DENVER (AP) — The NBA Finals will end in six games. At least, that’s what history says.
Out of the first 76 editions of the NBA Finals — the 77th title series starts Thursday night in Denver when the Nuggets play host to the Miami Heat — the series has ended in six games 30 times.
BOSTON (AP) — No unprecedented comeback, no last-tick miracle, no cavalcade of higher seeds is going to prevent these Miami Heat from playing for the NBA title.
Eastern Conference finals Most Valuable Player Jimmy Butler scored 28 points, and Caleb Martin had 26 points and 10 rebounds to help the eighth-seeded Heat beat Boston 103-84 in Game 7 on Monday night and advance to the NBA Finals for the second time in four seasons.
NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson passed the time awaiting internet setup at his home after arriving in New York last summer by tackling a Lego project.
The Millennium Falcon from “Star Wars” totaled more than 7,000 pieces, which takes time and patience to build.
MIAMI (AP) — Heat coach Erik Spoelstra walked into the postgame interview room, a cup of a celebratory beverage in his hand, took a seat and began explaining how difficult the journey has been for Heat.
The NBA draft lottery has offered teams a quick path from bad to good for nearly four decades. The stakes this year are unusually high with French phenom Victor Wembanyama the top prospect.
Miami looks to secure series in game 6
May 11, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference)
Miami; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Heat -4.5; over/under is 209
Jalen Brunson scores 38 points, Knicks beat Heat 112-103 in Game 5 to cut deficit to a game
May 11, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson never talked to his coach about how minutes he would play, or how many points he had to score.
In the situation the Knicks faced, there's no need for talk.
Heat look to secure series win over the Knicks
May 9, 2023 GMTMiami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Knicks -3.5; over/under is 209.5
Heat take 3-1 lead, hold off Knicks 109-101 for Game 4 win
May 9, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — The lead was shaky at times. The shooting went cold. The building got tense. There were moments when the Miami Heat looked like they were about to get themselves into trouble.
Miami takes 2-1 lead into game 4 against New York
May 7, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference)
Miami; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Heat -4.5; over/under is 206
Butler scores 28, Heat top Knicks 105-86 for 2-1 series lead
May 6, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — It was one of the worst shooting games of the season for the Miami Heat, by far: 39% from the field, 22% from 3-point range, barely 50% on usually easy shots at the rim.
Miami’s Jimmy Butler (ankle) cleared to return for Game 3
May 6, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler was cleared to return to the Miami Heat lineup on Saturday, in time for him to play in Game 3 of his team’s Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks.
Heat, Lakers head home, seek 2-1 leads over Knicks, Warriors
May 5, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Miami and New York are wondering who will be able to play. Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers are wondering which team will land the next punch.
Oilers-Knights the lone NHL playoff game on Saturday night
May 5, 2023 GMT“Hockey Night in Canada” will actually be hockey night on the Las Vegas Strip.
Game 2 of the second-round series between Edmonton and Vegas is the only NHL playoff game on the schedule Saturday.
Miami, New York tied 1-1 heading to game 3
May 5, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference)
Miami; Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Heat -3.5; over/under is 208.5
Heat still waiting to see if Butler can play in Game 3
May 4, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — NBA playoff scoring leader Jimmy Butler was with the Miami Heat for their film session Thursday, without any clarity yet if his sprained ankle will be healed enough for him to play in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks on Saturday.
Knicks’ Brunson, Hart turn press conference to press comedy
May 4, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson, like a good point guard, was trying to set up his teammate.
Josh Hart wasn't ready for the pass. Not when he was busy with a mouthful of pizza.
Knicks top Heat 111-105, even Eastern Conference semi series
May 3, 2023 GMTJalen Brunson scored 30 points and keyed the run the New York Knicks needed just in time to get by a Miami Heat team playing without Jimmy Butler, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at a game apiece with a 111-105 victory Tuesday night.
Brunson, Randle help Knicks beat Heat 111-105 to even series
May 3, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson took the blame when the Knicks dropped the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals and insisted he needed to be better in Game 2.
Heat’s Butler out for Game 2 against Knicks; Randle back
May 2, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Butler was sidelined for the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night because of a sprained right ankle.
Julius Randle was back for the Knicks after missing Game 1 of the series with a sprained left ankle.
Heat, Knicks prepare for Game 2, unsure about Butler, Randle
May 1, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks know how difficult it is having to play a postseason game without their do-everything forward.
The Miami Heat don't want to be reminded what it's like now.
Heat take 1-0 lead into game 2 against the Knicks
May 1, 2023 GMTMiami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Knicks -6.5; over/under is 207
Butler, Heat start 2nd round with 108-101 win over Knicks
April 30, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Butler looked his coach in the eye and said he was staying in the game, no matter how much his ankle might have hurt.
The Miami Heat needed all season to turn into the team they expected, so no way Butler wants to miss a minute of it now.
Knicks’ Randle misses Game 1 vs Heat with sprained ankle
April 30, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle missed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat on Sunday because of a sprained left ankle.
Randle was originally hurt late in the regular season, missing the final five games, before returning for the first round against Cleveland.
Heat, Knicks start 2nd round Sunday in rivalry’s return
April 29, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Back when the New York Knicks and Miami Heat were meeting every year in the postseason, nobody had the kind of series Jimmy Butler just did.
Brunson and the Knicks host Miami to begin second round
April 29, 2023 GMTMiami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Knicks -4; over/under is 207.5
NBA conference semifinal preview capsules
April 29, 2023 GMTPreview capsules for the NBA's conference semifinals:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
No. 2 BOSTON CELTICS (57-25, 4-2) vs. No. 3 PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (54-28, 4-0)
Jimmy Butler does things his way, leads Heat into 2nd round
April 28, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler is different.
Some players hit beaches over All-Star break; Butler went to Argentina to watch tennis and learn about coffee.
With Knicks into 2nd round, New Yorkers back, brash as ever
April 28, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James for years professed his love for Madison Square Garden, then declined the chance to make it his home.
Kevin Durant not only passed on the New York Knicks, but he chose the other team in their city, allowing him to torment them from a few miles across the river.
Cavaliers enter early offseason after short playoff stay
April 28, 2023 GMTINDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — The constant, thumping sound of bouncing basketballs, lively chatter and squeaking sneakers on the floors inside the Cavaliers' training facility were replaced by an eerie stillness and silence on Thursday.
Heat-Knicks: A playoff rivalry that’s about to get rekindled
April 27, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — They brawled in 1997. Jeff Van Gundy clung to Alonzo Mourning’s leg in 1998. Allan Houston got a friendly bounce in 1999. Clarence Weatherspoon didn’t get one in 2000.
Knicks show toughness, togetherness in overpowering Cavs
April 27, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — While their only All-Star was back in the locker room getting treatment on his injured ankle, the New York Knicks barely missed a beat.
Knicks play the Pelicans, look for 6th straight victory
April 27, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (47-33, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (41-39, eighth in the Western Conference)
New Orleans; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: New York will try to prolong its five-game win streak with a victory against New Orleans.
Heat rally again to win in OT, eliminate top-seeded Bucks
April 27, 2023 GMTMILWAUKEE (AP) — Jimmy Butler was an extraordinary playmaker while leading the Miami Heat to one of the most stunning first-round playoff upsets in NBA history.
Butler, Heat oust No. 1-seeded Bucks, advance to face Knicks
April 27, 2023 GMTMILWAUKEE (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 42 points and the Miami Heat staged a second straight stunning fourth-quarter rally before winning 128-126 in overtime on Wednesday night in Game 5 to complete an upset of the top-seeded Bucks in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
Knicks advance to second round, down Cavs 106-95 in Game 5
April 27, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Once he and his teammates were done finishing off the Cavs, Jalen Brunson slipped on a T-shirt with a photo of former Knicks All-Star John Starks on the front screaming while hanging from the rim.
Knicks’ Randle aggravates ankle injury in Game 5
April 27, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle aggravated a left ankle injury late in the first half of Game 5 on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Randle, who missed the final five games of the regular season and has been slowed in the playoffs, went down with 1:17 left in the half and the Knicks leading by double digits.
Mitchell, Cavs remain confident despite 3-1 hole to Knicks
April 25, 2023 GMTINDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Donovan Mitchell launched his final post-practice jumper, flashed two thumbs-ups and grabbed a water bottle before slowly walking across the court to a media session ahead of his biggest game since coming to Cleveland.
New York looks to clinch series against Cleveland in game 5
April 25, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Cavaliers -5.5; over/under is 202.5
Knicks on verge of reaching 2nd round for 1st time in decade
April 24, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 29 points, RJ Barrett had 26 and the New York Knicks took a 3-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first-round series with a 102-93 victory on Sunday.
Josh Hart moved into the starting lineup and added 19 points and seven rebounds for the fifth-seeded Knicks, who would reach the second round for the first time since 2013 if they take this series.
Brunson, Barrett lead Knicks over Cavs 102-93 for 3-1 lead
April 23, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks have had so few chances to join the NBA postseason party that they might forget the real fun hasn’t even started yet.
“There’s nothing to celebrate,” Jalen Brunson said.
Brunson and the Knicks host Cleveland with 2-1 series lead
April 22, 2023 GMTCleveland Cavaliers (51-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Knicks -3; over/under is 206.5
Knicks rout Cavaliers 99-79 at MSG to take 2-1 lead
April 22, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 21 points, RJ Barrett broke out of a slump with 19 and the New York Knicks held the Cleveland Cavaliers to the lowest point total in the NBA this season, rolling to a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series with a 99-79 victory Friday night.
Knicks romp past Cavaliers 99-79, take 2-1 series lead
April 22, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Back when the NBA playoffs were always part of the springtime schedule at Madison Square Garden, this is what they looked like.
‘Overrated!‘: Hawks’ Young dealing with more playoff misery
April 20, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young was showered with chants of “overrated!” during two dismal games in Boston. The Atlanta star will need to find his playoff groove at home if the Hawks are going to have any chance of knocking off the Celtics.
New York, Cleveland tied 1-1 heading into game 3
April 20, 2023 GMTCleveland Cavaliers (51-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Friday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Knicks -2; over/under is 211.5
Garland scores 32, Cavs beat Knicks 107-90 to even series
April 19, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Darius Garland couldn't change what happened in a disappointing playoff debut.
On Tuesday night, Garland made sure he didn't repeat it.
Setting the tone with his aggressiveness from the start, Garland scored 26 of his 32 points in the first half and the Cavaliers evened their Eastern Conference playoff series against New York at one game apiece with a 107-90 victory.
Knicks guard Hart active for Game 2 despite ankle injury
April 18, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — New York Knicks versatile guard Josh Hart is active for Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night after being slowed the past few days by a sprained left ankle.
Hart rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of New York's Game 1 win Saturday.
Bullied by Knicks in opener, Mitchell, Cavs look to rebound
April 17, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Before Donovan Mitchell faced his hometown Knicks in the playoffs, the Cavaliers' All-Star guard was asked when the inner New Yorker — fast-moving, tough-minded, ultra-competitive — in him comes out most often.
Knicks’ Hart doubtful with ankle sprain for Game 2 vs. Cavs
April 17, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The Knicks' promising playoff start hit a snag Monday.
Versatile guard Josh Hart, whose arrival in a deadline trade has revitalized New York's bench, has a sprained left ankle and could miss Game 2 on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Knicks take 1-0 lead into game 2 against the Cavaliers
April 17, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Cavaliers -4.5; over/under is 212.5
Brunson, Randle push Knicks past Cavaliers 101-97 in Game 1
April 16, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — Julius Randle joked about being out of shape and Josh Hart walked into the postgame news conference wearing a T-shirt with a photo of teammate Jalen Brunson on the front.
Randle back from injury, starting for Knicks in Game 1
April 15, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle is in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the NBA playoffs against the Cavaliers on Saturday after missing the final five games of the regular season with a sprained left ankle.
Preview capsules for the NBA’s 1st-round playoff series
April 15, 2023 GMTEASTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 MILWAUKEE BUCKS (58-24) vs. No. 8 MIAMI HEAT (44-38)
Cavs’ Mitchell comes ‘full circle’ to face hometown Knicks
April 14, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The New York Knicks couldn't land Donovan Mitchell last summer.
They're getting him now. Just not in the way they hoped.
Mitchell, in his first season with Cleveland, has pushed the Cavs back into the NBA playoffs for the first time since LeBron James split in 2018 and will face his hometown team in a first-round series loaded with subplots.
Knicks’ Randle could return from ankle injury to face Cavs
April 14, 2023 GMTCLEVELAND (AP) — The New York Knicks could have star forward Julius Randle back for their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers after he missed the final two weeks of the regular season with a sprained left ankle.
Cleveland hosts New York to begin playoffs
April 14, 2023 GMTNew York Knicks (47-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Saturday, 6 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Cavaliers -5.5; over/under is 214.5
Cavs’ defensive stopper Okoro likely to return vs. Knicks
April 13, 2023 GMTINDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers will likely have their defensive stopper back for their first-round playoff matchup against the New York Knicks.
Isaac Okoro, who missed the final six games of the regular season with a sore left knee, took part in some contact portions of practice on Thursday and it appears he'll be ready for Game 1 on Saturday.
Mavs turn focus to Irving after reserve-filled loss to Spurs
April 10, 2023 GMTDALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving sat for the last two games as part of a plan by the Dallas Mavericks to get back a draft pick sent to the New York Knicks in a trade four years ago.
Now they wait to see if the eight-time All-Star will re-sign in free agency, or be a failed two-month rental from a blockbuster deal with Brooklyn.
Pacers outlast Knicks 141-136 in regular season finale
April 9, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Bennedict Mathurin scored 26 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 141-136 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday in the regular season finale for both teams.
Mathurin was one of seven Pacers to finish in double-figure scoring.