8:00 AM ET Mark Fainaru-Wada Close ESPN Staff Writer Investigative reporter for ESPN’s Enterprise and Investigative Unit since 2007 Co-author of New York Times best-selling books “League of Denial” and “Game of Shadows” Co-winner, 2004 George Polk Award Steve Fainaru Close ESPN Senior Writer Winner, 2008 Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting Four-time first-place winner in
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 17: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
The Orlando Magic won the NBA Draft lottery and the order is set. Find out who lands the biggest stars in our latest NBA Mock Draft. The NBA Draft Lottery delivered the No. 1 pick to the Orlando Magic with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons rounding out the top
1:22 AM ET SAN FRANCISCO — Something has dawned on Stephen Curry as the Golden State Warriors stage their first legitimate title quest in nearly three years: He’s now the old guy. “When I look at some of those guys, you’re reminded of how young they are,” Curry said, contemplating the NBA’s starscape while the
Charles Barkley isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers, as his latest victims were Warriors fans. One thing about Charles Barkley is that he isn’t afraid to let anyone know who his picks are for certain games. Before Wednesday’s Western Conference Finals, he let the crowd know who he’s rooting for, and spoiler alert, it
The 2003 Los Angeles Lakers were on the verge of further cementing their dynasty — until Tim Duncan and the small-market San Antonio Spurs put an end to it. When the NBA and ABA merged in the 1976-77 season, the San Antonio Spurs were not yet 10 years old, still establishing themselves in one of
6:59 AM ET All odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook. What you need to know for Game 1 Interesting interior: The Warriors are the most perimeter-oriented team in the league, and the Mavs will likely attempt to limit the 3-point damage during this series. Considering that 68.3% of Andrew Wiggins‘ field goal attempts this postseason
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Boston is prepared to play Game 2 without veteran center Al Horford. There were a few reasons the Boston Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in Game 1: Celtics coach Ime Udoka blamed the Jays, Celts fans blamed Jaylen Brown’s missed free throws, and Jimmy Butler was, in a word,
Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka criticized stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for their disappointing Game 1 loss to the Miami Heat. With the Eastern Conference on the line, the Boston Celtics were quickly felled by the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Conference Finals. Winning by 11 points, the Heat burned brightly with
1:37 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN MIAMI — The Boston Celtics exited their locker room at halftime Tuesday night firmly in control of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. But then the third quarter happened. And, after the Miami Heat demolished the Celtics, outscoring them 39-14 and using their physicality to send Boston into a
The Miami Heat took Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals thanks to a tremendous performance by star Jimmy Butler. The Miami Heat made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three seasons. Ironically, they are once again facing the Boston Celtics. Credit can be given to star Jimmy Butler, as
Damian Lillard had a mid-career crisis on Saturday night. Stuck in a rebuild with the Trail Blazers, perhaps he ought to talk to the front office. Lillard has remained committed to Portland despite their rebuild. The front office has made it clear with their superstar that they intend to rebuild, but Dame appears fine with
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard could not believe the team fell to the No. 7 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery. Just ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics was the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery. The event was set to determine the exact
2:00 AM ET MIAMI — Jimmy Butler is worth the drama. That isn’t exactly how Erik Spoelstra termed Butler’s game on Tuesday night, of course. The Miami Heat coach was his usual controlled self after guiding his team to a 118-107 victory over the Boston Celtics, fueled by Butler’s greatness, to take a 1-0 lead
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The 2022 NBA Draft Lottery will be held tonight, with a lot of interesting scenarios in play. The Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic are tied for the
Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards called out Chris Paul III and the Phoenix Suns for a disgraceful performance in Game 7. Last week, the Memphis Grizzlies reminded the Golden State Warriors that no game should be taken for granted — and trash-talking on the court can always come back with a bite. The Grizzlies
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. You may have been smart enough to pick the Celtics and Mavericks winning their respective Game 7s on Sunday, eliminating the two NBA Finalists from last year. But chances
6:03 PM ET The Boston Celtics say Al Horford and Marcus Smart are both out for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Heat on Tuesday night in Miami. Horford is in the league’s health and safety protocols, the team announced. Smart won’t play due to midfoot sprain suffered in Boston’s Game 7
Recent reports indicate that Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton may not return to the Suns after all, and the Game 7 loss certainly didn’t help. For a young, talented NBA player, the approach of free agency candidacy can alter their path in the league immensely. Players don’t choose where they get drafted, but that first
James Harden plans on staying with the Philadelphia 76ers, despite a playoff disappointment and his contract opt-out. It helps that Harden can make over $47 million next season, though the 76ers will likely try to persuade him to take a more nuanced extension. Should Harden opt in to that year, it’ll be a contract season
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1): Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports The Philadelphia 76ers once again couldn’t get past the second round of the NBA playoffs. With Joel Embiid’s prime quickly passing by, what are the priorities this offseason? The Philadelphia 76ers forced its fanbase to go through The Process. For four straight seasons, they were
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN To understand the depths of animosity between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics entering this year’s NBA Eastern Conference finals, you have to go back to an otherwise nondescript regular-season night in March 2013. That night in New Orleans, a Heat public relations official approached the team’s traveling media contingent
Rajon Rondo is being accused of domestic violence involving the mother of his children. Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Rajon Rondo is in hot water after news broke of a domestic violence dispute erupting from a heated altercation with the mother of his two children. TMZ Sports reported, “Ashley Bachelor, Rondo’s former partner and mother of
9:24 PM ET The NBA on Monday said it’s in the process of gathering more information after veteran point guard Rajon Rondo allegedly threatened a woman with a gun at her house last week. The woman filed for an emergency protective order against Rondo on Friday in Louisville, Kentucky, a copy of which was obtained
Jan 23, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field looking at the scoreboard during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports Watch: Steve Aoki’s first pitch for Red Sox
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (right): Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports The Phoenix Suns were supposedly a lock to make it to the NBA Finals this season. Now, after losing in round two, there is a lot to figure out for the future of this franchise. This was supposed to be an easy road to
3:26 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart is questionable for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat with a right midfoot sprain, coach Ime Udoka said Monday. Sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Smart had an MRI on the foot Monday that came back clean, and that Smart
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Patrick Beverley called out Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul for allegedly faking an injury in embarrassing Game 7 loss. Narrative shapes legacy in the NBA, and performance is primarily what shapes narratives. But narratives are also shaped by interpretation, so when Patrick Beverley pounces on Chris Paul after the most devastating
8:00 AM ET And then there were four teams left standing in the 2022 NBA playoffs. After the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns — last year’s NBA finalists — were knocked out in Game 7s on the same day, the 2021-22 season is one step closer to crowning a new champion. The Boston Celtics overcame
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 15: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the third quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using