Every year at this time, there is pressure on specific players to lead their team to playoff success. USA TODAY Sports highlights 10 of them.
Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
Rudy Gobert suspended a game for punching teammate, will miss Timberwolves vs. Lakers play-in
Gobert is suspended for one game and will miss the Timberwolves’ postseason play-in game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rudy Gobert punches teammate Kyle Anderson in Minnesota Timberwolves’ regular-season finale
The Minnesota Timberwolves benched Rudy Gobert in their regular-season finale after he threw a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout.
Toxic discussion around this season’s NBA MVP award is taking fun out of race
The NBA MVP should be celebrated, even in debate. It’s devolved this season, taking the fun out of the race.
NBA standings in Western Conference are unsettled: What to expect as playoffs approach
Not much in NBA’s Western Conference is determined, with places 5-10 up for grabs between eight teams. Here’s how it could play out.
NBA, players union reach new CBA that could include new in-season tournament
What to know about basketball’s new CBA and what it means for the league and its players.
Basketball Hall of Fame elects its best class ever in 2023 with Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, others
The 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame class is unmatched with Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Gregg Popovich, Becky Hammon, the 1976 U.S. women’s Olympic team.
Faltering Mavericks struggling to find right combination for star Luka Doncic
The Dallas Mavericks are in danger of missing the NBA playoffs, Luka Doncic is frustrated and the Kyrie Irving trade hasn’t worked like it was hoped.
What LeBron James’ return means for the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason chances
Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James, who missed the past 13 games with right foot soreness, returned to the team on Sunday and scored 19 points.
Where does Ja Morant’s NBA career go from here? The choice is up to him.
Ja Morant can either throw away his promising NBA career or flourish as one of the league’s bright young stars. The choice is up to him.