavily criticized. He also suggested muting the TV during other playoff games and playing music in the background. This advice comes amidst the unpredictable playoffs series facing the Lakers. Despite being a favorite to win, the team lost their second game against the Warriors, causing fans to doubt them. In their third game, however, Anthony Davis stepped up and proved to be a force on defense, helping to limit the Warriors to 39.6% shooting from the field. The Lakers are looking to take a 2-1 series lead in their next game against the Warriors.

As the dust settles on the Sacramento Kings' playoff exit, old wounds have been brought to the surface. One such wound is the memory of Shaquille O'Neal's infamous freestyle diss of the team back in 2002. In the clip, which has recently resurfaced online, Shaq uses the ringtone of a flip phone as the beat to diss the Kings, with lines about their star player Vlade Divac and his own Laker teammate Kobe Bryant.

But Shaq's takedown of the Kings wasn't just verbal; in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, he dominated the team, scoring 44, 43, and 35 points in key games and ultimately leading the Lakers to a 4-3 series victory. Though the Kings put up a good fight, they were unable to contain the unstoppable force that was Shaq.

Now, as Stephen Curry continues his own reign of dominance in the playoffs, Shaq has weighed in on how to stop the Warriors superstar. According to the former Laker, Curry's off-ball movement is what makes him so unguardable, comparing him to Reggie Miller and Ray Allen on drugs. As the Kings lick their wounds, they can at least hope that Shaq never turns his attention to their new star guard.

After going viral for displaying his undying passion during a recent Warriors game against the Kings, lifelong Warriors fan Christian Gamboa was gifted a pair of game-worn shoes by none other than Steph Curry himself. Gamboa, who waved his 2017 NBA Finals "strength in numbers" towel in the game, went on to attend the Warriors' Game 2 win over the Lakers at Chase Center, only to be gifted Curry's shoes after the game. Curry personally sought Gamboa out to deliver his gift, walking the floors in his socks after the game in search of the viral fan before having his security team track him down. Gamboa later expressed gratitude for the gift, calling it "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" and thanking his family for their support. With Gamboa's passion and energy becoming a key rallying point for Warriors fans this season, Curry's gift to the superfan further highlights the tight-knit relationship between the team and its supporters.

Golden State Warriors' star guard, Steph Curry, had a solid performance with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists in Game 2 against the Lakers. In Game 3, Curry faces a tough challenge from a resilient Lakers defense that contested him well. However, according to the experts from the Action Network PRO Projections, Curry's player prop shows a B+ edge for over 5.5 assists, which is projected to be around 7.1. Despite an inflated number, the projection indicates Curry's ability to be a facilitator and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. The Lakers' defense is not at the top of the league in assists, thus, opening a potential window for Curry to exceed the predicted number. NBA fans can check out the daily player props lines and projections on the NBA props page. While Curry's last game was impressive, it remains to be seen whether he can deliver a similar performance in Game 3 and help the Warriors tie the series.

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently facing the Golden State Warriors in a high-stakes second-round NBA playoffs series, but it’s not too early to start considering the team’s off-season plans. The rumor mill has been churning and there are a few potential targets for the Purple and Gold, such as Donte DiVincenzo. The former Buck signed up with the Warriors on a two-year deal with a player option. While he hasn’t had a meteoric rise with the team, he has certainly improved and thus will likely opt-out. The Lakers could swoop in and potentially get him with the mid-level exception.

Another potential target for LA is Austin Reaves, who has garnered attention from outside suitors. The 25-year-old's stock is worth buying, considering his all-around skill set and potential for years to come. Lastly, the Lakers may look for a new point guard this off-season. The two current point guards - Dennis Schroder and D'Angelo Russel - are both free agents with lackluster playoff performances. Some potential targets for the Lakers include talented playmakers such as Kyle Lowry, Elfrid Payton, TJ McConnell, and George Hill. Only time will tell what moves the Lakers make this off-season and what direction the team decides to take.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst theorized yesterday that Warriors coach Steve Kerr may have faked Kevon Looney's illness in Game 2 in an attempt to throw off the Los Angeles Lakers. Looney was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to an undetermined illness, but returned to play 12 minutes and contribute six points and eight rebounds. Windhorst insinuated that the illness might not be real, after Kerr started JaMychal Green in Looney's place. Green scored 15 points, and the Warriors went on to win 127-100 to tie the series at 1-1. Windhorst pointed out that the Lakers will be preparing for Looney in Game 3 and 4, but also suggested that the illness may be true after all. Looney had told reporters that if it had been a regular-season game, he wouldn't have played. The Warriors have not commented on Windhorst's theory. Game 3 of the series takes place on Saturday.

ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst insinuated during a recent interview that the Golden State Warriors may have faked Kevon Looney's illness before Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Looney was initially slated to start in Game 2 until he was removed from the starting lineup due to an illness. Although Looney still played in the game for 12 minutes, he was not effective. ESPN's Windhorst theorized that Warriors coach Steve Kerr may have purposely used this fake illness to throw off the Lakers. Despite the rumors, the Warriors have not commented on the situation.

The Warriors are now heading into a pivotal Game 3 against the Lakers with the series tied at 1-1. With Looney not listed on the injury report, it seems he will be healthy for the upcoming game. The Lakers, meanwhile, are dealing with some injuries of their own with Mo Bamba questionable due to left ankle soreness and Anthony Davis and LeBron James both probable with various foot injuries. The stage is set for an exciting Game 3 between these two Western Conference Semifinal teams.

Steph Curry made NBA playoff history during Game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. Curry's 21-point performance in the game elevated him to 13th place on the all-time playoff scoring list, ahead of Hall of Famer John Havlicek. He now has 3,777 playoff points and is set to surpass Larry Bird's 3,897 points next. The Warriors faced a possible elimination, but Curry's performance helped lead them to a win, advancing them to the second round of playoffs. The team will now face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry's excellent season continues, with superb performances so far in the playoffs, averaging 31.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Curry, a two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star, has been with the Warriors for 14 seasons and led them to the NBA championship four times in the previous eight seasons. The win marked an important milestone for Curry as he continues to elevate his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats.

As the Golden State Warriors face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second-round playoff series, many are focused on the headlining discussions surrounding Steph Curry and LeBron James. However, X-factors like Kevon Looney could prove key to determining the outcome of the series. Looney's performance is crucial for optimizing both single- and dual-big lineups, especially as he battles on the boards alongside Anthony Davis. Keeping Davis under control will fall predominantly to Looney, making their matchup a crucial one to watch. On offense, Looney lacks the range to yank Davis away from the basket, but he will still need to pitch in against LeBron James. If Looney can hold his own against AD, the Lakers' defensive disruption will be more controlled, and the Warriors can pull Green elsewhere. As both teams enter the game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, every player's performance will be critical to winning this best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series.