Deadspin | NBA roundup: Rockets edge Warriors to spoil Stephen Curry’s return Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after missing the final shot of the game against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Stephen Curry returned from a two-month absence with 29 points, but Alperen Sengun capped a 24-point performance with a go-ahead interior hoop with 11.1 seconds remaining, lifting the Houston Rockets to a 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in San Francisco. In his first return to San Francisco as a member of the Rockets, Kevin Durant poured in a game-high 31 points for Houston (49-29), which moved within one game of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets in their three-team duel for third place in the Western Conference. Brandin Podziemski backed Curry with 18 points for the Warriors (36-42), who virtually assured themselves of the 10th seed in the Western play-in tournament. Curry, who had missed 27 straight games since a Jan. 30 injury against Detroit, played 26 minutes, during which he hit 11 of his 21 shots. The Warriors had gone 9-18 in his 27 absences as he recovered from a sore right knee. Gui Santos finished with 15 points and Payton 14 for the Warriors, who saw Kristaps Porzingis foul out with just nine points and a team-high eight rebounds after 23 minutes. Draymond Green collected a game-high 12 assists to go with seven points. Celtics 115, Raptors 101 Jaylen Brown tossed in a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 23 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Toronto. The Celtics received 18 points and seven rebounds from Neemias Queta, 17 points from Payton Pritchard and 10 from Derrick White. Boston’s Nikola Vucevic played in a game for the first time since he fractured his right ring finger March 6 and had four points and four rebounds. Boston has won its last nine home games against Toronto. The Raptors haven’t won in Boston since 2021. Boston has won 21 of its last 24 regular-season games against Toronto overall. Ja’Kobe Walter led Toronto with 16 points. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each scored 15. Mavericks 134, Lakers 128 Cooper Flagg followed a historic 51-point performance with another sensational outing, going for 45 points, nine assists and eight rebounds to lead host Dallas over short-handed Los Angeles. Dallas built a lead as large as 22 points behind P.J. Washington’s 15 points, Naji Marshall and Brandon Williams each scoring 13 and Klay Thompson knocking down three 3-pointers on the way to 11 points to support Flagg. LeBron James (30 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds) did what he could to pick up the slack as Los Angeles was without its top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who will both miss at least the remainder of the regular season. Luke Kennard notched his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Suns 120, Bulls 110 Devin Booker scored 30 points, Jalen Green added 25 and Dillon Brooks sank a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch to help Phoenix get past host Chicago. All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, as Mark Williams shot 6-of-8 from the floor on the way to 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Jordan Goodwin added 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting and seven boards. Tre Jones scored 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor to lead Chicago. Collin Sexton posted a double-double, scoring 18 points and nine rebounds. Leonard Miller had a game-high 10 rebounds and shot 7-of-14 from the field on the way to 17 points. Cavaliers 117, Pacers 108 Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and James Harden had 28 points and seven assists as playoff-bound Cleveland overcame a slow start in a victory over visiting Indiana. Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round. Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana, which only dressed nine players and has the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points. Hornets 122, Timberwolves 108 LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and Charlotte pulled away for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis. Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench. Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation) and Jaden McDaniels (left knee soreness) missed the game. Magic 112, Pelicans 108 Desmond Bane scored 27 points as Orlando overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat host New Orleans. Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic, who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter to win their third game in the last four. Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans, who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans. Clippers 138 Kings 109 Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as Los Angeles moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a road victory over Sacramento. Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers ended a two-game skid. Los Angeles has the same record as the Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams. Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento, which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8. Bucks 131, Grizzlies 115 Ryan Rollins scored 24 points, Cormac Ryan added 21 and Myles Turner finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Memphis. The Bucks also got 19 points from Taurean Prince, who was 7-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-5 from long range. The team shot 60.2% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, never trailing in the second half, although the Grizzlies did cut the deficit to one point twice early in the fourth quarter. Rayan Rupert posted a 30-point triple-double for the Grizzlies, only the third in franchise history, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Walter Clayton Jr. added 20 points for the Grizzlies, who lost their fourth straight and for the 17th time in 19 games. Nets 121, Wizards 115 Rookie Nolan Traore scored a career-high 23 points and added a game-high seven assists as Brooklyn held off visiting Washington in an Eastern Conference basement battle in New York. Jalen Wilson added 19 points and five rebounds, while Josh Minott and E.J. Liddell each had 15 points as the Nets won for just the second time in their past 14 games. They also won the season series with Washington 3-1. Will Riley shot 9 for 16 from the field and led the Wizards with 30 points. The rookie has led the Wizards in scoring in five of the past six games, averaging 22.5 points per game over that stretch. Julian Reese added 17 points and 16 rebounds for Washington. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Rockets #edge #Warriors #spoil #Stephen #Currys #return

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Rockets edge Warriors to spoil Stephen Curry’s return
$Deadspin | NBA roundup: Rockets edge Warriors to spoil Stephen Curry’s return Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after missing the final shot of the game against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Stephen Curry returned from a two-month absence with 29 points, but Alperen Sengun capped a 24-point performance with a go-ahead interior hoop with 11.1 seconds remaining, lifting the Houston Rockets to a 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in San Francisco. In his first return to San Francisco as a member of the Rockets, Kevin Durant poured in a game-high 31 points for Houston (49-29), which moved within one game of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets in their three-team duel for third place in the Western Conference. Brandin Podziemski backed Curry with 18 points for the Warriors (36-42), who virtually assured themselves of the 10th seed in the Western play-in tournament. Curry, who had missed 27 straight games since a Jan. 30 injury against Detroit, played 26 minutes, during which he hit 11 of his 21 shots. The Warriors had gone 9-18 in his 27 absences as he recovered from a sore right knee. Gui Santos finished with 15 points and Payton 14 for the Warriors, who saw Kristaps Porzingis foul out with just nine points and a team-high eight rebounds after 23 minutes. Draymond Green collected a game-high 12 assists to go with seven points. Celtics 115, Raptors 101 Jaylen Brown tossed in a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 23 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Toronto. The Celtics received 18 points and seven rebounds from Neemias Queta, 17 points from Payton Pritchard and 10 from Derrick White. Boston’s Nikola Vucevic played in a game for the first time since he fractured his right ring finger March 6 and had four points and four rebounds. Boston has won its last nine home games against Toronto. The Raptors haven’t won in Boston since 2021. Boston has won 21 of its last 24 regular-season games against Toronto overall. Ja’Kobe Walter led Toronto with 16 points. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each scored 15. Mavericks 134, Lakers 128 Cooper Flagg followed a historic 51-point performance with another sensational outing, going for 45 points, nine assists and eight rebounds to lead host Dallas over short-handed Los Angeles. Dallas built a lead as large as 22 points behind P.J. Washington’s 15 points, Naji Marshall and Brandon Williams each scoring 13 and Klay Thompson knocking down three 3-pointers on the way to 11 points to support Flagg. LeBron James (30 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds) did what he could to pick up the slack as Los Angeles was without its top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who will both miss at least the remainder of the regular season. Luke Kennard notched his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Suns 120, Bulls 110 Devin Booker scored 30 points, Jalen Green added 25 and Dillon Brooks sank a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch to help Phoenix get past host Chicago. All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, as Mark Williams shot 6-of-8 from the floor on the way to 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Jordan Goodwin added 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting and seven boards. Tre Jones scored 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor to lead Chicago. Collin Sexton posted a double-double, scoring 18 points and nine rebounds. Leonard Miller had a game-high 10 rebounds and shot 7-of-14 from the field on the way to 17 points. Cavaliers 117, Pacers 108 Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and James Harden had 28 points and seven assists as playoff-bound Cleveland overcame a slow start in a victory over visiting Indiana. Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round. Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana, which only dressed nine players and has the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points. Hornets 122, Timberwolves 108 LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and Charlotte pulled away for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis. Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench. Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation) and Jaden McDaniels (left knee soreness) missed the game. Magic 112, Pelicans 108 Desmond Bane scored 27 points as Orlando overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat host New Orleans. Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic, who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter to win their third game in the last four. Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans, who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans. Clippers 138 Kings 109 Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as Los Angeles moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a road victory over Sacramento. Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers ended a two-game skid. Los Angeles has the same record as the Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams. Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento, which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8. Bucks 131, Grizzlies 115 Ryan Rollins scored 24 points, Cormac Ryan added 21 and Myles Turner finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Memphis. The Bucks also got 19 points from Taurean Prince, who was 7-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-5 from long range. The team shot 60.2% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, never trailing in the second half, although the Grizzlies did cut the deficit to one point twice early in the fourth quarter. Rayan Rupert posted a 30-point triple-double for the Grizzlies, only the third in franchise history, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Walter Clayton Jr. added 20 points for the Grizzlies, who lost their fourth straight and for the 17th time in 19 games. Nets 121, Wizards 115 Rookie Nolan Traore scored a career-high 23 points and added a game-high seven assists as Brooklyn held off visiting Washington in an Eastern Conference basement battle in New York. Jalen Wilson added 19 points and five rebounds, while Josh Minott and E.J. Liddell each had 15 points as the Nets won for just the second time in their past 14 games. They also won the season series with Washington 3-1. Will Riley shot 9 for 16 from the field and led the Wizards with 30 points. The rookie has led the Wizards in scoring in five of the past six games, averaging 22.5 points per game over that stretch. Julian Reese added 17 points and 16 rebounds for Washington. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Rockets #edge #Warriors #spoil #Stephen #Currys #return$ Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after missing the final shot of the game against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Stephen Curry returned from a two-month absence with 29 points, but Alperen Sengun capped a 24-point performance with a go-ahead interior hoop with 11.1 seconds remaining, lifting the Houston Rockets to a 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in San Francisco.

In his first return to San Francisco as a member of the Rockets, Kevin Durant poured in a game-high 31 points for Houston (49-29), which moved within one game of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets in their three-team duel for third place in the Western Conference.

Brandin Podziemski backed Curry with 18 points for the Warriors (36-42), who virtually assured themselves of the 10th seed in the Western play-in tournament.

Curry, who had missed 27 straight games since a Jan. 30 injury against Detroit, played 26 minutes, during which he hit 11 of his 21 shots. The Warriors had gone 9-18 in his 27 absences as he recovered from a sore right knee.

Gui Santos finished with 15 points and Payton 14 for the Warriors, who saw Kristaps Porzingis foul out with just nine points and a team-high eight rebounds after 23 minutes. Draymond Green collected a game-high 12 assists to go with seven points.

Celtics 115, Raptors 101

Jaylen Brown tossed in a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 23 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Toronto.

The Celtics received 18 points and seven rebounds from Neemias Queta, 17 points from Payton Pritchard and 10 from Derrick White. Boston’s Nikola Vucevic played in a game for the first time since he fractured his right ring finger March 6 and had four points and four rebounds.

Boston has won its last nine home games against Toronto. The Raptors haven’t won in Boston since 2021. Boston has won 21 of its last 24 regular-season games against Toronto overall. Ja’Kobe Walter led Toronto with 16 points. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each scored 15.

Mavericks 134, Lakers 128

Cooper Flagg followed a historic 51-point performance with another sensational outing, going for 45 points, nine assists and eight rebounds to lead host Dallas over short-handed Los Angeles.

Dallas built a lead as large as 22 points behind P.J. Washington’s 15 points, Naji Marshall and Brandon Williams each scoring 13 and Klay Thompson knocking down three 3-pointers on the way to 11 points to support Flagg.

LeBron James (30 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds) did what he could to pick up the slack as Los Angeles was without its top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who will both miss at least the remainder of the regular season. Luke Kennard notched his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.

Suns 120, Bulls 110

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Jalen Green added 25 and Dillon Brooks sank a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch to help Phoenix get past host Chicago.

All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, as Mark Williams shot 6-of-8 from the floor on the way to 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Jordan Goodwin added 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting and seven boards.

Tre Jones scored 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor to lead Chicago. Collin Sexton posted a double-double, scoring 18 points and nine rebounds. Leonard Miller had a game-high 10 rebounds and shot 7-of-14 from the field on the way to 17 points.

Cavaliers 117, Pacers 108

Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and James Harden had 28 points and seven assists as playoff-bound Cleveland overcame a slow start in a victory over visiting Indiana.

Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round.

Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana, which only dressed nine players and has the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points.

Hornets 122, Timberwolves 108

LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and Charlotte pulled away for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench.

Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation) and Jaden McDaniels (left knee soreness) missed the game.

Magic 112, Pelicans 108

Desmond Bane scored 27 points as Orlando overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat host New Orleans.

Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic, who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter to win their third game in the last four.

Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans, who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans.

Clippers 138 Kings 109

Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as Los Angeles moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a road victory over Sacramento.

Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers ended a two-game skid. Los Angeles has the same record as the Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams.

Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento, which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8.

Bucks 131, Grizzlies 115

Ryan Rollins scored 24 points, Cormac Ryan added 21 and Myles Turner finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Memphis.

The Bucks also got 19 points from Taurean Prince, who was 7-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-5 from long range. The team shot 60.2% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, never trailing in the second half, although the Grizzlies did cut the deficit to one point twice early in the fourth quarter.

Rayan Rupert posted a 30-point triple-double for the Grizzlies, only the third in franchise history, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Walter Clayton Jr. added 20 points for the Grizzlies, who lost their fourth straight and for the 17th time in 19 games.

Nets 121, Wizards 115

Rookie Nolan Traore scored a career-high 23 points and added a game-high seven assists as Brooklyn held off visiting Washington in an Eastern Conference basement battle in New York.

Jalen Wilson added 19 points and five rebounds, while Josh Minott and E.J. Liddell each had 15 points as the Nets won for just the second time in their past 14 games. They also won the season series with Washington 3-1.

Will Riley shot 9 for 16 from the field and led the Wizards with 30 points. The rookie has led the Wizards in scoring in five of the past six games, averaging 22.5 points per game over that stretch. Julian Reese added 17 points and 16 rebounds for Washington.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Rockets #edge #Warriors #spoil #Stephen #Currys #return

Sports news April 6, 2026

Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after missing the final shot of the game against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Stephen Curry returned from a two-month absence with 29 points, but Alperen Sengun capped a 24-point performance with a go-ahead interior hoop with 11.1 seconds remaining, lifting the Houston Rockets to a 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in San Francisco.

In his first return to San Francisco as a member of the Rockets, Kevin Durant poured in a game-high 31 points for Houston (49-29), which moved within one game of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets in their three-team duel for third place in the Western Conference.

Brandin Podziemski backed Curry with 18 points for the Warriors (36-42), who virtually assured themselves of the 10th seed in the Western play-in tournament.

Curry, who had missed 27 straight games since a Jan. 30 injury against Detroit, played 26 minutes, during which he hit 11 of his 21 shots. The Warriors had gone 9-18 in his 27 absences as he recovered from a sore right knee.

Gui Santos finished with 15 points and Payton 14 for the Warriors, who saw Kristaps Porzingis foul out with just nine points and a team-high eight rebounds after 23 minutes. Draymond Green collected a game-high 12 assists to go with seven points.

Celtics 115, Raptors 101

Jaylen Brown tossed in a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 23 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Toronto.

The Celtics received 18 points and seven rebounds from Neemias Queta, 17 points from Payton Pritchard and 10 from Derrick White. Boston’s Nikola Vucevic played in a game for the first time since he fractured his right ring finger March 6 and had four points and four rebounds.

Boston has won its last nine home games against Toronto. The Raptors haven’t won in Boston since 2021. Boston has won 21 of its last 24 regular-season games against Toronto overall. Ja’Kobe Walter led Toronto with 16 points. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each scored 15.

Mavericks 134, Lakers 128

Cooper Flagg followed a historic 51-point performance with another sensational outing, going for 45 points, nine assists and eight rebounds to lead host Dallas over short-handed Los Angeles.

Dallas built a lead as large as 22 points behind P.J. Washington’s 15 points, Naji Marshall and Brandon Williams each scoring 13 and Klay Thompson knocking down three 3-pointers on the way to 11 points to support Flagg.

LeBron James (30 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds) did what he could to pick up the slack as Los Angeles was without its top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who will both miss at least the remainder of the regular season. Luke Kennard notched his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.

Suns 120, Bulls 110

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Jalen Green added 25 and Dillon Brooks sank a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch to help Phoenix get past host Chicago.

All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, as Mark Williams shot 6-of-8 from the floor on the way to 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Jordan Goodwin added 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting and seven boards.

Tre Jones scored 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor to lead Chicago. Collin Sexton posted a double-double, scoring 18 points and nine rebounds. Leonard Miller had a game-high 10 rebounds and shot 7-of-14 from the field on the way to 17 points.

Cavaliers 117, Pacers 108

Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and James Harden had 28 points and seven assists as playoff-bound Cleveland overcame a slow start in a victory over visiting Indiana.

Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round.

Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana, which only dressed nine players and has the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points.

Hornets 122, Timberwolves 108

LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and Charlotte pulled away for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench.

Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation) and Jaden McDaniels (left knee soreness) missed the game.

Magic 112, Pelicans 108

Desmond Bane scored 27 points as Orlando overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat host New Orleans.

Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic, who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter to win their third game in the last four.

Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans, who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18 and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans.

Clippers 138 Kings 109

Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as Los Angeles moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a road victory over Sacramento.

Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers ended a two-game skid. Los Angeles has the same record as the Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams.

Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento, which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8.

Bucks 131, Grizzlies 115

Ryan Rollins scored 24 points, Cormac Ryan added 21 and Myles Turner finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Memphis.

The Bucks also got 19 points from Taurean Prince, who was 7-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-5 from long range. The team shot 60.2% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, never trailing in the second half, although the Grizzlies did cut the deficit to one point twice early in the fourth quarter.

Rayan Rupert posted a 30-point triple-double for the Grizzlies, only the third in franchise history, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Walter Clayton Jr. added 20 points for the Grizzlies, who lost their fourth straight and for the 17th time in 19 games.

Nets 121, Wizards 115

Rookie Nolan Traore scored a career-high 23 points and added a game-high seven assists as Brooklyn held off visiting Washington in an Eastern Conference basement battle in New York.

Jalen Wilson added 19 points and five rebounds, while Josh Minott and E.J. Liddell each had 15 points as the Nets won for just the second time in their past 14 games. They also won the season series with Washington 3-1.

Will Riley shot 9 for 16 from the field and led the Wizards with 30 points. The rookie has led the Wizards in scoring in five of the past six games, averaging 22.5 points per game over that stretch. Julian Reese added 17 points and 16 rebounds for Washington.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Rockets #edge #Warriors #spoil #Stephen #Currys #return

NBA roundup: Houston Rockets edges Golden State Warriors to spoil Stephen Curry’s return <div id="content-body-70829757" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Stephen Curry returned from a two-month absence with 29 points, but Alperen Sengun capped a 24-point performance with a go-ahead interior hoop with 11.1 seconds remaining, lifting the Houston Rockets to a 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in San Francisco.</p><p>In his first return to San Francisco as a member of the Rockets, Kevin Durant poured in a game-high 31 points for Houston (49-29), which moved within one game of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets in their three-team duel for third place in the Western Conference.</p><p>Brandin Podziemski backed Curry with 18 points for the Warriors (36-42), who virtually assured themselves of the ‌10th seed in the Western play-in tournament.</p><p>Curry, who had missed 27 straight games since a January 30 injury against Detroit, played 26 minutes, during which he hit 11 of his 21 shots. The Warriors had gone 9-18 in his 27 absences as he recovered from a sore right knee.</p><p>Gui Santos finished with 15 points and Payton 14 ⁠for the Warriors, who saw Kristaps Porzingis foul out with just nine points and a team-high eight rebounds after 23 minutes. Draymond Green collected a game-high 12 assists to go with seven points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Boston Celtics 115, Toronto Raptors 101</h4><p>Jaylen Brown tossed in a game-high 26 points, and Jayson Tatum added 23 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston Celtics to a victory over visiting Toronto Raptors.</p><p>The Celtics received 18 points and seven rebounds from Neemias Queta, 17 points from Payton Pritchard and 10 ‌from Derrick White. Nikola Vucevic played in a game for the first time since he fractured his right ring finger on March 6 and had four points and four rebounds for them.</p><p>Boston has won its last nine home games against Toronto. The Raptors haven’t won in Boston since 2021. Boston has won 21 of its last 24 regular-season games against Toronto overall. ‌Ja’Kobe Walter led Toronto with 16 points. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each scored 15.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Dallas Mavericks 134, Los Angeles Lakers 128</h4><p>Cooper Flagg followed a historic 51-point performance with another sensational outing, going for 45 points, ‌nine ⁠assists and eight rebounds to lead host Dallas Mavericks over short-handed Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>Dallas built a lead as large as 22 points behind P.J. Washington’s 15 points, Naji Marshall and Brandon ⁠Williams each scoring 13, and Klay Thompson knocking down three 3-pointers on the way to 11 points to support Flagg.</p><p>LeBron James (30 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds) did what he could to pick up the slack as Los Angeles was without its top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who will both miss at least the remainder of the regular season. Luke Kennard notched his first career triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Phoenix Suns 120, Chicago Bulls 110</h4><p>Devin Booker scored 30 points, Jalen Green added 25, and Dillon Brooks sank a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch ‌to help Phoenix Suns get past host Chicago Bulls.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/basketball/lebron-james-reaction-on-luka-doncic-injured-austin-reaves-injury-update-los-angeles-la-lakers-team-news/article70828935.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">‘A shot to the heart and chest’ — LeBron James reacts to injuries of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves</a></b></p><p>All five Phoenix starters scored in double figures, as Mark Williams shot 6-of-8 from the floor on the way to 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Jordan Goodwin added 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting and seven boards.</p><p>Tre Jones scored 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor to lead Chicago. Collin Sexton posted a double-double, scoring 18 points and nine rebounds. Leonard Miller had a game-high 10 rebounds and shot 7-of-14 from the field on the way to 17 points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Cleveland cavaliers 117, Indiana Pacers 108</h4><p>Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points, and James Harden had ‌28 points and seven assists as playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a slow start in a victory over visiting Indiana Pacers.</p><p>Thomas Bryant posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which did not lead in the first half before rallying for its eighth win in the last 10 games. The Cavaliers are on the verge of locking up fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them home-court advantage in the first round.</p><p>Micah Potter and Obi Toppin scored 21 points apiece for Indiana, which only dressed nine players and has ⁠the second-worst record in the league. Jalen Slawson scored a career-high 19 points, and Quenton Jackson had 15 points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Charlotte Hornets 122, Minnesota Timberwolves 108</h4><p>LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and Charlotte Hornets pulled away for a win over Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis.</p><p>Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte, which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench.</p><p>Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed ‌eight rebounds to lead Minnesota. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation) and Jaden McDaniels (left knee soreness) missed the game.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Orlando Magic 112, New Orleans Pelicans 108</h4><p>Desmond Bane scored 27 points as Orlando Magic overturned a 15-point third-quarter deficit to defeat host New Orleans Pelicans.</p><p>Paolo Banchero paired 23 points with 16 rebounds for the Magic, who seized control after edging in front midway through the fourth quarter to win their third game in the last four.</p><p>Saddiq Bey had 32 for the Pelicans, who succumbed to their eighth straight defeat. Jeremiah Fears added 19 points, Yves Missi posted 18, and Zion Williamson contributed 17 for New Orleans.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Los Angeles Clippers 138, Sacramento Kings 109</h4><p>Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points, and John Collins added 25 as Los Angeles Clippers moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a road victory over Sacramento Kings.</p><p>Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers ended a two-game skid. Los Angeles has the same record as the ‌Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams.</p><p>Devin Carter scored 21 points, and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento, which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Milwaukee Bucks 131, Memphis Grizzlies 115</h4><p>Ryan Rollins scored 24 points, Cormac Ryan added 21, and Myles Turner finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Milwaukee Bucks to a ⁠victory over visiting Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>The Bucks also got 19 points from Taurean Prince, who was 7-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-5 from long range. The team shot 60.2% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, never trailing in the second ⁠half, although the Grizzlies did cut the deficit to one point twice early in the fourth quarter.</p><p>Rayan Rupert posted a 30-point triple-double for the Grizzlies, only the third in franchise history, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Walter Clayton Jr. added 20 points for the Grizzlies, who lost their fourth straight and for the 17th time in 19 games.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Brooklyn Nets 121, ‌Washington Wizards 115</h4><p>Rookie Nolan Traore scored a career-high 23 points and added a game-high seven assists as Brooklyn Nets held off visiting Washington Wizards in an Eastern Conference basement battle in New York.</p><p>Jalen Wilson added 19 points and five rebounds, while Josh Minott and E.J. Liddell each had 15 points as the Nets won for just the second time in their past 14 games. They also won the season series with Washington 3-1.</p><p>Will Riley shot 9 for 16 from the field and led the Wizards with 30 points. The rookie has led the Wizards in scoring in five of the past six games, averaging 22.5 points per game over that stretch. Julian Reese added 17 points and 16 rebounds for Washington.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 06, 2026</p></div> #NBA #roundup #Houston #Rockets #edges #Golden #State #Warriors #spoil #Stephen #Currys #return

Deadspin | Spurs dominate 2nd half to go up 3-1 on Trail Blazers Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three point basket by guard De’aaron Fox (4) during the first half of game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday. Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio. After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals. Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble. Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers. Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining. Tempers flared after Castle pushed the ball into the chest of Avdija. A shoving match ensued, resulting in a technical foul on both parties. Portland held a two-point lead after the first quarter before extending that advantage to 19 points at 58-39 after Donovan Clingan’s 3-pointer with a minute left. San Antonio cut into the deficit by scoring the last two points of the second quarter and the first 13 of the third, highlighted by 3-pointers from Justin Champagnie, Fox and Vassell on consecutive possessions. The Spurs seized a 64-62 lead after a pair of jump shots from Vassell and then Wembanyama added a dunk in the final second to forge the tie at the end of the third quarter. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Spurs #dominate #2nd #Trail #Blazers

#Deadspin #Spurs #dominate #2nd #Trail #Blazers">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three point basket by guard De’aaron Fox (4) during the first half of game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio.

After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals.

Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble.

Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half.

Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers.

Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining.

Tempers flared after Castle pushed the ball into the chest of Avdija. A shoving match ensued, resulting in a technical foul on both parties.

Portland held a two-point lead after the first quarter before extending that advantage to 19 points at 58-39 after Donovan Clingan’s 3-pointer with a minute left.

San Antonio cut into the deficit by scoring the last two points of the second quarter and the first 13 of the third, highlighted by 3-pointers from Justin Champagnie, Fox and Vassell on consecutive possessions. The Spurs seized a 64-62 lead after a pair of jump shots from Vassell and then Wembanyama added a dunk in the final second to forge the tie at the end of the third quarter.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Spurs #dominate #2nd #Trail #Blazers">Deadspin | Spurs dominate 2nd half to go up 3-1 on Trail Blazers

Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three point basket by guard De’aaron Fox (4) during the first half of game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points and Victor Wembanyama had 27 in his return from concussion protocol, helping the visiting San Antonio Spurs to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Fox sank 11 of 17 shots from the floor and drained four 3-pointers to aid the Spurs in overcoming a 19-point deficit to seize a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio.

After sitting out Game 3, Wembanyama showed why he was the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year by recording 11 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals.

Stephon Castle collected 16 points and eight assists while dealing with both an injured left hand and foul trouble.

Devin Vassell added 11 points for the Spurs, who outscored the Trail Blazers by a 73-35 margin in the second half.

Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Jrue Holiday had 20 and Jerami Grant added 17 off the bench for the Trail Blazers.

Tied at 74 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs opened the period on a 27-7 run. Castle set up Wembanyama for a trio of alley-oop dunks before Fox sank a pair of jumpers and a 3-pointer to give San Antonio an 87-77 lead with 7:47 left. Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson converted from beyond the arc and added a pair of driving buckets to extend San Antonio’s lead to 101-81 with 4:31 remaining.

Tempers flared after Castle pushed the ball into the chest of Avdija. A shoving match ensued, resulting in a technical foul on both parties.

Portland held a two-point lead after the first quarter before extending that advantage to 19 points at 58-39 after Donovan Clingan’s 3-pointer with a minute left.

San Antonio cut into the deficit by scoring the last two points of the second quarter and the first 13 of the third, highlighted by 3-pointers from Justin Champagnie, Fox and Vassell on consecutive possessions. The Spurs seized a 64-62 lead after a pair of jump shots from Vassell and then Wembanyama added a dunk in the final second to forge the tie at the end of the third quarter.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Spurs #dominate #2nd #Trail #Blazers

#Deadspin #Athletics #activate #Brent #Rooker #DFA #INF #Andy #Ibanez">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Andy Ibanez (77) waits for the pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

The Athletics activated two-time All-Star Brent Rooker from the 10-day injured list on Sunday and designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment.

Rooker was sidelined with an oblique injury. He was injured during a game against the New York Yankees on April 9.

Rooker is batting fourth and serving as the designated hitter in Sunday’s game against the Texas Rangers.

He was hitting .146 (6 for 41) with two home runs and eight RBI before the injury.

Rooker, 31, hit 30 homers last season, his third straight campaign with at least 30. He recorded career highs of 39 homers and 112 RBIs in 2024.

The Ibanez transaction occurred to open a roster spot for Rooker.

Last season, Ibanez recorded four home runs, 21 RBIs, four stolen bases and a .239/.301/.352 batting line across 91 games for the Detroit Tigers.

Ibanez signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January. However, he was designated for assignment a month later, as the Dodgers claimed Michael Siani off waivers.

The Athletics claimed him, and he appeared in 11 games for the organization, posting a .118/.167/.118 line.

The 33-year-old will now be available on waivers, once again. His defensive versatility could intrigue teams; he has experience playing first base, second base, shortstop, third base, left field and right field.

Across six seasons, he has recorded 28 home runs, 131 RBIs and a .252 batting average.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Athletics #activate #Brent #Rooker #DFA #INF #Andy #Ibanez">Deadspin | Athletics activate Brent Rooker, DFA INF Andy Ibanez

Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics second baseman Andy Ibanez (77) waits for the pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

The Athletics activated two-time All-Star Brent Rooker from the 10-day injured list on Sunday and designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment.

Rooker was sidelined with an oblique injury. He was injured during a game against the New York Yankees on April 9.

Rooker is batting fourth and serving as the designated hitter in Sunday’s game against the Texas Rangers.

He was hitting .146 (6 for 41) with two home runs and eight RBI before the injury.

Rooker, 31, hit 30 homers last season, his third straight campaign with at least 30. He recorded career highs of 39 homers and 112 RBIs in 2024.

The Ibanez transaction occurred to open a roster spot for Rooker.

Last season, Ibanez recorded four home runs, 21 RBIs, four stolen bases and a .239/.301/.352 batting line across 91 games for the Detroit Tigers.

Ibanez signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January. However, he was designated for assignment a month later, as the Dodgers claimed Michael Siani off waivers.

The Athletics claimed him, and he appeared in 11 games for the organization, posting a .118/.167/.118 line.

The 33-year-old will now be available on waivers, once again. His defensive versatility could intrigue teams; he has experience playing first base, second base, shortstop, third base, left field and right field.

Across six seasons, he has recorded 28 home runs, 131 RBIs and a .252 batting average.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Athletics #activate #Brent #Rooker #DFA #INF #Andy #Ibanez

Deadspin | Injury-depleted Timberwolves seek to eliminate Nuggets in Game 5 Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrates with fans after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason with hopes of a deep run. Instead, they are in danger of bowing out in five games. The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame two significant injuries to win Game 4, 112-96, on Saturday night and can close out the series in Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets are on the brink of a first-round exit for the first time since 2022 when they were swept by Golden State. Minnesota prevailed in Game 4 despite losing two key players to injuries. Starter Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles just 79 seconds into the win. Then, All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee late in the second quarter and didn’t return. ESPN reported Sunday that Edwards will miss multiple weeks. Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves had enough to overcome Denver in the second half Saturday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s unexpected 43-point performance. “I saw some guys get sad seeing both of those guys go down,” Dosunmu said. “I just wanted to help bring us together.” Dosunmu will get many more opportunities to shine in Game 5. So will Jaden McDaniels, whose meaningless layup in the final seconds of Game 4 drew the wrath of Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP confronted McDaniels in front of the Minnesota bench, gave him a shove and McDaniels grabbed Jokic’s jersey. “Clock still be running,” McDaniels said after the game. “So, I’m going to go score.” It sparked a few more shoves, led to ejections for Jokic and Julius Randle and added more fuel to an already heated playoff rivalry. “I don’t regret it, because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said of his reaction to the layup. The Nuggets will need that fire to stay alive in Game 5. Denver has been out of sync since the Timberwolves rallied from down 19 early in Game 2 to even the series. The Nuggets are also dealing with significant injuries to Peyton Watson, who has yet to play in the series, and Aaron Gordon. Gordon missed Game 3 with a calf injury and was limited to 23 minutes Saturday night. He was lacking explosiveness and was clearly compromised. “It was unfair for me to keep him out there,” Denver coach David Adelman said of Gordon. “I felt like he was really laboring in the first half. We’re going to have to decide (on his status) for Game 5.” Gordon played through a hamstring injury that affected him in last year’s playoffs, but the Nuggets were able to extend eventual champion Oklahoma City to Game 7 in the second round. Denver has a deeper roster this year but is facing extinction in a year it felt could end with a second title in four seasons. “We have got to show some fight in Game 5,” Christian Braun said. “And I know we will. We are going to show up. We are going to play well. We are going to guard. We are going to be physical. We are going to rebound. It’s not over.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Injurydepleted #Timberwolves #seek #eliminate #Nuggets #Game

#Deadspin #Injurydepleted #Timberwolves #seek #eliminate #Nuggets #Game">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrates with fans after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason with hopes of a deep run. Instead, they are in danger of bowing out in five games.

The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame two significant injuries to win Game 4, 112-96, on Saturday night and can close out the series in Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets are on the brink of a first-round exit for the first time since 2022 when they were swept by Golden State.

Minnesota prevailed in Game 4 despite losing two key players to injuries. Starter Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles just 79 seconds into the win. Then, All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee late in the second quarter and didn’t return. ESPN reported Sunday that Edwards will miss multiple weeks.

Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves had enough to overcome Denver in the second half Saturday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s unexpected 43-point performance.

“I saw some guys get sad seeing both of those guys go down,” Dosunmu said. “I just wanted to help bring us together.”

Dosunmu will get many more opportunities to shine in Game 5. So will Jaden McDaniels, whose meaningless layup in the final seconds of Game 4 drew the wrath of Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP confronted McDaniels in front of the Minnesota bench, gave him a shove and McDaniels grabbed Jokic’s jersey.

“Clock still be running,” McDaniels said after the game. “So, I’m going to go score.”

It sparked a few more shoves, led to ejections for Jokic and Julius Randle and added more fuel to an already heated playoff rivalry.

“I don’t regret it, because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said of his reaction to the layup.

The Nuggets will need that fire to stay alive in Game 5. Denver has been out of sync since the Timberwolves rallied from down 19 early in Game 2 to even the series. The Nuggets are also dealing with significant injuries to Peyton Watson, who has yet to play in the series, and Aaron Gordon.

Gordon missed Game 3 with a calf injury and was limited to 23 minutes Saturday night. He was lacking explosiveness and was clearly compromised.

“It was unfair for me to keep him out there,” Denver coach David Adelman said of Gordon. “I felt like he was really laboring in the first half. We’re going to have to decide (on his status) for Game 5.”

Gordon played through a hamstring injury that affected him in last year’s playoffs, but the Nuggets were able to extend eventual champion Oklahoma City to Game 7 in the second round. Denver has a deeper roster this year but is facing extinction in a year it felt could end with a second title in four seasons.

“We have got to show some fight in Game 5,” Christian Braun said. “And I know we will. We are going to show up. We are going to play well. We are going to guard. We are going to be physical. We are going to rebound. It’s not over.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Injurydepleted #Timberwolves #seek #eliminate #Nuggets #Game">Deadspin | Injury-depleted Timberwolves seek to eliminate Nuggets in Game 5

Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrates with fans after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets entered this postseason with hopes of a deep run. Instead, they are in danger of bowing out in five games.

The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame two significant injuries to win Game 4, 112-96, on Saturday night and can close out the series in Denver on Monday night. The Nuggets are on the brink of a first-round exit for the first time since 2022 when they were swept by Golden State.

Minnesota prevailed in Game 4 despite losing two key players to injuries. Starter Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles just 79 seconds into the win. Then, All-Star Anthony Edwards suffered a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee late in the second quarter and didn’t return. ESPN reported Sunday that Edwards will miss multiple weeks.

Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, the Timberwolves had enough to overcome Denver in the second half Saturday night, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s unexpected 43-point performance.

“I saw some guys get sad seeing both of those guys go down,” Dosunmu said. “I just wanted to help bring us together.”

Dosunmu will get many more opportunities to shine in Game 5. So will Jaden McDaniels, whose meaningless layup in the final seconds of Game 4 drew the wrath of Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP confronted McDaniels in front of the Minnesota bench, gave him a shove and McDaniels grabbed Jokic’s jersey.

“Clock still be running,” McDaniels said after the game. “So, I’m going to go score.”

It sparked a few more shoves, led to ejections for Jokic and Julius Randle and added more fuel to an already heated playoff rivalry.

“I don’t regret it, because he scored after everybody stopped playing,” Jokic said of his reaction to the layup.

The Nuggets will need that fire to stay alive in Game 5. Denver has been out of sync since the Timberwolves rallied from down 19 early in Game 2 to even the series. The Nuggets are also dealing with significant injuries to Peyton Watson, who has yet to play in the series, and Aaron Gordon.

Gordon missed Game 3 with a calf injury and was limited to 23 minutes Saturday night. He was lacking explosiveness and was clearly compromised.

“It was unfair for me to keep him out there,” Denver coach David Adelman said of Gordon. “I felt like he was really laboring in the first half. We’re going to have to decide (on his status) for Game 5.”

Gordon played through a hamstring injury that affected him in last year’s playoffs, but the Nuggets were able to extend eventual champion Oklahoma City to Game 7 in the second round. Denver has a deeper roster this year but is facing extinction in a year it felt could end with a second title in four seasons.

“We have got to show some fight in Game 5,” Christian Braun said. “And I know we will. We are going to show up. We are going to play well. We are going to guard. We are going to be physical. We are going to rebound. It’s not over.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Injurydepleted #Timberwolves #seek #eliminate #Nuggets #Game

Related Posts

Post Comment Cancel reply