Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was in disbelief that his team was eliminated from the ...

Cleveland Cavaliers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a> was in disbelief that his team was eliminated from the playoffs in Tuesday night's 114-105 Game 5 loss to the Indiana Pacers.Mitchell posted 35 points in the season-ending contest, and after the defeat spent some time on the bench to reflect on the loss."Just couldn't believe it, didn't want to believe it, don't wanna believe it, still don't want to believe it" Mitchell <a href="https://x.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/1922484355814871377">said</a> of the loss postgame. "It's tough to win in this league, give them credit. We didn't do the things necessary. I love playing in that f--king arena, man. That energy, that crowd, 0-3 at home, let the city down. This place is special. This place is really special, and we didn't get it done. Especially at home, that's what hurts."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Cavs lost all three games on their home court to the Pacers and coughed up a 19-point lead Tuesday in front of their home fans. This disappointment comes after a 64-win season to finish first in the East, and sweeping the Miami Heat in the first round.Despite the positives, Mitchell doesn't view this season as a success and said there are "no moral victories here," per <a href="https://x.com/RealDCunningham/status/1922484491764818053">The Inside Shot's Danny Cunningham</a>.Even with Mitchell viewing this season as a failure, he still has belief in what the roster can do in the years to come, no matter what people might think of them."Y'all gonna write us the f--k off, man. ... We'll be back," Mitchell <a href="http://x.com/RealDCunningham/status/1922484939997508061">said</a>.He <a href="https://x.com/RealDCunningham/status/1922486893762986181">added</a>, "Getting beat down like this. And y'all are gonna write some shit about us, man, and that's gonna be fuel. Like, fuel for everybody. Y'all gonna say a lot of shit. Y'all are, and that's what it takes. I've been here, so I understand. We understand, and now we just got to use it as fuel for next year."Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson has already pointed out two areas needing improvement."(The Pacers) presented a physical challenge, that's probably the first off the bat," Atkinson <a href="http://x.com/NBATV/status/1922476778477478264">said</a> postgame. "And to their credit, they could sustain longer than we could. So now that's not all physical, I think part of that is mental. The mental strength too, it's part of our growth. We obviously got to arrive physically better to compete with a team like this, that plays at this high intense pace. ... Now we got to find a way to match it, and we didn't."He continued, "The mental part, we gotta get over that. I just felt like we've got another jump to make with our mental strength. But I love our togetherness, I love our leadership, I love our maturity, all that, so those would be the two areas I think right off the bat we've got to get better."A number of injuries also halted Cleveland's title hopes in the second round. Mitchell, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> seemed to be playing through ailments. Mitchell praised his teammates' grit amidst that adversity."I would go to bat for every guy in that locker room," Mitchell <a href="https://x.com/RealDCunningham/status/1922484686023962980">said</a>. "I'm willing to die out there for those guys."

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 13: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round Two Game Five of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Mitchell: Cavaliers 'let the city down' with elimination

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood agreed to a new six-year contract to remain with the program t...

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood agreed to a new six-year contract to remain with the program through the 2030-31 season, the team announced Tuesday.Underwood's new deal will be worth $38 million over the six years, according to <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1922422598958199167">Field of 68's Jeff Goodman</a>.The 61-year-old has been with the Fighting Illini since 2017, leading them to a 165-101 record through eight seasons. He has also guided the program to five straight NCAA Tournaments, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2024.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Since Brad's arrival, he has rebuilt our proud program and reestablished Illinois as a perennial contender for the Big Ten championship and a regular presence in the NCAA Tournament," Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. "Against the backdrop of intense change transforming college athletics, he holds steadfast to his core values while continuing to evolve and adapt his program to compete at the highest level."Illinois is 81-39 in Big Ten play across the last six years, tied for the most wins in the conference. The Fighting Illini also have the most conference road wins (34) and are the only program to hold a winning record in Big Ten competition in each of the last six years."It remains an honor to serve as the head coach at the University of Illinois," Underwood said. "Every night when I walk out that State Farm Center tunnel and see the sold-out crowd and am greeted by the Orange Krush, I feel that I'm the most fortunate coach in all of college basketball. The tremendous passion of our fans is felt everywhere, both at home and on the road. ... I look forward to many more exciting years ahead as we all continue to work relentlessly in pursuing a national championship for the Fighting Illini."Underwood has led Illinois to two Big Ten Tournament titles (2021, 2024) and a Big Ten regular-season crown in 2022.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini coaches during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Second Round at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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The Boston Celtics may have been down 2-0 against the New York Knicks heading into Madison Square...

The Boston Celtics may have been down 2-0 against the New York Knicks heading into Madison Square Garden, but head coach Joe Mazzulla saw nothing but silver linings in those dark clouds."There's no one way of how it's supposed to go, you get caught up on your expectations automatically," Mazzulla said, according to <a href="https://x.com/NoaDalzell/status/1921330391316594981">Celtics reporter Noa Dalzell</a>. "So if there's no expectations, then we're on the path of trying to go after greatness, and you don't get to dictate the test that it's in front of you, all you can dictate is how you approach it and respond to it."The Celtics responded with a 115-93 win on the Knicks' home floor Saturday, controlling the game from start to finish.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We plan on doing this for a long time, and, trust me, it could be a lot worse than those last 72 hours, and that's the perspective we got to have," Mazzulla said. He added: "This is the fun part, you don't get into the journey for it to be easy. So it's been dark, but in a good way. ...You just gotta tap into your darkness."Boston went 20-of-40 from beyond the arc after beginning the series 25-of-100. However, Mazzulla believes the Celtics' Game 3 performance went beyond just making shots."That's the easy thing to look at, but we won the end of quarters, and then we didn't have 11 live ball turnovers," Mazzulla <a href="https://x.com/NoaDalzell/status/1921331789534019921">said</a>. He added: "You have to end quarters well, you have to start quarters well. You have to value the basketball, you have to win the margins ... That's all we talked about in the last 72 hours."Both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93845">Payton Pritchard</a> splashed in five triples each Saturday. Pritchard also led the Celtics in scoring with 23 points off the bench."You wouldn't want to be in any other position as a competitor," Pritchard said, per <a href="https://x.com/NoaDalzell/status/1921336704864026875">Dalzell</a>. "This is the best moment you can be in, down 2-0, backs against the wall. You just bring it, and I think we were all prepared for it."Knicks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> believes his team was too comfortable entering Saturday."I don't think we came with the mindset of being satisfied, but I think it was just subconsciously satisfied being up 2-0," Brunson said, according to <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1921337541044674608">SNY Knicks</a>. "Just not the way we need to approach the game."The Knicks remain ahead in the series 2-1. Game 4 is on Monday.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 10: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics reacts against the New York Knicks during the second quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2025 in New York City.

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The Golden State Warriors might be without Stephen Curry for longer than they anticipated.  Curry...

The Golden State Warriors might be without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> for longer than they anticipated.Curry was ruled out Wednesday for at least one week because of a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. He suffered the injury Tuesday in the Warriors' Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.The 37-year-old's return timeline will keep him out from Games 2-4 against the Timberwolves. However, Curry is unsure if he will even be ready for Game 5 of the second-round series.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"No, this is new and from all that I'm learning about how quickly you can get back, there has to be a healing process," Curry said Thursday about a potential target return date, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1920527972458483715">The Athletic's Anthony Slater</a>. "It's just the way the body works."You can't accelerate it more than what it's telling you. So it'll be one of those after a week really re-evaluating every day to kind of understand when it's safe just to even think about playing, let alone like how much can you push it."Curry was at the Warriors' shootaround Thursday but wasn't even able to take stationary shots. The 37-year-old said he is still "a ways away" from that, according to <a href="https://x.com/957thegame/status/1920532321502933457">95.7 The Game</a>.The 11-time All-Star also addressed whether he is tempted to attempt playing through his injury."Eventually there will be conversations like that," Curry said. "I'm not even anywhere close to that right now. I'm not rushing it. ... There has to be a natural healing process that happens, and the body will tell you even if you're able to do normal basketball movements pain free."I know how tricky hamstrings can be where they can fool you and think that it's healed even if you don't feel anything. So that gray area will be confusing, I'm sure. But I'll do everything in my power to get back as soon as possible."Even without Curry in the second half of Game 1, the Warriors earned a 99-88 victory. Curry was proud of what his teammates accomplished without him, and he knows they are capable of much more while he's sidelined."That's the strength in what we can do," Curry said, per <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1920529523956691016">Slater</a>. "We have obviously <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy (Butler)</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond (Green)</a> quarterbacking both sides of the ball. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy's (Hield)</a> playing at a high level and then the committee of guys who are going to fill in the rotation."Curry also believes the Warriors' effort on the defensive end is enough to get them victories. "We're going to rely on our defense, we know that, and even if I'm out there that's our calling card," he said. "But there's a lot of confidence that the guys can maintain, sustain that level. We know Minnesota is going to come back motivated to get a win on their home floor, but over the course of the series we feel like we're in good shape."The Warriors will attempt to take a 2-0 series lead Thursday night.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 06: Head coach Steve Kerr talks to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter of Game One against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Second Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 06, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves 99-88 to take a 1-0 series lead.

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Steph has no target return date from hamstring strain

The Boston Celtics coughed up back-to-back 20-point leads to the New York Knicks and now head to ...

The Boston Celtics coughed up back-to-back 20-point leads to the New York Knicks and now head to Madison Square Garden down 2-0 in their second-round series."Two games we're up 20 points somehow end up not with wins is inexcusable," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> said following the 91-90 loss, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45047390/celtics-again-go-ice-cold-late-inexcusable-loss-knicks">ESPN's Brian Windhorst</a>. "Obviously being down two, it sucks."The Celtics led by 16 points early in the fourth quarter before missing 14 of their final 15 shots and being outscored 23-6 over the final 8:30. Boston has majorly struggled from three in the first two games, shooting 4-of-26 in fourth quarters.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"They made every play," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said, adding, "I thought we generated some good looks, and then I thought we had some live-ball turnovers, and they took advantage of it, so they made the necessary plays to win. We put ourselves in position and we just didn't make the plays."Boston has fallen apart in clutch time - defined as the last five minutes of the game with the score within five points - in the first two contests. The Celtics are 3-of-20 shooting in those situations, while Brown and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> are a combined 1-of-12.Brown turned the ball over in the final possession of Game 1, while Tatum did the same in Game 2. Both turnovers were the result of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a>' defensive tenacity."(It's) a bunch of stuff that we can control," said Brown. "I feel like we played a little bit fast and sped up a little antsy. Just it's a rough night."The Celtics have the additional worry of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a>' health, as the big man has been battling a lingering illness since February. He sat out the second half of Game 1 and was limited to just 14 minutes off the bench in Game 2."I don't know how to call it, but I'm just not feeling my best, not feeling my best at all," Porzingis said. "It just kills me inside that it's happening in this moment. But who cares? Nobody feels sorry for us, sorry for me, and we have to keep going."The Celtics will look to get back in the series Saturday.

BOSTON, MA - MAY 7: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 2 Game 2 on May 7, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Brown: Celtics blowing consecutive 20-point leads 'inexcusable'

The Houston Rockets and Fred VanVleet are pushing Friday's deadline date on his $44.9-million tea...

The Houston Rockets and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a> are pushing Friday's deadline date on his $44.9-million team option for next season to June 29, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1920195124140614067">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Moving the deadline gives both sides additional time to navigate exercising the option versus completing a long-term deal, Charania adds.The Rockets were eliminated from the postseason Sunday, falling to the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the first round. VanVleet averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 43.5% from three in the series.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>VanVleet joined the Rockets on a three-year, $129-million contract during the 2023 offseason. He spent the first seven years of his career with the Toronto Raptors, where he earned an All-Star nod and won the 2019 NBA championship.The 31-year-old has averaged 15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.5 steals across two seasons in Houston.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Report: Rockets push back deadline on VanVleet option

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch wasn't happy with the Golden State Warriors' level ...

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch wasn't happy with the Golden State Warriors' level of physicality in Game 1 on Tuesday."We'll certainly try to take justice into our own hands whenever we can. I think that's the nature of physical sport," Finch said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1920187797433913478">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "But by the same token, my God, you should see some of these clips. They're just like, pulling guards and linemen out there just taking shots at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy (Gobert)</a>."Finch said the Wolves submitted clips of missed calls from the series-opening game for the league office to review, McMenamin <a href="http://x.com/mcten/status/1920187034380968350">added</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"On defensive rebounding, they do a lot of fouling, holding, shoving, pushing, and tackling Rudy," Finch said. He added, "I'm not sure I know another player in the league with Rudy's pedigree that is allowed to be physically beaten on the way he is. So, we gotta address that one way or another."Gobert scored nine points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked three shots in the 99-88 loss.Warriors head coach Steve Kerr later responded to Finch's comments, saying he has his own criticism of the officiating."I'm getting ready to send my own tapes to the league," Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/VinceGoodwill/status/1920205080080322665">Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill</a>. "Chris has his complaints, I have mine."The T-Wolves will look to even the series in Game 2 on Thursday. The Warriors will be without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> through at least Game 4 after he suffered a Grade 1 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282180" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282180">left hamstring strain</a> Tuesday.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 6: Head Coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks at a press conference after the game against the Golden State Warriors during Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Finch: T-Wolves will 'try to take justice into our own hands' vs. Warriors

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will miss at least one week due to a Grade 1 left hamstr...

Golden State Warriors star <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> will miss at least one week due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, the team announced Wednesday.An MRI taken Wednesday revealed the injury. The one-week timeline will keep Curry sidelined through Game 4.Warriors head coach Steve Kerr knows his team will need to adapt without it's All-NBA guard. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We're in that room right now talking about how we're going to approach it, what the lineups will look like, it's all part of it, every year playoffs are about adapting, whether it's a game plan, or an injury, or a lineup," Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1920204251466244435">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "So we just have to adapt. We've done this before, and we're confident we can do this again."This is the first strained muscle of Curry's career, making his timetable more difficult to predict, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1920156645906162119">ESPN's Shams Charania reports</a>.Curry suffered the injury in the Warriors' 99-88 Game 1 win. He posted 13 points in 13 minutes prior to exiting.Kerr expects the Warriors to rely more on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> with Curry sidelined but said it will need to be a team effort."We think we have the best defense in the league and that's been proven over the last couple months based on defensive efficiency, but also based on our confidence and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond (Green)</a> behind the play and Jimmy," Kerr said. "We can rely on our defense, and we have to generate offense off of our D. Then we got to figure out different ways to attack without Steph."The 37-year-old Curry has battled multiple injuries throughout the campaign, including a knee injury, a pelvic contusion, and a right thumb issue.Curry is averaging 22.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the playoffs.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 6: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Steph out at least 1 week with hamstring strain

Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada exited Wednesday's 80-70 preseason win over the Washington Myst...

Atlanta Dream guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/39524" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/39524">Jordin Canada</a> exited Wednesday's 80-70 preseason win over the Washington Mystics due to a right leg injury, the team announced.Canada suffered the injury in the first quarter and needed to be helped to the locker room after being unable to put pressure on her leg.She immediately grabbed her knee after going down.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Canada is set to enter her eighth year in the WNBA and second with the Dream. She averaged 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals last season.The 29-year-old missed a significant chunk of the 2024 campaign with multiple injuries.

BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Liberty during the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on September 24, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Dream's Canada exits preseason game with leg injury

Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren was forced to shoulder the blame for his team's Game ...

Oklahoma City Thunder big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102801" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> was forced to shoulder the blame for his team's Game 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets.Holmgren missed two free throws late in the contest, which led to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a>'s game-winning three. Despite the mishap, Holmgren still has the belief of his coach and teammates. "He's the last guy I'm worried about. As a competitor, the last guy," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6338884/2025/05/07/thunder-chet-holmgren-nba-playoffs-game-1/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Darnell Mayberry</a>. "From the way that he's handled the adversity of the injuries and having to work his way all the way back from that, (it's) his combination of hunger and drive but also consistent work to get himself back. ... The guy's just a monster competitor."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>All-Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> believes the Thunder should share responsibility for the Game 1 collapse and that Holmgren's frustrating finish shouldn't be focused on."(The free throws) would have been nice, but at the same time, that's not why we win or lose the game," Williams said. "If they don't make that three, we win the game. If I make two free throws early, what's the score of the game? There are so many factors that factor into the game. That's not why we lost the game. Obviously it sucks, but it's good for character development. He'll be better for it later down the road."The Thunder's Game 1 defeat was their first loss of the postseason after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1. Daigneault now expects his team to rally as it faces its first significant challenge."This is where we have a great opportunity and challenge with every single adversity we face as a team," Daigneault said. "If a guy's disappointed in how he plays, this is a particular group that wraps their arms around that guy. And I'm not even speaking specific to (Holmgren); I'm saying these guys have a track record of doing that."Holmgren contributed 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a game-high four blocks in the series opener."Just got to move on," Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70382" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70382">Lu Dort</a> said. "Chet (did) a lot of stuff for us in that game for us to be there and at that position that we were in toward the end of the game."The Thunder will look to bounce back and tie the series in Game 2 on Wednesday.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 5: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball while Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder plays defense during the game during Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Thunder not worried about Holmgren after Game 1 finish

Tyrese Haliburton delivered another clutch performance Tuesday night, draining a game-winning thr...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> delivered another clutch performance Tuesday night, draining a game-winning three to give the Indiana Pacers a 2-0 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers."I'm at peace," Haliburton said after the 120-119 victory, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45030986/pacers-stun-cavaliers-furious-rally-final-minute">ESPN's Jamal Collier</a>. "I'm at peace with my game. Understanding that I'm trusted in these moments. I have all the confidence in the world to make these shots."The triple marked Haliburton's second game-winner of the playoffs. He previously sealed the Pacers' first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 with a layup in the dying seconds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Haliburton is now just the second player in the play-by-play era to record multiple go-ahead field goals in the final two seconds of a single postseason, joining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> in 2018, according to ESPN."He enjoys the moments," Pacers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37711" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37711">Myles Turner</a> said. "He wants the ball in his hands. There's a lot of guys I've seen, even guys I've played with, that doesn't necessarily want to take that shot or doesn't necessarily want to be in the mix right there, but he relishes in those moments."It's just a testament as to his work ethic, his mental toughness, his mentality. Quite frankly - that boy cold, man."However, Indiana's victory seemed statistically improbable, as they outscored the Cavaliers 8-0 in the final 50 seconds of Game 2. Since 1997-98, playoff teams trailing by at least seven points in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime have won only three of 1,643 games, per ESPN. Remarkably, the Pacers account for two of those victories in their last three contests."We just have a resilient group, man," said Haliburton. "We just figure out ways to win. We don't give up. We're battle-tested as a group. We've basically been together for about two years now and that continuity has been really good for us."<a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a> nearly willed the Cavs to the win with a game-high 48 points. But with <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> sidelined with injuries, Cleveland ran out of gas."We can sit here and dwell on this and be home in about four or five days or we can move on," Mitchell said. "And take some things that we did really well and go from there. I have no doubt everybody in the locker room is ready for Friday. It sucks. It stings. But we got to go out there and take care of business, but I believe in everybody in that locker room. We believe in each other. We'll figure it out."Game 3 takes place in Indiana on Friday.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 06: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers hits a game-winning shot over Ty Jerome #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter of game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Rocket Arena on May 06, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 120-119.

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Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone addressed the media Tuesday after his team's Game 7 ...

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone addressed the media Tuesday after his team's Game 7 elimination to the Golden State Warriors in Round 1 of the playoffs Sunday.The Rockets finished second in the West at 52-30, but Stone now needs to assess what his team needs to succeed in the postseason."The business we're in, nobody's untouchable," Stone said, according to <a href="https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1919818245374095561">The Athletic's Kelly Iko</a>. "But we deeply value everyone on our roster. We have those picks, we accumulated them so we could draft guys or upgrade our current roster. We'll see what makes the most sense."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Houston owns six first-round draft picks through 2030 and could use those in potential trades. The Rockets also have a loaded young core. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a> had standout years and are 23 or younger."Plan A has always been to develop within our group," Stone said, per <a href="https://x.com/WillKunkelFOX/status/1919815749465432119">Fox 26 Houston's Will Kunkel</a>.Even with Houston's young players having great regular seasons, that didn't fully translate in the postseason."We're not a team built around any one player offensively," Stone said, according to <a href="https://x.com/AriA1exander/status/1919822399484096852">KPRC 2's Ari Alexander</a>. "If you want to take out (one player), our goal is to punish it. In some games we punished it, other games we didn't."Despite potential changes, Stone acknowledged he values roster continuity and "the bar for change is very high," per the <a href="https://x.com/danielle_lerner/status/1919816420541522126">Houston Chronicle's Danielle Lerner</a>."The goal is to build a championship team, we're all still in it," Stone <a href="https://x.com/HoustonRockets/status/1919825934149988358">said</a>.

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 2: Reed Sheppard #15 and General Manager Rafael Stone of the Houston Rockets look on during a press conference on July 2, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Rockets GM: 'Nobody's untouchable' entering offseason

Oklahoma City Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti won the NBA's Execu...

Oklahoma City Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti won the NBA's Executive of the Year award, the league announced Tuesday.Presti earned the honor for the first time in his career after building a Thunder roster that led the NBA with a 68-14 record this season, the sixth-best mark in NBA history and a franchise record.Presti garnered 10 first-place votes to finish ahead of Cleveland Cavaliers president Koby Altman and Detroit Pistons president Trajan Langdon, who each got six.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>1st-place votes (5 points)</th>
<th>Total points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sam Presti</td>
<td> Thunder</td>
<td> 10</td>
<td> 74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Koby Altman</td>
<td> Cavaliers</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trajan Langdon</td>
<td> Pistons</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rafael Stone</td>
<td> Rockets</td>
<td> 4</td>
<td> 38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lawrence Frank</td>
<td> Clippers</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Pelinka</td>
<td> Lakers</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Dunleavy Jr.</td>
<td> Warriors</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sean Marks</td>
<td> Nets</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brad Stevens</td>
<td> Celtics</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leon Rose</td>
<td> Knicks</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monte McNair</td>
<td> Kings</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeff Weltman</td>
<td> Magic</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Wright</td>
<td> Spurs</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The 47-year-old has been with the organization since 2007, when they were still the Seattle SuperSonics.Presti has successfully rebuilt the Thunder roster following the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> era. He acquired superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> and 11 first-round draft picks through 2030 to set OKC up for sustained competition.Last offseason, Presti traded former sixth overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96131" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96131">Josh Giddey</a> to the Chicago Bulls for defensive stopper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25024" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25024">Alex Caruso</a> - a move that gave the Thunder's bench some needed hustle.OKC finished with a top-two record in the NBA in back-to-back seasons after going 57-25 in 2023-24.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JULY 25: Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti speaks with media at the Thunder ION on July 25, 2019 in Oklahoma City, OK. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Thunder's Presti named NBA's Executive of the Year

Florida has agreed to a new six-year, $40.5-million contract with head coach Todd Golden that wil...

Florida has agreed to a new six-year, $40.5-million contract with head coach Todd Golden that will keep him with the program through March 31, 2031, the school announced Tuesday.Golden led the Gators to the national championship this season and is now rewarded by becoming one of the top five highest-paid coaches in the country with an annual average salary of $6.75 million, per <a href="https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach">USA Today</a>."Todd has done an incredible job getting Florida men's basketball back where it belongs," athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a <a href="https://floridagators.com/news/2025/5/6/mens-basketball-gators-finalize-golden-contract-extension.aspx">statement</a>. "We believed in his vision, his competitive nature, and his modern approach to the game back in 2022; and he has validated that belief in a relatively short time and helped create memories of a lifetime for another generation of Gator fans."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 39-year-old led Florida to a 36-4 record this campaign and an SEC Tournament title.Golden has been with Florida since 2022, earning a 76-33 record over three seasons. He's also led them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. The Gators were eliminated in the first round in 2024."As we've shown during our time in Gainesville, the University of Florida is an institution that has the resources, support, and people in place to compete and win national championships," Golden said in a statement. "I am so appreciative of each and every player and staff member who have been critical to the success we've experienced here. My family and I look forward to our future here at UF and to the continued success of our men's basketball program."He previously coached San Francisco from 2019-22 and led the Dons to their first March Madness appearance in 24 years in his final season there.If Golden were to leave Florida for the NBA during his deal he would owe the school $3 million after next season, $2 million in 2027 or 2028, and $1 million in 2029, according to the <a href="https://x.com/osgators/status/1919778096703549818">Orlando Sentinel's Edgar Thompson</a>.If he were to leave for another school, Golden would owe Florida $16 million after 2026, $11 million in 2027, $4 million in 2028, $3 million in 2029, $2 million in 2030, and $1 million in 2031, Thompson added.

College Basketball: NCAA Finals: Florida head coach Todd Golden in action, cuts down the net and celebrates following victory vs Houston at the Alamo Dome. San Antonio, TX 4/7/2025 CREDIT: Greg Nelson (Set Number: X164706 TK1)

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Florida signs Golden to new 6-year, $40.5M deal

The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder are facing their first real test of the playoffs after dropp...

The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder are facing their first real test of the playoffs after dropping Monday night's Game 1 at home to the Denver Nuggets.The 121-119 loss marked the Thunder's first defeat of the playoffs after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1. Thunder star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> is excited to see his team face the adversity."It should be fun," Gilgeous-Alexander said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45018705/thunder-look-embrace-adversity-playoffs-game-1-loss-nuggets">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "We're going to find out what we're made of, what we're really made of. Nobody expected it to be smooth sailing this whole journey. No journey in life is, and we know that. Today's a bump in the road - unexpected. No one expects to lose, especially that way, but it's the game of life. So it's about how you respond to getting knocked down."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Thunder led by as much as 14 against the Nuggets in the second half, and by nine with a little more than three minutes remaining. Denver then outscored Oklahoma City 19-6 in the final 4:31 of the game to steal the contest.Oklahoma City also made the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281423" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281423">questionable decision</a> to foul while up three with 15 seconds remaining. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25024" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25024">Alex Caruso</a> took two quick fouls that burned just 1.9 seconds off the clock and kept the Nuggets in the game."I can do a better job of getting us organized and getting us quality looks," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "Then down the other end, I thought some of the fouls that put them on the line without using clock obviously helped them get back into it. So it was both ends, it was everybody. We're all in it together. We need to execute better. I need to coach better. They need to execute the plan better, and we just need to be a better team in Game 2."Two missed free throws from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102801" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> with 9.5 seconds left led to Denver's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> splashing in the game-winning three with just 2.8 seconds left on the clock. "We have to embrace the struggle of the playoffs," Daigneault said. "We have to embrace the adversity of the playoffs. The playoffs are a mountain to climb, so it's not going to be easy for anybody."The Thunder will look to even the series in Game 2 on Wednesday.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 5: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game against the Denver Nuggets during Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on MAY 5, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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SGA: Thunder will 'find out what we're made of' after Game 1 loss

Nell Fortner will be the next head coach of the Canadian senior women's basketball team through t...

Nell Fortner will be the next head coach of the Canadian senior women's basketball team through the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Canada Basketball announced Monday."We are thrilled to welcome Nell to Canada Basketball," Steve Baur, Canada Basketball general manager and vice president of women's high performance, said in a <a href="https://www.basketball.ca/news/nell-fortner-named-head-coach-of-canadas-senior-womens-national-team-25-athletes-commit-through-2026-fiba-world-cup">statement</a>. "She's a proven leader with deep experience at the highest levels of the sport and someone whose values and vision strongly align with the standards our program has committed to for the future."Fortner has more than 40 years of coaching experience, notably in the NCAA for Stephen F. Austin, Purdue, Auburn, and most recently Georgia Tech. She began her coaching career with Killeen High School in Texas in 1983.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>She also served as head coach of the WNBA's Indiana Fever from 2001-03, as well as general manager from 1999-2003.Fortner's biggest success came as USA Basketball women's head coach from 1997-2000, and she is the winningest coach in its history with a 101-14 record. She led the team to gold medals at the 1998 FIBA World Championship and the 2000 Olympics."I"m honored to join Canada Basketball and help lead this next chapter for the senior women’s national team," Fortner said in a statement. "I've followed the rise of this program for years and have great respect for the culture the organization and players are building. This is a special group with the talent, toughness, and togetherness, and they have the ability to achieve something great. I'm excited to get to work."Fortner has plenty of accolades throughout her career. She has been named Basketball Times National Coach of the Year (1997), Big Ten Coach of the Year (1997), USA Basketball Coach of the Year (2000), and SEC Coach of the Year (2009).

PALO ALTO, CA - MARCH 18: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Nell Fortner getting ready for her team to come out for the 1st Round of playoffs between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, California.

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Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash, and Candace Parker will join the NBA on Prime Video team ...

Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash, and Candace Parker will join the NBA on Prime Video team as analysts for next season, Prime Video Sports <a href="https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/press-release/prime-video-welcomes-udonis-haslem-steve-nash-cand">announced</a> Monday.Wade, Nash, and Parker will serve as in-game and studio analysts, while Haslem will be a studio analyst. Nash's addition was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277478" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277478">reported</a> last week.Wade and Haslem had lengthy NBA careers. Wade played for 16 seasons, 15 of them with the Miami Heat. Haslem spent his entire 20-year career with the Heat.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wade is a Hall of Famer, a 13-time All-Star, and a three-time NBA champion. He holds career averages of 22 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 1,054 games.Since Wade retired in 2019, he has been the host of two podcasts, "Time Out with Dwyane Wade" and "The Why with Dwyane Wade."Wade also has minority ownership stakes in the Utah Jazz and the WNBA's Chicago Sky.Haslem is a three-time champ and made the 2003-04 All-Rookie team. The 44-year-old averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds in his 879 NBA contests.Haslem, who retired in 2023, joined the Heat as the vice president of basketball development. He also began working as a television analyst on NBA TV and ESPN in 2024.Parker played 16 WNBA seasons between the Los Angeles Sparks, the Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces. She was a two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and three-time WNBA champion. She has career averages of 16 points, 8.5 rebounds, and four assists.The 39-year-old has been working as a broadcaster since 2018. Parker served as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT in 2018-19 and for the 2019 NCAA men's national championship.In 2019, she signed a multi-year extension with Turner Sports to continue her roles with NBA on TNT, NBA TV, and NCAA tourney coverage. Parker became the first female color commentator for the NBA All-Star Game in 2023.

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 15: NBA and WNBA legends Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker pose for a photo during the 2020 NBA All-Star - Taco Bell Skills Challenge on February 15, 2020 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE

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NBA on Prime adds Wade, Parker, Haslem to broadcast team

The Utah Jazz announced Monday they agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Wil...

The Utah Jazz announced Monday they agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Will Hardy.The deal keeps Hardy with the Jazz through the 2030-31 season."I'm humbled and honored," Hardy said in a statement. "This is an incredible franchise. To be able to be committed to the next phase of our process is hard to explain. Moments like this are very surreal. I'm so excited."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hardy has been with Utah since 2022-23 and owns an 85-161 record during his three seasons in charge.The Jazz have been in a rebuilding phase recently and could own a top-10 pick for a third straight offseason. They selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110291" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110291">Taylor Hendricks</a> ninth overall in 2023 and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121692" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121692">Cody Williams</a> at No. 10 in 2024.They have a 14% chance of winning the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> sweepstakes by getting the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. The Jazz finished last in the NBA with a 17-65 record this season."We've got to continue to refine and tweak our process as our team grows," Hardy said. "No two teams are the same. We're not waiting for anybody because we know the league won't wait for us. As the team grows and changes, we'll be ready."Hardy spent time as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics before joining Utah. The 37-year-old is currently the second-youngest head coach in the NBA.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 01: Head Coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz looks on against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 01, 2025 in New York City.

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Jazz extend head coach Will Hardy through 2031

Seattle Storm forward Katie Lou Samuelson suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during practice T...

Seattle Storm forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/33652" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/33652">Katie Lou Samuelson</a> suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during practice Thursday, the team announced Saturday.Samuelson was set to enter her sixth WNBA season and her second stint with the Storm. The 27-year-old averaged 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 37 games in 2024 with the Indiana Fever. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Samuelson joined the Storm in free agency. She previously spent 2021 in Seattle and has played for the Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, and Los Angeles Sparks in her career.The UConn product's best season came in 2022 with the Sparks. She averaged a career-high 9.7 points and 1.9 assists while starting in 29 of her 32 appearances.

MEDLEY, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: Katie Lou Samuelson #33 of Phantom looks on against Rose during the second quarter of the game at Wayfair Arena on January 31, 2025 in Medley, Florida.

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Storm's Samuelson tears ACL

The Memphis Grizzlies are promoting Tuomas Iisalo to permanent head coach, the team announced Fri...

The Memphis Grizzlies are promoting Tuomas Iisalo to permanent head coach, the team announced Friday.Iisalo had served in the role on an interim basis since the Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins in late March."Tuomas' teams at every level have been disciplined, tenacious, and connected on both ends of the floor, consistently exceeding expectations. We look forward to the same in Memphis," Grizzlies president and general manager of basketball operations Zach Kleiman said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Iisalo took the team to the playoffs as the 8-seed after stepping in as head coach this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Grizzlies in the first round. Memphis originally hired him as the team's lead assistant in July 2024.The 42-year-old spent a decade coaching in Europe after playing professional basketball in Finland for 14 years.Iisalo guided Paris Basketball to the LNB Pro A Finals, EuroCup championship, and the French Leaders Cup in 2024 before departing for Memphis. He was named EuroCup Coach of the Year and LNB Pro A Coach of the Year for his efforts.He is also a two-time Bundesliga Coach of the Year (2022, 2023) and was named Champions League Coach of the Year in 2023.Iisalo is the first Finnish-born coach in NBA history.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 22: Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Grizzlies keeping Iisalo as head coach

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