And very much alive and confident after beating the Lakers 99-93 on the Lakers homecourt in a pivotal Game 5 to extend the best-of-seven first round playoff series by at least one more game, with the series shifting back to Houston with the Lakers leading 3-2.
“You gotta give them a lot of credit,” coach JJ Redick said. “They made shots, including some guys who normally don’t make 3s. Our defense, you hope 99 is enough to win, and we just couldn’t make shots. Missed some layups. Certainly had some good looks from 3 that didn’t go down. But we’ll take a look at the whole process, take a look at the substitution patterns and figure out where we can be better in Game 6.”
Even with star guard Austin Reaves making his return to the lineup after being sidelined since April because of a left oblique strain, the Lakers once again struggled offensively for the second consecutive – and 2 ½ games going back to the miraculous Game 3 comeback victory in Houston.
Austin Reaves drives to the basket against the Rockets. AP
Reaves finished with 22 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in 34 minutes in his first game since suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain in the April 2 loss to the Thunder, but struggled with his shooting and finishing, going 4 of 16 from the field. He made 12 of his 13 free throws.
“I missed a lot of easy looks,” Reaves said. “We didn’t shoot it great as a team. We’ll watch film [on Thursday], get better. We’ll go try to win a game Friday.”
LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points and 7 rebounds, but missed a pull-up 3 with 12 seconds left that would’ve cut the team’s deficit to one point.
Marcus Smart had 6 of the Lakers’ 15 turnovers.
“Take care of basketball, we’ve been through this,” Smart said. “We understand this team and how they play, and they’re very aggressive and we got to take care of basketball. Myself, I had six turnovers and that’s unacceptable for me, especially with only two assists. Especially against this team. So we definitely got to take care of the ball. We got to do a better job, all of us, and collectively, and that’ll help us for sure.”
LeBron James goes up for a layup. AP
Deandre Ayton added 18 points and 17 rebounds.
Jabari Smith led the Rockets with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a pair of blocked shots.
Alperen Sengun puts up a hook shot in the paint. AP
What it means
The Rockets are one of just nine teams to force a Game 6 after dropping the first two road games and first home game consecutively under the 2-2-1-1-1 playoff format since the league went to a 16-game playoffs in 1984.
Of the previous eight teams, only two have forced a Game 7.
Overall, the Rockets are the 16th team in NBA history to force a Game 6 after trailing 0-3 in a playoff series.
Luke Kennard reacts to a foul call. Getty Images
Turning point
When Smart overhelped off Amen Thompson in the left corner on a Reed Sheppard drive to the late in the shot, opening up a drive-and-kick opporunity that the Rockets took advantage of, with Thompson making the corner 3 to put the Rockets up 79-69 early in the fourth.
After Reaves missed a layup on the Lakers’ ensuing possession, Jabari Smith hit another to put the Rockets up by a game-best 13 points.
The Lakers kept the game close but didn’t cut their deficit to any closer than three points.
Smith led the Rockets in scoring. Getty Images
MVP: Alperen Sengun
Sengun recorded a series-high 8 assists to go with 9 rebounds and 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting in Game 5.
The Rockets All-Star center made the Lakers pay for sending extra help his way.
Stat of the game: 7
That’s how many more 3s the Rockets made than the Lakers.
The Rockets shot 14 of 40 from beyond the arc compared to the Lakers’ 7-of-27 shooting on 3s.
Sengun goes to work in the paint. AP
Up next
Game 6 of Lakers-Rockets is scheduled for Friday at Toyota Center.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 16: New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) looks on after the NFL preseason game between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings on August 16th, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The New England Patriots made a deadline deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025, sending Keion White to the West Coast. It was one of two moves that saw the Patriots move on from former starters alongside safety Kyle Dugger, who was traded to the Steelers.
White played a bunch of snaps under the old defensive scheme from Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo and showed. some serious promise, but didn’t fit the mold Mike Vrabel was looking for after transferring to the edge in 2025.
Knowing all that, how did the Patriots do in the trade? Let’s take a look.
Original terms for the Keion White trade from the Patriots
Even though White had been one of the Patriots’ most disruptive defenders in 2023 and 2024, he fell out of favor under Mike Vrabel and his staff in 2025. When he was traded, he yielded little more than a sixth-round selection.
49ers receive: ED Keion White
Patriots receive: 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 198)
The Patriots eventually decided to repurpose the selection in a draft day trade with the Vikings.
What did the Patriots do with the pick from the Keion White trade?
Pick 198 took quite a journey. It was originally Minnesota’s pick and the Vikings traded it in 2024 for Cam Akers. The Texans traded it back to Minnesota for guard Ed Ingram. It was sent to San Francisco as part of the Jordan Mason trade. San Francisco then traded it to New England for Keion White.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Patriots traded it for pick 234 sending it back to Minnesota. The Vikings also gave up a sixth-round pick in 2027. Their preliminary haul from the Keion White trade therefore looks as follows:
QB Behren Morton (via 7-234)
2027 sixth-round pick
It remains to be seen where that 2027 pick ends up landing, but it could come fairly early in the round. At the moment, the Vikings hold the 10th worst Super Bowl odds for this comingsesaon.
How was Keion White’s performance for the 49ers in 2025?
White was arguably San Francisco’s most disruptive pass rusher last year, at least on the interior after coming in during the trade deadline. He was a versatile piece, being used both on the edge and the inside, and had 24 pressures in 11 games, ranking third overall on the team.
White’s 12.5% pass rush win rate was third among defensive linemen behind Yetur Gross-Matos and Bryce Huff, and he also had more than one year of team control.
He has a cap hit of just $1.8 million for the upcoming year, and should fit in better in more of a rotational role for the 49ers this season. Currently, they have Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and White as the team’s top edge rushers for 2026.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 26: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks to Jayson Tatum #0 and Jaylen Brown #7 during the second half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eighty-one seconds into the fourth quarter of Game 4, Jayson Tatum dribbled passed midcourt and with the help of a Neemias Queta screen, walked into a three-pointer. Kelly Oubre walked into his landing space for an and-1.
With that, the lead ballooned to 30 points and statistically, it was proof positive of Boston’s priorities this season: limiting turnovers, attacking the offensive glass for additional possessions, and generating good shoots, preferably threes.
“It comes down to controlling the game, having an understanding of what’s going on. We did a good job managing the game even though our shots weren’t going down,” Joe Mazzulla said after the Celtics took a 3-1 lead with their second win in Philadelphia.
“Our offensive rebounds and our turnovers. Obviously, they’re going to make a run, but we were able to manage that with getting to the free throw line, being disciplined defensively, and some good offensive execution. We just gotta manage the game, being disciplined.”
With the game out of hand and Gino dancing somewhere near North Station, the scoreboard was obvious bottom line, but dig deeper into the box score and it was a game won in the margins.
Despite the return of big man Joel Embiid, Boston held Philly without an offensive rebound until midway through the third quarter. Andre Drummond, who once admitted that he intentionally missed shots to pad his rebounding numbers, didn’t grab any in Game 4.
After allowing a Game 2 blip — the 76ers hit 19-of-39 from behind the arc — the Celtics have absolutely used the three to bury Philadelphia. In a tightly contested Game 3, they were a +24 from 3 and with 10:39 left in the 4th of Game 4, they were already a +27 after hitting 17 of 38.
The turnover differential has not exactly been the edge they held in the regular season. With the Sixers packing the paint, Brown and Tatum have been drawing pesky double teams as soon as they get anywhere near the paint and that’s generated several loose balls and points on the other end. However, Boston leads the East in assists-to-turnovers ratio at 1.96. Comparatively speaking, the conference has been an absolutely slugfest; the Magic took a 3-1 lead over the one-seed Pistons shooting 32.6% from the field; the Raptors made just 32% of their shots to knot up their series with the Cavaliers. The Celtics, on the other hand, having been moving the ball well and so far, been making shots.
The postseason is all about making adjustments, but for the most part, Boston has stuck to their core principles and are on the brink of winning their first round series tonight for the same reasons they finished with 56 wins in a gap year.
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 26 : Jamal Shead (23) of Toronto Raptors steals the ball away from Donovan Mitchell (45) of Cleveland Cavaliers during the Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t get the reputation of being playoff failures overnight. They’ve earned it through years of falling short in the biggest moments.
Although their first-round series with the Toronto Raptors isn’t over by any stretch, Game 4 showed all the telltale signs of what has plagued this team in previous postseason runs: lack of toughness, poor rebounding, the offense falling apart, and an inability to close out tight games.
Cleveland was up eight with just under five minutes to play, but once again couldn’t seal the deal. The offense got stagnant, Donovan Mitchell couldn’t make the one play he needed to, and the defense didn’t stay in front of a Raptors team that was having a historically bad shooting day.
This all culminated in a 93-89 loss. The series now shifts back to Cleveland tied at two.
One basket might’ve put the game away, but they couldn’t get the ball over the timeline.
Mitchell didn’t show any urgency at first. He tried to walk the ball up before Scottie Barnes applied token pressure in the backcourt. This wasn’t a trap or anything. James Harden wasn’t being covered; he was leisurely taking his time up the court as well.
Then, Mitchell saw that time was an issue, but he made the mistake of running to the sideline and right into where Harden was aimlessly standing. He had to double back, although at that point, he only had one second to get it over the line.
Toronto pounced.
Jamal Shead sensed the moment. He dove over the half-court line, forced Mitchell back, and poked the ball free. It was a heads-up play from a guy willing to do whatever it took to get the job done.
Shead’s effort isn’t what made this play possible. Instead, it was Cleveland’s lack of focus in the biggest moments — the thing that has come to define this era of basketball.
When we think of this core group, we don’t remember the big playoff wins — because outside of Game 7 against the Orlando Magic (a series the Cavs should’ve won in five) and the Game 2 victory over a sleepwalking Boston Celtics team in ‘24 — there haven’t been any. Just a steady stream of fourth-quarter collapses against teams they’re more talented than on paper.
Same story. Different year. Same result.
The Cavs are 4-10 in road playoff games in the Mitchell era. And if you take out two victories over a 37-45 Miami Heat team last season, they’ve only defeated two road playoff opponent that were over .500 despite being in their fourth year together. Just two.
This was Cleveland’s best chance to steal a road game. The Raptors were shooting as if they had Raptor-proportioned arms, going 4-30 (13.3%) from three. This wasn’t the case of the Cavs making incredible contests on these shots. Instead, it was just one of the worst shooting performances you’ll see from an NBA team.
The Cavs — who have been an elite offense since trading for James Harden — couldn’t get anything going. Their star guards couldn’t shake free of Toronto’s bigger wings, and Cleveland’s bigs couldn’t capitalize on the size advantage they did have. This led to a stagnant offense, the same one we’ve seen in the previous three postseason runs for this core.
Mitchell’s teams have consistently lost in the playoffs, but he’s generally scored well in the biggest defeats.
He hasn’t advanced to the conference finals, yet he’s also one of the best playoff scorers in league history. Those two facts would lead you to believe that Mitchell has just been stuck on teams that aren’t talented enough to win or that he’s run into bad luck. There’s been instances of both things being true, but there’s something much bigger at play as well.
The best playoff players can beat teams in a wide variety of ways. No matter how good you are, your opponent will inevitably figure out how to take away what you do best. The ones who can adjust to those adjustments and still impact winning are the most successful. This is why well-rounded players are rewarded more in the playoffs.
Mitchell is well-rounded, but only as a scorer. He’s not a plus defender, isn’t a good playmaker for others considering how much he has the ball, and isn’t disruptive away from the play. This leaves a one-note player whose effectiveness is tied completely and solely to his scoring.
When the scoring isn’t there, as it wasn’t in Game 4 when he went 6-24 from the field, there aren’t many ways he can impact winning outside of just being a decoy for others. But again, that isn’t as impactful as it could be since Mitchell doesn’t do much off-ball.
Can you win with someone like that as your best player? So far in Mitchell’s career, the answer has been no. And if that answer doesn’t change this postseason, is an undersized scoring guard that will be on the wrong side of 30 by the start of next season worth a super-max extension? That’s something the Cavs will have to decide in the summer.
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Harden continues to struggle with the Raptors’ length. After carving them up through the first two games of the series, he’s registered more turnovers than field goals in both contests in Toronto. This included coughing it up seven times on a day the Cavs couldn’t get anything going toward the basket.
The Cavs have become a one-dimensional jump shooting team during their worst playoff failures in the last four years. Harden was supposed to help that by getting downhill and force-feeding Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. That hasn’t happened.
The pick-and-roll game has completely dried up. Toronto simply switching that action has kept the Cavs from even trying to get downhill. Instead, they’re using guards to screen to create open three-point looks. That’s fine as a counter, but it can’t be used as a substitute altogether.
The Raptors’ defense looks impenetrable because they’ve never had to collapse. Rotating out to a shooter on the perimeter isn’t the same as scrambling inside. The Cavs should have talented enough offensive weapons to create and exploit mismatches. At the very least, they did in the first two games of the series.
Jarrett Allen needs to be better.
I asked head coach Kenny Atkinson if they need to do a better job of getting Allen involved when he has RJ Barrett matched up with him before Game 3. Atkinson said they did, but he also pointed to there being other ways to be impactful against a mismatch. This includes being used in the dunker’s spot to clean up misses or finish lobs.
Theoretically, those would be a good way to use Allen. It just hasn’t happened in a meaningful way.
In the last two games, the Raptors haven’t been punished in any meaningful way by putting a smaller player on Allen. The Cavs generated second-chance opportunities, and Allen did record six offensive rebounds in Game 4, but that hasn’t moved the needle.
In February, Allen was aggressive in punishing smaller defenders whenever he got an opportunity to do so. That simply isn’t happening anymore, even when he gets a 6’1” guard matched up against him.
Rooted out by 6-5 Ja'Kobe Walter and then stood behind 6-1 Jamal Shead. Has to be better than this. pic.twitter.com/vnE8sG2K2N
You can’t take away everything from your opponent in the postseason. You have to make concessions and dare certain players to beat you if it means you can better defend something else. The Raptors are conceding mismatches to Allen whenever he wants them. However, neither the Cavs nor Allen has any interest in taking advantage of it.
With seemingly every button the Raptors have pressed, they’re both having their cake and eating it too.
Scottie Barnes is running circles around Evan Mobley.
There’s no doubt as to who the best player in the series has been on both sides of the ball — let alone in this rivalry from the 2022 Rookie of the Year race.
Barnes has showcased a versatility as a scorer, defender, rebounder, and passer that has made him far and away the most valuable player on either team. Having an incredibly high motor helps as well. That all stands in stark contrast with Mobley, who still needs the perfect environment to be his most impactful self.
Mobley was phenomenal in Game 2. He was punishing mismatches and doing a great job of being a distributor whenever the defense rotated over to help. That effectiveness has waned. The Raptors have been better at sending late help at Mobley and walling him off before getting too deep into the post. This has thrown off Mobley’s timing and made him only effective at really going after Jakob Poeltl.
As is a theme with the Cavs, the lack of versatility from Mobley has limited his effectiveness. When his best skill is taken away by his opponent, he doesn’t have enough counters to turn to.
Barnes, on the other hand, can seemingly do whatever he wants. No matter who the Cavs put on him, he’s getting to his spot on the floor. And once there, he has the skills to hurt them with the shot, pass, or getting to the rim.
That versatility shows up on the defensive end as well. Barnes’s ability to shut down actions from both guards and bigs has disrupted Cleveland’s entire flow.
Cleveland isn’t matching Toronto’s toughness either physically or mentally.
Physically, Toronto pushed Cleveland’s bigs and guards off their spots. They forced Mitchell and Harden into being outside shooters and limited Allen and Mobley to a combined 11 points on 16 shots. This allowed them to control the glass, the paint, and more importantly, the tempo of the game.
Mentally, the Raptors never let up. They were focused throughout the full 48 minutes on what they needed to do. Mental errors didn’t happen. And when things got tough, they dug down even deeper.
Basketball isn’t always won in the trenches, but it can certainly be lost there, as the Cavs have shown in previous postseason runs and did again in Game 4.
They’ve provided no reasons to believe in this team. The Cavs may still win the series and could be expected to do so with two of the possible three games at home. But we’ve seen this movie too many times before to believe that’s guaranteed.
They don’t deserve the benefit of the doubt now, or frankly, any time in the future as long as this core group is together. They’ve continually shrunk in the biggest moments, with their best players failing to rise to the occasion when they need them to.
Game 4 was just another entry in a long line of disappointments.
It’s on the Cavs to change the narrative. And if Sunday afternoon was any indication of things, they don’t seem willing enough to put in the effort to actually do so.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano (OL22) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Cleveland Browns 2026 Draft Class (clevelandbrowns.com) “A full breakdown of each member of the Cleveland Browns’ 2026 draft class. Spencer Fano Through the Years. The Browns select OT Spencer Fano with the No.”
Breaking Down The Cleveland Browns 2026 Draft Class (Stadium Rant) “The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and the Cleveland Browns walked away big winners. Addressing the glaring needs on offense was the main priority, and they.”
Cleveland Browns bolster offense in NFL Draft (FOX 8 News) “Even though most of the frustration with the Cleveland Browns’ offense has focused on the lack of a franchise quarterback, the unit has also been among the…”
In total, the Miami Dolphins made 13 selections over the past three days. That’s a pretty good haul of players to add and the hope is that they can get some major contributions from at least half of them. All in all, it was a pretty solid draft from new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan. The most confusing pick may have been WR Caleb Douglas in the third round, who many viewed as a late round prospect. Their first selection of Kadyn Proctor was heavily scrutinized by fans due to S Caleb Downs and DE Rueben Bain being on the board. Sullivan feels confidant that Proctor was the best available player on the board at that moment and only time will tell if that was the correct decision or not.
You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
The Eagles have so far made three picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and are scheduled to have three picks on Day 3.
Although they’re going to have to wait a while. The Eagles won’t pick until the fifth round on Day 3. They have pick 178 in the fifth round, 197 in the sixth and 244 in the seventh.
Here are 20 players who might make sense:
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State: The Eagles don’t draft a ton of Penn State players but Dennis-Sutton (6-6, 256) would be a nice complement in their edge rusher room. He has the frame and athleticism the Eagles should like and he had 8 1/2 sacks in each of the last two seasons. He also tested very well in the pre-draft process and visited the Jefferson Health Training Complex.
Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina: The Eagles brought Kilgore (6-1, 210) in for a visit during the pre-draft process and there’s plenty to like about him. While he played nickel corner at South Carolina, many project him to be a safety in the NFL. He’s big and fast and super athletic. If the Eagles draft him, it’ll be up to their coaching staff to turn him into a real safety.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU: This has nothing to do with Jalen Hurts but the Eagles are always looking to add QBs and they know this one well. Nussmeier is the son of former QBs coach Doug Nussmeier. Things didn’t go well for Garrett at LSU in 2025 but he was injured. He could be a good pro QB.
Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas: There’s a ton of intrigue about Green as a developmental quarterback. He’s 6-6, 227 pounds and is insanely athletic. He ran a 4.36 at the combine with a vertical jump of 43 1/2 inches and a broad of 11-2. His stats took a dip in 2025 but he has the raw tools.
Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech: King is an older prospect at 25 but he was a great dual threat at the collegiate level and played with an admirable toughness. His OC at Shrine Bowl was Eagles OC Sean Mannion.
Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington: Prysock’s teammate Tacario Davis went in the third round but Prysock is still available. Like Davis, Prysock also has great length at 6-3, 196 pounds and had two good seasons at Washington. He didn’t have many INTs in college but he has the frame and the 4.45 speed to be worth a Day 3 pick.
Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State: Wheatley, 24, was a two-year starter at Penn State with a long frame and athleticism. He’s a good athlete and position versatile.
VJ Payne, S, Kansas State: Payne (6-3, 206) was a three-year starter at K-State with 42 starts under his belt. He’s big and long (80-inch wingspan) and ran a 4.40 at the combine.
Kamari Ramsey, S, USC: Ramsey, 21, began his career at UCLA and finished up at USC. In total, he was a three-year starter who played both nickel and safety in college. The Eagles have shown interest in players with that combination.
Beau Stephens, G, Iowa: Stephens (6-6, 315) started 34 games in college and both left and right guard. He doesn’t have a long frame or next-level athleticism, but he’s powerful and experienced and could be a nice backup who could eventually fight for a job.
Anez Cooper, G, Miami: The Eagles already added one Miami offensive lineman so maybe they’ll add another. Cooper was the Hurricanes’ starting right guard for the last three seasons and held down the right side of that line with first-round pick Francis Mauigoa.
Logan Taylor, G, Boston College: While Taylor (607, 314) played a bit of tackle in a pinch at BC, he projects as a guard in the NFL who could offers some position versatility.
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon: The Eagles already drafted a tackle but at some point, the value would be too great for the Eagles to overlook. World was once expected to become a first-round pick but that didn’t happen and then he tore his ACL in the playoffs. But World has tools worth developing and would represent value on Day 3.
Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo: The Eagles added Fuller’s teammate Quinyon Mitchell in the first round a couple years ago and they could go back to the well. Fuller, 24, became a starter in 2025 for the first time and had a nice season.
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU: Perkins (6-1, 220) is an undersized off-ball linebacker with great athleticism. He started 36 games at LSU.
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State: Singleton was a four-year starter at Penn State, who saw his workload decrease in his senior season. But he’s big and fast and would be a fun Day 3 pickup.
Jordan Van Den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech: A native of South Africa, van den Berg is a good athlete who spent time at Penn State before transferring to Georgia Tech. He was first-team All-ACC in 2025 with 3 sacks and 11 TFLs.
Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana: Proctor (6-2, 291) is an undersized 3-technique from a small school who has athleticism and traits.
Max Llewellyn, Edge, Iowa: If the Eagles still want to add a bigger-body edge rusher, Llewellyn (6-6, 258) would fit. He became a full-time starter in 2025 and had 6 1/2 sacks and 9 1/2 TFLs.
Jude Bowry, OL, Boston College: Bowry (6-5, 314) played left and right tackle in college but might need to move to guard in the NFL.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics smile during the game during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Whew. After 48 hard fought minutes of basketball, the Boston Celtics scraped out a gritty 108-100 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. With the win, the Celtics regain control of homecourt advantage and now lead the series 2-1.
The Celtics were dominating for the first 54 minutes of the series, but the Sixers have put together a hell of a response since then. It’s been back-and-forth, punches being thrown left and right, and at the end of three rounds, both teams are still standing. We’ve seen some haymakers, but no knockout punch just yet.
Philly has had a balanced scoring series so far with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 27 points per game, followed by Paul George at 18, VJ Edgecombe at 17.7, Kelly Oubre at 13, and then Drummond at 8 ppg. Boston, on the other hand, has been very top heavy. Jaylen Brown is averaging 29 points per game, Jayson Tatum at 23, and then the only other double-digit scorer is Payton Pritchard, who squeaks through at 10.3 ppg.
Notably, Boston hasn’t gotten nearly enough from Derrick White in the scoring department. He’s just below the double-digit threshold, currently averaging 9.7 points per game, but he’s third on the team in field goals attempted, and is shooting an abysmal 29.4% from the floor (3.3 FGM/11.3 FGA), and 20% from three (1.7 3PM/8.3 3PA). It’s been easy to get frustrated with White’s production, or lack thereof, but he will always make winning plays at the end of the game, just as he did last night.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 24: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Sixty seconds left on the game clock, Celtics up by 3. Pritchard takes his time bringing the ball up, dishing it to Tatum after crossing half-court. Fifty seconds left on the game clock, Tatum waits patiently as the play develops.
Forty-three seconds on the game clock, 6 seconds on the shot clock; Tatum makes his move, driving against Adem Bona, and then kicks it to Nikola Vucevic in the corner. Thirty-nine seconds on the game clock, 3 on the shot clock; Vuc takes the corner three. The ball taking it’s time in the air. It’s off.
Thirty-seven seconds left on the game clock. Derrick White, after crashing in from the opposite corner, skies over the top of two Sixers players to grab the offensive board and keep the most crucial possession of the game alive. He takes a second to catch his balance and kick the ball over to Payton Pritchard to avoid falling out of bounds with the ball.
Thirty-three seconds left on the game clock; the Celtics reset the possession with Tatum at the top of the key. He burns some time. Twenty-eight seconds left on the game clock; Tatum sizes up Adem Bona. He pulls up for three.
Bang.
25.3 seconds left on the game clock, Celtics up by 6. Tatum hit the dagger. Philly timeout. The rest is history.
Obviously, JT is the one who put Boston up and the game away, but he doesn’t get that opportunity without Derrick White’s awareness. There’s no doubt that White had a really rough showing, 3-12 from the floor, 1-8 from three. It would be easy for most coaches to leave a player having a game like that on the bench at the end of the game, but White has proven time and time again that he will show up and make the right play, and that he did.
If Derrick doesn’t get that rebound, Philly is only down 3 with a perfect chance for a 2-for-1 opportunity. Instead, The Celtics get to limit the Sixers to one last meaningful possession while they hold a two-possession lead.
That also wasn’t the only time White showed up when the Celtics needed him. As hard as Philly was to contain, White managed to pick up 1 steal and 3 blocks over the course of the game. He fought through his own struggles, and gave his full effort on each and every play.
After the game Tatum had this to say about White: “We need him. I can say it 100 times. We need him, we need him, we need him… D-White is an unreal basketball player that still just has his imprint on the game, and makes plays on both end of the floor… When he’s open, we’re going to pass it to him, we want him to be aggressive.”
Joe Mazzulla shared a similar message: “Anybody that ever doubts D-White, they don’t really care about winning. There’s a competitive confidence piece there, there’s a character piece there. He’s not defined by shot making… Those two rebounds were big-time rebounds, and he can impact winning in so many different ways. I’m always gonna double down on his competitive character and who he is.”
It’s going to be hard for Celtics fans to stomach every shot Derrick misses; believe me, I feel it too. But he has a long history of making the right play. The coaches trust him, his teammates trust him, and we should too.
ATLANTA — On his long list of things he believed went wrong, Mike Brown included the officiating.
When asked about the Hawks’ ability to close out on 3-point shooters after the Knicks’ 109-108 Game 3 loss at State Farm Arena, Brown explained how he wanted his players to drive past them and get into the paint.
But, when they got to the paint, Brown believes they weren’t getting deserved fouls.
Mike Brown talks to reporters after the Knicks’ 109-108 Game 3 loss to the Hawks on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“They’re closing out hard,” Brown said. “And when they close out hard, we gotta drive the basketball. I do think it’s a tough game for the officials to officiate. But I know we got fouled on a few of the drives that didn’t get called. It’s tough to see 20-26 [free-throw discrepancy] in a one-possession game when you know for sure there were a couple of fouls that should’ve been called.”
The lineup Brown used for most of the fourth quarter as the Knicks mounted their comeback — Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, with Mikal Bridges benched — was plus-24 in 14 minutes across the whole game.
“They did a good job of taking care of the basketball,” Brown said. “They were pretty aggressive. Atlanta, they’re trying to get up in us, they’re trying to speed us up, they’re playing physical, and when you face that type of defense, you can’t play on your heels. You can’t be passive at all. You got to be able to rip that ball through and get to the rim. Or if they close out hard, you gotta be able to snap drive and get to the rim.
“That group did a pretty good job of it. They did a pretty good job of trying to get out in transition, too. And then they did a pretty good job of trying to get stops defensively. That’s something that we all have to recognize and embrace.”
Would Brown consider inserting McBride into the starting lineup?
Thursday night was supposed to be one of joy and merriment for the Rams.
Armed with arguably the best roster in football and viewed as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, having the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft presented LA with a unique opportunity.
They had the ability to draft an instant impact player, one who could bolster their case of ending the upcoming season with confetti falling around them at SoFi Stadium while holding the Lombardi Trophy.
University of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson celebrates after being picked by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft at the Draft Theater, outside Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Mandatory Credit: Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI/Shutterstock) Archie Carpenter/UPI/Shutterstock
While the move was confounding at best, Snead tried his best to sound optimistic when speaking with the media late Thursday night.
“I think it’s been a process that started in the offseason, per se, especially when [head coach] Sean [McVay] and the coaching staff got involved,” Snead said when asked when they knew Alabama QB Ty Simpson was their selection. “That process goes all the way up until even into the latter parts of last week. Then at that point in time, like I’ve mentioned here, the sea is going to shape the 13th pick you. You had to fall.”
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches from the sideline during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) AP
However, one person didn’t appear as optimistic as Snead: head coach Sean McVay.
In a video that’s now gone viral, McVay showed shockingly little enthusiasm when discussing Simpson. He seemed annoyed for most of the press conference, rarely smiling and lacking the normal zeal and passion he usually speaks with.
But, there was one thing McVay made sure everyone in attendance knew: this is still reigning MVP Matthew Stafford’s team.
“There were a lot of players that we liked but when you do look at it, I think the thing you liked about the body of work is…let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team.
Time will tell if Simpson was the correct choice — but if anything is assumed as of now — it’s that not everyone is a believer.
Former Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball points to the crowd as he walks to the podium to announce the team’s selection with the 60th overall pick during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin | Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Good morning, Broncos Country. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It’s been a long offseason, but the most fun part about it is finally upon us. The next few days should bring a lot of excitement for fans.
Unfortunately, our beloved Denver Broncos aren’t scheduled to pick tonight, but having Jaylen Waddle in the fold to bolster their offense for the 2026 season was a good move to make. That being said, here are a few storylines I will be watching closely tonight and over the next few days.
All eyes on the competition in the AFC West
With the Broncos not having a pick until the second round, I’ll be keeping a close eye on what happens with the rest of the teams in the AFC West. It’s a tough division already, but a bunch of talent is going to be added into the fold by Denver’s competitors over the next few days.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the heavy favorite to be the top pick for the Las Vegas Raiders tonight to kickoff the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza will join Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers to help turn around the division’s bottom-dwelling franchise. Overall, they have 10 selections with six of them being in the top four rounds. That’s a lot of draft capital to help get things going in the right direction.
Truth be told, the Raiders have a ways to go before being a formidable competitor. Though this draft could wind up being their most important in recent memory and prove to be transformative if they can hit big with their large slate of picks. I’m very interested to see how Klint Kubiak and the new regime tackle their first draft together.
The Kansas City Chiefs have two first round selections at #9 and #29 and five in the Top 110. The Chiefs are poised to make a splash and could wind up with several impact players early on. That’s not the news Broncos Country wants to hear, but that’s a potential reality we have to accept. I’m guessing they will try and nab one of the best cornerbacks or edge rushers to shore up their defense, but with ample draft ammunition, they could surprise and make a big trade or two and move into the Top 5 for a premier prospect.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers have just five selections. However, they have all their original picks in the Top 125. Finding an edge rusher seems like a good option in the first round for the Chargers. They could certainly use some help there given the age of Khalil Mack. Adding some beef up front to their offensive and defensive trenches seems like a strong possibility too.
The @Raiders aren’t “a year away” anymore.
⁰They’re a QB + OL away from flipping the entire AFC West narrative.
What will John Harbaugh and the Giants do with two Top 10 picks?
John Harbaugh was tapped to revitalize the Giants and turn them back into a playoff contender. They made a lot of moves this offseason, but none was bigger than what happened the other day. They took the NFL by storm, trading defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the tenth overall selection.
Coupled with their fifth pick, Harbaugh and the Giants have the chance to turn things around in short order if they can get a few blue chip prospects. Several prospects consistently marked to them are linebacker Sonny Styles Jr. and safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State. They would certainly help out their defense which was one of the worst in the league last season.
Even so, I really think they may be hoping Jeremiyah Love falls to them. He’s arguably the best offensive player and playmaker in the draft–and would definitely make life a lot easier for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. Though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them trade down from the tenth pick and try to accumulate more selections. They don’t have a third-round pick and it’s possible they won’t want to wait between 37 and 105 to add another player to a roster that desperately needs talent across the board.
How will the first-round events impact Denver’s second-round draft board and plans?
The Broncos aren’t scheduled to pick until the 62nd overall selection in the second round. A lot of talent will be off the board by then, but I’m still optimistic things will fall rather favorably for Denver. At least, I hope it does. The franchise done a good job finding talented players at the end of the second round the past few drafts with Nik Bonitto, Marvin Mims Jr., and RJ Harvey.
I’m hoping to see a bunch of edge rushers, wide receivers, and offensive lineman go in the first round. That would definitely help some targets at bigger positions of needs potentially fall to them in the second round. If that happens, I would not be the least bit surprised if General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton were a bit more aggressive with their draft plans.
During their pre-draft press conference, Paton had noted they felt really comfortable in the 45 to 75 area when it comes to draft talent. If things go favorably for Denver in round one, I think there is a good shot they move up the board in Round 2 to get one of their most coveted players that can address a long-term need for the franchise.
How about you, Broncos Country? What storylines are you keeping close tabs on over the next few days? Let me know in the comments section.
As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
A former Met helped play the role of peacemaker between Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan, Sir Charles said during a radio appearance Wednesday on a Chicago sports talk station.
Vince Coleman, who played three seasons from 1991 to 1993 in Queens, brokered the truce when he randomly called Barkley while with Jordan, putting the two on the phone together.
Ironically, Barkley told this story while appearing on ESPN Chicago’s “Waddle & Silvy” show, the very same radio program on which he made his critical comments about Jordan’s ownership of the then-Charlotte Bobcats.
Charles Barkley laughs at a foul call with Bulls guard Michael Jordan during the first half of the Bulls’ win over the Suns on Jan. 28, 1996 at the United Center in Chicago. AFP via Getty Images
“It’s interesting,” Barkley said on the show Wednesday, according to The Athletic. “I was just chillin’ at the house last week, and one of my good friends is Vince Coleman, the great baseball player. When we answer the phone, we (jokingly) say some unkind words to each other … he says, ‘Yo, I’m down here at The Grove. I’m sick of you and MJ’s BS. He’s right here. Y’all need to talk.’ And we had a conversation, but Vince Coleman’s the person who’s responsible. We [Barkley and Jordan] talked for a couple minutes. He said, ‘Man, let’s get together and play golf.
“And as soon as I get a break, we’re gonna fly down there and spend a couple days playing golf.’”
Former Major Leaguer Vince Coleman reacts at T-Mobile Park on July 7, 2023 in Seattle. Getty Images
The comments Barkley made in 2012 fractured his friendship with Jordan when he said on the show that he loves Jordan, “but he has not done a good job” when discussing the NBA legends’ ownership of the Bobcats.
Barkley recently revealed on Chris Russo’s Mad Dog Unleashed on SiriusXM on Friday that he and Jordan had talked and that they’re going to play golf after the NBA season.
The NBA commentator added on Wednesday that “we’ll be fine.”
“I tell people it’s not like we’re Prince Harry and Prince William, who hate each other. Honestly, I think we both missed each other, because we’ve had this conversation with other friends, and we’re both too stubborn to pick up the phone, to be honest with you. But I think both parties missed each other a great deal,” he said.
Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, watches as Coach Todd Monken speaks on the radio during a 7 on 7 training session at the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026. | Lisa Scalfaro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
We are one day away from the start of the 2026 NFL draft, which could be the perfect time to watch “Draft Day.” Is that a love or hate kind of movie for you? tmartin5785 asks you to join DBN’s Feed conversation about it:
Cleveland Browns 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft (OBR) “This Cleveland Browns 2026 mock draft features the Browns picking up some extra picks while bolstering their offensive line, adding some receiving weapons,…“
Cleveland Browns: Was Paul DePodesta destined to fail? (Yahoo Sports) “CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 17, 2017: Chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta of the Cleveland Browns stands on the field prior to a game on December 17,…”
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 12: New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings (29) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) walk onto the field during New England Patriots Minicamp on June 12, 2024, at The Patriots practice facility at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The New England Patriots are back in Foxborough for their 2026 offseason workout program. On Monday, the first session took place at their brand-new training facility and enjoyed some exemplary attendance.
Given the limited information available, a full roll call is not possible. However, material shared by the Patriots on their website and social media channels indicates that at least 62 players checked into Gillette Stadium for Monday’s voluntary workout. The actual number might be even higher, meaning that a significant portion of the 71 currently-rostered men was present.
Among the participants on Day 1 were the usual suspects such as quarterback Drake Maye, tight end Hunter Henry, edge Harold Landry and linebacker Robert Spillane. Also present were cornerback Christian Gonzalez and fullback Jack Westover; the former is still in talks about a longterm contract extension with the team, while the latter participated despite not yet having officially signed his exclusive rights tender, a move that very much is a formality at this point.
All in all, the group accounted for includes most of the Patriots’ starters, team leaders and free agency signings. Here they are listed by position:
QB Drake Maye
QB Tommy DeVito
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
RB TreVeyon Henderson
RB Terrell Jennings
RB Lan Larison
FB Reggie Gilliam
FB/TE Jack Westover
FB Brock Lampe
WR Romeo Doubs
WR Mack Hollins
WR DeMario Douglas
WR Kyle Williams
WR Efton Chism III
TE Hunter Henry
TE Julian Hill
TE Marshall Lang
TE C.J. Dippre
OT Will Campbell
OT Morgan Moses
OT James Hudson III
OT Marcus Bryant
OT Lorenz Metz
G Alijah Vera-Tucker
C Jared Wilson
OL Ben Brown
OL Caedan Wallace
OL Andrew Rupcich
OL Mehki Butler
DT Milton Williams
DT Christian Barmore
DT Cory Durden
DT Joshua Farmer
DT Eric Gregory
DT Leonard Taylor III
DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
ED Harold Landry III
ED Dre’Mont Jones
ED Elijah Ponder
ED Bradyn Swinson
ED Jesse Luketa
LB Robert Spillane
LB Christian Elliss
LB K.J. Britt
LB Chad Muma
LB Otis Reese
LB Amari Gainer
CB Christian Gonzalez
CB Charles Woods
CB Kindle Vildor
CB Marcellas Dial Jr.
CB Kobee Minor
CB Brandon Crossley
S Kevin Byard
S Craig Woodson
S Dell Pettus
S Brenden Schooler
S Mike Brown
K Andy Borregales
P Bryce Baringer
LS Julian Ashby
LS Niko Lalos
Not among the players spotted is wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who is the subject of trade rumors for a second straight offseason. Boutte shared a photo on social media on Monday of him supposedly being on a beach in Miami.
The initial phase of offseason workouts runs for two weeks and is being led by Patriots director of sports performance Frank Piraino as well as strength and conditioning coaches Deron Mayo, Brandon Martuccio and Brian McDonough. The focus at this point in the process lies exclusively on strength and conditioning work.
After Phase 1 is over, the Patriots will gradually build up toward their mandatory minicamp, which will conclude their offseason program in mid-June. The team announced its full offseason workout schedule earlier this month.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: DB Daylen Everette #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs signals during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Georgia Bulldogs on Thursday January 1, 2026 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 10 days away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five. Cornerback is not expected to be a major need as New England returns their top starters, but they could look to add late-round depth even though Eliot Wolf noted the secondary is not a strength of this class.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might make sense for the Patriots at the position.
Patriots’ current cornerback situation
Christian Gonzalez remains without a long-term extension as of today, but the star 24-year-old corner is still under contract and will be leading the Patriots secondary next season. Gonzalez will team back up with Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones, a talented trio who New England leaned on in their run to the Super Bowl.
The depth behind the top three remains a larger question. After being claimed on waivers after roster cutdown day last summer, Charles Woods worked his way into the rotation as the third boundary cornerback and a key special teamer. Woods held his own when called upon for injury relief and currently projects as the team’s fourth cornerback
Mr. Irrelevant Kobee Minor and 2024 sixth-round pick Marcellas Dial Jr., who missed all of last year with a torn ACL, will factor into the depth equation, while the Patriots signed Kindle Vildor in free agency. Brandon Crossley also remains on the roster and being on-and-off the practice squad in his rookie year.
Patriots NFL Draft fits at cornerback
Daylen Everette (Georgia): A former five-star recruit and three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Everette has the size and speed teams look for in a perimeter cornerback. He needs to play up to his 4.38 speed more and cut down on coverage busts, but Everette can provide immediate depth as a rookie with potential for more. | Consensus ranking: 108
Charles Demmings (Stephen F. Austin): An impressive boundary cornerback at SFA, “Chuck” Demmings was extremely productive over the four years he started recording 35 pass breakups and nine interceptions — while proving to be a top competitor which shows with his physicality. He pairs his strong tape with the height, length, and athletic profile to make him an developmental corner worth betting on. | Consensus ranking: 157
T.J. Hall (Iowa): Hall proved to be a physical cornerback for the Hawkeyes especially coming downhill in the run game and as a tackler. His best work is done in zone coverage as he can be beaten downfield in man which leads to him then getting grabby at times. | Consensus ranking: 170
Thaddeus Dixon (UNC): A physical, outside cornerback coached by Bill Belichick last season (and Steve Belichick at Washington the year prior), Dixon can stick in man coverage and recorded 24 pass breakups over the last three seasons. He only managed two interceptions and will need to improve his tackling, while he also missed half of last season with an injury — but was impressive at the Senior Bowl. | Consensus ranking: 199
Devon Marshall (NC State): Growing up in Massachusetts and attending Catholic Memorial, Marshall was present for the Patriots Local Pro Day this offseason. While he is on the smaller side for an outside cornerback and is an average athlete, Marshall still led the FBS in pass breakups last season and proved reliable in coverage and in run support. | Consensus ranking: 216
Andre Fuller (Toledo): After Quinyon Mitchell was a first-round pick in 2024, the Rockets are now set to see safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and cornerback Avery Smith, and Fuller reach the NFL. While Smith played the inside role, Fuller was a physical boundary cornerback who proved the ability to hold up in man/match coverages. He’ll be a 24-year-old as a sixth-year senior but has enticing tools and truly played cornerback for just one season after starting as a safety. | Consensus ranking: 226
If the Patriots do dip into the cornerback market earlier than expected, Keith Abney II (Arizona State), Devin Moore (Florida), and Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State) are candidates. Other depth options include Jadon Canady (Oregon), Tacario Davis (Washington), Ephesians Prysock (Washington), and Karon Prunty (Wake Forest).
