Pelicans still haven't scored above 50 points vs Thunder defense in a half this series. The point totals: 43, 49, 50, 42, 46, 39, 43.

Pelicans in the first three games vs Thunder defense: 92, 92, 85 points. Offensive rating of 94.7, worst in playoffs. They were only held below 93 points twice in regular season. theathletic.com/5455675/2024/0…

Chet Holmgren: 11 blocks in his first three playoff games, 201 blocks his rookie season. His rim protection has been a major factor vs Pelicans. theathletic.com/5455675/2024/0…

An all things Thunder podcast with ⁦Darnell Mayberry⁩ and @Sam_Amick podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…

Some Warriors offseason notes on Klay Thompson, Moses Moody’s future, unlikely lottery odds and more theathletic.com/5443184/2024/0…

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has won the 2023-24 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.

Tough reality for Malik Monk and the Kings. If Luka Doncic doesn't fall onto his knee in late March, spraining his MCL, he very likely wins 6MOY (favorite at time) and Kings might be in playoffs right now. Altered their season. theathletic.com/5442154/2024/0…

The Kings are promoting assistant coach Luke Loucks to the front of the bench, per Mike Brown. Loucks worked with Brown with the Warriors and was one of his first hires with the Kings. He's worked closely with De'Aaron Fox the last two seasons.

The Thunder have a defensive rebounding problem. It’s a calculated gamble. theathletic.com/5437652/2024/0…

Will be covering some Thunder in these playoffs. Here's a piece on OKC's defensive rebounding problem and the calculated gamble/philosophy surrounding it.

Includes some quotes from Mark Daigneault. theathletic.com/5437652/2024/0…

Are you an NBA fan in Oklahoma City who still has a soft spot for the New Orleans franchise because of its time in Oklahoma?

If so, The Athletic NBA wants to talk to you and possibly tell your story.

If you or someone you know fits, reply or email me: [email protected]

Will be covering some Thunder in these playoffs. Here's a piece on OKC's defensive rebounding problem and the calculated gamble/philosophy surrounding it.

Includes some quotes from Mark Daigneault. theathletic.com/5437652/2024/0…

Malik Monk expressed desire to remain in Sacramento. He feels Kings would be in playoffs had he been healthy. But it's clear he'll explore free agency. Kings limited in what they can pay him.

'I could go somewhere else and get a lot more money and be in a worse situation.'

Dangerous games: What's next for Mike Brown, Vivek Ranadive and the Kings, at The Athletic, with Anthony Slater

Sources say Brown wants a market-value extension. But is the Kings owner ready to re-invest in their relationship?
theathletic.com/5434131/2024/0…

Went deep on the Kings’ season and the decisions that’ll define their offseason and future.

Story with @Sam_Amick
theathletic.com/5434131/2024/0…

The Kings faded in New Orleans, watched their season end, missed Malik Monk and now enter an offseason where retaining Monk could be difficult theathletic.com/5430762/2024/0…

De’Aaron Fox expresses a desire for the Kings to retain unrestricted free agent Malik Monk, but: “Money talks.”

Kings are limited in what they can pay Monk. Full Fox soundbite.

Kings lose in New Orleans. A 46-win season ends without a playoff appearance. They didn't stay alive long enough for Malik Monk to return from his MCL sprain. Monk's free agency is a large offseason question. They will retain their first round (lottery protected) pick.

Kings down 20 with 6:32 left. They're 9-of-35 from 3 and getting outscored 50-32 in the paint.

Kings down nine entering the 4Q. De'Aaron Fox getting a quick rest. Dangerous minutes. Fox has been great, but looked like he needed a breather last few minutes of third. Three missed free throws, left a 3 short and turned it over.