NBA Player News

Murray had it rolling early in Game 2, capping a 23-point first half with a half-court shot as time expired to end the second quarter. However, the Timberwolves buckled down defensively, limiting the Nuggets’ guard to seven second-half points. Murray’s miss of a challenged mid-range jumper led to a Donte DiVincenzo dunk that extended Minnesota’s lead to five with just under four seconds remaining, ending the game. Murray scored 30 points in both games in Denver, but Game 2 felt far different because of the subpar second half.

Booker rebounded in the second half, but had just two points and five turnovers in 19 minutes in the first half. The Suns trailed by eight at halftime and would go on to lose by nine, which was the closest margin of the series. For much of the series, Booker was stymied by the Thunder defense and it led to a quick exit for the Suns in these playoffs.

Holmgren was excellent in Game 4 with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two three-pointers and two steals. The 23-year-old center was +21 in 34 minutes as the Thunder took Game 4 by nine points. OKC won every game in the series by at least nine points. The Thunder are on the fast track to repeating as champions with a first round sweep of the Suns.

Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show again as he continued to dominate the Suns in this series. Over the last three games, the 27-year-old point guard 36.7 points and 8.3 assists while shooting 63.3 percent from the field. 41.7 percent from behind the three-point line and 90.6 percent from the free throw line. With the Thunder advancing, they’ll take on the winner of the Rockets and Lakers series.

While Jalen Duren had been the poster boy for the Pistons’ struggles in this series, Cunningham seemed to takeover the mantle from Duren in Monday’s Game 4 loss to the Magic. The 24-year-old superstar had eight turnovers and was 7-of-23 from the field as the No. 1 seed Pistons fell behind 3-1 in the series. It was the third consecutive game where Cunningham had at least seven turnovers, tying James Harden’s playoff record. Cunningham and the Pistons will have their backs against the wall as they try to avoid elimination at home in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Wagner played just 24 minutes before leaving with a calf injury. While he returned to the bench, the Magic deemed him questionable to return to the game and then held him out for the rest of regulation. Wagner’s status will likely have to be monitored ahead of Game 5 on Wednesday.

Bane had 22 points and five three-pointers in Game 4, which was one fewer three-pointer than the entire Pistons team. None of his threes were bigger than the bank shot Bane hit late in the fourth quarter to give the Magic a six-point lead. Bane and the Magic will look to complete their shocking upset by closing out the Pistons in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Gordon played 23 minutes in Saturday’s Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves before heading to the locker room in the third quarter. Despite the Nuggets saying he was available, Gordon didn’t return to the court. Now he’s been ruled out for Game 5. Expect Spencer Jones to start in his place.

Goodwin hasn’t played since he injured his calf five minutes into the series’ opening game. The 27-year-old guard was said to have been progressing in his recovery, but was still ruled out for Game 4. Collin Gillespie has replaced him in the starting lineup while Grayson Allen provides additional depth off the bench.

Huerter left Game 3 with a sore left hip after playing 15 minutes off the bench and didn’t return. He was listed as questionable for Game 4, but was ultimately ruled in. Huerter can provide outside shooting and floor spacing off the bench, particularly in minutes where starting small forward Duncan Robinson is off the floor.

Flagg won the closest Rookie of the Year vote since 2003 over the Hornets’ Kon Knueppel. The 19-year-old small forward led all rookies in points per game and was tied for first in total assists. Flagg lived up to his fourth-round preseason ADP and will surely go even earlier in drafts next season.