For Y!, a Western Conference Final preview: Wembanyama versus the world, the non-SGA minutes where the Thunder can inflict damage and how the Spurs’ corner 3 efficiency can make or break this series. sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

“We play really well off each other defensively.” There are a few certainties in life: death, taxes and the rim protection, synergy and versatility of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, the foundation of a firm 2-0 series lead. New for Y!: sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

“Everybody’s disappointed” On the peculiar past, present and future prognosis of the Houston Rockets — a team oscillating between development and contention — and an organization that needs clarity, cohesion and creativity. For Y!: sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

"It’s hard not to think about how long I’ve been in the league and how much longer I [have] to go." On Father Time, resiliency and why the young Rockets' playoff hopes reside in the oldest guy in the room. A Kevin Durant exclusive, for Y! sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

For Y! — On the curious case of the Knicks, the Jalen Brunson/KAT conundrum and issues that come with looking in the mirror every once in a while. @yahoosports.bsky.social sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

For Y! — On the curious case of the Knicks, the Jalen Brunson/KAT conundrum and issues that come with looking in the mirror every once in a while. @yahoosports.bsky.social sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

This week, on Y! Cade Cunningham’s greatest strength might be Detroit’s fatal flaw: sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/... On the new, old Marcus Smart: sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/... Reed Sheppard is peaking at the right time for Houston, but what is his true role?: sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

The GREAT @kellyiko.bsky.social and I went back and forth on the upcoming NBA Trade Deadline which is a mere fortnight and change away. Ideas floated around included new addresses for Lauri Markkanen, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and.... Deni Avdija?

Houston’s anemic showing vs. OKC wasn’t just an isolated incident on national TV. On the gulfs in class, the cracks starting to show for a team without a quarterback and why a pivot before the trade deadline might be necessary. For Y! Sports: sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

With Memphis recently making Ja Morant available via trade, the Miami Heat have emerged as an attractive landing spot to the Grizzlies guard and his camp, sources tell Y! Sports sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

On the departure of Trae Young, the dichotomy of Anthony Davis and what Atlanta’s lingering gaze says about their now-and-later organizational intentions. New for Y! Sports sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

On Jaylen Brown, the new quarterback of the No. 1 offense in the NBA doing the little things for the Celtics making a world of a difference. New words for @yahoosports.bsky.social sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

On Jaylen Brown, the new quarterback of the No. 1 offense in the NBA doing the little things for the Celtics making a world of a difference. New words for @yahoosports.bsky.social sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

“I always wanted to be a guy that does sh— instead of says sh—” For @yahoosports.bsky.social, a sitdown with Kevin Durant on evolution, setting an example, finding his voice and the hybrid balancing act that leadership entails for the surging Rockets. sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

The first week of NBA action is officially in the books ‼️ The IkoSystem, live on @yahoosports.bsky.social • Jonathan Kuminga’s two-way maturation • Alperen Şengün and inverted PnRS • John Collins’ cutting consolidation sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

Something new! The great @kellyiko.bsky.social and I will be chopping it up on Yahoo Sports this season, as we go back and forth on multiple topics throughout the year. First up, Kelly and I discuss the willing mid-tier teams. sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

Next up: I wrote about the Magic, who paid a heavy price in pursuit of a championship-caliber offense: yhoo.it/4hcoFxz And @kellyiko.bsky.social (!) popped in to write about the Rockets, and whether they really were just a Kevin Durant away from a title: yhoo.it/3W4uAev

Excited to announce The IkoSystem is back on @yahoosports.bsky.social ! Our first preseason edition takes a look at Alperen Şengün's spacing solvent in Houston', the Devin Booker/Jordan Ott distribution relationship and hope for the Lakers' rim protection. sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...

KD to the Rockets is a perfect fit, says @kellyiko.bsky.social in our latest Athletic Spotlight video. Watch the full video here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...

The Rockets intend to sign F Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year, $122 million extension that contains no team or player options, sources tell @kellyiko.bsky.social.

SOURCES: The Rockets maintained a firm stance in their refusal to include these young players in the Kevin Durant trade: ◽️ Reed Sheppard ◽️ Jabari Smith Jr. ◽️ Tari Eason H/T @samamick.bsky.social, @kellyiko.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/643... Kevin Durant trade latest: Why Timberwolves can’t be completely ruled out just yet. Reporting with @samamick.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social

Good read from @kellyiko.bsky.social on how, even in curtailed minutes and with a shifting role, Isaiah Hartenstein has made a major impact for the Thunder in these Finals: www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...

In contrast to the trade deadline, Durant's preference won’t likely be a deciding factor in a trade. This makes a deal with the Rockets and Spurs unlikely for now. Full intel from @samamick.bsky.social, @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...

SOURCES: The Suns have been aggressive in recent efforts to trade Kevin Durant, per @kellyiko.bsky.social. Phoenix has reached out to the Houston Rockets to discuss a deal, with the Suns looking to regain full control of their draft capital.

The true measure of the Nuggets’ greatness is amplified when Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are working in tandem. But Sunday in Denver, Lu Dort won the Murray matchup — pivotal to Oklahoma City taking Game 4. More, from @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...

Diving into the Rockets offseason, with intel on all of the star player scenarios that might be in play if they take a swing, at @theathletic.bsky.social (yes, including that Giannis guy) W/ @kellyiko.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...

Great stuff here from our @kellyiko.bsky.social on Dillon Brooks and the Rockets www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...

Steve Kerr pulled the plug with 18 minutes still left in Game 5. The Rockets' defense was stifling Golden State's stars. Meanwhile the Warriors didn't bring the proper level of defensive focus. @kellyiko.bsky.social and @anthonyvslater.bsky.social have more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...

In Game 1, Amen Thompson’s usage (16.8) was less than it had been all season long. Putting the ball back in his hands, playing off his drives and finding easier shots for his teammates is a smart counterpunch for Game 2. New for @theathletic.bsky.social shorturl.at/MtTAA

For @theathletic.bsky.social w/ @dannyleroux.bsky.social — Examining Houston’s cap structure in the short and longterm: Fred VanVleet’s future, looming extensions, Suns leverage and much more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...

When the Rockets announced that 4 of their starters would be out vs. OKC, the intrigue of the matchup dissipated — or so I thought. On Jabari Smith Jr.’s 2-way glue, Jalen Green’s playmaking, the case for Cam and a Reed sighting. For @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/617...

The Cade Cunningham-Jalen Green rivalry is a beef that goes back years, long before both parties declined a pregame handshake on Monday afternoon. On celebrating competition and everything it entails For @theathletic.bsky.social —

New for @theathletic.bsky.social - teamed up with our @kellyiko.bsky.social to talk about Houston's trade options heading into the deadline. www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...

Karma from the basketball gods, the Spurs’ three-point Achilles’ heel and how the Bucks — and Brook Lopez — repeatedly broke San Antonio’s typically solid “defensive shell” in front of a national audience. New for @theathletic.bsky.social shorturl.at/xZvv3

As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class? A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social New for @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...

As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class? A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social New for @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...

Memphis' depth is such that Desmond Bane's scoring dip isn't as alarming — taking and making less 3s, averaging nearly 10 less points per game than last season — but the Grizzlies need him to regain some juice at some point. Truly think he's their X-factor when everything is clicking.

New for @theathletic.bsky.social — I watched a bunch of #Rockets set plays and ATOs and wrote about a system overly dependent on Fred VanVleet — and the subtle tweaks necessary to lessen his load and get Houston’s offensive efficiency back on track. www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...

New for @theathletic.bsky.social The Rockets let their frustrations boil over on Saturday night, but Houston’s failure to advance to the cup final was less about the Thunder’s stifling defense and more about their persistent offensive issues. shorturl.at/X174o

At some point, Rockets need to capitalize on these 2nd-chance opportunities -- already up to 10 offensive rebounds tonight.

New for @theathletic.bsky.social On inheriting beef, the infectious disease that is defense and why the Rockets have success on their minds as they head to Vegas. shorturl.at/EAIoH

Udoka has spoken at length about Şengün needing to impose his will early -- 6 points on 3-for-3 shooting so far in the 1st. HOU offense has struggled with efficiency recently, but they'll need to attack GSW small ball w/ a heavy dosage of the Turkish big.

The IkoSystem, new on @theathletic.bsky.social • How #Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells is navigating Memphis’ defense, one screen at a time. • Alperen Şengün’s improved footwork paying dividends for the #Rockets at both ends of the floor shorturl.at/NYNXn

MAILBAG TIME ‼️ Taking all Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs questions this week — Send them in! www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...

MAILBAG TIME ‼️ Taking all Rockets, Grizzlies and Spurs questions this week — Send them in! www.nytimes.com/athletic/598...

New for @theathletic.bsky.social Got together with my esteemed colleagues to debate NBA award winners at this point in the season — MVP, ROTY, COTY, 6MOY and MIP. shorturl.at/9ZE13

Nice piece from @kellyiko.bsky.social on Fred VanVleet's evolving leadership, with two minutes of garbage time from me. www.nytimes.com/athletic/595...

Fred VanVleet's leadership shift from an on-court professor to a teaching assistant has pushed Houston to new heights — but in order to give the #Rockets a better future, he had to learn from his past. An @theathletic.bsky.social exclusive: shorturl.at/fPNIZ

Fred VanVleet's leadership shift from an on-court professor to a teaching assistant has pushed Houston to new heights — but in order to give the #Rockets a better future, he had to learn from his past. An @theathletic.bsky.social exclusive: shorturl.at/fPNIZ