OKC • Center-Forward • #7
Holmgren excelled as a rim protector and stretched the floor by only missing one of his attempts from deep. The Thunder big man’s return to health after an early injury has helped OKC ascend to another level. Holmgren’s pairing with Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt and OKC’s assortment of capable wing defenders seem likely to give Memphis a tough time for the remainder of the series.
about 11 hours ago
April 20, 2025 7:43 PM
OKC • Guard • #2
about 10 hours ago
Gilgeous-Alexander was the only Thunder player to show any signs of rust in Sunday’s playoff opener, as the team with the NBA’s best record rolled to a 51-point victory. SGA shot 1-of-7 from three and only scored 15 points, but it didn’t matter with five other Thunder players scoring in double figures. Among the others was Aaron Wiggins, who hit four three-pointers and tallied 21 points, four rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes off the bench. Oklahoma City’s depth was a difference-maker throughout the regular season, and that was also the case in Game 1. The Thunder host Game 2 on Tuesday.
OKC • Guard-Forward • #8
about 11 hours ago
Williams did everything for the OKC in Game 1. Only Aaron Wiggins scored more points (21) and Williams led OKC in assists and steals in the contest. He was a game-high +44 and will continue to make a huge impact on this series moving forward.
OKC • Center • #15
7 days ago
Already playing without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder lost Jaylin Williams to a strained oblique during the first half of Sunday’s game. The result was even more playing time for Carlson, who had the best day of his NBA career. Not only did the rookie record season highs in points and rebounds, but this was also his first double-double. Unlike Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, Carlson will not be in the Thunder playoff rotation, even if Williams misses time. But he undoubtedly made a positive impression with his play in New Orleans.
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
about 4 hours ago
Miami’s frontcourt was solid in Game 1, with Adebayo recording a complete stat line and rookie Kel’el Ware (14/6/2/1 with two three-pointers in 38 minutes) providing solid contributions in his playoff debut. However, it wasn’t enough to counter what Cleveland’s guards were able to do, which may prove to be the prevailing storyline of this series. Adebayo should be able to put up quality lines on a nightly basis, despite having to deal with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, the Heat are serious underdogs in this series due to their comparatively limited depth of productive players.
ORL • Center-Forward • #34
about 8 hours ago
Give Carter credit for his work on the boards and for being Kristaps Porzingis’ primary defender for most of Game 1. However, the offensive production was lackluster, a trend that also persisted during the regular season. Carter’s average of 9.1 per game was the lowest of his NBA career; this was the first season in which he failed to average double figures. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will do most of the heavy lifting offensively, but they’re going to need help in this series. Fellow starters Carter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6/4/2/3 with two three-pointers) and Cory Joseph (zero points, two assists) combining to score 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting isn’t good enough. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
MIN • Center-Forward • #11
1 day ago
Reid took a Jarred Vanderbilt elbow to the mouth during the second half of Saturday’s series opener, and that was all that slowed him down. The Timberwolves’ backup big scored 17 in the first half and finished the game one steal shy of a complete stat line. Since scoring 20 points in a March 24 loss to the Pacers, Reid surpassed 15 points once in his final eight appearances of the regular season. The Lakers employed a “boxes and elbows” defensive strategy to prevent Anthony Edwards from entering the lane, which allowed players like Reid to receive cleaner looks. His play (and that of Jaden McDaniels) could force the Lakers to alter their approach for Tuesday’s Game 2.
