Results for: Playoffs

After firing Don Granato, Buffalo Sabres have brought back former coach Lindy Ruff to lead the team. Ruff has a successful history with the Sabres, having led them to eight playoff appearances and a Stanley Cup Final in 1999. He left the team in 2012 and has since coached the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils. Ruff is known for his winning record and his ability to develop young players. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams says that Ruff was the clear choice for the job, emphasizing his experience and proven track record.

After two inconsistent seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly expected to keep Darvin Ham as their head coach, despite calls for his dismissal. This decision is influenced by factors such as Ham’s playoff success last season, injuries that have impacted the team’s performance, and a reluctance to pay Ham a buyout. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss is also skeptical about paying Ham not to coach.

New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was conspicuously absent from the Coach of the Year finalists, a decision that has left his players and the team questioning the validity of the selection process. Despite guiding the Knicks to a 50-32 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference while navigating a season plagued by injuries, Thibodeau was overlooked in favor of Mark Daigneault, Chris Finch, and Jamahl Mosley.

The Buffalo Sabres have re-hired Lindy Ruff as their head coach. Ruff previously coached the Sabres from 1997 to 2013, leading them to their last Stanley Cup playoff appearance. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in wins and playoff victories. Ruff’s return comes after stints with the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers. The Sabres hope that his experience and familiarity with the organization will help them return to the playoffs after several years of struggles.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to extend their 1-0 playoff lead over the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Tuesday. After a dominant 120-95 win in the series opener, the Timberwolves expect the Suns to make adjustments and are preparing to do the same. Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were key contributors in Game 1, and the Suns will need to find ways to contain them. Phoenix, who struggled offensively in the opener, will look to Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to step up in Game 2. The Suns are also dealing with an ankle injury to Grayson Allen, who is hoping to return for Game 2.

The Orlando Magic will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs on Monday, April 22, 2024 (4/22/24). Home teams won 54.3% of their games in the regular season, the lowest such percentage in the NBA’s 78-year history. However, in the opening weekend of the playoffs, home-court advantage was a thing again. Game 1 of Round 1 all had a similar ending — the home teams prevailed. For the first time since 2013, home teams were undefeated in Round 1, Game 1 of the NBA playoffs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a 5-1 defeat against the Boston Bruins in the opening game of their first-round playoff series. Despite grabbing an early lead, the Bruins capitalized on Toronto’s mistakes, including a missed penalty shot by Auston Matthews, to secure the victory. The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Monday night in Boston.

In a disheartening playoff loss, star receiver Tyreek Hill faced criticism from coach Mike McDaniel, prompting him to vow improvement. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Hill expressed appreciation for McDaniel’s accountability. The Dolphins now face challenges in regrouping after significant roster turnover during the offseason, but their core remains largely intact, including the league’s most prolific offense led by McDaniel. Hill’s determination and the team’s potential for growth leave hope for a successful season.

UNDISPUTED co-host Skip Bayless has called out LeBron James for not giving his all in the Lakers’ Game 1 playoff loss to the Nuggets. Bayless and fellow host Keyshawn Johnson voiced their displeasure with James’ performance, claiming he appeared lifeless and unmotivated in the fourth quarter. Despite scoring 27 points, James’ effort was questioned, with fans on social media speculating that the high altitude may have played a factor in his sluggishness.

In the first game of their playoff series against the heavily favored Carolina Hurricanes, the New York Islanders demonstrated resilience despite falling 3-1. The Islanders controlled the first 40 minutes of the contest, but Carolina’s Frederik Andersen saved 34 of 35 shots to keep the Hurricanes in the game. Both teams struggled to produce from their star players, leaving room for improvement in Game 2. While the betting market suggests the Islanders are not likely to win, their performance in Game 1 indicates they will not be an easy opponent.