Christopher A. Vito: In the Super Bowl afterglow, LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he’s never seen Philadelphia happier. “Six people said, ‘Good luck.’ I’m like, ‘Wow, I’m in Oklahoma.’”
April 23, 2024 | 7:19 pm EDT Update
Tyrese Maxey wins Most Improved Player of the Year
Shams Charania: Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey has won the 2023-24 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award. pic.twitter.com/gnAtw6ikHI
Kawhi Leonard will play in Game 2?
NBA TV: “The belief within the building from speaking with multiple people, they believe Kawhi will make his 2024 Playoff debut tonight in Game 2.” 🍿 @JaredSGreenberg gives the latest update from Los Angeles ahead of Game 2 between the Mavs-Clippers
Duane Rankin: “He has a high care factor.” Chris Finch on Jaden McDaniels’ defense as he’s been defending Devin Booker. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/DNJi4FiXqS
Gerald Bourguet: Timberwolves coach Chris Finch on the challenge of stopping Devin Booker: “He’s such an explosive player….we’re lucky enough to have a few guys to throw at him, but again, you don’t really stop these guys. You just gotta try to keep ‘em from hurting you time and time again.” pic.twitter.com/F4aclcH0Go
Duane Rankin: “Very confident.” Frank Vogel on the Phoenix Suns responding to losing Game 1 by 25 points to T-Wolves. Said Grayson Allen’s right ankle is sore, but “he’s not going to miss this game.” Allen will start, won’t be on minute restriction, Vogel said. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/CEMpabCLaU
Gerald Bourguet: Frank Vogel says Grayson Allen is in for Game 2
Gerald Bourguet: Grayson Allen said the ankle feels “great” and that he went through enough movements in practice yesterday to feel good about playing. “Lot of treatment multiple times a day. Trying to get it right with a quick turnaround, but it’s nice that we have a few days in between”
April 23, 2024 | 6:03 pm EDT Update
Goran Dragic on Luka Doncic winning a title: He needs to change a little bit, maybe trust his teammates more
“I think so, he can win, he just needs to change a little bit, maybe trust his teammates more,” Dragic said of Doncic, via The OGs podcast. “I’m not saying, because he does pass the ball, but just get off the ball a little bit more. And because of, you know, if you have the ball so much in your hand you get tired, and then it’s a long season and even in the playoffs you know I think that’s too much.”
Joel Embiid thought Sixers Game 2 loss was worse than Game 7 loss against the Raptors
“This is worse than Game 7,” Embiid, wearing dark glasses, said a couple of minutes later. Everyone knew what he meant. The Sixers have bad memories of opponent playoff 3s bouncing on the rim, and bouncing, and falling through. This was after Embiid pulled out his phone and showed reporters a picture of Brunson, before the ball was inbounded on the critical play, holding a generous portion of Maxey’s jersey in his hand.
Christian Clark: Dort was in Ingram’s jersey in Game 1. How do you deal with extreme physicality? Willie Green: “Number one, your speed and force you play with on both ends of the floor. That negates his ability to put his hands on you. Becoming more of a screener for B.I. Getting guys open.”
NBA admits Tyrese Maxey was fouled twice at the end of game that wasn't called
Jeff Zillgitt: In NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report, the league acknowledges Jalen Brunson should’ve been called for a foul for pulling Tyrese Maxey’s jersey. League also says an attempt by Sixers coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout was neither recognized nor granted by the referees.