Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Angola - Slovenia | Full Highlights - FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
Angola - Slovenia | Full Highlights - FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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Mexico - Russia | Full Highlights - FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
Mexico - Russia | Full Highlights - FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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LIVE - Canada v China - Press Conference | FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
LIVE - Canada v China - Press Conference | FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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Suns @ Clippers WCF Game 6 | NBA Playoffs on ESPN Live Scoreboard - NBA
The Bucks can still reach the NBA Finals without Giannis -- here's how - ESPN Philippines
Can the Milwaukee Bucks win Thursday's pivotal Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Atlanta Hawks if two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is unavailable?
Although ESPN's Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that Giannis avoided structural damage to his left knee during a scary fall in the third quarter of the Bucks' Game 4 loss on Tuesday, he's still listed as doubtful to play in Game 5.
How might Milwaukee replace Antetokounmpo if he misses the game? And what does it mean for the Bucks' chances of maintaining home-court advantage in the series? Let's take a look.
How the Bucks could look without Giannis
Milwaukee went 6-5 in the regular season without Giannis, but that stat comes with an asterisk: Three of the five losses came when the Bucks rested the majority of their regular starters, meaning they went 6-2 in games with a relatively full lineup save for Antetokounmpo. With the exception of a 15-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks, those games were against lottery-bound teams, though Milwaukee did manage to blow out lesser competition -- the Bucks had a plus-12 PPG differential in full-strength games without Giannis.
The first challenge for Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer will be finding enough bodies to fill out a rotation. Before Giannis went down, the Bucks were playing eight players in the wake of a season-ending injury to starting shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo. That didn't change much after Antetokounmpo left the game. Aside from a two-minute cameo for Jeff Teague, Milwaukee relied on a core group of seven players before Budenholzer emptied his bench in the late stages.
In the regular season, Budenholzer typically replaced Giannis with his backup Bobby Portis but occasionally went to smaller starting lineups promoting wing Pat Connaughton from the bench. Now that P.J. Tucker is a fixture in the starting lineup, smaller lineups look more promising for the Bucks. Portis has played only sparingly in the playoffs with both Tucker and Brook Lopez (six minutes, per NBA Advanced Stats), and that combo did not see action in Game 4.
Starting Connaughton would allow Budenholzer to stick to a relatively normal rotation with Portis as the primary reserve big man and Bryn Forbes coming in to spot players on the perimeter. Expect Milwaukee to extend the minutes of stars Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, who are already averaging 38.5 and 36.8 MPG, respectively, in this series. We know they're capable of more, as Middleton played 42.1 MPG in the Bucks' seven-game series win over the Brooklyn Nets and Holiday 39.8.
How to replace Giannis' scoring
As ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz pointed out in our Game 4 takeaways, Milwaukee already has a template for winning in the playoffs without Giannis. In Game 4 of last year's conference semifinals against the Miami Heat, Antetokounmpo left early in the second quarter after aggravating a right ankle sprain. Down at the time, the Bucks rallied to extend their season before losing a hard-fought Game 5 against Miami.
That victory was powered by Middleton, who was off to a slow start. He had just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in the first quarter-plus as Giannis' 19 points kept Milwaukee in the game. Thereafter, Middleton scored 34 points, including 21 in the third quarter and outscoring the Heat 9-8 in overtime. When Miami was able to hold Middleton to 8-of-25 shooting in Game 5, the Bucks struggled to put points on the board, finishing with just 94 in the series-ending loss.
During games Antetokounmpo missed during the 2020-21 regular season, Milwaukee replaced his production by committee. Middleton, Holiday, Lopez and Portis all elevated their scoring per 36 minutes. In a playoff setting, however, it's likely up to Middleton and Holiday to carry the load, and sacrificing efficiency will be a concern. Middleton's true shooting percentage dropped from .595 in games he played with Giannis to .545 without him despite those matchups coming primarily against below-average defenses.
Already, Middleton's efficiency has been an issue in this series outside of his dominant 20-point fourth quarter to help the Bucks come from behind in Game 3. After that effort, the Hawks adjusted by inserting Cam Reddish in their rotation to match up with Middleton.
However, the bigger change was Middleton's production when defended by Atlanta wing Kevin Huerter. He went 0-for-6 in that matchup during Game 4, per ESPN Stats & Information research, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting overall.
How Milwaukee wins with defense
Thus far, we've focused on the offensive end of the court, but the Bucks still have the potential to shut down the Atlanta offense without Giannis -- particularly if Trae Young is again sidelined by a bone bruise in his right foot.
Before Antetokounmpo went down, Milwaukee's defensive effort in Game 4 was disappointing. Despite Young's absence, the Hawks got better shots than in any of the first three games of the series, according to Second Spectrum's quantified shot probability (qSP) measure, which factors in the shooter's ability as well as the location, type of shot and distance to nearby defenders.
Still, Atlanta easily exceeded its shot quality in terms of shot making. Clint Capela hitting a shot from behind the backboard with the shot clock running out was typical of a night where everything seemed to go the Hawks' way.
If the Bucks come out with a better game plan for dealing with Lou Williams as Young's replacement and some of those shots don't fall, Milwaukee can turn this into a lower-scoring grind like the second-round series against Brooklyn. The Nets cracked 100 points in just one of the Bucks' four wins in that matchup.
Although Giannis was the 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year, Milwaukee's defensive rating was actually better in games he missed after accounting for the opposition. That seems to suggest the other Bucks players picking up their defensive intensity without Antetokounmpo around, something that didn't happen Tuesday after his shocking injury, is more likely going forward.
As a result, Milwaukee is a 2-point favorite heading into Game 5 at home according to Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill. That line is slightly smaller than the typical home-court advantage during the playoffs, per ESPN Stats & Information, suggesting the Hawks would be slightly favored on a neutral court.
If he misses Game 5, the two-time MVP will unquestionably be impossible for the Bucks to replace. Nonetheless, with strong defense and better shooting by Middleton, there's still a path for Milwaukee to win Game 5 and move within a game of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.
The Bucks can still reach the NBA Finals without Giannis -- here's how - ESPN Philippines
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FIBA: Gallant Gilas bows to powerhouse Serbia in Olympic qualifiers - ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATED) Gilas Pilipinas made a gallant stand before succumbing to a bigger, more experienced Serbian team, 83-76, in its first game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia on Thursday.
The young Gilas players showed tremendous grit and remained within striking distance until the final minute of the game, when Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic took over to tow Serbia to victory.
This was Serbia's second consecutive victory of the qualifiers, having previously defeated the Dominican Republic, 94-76, in a Group A game on Wednesday morning.
Serbia, the fifth-ranked team in the world, is now assured of a place in the semifinals along with Italy and Puerto Rico. Senegal, the other team in Group B, withdrew before the start of the tournament.
"A lot of people will look at this as some sort of moral victory," Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin said afterward. "I just don't believe in those. We had chances late, and we missed open looks."
"They were really good looks and would have put Serbia under even more pressure. But sometimes, with a young team and a developing team, the occasion can be bigger than we are. That's what the learning process is all about," he added.
"I was very proud today."
-- Marjanovic dominates --
Gilas Pilipinas was a massive underdog heading into the game, as they featured young players who have not played in the professional ranks. But they held their own against a powerhouse Serbian squad, even briefly taking the lead, 74-73, in the fourth quarter thanks to an RJ Abarrientos layup with 3:50 to go.
Marjanovic was simply unstoppable, however. He gave Serbia back the lead with a dunk off a Teodosic dime, 75-74, then added another layup with 2:19 to play to make it a three-point game. A Baltazar floater trimmed the deficit to one point, 77-76, but the Philippines blew their chances to take the lead when Baltazar and SJ Belangel missed open three-pointers in their next possession.
It was the towering Marjanovic who made them pay, scoring inside for a 79-76 lead with 63 seconds to go. Off a timeout, the Philippines got the ball to Belangel who zoomed into the paint, but agonizingly missed a layup that could have made it a one-point game. William Navarro also flubbed the follow-up before Serbia seized control of the ball.
Marjanovic would then proceed to ice the game on the other end, as he made a difficult jumper over Kouame to make it a five-point game, 81-76, with just 36 seconds to play.
Marjanovic finished with 25 points, making 12 of his 18 shots, along with 10 rebounds to lead Serbia. Ognjen Dobric added 16 points, and Milos Teodosic had 13 markers.
For the Philippines, Ange Kouame had 17 points, and Jordan Heading scored 13. Justine Baltazar and Kai Sotto had 10 points each.
"It was a great learning experience for us," said Kouame, who also had seven rebounds and three blocks. "It was tough, especially playing against players we have been idolizing for a long time. We are really proud of ourselves."
-- Quick start for Serbia --
The hosts got off to a quick start, leading 11-2 before the Philippines got their bearings. Behind the twin towers of Ange Kouame and Kai Sotto, Gilas pulled to within six points, 22-16, at the end of the opening frame.
Serbia threatened to blow the game open late in the second quarter, as Teodosic drilled a three-pointer that gave them a 15-point lead, 42-27, with over two minutes left. But Baltazar and Heading made their own outside shots, allowing the Philippines to bring the deficit to single digits, 42-33.
But it was still Serbia that entered the halftime break with momentum, thanks to Dobric's triple with three seconds to go that put them in control, 45-34.
Serbia raced to a 16-point lead in the third period, 56-40, with Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic having his way inside the paint. But the Philippines chipped away at the lead; RJ Abarrientos gave them a lift with a huge triple over Marjanovic, and Kouame scored six straight points to bring the lead to single digits, 61-53, with under three minutes left. A huge triple by Heading and a Sotto bucket put the Philippines within five, 67-62, entering the final period.
Gilas carried the momentum into the fourth quarter, with Carl Tamayo nailing a three-pointer and Mike Nieto converting a floater to knot the count at 67. It was a tight game from that point, but Marjanovic made the difference for Serbia in the endgame while the Philippines' offense fizzled out.
"We haven't played a team of that caliber and intelligence that Serbia plays with," Baldwin pointed out.
"Lot of work to do, but we need to put this game behind us, and get ready for the Dominican Republic," he stressed.
Gilas Pilipinas returns to action on Friday morning against the Dominican Republic, with the winner advancing to the semifinals of the Olympic qualifiers. Only the winner of the tournament will secure a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics.
RELATED VIDEO:
FIBA: Gallant Gilas bows to powerhouse Serbia in Olympic qualifiers - ABS-CBN News
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Kawasaki Frontale vs United City prediction, preview, team news and more | AFC Champions League 2021 - Sportskeeda
Kawasaki Frontale will play United City at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Tashkent on Friday. This will be the third Group I game of the AFC Champions League.
Kawasaki Frontale will go into the game in great form, winning both their opening group games. Toru Oniki's side are unbeaten this season and are coming off the back of a 7-0 mauling against Beijing Guoan.
They should be confident of extending their unbeaten run when they take on United City on Friday.
United City, on the other hand, have been woeful so far this season. Jason Withe's side are yet to win a group game and will go into the game on Friday off the back of a humiliating 7-0 loss against Daegu FC.
The Golden Boys will have a mammoth task ahead of them if they are to get anything out of the game on Friday.
Kawasaki Frontale have a great chance of extending their lead at the top of Group I with a win against a poor United City team on Friday.
Kawasaki Frontale vs United City Head-to-Head
This will be the first time the teams will face off against each other.
Kawasaki Frontale have been in great form in every competition, whereas United City's season has gotten off to a terrible start.
Kawasaki Frontale Form Guide: W-W-D-W-W
United City Form Guide: D-L
Kawasaki Frontale vs United City Team News
Kawasaki Frontale
Kyeong-Tae Lee, Yuki Hayasaka and Renji Matsui will be absent from the squad as they are not eligible for the game.
Apart from that, Kawasaki Frontale have no new injury worries following their 7-0 win against Beijing Guoan earlier this week.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Kyeong-Tae Lee, Yuki Hayasaka, Renji Matsui
United City
Ryan Jarvis will miss the game after suffering a torn knee ligament last week. Meanwhile, Johnny Campbell will also be absent for the game as he is ineligible to play.
Apart from that, Jason Withe will have a full strength team to choose from for the game on Friday.
Injured: Ryan Jarvis
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Johnny Campbell
Kawasaki Frontale vs United City Predicted XI
Kawasaki Frontale Predicted XI (4-3-3): Sung-Ryong Jung; Kyohei Noborizato, Shogo Taniguchi, Jesiel, Miki Yamane; Joao Schmidt, Reo Hatate, Yasuto Wakisaka; Kaoru Mitoma, Akihiro Ienaga, Leandro Damiao
United City Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Anthony Pinthus; Da-Hwon Jung, Justin Baas, Sean Kane; Hikaru Minegishi, Omid Nazari, Amin Nazari, Jai Ingham; Stephan Schrock, Mike Ott; Bienve Maranon
Kawasaki Frontale vs United City Prediction
It's hard to see Kawasaki Frontale losing this game against a poor United City side.
We predict Kawasaki Frontale will win the game in a dominant fashion.
Prediction: Kawasaki Frontale 4-0 United City
Also Read: Jim Beglin's Euro 2020: 5 young players who could become household names after the tournament
Help us improve our previews and prediction section. Take a 30 second survey now
Fabrizio Romano now has an exclusive column on Sportskeeda! Check here
Edited by Peter P
Kawasaki Frontale vs United City prediction, preview, team news and more | AFC Champions League 2021 - Sportskeeda
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Stephen A. doubles down on Clippers moving on from Kawhi Leonard | First Take - ESPN
LIVE - Serbia v Philippines - Press Conference | FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
LIVE - Serbia v Philippines - Press Conference | FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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Will the Bucks have enough to beat the Hawks without Giannis Antetokounmpo? | SportsCenter - ESPN
Will the Bucks have enough to beat the Hawks without Giannis Antetokounmpo? | SportsCenter - ESPN
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Is Ivica Zubac playing tonight against Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Conference Finals? - Sportskeeda
Along with Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka, the LA Clippers' big man Ivica Zubac is also facing injury woes. The Croatian center was the main replacement for Serge Ibaka in the starting lineup when he missed a major chunk of games in the regular season. Zubac has been incredible for the LA Clippers of late but he suffered a knee injury and was ruled out of Game 5.
The LA Clippers were trailing 1-3 against the Phoenix Suns but in the face of elimination, Paul George and co. turned it up a notch and forced a Game 6 back at Staples Center. Now Leonard and Ibaka are still sidelined but Ivica Zubac might step on the hardwood tonight.
2021 NBA Playoffs: Ivica Zubac might lace up for Game 6 at Staples Center
Ivica Zubac is officially listed as questionable instead of out for Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 Western Conference Finals. He did not see action in Game 5 but thanks to Tyronn Lue's adjustments, the team came out victorious. He is suffering from an MCL sprain in his right knee and now there is a slight chance he might play tonight.
Ivica Zubac is averaging 6.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in the ongoing NBA playoffs across 17 appearances. Moreover, he has posted a double-double in the last three consecutive games he has played in, including a playoff career-high outing in Game 3 with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
LA Clippers fans certainly want him back in the lineup as he does little things such as grab offensive boards and clog the paint so that the Suns cannot score inside. He has also helped neutralize the Suns' Deandre Ayton to an extent.
Edited by Arnav Kholkar
Is Ivica Zubac playing tonight against Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Conference Finals? - Sportskeeda
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Uruguay - Turkey | Full Highlights - FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
Uruguay - Turkey | Full Highlights - FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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Football: Kaya, United City absorb heavy losses in AFC Champions League - ABS-CBN News
Both United City FC and Kaya FC registered disappointing results in their second matches of the 2021 AFC Champions League, Tuesday evening.
United City, the reigning Philippines Football League (PFL) champions, were dealt a 7-0 shellacking by Deagu FC at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
A Cesinha goal at the 23rd minute opened the floodgates for Deagu, and the Korean side entered the break with a 3-0 lead after goals from Edgar Silva and Kim Jin-hyuk.
An Yong-Woo registered a second-half brace, and goals from Park Han-Bin and Jung Chi-In completed the rout. It was Deagu FC's biggest ever win in the competition, bringing them to second place in Group I with six points.
United City, meanwhile, remain at one point following their opening day draw with Beijing FC.
At the Pathum Thani Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Kaya FC succumbed to Vietnam champions Viettel FC, 5-0, in Group F.
Early goals by Nguyen Hoang Duc and Caique set the tone for Viettel FC, as the Vietnam side leapt to second place in their group with three points.
It was Kaya's second consecutive defeat in the Champions League, having bowed to BG Pathum United, 4-1, in their previous game.
The Philippine side sits at the bottom of the group.
Football: Kaya, United City absorb heavy losses in AFC Champions League - ABS-CBN News
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Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Atlanta Hawks revive series hopes, cruise to Game 4 win minus Trae Young - ESPN Philippines
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Tim BontempsESPN
ATLANTA -- When Hawks superstar Trae Young was ruled out 45 minutes before the start of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, it seemed like the end of Atlanta's hopes of reaching the NBA Finals.
Just a few short hours later, however, things couldn't have looked more different.
A stirring performance by the Hawks in a 110-88 victory in Young's absence, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the health of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, has left this best-of-seven affair in a totally different light as it heads back to Milwaukee for Game 5 Thursday night tied at 2-2.
"Yeah, in a lot of [ways] ... 2-2 is a lot different than 3-1," Hawks guard Kevin Huerter said when asked if momentum had shifted after Atlanta's victory here at State Farm Arena. "We know we're guaranteed again to be playing at home in front of our own crowd, and yeah, definitely, 2-2 is a similar position we were in last series.
"[It's] a long way to go, but it's a lot better than being down 3-1."
Hawks coach Nate McMillan said Young's status remains up in the air for Game 5.
"I don't know," McMillan said. "The report was just tonight he's out. He didn't feel comfortable enough to put pressure on his foot tonight. I'll get a report tomorrow, and I'm sure it'll be a game-time decision."
Still, the Hawks find themselves in a far better position than virtually anyone expected before Tuesday night's game began. They got there by sticking to McMillan's game plan -- namely that no one try to replace Young's production on his own.
The Hawks took the plan to heart. Four of the five starters scored in the opening three minutes of the game, forcing the Bucks to call a quick timeout and setting a tone Atlanta would carry throughout.
"I mean, it starts off, you start the game and everyone touches the ball," Huerter said. "The ball moves side to side. You want everybody to find a rhythm. We don't need people in transition, pulling up from the logo and offensively going one-on-one the way Trae can. It's really not anybody [else's] game on this team. So, we didn't need people to play like that.
"That message was well-received. Like I said, you start the game off and all five guys score before they have to call a timeout. That really set the tone for the rest of the game, and it wasn't something that we got away from."
That turned out to be exactly what the Hawks needed. They lifted up Young as he watched from the sideline in a hoodie and put in a dominant performance that saw Atlanta never trail in Tuesday's game.
Of course, it didn't hurt having a veteran scorer like Lou Williams to insert into the lineup in Young's place. Williams, who is famously even-keeled no matter the situation, said he had a straightforward conversation with McMillan before the game about Young's absence.
"Honestly, I was on the training table, Nate walked up, said, 'Trae is going to be out, so I'm going to start you.' I said OK, and he walked off," Williams said with a smile. "That was the conversation.
"It's not like a 'Remember the Titans' thing that happens in the locker room. I promise you it don't. That was it. That was the extent of our conversation, and we got ready for the game."
Williams was more than ready for his first conference finals start in his 87 career postseason games. He finished with 21 points on 7-for-9 shooting in 35 minutes, and his smooth, steady presence gave a young Hawks team precisely the kind of boost it needed sans Young.
"It's not a big adjustment," Williams said of going from the bench to the starting lineup. "You just know your minutes are going to go up, the time of the games is going to be different. Other than that, you just get ready to play a basketball game.
"We've got to be pros. I know it's cliché to hear, but one guy goes down, another guy got to step up."
Just as important as Williams' contributions, though, was the play of Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has been dealing with a knee issue of his own dating back to Atlanta's victory in the Eastern Conference semifinals over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Bogdanovic had struggled mightily through the first three games of this series, scoring 20 points on a combined 7-for-28 shooting entering Game 4. He had looked far from the same player that had been such a key part of Atlanta's midseason turnaround after being slotted into the starting backcourt next to Young.
But with Young sidelined in Game 4, that previous version of Bogdanovic returned. He had 20 points Tuesday night, including three 3-pointers to key a 15-0 run midway through the third quarter that ballooned Atlanta's lead to 23 points.
"I live for these moments, man, and I really appreciate every minute on the floor," Bogdanovic said. "I know it's hard to get to this level of the basketball game. It's hard to get to the playoffs. It's hard to get to the second round. It's hard to get to the Finals. At this point, everything is hard. And it's mental. All of it is mental, and you have to fight through it, and it's another level of experience. I just live for that, man. I enjoy every single moment, and I know -- I don't think about my game so much, just finding a way that we can win.
"I know my game will come eventually. As long as we play good as a team ... we have a lot of talent that any other guy can step up every other night."
The third-quarter run sparked by Bogdanovic came soon after Antetokounmpo left the game with a hyperextended left knee. The Hawks led by 10 when Antetokounmpo was injured, before blowing the game open.
Still, to say the game turned on Antetokounmpo's injury would be unfair to the way the Hawks played from the jump.
Atlanta immediately vaulted to a 10-2 lead in the opening three minutes of the game and carried that momentum forward. After the Bucks had been able to walk to the rim over and over again through the first three games of the series, averaging over 60 points in the paint per game -- and over 20 more than the Hawks per game -- Atlanta actually outscored Milwaukee 46-44 in the paint in Game 4, including limiting the Bucks to just 14 in the first half.
"I thought our pressure was much better," McMillan said in explaining the difference for his team defensively. "We have to make these guys uncomfortable. This time of the year you can't allow good players to get rhythm, and I thought our pressure was much better tonight, really the first time in this series we've played that type of defense, and we're capable of doing it.
"I thought tonight we established our defense, and our offense seemed to find its rhythm."
What was a celebratory mood inside State Farm Arena in the final minutes with the Hawks leading by 20-plus points -- and the crowd at times chanting "Hawks in 6!" -- was dimmed when starting center Clint Capela was inadvertently hit in the face by an elbow from Bucks reserve guard Sam Merrill as both went after a loose ball.
Capela stayed down on the court for some time, before eventually being helped to the locker room with a towel over his right eye. Capela was later examined by the team's ophthalmologist, and he will be given a follow-up examination on Wednesday.
Sources told ESPN, however, that there is optimism about Capela's status for Game 5 and that the expectation is he will avoid any sort of significant injury.
Atlanta Hawks revive series hopes, cruise to Game 4 win minus Trae Young - ESPN Philippines
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Clippers vs. Suns NBA Game 6 Pick + 1 NHL, 1 MLB, and 1 PGA Bet for Wednesday (6/30) - BettingPros
Clippers vs. Suns NBA Game 6 Pick + 1 NHL, 1 MLB, and 1 PGA Bet for Wednesday (6/30) - BettingPros
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United City, Kaya overpowered in AFC Champions League - Rappler
More commonly known as “Bee”, Beatrice is a multimedia sports reporter for Rappler, who covers Phillippine sports governance, national teams, football and the UAAP. Stay tuned for her news and features on Philippine sports and videos like the Rappler Athlete’s Corner and Rappler Sports Timeout.
United City, Kaya overpowered in AFC Champions League - Rappler
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Giannis Antetokounmpo exits with hyperextended knee - Rappler
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- Giannis Antetokounmpo exits with hyperextended knee Rappler
- NBA: Hawks pull level with Bucks as Giannis Antetokounmpo exits injured ABS-CBN News
- Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young (right foot) ruled out for Game 4 vs. Bucks ESPN Philippines
- Trae Young listed as questionable for Game 4 after MRI reveals bone bruise Peachtree Hoops
- Trae Young-less Hawks blow out Bucks in wake of Giannis Antetokounmpo injury Yahoo Philippines News
- View Full coverage on Google News
Giannis Antetokounmpo exits with hyperextended knee - Rappler
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United City, Kaya-Iloilo suffer heavy losses in second AFC Champions League games - CNN Philippines
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 30) — Philippine football clubs United City FC and Kaya FC-Iloilo endured heavy losses on Tuesday night in their second Asian Football Confederation Champions League games.
United City, the defending Philippines Football League champions, suffered the most with a 0-7 defeat against South Korea's Daegu FC at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Daegu midfielder An Yong-woo scored the most goals for the South Korean side with two goals in the 62nd and 72nd minute.
Brazilian forward Cesinha opened the scoring line for Daegu in the 23rd minute, followed by compatriot Edgar in the 42nd minute, team captain Kim Jin-Hyuk in the 45th minute, Park Han Bin in the 90th minute, and Jung Chi-In in the 95th minute.
United City's only chance for a goal came in the 30th minute via a Mike Ott header from a Stephan Schrock pass. Ott's shot went off the post.
The Jason With-mentored club, who holds a point in the Group I standings after their 1-1 draw against Beijing Guoan FC last June 27, is up for a tougher task as they will tangle with Japan pro league champions Kawasaki Frontale in back-to-back games on July 2 and 5. They will again face Beijing Guoan FC on July 8 and Daegu FC on July 11.
Meanwhile at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Kaya FC-Iloilo bowed down against Vietnam's Viettel FC, 0-5.
The top Vietnamese pro football club showed their offensive brilliance early in the game by scoring two goals in the match's first seven minutes, courtesy of Nguyen Hoang Duc in the second minute and Brazilian import Caique in the seventh minute.
In the second half, team captain Bùi Tien Dung I scored Viettel's third goal in the 49th minute followed by Caique's second goal in the 61st minute. Substitute midfielder Vu Minh Tuan scored the club's last goal in the 65th minute, two minutes after he entered the game.
Kaya failed to get a good look for a goal with Viettel's impressive defense.
The Graham Harvey-coached Kaya squad will battle South Korea pro league titlist Ulsan Hyundai FC on July 2 and 5. They will again face BG Patham United on July 8 and Viettel FC in their last game on July 11.
United City, Kaya-Iloilo suffer heavy losses in second AFC Champions League games - CNN Philippines
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Giannis Antetokounmpo injury: Updates on Bucks superstar after hyperextended knee - SB Nation
Giannis Antetokounmpo left Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals after falling to the floor with a leg injury in the third quarter. Antetokounmpo was ruled out for the game and diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee. His status for the rest of the series is unknown.
Antetokounmpo was attempting to contest Hawks center Clint Capela at the rim when his left leg buckled. The Bucks star laid on the floor for several minutes before being helped off the court and heading to the locker room. The Hawks won the game, 110-88, to tie the series 2-2.
Here’s a look at the play that Antetokounmpo was injured on.
The Bucks star was helped off the floor by his older brother, Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Giannis was able to put some weight on his leg as he moved off the court.
The Hawks were leading 62-52 at the time of the injury.
Milwaukee entered the game with a 2-1 series lead, and became a heavy favorite when Atlanta star Trae Young was ruled out pregame with a deep bone bruise in his right foot. Young’s status for the rest of the series also remains unknown.
Antetokounmpo had 14 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes when he left the game with injury. He had just made a brilliant block and dunk minutes earlier.
Injuries have been the biggest story of the NBA Playoffs since they started. The NBA tried to cram as many games as possible into this season coming off the bubble while still trying to finish the NBA Finals before the Olympics started. The second half of the schedule felt particularly rushed, and many have attributed the widespread injuries to stars to its frantic pace.
Giannis will get an MRI on Wednesday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to undergo further imaging on his left knee tomorrow, sources told ESPN.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 30, 2021
We’ll update this story with more on Antetokounmpo’s status when there’s an update.
Giannis Antetokounmpo injury: Updates on Bucks superstar after hyperextended knee - SB Nation
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Hawks hold out Trae Young in Game 4 vs. Bucks due to bone bruise in right foot - NBA.com
Trae Young injured his right ankle in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young will miss the Atlanta Hawks’ Game 4 of their Eastern Conference finals against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night due to an ankle injury.
An MRI on Monday revealed Young suffered a bone bruise in his right ankle. He is being held out despite participating in a shootaround early Tuesday.
Young exhausted every avenue to try to find a way to return to play, sources told ESPN’s Malika Andrews and Adrian Wojnarowski, but a lack of mobility and significant degree of pain made it impossible.
Young suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Sunday night’s 113-102 Game 3 loss when he stepped on referee Sean Wright’s foot and turned his ankle.
The Bucks lead the series 2-1. Without Young, the Hawks’ task of rallying in the series became significantly more difficult.
Lou Williams is starting at Young’s point guard position.
Young has averaged 29.8 points and 9.5 assists in the postseason. He scored 48 points in Atlanta’s Game 1 win over the Bucks and had 35 points despite the injury in Game 3.
Young returned in the fourth quarter. Despite making one 3-pointer, clearly was limited by the injury. He said after the game he injury limited “my blow-by speed.”
“That’s a big part of my game,” he said.
Trae Young scored 35 points in Game 3, but his valiant effort fell short.
Hawks coach Nate McMillan said before the game that the Hawks have played through injuries all season, including “a game or two” without Young.
“We’ve been in this situation where we’ve had guys out,” McMillan said. “… Guys have stepped up all year long. We’ve had a lot of injuries this season. Our guys should be ready to go if called upon.”
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer was expecting Young to play.
“You prepare as if he is going to play,” Budenholzer said, adding without Young “I would expect the ball to be in Lou Williams’ hands more.”
Shooting guard Kevin Huerter also could assume more ball-handling duties.
Backup center Onyeka Oknogwu said Young was “looking good” in the shootaround. While the report was encouraging, the light practice may not have been an adequate test of Young’s ability to push off the ankle.
Williams, the veteran backup, assumes a more prominent role in only his second start with Atlanta this season. He played with Atlanta from 2012-14 before returning to the Hawks this season in a trade-deadline deal that sent Rajon Rondo to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Williams has averaged 6.5 points in the postseason, including only a combined 13 points in the first three games against Milwaukee.
Depth at the position could be a problem. Guard Brandon Goodwin has missed the postseason with a minor respiratory condition. He started five of his 47 games in the regular season.
“Lou has been in this league for a long time,” Okongwu said. “He’s ready for the moment. He knows what he has to do alongside all of us. We know what we have to do tonight.”
Hawks hold out Trae Young in Game 4 vs. Bucks due to bone bruise in right foot - NBA.com
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Clippers SECRET Weapon Drops Suns In Game 5 | 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals - BBALLBREAKDOWN
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Young Gilas players excited for 'unexpected' stint in Olympic qualifiers - ABS-CBN News
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Young Gilas players excited for 'unexpected' stint in Olympic qualifiers - ABS-CBN News
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LIVE UPDATES: Bucks vs Hawks, Game 4 – NBA East Conference Finals 2021 - Rappler
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Baldwin urges young Gilas Pilipinas to learn from Serbia, Milos Teodosic - Rappler
Delfin Dioquino dreamt of being a PBA player, but he did not have the skills to make it. So he pursued the next best thing to being an athlete – to write about them. He took up journalism at the University of Santo Tomas and joined Rappler as soon as he graduated in 2017.
Baldwin urges young Gilas Pilipinas to learn from Serbia, Milos Teodosic - Rappler
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Monty Williams says 'desperation has to be there' for Phoenix Suns to close out LA Clippers in Game 6 - ESPN Philippines
PHOENIX -- The Suns have waited 28 years since their last NBA Finals berth, and now they'll have to wait two more days -- at least.
Phoenix was thoroughly outplayed in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Monday, losing to the LA Clippers 116-102 to cut the Suns' series lead to 3-2.
In a game that felt like a complete reversal from Game 4 -- when the Suns went into Staples Center, jumped out to an early lead and never trailed -- Phoenix found itself playing from behind virtually all night. The Clippers jumped out to a 20-5 advantage in the first five minutes, as Marcus Morris Sr. couldn't miss, starting things off 6-for-6 from the field.
"It's just unacceptable the way we started the game," Suns coach Monty Williams said. "It was a big hole for us. It's pretty obvious that we can't play with a show-up mentality. We showed up in the first quarter, and they played with desperation -- simple and plain."
Led by Devin Booker (31 points) and Chris Paul (22 points and eight assists), the Suns surged back on several occasions but never could take control. They cut the deficit to four points in the first quarter and to two points in the second quarter, before briefly taking the lead at 62-61 on a Paul jumper with 8:27 remaining in the third quarter. Phoenix again got as close as four points with 6:58 remaining in the fourth quarter.
"We've got to close quarters better," Paul said. "Like that's been a problem for us all series long. Closing quarters, that last 2½, three minutes of quarters. We took the lead and then maybe cut it to one or two, and then they get a bucket and go on a run."
Indeed, the Clippers finished the third quarter on a 30-16 push after the Suns held their only lead of the game for an all-too-brief 20 seconds. And then in the fourth, after Torrey Craig missed a free throw that could have cut the Suns' deficit to three points with just less than seven minutes left, the Clips reeled off a 10-2 flurry to build the lead back to a dozen points.
"It's on all of us," Booker said. "They came out, they punched us in the face to start the game. And I think we showed it at spots tonight and certain times, but they're not going to go away easily, so we have to be locked in from beginning to end."
Suns reserve Cameron Johnson, who saw his best game of the series go for naught as he chipped in 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting off the bench, was asked how Phoenix was processing the missed opportunity.
"Well, it's the realization that it's not going to be easy," he replied. "That's what the playoffs is about, and it's tough and that's what everybody said it would be and you can't expect a team to just roll over. They brought it today, and they gave us a tough time. So, we just have to bring it next game."
After outscoring the Clippers by 58 points in the paint through the first four games of the series, the Suns were the ones dominated near the basket on Monday. Phoenix was outscored 58-32 in the paint for the night, even though LA was without starting center Ivica Zubac, sidelined with a sprained right MCL.
"That's not something you would have expected, especially with them not having Zubac tonight," Williams said. "So, we will be better in the next game.
"Paramount on my mind right now is we got to play with way more force and competitive edge, and we've got to guard the ball."
The Clippers shot 54.8% as a team, led by Paul George, who scored a playoff career-high 41 points on 15-for-20 shooting.
"He got it going," Paul said. "He was getting to his spots, making shots. ... We got to make it tougher on him."
Some of those defensive woes could be attributed to Booker. The Clippers went 10-of-14 on possessions when Booker was the primary defender, scoring 23 points, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information. The 10 field goals were the most he has let up in a game these playoffs.
"I think we'll be ready to go for Game 6," Booker said, looking ahead to Wednesday's Game 6. "That's a tough loss for us at home, with a chance to clinch to go to the NBA Finals, so we're going to be ready."
Williams said the Suns have to summon the same type of spirit that carried the Clippers in Game 5 when Phoenix gets a second chance to close things out in two days.
"The desperation has to be there. That's the deal," the coach said. "Just because you have a lead in the series doesn't mean you can show up and they're going to give it to you. We have to understand that, and I think we do now. We will be better when we show up the next time we play."
Williams was asked how he can make sure his group can tap into that desperation the next time it takes the court.
"Getting your butt kicked like that should turn it on," he said.
Monty Williams says 'desperation has to be there' for Phoenix Suns to close out LA Clippers in Game 6 - ESPN Philippines
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Monday, June 28, 2021
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Gilas ace Dwight Ramos ‘not likely’ to play in OQT due to injured groin - SunStar Philippines
The Gilas Pilipinas’ ace wingman Dwight Ramos status for the upcoming games against powerhouse Serbia and the Dominican Republic in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia this week is questionable as his injured groin has yet to heal completely.
Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin made the announcement during a pre-event press conference as he revealed that the versatile 6-foot-5 wingman is “not likely” to play in either game.
“Dwight is not likely for either game but things can change overnight. But for a groin injury, that’s not common. Usually, these things drag on and that is what we are experiencing,” said Baldwin.
The Gilas is coming off a grueling stint in the final window of the FIBA Asia qualifiers, playing three games in less than a week and then, taking on Asian powerhouse China in a tune-up game.
“We are banged up. There’s no question that we came out of the third window limping,” Baldwin shared.
Ramos’ absence will place a sizable hole in the Gilas roster considering that he averaged an impressive 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.0 steals in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
Ramos, though, is trying to give it a shot but Baldwin appears to be opposed to the idea of the 22-year old trying to compromise his long-term health.
“Dwight has already told me that he wants to try, but he is just in no shape to try,” said Baldwin.
Ramos, though, is not the only hurting body on the Gilas right now as Cebuano forward Carl Tamayo and naturalized player Angelo Kouame are nursing a sprained ankle and a sore knee, respectively. Tamayo suffered the injury in the game versus Indonesia more than a week ago but the pride of Talisay City remains hindered by it.
“Carl Tamayo, I wouldn’t say that he has a setback. But now that he is trying to go full speed, he is experiencing quite a bit of discomfort on his ankle,” Baldwin shared.
“Ange Kouame is nursing his deep knee bruise, deep knee contusion that he got from the third window,” Baldwin added. “He is not at full speed.” (JNP)
Gilas ace Dwight Ramos ‘not likely’ to play in OQT due to injured groin - SunStar Philippines
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LA Clippers' Ivica Zubac out for Game 5 of West finals because of sprained MCL - ESPN Philippines
PHOENIX -- The LA Clippers will have to stave off elimination in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals without their starting center, Ivica Zubac.
Zubac was ruled out before Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns because of a sprained right MCL injury that he suffered in Game 4. The 7-footer was listed as questionable on the injury report Monday afternoon.
Zubac has become a critical role player for the Clippers in the conference finals against Phoenix's Deandre Ayton. Zubac had three straight double-doubles, including 15 points and 16 rebounds in the Clippers' 106-92 win in Game 3. He had 13 points and 14 rebounds in 40 minutes in the Clippers' 84-80 loss to the Suns in Game 4.
With Zubac out, Clippers coach Ty Lue said DeMarcus Cousins is expected to see more minutes and will be needed offensively.
Lue said that while the team was feeling upbeat at the morning shootaround about overcoming a 3-1 series deficit, players were down when they learned of Zubac's injury.
LA Clippers' Ivica Zubac out for Game 5 of West finals because of sprained MCL - ESPN Philippines
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NBA: Atlanta's Trae Young questionable for Game 4 vs. Bucks - ABS-CBN News
Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young has a bone bruise in his right foot and is questionable for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
An MRI exam on Monday revealed the injury.
Hawks coach Nate McMillan said he will wait until Tuesday before making a determination on whether Young can play.
"I'll wait until tomorrow to find out where Trae is at, how he feels and if he can go," McMillan said Monday. "If they give me the OK that he can go and he won't injure himself or do any more damage to his body, we'll put him out there."
Young suffered the injury when he stepped on an official's foot late in the third quarter of Sunday night's 113-102 loss.
Young had made a pass near the 3-point line and took a step back when he inadvertently got too close to the official. Young sat on the court for a few moments before hobbling to the locker room with 29.3 seconds left in the third quarter, having scored 32 points.
He returned to the court with 8:44 left in the fourth quarter but wasn't able to regain his effectiveness, hitting only one 3-pointer the rest of the way.
Young finished with 35 points and is averaging 32.7 points to go with 6.0 assists in the first three games against the Bucks. He is averaging 29.8 points and 9.5 assists per game so far this postseason.
The Bucks lead the series 2-1.
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NBA: Atlanta's Trae Young questionable for Game 4 vs. Bucks - ABS-CBN News
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LIVE - Pre-Event Press Conference: Serbia | FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 - FIBA - The Basketball Channel
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MRI shows Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young has bone bruise in foot; guard questionable for Game 4 - ESPN Philippines
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Tim BontempsESPN
ATLANTA -- An MRI on the sprained right ankle of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young revealed a bone bruise in his foot Monday afternoon, and he'll be listed as questionable for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
"That's the head of our snake," Hawks forward John Collins said Monday afternoon. "That's the last thing I feel like anybody who is a Hawks supporter wants to see is that dude coming down with any sort of knickknack or whatever it is. I think he stepped on the official's foot or somebody's foot.
"That's the last thing I want to see. I hate to see it, and just hoping, praying that he's going to be OK."
Young sprained the ankle with 36 seconds to go in the third quarter of Game 3 on Sunday when he inadvertently stepped on the right foot of referee Sean Wright. Young briefly went back to the locker room before returning with 8:44 to go in the fourth quarter.
But Young, who had 32 points through the first three quarters, was clearly hampered by the injury in the fourth, lacking some of the pop and explosiveness he'd had earlier in the game.
He was visibly frustrated by the situation after Sunday's game, though both Collins and center Clint Capela said that when they talked to him Monday, he was in better spirits.
"Yeah, obviously we're going to have to adapt," Capela said when asked what the Hawks will do if Young remains at less than 100% for Tuesday's game. "I don't know how -- I mean, how many percent he's going to be or what kind of Trae he's going to be. Even the fact that he's out there with us, it means a lot already, in our minds and everything.
"As long as hopefully he can be out there with us, I don't know if he will or not, but hopefully he is."
Hawks coach Nate McMillan repeatedly referred to Monday as a "get what you need day" for his players -- be that massages, treatment or getting some shots up. For Young, that was obviously going to be a day full of recovery from his injury.
"He's feeling OK," McMillan said. "He's disappointed in the loss. Just as most guys, they have something that's going on, whether it's an injury or some soreness. Today is a day to take care of whatever it is that you need to get yourself ready for tomorrow.
"So that's where Trae is at. He's getting what he needs, which is a little treatment, and whatever else he needs, whether it's a massage or whatever, to get himself ready for tomorrow."
But that didn't mean McMillan wasn't focused on things his team can improve as it tries to even the series with a victory in Game 4. Specifically, the veteran coach had two areas that left him frustrated with how Game 3 played out: poorly thought-out quick shots, which led to the Bucks flying out in transition for easy baskets on far too many occasions, and an inability to keep the Bucks out of the paint.
"I thought we were taking quick, contested shots early in the clock throughout the game," McMillan said. "That was really from all of our guards. We just didn't show patience to find the matchup or the mismatch that they were giving us and taking advantage of that. Again, those plays led to transition points.
"I thought there were times where we didn't do a good job of keeping the ball in front. We allowed those guys to play in the paint without giving help. There were times when they missed shots and they, again, beat us to the boards, the offensive rebounds.
"They made plays every time we tried to make a run to stop our runs, and that was the difference in winning that game. They made shots when they needed to. They got stops when they needed to. We didn't do that, and that was the difference in the game."
It has been a wildly successful playoff run for the Hawks, who went from being 14-20 and firing McMillan's predecessor, Lloyd Pierce, in the middle of the season to turning things around to finish fifth in the East. They then dismissed a pair of higher-seeded opponents, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
After they won a third straight Game 1 on the road to open this series, they have come back to earth over the past two games, being routed in Game 2 and collapsing down the stretch in the fourth quarter under a barrage of Hawks misses and Khris Middleton makes in Game 3.
All of it, though, is a learning experience for the Hawks -- something Collins said isn't just happening on a game-by-game basis but on every play in his first postseason trip.
"It just really shows how hard winning in the playoffs really is," Collins said. "It shocks me every new game I play, the next game I play, how difficult the experience is.
"It always lets me know that this is real basketball. This is probably going to be the toughest basketball that I can ever play on this stage. It just challenges me to try to just be more locked in every possession because this is real tough basketball right now."
MRI shows Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young has bone bruise in foot; guard questionable for Game 4 - ESPN Philippines
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Ivica Zubac To Miss Game 5 With MCL Sprain - hoopsrumors.com
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, who had started for the club in its last three games, will miss tonight’s contest against the Suns with a sprained right MCL, tweets Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
According to Youngmisuk (Twitter link), Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters that reserve big man DeMarcus Cousins will be a part of the team’s rotation for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, noted that Cousins’ offense will be valuable against Phoenix. The four-time All-Star has played a total of 17 minutes and 14 seconds across the first four games of the series.
Since being inserted into the Clippers’ starting lineup, Zubac had averaged 14.0 PPG, 13.7 RPG, and 1.0 BPG while matched up against ascendant Suns center Deandre Ayton.
The absence of Zubac will especially be felt as the team strives to defend the pick-and-roll, writes Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times.
Mirjam Swanson of the Orange County Register noted earlier this afternoon that Zubac’s status ahead of the game was in doubt after he suffered the MCL sprain during Game 4 of the series on Saturday.
Zubac joins All-NBA wing Kawhi Leonard on the sidelines for L.A. The Clippers announced Sunday that Leonard would sit for tonight’s contest in Phoenix. Game 5 represents a potential closeout for the series, as the Suns lead the Clippers 3-1.
Ivica Zubac To Miss Game 5 With MCL Sprain - hoopsrumors.com
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