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MIAMI HEAT NEWS

AD closing in on Finals MVP

For the second straight game, Anthony Davis decimated the Miami Heat defence inside and out. With the Lakers taking a commanding 2-0 lead, Davis has been the most dominant player in the series and The Finals MVP trophy is his to lose.

Kane Pitman

Player ratings for Finals Game 2

Anthony Davis stole the show for a second consecutive game in the Finals but which other players performed well in Game 2? Find out with our player ratings.

Yash Matange

Davis puts on another masterclass

Davis followed up his historic Game 1 with 32 points and 14 rebounds in Game 2. Without Bam Adebayo, the Heat had no answer for the seven-time All-Star.

Scott Rafferty

Running diary from Game 2 of the Finals

The Miami Heat were missing Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic for game 2 and the Lakers took full advantage. LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 63 points to lead the Lakers to another double-digit win.

Kane Pitman

Report: Dragic, Adebayo out for Game 2

The Heat were bit by the injury bug in Game 1 of the NBA Finals as Butler, Adebayo and Dragic all suffered various ailments. We'll keep you posted with each and every update leading into Game 2.

Kyle Irving

Heat should feature Olynyk more

Kelly Olynyk played 18 minutes in the second half of Game 1. If he gets that consistent opportunity going forward, it just might help turn the series around.

Carlan Gay

Butler, Heat ready to climb uphill challenge in Finals

Butler: 'Nobody picked us to be here. We embrace it. We love it. We're gonna win.'

Michael C. Wright

Keys to victory in Game 2 of the NBA Finals

The Lakers handled the Heat in Game 1 to come away with a decisive victory. What can Miami do differently to bounce back and even the series? What can Los Angeles do to put itself two wins away from an NBA title?

Kyle Irving

The Finals turns LeBron into a bully

If there's a mismatch, LeBron James is going to find it. Like he's done time and time again in the NBA Finals, the four-time MVP was relentless at picking on the Heat's weakest defender in Game 1. Here's how he did it and how it broke Miami's defence.

Scott Rafferty

Heat must slow down AD, but there's a bigger problem

Anthony Davis went off in Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals. The Heat have to find a way to slow him down, but they have an even bigger problem on their hands in this series.

Carlan Gay

📷: Reliving Game 1 of the first-ever bubble NBA Finals

Nearly a year since the 2019-20 season tipped-off, Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals were played between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. Take a look at some of the best photos from the series-opener.

Yash Matange

Obama headlines virtual crowd for Game 1

President Barack Obama was among many famous faces in the stands for Game 1 as part of an initiative to encourage people to vote.

NBA.com Staff

Dragic suffers torn plantar fascia in left foot

Dragic did not return for the second half of Game 2 with postgame X-rays revealing he suffered a torn plantar fascia in his left foot.

Benyam Kidane

Player ratings for Game 1

The Lakers' All-Stars dominated and led their team to a comfortable Game 1 win. Their bench delivered as well, outplaying their counterparts in what turned out to be a lopsided contest. Which players performed in best in the series-opener?

Yash Matange

Davis takes over in Finals debut to lead Lakers blowout victory

It was all Lakers in Game 1 as Anthony Davis completely dominated the Heat in his NBA Finals debut. A classic LeBron James Finals performance, strong 3-point shooting from Los Angeles' supporting cast and injuries to Miami's key starters outlines a lopsided first game.

Kyle Irving

Running Diary from Lakers Game 1 win

Anthony Davis and LeBron James combine for 59 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-98 win over the Miami Heat in Game 1.

Benyam Kidane

Fast facts on Tyler Herro

Tyler Herro is working his way into a household name after a breakout performance in the Eastern Conference Finals. Get to know the Heat's rookie guard.

Kyle Irving

How was the Heat's roster built?

In the timespan of a single season, the Heat have gone from 10th place in the East to the 2020 NBA Finals. How did this roster come to be?

Yash Matange

Tyler Herro is ready for the moment

In his first playoff campaign, Heat rookie Tyler Herro has shown he's not afraid to take and make big shots in crunch time, proving to be a valuable part of their closing lineups.

Benyam Kidane

LeBron, Lakers top merchandise sales

Based on global sales from July 30 to Sept. 28, LeBron and the Lakers have been top sellers on NBAStore.com.

NBA.com Staff

Is Herro the next Devin Booker?

Two members of our NBA.com Staff discuss ahead of Friday's matchup between the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns.

S Rafferty and M...

What will Herro's peak look like?

Heat rookie Tyler Herro captivated NBA fans across the world with his performance against Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, including a 37-point explosion in Game 4. His breakout series had our NBA staff thinking... just how great can Herro be?

NBA.com Staff

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

Benyam Kidane

Greatness awaits Erik Spoelstra

The second-longest tenured coach in the NBA has a chance to add to his legacy. He has a chance to go from good to great.

Carlan Gay

Butler, Heat a match made in heaven

It took Jimmy Butler four teams in four years to find a home, but he's four wins away from making the journey worth his while.

Carlan Gay

AD is better than Bam ... right?

Based on reputation, it may be natural to check the Lakers' box when comparing premiere big men. But not every NBA.com Global Staff member believes the battle between Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo is that cut and dry. We take a closer look at this titanic battle, and why some are giving Bam the edge.

NBA.com Staff

Four stats that loom large over Finals

A closer look at some of the key stats heading into the 2020 NBA Finals and how they could impact the series in ways that would benefit the Lakers and Heat.

Scott Rafferty

The biggest X Factors in the Finals

There will be no shortage of star power in the Finals, as the Lakers have an All-Star duo in LeBron James and Anthony Davis while the Heat have an All-Star duo of their own in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Where this series will be won, however, is in the margins. Ahead of Game 1, we break down the six biggest X-Factors in the series, from Tyler Herro to Dwight Howard.

Gilbert McGregor

Alex Caruso is ready for the spotlight

While Anthony Davis and LeBron James assume most of the headlines, Alex Caruso has emerged as a vital cog for the Los Angeles Lakers in their quest for the NBA championship. We look at Caruso's story, one of legend, from working his way up from the Lakers' G League affiliate to capturing the eye of NBA fans worldwide.

Benyam Kidane

Miami Heat: The most unexpected finalist in 35 years?

After missing the playoffs last year and going through an offseason where Jimmy Butler was the only noteworthy addition, the Miami Heat weren't considered among the top 10 favourites for the 2019-20 season. So we ask, are they the most unexpected finalist we've seen? We review the archives of the underdogs, going back to 1985.

Agustín Aboy

The overlooked rivalry of the Finals

2020 marks the sixth time that LeBron James and Andre Iguodala will meet in the postseason, and the fifth time it's happened in the NBA Finals. Ahead of the latest chapter of their longstanding rivalry, look back at how it has come to be.

Gilbert McGregor

Soundsystem Live: Predicting the NBA Finals

NBA.com's Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty discuss the 2020 NBA Finals and give their predictions on who will win the series.

NBA.com Staff

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.

Kyle Irving

Ranking the Finals best players

There's no question as to who the best player in the series is, but who is better among Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo? What about Goran Dragic, Rajon Rondo and Tyler Herro? Ahead of the Finals, our NBA.com Staff ranks the best players on the Lakers and Heat.

Scott Rafferty

NBA unveils court design for Finals

Ahead of Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals, the league has unveiled the court design that will be used throughout the series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.

NBA.com Staff

History awaits LeBron in 2020 NBA Finals

LeBron James' main objective is lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy for a fourth time, but there's plenty of records within reach that would put the 35-year-old in rare air if the Lakers win the title.

Benyam Kidane

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.

Kyle Irving

Heat, Lakers become unprecedented NBA Finals opponents

For the first time in NBA history, the NBA Finals will be played between two teams that didn't make the postseason the previous year.

NBA.com Staff

NBA Finals schedule released

The NBA Finals will tip-off Thursday October 1, with the Miami Heat taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. We've got you covered with all the dates, times and TV info for the games.

NBA.com Staff

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.

Benyam Kidane

Finals preview: Can the Heat slow down LeBron and A.D.?

With the Heat eliminating the Celtics in six games, the 2020 NBA Finals matchup is set. Awaiting Miami is the Western Conference champion Lakers and a familiar foe in superstar LeBron James.

Kyle Irving

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.

Yash Matange

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.

Benyam Kidane

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?

Kyle Irving

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.

Kyle Irving

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.

Kyle Irving

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?

NBA.com Staff

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.

Kyle Irving

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.

Kyle Irving

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?

Kyle Irving

Adebayo downplays injured left wrist

The Heat forward was getting iced plenty after the game but insisted that he's 'good' and that it was just a twist. Later, in his postgame conference with the media, he dedicated the Heat win to Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman who was killed by police officers in Louisville in March this year.

Yash Matange

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.

Yash Matange

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.

Benyam Kidane

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.

NBA.com Staff

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?

Kyle Irving

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?

Kyle Irving

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.

Kyle Irving

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.

Gilbert McGregor

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."

Gilbert McGregor

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.

Kyle Irving

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.

Kyle Irving

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?

Kane Pitman

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.

Scott Rafferty

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.

Matthew Blum

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.

Yash Matange

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.

Benyam Kidane

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.

Yash Matange

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.

Benyam Kidane

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.

Kyle Irving

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.

Scott Rafferty

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.

Yash Matange

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.

Yash Matange

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.

Scott Rafferty

NBA announces All-Rookie Teams

Rookie of the Year Ja Morant headlines the All-Rookie First Team alongside Zion Williamson, Brandon Clarke, Kendrick Nunn and Eric Paschall.

NBA.com Staff

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.

NBA.com Staff

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.

Kyle Irving

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.

Scott Rafferty

Butler: 'We want a championship'

In his ninth year as a professional, Butler reaches his first Conference Finals but he's not done yet. "We want to win ‘it. We want a championship and I think that's what we're focused on," he said postgame.

Yash Matange

Are the Heat title contenders?

As the Heat move on, we break down their outlook for the remainder of the postseason and beyond, including their chances to win a title this year and their standing as an Eastern Conference power for years to come.

G McGregor, Beny...

Giannis (ankle) out for Game 5

After re-aggravating his sprained ankle in Game 4, Antetokounpmo has been ruled out for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Bucks trail the Heat 3-1 in the series.

Gilbert McGregor

Butler on Game 4: 'We relaxed a little bit''

The Miami Heat let a golden opportunity slip in Game 4, with the Bucks grinding out a 118-115 overtime win, without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the second half.

Benyam Kidane

Middleton comes up clutch in OT thriller

After reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo exited the game due to re-aggravating his ankle injury, All-Star Khris Middleton scored 30 of his game-high 36 points in the second half of the thrilling win. Milwaukee avoids a sweep and will look to again extend its season in Game 5.

G McGregor and K...

Giannis (ankle) out for remainder of Game 4

Giannis Antetokounmpo was a game-time decision ahead of Game 4, still feeling his ankle injury from Game 3. After going through shootaround, the All-Star forward decided to give it a go, but rolled the same ankle again in the second quarter. He will not return to the game.

Kyle Irving

Giannis (ankle) active for Game 4

Antetokounmpo sprained his right ankle in Milwaukee's Game 3 loss to Miami. He was reportedly "severely limping" when he left the arena after the game, but after going through Game 4 shootaround, the reigning MVP will take the floor with his team's season on the line.

Scott Rafferty

How the Heat have shut down the Bucks

The Heat have taken a commanding 3-0 lead over a Bucks team that steamrolled their way to the best record in the league this season. Here's how they've done it.

Scott Rafferty

Heat teammate says Butler best player in series

After the Miami Heat took a 3-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks, centre Meyers Leonard had high praise for Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 27.7 points on .561/.444/.825 shooting splits in the series.

Gilbert McGregor

Milwaukee collapse as Giannis says he could "play more"

Milwaukee collapsed in the fourth quarter to fall in a 3-0 hole against Miami. The Bucks rotations continue to be a talking point as Giannis Antetokounmpo says he could "play more".

Kane Pitman

Pressing questions following Heat's stunning comeback win

The Bucks looked like they were going to get on the board in this series before the Heat came charging back in the fourth quarter. Outscoring Milwaukee 40-13 in the final frame, Miami has taken a 3-0 series lead, putting the No. 1 seeded Bucks one game away from elimination.

Kyle Irving

Butler's clutch FTs help Heat take 2-0 lead

The Miami Heat held off the Milwaukee Bucks' late rally, as Jimmy Butler's two free throws with time expired securing a 116-114 win in Game 2.

Benyam Kidane

Butler scores 40 PTS as Heat take Game 1

Jimmy Butler exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points to lead the Miami Heat to a 115-104 win in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Benyam Kidane

The unguardable duo nobody saw coming

Miami's Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson have quietly been one of the NBA's scariest duos this season thanks to one simple play. Here's how they do it — and why nobody has an answer for it.

Scott Rafferty

Previewing Tuesday's games

Playoff action continues on Tuesday as the Heat and Bucks open their highly-anticipated Conference Semifinals series and the Rockets look to close out the Thunder.

Gilbert McGregor

Preview: Are the Heat built to take the Bucks down?

During the regular season, no team played the Bucks better than the Heat. How will that translate to a seven-game series?

Gilbert McGregor

Bam, Dragic lead Heat to sweep of Pacers

The Heat led for all of the second half and grinded their way to a 99-87 victory, one that ensured them a sweep over the fourth-seed Indiana Pacers. For the Pacers, this was their fifth straight first-round exit.

Yash Matange

Butler, Heat hold off Pacers comeback

The Heat needed 20-plus point efforts from four different players to hold off a roaring comeback from Malcolm Brogdon and the Pacers. All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo stood their ground down the stretch to assure their team would take a 3-0 series lead, putting themselves one game away from the Conference Semifinals.

Kyle Irving

What's at stake in Sunday's 4 Game 3s?

The four-game slates in the 2020 postseason continue. Here's all you need to know about the Game 3s scheduled for Sunday.

Yash Matange

Complete first round playoff schedule

The NBA Playoffs begin Tuesday, August 18 with a full slate of four games. Check below for times and dates of the entire first round.

NBA.com Staff

Red-hot Robinson leads Heat to 2-0 series lead

Duncan Robinson was unstoppable on Friday, going 7-for-8 from 3-point range as the Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 2.

Carlan Gay

What's at stake in Friday's Game 2s?

We've got another four-game slate of playoff games tipping off Friday! Can the Lakers and Bucks bounce back from their opening game defeats? Meanwhile, the Pacers and Thunder look to level their first round series'. We've got you covered with a look ahead at Friday's games.

Benyam Kidane

Butler comes up clutch to lead Heat past Pacers

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 28 points as they secured a 113-101 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1.

G McGregor and B...

A brief history of the Butler-Warren rivalry

Jimmy Butler says the beef with Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren is over ahead of their first round meeting in the playoffs.

Benyam Kidane

Previewing each first round series

NBA.com is your destination for complete coverage of every series from now through the end of the NBA Finals. Below, we've got you covered with all you need to know ahead of each series in the opening round.

NBA.com Staff

Pacers vs. Heat series preview

This is Indiana's fifth straight trip to the playoffs. Can the Pacers finally break through the first round for the first time since 2014 or will the Heat play spoiler? All eyes will be on TJ Warren and Jimmy Butler, who have gone back-and-forth with each other this season.

Yash Matange

What went down in the final day of seeding games

The final day of seeding games saw eight teams, all of whom were already locked into their playoff matchups, take the floor. At the end of the day, the Raptors, Clippers, 76ers, and the Pacers walked away with wins.

NBA.com Staff

Jones Jr. leaves court on stretcher after collision

Jones Jr. ran headlong into Goga Bitadze while chasing Doug McDermott on the right wing.

NBA.com Staff

How Thursday's results impact the playoff picture

The playoff picture became clearer today, with five first-round series matchups finalised. Catch up on how the standings were impacted from Thursday's four-game slate:

NBA.com Staff

What's at stake in Thursday's games?

Eight teams will hit the courts on Thursday and there's plenty on the line as teams continue to fight for playoff positioning. Here's a rundown of the standings and everything at stake in Thursday's four-game slate.

NBA.com Staff

5 must-watch seeding games on NBA League Pass this week

With the final playoff picture beginning to take shape, there's still plenty of room for movement in the standings as the battle for seeding continues in the Orlando bubble. How will the playoff matchups unfold? Who will sneak into the West's eighth seed? Here's five games to watch on NBA League Pass this week with big playoff implications.

Benyam Kidane

How Tuesday's results impact the playoff picture

We're a week away from the opening round of NBA playoffs and there are still a few things to be sorted out in the standings. With that in mind, here's how the results from Tuesday's five-game slate impacted the standings in the Eastern and Western Conference.

NBA.com Staff

Who owns tiebreakers in the standings?

As we get closer to the conclusion of the seeding game schedule, focus will shift towards matchups as the playoff picture takes shape. This year, tiebreakers are more important than ever, as a number of teams could very well end up with identical records ahead of the playoffs. Below, find a breakdown of important tiebreakers in an ever-evolving playoff picture.

Gilbert McGregor

Power rankings: Who's No. 1?

Now that we've seen all 22 teams take the floor at least five times at the NBA restart, we're here with our final edition of NBA Power Rankings for the 2019-20 regular season. It's been difficult to gauge what to make of some seeding game results with rest and minute restrictions among other factors. With that in mind, here are the final power rankings of the regular season.

Gilbert McGregor

What's at stake in Tuesday's games?

Can the Phoenix Suns improve to 6-0 and keep their playoff hopes alive? Can the Nuggets make a run for the West's No. 2 seed? Here's a rundown of the standings and all that's at stake in Tuesday's five-game slate.

Yash Matange

How Sunday's scores impact playoff picture

10 teams took to the courts at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando with a lot to play for on Sunday. Here's how each game impacted the playoff picture.

NBA.com Staff

How Friday's results impacted the playoff picture

The NBA restart in Orlando continued with another six-game schedule. Every game counts and every game has an impact on the playoff picture. Take a look at what today's games meant for the standings.

Gilbert McGregor

What's at stake in Friday's games?

The Western Conference logjam in the middle of the pack and the race to the eighth seed are both going down to the wire, while final playoff seedings in the middle of the East are also still up in the air. There's plenty of playoff implications from Friday's six-game slate! Here's how things look ahead of the games.

Benyam Kidane

Is Bam the Giannis stopper?

According to the numbers, Adebayo has had more success guarding Antetokounmpo than almost every player in the league this season. How much of that is real and how much is noise?

Scott Rafferty

How Wednesday's results impacted the playoff race

Results from the six games on Wednesday had the race for the eighth seed in the West get even tighter and had a huge impact on the seedings for multiple teams. Find out below how Tuesday's results impact the playoff picture.

NBA.com Staff

Adebayo leads Bulter-less Heat past Celtics

Suiting up without Jimmy Butler, the Heat picked up a key win against the Celtics behind 21 points and 12 rebounds from their young All-Star in Bam Adebayo.

Yash Matange

10 must-see games this week

Through four days of the NBA season restart, every team has played at least once and it's been entertaining, to say the least. Stay up-to-date with the biggest games to watch from second week of the seeding games at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Yash Matange

What's at stake in Wednesday's games?

From potential playoff previews, to the teams finding their groove, to the teams fighting for their playoff lives, there's plenty to keep track of during yet another busy day of NBA action.

Gilbert McGregor

How Tuesday's games impacted the playoff race

The race for playoff seeding is heating up after Tuesday's six-game slate. The Lakers secured the No.1 seed in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans Nuggets picked up their first wins in the seeding games. Here's how the playoff picture looks after today's games.

Benyam Kidane

What's at stake on Tuesday?

After four days of seeding games, the action continues with a six-game slate. We've already seen plenty of movement in the standings, with the race for the West's final playoff spot heating up. Check out the standings and what's at stake during another full day of games.

Benyam Kidane

How Sunday's games impacted the playoff race

The Miami Heat closed the gap between them and the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference while the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets find themselves in a tight battle for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

Scott Rafferty

What's at stake on Sunday?

After the first two days of action, the seeding games continue with a five-game slate. Six teams are taking part in a season "re-opener" while the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, LA Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans get their second taste of action at the NBA's restart. Below, check out the standings and what's at stake during another full day of games.

Gilbert McGregor

Best point guards in free agency

It's a list headlined by Fred VanVleet and includes veterans like Goran Dragic and Mike Conley.

Scott Rafferty

Scrimmage Roundup: Harden & Morant shine on final day

Headlined by big performances from James Harden, Luka Doncic and Ja Morant, we've got you covered with all the news from the final day of scrimmages in Orlando.

Benyam Kidane

Who's No. 1 ahead of the restart?

After four months without action, we're just days away from NBA games that will have an impact on the standings. Based on what we know from the first part of the season and what we've seen through early scrimmages, we're gaining an idea of just what to expect from the remainder of the season and who should come out on top.

Gilbert McGregor

5 takeaways from Day 4 scrimmages

Day 4 of scrimmages in Orlando gave us plenty to talk about, headlined by some big performances from Caris LeVert, Kyle Kuzma, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

NBA.com Staff

Scrimmage Roundup: Bol Bol shines, PG is back

Eight teams hit the court on Day 1, headlined by some impressive performances from Paul George, Bol Bol and Duncan Robinson. Catch up on the day's biggest storylines from Orlando.

NBA.com Staff

Previewing the first day of scrimmages

The NBA is back! Eight teams are in action on Thursday as the first scrimmages are set to take place as teams gear up for the restart of the season. Here's a quick primer on the return to action!

NBA.com Staff

What's at stake for the Heat, Pacers and Sixers

Just two games separate the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference standings. With eight seeding games to play, there's plenty on the line for each of these teams in the middle.

Gilbert McGregor

Can the Heat make a deep run?

The Miami Heat have all the ingredients to make a deep playoff run, but will they?

Carlan Gay

All-Rookie Team predictions

After predicting the All-NBA Team, we shift the spotlight to the league's best 10 rookies. With the amount of talent in this year's rookie class, it's no easy task. Has Zion played enough for a First Team nod? Did Terence Davis II make the cut?

Gilbert McGregor

Vince, LeBron and the NBA game changers

The 10-year anniversary of 'The Decision' and the retirement of a YouTube pioneer makes for an opportune time to revisit the NBA's biggest game changers. LeBron James, Vince Carter, Stephen Curry and Wilt Chamberlain are among the select few who transcended the game and forever changed the course of history.

Micah Adams

20 milestones to watch for in Orlando

LeBron James can become the all-time leader in playoff wins. Here are 19 of the other records and milestones to be on the lookout for once the season restarts later this month.

Juan Estevez

Ray Allen's 3 is the most clutch shot in history

On June 18, 2013 one of the best basketball games ever played took place, Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. An epic encounter that included an improbable comeback and is remembered for Ray Allen's dagger three.

Nacho Losilla

NBA's detailed plans for restart

The league distributed a 113-page handbook with details on hotels, game-day schedules and off-court accommodations. Here are the biggest key takeaways as the NBA moves closer to restarting.

T Reynolds, Asso...

Year of the Most Improved Player

There are typically two or three players in consideration from Most Improved Player, but there's more than usual this season. From shockingly quick developments over the year to breakout players to first time All-Stars, take a look at some names to consider for the award.

Kyle Irving

Where is Simmons in race for DPOY?

Ben Simmons leads the NBA in steals per game, but has his untimely injury derailed his chances for winning Defensive Player of the Year?

Scott Rafferty

Teams most likely to overreact to early exit

Early exits happen every year but if the season does return, how each team handles disappointment will certainly be telling. Which teams are most likely to overreact to underwhelming results? Which are most likely to chalk it up to unprecedented circumstances?

Matthew Blum

Rondo & LBJ's OT duel in 2012 playoffs

The Miami Heat overcame a career-high 44-point performance from Rajon Rondo to take a 2-0 series lead against the Celtics.

Benyam Kidane

All-Decade Team for 2010s

10 years, five players, one impossible task. Aside from a couple of no-brainers, choosing the All-Decade Team for the 2010s proved tough. Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard? James Harden, Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook? And what about the centres? Our week-long decade-by-decade trip through NBA history kicks off with our first All-Decade Team.

Scott Rafferty

The Eastern Conference's Nikola Jokic

Bam Adebayo is known for his high-flying dunks and his defensive prowess, but he's quietly developed into the Heat's version of Nikola Jokic, a devastating passer at the centre position who they can run their offence through. The scary thought? Adebayo is only going to get better.

Scott Rafferty

Tougher road in playoffs: MJ or LeBron?

One is 6-0 in the Finals. One is 3-6 in the Finals. One faced a far easier road to get there. One faced a far more daunting task once there. A closer look into the playoff opponents of MJ and LeBron reveals there is far more to the GOAT conversation than 6-0 or 3-6.

Micah Adams

LBJ & D-Wade star as Heat eliminate Nets in 2014

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 57 while Ray Allen came up clutch on both ends of the floor as the Heat overcame a 34-point night from Joe Johnson to win Game 5 and advance to their fourth straight Conference Finals.

Yash Matange

Lowry-Wade 2nd half Game 3 duel in 2016

The two All-Stars scored 29 points apiece in the second half, ensuring that this Raptors-Heat series would see a third-straight game decided by six points or lesser.

Yash Matange

Pick a SG for post-80s dream team

What if you were tasked with building the perfect team, but with the catch that you didn't know the actual identities of the players you were picking from? We took some of the best players from the last three decades, lined up their stats and removed the names. Up next is the shooting guard position.

Scott Rafferty

5 historic teams that deserve a documentary

Which teams would be most interesting to get a peek behind the curtain? We looked at recent history of the NBA to find the most appealing suitors for a documentary series in the style of ' The Last Dance'.

Sergio Rabinal

Dirk's iconic Game 2 performance in 2011 Finals

Facing the prospect of going down 2-0 in the Finals, Dirk Nowitzki helped the Mavs overcome a 15-point fourth quarter deficit to tie the series at 1-1.

Benyam Kidane

🎥: PG and LeBron duel in 2013

In the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals, a 22-year-old Paul George went toe-to-toe with LeBron James, announcing himself on the big stage.

Benyam Kidane

Power Rankings: Best players from the 90s

Michael Jordan ruled the 90s, but where does Scottie Pippen rank among the best players of the decade? There's also a near consensus No. 2... and it's NOT the player who won multiple MVPs!

Micah Adams

LeBron & Wade duel in 2006

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade had the crowd on their feet in 2006 as they traded 40-point games in a one-on-one matchup for the ages.

Benyam Kidane

Nunn believes he should be ROY

Nunn started all 62 games for the Heat this season, averaging 15.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game.

Benyam Kidane

2K Tournament Quarter-Finals preview

There were a handful of upsets, a couple close games, a ton of trash talk, some inexcusable blowouts and some good back-and-forth conversations among the NBA stars in the first round of the NBA 2K Players Tournament. What should the Quarter-Finals have in store for us?

Kyle Irving

OTD in 2019: Dirk & D-Wade's final home games

We recap all the tears, jubilation, and records from a memorable gameday of the 2018-19 regular season - April 9th.

Yash Matange

Power Rankings: Best duos in five years

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will be the NBA's best duo in five years... right? While there's no denying their talent, plenty of other young star duos seem destined for greatness with the potential to challenge for the top spot.

Kyle Irving

Takeaways: First round of NBA 2K tourney

From Patrick Beverley's elite trash talk to embarrassingly bad blowouts to an advanced analytical breakdown of team selection (not really), take a look at some of the biggest takeaways from a fun first weekend of the NBA 2K Players Tournament.

Gilbert McGregor

Finals moments that could have altered NBA history

Shots that decide championships are forever remembered as some of the greatest moments in NBA history. They are singular, defining for everyone involved; but in each of those events, those successes hinged on opponents missing shots that would have changed history as we know it. Here, we take a closer look at how a few bounces could have altered the entire scope of the league's history.

Matthew Blum

Who will win the NBA 2K Players Tournament?

The NBA 2K Players Tournament is ready to kick off on Friday, April 3 and the first round matchups are set. Has Kevin Durant's time off this season boosted his 2K skills? Will Tik Tok be the downfall of players not gaming enough? Is all of Devin Booker's video game live streaming about to pay off? Should Hassan Whiteside unplug his mic so he doesn't have to listen to Patrick Beverley's trash talk?

Kyle Irving

Current standings, Playoff Picture

Take a look at the NBA's standings as well as potential playoff pairings based on games played through March 11.

NBA.com Staff

LeBron reveals Game 6 motivation vs. Celtics in 2012

Facing elimination on the road against the Celtics, LeBron James says he feared losing that game could bring a premature end to the Miami Heat Big 3 and cause the "quickest breakup in basketball history."

Benyam Kidane

Best dunk of LeBron's career?

On this date in 2013, LeBron James threw down a dunk on Jason Terry that was heard around the world. Was it the best dunk of his career? Our NBA.com Staff debates.

NBA.com Staff

Follow live: Thursday's action

A six game slate is headlined by two potential first round playoff matchups in the Western Conference, while Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive.

NBA.com Staff

Recap of Monday's 11-game slate

There was no shortage of action around the NBA, with 11 games on Sunday. Catch up on all the action right here.

NBA.com Staff

Saturday's scores: LeVert's triple-double gives Nets big win

Plenty of action went down on a busy 10-game slate on Saturday. Catch up on all the results, right here!

NBA.com Staff

Robinson enters record books

Undrafted rookie Duncan Robinson has become a terrific story as the 2019-20 regular season has progressed. The 25-year-old sharpshooter entered the record books multiple times in the first half against New Orleans.

Kane Pitman

Thursday's scores: Melo drops 25 PTS in win vs. Wizards

Carmelo Anthony poured in a team-high 25 points to lead the Blazers past the Wizards at home. Catch up on all the results from tonight's games here!

NBA.com Staff

Heat defence overpowers Bucks

The Heat held Giannis Antetokounmpo to a season-low 13 points as the Bucks scored under 100 points for the second game in row.

Benyam Kidane

Tuesday's scores: Mills scores 24 PTS, Spurs fall to Pacers

Patty Mills knocked down six 3-pointers on his way to a team-high 24 points for the Spurs in their loss to the Pacers. Catch up on all the day's results below!

NBA.com Staff

Should we cool off the Heat?

The Miami Heat are 4-6 in the last ten games, a far cry from their 24-9 start to the year. Is it time to cool off on the Heat's chances at a deep playoff run?

Carlan Gay

Did the Rockets jump the Lakers?

The Rockets are rewarded for their six-game win streak while the Raptors take a slide following a winless week. A team drops out of the top-10 while a new team re-enters the league's elite group.

Kyle Irving

Sunday's scores

Trae Young dropped 25 points as Atlanta handled Portland and T.J Warren poured in 30 in a Pacers road win over the Cavs in a busy night around the NBA.

NBA.com Staff

Seven players who have taken the leap

The list includes Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum, Pascal Siakam and Luka Doncic, with an honourable mention to the likes of Trae Young and Malcolm Brogdon.

Benyam Kidane

Saturday's action: Clutch D-Rose snaps Pistons losing streak

Saturday's full slate of 10 games did not disappoint as Aaron Gordon recorded his first career triple-double, Zion Williamson made history, the Clippers earned a statement win and a clutch Derrick Rose helped snap the Pistons losing streak.

NBA.com Staff

Learn to shoot from the best: NBA legend Ray Allen to conduct basketball clinics in Australia

Ray Allen will host three basketball clinics in Australia between 28 March and 4 April in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

NBA.com Staff

Sights and sounds from D-Wade's jersey retirement

ICYMI: Dwyane Wade had his jersey retired by the Miami Heat as part of a three-day celebration honouring his legacy. Here's a look back at the sights and sounds from D-Wade's curtain call with the Heat.

Gilbert McGregor

Tuesday's scores: Clippers flex muscles vs. Grizzlies

The full-strength Clippers cruised to a 27-point win over the Grizzlies, while James Harden's 37-point night led the Rockets to their fourth-straight win. Catch up on all the day's scores, stats and highlights!

NBA.com Staff

Did the 76ers crack the top 10?

The Bucks remain comfortably on top with teams like the Lakers, Raptors, Celtics and Rockets jockeying for position inside the top-five. Did the Lakers hold on to their No. 2 spot? How far did the Clippers fall after a bad loss?

Kyle Irving

Sunday's scores: Kings stun Clippers in LA

Sunday's action included the Clippers dropping their third straight game and the fourth of their last five as the Kings stunned them at the Staples Center.

NBA.com Staff

The genius of Wade in one play

If you could pick just one play to articulate D-Wade's greatness, what would it be? Here's one under-the-radar example of what makes Wade one of the greatest shooting guards of all-time and why his jersey is set to hang forever from the rafters in Miami.

Scott Rafferty

What's the greatest D-Wade moment?

Dwyane Wade has given NBA fans plenty of thrills throughout his illustrious Hall of Fame-worthy career. We asked our NBA.com staff to pick their favourite D-Wade moment ahead of his jersey retirement in Miami.

NBA.com Staff

Young drops career-high 50 in Hawks' win

A huge fourth quarter for Atlanta has helped them to a come-from-behind win over Miami behind 50 points for Trae Young.

Kane Pitman

Friday's scores: Kings beat Grizzlies behind Barnes' 32

The NBA regular season returned and so did the dominant Milwaukee Bucks, as Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 33 points and 16 rebounds in a win over Detroit, while James Harden had 29 as Houston downed Golden State.

Kane Pitman

NBA legend Ray Allen heading Down Under for Australian tour

Two-time NBA Champion, 10-time All-Star and Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen will conduct a series of basketball clinics and gala events in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to raise money for disadvantaged kids.

NBA.com Staff

Bam Adebayo wins Skills Challenge

Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo defeated Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis in the Skills Challenge, becoming the first Heat player to win the event since Dwyane Wade in 2007.

Benyam Kidane

Jazz extend win streak to four games

Despite playing their third game in four nights, the Jazz found an extra gear in the second-half to cruise to a 116-101 win at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Benyam Kidane

Thursday's scores: Pacers snap 6-game skid vs. Bucks

One of the biggest games of Thursday's 11-game slate went down in Indiana where the Pacers snapped a 6-game losing streak by defeating a Bucks squad without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

NBA.com Staff

Tuesday's scores: Nuggets come back from 23 down vs. Spurs

In Tuesday's slate of nine games, the Nuggets come from 23 down to hand the Spurs their fifth straight loss while earlier, Spencer Dinwiddie drains a game-winner in Indiana.

NBA.com Staff

Did the 76ers crack the top-10?

The Raptors have won 14 straight games and continue their surge up the standings. But was it enough to catch LeBron James and the Lakers for No. 2 in this week's Power Rankings?

Kyle Irving

Monday's scores: Lillard leads Blazers past Heat

We had seven games around the Association on Monday, headlined by the Jazz's thrilling win over the Rockets and the Blazers' victory over the new-look Miami Heat. Catch up on all the action, right here!

NBA.com Staff

Saturday's scores: Beal nails game-winner vs. Mavericks

Saturday's eight-game slate was headlined by the 76ers and the Jazz snapping their losing streaks while Bradley Beal nailed the game-winner vs. Mavericks.

NBA.com Staff

Trade deadline winners and losers

The Miami Heat added a major piece, the Philadelphia 76ers added some shooting, the Los Angeles Lakers did nothing and the Houston Rockets went small. Breaking down the best, worst and most interesting moves of the trade deadline.

NBA.com Staff

Analysis of the biggest trade deadline deals

The 2020 NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone. Here is some instant analysis on the day's biggest reported deals.

Scott Rafferty

Clippers hit record 24 3s, beat Heat 128-111

The superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined for 37 points and 19 assists as the Clippers swept the season series against the Heat.

Yash Matange

NBA players react to reported Iguodala trade

Dwyane Wade, CJ McCollum and Jared Dudley are among those who took to Twitter to react to the report that the Grizzlies have traded Iguodala to the Heat.

Scott Rafferty

Report: Heat acquire Iguodala

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added that Iguodala has agreed to a two-year, $30 million extension with the Heat.

Scott Rafferty

The race for the No. 2 seed in the East

The Eastern Conference has become a race for the No. 2 seed as the Bucks are beginning to run away with the best record in the NBA. The second seed is important because it means avoiding Milwaukee until the last possible moment in the playoffs. All five teams fighting for that highly coveted spot have overcome doubts assigned to them this offseason. Now one of them will have to emerge from the pack.

Kyle Irving

Simmons says 76ers played 'soft' vs. Heat

The Philadelphia 76ers struggles on the road continued (9-18) as they suffered suffered a 31-point loss to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.

Benyam Kidane

Simmons slams 'soft' 76ers

Ben Simmons suggested the Philadelphia 76ers were "bullied" by the Miami Heat in an emphatic defeat on the road.

Joe Wright

Butler drops 38 points in win over 76ers

The Miami Heat continue their impressive home form (22-3) with an emphatic 137-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Benyam Kidane

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