Panthers-Rangers Eastern Conference Final: Florida’s keys to the series

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Two of the NHL’s best will meet Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

 

The Presidents’ Trophy winning New York Rangers (55-23-4) will play hosts to last year’s Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers (52-24-6). 

 

New York swept the Washington Capitals 4-0 in the first round, then took down the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 in the second.  

 

Florida defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 in its first round series, then defeated the Boston Bruins 4-2, getting back to the Eastern Conference Final for a second consecutive season. 

 

It should be no surprise to anyone that the Rangers and Panthers are two of the final four teams remaining in the playoffs. They were two of the most dominant teams all season, it’s only right that they will battle for a spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

 

The task at hand won’t be easy for the Panthers as the Rangers will be the toughest opponent they faced to this point.

 

Here’s my three keys for the Panthers heading into the series.

 

Win the goalie battle, beat Shesterkin

If you enjoy goaltending battles, Florida has been the team to follow this postseason.

 

Florida has already played against two of the league’s best goaltenders in the playoffs, facing off against Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy in the first round and Boston’s Jeremy Swayman in the second. 

 

In the conference final, it will be another goalie stans’ dream with Sergei Bobrovsky’s Panthers facing Igor Shesterkin and the Rangers. 

 

Shesterkin and Bobrovsky have both been great this postseason and the two Russian netminders will have to do it again with the offenses they are facing in round three. 

 

“Well it’s a great matchup, that’s probably the only part of this I can answer. I’m not lying to you,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said when asked about the goaltending matchup.

 

Maurice didn’t say that to be snarky, he has constantly made it a point that he’s no goaltending expert, he lets them do what they need to do. 

 

“There’s some spectacular goalies from all over the world and we’ll see a matchup of two great ones,” Maurice said when trying to answer the matchup question. “It’s a theme for our playoffs because Vasilevskiy was very strong at certain points in that series and I think Swayman had a .955 at some point in our series… There’s going to be some world class players in all positions (in the conference final) and our side will have two brilliant goaltenders.”

 

Bobrovsky posted a  2.37 GAA and .902 save percentage so far in the postseason — playing in every game for the Panthers so far. He has conceded two or fewer goals in eight of 11 games this postseason and has been locked in since giving up four goals in Game 1 against the Bruins last round. 

 

Shesterkin has a 2.40 GAA and a .923 save percentage in the playoffs and has had to face a lot more action than Bobrovsky, averaging 32.4 shots per game, compared to Bobrovsky’s 24. Shesterkin averaged 37.2 shots a game in the second round against Carolina.

 

Neither side has struggled to score in the playoffs, with the Panthers averaging 3.55 goals per game, with the Rangers right behind a 3.50. 

 

Conquer the road 

After having home-ice advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Panthers will begin the Eastern Conference Final on the road. Florida has fared well away from home this postseason, going 4-1-0 in its five road games so far. They won all three road games last series in Boston. 

 

Last year, the Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Final while starting every series on the road.  

 

Between the flights, buses, dinners, hotels — you spend a lot of time with your teammates on the road. The Panthers tight knit locker room plays a huge factor into why they’ve had success away from Sunrise. 


“It works for us because these guys like hanging out with each other. It’s a good place,” Paul Maurice said. “We are hyper routined in how we travel, the time we leave, all that kind of stuff. There’s a nice order to your day, when you leave town your day gets very, very ordered.”

 

“These guys get along great and have long before I got here and you know what it’s like traveling, it’s a good time everybody’s in a good mode, especially in the playoffs,” Maurice continued. “I don’t feel any more comfortable going on the road. If you’re asking me, I’ll take seven home games all day long, but our road game isn’t something that we fear.”

 

The Panthers have played and won in some hostile environments over the last few seasons, most recently in Boston. Madison Square Garden won’t be any different come Wednesday night.

 

“We’re the only game on the nights we are playing. There’s nobody else on so all eyes will be on us,” Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “That just adds on to the whole New York City, MSG, playing the number one team in the league. It all adds up right now, this is a very exciting time of year to begin with no matter who you’re playing. And to be playing the New York Rangers, it just adds so much to it. This is a huge stage for us, for our team.”

 

The Rangers haven’t been an easy out on home ice this postseason, losing just once in five games (4-1-0), but the Panthers are more than excited for the opportunity at hand. 

 

“Not only is it the conference finals but to play in New York, I think guys are pretty jacked up about that,” Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour said.

 

Special teams will win the series

As the teams continue to dwindle down, every group is going to be elite at something. 

 

We’ve already looked at the goaltending — which is fantastic for both sides.

 

Based on the offensive firepower the two teams have, special teams may win you a game or the series. 

 

This series will feature the second and third best penalty kills in the playoffs. The Rangers 89.5 % success on the PK is second best in the league, while the Panthers are narrowly behind them at 86.1%.

 

“They obviously get chances. You’ve seen that in the last couple of rounds,” Brandon Montour said about the Rangers PK. “I don’t know how many goals they’ve had, but three or four short handed goals… We got to be ready to move the puck quick, make hard plays and be on it every power play we get.”

 

Florida’s PK is led by their captain and 2024 Selke Trophy winner, Aleksander Barkov. They also have Sam Reinhart, who finished fourth in Selke voting (second most first-place votes), Kevin Stenlund, Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen bolstering down the PK unit. 

 

The Panthers PK will have a lot of firepower to deal with as the Rangers have a 31.4 % conversion rate on the power play, thanks to the likes of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider and company. 

 

On the other hand, Florida’s power play hasn’t been as good as they’d like it to be. scoring just 22% of the time in the playoffs — with four of their nine power play goals coming in one game. 

 

Despite this, Florida has more than enough weapons to match the Rangers dangerous power play. 

 

Reinhart had the most PPG in the regular season with 27, while Matthew Tkachuk had a team high 26 power play assists. 


Like the Rangers, the Panthers can score with both of their power play units and they’ll need to against this New York team. 

 

Game 1 is Wednesday, May 22 at 8 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Diana Taurasi should be suspended for her dirty hit on Cheyenne Parker-Tyus

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It’s taking the WNBA too long to suspend Diana Taurasi for her dangerous late-game hit on Cheyenne Parker-Tyus or, at the very least, fine her. A WNBA spokesperson didn’t respond to an immediate request for comment when asked if the league was looking into the matter.

In the last 35 seconds of a tight match, the hosting Phoenix Mercury led 86-83. Then Parker-Tyus pivoted in the lane and scored at close range against Sophie Cunningham while illegally using her left arm. If the refs were sharp, they would have flagged an offensive foul in real-time. But Taurasi subsequently jumped into Parker-Tyus’ body, leading with her arm as the ball trickled through the net. It was an obvious intent to injure, and worse yet, at a critical part of the game.

The refs initiated a review and, incomprehensibly, ruled that there was no foul. I’m convinced this crew would have checked out the Zapruder film and told JFK to take some ibuprofen.

Parker-Tyus watched the rest of the game from the bench after supplying 12 points on 50% shooting in the fourth quarter.

And the Mercury won 88-85.

Atlanta Dream coach Tanisha Wright, Allisha Gray and Crystal Dangerfield were made available to the press and neither was asked about the incident.

I suspect at least two factors are causing the WNBA to be slow on the draw. One, they don’t want to publicly embarrass the refs with a contradicting report. Two, Parker-Tyus wasn’t seriously hurt despite getting grounded.

Imagine if Parker-Tyus threw her massive body into Taurasi’s smaller frame instead. The latter would have left on a stretcher.

Taurasi should get sent home for Tuesday’s match versus the Las Vegas Aces and Thursday’s against the Washington Mystics.

The last WNBA press release was on May 16th, announcing Mortgage Matchup as the official WNBA and NBA mortgage partner.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Indiana’s hit squad shot up the Knicks

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The Pacers whacked the hobbled Knickerbockers in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Vibrations of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s curses could be felt at Central Park. The hosts conceded 67.1% of field goals. And supporters are still stuck with memories of greatness, and a growing number of them didn’t see it live or in person.

To make matters worse, the basketball gods showed their cruelty; Jalen Brunson fractured his left hand, and OG Anunoby lasted five minutes before the masterminds on the sideline said, “Hey, maybe he shouldn’t be playing on his mangled hamstring.”

Josh Hart also gave a brave and dumb effort, playing with an abdominal injury. His cojones got him a standing ovation after 37 brutal minutes. In Game 7 and the series, his efforts are reminiscent of Boxer in George Orwell’s Animal Farm- the horse who worked until he couldn’t stand.

Yet early, Pascal Siakam was unleashed, downing five of six baskets on a pick-and-pop jumper, cut, and transition attacks.

Tyrese Halliburton dribbled inside the lane for a turnaround jumper and hit four trays.

And Aaron Nesmith, TJ McConnell plus Andrew Nembhard defended New York’s Brunson, holding him to three of eight first-quarter field goals.

Donte DiVincenzo was the high Knick, tallying four left-side jump shots for a dozen marks on 44.4% accuracy.

Through 12 minutes, the Pacers led 39-27, registering 76.2% of attempts to the hosts’45.8%.

Subsequently, the visitors neutralized Brunson, coming off screens downhill, and successfully contested Miles McBride’s deep shots and layup on time. But they couldn’t restrain Alec Burks from supplying 14 points, pressuring the rim and pulling up from midrange.

Yet, the Pacers’ offense feasted, producing 13 of 17 shots. Nesmith, Nembhard, McConnell and Myles Turner each logged two baskets.

The Pacers were ahead 70-55 at halftime. On top of that, the guests had 24 paint points, three on the break, five via second chances, four off turnovers and 15 from the bench.

The Pacers became the first team in NBA history to score 70 points in the first half of a Game 7 on the road on 76.3% shooting.

The Knicks showed admirable pride, cutting their deficit from 22 to 15, but they held on like a prize fighter three rounds away from getting stopped. They had 24 interior points, three in the open court, eight on extra tries, eight off turnovers and 20 from the reserves.

Then the Pacers follow up with a strong third quarter out of intermission. Nesmith added 11 more points, shooting at the elbow and driving into the lane. Haliburton finished a layup on the break and splashed two 3-pointers. And McConnell made two close-range buckets.

Defensively, the Pacers were burned for five of 11 trifectas, being slow to recover to the handoff up top, not setting a high enough pick-up point in transition and getting shot over.

In the third quarter, Brunson hurt his left hand and was subbed out with four minutes left. He didn’t return.

Next, the fourth quarter began with the guests up 101-84.

The Knicks made six of 12 baskets to open the frame, but they were still behind 17 points with five minutes left. On the other side, the Pacers powered up, notching seven of 12 looks in the same period.

The Knicks were so battered that Hart logged three fourth-quarter minutes, and Precious Achiuwa and Alec Burks had 11.

The Pacers won 130-109. Furthermore, the group had 52 paint points, 11 on the break, six via second chances, 15 off turnovers and 28 from the bench.

The Pacers’ double-digit scorers were Haliburton (26), Nembhard (20), Siakam (20), Nesmith (19), Turner (17), and McConnell (12).

The Knicks had 38 paint points, 17 in the open court, 14 on extra tries, 12 off turnovers and 38 from the reserves.

The Knicks’ leading scorers were DiVincenzo (39), Burks (26, Brunson (17) and Hart (10).

The Pacers tied the second most field goal attempts ever made in a Game 7, per NBA Communications.

The Pacers will now face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said postgame, “When you win a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, you’ve made history.”

Haliburton said his group is the deepest in the league and shouted out the bench. “We got five, six guys ready on the bench at all times.”

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The touring Fever got crushed in the fourth quarter by the Connecticut Sun

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The Fever rolled into Mohegan Sun Arena and got overwhelmed by the opposing outfit late. Caitlin Clark was welcomed to the league by DiJonai Carrington’s two-way play. And Connecticut’s DeWanna Bonner passed Candice Dupree for fifth place in WNBA scoring.

At halftime, turnovers had the visitors down 39-49 despite shooting 54.2% from the field and leading on the glass by four. The second half wasn’t much prettier defensively.

Clark started slowly, missing her first three tries and picking up two fouls plus a turnover. A timeout was called, and she sat until the closing seconds of the quarter. In those minutes, the Fever went on a 6-9 run.

Then Clark started contributing in the second frame. She swiped a pass and took off on the break for a layup, plus hit a left-wing triple, but had four extra turnovers. On top of that, Aliyah Boston set up NaLyssa Smith for a left-side 3-pointer and passed to Kelsey Mitchell, cutting back door for a layup.

But the visitors offered little resistance on defense.

Tyasha Harris splashed jumpers in the corner, the wing, and above the elbow. Carrington logged 14 points on five of 10 attempts, including a steal on Clark at midcourt then taking off for a fast break layup. Bonner swished shots off the dribble and behind picks. And Brionna Jones poured in two baskets at close range.

The Fever was down 39-49 at halftime. Furthermore, the team had 18 paint points, nine on the break, six via second chances, seven off turnovers and 14 from the bench.

The Sun had 18 interior points, three in the open court, seven on extra tries, 16 off turnovers and four from the reserves.

Carrington guarded Clark out of intermission, and the Sun added in traps. As the sequence progressed, Clark drained a trifecta against Jones in drop coverage and showed her open court gifts with a connecting pass for a layup, and a direct feed for a deuce.

Erica Wheeler made a left-wing tray and dribbled into the paint for a layup.

Yet, the rest of the unit put up three of nine baskets in the third quarter.

Connecticut’s Jones and Thomas made it difficult for Boston to initiate post offense.

The fourth quarter started with the Fever behind 57-65, but they couldn’t hang the rest of the period, getting outscored by 13 points.

Clark scored eight more points, downing two freebies, nailing a left-side 3-pointer over Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and canning another falling away deep shot at the same spot.

Wheeler broke into the lane for two points on a pick-and-roll set with Temi Fagbenle.

And Kristy Wallace scored quickly on the break, fed by Clark.

The rest of the Fever dispensed one of five baskets the rest of the way.

On the other side, Thomas cut through Indiana’s defenses for a layup and logged a putback. Harris and Rachel Banham made 3-pointers. And Carrington was a defensive pest.

The Fever lost 71-92, were outrebounded by two and committed 10 more turnovers than the Sun. Additionally, the group scored 30 paint points, 14 on the break, six via second chances, 14 off turnovers and 21 from the bench.

Clark finished with 20 points on five of 15 attempts, with three assists, two steals and 10 turnovers. NaLyssa Smith had 13 points on 41.7% accuracy, with nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two turnovers. Wheeler totaled eight marks on a perfect three attempts and recovered one rebound and two assists.

The Suns recorded 32 interior points, 10 in the open court, 15 on extra tries, 29 off turnovers and 19 from the reserves.

Thomas registered a triple-double, 13 points on four of eight looks, with 10 rebounds, 13 assists, three steals and seven turnovers. Bonner had 20 points on 57.1% shooting, with six rebounds, one assist, one steal and two turnovers. Harris put up 16 marks on six of 11 attempts, with two dimes and one steal. And Carrington had 16 points on six of 15 tries and picked up five rebounds, one assist and two steals.

Postgame, Clark said she had too many turnovers and that she didn’t have a great start. “Like we said in the locker room, we play on Thursday, you gotta learn from it and move on and be ready to go.”

Fever coach Christie Sides said the team has a lot to work on.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Pat Riley’s State of the Heat press conference

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Vintage Pat Riley emerged from his cave for his end-of-the-season presser, criticizing and praising his group. He also rebuked the idea of a rebuild because he thinks a healthy Jimmy Butler can be a 1A player in the Postseason.

He started with an indication that there must be a change to the team’s approach to winning. Player availability is a big deal to the Heat and so are tweaks to the offense and defense. Which means he expects more from coach Erik Spoelstra and the trainers.

When asked about the shelf life of the Heat’s build as it approaches its sixth season together, Riley initially told a story about telling LeBron James in a meeting after the 2011 Finals about “going to work on the roster” by adding depth. Yet that team hadn’t burned itself out by playing so long together.

As an anti-rebuilder, he doubled down and said his goal is to keep the ride going. “You start talking about the Draft more than anything else right now.” But on the current squad, he said everyone is bothered by not having claimed a title despite its success over the last five seasons.

Regarding Butler’s second extension, Riley said, “We don’t have to do that for a year. We have not discussed that internally right now, but we have to look at making that kind of commitment… We’ll see.”

Butler, who will be age 35 in September and who has played in 74.4% of the Heat’s regular season games since 2019-20, is on notice that the Godfather expects his top earner to be on the court more often. Riley also shared that he had spoken “thoroughly” with Butler’s agent, Bernard Lee, before last season about attendance.

Answering about his feelings on rest and missed time, Riley said, “This whole injury reporting stuff… I can remember when there was a time we never reported any injury because you then became a target.”

As a point of reference to Riley’s mentality, when he was coach of the Lakers in 1988, he permitted James Worthy to play in the All-Star Game with left knee tendinitis after the team’s public relations department said he would not. And his brother Len passed away at age 52 of an illness the Friday before the exhibition he coached for the West stars.

He isn’t a fan of the 65-game rule either because he thinks it gives players an excuse to miss 17 outings.

Furthermore, the Don said Tyler Herro is fragile and needs to make some adjustments but highlighted his work ethic. Then he said Herro is a starter when asked if he agreed with Udonis Haslem, the former Heatles’ captain and current vice president of basketball development, who recently commented on ESPN that the group is better with him as a sixth man.

Bam Adebayo needs to “expand his game.” Riley cited Magic Johnson making changes to become a better shooter and post up player to pick up his scoring.

PS: Terry Rozier is still using a neck brace and is “feeling good,” according to Riley.

Riley wasn’t thrilled with Butler’s comment about an alternative first-round outcome with the Boston Celtics had he been healthy enough to play. He said, “If you’re not on the court playing against Boston or on the court playing against the New York Knicks, you should keep your mouth shut and [stop] your criticism of those teams.”

And he’s trying to get away with blaming the 2011 Finals loss on not having enough depth, like LeBron James recently has on episode three of the Mind the Game podcast. The real reason was James getting outplayed by Jason Terry.

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Timberwolves put the Nuggets in a chokehold, taking a 2-0 lead in the series

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The Timberwolves wiped the floor of Ball Arena with the defending champs so badly that Jamal Murray threw a heating pack on the court while seated on the bench, which should have got him tossed and deserves a suspension. Additionally, Nuggets coach Michael Malone and his staff were disturbed on the sideline, and the hosts’ supporters were crestfallen as the squad went down 0-2 in the west semi-finals.

The Timberwolves were absent Rudy Gobert (childbirth). And the Nuggets were missing their hearts.

Aaron Gordon supplied 13 first-quarter points, attacking through an inverted pick-and-roll set with the Joker, making a putback, and logging three jumpers in the lane and at long range. But the rest of the Nuggets converted three of 12 baskets in the first quarter.

On the ‘Wolves’ side, Kyle Anderson, who filled in for Gobert, absorbed three offensive rebounds early.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored on a handoff roll on the left side, nailed two jumpers at 19 and 27 feet away, pump-faked Murray to get loose on the baseline for a layup and powered through him for another scoop shot.

And Anthony Edwards sliced through the lane twice, dropping in a reverse layup with Jokić on his tail and pulverizing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at the cup for another. The latter caused Malone to lose his mind by getting into referee Marc Davis’ face as if he were looking for a fade. He wasn’t given a technical foul for his insolence.

The Nuggets were down 20-28 at the end of the first, shooting 42.1% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point distance.

Then it got worse as the visitors forced eight consecutive misses. They contested deep jumpers produced by the drive and kick on time, shut down Murray’s rim and distance attack and stayed in front of the ball, plus had help come in the back line.

In total, the Timberwolves conceded 15 points on six of 24 shots in the second quarter. Notably, Jokić and Murray were held to a combined two of 12 ventures.

Defensively, the Nuggets were incapable of stopping Naz Reid from nailing two top-of-the-key triples on pick-and-pop sets. Towns contributed another five points. And Edwards finished twice on the break, dribbled past Gordon from the right wing to the cup for a layup and dunked via a give-and-go with Kyle Anderson on the right side.

The Nuggets were down 35-61 at halftime, shooting 32.6% to the Timberwolves’ 54.5%. On top of that, the squad had 20 paint points, three on the break, two via second chances, none off turnovers and six from the bench.

The Timberwolves picked up 32 interior points, 18 in the open court, eight on extra tries, 10 off turnovers and 19 from the bench.

Next, the Nuggets emerged from the intermission rattled and off-target, making two of nine shots to start. Yet, four straight makes by Michael Porter Jr., KCP, Jokić and Murray plus Jokić’s two trips to the charity line prevented the crew from having its offense wiped out in the third quarter.

On the other side, Edwards and Reid were the only Wolves to make multiple field goals, but the latter was inefficient (28.6%).

The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets behind 60-82.

Jokić, Murray and Porter were useless, adding nothing to the scoreboard the rest of the way.

And smelling the blood of his vulnerable prey, Minnesota’s conquering star, Edwards, swished a right-wing banger over Justin Holiday, spun past KCP in the post for a layup and drove left from the top to the rim for another deuce.

The Nuggets lost 80-106. The squad had 34 paint points, 10 on the break, eight via second chances, two off turnovers and 23 from the bench.

Gordon had 20 points on eight of 14 attempts, with four rebounds, two assists, one steal and a turnover. Jokić had 16 marks on 38.5% shooting, with 16 rebounds, eight assists, one block and four turnovers. Holiday put up 13 points on four of six tries, with two rebounds and one dime. And Murray logged eight points on three of 18 looks, with 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block and four turnovers.

The Timberwolves accumulated 52 interior points, 18 in the open court, 14 on extra tries, 19 after turnovers and 37 from the reserves.

Towns (27), Edwards (27), Reid (14) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (14) were Minnesota’s double-digit scorers.

Malone said, “They kicked our ass.”

Later he said that his priority is trying to win Game 3 and its first quarter. On the Murray situation, Malone said he wasn’t aware of it when a question about him facing league discipline was asked.

Jokić said the Nuggets didn’t help themselves, citing poor ball movement.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat were gutted by Gang Green and eliminated from the Playoffs

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The Celtics destroyed the outgunned Heatles at TD Garden, eliminating the visitors from the Playoffs. The Celtics’ defense, the disparity on the glass, 56-29, in favor of the hosts, and the Heat’s lack of outside offense sums up this massacre.

The Heat was absent Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck).

Bam Adebayo scored off an inverted pick-and-roll set with Tyler Herro, successfully shooting thrice over Al Horford and dunking through the middle in the first quarter for the Heat. But it took them nowhere as the rest of the guests converted five of 13 baskets and they were down 23-41 at its end.

For the Celtics, Derrick White swished two freebies, finished in transition, drove from the left wing to the cup for a dunk and made three trays. Jaylen Brown produced four shots in the restricted area. And Jayson Tatum made two 3-pointers.

It was already a lost cause for the Heat in the second quarter.

Brown triumphantly shot over Herro, hooked at close range while covered by Adebayo, jammed from the dunker spot and supplied a 3-pointer. Jrue Holiday contributed seven points, and Tatum put up six more.

On the Heat side, Herro finally got on the board with three baskets after five fruitless ventures in the first. And Adebayo logged four shots, rim rolling and canning two jumpers.

The Heat was down 46-68. Additionally, the team had 30 paint points, three on the break, none via second chances, five off turnovers and six from the bench.

The Celtics had 26 interior points, zero in the open court, five on extra tries, two off turnovers and eight from the reserves.

Then the Heat were stuck in second gear coming out of the break, failing on all six 3-point attempts because the Celtics contested on time or let Adebayo shoot. Furthermore, Adebayo was off-target inside the arc, making one of seven baskets in the frame.

The only Heatles to record multiple field goals in the third quarter were Delon Wright and Herro. The former drove from the wing to the cup for a layup and cut up the baseline for a scoop shot. The latter got the hole twice and made a shot at the elbow over Horford to cut the deficit to 32 points.

For the hosts, Brown and White put up eight more points apiece. Horford overpowered Patty Mills and Wright near the rim to score. And Sam Hauser got by Nikola Jović on the baseline for a dunk and hit a right-side triple.

The Heat entered the fourth quarter down 66-98 and never got the deficit below 30 points the rest of the way. Adebayo didn’t play in the sequence and Herro was in fewer than three minutes.

The match was so out of hand and in garbage time that only two Celtics starters- Tatum and Holiday- played in the quarter and none longer than four minutes.

The Heat lost 84-118 and got beat on the glass by 27. To boot, the team had 58 paint points, three on the break, none via second chances, 15 off turnovers and 20 from the bench. On top of that, the group never had the lead in Game 5.

The Celtics put up 52 interior points, five in the open court, 11 on extra tries, 10 off turnovers and 34 from the reserves.

White (25), Brown (25), Hauser (17), Tatum (16) and Holiday (10) were Boston’s double-digit scorers.

At the postgame presser, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra credited the Celtics as a top-tier outfit and said, “We’re not going to put this on the fact that we had some injuries.”

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Celtics blasted the Heat, going up 3-1 in the series

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Following the ransacking at the hands of the Celtics on Saturday, the short-handed Heat came out on the game’s first play in a helpless zone. Jrue Holiday drew a foul cutting through its heart in 16 seconds, icing two freebies and setting the tone of the evening.

The Heat were absent Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck).

Lionel Messi and his entourage were present, witnessing the destruction from a box suite.

Early, the Celtics’ defense was in third gear, and Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo briefly kept their team from getting wasted. The former swished a pull-up tray in Kristaps Porziņģis’s face, drove left into the paint twice for layups and slashed through the center, making an eight-foot floater. And the latter hit two jumpers in the lane and finished a lob over Al Horford’s head.

Yet, Boston’s Derrick White fractured the hosts’ defenses and their spirit. He scored 13 points, making 83.3% of his attempts. The rest of the Celtics converted four of 15 baskets.

Then, the Heat’s offense came undone in the second quarter. Jaime Jaquez Jr. couldn’t score on Sam Hauser and Jaylen Brown at close range and missed two looks in the corner. Herro got his layup denied by White, bricked a 3-pointer against in drop coverage and took an unwise, off-balance baseline jumper with Horford covering well. And the rest of the crew, minus Adebayo, registered two of nine ventures to close the half.

On the other side, the Heat’s defense contested shots on time and permitted 35% of attempts to fall. But White got loose, splashing two wing triples, and Holiday dribbled from the top to the cup, making two buckets.

But before the second quarter ended, Porziņģis hurt his right calf, attempting a dribble move on the wing with four minutes left. He walked to the locker room, frustratedly wiping his face with his jersey.

At intermission, the Heat was down 36-53 and behind on the glass by five. Additionally, the hosts had 26 paint points, six on the break, two via second chances, three off turnovers and three from the bench.

The Celtics had 16 interior points, 10 in the open court, five on extra tries, nine off turnovers and two from the reserves.

Porziņģis didn’t return for the second half.

Subsequently, the Heat’s offense was inept. It totaled five scoreless minutes between stretches in the third quarter. JJJ and Adebayo were the only Heatles to record multiple field goals.

The Celtics failed to hurt the Heat from deep, but they ravaged the inside protections, recording eight shots in the lane and recovering five offensive rebounds. Midway through, White cut through the middle for two spiteful dunks, and Brown punched in one on the break on consecutive plays.

The fourth quarter began with the Heat down 59-81. The squad tried to claw its way back- Herro, Adebayo and Caleb Martin contributed 25 points on nine of 13 attempts- but the efforts were insufficient.

For Gang Green, Brown reached the rim for a layup off a pick-and-roll set with Horford. Horford canned a pick-and-pop triple at the top, facing Martin. Holiday splashed a corner 3-pointer. Jayson Tatum dunked over Martin. And White beat a trap on the wing, getting inside for an eight-foot finger roll.

The Heat lost 88-102. The team picked up 46 paint points, eight on the break, 10 via second chances, 10 off turnovers and 14 from the bench.

Adebayo scored 25 points on 11 of 22 tries, with 17 rebounds, five assists and three turnovers. Herro had 19 on his ledger, making 47.1% of his shots, with four rebounds, four assists and five turnovers. And Martin had 18 points on six of 14 attempts, with five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a turnover.

The Celtics had 40 interior points, 16 in the open court, 12 on extra tries, 20 off turnovers and nine from the reserves.

White (38), Tatum (20), Brown (17) and Holiday (11) were Boston’s double-digit scorers.

At the postgame presser, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he believes his group has more in the tank. He added, “I know in my heart, we have a game that’s there, you know, it’s just a matter of the ball going in a few more times, and all of a sudden, it ignites and it just keeps on going.”

Adebayo said the Celtics have adjusted to the Heat’s defense by “making me switch and putting me in the corner, or putting me away from the play.”

The Celtics are up 3-1 in the series. Game 5 is in Boston on Wednesday.

—

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Dolphins draft class: Grier fills needs while following 2-year approach

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Before the 2024 draft, general manager Chris Grier mentioned that he is always taking a 2-year look into the future on what his team could be. The Miami Dolphins followed this approach as well as addressing immediate needs to improve the team in 2024. 

 

1st Round (21st overall) 

 

EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State:

 

You can tell Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel were giddy about this pick. Both members of the Dolphins front office showed that with their body language in their press conference following the initial night of the draft. They were loose, confident, smiling, and joking with the media. Grier admitted Robinson was a player he not only selected but was targeting in this draft. 

 

Robinson has a quick first step which he realized was a talent he possessed back in middle school. He was also the 4th-highest rated EDGE player on CBS draft prospect rankings. 

 

Robinson’s sack totals and overall production weren’t impressive at Penn State, but Grier wasn’t paying attention to that as much as Robinson’s play disruption. Robinson runs a 4.48 40-time which is tied 7th all-time for defensive ends at the combine. He demonstrated elite traits, but his hand usage and other parts of his game need to be polished. One NFC scout compared him to Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons, although the scout admitted that Parsons was more polished entering the draft. 

 

How he fits:

 

Starting EDGE rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb may not be ready for the early portion of the regular season, so the Miami Dolphins needed depth to replace them until they can return. Shaq Barrett was signed as depth but he is 31 years of age, so the Dolphins could use more youth and talent at that position. Phillips 5th-year option is expected to be exercised by the team, but a longterm extension isn’t in the works yet, so the Dolphins have to be prepared for that scenario by 2026. Robinson should be getting enough looks, reps, coaching, and game experience in order to develop in the meantime. 

 

2nd Round

 

OT Patrick Paul, Houston:

 

Another selection that Grier and McDaniel were very happy about – and that Paul was very happy about too. Paul made it known to the Dolphins during their pre-draft visit that he wanted to be in Miami. His agent even texted the Dolphins all Friday and as Paul was falling in the 2nd round saying “‘The kid is driving me crazy. He wants to be here.’ (laughter)”.

The Dolphins were impressed by Paul’s size and wingspan (6’7”, 331 lbs, 36 ¼” arms–perhaps the longest arms in the draft), recovery skills, and his growth and desire to get better. 

 

Overall, Paul is more of a polished pass-protector than he is a run blocker. Pro Football Focus graded him in 2022 with a pass black rating of 91.1 and 91.5 in 2023. However, his run blocking grades weren’t as impressive – 60.4 and 69.4 respectively. His long arms allow him to get first-contact on defensive lineman, and he has the ability to quickly recover when he is out of position, but needs to get grittier in the run game. 

 

How he fits:

 

Paul played left tackle throughout his days at Houston and was a team captain during his final two seasons. So it’s expected that he will fill Terron Armstead’s role if he gets injured or retires after the season. 

 

However, Grier downplayed this angle saying that the team doesn’t draft with the philosophy of position chasing. That may be true, but the fact remains that the team will have a need a left tackle by this season’s end, and they just drafted one in the 2nd round. The Dolphins say Paul has the ability to swing to either side, and purely envision him playing tackle at this time.

 

Madman Mike’s Take: I think the possibility is still open for Patrick Paul to compete and have a chance at LG, I can’t see a 2nd-round pick sitting on the bench as a reserve swing when the team’s left guard spot is currently being filled by a career backup in Robert Jones. 

 

 

4th Round

 

RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee:

 

Mike McDaniel has a type, doesn’t he? And that was proven by giving the Eagles a 3rd-rounder in 2025 in order to put up and select Jaylen Wright in the 4th round. This is just another weapon to add to a speedy backfield as well as an offense that is already the fastest in the NFL. 

 

Wright ran a 4.38 40-time, and averaged 6.0 and 7.4 yards per carry during his final two seasons at Tennessee with at least 135 carries in each year. NFL draft analyst graded Wright as a Round 3 value. 

 

How he fits:

 

Wright has good size and breakaway speed. At 210 lbs, he is tied with Jeff Wilson as the 2nd-heaviest back after Chris Books in the backfield. The upside with Wright is that Wilson and Brooks are buried in the depth chart, so Wright has a chance to be in rotation with Devon Achane and the aging Raheem Mosert for snaps, and possibly a larger role if anything happens with either of those two. Wright’s speed fits with McDaniel’s off-tackle running approach, and his size could bring the element of physicality the Dolphins need to convert for 1st-downs in short-yardage situations. His sticky hands and ability to run routes should also make him a fun target for Tua Tagovailoa.

 

5th Round

 

LB Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State:

 

If the Dolphins were ever sad that they missed out on Jared Verse in the 1st round, this pick should make up for it. Mohamed Kamara is the speed-to-power pass rusher that is a similar style to Verse but with 3rd round talent. The Dolphins said they were surprised he was still available and love his mentality.

 

Kamara’s statistical production increased each year at Colorado State and totaled 45.5 TFLs, 30.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He was also named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. His positional production score was ranked 5th at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his athletic traits and measurables ranked him 20th out of the players at his position. Still, despite his athletic shortcomings, he plays with a relentlessness and ferocity which should help him find success with the right opportunity. 

 

How he fits:

 

As I mentioned before, with stars Phillips and Chubb expected to miss the early portion of the regular season, the Fins need all the passrushing help they can get in their absence. Grier addressed the problem in this draft and McDaniel said you can never have too many pass rushers. The addition of Kamara allows Miami to potentially start Barrett and Robinson while having Kamara as a rotational piece.

 

6th Round

 

WR Malik Washington, Virginia

 

If any of you were waiting for the Fins to address their slot WR position, you were finally granted your wish on Day 3. Lance Zierlein had a Round 3 grade on Washington when the Dolphins finally snatched him in the 6th round. McDaniel did a big fist pump in the war room during the moment to express his enthusiasm.

 

Washington has extreme production. In 2023, he was Second-team Associated Press All-American. First-team All-ACC. Led the FBS with school-record 110 receptions, ranked 4th with a school-record 1,426 receiving yards (13.0 per), 9th with 1,706 all-purpose yards. Led the team with 9 receiving TDs. Played in all 12 games with 11 starts (3-7-2.3 rushing).

 

Washington is not a tall receiver. He is 5’8 and runs a 4.47. He is ideal for the slot WR position, which the Dolphins are still trying to figure out. Washington brings a toughness, quickness, and urgency in his play. But he will need to learn how to separate better against press coverage in the NFL. 

 

How he fits:

 

In the latter part of the 2023 season, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle dealt with injuries, and it seemed that if either one of those two receivers went down, so did the offense. Waddle was the team’s 2nd leading receiver in yards after Hill with 1,014 yards, but the 3rd leading receiver was tight end Durham Smythe with 366 yards. So there is a huge dropoff between Tua’s 2nd to 3rd option. The Fins are looking for a reliable outlet for Tua, especially since this offense is oriented to throwing over the middle of the field. Washington is an interesting option and could compete for that slot-WR position. However, he compares similarly to Braxton Berrios in stature, so it’ll be interesting to see if Washington can stand out. Washington has some return ability in his background, so he may start there. 

 

Round 6

 

S Patrick McMorris, California:

 

McMorris is a depth pick with the chance to play special teams if he stands out enough in that area. For the most part, McMorris knows how to play the position, but lacks the athletic traits to keep up with faster players. He brings an element of size and physicality, but has average speed in coverage. 

 

How he fits:

 

Although the Dolphins have a nice safety tandem entering 2024 with Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer, there is not much depth behind them. Poyer is listed as the team’s strong safety but is 33 years old, and if he goes down, the team could be in trouble on the back end of the defense. McMorris has the body-type to play the SS position, but will have to show he can adjust to NFL speed, especially against the Miami offense. 

 

Round 7

 

WR Tahj Washington, USC:

 

The Dolphins found more depth and competition for the slot position. Washington is another productive, but smaller WR. He has average traits, but knows how to take advantage with his route running. He doesn’t make much separation but counters that with his contested catch-making. 

 

How he fits: 

 

There is too much competition for the slot WR position on the Miami Dolphins at the moment, so I can’t see Washington getting much playing time there. However, Washington flashes return ability which could make him a compelling player for special teams. The Miami Dolphins need to improve in their return game, and with the kickoff rule changes, he has a chance to carve out a role. 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: WNBA season preview

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The WNBA is almost back (May 14), and excitement is high for the league’s 28th season.

In preparation for the upcoming campaign, 2.45 million people tuned in to the Draft on April 15, the most ever viewed in WNBA history.

Training camp started on April 28 and the preseason is kicking off May 3. Rosters will be finalized on May 13. Due to the nature of the business- only 12 roster spots per team- many promising rookies will get cut.

And there are many storylines to watch. Some of the note are as follows: Watch the Throne Part Two with the Las Vegas Aces as they try to win a third consecutive championship. There’s Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston’s dynamic pairing for the Indiana Fever. The New York Liberty are on a quest for redemption after losing in the Finals in five games. And there’s also the Connecticut Sun’s unorthodox star, Alyssa Thomas’ follow-up to a historic season.

Let’s examine the power rankings:

12. Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks are a rebuilding operation looking to fill the void of Nneka Ogwumike, who left for the Seattle Storm in free agency.

The top priority of the season is getting center Cameron Brink, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year, some reps and Curt Miller’s team building good habits.

11. Chicago Sky

Center Kamilla Cardoso and forward Angel Reese, both champions at the NCAA level, are Chicago’s frontcourt duo of the future. The former stands at 6-foot-7, scored 14.4 points per game in her last year at South Carolina, passes well out of double teams, absorbs rebounds and is a productive shot blocker. The latter is a dominant rebounder and scorer at 6-foot-3, plus an instinctual defender.

When asked about the duo at her introductory press conference, Reese said, “If I miss a defensive assignment, [Cardoso] is going to be there. If she misses a defensive assignment, I’m going to be there.”

Over the offseason, Kahleah Copper and Morgan Bertsch were traded to the Phoenix Mercury for Michaela Onyenwere, Brianna Turner, a 2024 1st-round pick ( was used on Cardoso), plus extra future draft compensation. And Courtney Williams and Allana Smith signed with the Minnesota Lynx in free agency.

This is the team’s first season under Teresa Weatherspoon.

10. Washington Mystics

Elena Delle Donne, the most efficient scorer on the team, is sitting out the 2024 campaign because of a contract dispute. Guard Brittney Sykes will lead the team in her absence, and this pushes the Mystics toward a rebuilding season.

The development of Aaliyah Edwards, UCONN’s forward taken six overall in the recent Draft, is pivotal for her pairing next to center Shakira Austin. At school and for Team Canada, Edwards was an impactful defender and helper. And with both of their gifts and IQ, there’s potential for Austin and Edwards to turn into a strangling tandem.

9. Indiana Fever

Clark and Boston are destined to make a tremendous half-court pairing. The former is a flashy and effective shot creator. The latter is the most efficient scorer in the league, going into her second year.

Their two-women actions via pick and roll and weaves will open up the perimeter. Individually, Boston will attract extra help near the basket. Clark is so lethal that traps will be sent at her often on the wings.

To boot, the Fever converted 34% of hoisted trays in 2023. Its top snipers Kelsey Mitchell and Kristy Wallace’s lives just got much easier.

8. Dallas Wings

The Wings drafted Jacy Sheldon fifth overall in the latest Draft and are running back last year’s group. The group was last in 3-point percentage (31.7), second in free throw attempts + makes (20.3, 16.4), and first in rebounds and offensive rebounds (38.7, 11.8).

Additionally, according to ESPN, Satou Sabally is expected to return from shoulder surgery in August. She is a two-way force, and her absence is irreplaceable.

Arike Ogunbowale, Natasha Howard and Crystal Dangerfield will have more responsibilities until Sabally is cleared for action.

7. Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury upgraded, signing Natasha Cloud, and bringing in Kahleah Copper and Rebecca Allen via trade. Brittney Griner is still a dominant force in the middle. And Diana Taurasi is a trap killer who can create off the dribble.

They have the potential to double last year’s win total (9).

6. Minnesota Lynx

Napheesa Collier’s work on both sides is the driving force of the team. In 2023, she was the Lynx’s leader in points (21.5), rebounds (8.5), steals (1.6), and blocks (1.2).

The squad will depend on Kayla McBride’s 3-point shooting, Diamond Miller’s shot creation, and Natasha Hiedeman’s electricity off the bench.

5. Atlanta Dream

Former rookie of the year (2022) Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Cheyenne Parker, Tina Charles, Aerial Powers and Jordin Canada are the heavies for the Dream.

Canada should draw extra help from defenders when running pick-and-roll sets with Parker.

A third-year leap for Howard could propel the Dream to further prosperity.

4. Seattle Storm

In 2023, the Storm were last in assists (17.7). That will change with new additions, forward Nneka Ogwumike and point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. Their involvement will take pressure off the league’s leading scorer, Jewell Loyd, on offense and make them a threat.

Ogwumike is also an excellent rebounder who will limit opponents’ possessions and make a top four group in this category stronger.

3. Connecticut Sun

The trade the Sun made, sending Rebecca Allen to the Phoenix Mercury for Moriah Jefferson, is an intriguing swap of defense for offense. It will be tough to lose the former’s perimeter protections, but the club’s best scorer, DeWanna Bonner, is about to be age 37. She and playmaking big Alyssa Thomas need another bucket-getter.

Although Jefferson was DPOY at UCONN, she can play D, but her effectiveness as a player eight inches shorter than Allen and a nine-inch shorter reach won’t have as much impact.

Additionally, Thomas does almost everything for the group. Last year, she put up 15.5 points nightly and was first in rebounding (9.9), second in assists (7.9) + minutes (36.2) and third in steals (1.8).

The return of Brionna Jones gives the Sun a stronger front line.

2. New York Liberty

Jonquel Jones, a top-three center who causes overreactions galore, re-signed with the Liberty on a two year deal.

The Liberty have the personnel to play and be just as good as they were in the last campaign. The reigning MVP Breanna Stewart is at the peak of his abilities, impacting the game as a high-level scorer, rebounder and passer.

Sabrina Ionescu is a dangerous sniper and sets up her teammates well.

Courtney Vandersloot is veteran playmaker who was the league leader in assists in 2023.

And Betnijah Laney is one of the fiercest 3-and-D players in the game. Her ability to pick up ball handlers in full-court press is a huge asset, too.

But being as good as last year would be a disappointment, in spite of the crew winning 32 of 40 games.

This season, the team shouldn’t wait so long to make Jones a focal point of the offense. She may have spent a chunk of 2023 working herself into game shape, but she was fourth in scoring average for the Liberty, which is unacceptable. Jones can get 16 points and 10 rebounds nightly at 50% of her power.

To get to another level, the Liberty must run more two-women actions for Jones and Stewart so the squad can generate more free throw attempts and put the opponent in foul trouble. The Liberty were 10th of 12 teams in free throw attempts (16.7) in 2023.

1. Las Vegas Aces

The defending champions are a bit weaker following the retirement of legendary forward/center Candace Parker. Her replacement at power forward is Kiah Stokes, who filled in as a starter after Parker fractured her foot and didn’t play past July 7.

On top of that, winning two rings in a row is a mentally taxing experience and has made the unit a larger target than before.

Regardless, the Aces are at the top of the WNBA’s arms race.

Nobody puts more pressure on a defense when attacking the paint than A’ja Wilson, the 6-foot-4 center and reigning Finals MVP. And on defense, she is the league’s top lane protector.

Chelsea Gray, the league’s top playmaker, can make any pass in transition plus the half court and creates separation going left or right. Gray can stop on a dime from long-range for a jumper, too.

Jackie Young is an elusive three-level gunslinger. She was the team’s top 3-point shooter in 2023 (44.9%).

And Kelsey Plum is a combo guard who can take over. Last season, Plum was second on the Aces in scoring (18.7 points) and second in assists (4.5).

—

Important dates for the WNBA this season:

The Commissioner’s Cup Tournament runs from June 1-13.

The Commissioner’s Cup Championship is on June 25.

The All-Star break stretches from July 18-21.

The Olympic break lasts from July 21- Aug. 14.

The trade deadline is on Aug. 20.

The Playoffs start on Sept. 22.