🎥 Clutch plays that swung Thu's close games

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.

Middleton helps Bucks edge Celtics to extend win streak

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.

Highlights & top performers from Thursday's action

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.

NBA League Pass: Must-watch games this week

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.

Highlights & top performers from Tuesday's action

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.

Highlights & top performers from Monday's action

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.

Brown buries career-high 10 3s as Celtics snap losing run

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.

Highlights, updates from Saturday's action

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.

Highlights & top performers from Thursday's action

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.

Highlights & top performers from Wednesday's action

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.

Gobert continues dominant post All-Star form

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.

On This Date: Irving (2015) & Bird (1985) record career-highs

Two historic all-time scorers recorded their career-highs on March 12th. We take a lookback at those performances.

Highlights, top performers from Friday's action

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's career-best shooting season continues

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.

Six questions that will shape the trade deadline

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.

Brown has become a voice of the next generation

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.

Potential buyout destinations for Griffin

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.

Friday's live scores

It's a busy night around the NBA with nine games on the slate on the final day prior to the All-Star break.

Final scores & top performers from Wednesday's action

There were six NBA games on Wednesday. Scroll below for the final scores, stats and highlights from each contest.

Walker shines as C's continue to build momentum

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.

League Pass All-Star matchups take centre stage this week

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.

Clutch Tatum spoils Beal's 46-pt game in Boston

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.

Saturday's scores and highlights

The Lakers got back on track, Boston held off Indiana and the Utah Jazz lost for just the seventh time this season.

Sabonis named as Durant's All-Star replacement, Tatum to start

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.

Scores, highlights from Thursday action

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.

Scores, highlights from Wednesday's action

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.

Highlights & top performers from Monday's 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.

Zion, Ingram lead Pels to historic comeback

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.

BHM: Bill Russell's impact as a Civil Rights icon

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.

Highlights and top performers from Saturday's action

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.

Russell's coaching success has paved the way for others

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.

Highlights & top performers from Thu's action

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.

All-Star Moment: Young takes over late in Boston

'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.

Running diary from Wednesday's action

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.

Running diary of Monday's action

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.

Optimal viewing plan for Monday's action

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.

Running diary from Saturday's 11-game slate

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.

Running diary from Friday's five-game slate

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!.

Sharp-shooting Celtics snap two-game skid

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.

Ingels stars as Jazz tie best 25-game start in franchise history

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.

Running diary from Wednesday's action

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.

Did the Jazz take the top spot from the Lakers?

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?

Live updates from Monday's action

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.

Running diary from Saturday's action

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.

All-Star Matchup: Kawhi-PG or Tatum-Brown?

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.

Running diary from Thursday's action

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.

Running diary from Wednesday's action

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.

Celtics' Smart (calf) to miss 2-3 weeks

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.

Running Diary from Sunday's action

The NBA season continued on Sunday with eight games. Scroll below for final scores, stats and highlights from each contest.

LBJ rises on all-time list as Lakers beat Celtics

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.

Next chapter of Lakers-Celtics rivalry is being written

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.

Who could earn first All-Star nod in 2021?

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.

Running Diary from Thursday's action

The NBA season continued on Thursday with 12 games to look forward to! Scroll below for final scores, stats, and highlights from each game.

Optimal viewing plan for Thursday's 12-game slate

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.

Clippers, Jazz climbing fast riding win streaks

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?

Optimal viewing plan for Tuesday's 10-game slate

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.

Running diary from Monday's action

There were seven games of NBA action on Monday. We have you covered with final scores, highlights and more.

Brown makes NBA history vs. Cavaliers

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.

Running diary of Saturday's action

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.

Rookie Ladder: Did LaMelo take the top spot?

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?

Buy or Sell: Which fantasy players should you move?

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?

Running Diary from Monday's action

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.

Kemba to make season debut vs. Knicks

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.

Running diary from Saturday's actions

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.

Running diary from Thursday's 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.

Rookie Ladder: Top 5 rookies to watch

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?

NBA postpones Thursday's Celtics-Magic game

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.

Celtics, Suns climbing the rankings

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!

Pelicans-Mavs, Celtics-Bulls games postponed

The NBA and NBPA will be meeting today about modifying the league’s Health and Safety Protocols.

Running diary from Monday's action

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!

NBA postpones Monday's Heat-Celtics game

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.

Saturday's highlights

10 games on a Saturday produced no shortage of highlights, with the Lakers scraping home and Steph Curry cooking the Clippers.

Kemba cleared for practice

Kemba Walker's return continues to inch closer with the team announcing he has been medically cleared to practice with the team.

The Verdict: Who's better Tatum or Butler?

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.

Running Diary from Thursday's action

There were 11 NBA games on Thursday! Scroll down for final scores, stats and highlights from each contest.

Optimal viewing plan for 11-game slate

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.

Running diary from Tuesday's games

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.

Struggles continue for Raptors in loss to Celtics

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.

Running diary from Monday's eight games

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.

Hall of Famer Paul Westphal dies at 70

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.

Highlights from Saturday's star studded lineup

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.

Running diary from Thursday's games

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.

Brown showing superstar potential for Celtics

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.

Running diary from Wednesday's games

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.

Optimal viewing plan for Wednesday's games

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.

Power Rankings: Did the Nets pass the Lakers?

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.

Scores & highlights from Monday's 10-game slate

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.

Best of new uniforms, sneakers on Christmas Day

Seven of the 10 teams in action on Christmas Day debuted new uniforms while countless players pulled out noteworthy sneakers for the occasion.

Recapping the Christmas Day action

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.

KD and Kyrie dominate Celtics

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.

Celtics legend K.C. Jones dies at 88

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.

Irving's return to Boston brings new energy

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.

Tatum learning from KD is the next step

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.

Recap of Thursday's 12-game slate

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.

Tatum game-winner denies Bucks big comeback win

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.

One matchup to watch in each Christmas Day game

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.

Optimal viewing plan for Thursday's 13-game slate

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.

Who enters the season in the top-10?

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.

Must watch League Pass games

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.

Biggest storylines from Day 8 of preseason

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.

Biggest storylines from Day 5 of preseason

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.

Who says no? Debating Harden trade packages

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.

The importance of roster depth in an unprecedented year

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.

Can't-miss rookie matchups in first half

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.

Which Christmas Day game are you looking forward to?

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?

Christmas Day schedule released

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.

Full 2020 NBA Christmas schedule: Start times, matchups & more

There are five reported matchups on tap for Christmas Day.

Kemba (knee) to miss start of season

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.

Have the Lakers retained the No. 1 spot?

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?

Report: Evan Turner to join Celtics coaching staff

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.

On This Date: Rondo's epic assists streak ends

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.

Best under-the-radar free agency moves

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.

Tristan Thompson is Boston's missing piece

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.

Are the Celtics title contenders?

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?

Report: Tatum agrees to max extension with Celtics

Tatum becomes the third member of the 2017 NBA Draft class to agree to a max extension, joining De'Aaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell.

Report: Thompson signs with Celtics

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.

Report: Hayward signs four-year deal with Hornets

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.

Where will Christian Wood land?

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?

Free agent destinations for Gasol

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 Heinsohn passes away

Celtics legend Tom Heinsohn was involved with all 17 of Boston's NBA titles as a player, coach or commentator.

Most interesting teams on draft night

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.

Free agent destinations for Rondo

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.

Ranking the best coaches in the NBA

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.

Has Rondo solidified HOF case?

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.

Are the Lakers or Celtics the greatest franchise ever?

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.

The numbers behind Herro's big night

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

Rondo could make unique history in Finals

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.

Kentucky blue runs deep in NBA Playoffs

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.

Postgame 🎙️: Walker, Celtics reflect back on season

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.

Butler: Bam's 'going to be the reason that we win a championship'

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.

What's next for the Celtics?

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.

Bam's late-game takeover carries Miami to NBA Finals

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.

Running diary of Heat's Game 6 win as they advance to NBA Finals

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.

Discussing LA's potential Finals matchups

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.

Can the Celtics force a Game 7?

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?

Brown-Tatum tandem closes out Game 5

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.

Who is more likely to make 3-1 comeback?

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?

Celtics gutsy second half forces a Game 6

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.

Running diary from Celtics must-win Game 5 victory

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.

What to watch in Game 5 of ECF

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?

Brown after Game 4 loss: 'We came out a little bit flat'

"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."

Heat ride rookie Herro's historic Game 4 for win

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.

Running diary of Heat's thrilling Game 4 win

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.

Soundsystem Live: How Denver wins a must-win Game 3

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 adjustment that brought Celtics back in ECF

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?

What to watch for in Celtics-Heat 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?

Butler: Playing from behind 'gets old'

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.

Tatum and Brown explode in crucial Game 3 win

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.

Hayward's return draws high praise

"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."

Running diary from Celtics Game 3 win over Heat

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.

Celtics need Hayward now more than ever

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.

What to watch in Game 3 of ECF

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?

Miami's zone defence is Boston's kryptonite

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 redefinition of the centre position

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.

Heat's zone defence stifles C's in Game 2

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.

Celtics left 'frustrated' after Game 2 loss

The Boston Celtics committed 20 turnovers in Game 2, which proved costly as they let a 17-point lead slip against the Miami Heat.

Heat lock in on defence to grind out Game 2 win

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.

Running diary of Heat's thrilling Game 2 win

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.

How the Heat shutdown Kemba in Game 1

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 to watch in Game 2 of ECF

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.

Teams to come back from 3-1 series deficit

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.

NBA world reacts to 'block of the year'

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.

Game 1 of Celtics-Heat lived up to the hype

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.

Soundsystem Live: Are the Clippers in trouble? Plus Heat-Celtics predictions

NBA.com's Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty get you up to speed with the latest around the NBA on NBA Soundsystem.

Series Preview: Can Miami keep it going against Boston?

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.

Ranking the best players in the ECF

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.

Tatum calls Smart 'the best defender in the league'

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.'

Kemba on Tatum: 'He’s a superstar'

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.

Lowry shares his advice to Siakam

"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."

Nine observations from nail-biting Game 7

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.

Raptors-Celtics Game 7 betting odds

The Celtics have opened as slim favourites to beat the Raptors in Game 7.

Three things to watch 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.

Game 7 fast facts for Raptors-Celtics

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.

Raptors force Game 7 in instant classic

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.

NBA players react to 'best game of the bubble'

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.

Soundsystem: Bucks, Raps on the ropes, can they make a comeback?

NBA.com's Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty break down the latest topics in the NBA bubble on the LIVE edition of NBA Soundsystem.

Hayward (ankle) returns to bubble

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.

Celtics dominate Raptors in lopsided Game 5

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.

Three things to watch in Game 5

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?

Tatum: 'They played harder than we did'

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 sets the tone as Raps even series

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.

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Brown: 'We shouldn't have lost that game'

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.

Anunoby's incredible buzzer-beater steals Game 3

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.

NBA players react to Anunoby's game-winner

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.

The key to Tatum becoming a superstar

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 takes over in impressive Game 2 victory

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.

Former Georgetown coach John Thompson dies at 78

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.

Celtics earn wire-to-wire Game 1 victory over Raps

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.

Previewing Monday's games

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.

Preview: Is Boston Toronto's kryptonite?

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.

How NBA legends laid groundwork for social activism

"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.

NBA, NBPA confirm playoff return

The League and the Players Association have release a joint statement on the return to play.

NBA statement regarding NBA playoff games

NBA Executive Vice President Mike Bass has issued a statement regarding the NBA playoff games.

NBA playoff games postponed

The NBA has officially postponed Thursday's playoff games.

Ranking best players in Raptors-Celtics series

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.

Four stats that could determine Raptors-Celtics outcome

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.

Previewing Thursday's playoff action

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.

NBA Soundsystem Live: Can the C's top the Raptors?

NBA.com's Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty recap the first week of the playoffs and preview what's ahead in the second round.

Gordon Hayward leaves Orlando bubble

The team announced Sunday that Hayward would return home while recovering from his ankle injury and return to Orlando when he is nearing a return to action.