Author: Duane Rankin, USA TODAY

USA TODAY caught up with ESPN’s Malika Andrews to talk her rise, NBA playoff takeaways, WNBA story lines and craziest answer in a live interview.

Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 NBA draft pick, was impressive in his two Summer League games before the Orlando Magic shut him down.

Suns’ third-year forward has been on a tear from the 3-point line, which has helped the Suns to the league’s best record.

New rule: Team with league’s best record deserves to have a starter in the NBA’s All-Star Game.

Luka Doncic has many of the same flaws as Russell Westbrook but gets far less criticism. He may not be able to outrun it much longer.

Cameron Payne has gone from being being drafted No. 14 in 2015 to being out of the league to becoming a key member of the Phoenix Suns.

The challengers are strong and numerous, but the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have established themselves as the top teams in the west.