TITLE: Knicks Seize 2–0 Lead, Spurs Draw Even, Mavericks Present New Basketball Operations Chief
SLUG: nba-playoffs-knicks-spurs-mavericks-updates
CONTENT:
NEW YORK — Jalen Brunson scored 26 points Wednesday night, pushing the Knicks past the 76ers 108–102 and giving New York a 2–0 advantage in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The contest at Madison Square Garden featured 25 lead changes and 14 ties, with neither club ahead by more than seven at any point. Brunson snapped the final deadlock with 5:06 to play and added another jumper on the next possession to create separation.
OG Anunoby poured in 24 points before leaving late, while Mikal Bridges added 18 and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Head coach Mike Brown said there was no immediate update on Anunoby’s status.
Playing without Joel Embiid (hip and ankle soreness), Philadelphia relied on Tyrese Maxey’s 26 points. Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 19 apiece. “We just needed to keep the scoreboard moving,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. “We played great offense. We just didn’t shot-make.”
Game 3 is set for Friday in Philadelphia.
Spurs 133, Timberwolves 95 — Series Tied 1–1
SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama posted 19 points and 15 rebounds as the Spurs dominated Minnesota to level their Western Conference semifinal series. San Antonio shot 50 percent overall and 41 percent from three, with rookie Stephon Castle leading all scorers at 21 points and De’Aaron Fox adding 16.
Minnesota never recovered after falling behind by 25 before halftime. Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. each finished with 12 points; Edwards again came off the bench while easing back from a hyperextended knee.
Games 3 and 4 shift to Minneapolis.
Mavericks Install Masai Ujiri as President
DALLAS — The Mavericks formally introduced Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations. While Jason Kidd remains head coach, Ujiri said every aspect of the organization will be evaluated.
“He’s done a great job, but we are going to look at this thing from head to toe,” Ujiri told reporters, citing his history of retaining inherited coaches in Denver and Toronto. “I’m going to hear Coach Jason Kidd out—his thoughts on everything—because some of the stuff here, I don’t know. For me, it’s that simple.”
Source: Hoops Wire
