The NBA playoff picture is complete following a frenetic final day of the regular season in which...

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<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The Eastern Conference standings were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3264706" href="https://thescore.com/news/3264706">finalized</a> following Friday's contests, but matters out West were decidedly more chaotic and required Sunday's final day of the regular season to determine the seeding.</p><p>The play-in tournament begins Tuesday and features the teams seeded seventh to 10th in each conference.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Western Conference play-in tournament</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>Golden State Warriors</td>
<td>Memphis Grizzlies</td>
<td>10:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 16</td>
<td>Sacramento Kings</td>
<td>Dallas Mavericks</td>
<td>10:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>Loser of Game 1</td>
<td>Winner of Game 2</td>
<td> TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A loss in Game 82 saw the Warriors drop into the No. 8 slot, setting up a matchup against a Grizzlies squad that is just 4-5 since firing head coach Taylor Jenkins at the end of March. Golden State won the season series 3-1.</p><p>The Kings will be making their second straight appearance in the play-in tournament. Big man Jonas Valanciunas has been involved in every play-in tourney since its inception in 2020. The Mavs squeaked into the tournament but are 0-3 against Sacramento this season.</p><h3>Eastern Conference play-in tournament</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>Orlando Magic</td>
<td>Atlanta Hawks</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 16</td>
<td>Chicago Bulls</td>
<td>Miami Heat</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>Loser of Game 1</td>
<td>Winner of Game 2</td>
<td> TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Magic nabbed the No. 7 seed after finishing the season on a 9-3<strong> </strong>run and will host a Hawks team that has now qualified for the play-in tournament in four straight seasons. The Magic won the season series 2-1.</p><p>The Bulls, who finished ninth in the conference for the third successive year, will welcome the Heat to the Windy City. Chicago won the season series 3-0.</p><h3>Western Conference</h3><ul>
<li>No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 TBD</li>
<li>No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. No. 7 TBD</li>
<li>No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li>No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers</li>
</ul><p>The Thunder were the league's best team in 2024-25, reaching the 67-win mark for the first time in franchise history. OKC, along with the Rockets, will await the completion of the play-in tournament to find out its first-round opponent.</p><p>The Nuggets went 7-8 in their final 15 games but were still able to secure home-court advantage against the Clippers thanks to a victory on the final day. Health will be a focal point for both teams. Oft-injured Kawhi Leonard played in 13 of his team's last 15 games, while Jamal Murray is dealing with a nagging hamstring issue. </p><p>The Lakers' small-ball lineup will be tested against the gargantuan Timberwolves. Will Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid be able to survive the Luka Doncic pick-and-roll that undid the Timberwolves in last season's Western Conference final?</p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><ul>
<li>No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 TBD</li>
<li>No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 TBD</li>
<li>No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Detroit Pistons</li>
<li>No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks</li>
</ul><p>The Cavaliers and Celtics will host the two survivors of the play-in tournament, but the real excitement might come from the two other first-round clashes.</p><p>The Knicks will hope to prove their playoff credentials against the upstart Pistons. New York went 1-3 against Detroit this season and finished 15-23 against teams with records of .500 or better. </p><p>Meanwhile, the Pacers will take their first step in attempting to replicate their run to the conference finals from a year ago against the Bucks, who were given a boost with Damian Lillard's return to basketball activity. Indiana lost the season series against Milwaukee 3-1.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) sits down to guard Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 27, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

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NBA playoff matchups set: Lakers host T-Wolves, Pacers-Bucks rematch

There's still a lot to play for Sunday, when the 2024-25 NBA regular season wraps up with all 30 ...

<p>There's still a lot to play for Sunday, when the 2024-25 NBA regular season wraps up with all 30 teams in action.</p><p>While playoff seeding and the play-in tournament is set in stone in the Eastern Conference, things are more complicated in the Western Conference.</p><p>The six teams that qualified for the postseason in the West are finalized, along with the four teams that will compete in the play-in tournament, which gets underway April 15. However, the seedings are still unclear.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>All 15 teams in the West will tip off Game 82 at 3:30 p.m. ET.</p><h3>Here's what we know ahead of Sunday's slate</h3><p><strong>Oklahoma City Thunder:</strong> OKC is locked into the No. 1 seed and will have home-court advantage through the entire Western Conference playoffs. It will play the No. 8 seed in the first round.</p><p><strong>Houston Rockets: </strong>Ime Udoka's squad secured the second seed and will begin the playoffs by taking on the No. 7 seed.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Lakers:</strong> L.A. will finish third in the conference and have home-court advantage in a first-round series against the team that lands the No. 6 seed.</p><h3>Here's what we don't know</h3><p><strong>Denver Nuggets: </strong>The Nuggets can finish anywhere from four through seven. Denver will be locked into the fourth seed with a win against the Rockets. If it loses, it will still be assured of a top-six finish if the Golden State Warriors or Minnesota Timberwolves lose. A Nuggets loss, combined with a Utah Jazz win over the Timberwolves, will give the Nuggets the fifth seed. A Nuggets loss, combined with a Timberwolves victory and an L.A. Clippers win over the Warriors, will secure the No. 6 spot for Denver.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Clippers:</strong> The Clippers can finish fourth, fifth, or seventh; there is no scenario where they secure the No. 6 seed. Avoiding the play-in requires a win by L.A. or a loss by either Denver or Minnesota. A Nuggets loss would almost guarantee the fourth seed for Los Angeles. The only way the Clippers still fall to No. 5 is if they lose to the Warriors and the T-Wolves beat the Jazz.</p><p><strong>Minnesota Timberwolves:</strong> The T-Wolves' playoff seeding is the most volatile of the bunch. They can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth. But there's one way of keeping things simple - Minnesota will clinch a top-six seed with a win, while a loss will guarantee a spot in the seven-versus-eight play-in game.</p><p><strong>Golden State Warriors:</strong> The Warriors have two possible outcomes - the sixth seed or the seventh seed. A Warriors win or a Timberwolves loss will place Golden State in Round 1, while a Warriors loss and a Timberwolves victory will result in the seventh seed and the play-in tournament.</p><p><strong>Memphis Grizzlies:</strong> Thankfully, Memphis' road is relatively simple. It'll either finish seventh or eighth and is therefore set to be slotted into the higher end of the play-in bracket.</p><p><strong>Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks:</strong> Things get more straightforward at the bottom of the bracket, as the Kings will face the Mavericks in the No. 9 versus No. 10 matchup regardless of what transpires on the final day of the regular season. A Sacramento win or a Dallas loss will give the Kings home-court advantage.</p><p>Here's a look at all of the possible permutations.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Complete Western Conference Playoff and Play-In scenarios for tomorrow's games -- see how the outcome of each game affects seeding ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/sC1JzF1Ikk">pic.twitter.com/sC1JzF1Ikk</a></p>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1911092272227066314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The play-in game between No. 7 and No. 8 will take place Tuesday, while the contest between No. 9 and No. 10 is scheduled for Wednesday. The loser of Tuesday's contest will take on the winner of Wednesday's game for the eighth and final playoff spot.</p><p>Round 1 of the postseason begins April 19.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 21: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets fights for a loose ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the fourthquarter during Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 21, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Chaos in the West: Playoff implications for the final day of the regular season

The Eastern conference's play-in tournament and playoff seedings have been finalized following Fr...

<p>The Eastern conference's play-in tournament and playoff seedings have been finalized following Friday's games.</p><p>The Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons all secured top-six slots and have therefore qualified for Round 1 of the playoffs.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>64-17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>60-21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>50-31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>49-32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>47-34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>44-37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Knicks are set to have home-court advantage against the Pistons, who are heading the the postseason for the first time since 2019. Meanwhile, last season's Eastern Conference finalists, the Pacers, will begin their playoff run at home against the Bucks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Cavaliers and Celtics will face the two winners of the play-in tournament.</p><p>The Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat are the four teams in the play-in tourney, which begins April 15.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Magic</td>
<td>41-40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>39-42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Bulls</td>
<td>38-43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>37-44</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The seventh-seeded Magic and eighth-seeded Hawks will square off in Round 1 of the play-in tournament Tuesday, with the winner securing the seventh seed and a first-round matchup with the Celtics.</p><p>The ninth-seeded Bulls and tenth-seeded Heat will play a win-and-in game on Wednesday night. The winner will take on the loser of the Magic-Hawks game for the eighth and final playoff slot. The team that wins the eighth spot will take on the 64-win Cavaliers in Round 1.</p><p>All 30 teams will play their final regular-season game on Sunday.</p><p>The first round of the playoffs will begin April 19.</p>

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays defense during the game against the New York Knicks on April 10, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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East play-in tourney, Round 1 seeding finalized

Luka Doncic put on a show in his emotional return to Dallas on Wednesday.  The Slovenian recorded...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> put on a show in his emotional return to Dallas on Wednesday.</p><p>The Slovenian recorded a season-high-tying 45 points to go along with six assists, eight rebounds, and four steals as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 and clinched a top-six seed in the West.</p><p>The Mavericks <a href="https://www.x.com/NBATV/status/1910116466579431753">honored</a> Doncic with a tribute video as the starting lineups were announced.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"So many emotions. I can't even explain it. Brought tears to my eyes. ... Just a lot of great, great memories," Doncic said, per <a href="https://x.com/RyanWardLA/status/1910153013450203522">Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation</a>.</p><p>Doncic came out of the gate firing and poured in 31 points in the first half. He joined Kobe Bryant (six times) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> (once) as the only Lakers to score 30-plus points and hit five-plus 3-pointers in a single half.</p><p>"I don't know how I did it because when I was watching that video I was like, 'There's no way I'm playing in this game.' But all my teammates had my back. They were really supporting me, so I really appreciate that," Doncic said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/RyanWardLA/status/1910153362235969844">Ward</a>.</p><p>Doncic was serenaded with "Luka" chants as he checked out of the game with 1:34 left in the contest, per <a href="https://x.com/GrantAfseth/status/1910150476466626565">Athlon Sports' Grant Afseth</a>.</p><p>Lakers head coach JJ Redick joked postgame that he was "disappointed" Doncic didn't score 50, per <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1910154561366425814">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>This was Doncic's third 45-point game of the campaign and his second since being shipped to Los Angeles.</p><p>James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second all-time in regular-season games played with 1,561. The 40-year-old scored 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/94259" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/94259">Naji Marshall</a> led Dallas with 23 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> recorded a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double against his former club.</p><p>The Mavs fell to 38-42 with the loss but clinched a play-in spot due to the Phoenix Suns' defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 9: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk after the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on April 9, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Luka drops 45 in return to Dallas as Lakers clinch playoff spot

Former Monmouth sharpshooter Abdi Bashir Jr. has committed to play for Kansas State next season, ...

<p>Former Monmouth sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/111732" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/111732">Abdi Bashir Jr.</a> has committed to play for Kansas State next season, he announced on his Instagram Monday.</p><p>The 6-foot-7 guard exploded in his second campaign with the Hawks. Bashir led the CAA in scoring at 20.1 points per contest and hit the second-most threes in the nation (127). He was nominated to the All-CAA first team despite Monmouth finishing sixth in the Colonial.</p><p>Bashir was particularly impressive against high-major competition, scoring 38 against Rutgers, 28 versus Seton Hall, and 20 against Michigan State.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Abdi's twin brother, Abdul Bashir, was one of the top-ranked junior college players and recently committed to play for Bruce Pearl at Auburn.</p><p>Kansas State is coming off its worst season under head coach Jerome Tang, having gone 16-17 overall and 9-11 in conference play. Bashir is the Wildcats' first transfer commit of the offseason.</p>

AUBURN, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 30: Abdi Bashir Jr. #1 of the Monmouth Hawks dribbles the ball during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena on December 30, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama.

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Ex-Monmouth star Bashir commits to Kansas State

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is "hopeful" that starting point guard Jamal Murray will...

<p>Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is "hopeful" that starting point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> will be able to return for the beginning of the playoffs, he said Sunday, according to the<a href="https://x.com/HPbasketball/status/1909012982983700486"> Action Network's Matt Moore</a>.</p><p>Murray, 28, has been sidelined since March 27 due to hamstring inflammation.</p><p>The Nuggets are 1-4 since his injury, and their offensive rating dropped from 118.8 to 114.1 heading into Sunday's contest against the Indiana Pacers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This has been a weird one. (Murray was) day-to-day, day-to-day, then all of a sudden, it's not day-to-day," Malone lamented, per <a href="https://x.com/MattBrooksNBA/status/1909007982962090273">Nuggets writer Matt Brooks</a>.</p><p>Malone stressed the organization isn't just being precautionary.</p><p>"Jamal's hurt. It's not careful. He's hurt. So there's a big difference. Careful is if a guy can play and you want to be smart. We're not in a situation to do that," he said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/BennettDurando/status/1909014558586347680">Bennett Durando of the Denver Post</a>.</p><p>Murray has only appeared in 65 games this season due to lingering knee and hamstring issues, as well as a concussion sustained at the beginning of the campaign.</p><p>The Kentucky product is averaging 21.6 points and six assists this season on 47.6/39.6/88.7 shooting splits. He scored a career-high 55 points in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers in mid-February.</p><p>The Nuggets have a one-game lead over the Golden State Warriors for fourth in the West.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 24: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena on March 24, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Malone 'hopeful' Murray will be available for start of postseason

Former Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivisic will team up with his twin brother, Tomislav Ivisic, at I...

<p>Former Arkansas big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110508" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110508">Zvonimir Ivisic</a> will team up with his twin brother, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121808" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121808">Tomislav Ivisic</a>, at Illinois next season, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1908638535600480670">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a> Saturday.</p><p>Zvonimir began his career at Kentucky under John Calipari in 2023-24 before following the head coach to Arkansas last offseason. The Croatian big man announced he would enter the portal following Arkansas' Sweet 16 loss to Texas Tech.</p><p>He averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds and shot 37.6% from downtown in his sophomore campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Illinois associate head coach Orlando Antigua was at Kentucky during Zvonimir's recruitment to the Wildcats. Antigua joined the Fighting Illini staff in 2024 and was reportedly key in bringing Tomislav to the United States.</p><p>Zvonimir and Tomislav haven't played together at the collegiate level, but the two 7-footers will form one of the country's most dynamic frontcourts.</p><p>Zvonimir will replace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121812" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121812">Morez Johnson Jr.</a> at Illinois after the standout freshman committed to play for Michigan next season, according to <a href="https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/illinois-transfer-morez-johnson-commits-to-michigan-248072869/">247Sports' Dushawn London</a>.</p><p>The Fighting Illini ended last campaign with a 22-13 record and finished seventh in the Big Ten. They reached a high of 13th in the AP Poll.</p><p>Zvonimir is Illinois' first transfer commitment of the offseason.</p>

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 22: Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots a free throw during a game against the Missouri Tigers at Bud Walton Arena on February 22, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 92-85.

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Ex-Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivisic transferring to Illinois

Texas A&M announced the hiring of Bucky McMillan to become the next head coach of the Aggies on S...

<p>Texas A&amp;M announced the hiring of Bucky McMillan to become the next head coach of the Aggies on Saturday.</p><p>McMillan has been the head coach of Samford for the past five seasons, boasting a 99-52 record in 151 games. He guided the Bulldogs to back-to-back regular-season Southern titles in 2023 and 2024. McMillan also won last year's Southern Tournament title, bringing Samford to the NCAA tourney for the first time since 2000.</p><p>Texas A&amp;M is finalizing a five-year deal with McMillan, sources told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1908308369036689550">ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello</a> on Friday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I couldn't be more excited to wake up to the reality of being the head basketball coach at Texas A&amp;M," McMillan said in a press release. "As a guy that grew up around the SEC, I am motivated by the vision of Texas A&amp;M's leadership to compete at the highest levels of college basketball. As I've done my entire career, I won't rest until we get the Aggies playing at a championship level year in and year out."</p><p>The 41-year-old won five state high school titles in Alabama before taking the Samford job.</p><p>The Aggies' head coaching gig opened up after Buzz Williams left for the vacant role at Maryland this week. Reports indicated that Texas A&amp;M was courting Ole Miss' Chris Beard before he inked a six-year extension to stay in Oxford, Mississippi.</p><p>Forward Pharrel Payne has already announced his plans to leave Texas A&amp;M and join Williams at Maryland. Six other Aggies remain uncommitted in the transfer portal.</p><p>Texas A&amp;M is coming off a 23-11 season but was bounced in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The school ranked as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll - its best ranking in the Williams era.</p>

SPARTANBURG, SC - FEBRUARY 15: Samford Bulldogs head coach Bucky McMillan during a college basketball game between the Samford Bulldogs and the Wofford Terriers on February 15, 2025 at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C.

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Texas A&M hires Samford's McMillan as head coach

Maryland star Derik Queen will forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft...

<p>Maryland star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121822" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121822">Derik Queen</a> will forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, he told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt on Friday.</p><p>Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year during his lone season with Maryland. The projected top-10 pick would be the first Terrapins player to be drafted in the first round since the Phoenix Suns selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93892" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93892">Jalen Smith</a> 10th overall in 2020.</p><p>A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Queen was a five-star recruit out of Montverde Academy. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Queen led the Terrapins in scoring, averaging 16.5 points per game to go with nine rebounds. He set the program's freshman scoring record with 594 total points.</p><p>The 6-foot-10 big man propelled Maryland to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2015-16, which included a buzzer-beating game-winning jumper in the Round of 32 against Colorado State.</p><p>The Terrapins have faced a tough time since the season ended, with head coach Kevin Willard leaving for the vacant Villanova job. Maryland hired former Texas A&amp;M coach Buzz Williams to fill the role.</p><p>The NBA draft takes place June 25.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 23: Derik Queen #25 of the Maryland Terrapins controls the ball during the the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Colorado State Rams at Climate Pledge Arena on March 23, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Maryland Terrapins won 72-71.

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Maryland's Queen declares for NBA draft

Dwight Howard was nominated to the Naismith Hall of Fame class of 2025 in his first year of eligi...

<p>Dwight Howard was nominated to the Naismith Hall of Fame class of 2025 in his first year of eligibility, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1908329450367865336">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Friday.</p><p>Howard won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and was selected to eight All-Star Games throughout his 18-year NBA career. Only Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a> have more DPOYs than Howard.</p><p>Howard is 10th all time in rebounds (14,627), 13th all time in blocks (2,228), and 57th all time in scoring (19,485).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His one NBA title came with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and he won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2008.</p><p>Howard was the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NBA Draft and is the only player from that draft class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.</p><p>Howard played the first eight years of his career with the Orlando Magic and took them to the NBA Finals in 2009. He made eight All-NBA squads - five first teams, one second team, and one third team - during his time in Orlando and is the Magic's all-time leader in minutes played (22,471), rebounds (8,072), blocks (1,344), free throws (3,366), and points (11,435).</p><p>Howard played for the Lakers on three separate occasions and spent three seasons with the Houston Rockets. He also had stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers.</p><p>Carmelo Anthony will reportedly join Howard in the 2025 Hall of Fame class after also being selected in his first year of eligibility.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 6: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Time Warner Cable Arena on March 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE

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Report: Dwight Howard nominated to Hall of Fame

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee ne...

<p>Philadelphia 76ers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, a team official told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1907538545641754918">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>Embiid will be re-evaluated in six weeks and is expected to make a full recovery, Charania <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44508487/76ers-embiid-knee-scoped-next-week-says-team-official">reports</a>.</p><p>Embiid reportedly consulted with specialists to develop the best treatment plan.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This will be the second procedure on his left knee in the last 14 months after he underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in February 2024.</p><p>The former MVP only appeared in 19 games this season and was shut down at the end of February due to lingering knee issues. He averaged 23.8 points on a career-low 44.4% field-goal percentage</p><p>Embiid was able to participate in the 2024 playoffs as well as the Olympics in Paris, where he won gold with Team USA. Knee swelling forced Embiid to miss the entirety of the Sixers' preseason.</p><p>The Sixers are 13th in the East with a 23-53 record and are eliminated from playoff contention.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 01: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles a ball while wearing street clothes on the bench during the second half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Wells Fargo Center on March 1, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Embiid to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery

Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford recorded 17 points in 19 minutes against the Brooklyn Net...

<p>Dallas Mavericks big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a> recorded 17 points in 19 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday after missing 21 games due to a knee sprain.</p><p>Gafford led the Mavs in scoring in the 113-109 loss to the Nets while contributing seven rebounds.</p><p>The Mavs had planned to restrict Gafford to 15-20 minutes of action in his return, according to <a href="https://x.com/GrantAfseth/status/1906842049904857363">Athlon Sports' Grant Afseth</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 26-year-old entered Monday averaging a career-high 12.3 points with 6.9 rebounds in 51 games this season.</p><p>Dallas paired Gafford with star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> for just the second time this season on Monday, as the duo has struggled to stay healthy since Davis joined the team in February. Davis recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.</p><p>The Mavs are still thin up front despite some key players returning, with starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively II</a> sidelined because of a broken ankle.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96096" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96096">Keon Johnson</a> led the Nets in scoring with 24 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> added 18 points and 11 assists. </p><p>The loss drops Dallas to 37-39. The Mavericks rank ninth in the Western Conference and hold one of four play-in tournament spots.</p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Anthony Davis (R) #3 and Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate together after a score during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Mavs' Gafford returns in loss to Nets after 21-game absence

Former UNC point guard Elliot Cadeau is transferring to Michigan, he announced Monday on Instagra...

<p>Former UNC point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110557" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110557">Elliot Cadeau</a> is transferring to Michigan, he announced Monday on Instagram.</p><p>"The (Michigan) coaching staff really believe in me and know what I can do," Cadeau said, according to <a href="https://www.zagsblog.com/2025/03/31/michigan-lands-north-carolina-transfer-elliot-cadeau/">Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog</a>. "I want to play in an offense that best suits me and my abilities, with the correct players around me so we can all win."</p><p>The former five-star recruit averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 assists in 74 games across two seasons in Chapel Hill.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Michigan head coach Dusty May will be hoping Cadeau can be a steadying presence at the guard position after the team ranked 337th in the nation with 14 turnovers per game this past campaign.</p><p>Freshman point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163493" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163493">Justin Pippen</a>, son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, is set to depart the Wolverines after entering the transfer portal.</p><p>The 6-foot-1 Cadeau shared a backcourt with UNC star<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87454" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87454"> RJ Davis</a> in 2024-25, with the diminutive pair starting all 37 games for the Tar Heels.</p><p>North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis has expressed his desire to have more size across all positions.</p><p>"We've got to get bigger," Davis said recently on his weekly radio show, according to <a href="https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina/article/hubert-davis-live-weve-got-to-get-bigger-through-transfer-portal-unc-basketball-247750731/">Evan Rogers of 247 Sports</a>.</p><p>"From A to Z, we just do. And we talked about the physicality of Ole Miss (in the NCAA Tournament), and their positional size was bigger than us. And pretty much that's the way we were the whole season."</p><p>Davis made the comments shortly after Cadeau entered the transfer portal.</p><p>Michigan went 27-10 in its first season under May and captured the 2025 Big Ten Tournament title.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 21: Elliot Cadeau #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles the ball against the Ole Miss Rebels during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 21, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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North Carolina transfer Cadeau picks Michigan

New York Liberty sharpshooter Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is expected to miss five-to-six months afte...

<p>New York Liberty sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/21760" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/21760">Betnijah Laney-Hamilton</a> is expected to miss five-to-six months after undergoing a procedure to repair an acute meniscus injury in her left knee, the team <a href="https://x.com/nyliberty/status/1906800742821949651">announced</a> Monday.</p><p>Laney-Hamilton joined the Liberty in 2021 and helped the franchise win the 2024 WNBA title. She started every postseason game during the championship run, including all five contests in the finals, and exploded for 20 points in Game 2 against the Minnesota Lynx. She's also a two-time All-Defensive team nominee and was sent to the 2021 All-Star Game. </p><p>She started 25 of her 28 games last season and shot over 40% from three for the second time in her career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Laney-Hamilton will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 campaign.</p><p>The WNBA regular season is scheduled to begin May 16 and will run until Sept. 11.</p>

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 20: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton #44 of the New York Liberty looks on during the game against the Minnesota Lynx during Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on October 20, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Liberty's Laney-Hamilton expected to miss 5-6 months after knee surgery

Providence transfer Bryce Hopkins committed to head coach Rick Pitino and St. John's, sources tol...

<p>Providence transfer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95674" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95674">Bryce Hopkins</a> committed to head coach Rick Pitino and St. John's, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1906809739574452319">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a> on Monday.</p><p>Hopkins chose St. John's over Georgetown and his former head coach, Ed Cooley, according to <a href="https://x.com/BillKoch25/status/1906812676577358088">Bill Koch of the Providence Journal</a>.</p><p>Hopkins only appeared in 17 games over the last two seasons, including just three in 2024-25, due to a torn ACL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"My knee is 100% now," Hopkins told the <a href="https://x.com/NYPost_Brazille/status/1906811565875065217">New York Post's Zach Braziller</a>. "I feel like sitting out the rest of the year really helped me out a lot, because it gave me time to fully heal myself to the point where I feel like myself again."</p><p>The former four-star recruit will be tasked with replacing Big East Player of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103426" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103426">RJ Luis</a>, who entered his name in both the 2025 NBA Draft and the transfer portal.</p><p>Hopkins started his collegiate career at Kentucky before joining the Friars in 2022-23. He exploded in his first season with Providence, averaging 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while also being nominated to the All-Big East first team.</p><p>Hopkins is the second major transfer to join St. John's this week after former five-star wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121787" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121787">Joson Sanon</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3250887" href="https://thescore.com/news/3250887">announced</a> he would be leaving Arizona State to play for Pitino.</p><p>The Red Storm were the Big East regular-season and tourney champs in Pitino's second year at the helm. They received a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament but were bounced by Arkansas in the second round.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 10: Bryce Hopkins #23 of the Providence Friars brings the ball up court during the game against the DePaul Blue Demons at Wintrust Arena on December 10, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Providence transfer Hopkins commits to St. John's

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant left Sunday's contest against the Houston Rockets midway through t...

<p>Phoenix Suns star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> left Sunday's contest against the Houston Rockets midway through the third quarter following an apparent ankle injury.</p><p>Durant appeared to roll his left ankle when he <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1906537183999336531">stepped</a> on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102778" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102778">Jabari Smith Jr.</a>'s foot while driving to the rim.</p><p>The former MVP needed teammates to help him to the bench and could barely put any weight on the injured leg, according to <a href="https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1906535807802134606">The Athletic's Kelly Iko</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Suns forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121728" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121728">Oso Ighodaro</a> subbed into the game to take Durant's free throws, meaning the veteran forward was no longer eligible to return to the contest.</p><p>Durant will undergo an MRI on his ankle Monday, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said, according to <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1906556477193531778">NBA insider Marc Stein</a>.</p><p>Phoenix trailed Houston 92-57 at the time of Durant's injury and went on to lose 148-109.</p><p>Durant had 11 points and seven rebounds before exiting. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> scored a team-high 28 points.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a> led Houston with a game-high 33 points on 17 shots.</p><p>Rockets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a> was ejected from the game following a brief <a href="https://x.com/big_business_/status/1906526779830898936">scuffle</a> with Durant in the second quarter. Brooks received his second technical foul for the altercation, which sent him to the locker room.</p><p>The Suns are 35-40 and sit 11th in the West following Sunday's defeat.</p><p>Houston is now two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the second spot in the West with a 49-26 record.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 30, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Durant exits blowout loss to Rockets with ankle injury

Auburn star Johni Broome avoided serious injury after hurting his right elbow in the second half ...

<p>Auburn star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a> avoided serious injury after hurting his right elbow in the second half of the Tigers' Elite Eight victory over Michigan State.</p><p>Broome briefly left the game with Auburn clinging to a 10-point lead midway through the second half following an awkward fall.</p><p>"The (doctor) said nothing's wrong, you're good. Nothing serious," Broome said postgame, per <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=206452">ASAP Sports</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Broome had been dominating the contest, recording 22 points and 12 rebounds before exiting.</p><p>Auburn maintained its lead without the SEC Player of the Year. However, Broome knocked down a dagger 3-pointer a few minutes after returning.</p><p>The Tigers beat Michigan State 70-64 to book their ticket to the Final Four for the second time in program history.</p><p>Broome finished the contest with a game-high 25 points and 14 rebounds.</p><p>Head coach Bruce Pearl replayed when he found out his star pupil could return to the matchup, saying postgame: "When Johni came out of the locker room, I hadn't talked to the doctor, but I just asked him, 'Are you good to go?' He said, 'I am.' I said, 'Well, get your ass in there.'"</p><p>Pearl added: "Whether it's a slight hyperextension or whatever it was, obviously, the doctors were able to examine it and determine that there was no damage. I bet you it will be pretty sore tomorrow, though."</p><p>Auburn, the No. 1 overall seed, will take on SEC foe Florida in the national semifinal Saturday. The Tigers lost to the Gators 90-81 when the teams squared off in early February.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 30: Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers holds his elbow after falling during the Elite Eight round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Auburn's Broome says elbow injury 'nothing serious'

Referees booted out five players and two coaches from Sunday's contest between the Detroit Piston...

<p>Referees booted out five players and two coaches from Sunday's contest between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves following a <a href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1906502014088913337">shoving match</a> during the second quarter.</p><p>The fracas ensued after Pistons rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121707" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121707">Ron Holland</a> hit T-Wolves big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69736" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69736">Naz Reid</a> with a hard foul, sparking a verbal exchange between the pair. Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo stepped in to separate them, but Holland shoved DiVincenzo aside, prompting the former Villanova star to grab Holland.</p><p>The altercation escalated as multiple players got involved, with DiVincenzo and Holland, along with the Pistons' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93867" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93867">Isaiah Stewart</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110236" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110236">Marcus Sasser,</a> tumbling into the second row of the stands.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After officials cleared the melee, members of both coaching staffs got into a verbal altercation.</p><p>Referees ejected Reid, DiVincenzo, Holland, Sasser, and Stewart. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and T-Wolves assistant Pablo Prigioni were also kicked out.</p><p>Bickerstaff implied that he was tossed for responding to comments from Prigioni, according to <a href="https://x.com/Keith_Langlois/status/1906528029699932433">Keith Langlois of Pistons.com</a>.</p><p>"We're going to defend each other, and I'm not going to let people say belligerent things about my guys. It's that simple. He says what he said and he knows what he said," Bickerstaff <a href="https://x.com/Keith_Langlois/status/1906528389663477960">said</a>.</p><p>The league suspended Stewart for one game and fined him $50,000 earlier in the season for receiving his sixth flagrant.</p><p>The Timberwolves outscored the Pistons by 25 in the second half to secure a 123-104 victory.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 30: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 30, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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7 ejected from Pistons-Wolves game following scuffle in stands

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has been cleared for basketball activities and is hoping to be...

<p>New York Knicks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> has been cleared for basketball activities and is hoping to be in the lineup before the playoffs begin, he told <a href="https://x.com/IanBegley/status/1906448964338991428">SNYtv's Ian Begley</a> on Sunday.</p><p>Brunson has been out of the lineup since spraining his ankle in the Knicks' overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6. New York initially announced that the injury would sideline him for about two weeks.</p><p>The two-time All-Star is averaging 26.3 points and 7.4 assists in 61 games for the Knicks this campaign. Brunson needs to appear in four more contests to qualify for postseason awards.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>New York has gone 7-5 in the 12 games without its starting point guard.</p><p>The final day of the regular season is April 13, with Round 1 of the playoffs scheduled to begin April 19.</p><p>The Knicks sit third in the East with a 47-27 record.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Knicks' Brunson hopes to return before postseason

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had a 39-point triple-double in his return from a five-game absence d...

<p>Three-time MVP <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> had a 39-point triple-double in his return from a five-game absence due to a left ankle impingement, helping the Denver Nuggets pull away late in the fourth quarter to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 127-117 on Wednesday.</p><p>Jokic was averaging a triple-double in his 62 games entering Wednesday's contest. He's second in the NBA in assists (10.3), third in scoring (29.1), and third in rebounds (12.8). The 7-footer posted the NBA's first-ever 30-20-20 stat line in an overtime win against the Phoenix Suns on March 7.</p><p>The Serbian last suited up for the Nuggets in a loss to the Washington Wizards on March 15. Denver went 2-3 in Jokic's absence.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nuggets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> also returned from an ankle sprain that kept him out one game. He recorded seven points in 18 minutes of action. Michael Porter added 23 points on 6-of-8 from three.</p><p>Both teams were on fire from deep, each going 16-for-37 from downtown. </p><p>The Bucks were without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, who was unavailable due to a foot sprain, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> after the guard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/300" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/300">Brook Lopez</a> led the way for Milwaukee, tallying 26 points and seven rebounds.</p><p>The Nuggets improved to 46-28 and are 1.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for third in the Western Conference. They'll host the Utah Jazz on Friday.</p><p>Milwaukee fell to 40-32 after the loss and is scheduled to play the New York Knicks on Friday.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 15: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena on March 15, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Jokic records triple-double in return from 5-game absence

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Michael J. Chandler

Supervising editor

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