Top Stories

• Mavs steal Game 1 in Minnesota

• All-NBA Teams announced

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Games of the day

Last Night’s Top Games! (link to the box scores of the game(s) from yesterday)

Luka Doncic had 15 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 108-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Kyrie Irving scored 24 of his 30 in the first half for the Mavericks. Jaden McDaniels had his third straight game with 20+ points for the Wolves, but Anthony Edwards, who just made his first All-NBA team, was locked down for only 19 points in a team effort from the Mavericks. Karl-Anthony Towns needed a late run to get to 16 points and finished 6 for 20 from the floor. Minnesota was caught off guard by Irving and Doncic, after being so used to Nikola Jokic in the last round. Dallas used their pick and roll to generate so many open dunks and alley oops for their big men. Minnesota will have to make some serious adjustments. Minnesota hosts Game 2 on Friday night.

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Around the League

• Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headline the 2023-24 Kia All-NBA 1st Team. Joining them are Mavericks guard Luka Dončić, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Dončić (fifth consecutive selection), Antetokounmpo (sixth consecutive selection) and Tatum (third consecutive selection) continue their streaks of First Team selections. The All-NBA 2nd Team has Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Suns forward Kevin Durant, Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard and Lakers center Anthony Davis. Brunson and Edwards make their Kia All-NBA Team debuts.  This is the 11th Kia All-NBA Team selection for Durant, the sixth for Leonard and the fifth for Davis. The 3rd Team is made up of of Lakers forward LeBron James, Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Kings center Domantas Sabonis, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Suns guard Devin Booker. LeBron has extended his NBA record for most All-NBA Team selections to 20, having been named to the First, Second or Third Team every season since 2004. This is the 10th Kia All-NBA Team selection for Curry and the second for both Sabonis and Booker. Haliburton is a first-time member.

• Injury Updates: Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is still out indefinitely. Maxi Kleber (shoulder) is out indefinitely. Benedict Mathurin (shoulder) underwent surgery and is out for the season. We wish all these guys speedy and successful recoveries.

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NBA Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston vs (6) Indiana: Series is 1-0

The Pacers proved they have the toughness to compete and win a series, but Boston is a different monster. Indiana has to be nearly flawless to win this series.

(Game 1) The Pacers had a chance to win after a great game, but a pair of turnovers in the final 30 seconds cost them the game.

Prediction: Celtics in 5

Western Conference

(3) Minnesota vs (5) Dallas: Series is 0-1

The Wolves have all the size to deal with Dallas on the interior and perimeter, but Luka is going to be a problem either way. KAT and Kyrie will be the X-factors for this series.

(Game 1) The Wolves weren’t ready for Luka and Kyrie, as Irving had 24 first half points, running Anthony Edwards ragged across the court. Luka had 15 points in the 4th, shredding the Wolves defense. Chris Finch and Micah Nori have some serious adjustments to make.

Prediction: Wolves in 6

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Overtime Thoughts