Reporting Articles - Page 47

As the Phoenix Mercury wrapped up practice before Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces, there was one note everyone took: Zone defense. Las Vegas did a masterful job in the final two quarters of implementing the defense. It resulted in a barrage of contested shots, shot-clock violations, and inefficient basketball. However, head coach Nate […]

Aside from a few obvious talking points (such as that Luka Doncic trade you may have heard about), the question of whether or not Dereck Lively II will shoot three-pointers has been often discussed in the Dallas Mavericks world over the past year. Head coach Jason Kidd told reporters during training camp that Dallas will […]

The Dallas Mavericks recently completed training camp. Following one of the practice days, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd revealed an intriguing lineup experiment — one that surely caught Klay Thompson’s attention. It’s worth noting that a lineup experiment in training camp does not guarantee anything, but Kidd has previously mentioned being open to flexibility when […]

The Brooklyn Nets enter the 2025-26 season with a revamped roster. After making four offseason trades and an NBA-record five first-round picks in June’s draft, several new faces have an opportunity to make their mark. However, an under-the-radar player from last season’s squad has been the standout of training camp. “Tyrese [Martin] has really been […]

While Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander discussed his career goals beyond winning one championship, he also revealed his first impressions of playing alongside Nikola Topic. After missing his rookie season due to a torn ACL, Topic impressed Chet Holmgren amid pick-up games during the summer. Then, the 20-year-old impressed Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of his first […]

The Phoenix Mercury falling to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals might not have been a big surprise to anyone. For people watching the game, it was strange how they squandered a lead. But it wasn’t strange to Kahleah Copper and Nate Tibbetts. Both saw the Aces switch to a […]

Although it may only be the preseason, Phoenix Suns rookie Khaman Maluach impressed many before the game began on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. For instance, Maluach impressed the Suns with the amount of muscle he put on. It was quite impressive, considering he was drafted nearly three months prior. That commitment could be […]

After deviating from their original practice plans on Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers came back indoors on Friday, the fourth day of training camp at IMG Academy. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson explained that they were initially supposed to return to the court following a track session to condition. Instead, Donovan Mitchell pleaded his case for […]

Ahead of defending the 2025 NBA title, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his goals that go beyond winning his first championship. Will the Thunder repeat? That’s the question heading into the 2025-26 season. GM Sam Presti prioritizes growth over dynasty talk, as improving while defending a title has been the focus. Amidst […]

As Oklahoma City Thunder training camp winds down ahead of its first preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sees vast improvements from Chet Holmgren and his teammates. Head coach Mark Daigneault says improvement is necessary for the Thunder ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, and Gilgeous-Alexander admits that’s what he sees […]

MIAMI – With the Miami Heat looking to live up to its championship aspirations this upcoming season, the work continues with the preseason opener on Saturday in Puerto Rico against the Orlando Magic. While Heat star Tyler Herro has a foot injury and will miss time to start the season, there are others on the […]

Three of Oklahoma City Thunder’s last four first-round picks have suffered from a season-ending injury before their rookie campaign, including this year’s 15th overall pick, Thomas Sorber, whom head coach Mark Daigneault discussed. Sorber sustained a torn ACL before training camp, the same injury that sidelined the Thunder’s 2024 first-round pick, Nikola Topic. Heading into […]

Drake Powell’s Brooklyn Nets debut will have to wait a little longer. After missing Summer League due to left knee tendinopathy, the No. 22 pick has been ruled out for Saturday’s preseason opener vs. Hapoel Jerusalem, according to head coach Jordi Fernandez. However, Powell is expected to play during one of Brooklyn’s matchups with the […]

Drake Powell was the only Brooklyn Nets rookie not to appear at Summer League. The No. 22 pick was limited for much of the preseason due to tendinopathy in his left knee. However, Powell has progressed to participating in scrimmages at training camp. Michael Porter Jr. has been impressed by the rookie wing’s athleticism. “I’ve […]

From the outset of the 2025-26 season, improvement has been an underlying theme for head coach Mark Daigneault in Oklahoma City Thunder training camp, in preparation for the competition that awaits a defending champion. As the youngest team in the league, growth remains a priority, as veteran Alex Caruso reminded reporters of the two Game […]

When the 2024-25 season came to a screeching halt for the Golden State Warriors, with Stephen Curry injuring his hamstring and the team losing in the Western Conference semifinals to the Minnesota Timberwolves, all eyes turned to what offseason negotiations with Jonathan Kuminga would look like. The future of the Warriors hung in the balance […]

Michael Porter Jr. is turning the page to a new chapter in his NBA journey. After six seasons in a complementary role with the Denver Nuggets, the 27-year-old has an opportunity to be the Brooklyn Nets’ leading man. Porter Jr.’s offseason trade reunited him with Jordi Fernandez, who served as a Nuggets assistant from 2016 […]

Less than 24 hours remain until the 2025 WNBA Finals, where the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces will meet for the league’s ultimate prize. Although the Mercury have some potential concerns during this series, there are three things Phoenix might have happened that will shock everyone. Satou Sabally will be the Mercury’s WNBA Finals […]

SAN FRANCISCO – After a summer of tenuous contract negotiations, Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga is officially back in the fold – but where exactly does that leave both sides as the season quickly approaches? Donning a new jersey number, switching from No. 00 to No. 1, the fifth-year wing went through his first practice […]

MIAMI – As the Miami Heat get ready for the upcoming 2025-26 season, head coach Erik Spoelstra and the rest of the staff will be looking for big jumps from the young core on the team. While fans are looking forward to the second season of the Heat’s first-round pick from 2024 in Kel’el Ware, […]

Player development isn’t always confined to the weight room and the practice court in the NBA. Sometimes, it’s found behind the wheel of a vintage car with a stubborn steering wheel and brakes that demand pure strength. At least that is how the Memphis Grizzlies sold a vintage idea to Jaylen Wells. The All-Rookie wonder […]

Over the years, Dallas Mavericks fans grew used to hearing sports “experts” and analysts breakdown images and videos of Luka Doncic’s body and conditioning. If an image surfaced where Doncic looked slightly bigger, it would lead to allegations of the star not taking his conditioning seriously enough. If an image surfaced during the offseason of […]

MIAMI – As the Miami Heat have championship aspirations for the upcoming season, the team will look for any player to step up and carry the weight, especially with the injuries striking the team. With Heat star Tyler Herro out with a foot injury to start the season, rookie Kasparas Jakucionis could get some opportunity […]

As Tuomas Iisalo’s Memphis Grizzlies kick off their training camp, the air is thick with competition, camaraderie, and a palpable sense of urgency. After a rollercoaster 2024-25 season that saw the team navigate a late-season coaching change and playoff heartbreak, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Grizzlies are embracing a fresh start. At the heart […]

Thursday was much different for the Cleveland Cavaliers than the first two days of training camp, as they spent their third afternoon off the basketball court. With so many amenities on the campus of IMG Academy, Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson wants to take advantage. “I was in the Olympics last year with Team France. […]

Entering his second NBA season with the aggressively moving Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Edey is no stranger to making bold statements. The 7-foot-4 powerhouse, who turned heads in his rookie year with gritty rebounding and efficient scoring inside, showed up to Media Day with more than just refined footwork and added muscle. Edey also arrived with […]

In the high-stakes poker game of NBA free agency, the Memphis Grizzlies entered the offseason holding a limited hand. With their financial resources rightly prioritized towards securing franchise cornerstone Jaren Jackson Jr., the front office was relegated to operating as a “room team,” possessing just one significant tool: the room exception. It was with this modest […]

MIAMI – With the news of Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic signing a $62.4 million contract on a four-year deal, the star himself would speak about the situation. As the Heat have championship aspirations this upcoming season, Jovic figures to be a huge part of the rotation, resulting in the reported contract extension. While Shams […]

The Michigan football team will return to action this weekend against Wisconsin. The Wolverines last played in Week 4 on the road against Nebraska, and they picked up a huge win. After a bye week, they are hoping to keep the momentum going against a struggling Badgers team that has already lost two games. Luke […]

One of the most vital pieces to the Detroit Pistons’ turnaround last season was the addition of forward Tobias Harris. The 33-year-old veteran has been visibly excited during training camp for the 2025-26 season. Harris has embraced his leadership role with the Pistons and addressed the media on what it means to see the benefits […]

NBA Media Days would be nothing without a few clichés and backslapping before the season starts. Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies were no exception. When pressed on how owner Robert Pera’s ballooning fortune influences the willingness to flirt with the NBA’s punishing luxury tax, EVP/GM Zach Kleiman masterfully sidestepped the specifics while heaping praise on the […]

For all of the success the Phoenix Mercury have had, they face their biggest obstacle in the 2025 WNBA Finals: the Las Vegas Aces. The latter defeated the Indiana Fever on Tuesday in an overtime thriller to advance to the final round of competition. However, the Aces hold a 3-1 season series against Phoenix and […]

SAN FRANCISCO– Like any top-heavy team, the success of the Golden State Warriors this season obviously hinges on the play of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. But a good chunk of them and the Warriors’ effectiveness on the court this season also rests on the shoulders of stretch five center Al Horford, whose […]

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. has made several eyebrow-raising comments during his offseason media tour. Most recently, he said he isn’t sure how long he wants to continue playing basketball during a conversation about his injury history. Porter Jr. battled debilitating back injuries early in his career before a miraculous recovery. The Nets trade […]

INGLEWOOD, CA — With Kawhi Leonard back healthy and the free agency addition of Bradley Beal, the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to reign in James Harden and his sky-high usage rate during the 2025-26 regular season. Harden is coming off of one of the better recent seasons in his career, following what many considered […]

INGLEWOOD, CA — While Kawhi Leonard entered training camp 100 percent healthy, the LA Clippers are hopeful their two best shooters are also at 100 percent by the time the regular season tips off. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Bradley Beal are both limited to start camp for the Clippers, but are slowly trending upwards. Beal underwent […]

When Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s Senior Vice President of Referee Development and Training, discusses what separates good referees from great ones, he doesn’t focus on rulebook knowledge or positioning fundamentals. Instead, the legendary referee with NBA Finals appearances repeatedly returns to a single concept: processing power. It’s a revealing choice of terminology borrowed from computer […]

NEW YORK- Jazz Chisholm Jr. did not start in the New York Yankees’ Game 1 Wild Card loss to the Boston Red Sox, but he made his presence felt with a stellar effort in the club’s 4-3 Game 2 victory. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Chisholm’s hustle and shot down any speculation that the two […]

Amid the relentless intensity of NBA games, where razor-thin margins and heated rivalries amplify every whistle, accountability stands as the unsung hero of top-tier refereeing. It is an undeniable necessity as few roles face more scrutiny than the game’s officials. Every decision is dissected in real-time by thousands in attendance and millions watching at home. […]