Rudy Gobert’s calm intensity drives Timberwolves to series lead
It’s only a few short days since I proclaimed the Minnesota Timberwolves wouldn’t be hanging around long in the NBA Playoffs. Rudy Gobert gave me reason to rethink that in a devastatingly impressive display against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. If you’re feeling generous, I shouldn’t take the L just yet. The Denver Nuggets […]
Inconsistency plagues Franz Wagner and the Orlando Magic
That was a bowling shoe ugly game and an even worse performance from the Orlando Magic. Their series with the Detroit Pistons was predicted to be the toughest watch of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. After an overachieving Game 1, on the entertainment scale, Game 2 saw Franz Wagner and company bullied off […]
AS Monaco has one last big shot
Calling AS Monaco’s future uncertain is like calling me open to an occasional beer. Never mind Euroleague, we don’t know if they’ll even play professionally next season. That makes Friday’s play-in game with FC Barcelona all the more important, writes Emmet Ryan. Friday. On Friday there is not an AS Monaco baller that shall standalone. […]
Alperen Sengun and Rockets fail to match Lakers intensity
Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets fell to a 2-0 deficit in their NBA Playoffs series with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Sengun was far from his best and that was the norm across the board for a sluggish Rockets team, writes Emmet Ryan. All the criticisms from Houston Rockets fans throughout the […]
Crvena Zvezda crash out with a crash out in Barcelona
The end of Crvena Zvezda’s Euroleague season was limp, directionless, and left a lot of questions for next season. For all the talent on the roster, there was clearly something missing on Tuesday night against FC Barcelona. Their Euroleague season ended on a whimper and Emmet Ryan sees a need to reshape mentally. Granted, it […]
The coolest run-in that you need to follow
Liga Endesa, the ACB, Spain’s top flight. The focus is usually, and understandably, on the success stories. This season, Europe’s top domestic league might be most interesting at the bottom of the table. Emmet Ryan on the battle for survival between Gran Canaria, Andorra, and San Pablo Burgos. Three teams, two survive. All of them […]
Pat Beverley, PAOK and a shot at FIBA Europe Cup glory
In a way, they are a perfect match. Pat Beverley and PAOK have both been waiting a long time to feel confetti dropping on them. With the Thessaloniki club back in the FIBA Europe Cup final, PAOK and Pat Bev have a chance for something special. One of the most vocal players in basketball has […]
Nikola Jokic delivers as Nuggets take strange Game 1 win
That was definitely a game that happened. Despite his early struggles and never reaching his peak game, Nikola Jokic once again delivered big for the Denver Nuggets as they took down the Minnesota Timberwolves. The greatest player alive today is now 1-0 in the NBA Playoffs. Emmet Ryan on a predictably strange encounter. Game 1 […]
Moses Wright delivers in a very on-brand win for Zalgiris
They are who we thought they were. Zalgiris Kaunas and Paris Basketball had clear identities coming into the regular season Euroleague finale. In Kaunas, they both delivered extremely on-brand displays as the Lithuanian club punched its playoff ticket. Emmet Ryan on a most watchable battle. Moses Wright is going to get most of the love […]
Wembanyama and Sengun look to shape NBA playoffs
Two Euros carry the hopes of Texas in the NBA Playoffs. Alperen Sengun is looking to prove the Houston Rockets are better than their own fans have thought for much of the season. Meanwhile Victor Wembanyama is making his playoff debut and wants to show the San Antonio Spurs are ready now. Wow, the rest […]
It still starts with Nikola Jokic
In the second part of our look ahead at the Euros in the NBA Playoffs, it’s the turn of Nikola Jokic to come under the microscope. He’s done it all for the Denver Nuggets already. He’s being asked to do it again. The Serbian big man is looking for an extended wait before meeting his […]
The old guard stands tall in the Basketball Champions League
There will be one fresh face at the Basketball Champions League Final Four. Indeed, it’s a new venue. Yet the season will climax with clubs that have long been part of the competition battling for the big prize in Badalona. Oh what a difference a couple of months make. When the round of 16 got […]