Basketball Intelligence For 4/26/25
Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis
TEAM-SPECIFIC
ATL: Why this season felt different
Wesley Morton, Peachtree Hoops
after taking a step back and bringing internal development to the foreground, the Hawks have begun to realize a more sustainable direction for the long term.
In short, this season feels different. A true foundation has been laid, and the build back can (but in no certain terms will) yield longer lasting results
BOS: Celtics-Magic has been a physical battle. Jaylen Brown thinks the fight’s just begun
Jay King, The Athletic
BOS: The Magic are aggressive and relentless, and that’s how they got the better of the Celtics in Game 3
Adam Himmelsbach, Boston Globe
CLE: The Cavs aren’t just targeting Tyler Herro, they’re attacking all of Miami’s weak defenders
Jackson Flickinger, Fear The Sword
CLE: How the Cavs are shattering Miami’s defensive strategy
Tony Pesta, Fear The Sword
DET: Pistons Film Room - Defending Karl-Anthony Towns
Bryce Simon, Motor City Hoops
DET: The Truth About Adjustments In The NBA Playoffs
Mat Issa, Forbes
GSW: 3 burning questions that’ll decide Warriors-Rockets Game 3
Anthony Slater/Kelly Iko, The Athletic
GSW: Bond of Warriors’ Steph Curry and Draymond Green: Titles, trials, a frantic phone call
Ron Kroichick, SF Chronicle
GSW: Warriors look to match Rockets’ physicality as series shifts to Chase Center
Sam Gordon, SF Chronicle
GSW: Playoffs giving Warriors rookie Post trial-by-fire treatment
Monte Poole, NBC Sports
HOU: 3 burning questions that’ll decide Warriors-Rockets Game 3
Anthony Slater/Kelly Iko, The Athletic
HOU: Which version of Rockets' offense will show up for Game 3 at Golden State? Ime Udoka has a simple plan
Danielle Lerner, Houston Chronicle
IND: After a strong first half, the Pacers unraveled in the third quarter and the Bucks found new life
Scott Agness, Fieldhouse Files
IND: Gary Trent Jr. explodes, Pacers implode in second half as Bucks win Game 3
Dustin Dopirak, Indy Star
IND: Pacers blow their cool and their big lead in Game 3
Gregg Doyel, Indy Star
IND: Pacers blow second-half lead to let Bucks back in series
Shakeia Taylor, The Athletic
LAC: The Kawhi Leonard renaissance that the NBA didn't see coming
Andrew Grief, NBC Sports
LAC: Clippers have Jeff Van Gundy to thank for crushing defense
James H Wiliams, USA Today
LAC: Clippers Appear to Finally Have the Right Title-Pursuing Puzzle Pieces
Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated
LAL: Luka Dončić’s illness exacerbates Lakers’ depth and size concerns vs. Wolves
Jovan Buha, The Athletic
LAL: Game 3 Observations
Iztok Franko, diginbasketball
LAL: Turnovers plague Lakers in game they could have - should have? - won
Josh Peter, USA Today
LAL: Lakers drop Game 3 to Timberwolves despite LeBron James’ big night
Khobi Price, OC Register
LAL: With Luka Doncic ailing, LeBron James’ historic night can’t save Lakers in Game 3 loss
Dan Woike, LA Times
LAL: Can the Lakers overcome their biggest vulnerability exposed during their Game 3 loss?
Dylan Hernandez, LA Times
MIL: Gary Trent Jr.’s career night, aggressive defense give Bucks new life in series vs. Pacers
Eric Nehm, The Athletic
MIL: Bucks rediscovered their physical play just in time to get back into series with Pacers
Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel
MIN: Timberwolves trip Lakers 116-104 as Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle lead the way
Chris Hine, Star Tribune
MIN: For Anthony Edwards and the Wolves, Game 3 win was more than just a win
Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic
MIN: 5 takeaways from Timberwolves all-important Game 3 win over Lakers
Jace Frederick, Pioneer Press
MIN: Indefatigable Jaden McDaniels plays both ends to perfection as Wolves beat Lakers
Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune
The rest of the team-specific stories as well as the leaguewide, draft-related and hoops history stories follow for paid subscribers