A massive ten game slate filled the schedule on Saturday, with a number of new faces suiting up for teams as the dust settles on the trade deadline.
NBA.com Staff
The trade deadline for the 2020-21 NBA has come and gone. We've got you covered with the details of each deal as well as instant analysis on what it means for all teams involved.
Gilbert McGregor
In a packed slate of 11 games on Thursday, only four were decided in single digits and each one of them came down to one critical play in the clutch.
Yash Matange
If Daniel Theis' potential game-winning shot would have gone in, it would have snapped the Bucks' eight-game winning streak and helped the Celtics get a statement win, which would have surely lifted their spirits given their recent form and their deficit in this game.
We had 11 games on deck and 22 teams in action on a busy day in the NBA. We've got you covered below with final scores, news, stats and highlights, as well as the top fantasy performers from the games.
In the shorter 2020-21 season, the jam-packed second half schedule means more superstar head-to-head contests to circle on your calendar. Here's a quick scan through the must-see games for the upcoming week.
There was no shortage of standout performances on a busy Tuesday in the NBA. Catch up on all the scores, news, stats, highlights and top fantasy performers from each game.
The NBA season continued Monday, with a busy 10-game slate. We've got you covered with final scores, stats, highlights and top fantasy performers with 20 teams in action.
Jaylen Brown had the hot hand for the Celtics scoring 34 points on 10-of-18 from the 3-point line to lead the Celtics to a 112-96 win over the Magic.
Benyam Kidane
The NBA season continues with a busy slate of 10 games. With 20 teams in action, there will be plenty to follow. We've got you covered below with score updates, news, stats, highlights and the top fantasy performers from each contest.
It was a busy Thursday in the NBA, with 10 games on deck! We've got you covered with all the scores, stats and highlights from each game below.
Wednesday's seven-game slate served up plenty of superstar performances and we've got you covered with all the final scores, stats and highlights from each game below.
Rudy Gobert turned in a dominant performance on both ends against the Boston Celtics, controlling the fourth quarter to lead them to a 117-109 win.
Two historic all-time scorers recorded their career-highs on March 12th. We take a lookback at those performances.
The second half of the 2020-21 NBA season was underway and tonight was the first full slate of games since the break. Headlined by Nets-Celtics, there was plenty of enticing matchups ahead.
Irving maintained his remarkable career-highs in shooting efficiencies as he went off for a 40-piece against his former team, including scoring eight of the Nets' final 11 points - as part of their 13-3 game-sealing run.
The trade deadline is fast approaching! The last day teams will be able to make trades this NBA season is Tuesday, March 25. Which contender needs P.J. Tucker the most? Where will Andre Drummond end up? And will the Celtics use their trade exception? Here are six questions that will shape this season's trade deadline.
Scott Rafferty
Not only is Jaylen Brown a first-time All-Star in 2021 but he is also one of the league's most interesting men with a powerful voice. Leading into the game, the Atlanta native shared that everything he does with his platform is to make the world a better place for the future.
Six-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin has reached a buyout agreement with the Pistons. Teams will have the chance to claim Griffin off waivers before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on Sunday, March 7.
Kyle Irving
It's a busy night around the NBA with nine games on the slate on the final day prior to the All-Star break.
There were six NBA games on Wednesday. Scroll below for the final scores, stats and highlights from each contest.
Six Celtics finished in double figures led by Kemba Walker's 25 points - his fourth straight 20-point game and seventh in his last nine. More importantly, for the first time in over six weeks, the Celtics won three in a row.
Can't control your anticipation for this year's All-Star Game? You're in luck, as these upcoming four days alone have 13 games in which two or more All-Stars will face off head-to-head.
The league's leading-scorer put on a clinic yet again but Jayson Tatum's late-game heroics, where he scored the team's final eight points including the game-winner, helped the Celtics record back-to-back wins for the first time since Jan. 25.
The Lakers got back on track, Boston held off Indiana and the Utah Jazz lost for just the seventh time this season.
Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis is set to make his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has named him as the replacement for Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant. Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will replace Durant in the pool of starting players.
There were nine games of NBA action on this Thursday, headlined by a clash between surging Eastern Conference opponents in the Raptors and Heat, a heavyweight battle out west between the Lakers and Jazz and much more.
The NBA season continued with nine games and 18 teams in action. Scroll below for final scores, highlights, news and the top fantasy performers from the action.
It was a busy Monday in the NBA and we've got you covered with all the final scores, stats, news, highlights and top fantasy performers from each game.
The young star duo of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson took over after half-time to spark the Pelicans to their largest comeback in franchise history, beating the Celtics 120-115 in overtime.
While his dominance on the court is unmatched in NBA history, Bill Russell's impact off the floor has been felt for generations as he continually fought for racial justice in America throughout his playing career. To this day, he remains a Civil Rights icon.
It was a busy Saturday in the NBA. We've got you covered with all the final scores, stats, news, highlights and top fantasy performers from each game.
A Black History Month spotlight: Having won two titles in three seasons as player-coach of the Boston Celtics, Bill Russell was a key figure in the first wave of extremely successful Black coaches in the NBA, who have paved the way for over 70 Black coaches to grace the sidelines over the past 55 years.
We had 10 games on deck around the Association on Thursday! Scroll below for all the final scores, stats, news, and highlights from each game below.
'Ice' Trae snapped the Hawks' four-game losing streak by scoring 16 of the team's final 25, helping them defeat the Celtics 122-114 in Boston.
We had six games on deck around the Association on Wednesday! Catch up on all the scores, stats, news, and highlights from each contest below.
Feel the love with a full 10-game slate of NBA action on Monday, as some of the league's hottest teams and biggest names are in action. Follow along for live updates throughout the day.
Monday's NBA action includes an exciting set of 10 games. Here's the full schedule, biggest storylines and optimal viewing plan to get you ready for the star-studded action.
Saturday's 11-game slate did not disappoint with a handful of monster performances like 40-point outings from Luka Doncic, Terry Rozier and Nikola Vucevic and 30-point outings from Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis.
Big performances from Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Carmelo Anthony headlined Friday's five-game slate. Catch up on all the scores, stats, highlights and top fantasy performers of the day below!.
The Celtics knocked down a season-high 20 three-pointers to secure a 120-106 win over the Raptors, led by a career-high 24 points from Semi Ojeleye.
Behind 36 points from Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz defeat the Celtics to improve their league-best record to 20-5 and tie their best 25-game start in franchise history.
Big performances from Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry and Donovan Mitchell headlined Wednesday's seven-game slate. Catch up on all the scores, stats, news, highlights and top fantasy performers from the day below.
The Jazz own the best record in the NBA after winning 15 of their last 16 games, but was it enough to take the top spot from the defending champion Lakers? Which teams made the biggest leap in this week's rankings and who is the new team that entered the top 10 for the first time this season?
It's a super day in the NBA with five games on the docket. From Charlotte to Los Angeles, we've got you covered with live score updates, news, stats and highlights from throughout the day.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to a huge comeback over the Clippers, headlining an action packed nine-game slate. Catch all the scores, news and highlights below.
The Clippers host the Celtics on Saturday in a marquee matchup between potential All-Stars as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George go head-to-head with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Both of their meetings needed overtime to decide an outcome last season and with all four players elevating their game to another level this season, you won't want to miss this one.
Standout performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan and Zion Williamson headlined Thursday's 10-game slate. We've got you covered below with all the final scores, stats, highlights and best fantasy performers of the day.
Standout performances from Fred VanVleet, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Domantas Sabonis headlined Wednesday's six-game slate. We've got you covered below with all the final scores, stats, highlights and best fantasy performers of the night.
After Smart went down early in the fourth quarter of Boston's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Celtics announced that the perennial All-Defensive Team candidate will be sidelined for the next two to three weeks.
The NBA season continued on Sunday with eight games. Scroll below for final scores, stats and highlights from each contest.
The Lakers outscored the Celtics 25-17 in the final quarter but needed a couple of misses in the final seconds from Kemba Walker and Daniel Theis respectively to escape Beantown with the victory.
Back in 2012, when 14-year-old Jayson Tatum tweeted at LeBron James for a follow back, the teenager could have never known what this matchup would become. Dunking on his idol in the Eastern Conference Finals six years later set the stage for future showdowns, but when LeBron elected to sign with the Lakers following that season, it started the next chapter in the historic Celtics-Lakers rivalry.
While it's still to be determined if there will be an All-Star Weekend in 2021, that doesn't change the voting process for who makes the All-Star team. As voting kicks off on Jan. 29, we look at a handful of young studs who have taken their gaven to another level this season, headlined by Jaylen Brown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Julius Randle who have made a strong claim for their first-ever bid.
The NBA season continued on Thursday with 12 games to look forward to! Scroll below for final scores, stats, and highlights from each game.
Thursday is an action-packed exciting slate for NBA basketball fans and League Pass owners with 12 games. All but six teams take the floor as long win streaks go on the line, road trips continue, and most of all - superstars suit up in nearly every game on the schedule.
Five weeks into the 2020-21 NBA season, we're beginning to see which teams are real and which teams are not. As our weekly Power Rankings begin to develop some consistency, there has still been plenty of movement among the top 10. How far did the Clippers and Jazz rise? How far did the Nets and Suns fall?
Tuesday is an action-packed exciting slate for NBA basketball fans and League Pass owners with 10 games. It includes the Cavaliers hosting their hometown hero LeBron James in a Lakers uniform, two international superstars dueling as the Mavericks host the Nuggets and the yet another strong test for the Nets' Big 3 against the Heat. Here we have you covered with the optimal viewing plan on how to navigate your television to catch it all.
There were seven games of NBA action on Monday. We have you covered with final scores, highlights and more.
The 24-year-old is averaging career-highs in nearly every stat and efficiency category this season. His most recent performance, at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers, caught the eye of NBA legend Bill Russell.
It was a packed slate with 11 games of NBA action on this Saturday. We have you covered with final scores, news updates and more from each contest.
Welcome back to our 2020-21 NBA Rookie Ladder! Every other Friday, we will provide you with updated rankings to track which first-year players are leading the Rookie of the Year race. After previously coming in at No. 2, did LaMelo Ball take over the top spot? Which rookies fell out of the top-five and which rookies jumped into the top-five?
One month into the 2020-21 NBA season, you're probably beginning to identify which players to keep or part ways with on your fantasy roster. As the trade market heats up, should you buy or sell players like Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker and Julius Randle?
The 2020-21 NBA season continued with another six-game slate on Monday. We've got you covered below with final scores, news, stats and highlights from throughout the day.
After missing the first 11 games of the season while rehabbing his left knee, the four-time All-Star is set to debut as Boston hosts New York at TD Garden.
The red-hot LA Clippers scorch the nets, OKC outlast Chicago in OT and a monster from Andre Drummond night carries the Cavs on a big day of NBA action.
With seven games on Thursday, there was no shortage of stars in action, headlined by big performances from Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokoumpo and Damian Lillard.
Welcome to our 2020-21 NBA Rookie Ladder, where we will provide you with updated rankings to track which first-year players are leading the Rookie of the Year race. Did LaMelo Ball take the top spot? Did No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards crack the top five? Who is the surprise rookie rising up the ladder?
Because of testing and contact tracing within the Celtics, the team does not have the league-required eight available players to proceed with tomorrow’s game against Orlando.
Official Release
Just three weeks into the NBA season, there has already been a ton of movement in our weekly NBA Power Rankings. Teams like the Celtics and Suns have made their way into the top five while both the Warriors and Mavericks re-enter the top 10. Take a look and see where your favourite team landed this week!
The NBA and NBPA will be meeting today about modifying the league’s Health and Safety Protocols.
Monday's eight-game schedule had plenty of big performances across the NBA. We've got you covered below with all the scores, news, stats, highlights and top fantasy performers from the day!
Because of ongoing contact tracing with the Heat, the team does not have the league-required eight available players to proceed with tonight’s game against the Celtics.
10 games on a Saturday produced no shortage of highlights, with the Lakers scraping home and Steph Curry cooking the Clippers.
Kemba Walker's return continues to inch closer with the team announcing he has been medically cleared to practice with the team.
Kane Pitman
The last time the Heat and Celtics met, Miami knocked off Boston in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Set to face off twice this week, two members of our NBA.com staff discuss which star player they'd rather have this season: Jayson Tatum or Jimmy Butler.
There were 11 NBA games on Thursday! Scroll down for final scores, stats and highlights from each contest.
Thursday is a dream slate for NBA basketball fans and League Pass owners with 11 games of action. With plenty of good matchups headlined by Pacers-Rockets, 76ers-Wizards, Heat-Celtics, Suns-Raptors and Warriors-Clippers, many of the league's best players and teams will take the floor and you won't want to miss a second of it. Here we have you covered with the optimal viewing plan on how to navigate your television to catch it all.
The 2020-21 NBA season continued with an action-packed nine-game slate this Tuesday. Two surprise teams in the East went head-to-head in Cavaliers-Magic, the Raptors and Celtics competed in a playoff rematch and Luka Doncic broke multiple records in a win vs. Rockets, and Stephen Curry sparks the Warriors to a big win.
With the loss, the Raptors fall to 1-5 on the season, tying them with the Detroit Pistons for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. A four-game Western Conference road trip awaits the Raptors.
The 2020-21 NBA season rolled on with an eight-game slate. From the first game in Detroit to the final game of the schedule in San Francisco, we've got you covered with final scores, news, stats, highlights and the day's top fantasy performers below.
Westphal, who won an NBA title as a player in 1974, spent 12 years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Seattle SuperSonics. He would spend over a dozen years coaching the NBA, leading the Suns to the Finals in 1993. Westphal was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
It was an All-Star cast for Saturday's ten game slate, with dominant performances from LeBron, Giannis and Luka leading the way on an action packed night around the league.
We had six games on deck on an entertaining Thursday in the NBA. We've got you covered with all the scores, stats, news, highlights and the best fantasy performers of the night.
Last season Jayson Tatum took the leap, earning his first All-Star berth and 2020-21 is quickly shaping up as Jaylen Brown's coming out party, following his career-night against the Memphis Grizzlies.
We had 10 games on deck for a busy Wednesday in the NBA. We've got you covered with all the scores, stats, news, highlights and the best fantasy performers of the night.
There are 10 games to look forward to on Wednesday, including a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Semifinals and a matchup between two of the league's up-and-coming teams. Here's the optimal viewing plan for what should be another fun slate of games.
One week into the 2020-21 NBA season and we've already seen plenty of movement in our weekly Power Rankings. With a couple surprise undefeated and winless teams and a dominant showing from top dogs like the Nets and Clippers, this week's rankings already look completely different than the week prior.
Quite a few upsets and plenty of highlights from the 10 games on Monday. We've got you covered below with scores, news, highlights, and the best fantasy performers of the day.
Seven of the 10 teams in action on Christmas Day debuted new uniforms while countless players pulled out noteworthy sneakers for the occasion.
Once again, the NBA had a loaded Christmas Day slate, with five games to fill out the day. Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Khris Middleton starred in an action packed day of holiday hoops.
The Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving pairing continued it's hot start on Christmas Day, as the Brooklyn Nets ran away from the Boston Celtics in the second half on the back of their two superstars.
Jones, who was drafted by the Celtics in 1956, won eight titles with the franchise as a player, one as an assistant coach in 1981 and led the team to two NBA titles as head coach in 1984 and 1986.
It had been over a year since Kyrie Irving's departure from the Celtics when the Nets traveled to Boston for a preseason contest. It was Irving's first time back in the city he left behind, where the fan base has yet to forget how their partnership with the All-Star guard turned out. With no fans in the stands to jeer his return to the TD Garden, Irving had a peaceful pregame ritual attempting to overturn any remaining bad energy in the arena. When these teams meet in Boston again on Christmas Day, appreciate that new energy as a sign of what was best for the future for both Irving and the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum told reporters in the offseason that he studied Kevin Durant when he was with the Golden State Warriors to learn how to become a better off-ball scorer. That's a scary sign for the rest of the league. Here's why.
With 12 games and 24 teams taking the floor, there was no shortage of blockbuster performances on Thursday! On a night full of action, we've got you covered below with scores, news, highlights as well as the best fantasy performers.
Even after Tatum's clutch shot, the Greek Freak had a chance to extend the game to overtime but failed to knock his second free-throw, giving the Celtics a 122-121 win.
Another year, another loaded Christmas Day slate full of superstars and superteams. Can Bam Adebayo keep Zion Williamson out of the paint? Will Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum get into a shootout? Will Luka Doncic and LeBron James battle in another classic? How will Steph Curry and the Warriors bounce back from an ugly opening night? Here's what to watch in each game.
The NBA is back! Following an entertaining Opening Night, the action continues with 13 games on Thursday. Here are the biggest storylines and the optimal viewing plan for the first loaded slate of the 2020-21 season.
The 2020-21 NBA season is upon us! After a whirlwind of an offseason that saw the draft, free agency, training camp and preseason go by in the blink of an eye, it's time for NBA basketball again. Which teams have best positioned themselves to make a run at a title? Which teams regressed since we last saw them take the floor? Check out our NBA Power Rankings heading into the new season.
It might be a little later than usual but NBA opening week is going to produce a bumper slate of games. Let's take a look at which matchups are must watch on League Pass.
The stars were out on the second last night of preseason action, with a former MVP sending an ominous warning to the rest of the league.
Just three preseason games were slated for Wednesday but there was plenty of action with the Philadelphia 76ers beginning their preseason with a win, James Harden returning to the Rockets line-up and more. We've got you covered with all the action from Day 5 of preseason.
NBA.com's Scott Rafferty presents six different trade packages for James Harden to Kyle Irving and Carlan Gay to get their opinion on whether or not it makes sense for both sides.
In a season supported by necessary health and safety protocols, teams are going to face obstacles they've never experienced before. Only the teams with quality depth who can adapt to everything this season throws as them will thrive under these unique circumstances.
Matthew Blum
Since the rookies didn't get to experience Summer League with the quick turnaround between the NBA Draft and the start of the 2020-21 regular season, we'll have to use meaningful games to spotlight the prospects' first matchups. Take a look at some can't-miss matchups to look forward to in the first half of the season.
The best part about the quick turnaround of the 2020-21 NBA season is that we still get NBA Christmas Day games. The regular season's biggest stage is set with five high-quality matchups and plenty of stars on display. Which game are you most looking forward to?
There are five games slated for Christmas Day, headlined by Nets guard Kyrie Irving's return to Boston and a showdown between Lakers forward LeBron James and Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.
There are five reported matchups on tap for Christmas Day.
Dan Bernstein
Walker, 30, missed time due to the injury last season and received a stem-cell injection in early October. His unavailability will likely mean a larger role for free agent acquisition Jeff Teague as well as second-year guards Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters.
With NBA training camps opening on Dec. 2 (AEDT) and the majority of offseason moves behind us, it's time to rank the best teams in the NBA following their decisions in the draft, trade market and free agency. Which teams took the leap to get better? Who fell through the cracks and slid down since last season?
The No.2 overall pick of the 2010 Draft, Turner is set to join the Celtics as an assistant coach expected to focus on player development.
Rondo's 37-game double-digit assists streak, set in the calendar year of 2012, is tied with one by John Stockton for the second-longest in NBA history.
While the big name signings in free agency stole the headlines, we examine the best under-the-radar moves that have the potential to put their teams over the top.
The Celtics have reportedly signed Tristan Thompson to a two-year, $19 million deal, filling a void in their frontcourt rotation. Adding a physical presence with championship DNA, Thompson helps Boston take a step toward getting over the hurdle that has been the Eastern Conference Finals in three of the last four seasons.
With Jaylen Brown entering the first year of his contract extension signed last offseason and Jayson Tatum signing a max contract extension worth $195 million, the Celtics now have their star wings locked up until 2024 and 2025, respectively. Can that duo along with other key pieces like Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart and newly added Tristan Thompson make a run at a title?
Tatum becomes the third member of the 2017 NBA Draft class to agree to a max extension, joining De'Aaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell.
Veteran centre Tristan Thompson has reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics. The Toronto, Ontario native is coming off of a career-year averaging 12.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
After declining his $34 million player option with the Boston Celtics, star forward Gordon Hayward has reportedly signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
After a breakout season with the Detroit Pistons, Christian Wood looms as one of the more intriguing free agents on the market. Which teams will be looking to add the 25-year-old big man?
If Gasol chooses to leave the Raptors as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which teams make the most sense for him? There are four in particular that come to mind, plus a few wildcards.
Celtics legend Tom Heinsohn was involved with all 17 of Boston's NBA titles as a player, coach or commentator.
With the 2020 NBA Draft being one of the first steps toward the 2020-21 season, there are plenty of teams that are making their first moves toward shaping their roster for Opening Night. Which NBA franchises are the most interesting to watch on draft night? Our NBA.com staff discusses.
Rajon Rondo has a player option worth $2.69 million with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, but a report has said that he will opt out of his deal and test free agency. While that doesn't mean he won't re-sign with the Lakers on a new deal, take a look at some other options for the two-time NBA champion point guard.
Head coaching can be the difference between making or missing the playoffs, as well as winning or losing a series. Our NBA.com Staff ranks the 10 best head coaches in the league following the 2019-20 season.
Rajon Rondo became the first player to ever win a championship with the Lakers – since their move to Los Angeles in 1960 – and the Boston Celtics after playing a key role in taking home the 2020 NBA title.
In winning the 2020 NBA championship, the Lakers have now tied the Celtics for the most titles in NBA history. With 17 world championships each, there's no debating that these are the top two franchises in league history. But which one is the greatest? Our NBA staff debates.
Herro broke Dwyane Wade's franchise record for most points scored by a Heat rookie in a playoff game, putting himself alongside some of the game's greats with his 37-point performance in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics
Playing in the 2020 NBA Finals as a member of the Lakers, Rajon Rondo has the opportunity to do something that no other player in NBA history has done.
Headlined by one of the most intriguing matchups of the 2020 NBA Finals in Anthony Davis versus Bam Adebayo, the University of Kentucky was well-represented in a record-setting 2020 NBA Playoffs for Big Blue Nation.
A young Celtics squad knew they underachieved but also knew they gave it their all. After a season-ending Game 6 to the Miami Heat, they all looked back at the 2019-20 season with pride, love, and no regrets.
Bam Adebayo became the first Heat player since LeBron James (2014) to drop 30/10/5 in a playoff game, leading the franchise back to the NBA Finals with a dominant performance in Game 6.
The 2019-20 season has come to an end for the Celtics, falling just short of reaching the NBA Finals for the third time in four seasons. What's next? A Jayson Tatum contract extension, a big player option decision from Gordon Hayward and more.
With their 125-113 Game 6 win, the Miami Heat become the first team, fifth-seed or lower to make the NBA Finals since the New York Knicks in 1999.
The Miami Heat are into the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, with a 125-113 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6.
Now that the Lakers are back in the Finals for the first time in 10 years, the focus shifts to their potential opponent. Which team is the tougher matchup? Two NBA.com Staff members discuss.
The Celtics used a second-half comeback in Game 5 to extend their Eastern Conference Finals series another game. Can they pull off another win to force a Game 7? Or will the Heat learn from their mistakes to close things out and return to the NBA Finals?
The Celtics trailed by seven points heading into the half then came out of the break looking like a completely different team. Led by their young duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston completed the second-half comeback to force a Game 6.
With the Nuggets Game 4 loss to the Lakers, they find themselves in a familiar position. With both Conference Finals series now at 3-1, which team is more likely to defy the odds and complete a comeback to go to the NBA Finals?
The Celtics were down but not out, trailing by seven points heading into halftime of a must-win Game 5. When a 20-3 Boston run kicked off the third quarter to turn that deficit into an eight point lead they never looked back, riding their tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to victory to keep their season alive.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 59 points to keep their team's title hopes alive as the Celtics have forced a Game 6 behind a huge third quarter run that flipped the game completely.
The Heat hold a commanding 3-1 lead over the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Can Boston mount a comeback or will Miami close out the series to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014?
"We have to do it [the comeback]," Celtics All-Star Kemba Walker said postgame about attempting to overcome their 3-1 series deficit. "It's about pride. We can do it."
The 20-year-old stole the show, scoring 17 of his game-high 37 points in the fourth quarter. His performance helped the Heat survive a furious second-half comeback by the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum.
The Heat held off the Celtics' second-half rally to win 112-109, thanks to a monster 37-point performance off the bench from Tyler Herro.
NBA.com's Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty discuss the latest news and notes around the NBA in the lastest LIVE edition of NBA Soundsystem.
The Celtics first win of the Eastern Conference Finals all started with one defensive adjustment from head coach Brad Stevens: putting Marcus Smart on Goran Dragic. Can this one change allow Boston to even the series in Game 4?
The Celtics held off another late Heat comeback to get on the board in the Eastern Conference Finals, trailing 2-1. Can Boston pull off a second consecutive win to even the series?
The Heat were in pursuit of another double-digit comeback in their series against the Celtics but in Game 3 their late efforts came up short. Following the loss, Miami's All-Star duo Jimmy Butler of Bam Adebayo stressed that the team cannot continue to rely on coming from behind to win games.
Led by the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics maintained command throughout Game 3 to avoid falling into a 0-3 series deficit.
"We're so much better when he's out there, so much more dynamic, so much more versatile," Jayson Tatum said of Hayward after Boston's crucial win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. "To have him back is everything."
It was a must-win game for the Celtics, trying to avoid going down 3-0 in the series, and they responded. Behind a thrilling performance from their dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston is on the board in this series.
The Celtics have fallen in a 2-0 hole to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals after blowing double-digit leads in each of the first two games of the series. With the infamous 3-0 deficit looming large, Boston needs Gordon Hayward back in the lineup now more than ever.
The Heat pulled off their second consecutive double-digit comeback in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead over the Celtics. Can Boston put up a fight and come away with a win in Game 3 to avoid digging themselves into an 0-3 hole no NBA team has ever come out of?
The Celtics were in control of Game 2 until the Heat switched to their zone defence. How can a team as good as the Celtics struggle so much against a zone? Let's take a closer look at one possession from Game 2 to get an idea.
The value and talent of the centre position were at an all-time low a few seasons ago, but these playoffs have shown the value big men still have in today's game and the influence they will have on deciding this year's NBA champion.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Heat's zone defence on 25 plays in the second half allowed just five made shots and forced Boston into five turnovers.
The Boston Celtics committed 20 turnovers in Game 2, which proved costly as they let a 17-point lead slip against the Miami Heat.
Bam Adebayo sparked the comeback, then the veterans in Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic iced the win which gave the Heat a commanding 2-0 series advantage.
After trailing by as many as 17 points, the Miami Heat seized control of the game in the second half with a huge defensive effort to win Game 2, 106-101 over the Boston Celtics.
Kemba Walker's struggles from the previous round carried over into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat. Head coach Erik Spoelstra's defence threw a number of different looks at the Celtics guard and it all starts with All-Star centre Bam Adebayo.
What can we expect in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals following a thrilling Game 1? Here are three things to watch as the Celtics look to tie the series up at 1-1.
Only 13 times in NBA Playoffs history has a team overcome a 3-1 series deficit. Here's when, where and how all of those comebacks happened.
The 6'9" center's clutch swat gave the Miami Heat a 117-114 win over the Boston Celtics and 1-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo stole the show with some clutch plays in overtime, including a block on Jayson Tatum that sent Basketball Twitter into a frenzy.
NBA.com's Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty get you up to speed with the latest around the NBA on NBA Soundsystem.
Jimmy Butler or Jayson Tatum? Bam Adebayo or Jaylen Brown? Goran Dragic or Gordon Hayward? Before the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat face off, our NBA.com Staff rank the best players in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Celtics were able to hold off the fiesty Raptors and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four years. Awaiting them are the Heat, who have only lost one game this postseason, coming off of a series win against the top seeded Bucks.
Marcus Smart made an incredible, game-saving chasedown block on Norman Powell to help the Celtics pick up the Game 7 win and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals and his efforts didn't go unnoticed by his superstar teammate. 'If you're going to war in a Game 7, that's who you want on your team.'
Tatum became the second-youngest ever and the youngest since Kobe Bryant in 2000 to have at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a Game 7.
"I think this is a learning experience," Lowry said about Siakam following Toronto's Game 7 loss to Boston. "I think it's only going to make him a better basketball player, a better man, a better everything."
It was a close game to the very end but the Celtics came away with the win behind a monster performance from Jayson Tatum, who scored a game-high 29 points.
The Celtics have opened as slim favourites to beat the Raptors in Game 7.
It's win or go home. Game 7 sets the stage for each team's primetime players to continue to write their legacy by stepping forth with marquee performances when all eyes are on them. Will Kyle Lowry continue his run as the best player in this series in willing the Raptors to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals? Can Kemba Walker bounce back after a bad showing in Game 6 to make his mark felt in Celtics history with a statement Game 7? Was Toronto's small-ball lineup to close out their last win a hint of what's to come in the biggest game of the season? Get your popcorn ready.
The Raptors and Celtics are never faced-off in a Game 7 before. In fact, this is their first head-to-head playoff series ever. That said, we take a look back at how each franchise has fared in Game 7s in the past and more.
The Toronto Raptors have extended their title defence by virtue of a Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics. Kyle Lowry (33) and Norman Powell (23) combined to score 56 points to lead the way for Toronto.
The defending champions' season is still alive. The Raptors force a Game 7 after a grind-out double-overtime Game 6 win over the Celtics. Here are the best Twitter reactions from former and current NBA players.
NBA.com's Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty break down the latest topics in the NBA bubble on the LIVE edition of NBA Soundsystem.
Celtics forward Gordon Hayward returned to the Orlando bubble on Sunday night and has entered his four-day quarantine. Head coach Brad Stevens doesn't expect the former All-Star to return to play anytime soon.
In a crucial Game 5, the Celtics handled the Raptors from the opening tip to take a 3-2 lead in the series. Boston's defence suffocated Toronto into shooting 38.8% from the field, while its offence had six different players score in double figures to help decide the outcome.
The Raptors have won consecutive games to swing the momentum of this Eastern Conference Semifinals series, knotting things up at 2-2. Will the Celtics regain control and take Game 5? Or will Toronto keep their foot on the gas and win their third-straight game?
The Raptors have flipped the momentum of this Eastern Conference Semifinals series, tying things up at 2-2 following a commanding Game 4 win. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, and other members of the team, called their own effort in to question following the loss.
Lowry's aggressive first quarter set the tone for the Raptors, who also enjoyed a 23-point performance from Pascal Siakam and a bounce back night from Serge Ibaka to even the series at two games apiece.
NBA Australia
Celtics star wing Jaylen Brown was hard on himself following the team's Game 3 loss as the closest player to OG Anunoby on his last-second, game-winning shot. The Internet-breaking buzzer-beater has given the Raptors life in this series, now trailing 2-1.
It had looked like Kemba Walker was going to come away with the highlight of the game when he found centre Daniel Theis with an incredible pass to take the lead with less than a second remaining. Kyle Lowry then found OG Anunoby open in the corner on the inbounds pass, and the rest was history.
From Donovan Mitchell to Danny Green, NBA players were quick to react to OG Anunoby's buzzer-beating 3-pointer that lifted the Raptors over the Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
We all know Tatum can score, but it's been his passing that's jumped out in Boston's series against Toronto. Let's take a closer look at his most impressive assist and what it means for his development into a superstar.
Tatum was the star of Game 2, exploding for 34 points, eight rebounds and six assists. He received help from Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker, both of whom hit big-time shots for the Celtics in the fourth quarter.
Thompson, who won two championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, spent 27 seasons as the head coach of Georgetown, leading them to a National title in 1984. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
In its 18-point Game 1 win, Boston limited Toronto to just 36.9% shooting from the field while six of its players finished in double figures, led by 21 points from both Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum.
There are three games to look forward to on Sunday: Game 1 of Raptors-Celtics, followed by Game 6 of Clippers-Mavericks and Game 6 of Nuggets-Jazz.
The Raptors lost three of their four games against the Celtics in the regular season. Toronto being short-handed in a couple of those meetings had something to do with that, but Boston has proven to be a tough matchup for the defending champions.
"To play or protest?" Today's NBA players are wrestling with the same dilemma faced by two NBA legends in Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, who faced off the day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
Sergio Rabinal
The League and the Players Association have release a joint statement on the return to play.
NBA Official
NBA Executive Vice President Mike Bass has issued a statement regarding the NBA playoff games.
The NBA has officially postponed Thursday's playoff games.
Jayson Tatum or Pascal Siakam? Kyle Lowry or Jaylen Brown? Fred VanVleet or Kemba Walker? Ahead of the Raptors and Celtics facing off in the second round of the playoffs, our NBA.com Staff ranks the best players in the series.
The key to Jayson Tatum's development into a star, where the Raptors might have the edge in the series, where the Celtics might have the edge and the impact of Gordon Hayward's injury on both ends of the court.
Can the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers take care of business and wrap things up in their respective closeout games? Who will win the crucial Game 5 between the Rockets and the Thunder? We preview all games on Thursday's slate.
