Jordan Goodwin Answers Call Against Stephen Curry
In an elimination game against the Warriors, Jordan Goodwin provided a key defensive response to Stephen Curry, helping the Suns secure a 111-96 victory.
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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Saturday, April 18
Stephen Curry Struggles in Play-In Tournament Exit
Stephen Curry finished with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 36 minutes during the Warriors' 111-96 loss to the Suns in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. Curry struggled with efficiency, shooting 4-for-16 from the field and 3-for-10 from three-point range, though he was perfect at the free-throw line. The loss marks a disappointing end to the Warriors' season.
Jamal Shead Starts in Raptors' Playoff Opener
Jamal Shead was confirmed as a starter for the Raptors in Game 1 against the Cavaliers, stepping into the role following Immanuel Quickley's hamstring injury. Shead contributed 17 points in the 126-113 loss. While the team struggled in the defeat, Shead's insertion into the lineup was a direct response to the rotation changes necessitated by Quickley's absence.
Steve Kerr Reflects on Jimmy Butler's Injury
Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted that Jimmy Butler's season-ending ACL tear was the pivotal moment that 'derailed' the Golden State Warriors' 2025-26 NBA season.
Devin Booker Involved in Altercation with Green
Devin Booker was involved in an on-court altercation with Draymond Green during the Suns' 111-96 elimination victory over the Warriors, which resulted in Green's ejection.
Friday, April 17
Jalen Green Drops 36 Points to Clinch Suns' Playoff Berth in Play-In Win
Jalen Green delivered a dominant 36-point performance (14-20 FG, 8-14 3Pt) to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 111-96 Play-In victory over the Golden State Warriors, securing the Western Conference's No. 8 seed. The 24-year-old guard added six rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in 40 minutes of action. After an injury-plagued season, Green's pivotal play sets up a first-round matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday.
Stephen Curry's Season Ends in Play-In Loss to Suns
Stephen Curry's season concluded with a 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Despite lingering injury concerns leading up to the game, Curry played but was stifled by the Suns' defense. Following the loss, uncertainty looms over the franchise, highlighted by a mic-captured moment where Steve Kerr told Curry and Draymond Green he was unsure of what comes next. With Curry at 38, the team faces a potential offseason of significant transition.
Season Ends With Ejection and Uncertain Future for Draymond Green
Draymond Green's season concluded with a 111-96 Play-In loss to the Suns, marked by a late-game ejection following a hard foul and altercation with Devin Booker. Green recorded 5 points, 6 assists, and 2 rebounds in 36 minutes. Having played through illness, he shared emotional final moments with Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry. With the Warriors' core aging and coaching staff contract status in flux, Green faces an uncertain offseason as the franchise evaluates its future direction.
Secures No. 8 Seed Before Late Ejection in Play-In Victory Over Warriors
Devin Booker led the Suns to a 111-96 Play-In Tournament victory over the Warriors, securing the No. 8 seed and a matchup against the Thunder. Before being ejected with 1:04 remaining following a heated exchange with Draymond Green, Booker recorded 20 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal in 42 minutes. He was a focal point of the game, maintaining high production at the free-throw line (10-10) throughout the high-stakes, playoff-defining contest.
Knicks Prepare Mitchell Robinson for 'Hack-A-Mitch' Tactics
The New York Knicks are actively preparing for the potential use of 'Hack-A-Mitch' strategies against Mitchell Robinson during the upcoming playoffs. The tactic, which involves intentionally fouling the center to stall the Knicks' offense, was frequently utilized by opponents like Detroit and Boston in last year's postseason. Coach Mike Brown is focused on ensuring the team is ready to handle these disruptions as they gear up for a deep playoff run.
Miles McBride Key to Knicks' Playoff Success
The New York Knicks are counting on Miles McBride to deliver his best version during the upcoming playoff stretch. Sharing similar roles and expectations with Landry Shamet, McBride is identified as a crucial piece for the team's depth and rotation. The organization is focused on maximizing his impact as they aim for a successful postseason campaign, requiring consistent contributions from their bench unit to sustain a long run.
Knicks Relying on Landry Shamet for Deep Playoff Push
As the New York Knicks prepare for a long playoff run, the team is looking for peak performance from Landry Shamet. Alongside Miles McBride, Shamet is viewed as a key contributor whose consistency will be vital for the Knicks' success in the postseason. The coaching staff is emphasizing the need for both players to provide high-level production to support the team's championship aspirations.
Leads Magic to Play-In Rout with Game-High 25 Points
Paolo Banchero dominated Friday's 121-90 Play-In victory over the Charlotte Hornets, registering a game-high 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting. Over 33 minutes, he added five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block. Banchero’s performance helped Orlando build a massive 35-point first-half lead, securing a record-setting 31-point rout. With the win, the Magic officially advance to the first round of the playoffs, where they are scheduled to face off against the Detroit Pistons.
LaMelo Ball Leads Hornets in Play-In Tournament Loss to Magic
LaMelo Ball contributed 23 points (7-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five assists, and two rebounds in 25 minutes during Friday's 121-90 Play-In Tournament loss to the Magic. Earlier, Ball addressed a second-quarter collision with Bam Adebayo, dismissing any rift and describing it as a standard basketball play. The loss marks the end of the Hornets' postseason run, with Ball serving as the focal point for the team throughout the matchup.
Luka Dončić Working Toward Playoff Return as Lakers Extend Season
Luka Dončić is currently working toward a return to the court as the Lakers navigate the start of their playoff run. Coach JJ Redick emphasized that the team's primary goal is to win games in the opening round to extend their season, providing the necessary time for Dončić and teammate Austin Reaves to recover and rejoin the rotation during the postseason.
Austin Reaves Sidelined for Start of Playoff Series Against Rockets
Austin Reaves remains sidelined with an injury as the Lakers prepare for their first-round series against the Houston Rockets. Coach JJ Redick noted that the team's current mindset is to extend their season to allow for the potential return of both Reaves and Luka Dončić during the playoffs. Reaves is considered a vital rotation piece, and his absence significantly impacts the Lakers' strategic approach to the high-stakes postseason environment.
Kevin Durant Questionable for Game 1 vs Lakers With Knee Contusion
Kevin Durant is listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 1 playoff opener against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right knee contusion sustained during practice. While the 37-year-old veteran is a critical factor for Houston's championship hopes, the team remains optimistic that the injury will not be significant throughout the series. This matchup marks his fifth career postseason meeting with LeBron James after he missed the end of last season with an ankle injury.
Cleared for Play-In Tournament Matchup Against Warriors
Grayson Allen has been cleared to participate in Friday's critical Play-In Tournament game against the Golden State Warriors. Allen had previously been dealing with a hamstring injury and was initially considered a game-time decision, but he is now officially available for the contest. His return provides a significant boost to the Phoenix Suns' rotation as they compete for a spot in the postseason. The team will rely on his presence as they face this win-or-go-home elimination scenario.
Ruled Out for Play-In Game Due to Lingering Foot Injury
Mark Williams will be unavailable for Friday's win-or-go-home Play-In game against the Golden State Warriors. The Phoenix Suns center is sidelined by a lingering foot injury, a significant blow to the team's frontcourt depth and interior defense during the elimination matchup. With Williams officially ruled out, the Suns will be forced to find alternative rebounding and defensive options to compensate for his absence in the paint as they fight to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Cleared to Play in Game 1 Matchup Against Rockets
Jaxson Hayes has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's Game 1 matchup against the Houston Rockets. Hayes had been dealing with a foot issue but is now cleared to provide frontcourt depth for the Los Angeles Lakers. His availability is a positive development for a Lakers rotation that is currently managing other backcourt injuries. Hayes will be expected to provide energy and rim protection off the bench as the Lakers begin their first-round playoff series.