Sports

Photo: New York Knicks/TwitterThree days following Thursday’s Game 3 matchup, the New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson’s transition from a walking boot to immediate gameplay hit a snag.Despite exiting Wells Fargo Center in a walking boot after the Game 3 loss, Robinson attempted to take the court for Sunday’s game. However, he was ultimately sidelined for Game 4 of the Knicks’ playoff series against the 76ers.Robinson’s absence from the second half was attributed to a sprained left ankle, previously surgically repaired.In Game 3, Joel Embiid of the Sixers was penalized with a flagrant foul for grabbing Robinson’s lower right leg while the Knicks’ center was in the process of attempting a dunk.Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson ruled out for Game 4 vs. 76ers with injury https://t.co/djojJ1Qhpm pic.twitter.com/R4YQynRE3h— New York Post (@nypost) April 28, 2024

Foto: BCLNemanja Dangubić, Peristeri player was more than satisfied with his team performance at the Basketball Champions League and participation at the Final Four in Belgrade.After losing against UCAM Murcia (84-87) in the game for the third place at the Basketball Champions League Final Four, Nemanja Dangubić from Peristeri was happy that his team manage this far, especially because no one believed they could even get to best eight.“Murcia was better from the beginning, we didn’t started as we planned. We allowed them 24 and more points in the first quarter and allowed them easy points. We needed to run after them. In the third and fourth quarter we had them, but at the last moments, we blew our chance to get even and eventually win the game”, said Dangubić, who was grateful his team managed to qualify.“This tournament is really difficult, all those three Spanish teams are among the best teams in the Spanish league, the strongest national European club competition. But we are happy we were here. We finished one tournament and now we need to return to Greek competition. We are waiting for the Playoffs“.At the beginning of the championship, Peristeri was at 0-3 and no one expected them to get this far. No one was even thinking they will get to best eight, but the coach Spanoulis didn’t lose the faith in them and as the result of the team effort they finished competition as the fourth team.“Our road to the Final Four was really difficult. When we had 0-3 almost no one believed we could get to Top 8, not just Final Four, but we did it. Coach had faith in us, he motivated us and we decided to change our approach, every game at the time. And we did it, I think we deserved to be here. This is a huge success for our club, to be participants at this tournament, where there are a lot of great teams”, said Nemanja, who then managed to mention how good is working with Vasilis Spanoulis.“It was my pleasure to work with such a great person, he is motivated every day for the basketball. He is helping us on daily basis, motivates us and giving us a new approach to basketball. We can all learn from him and he was in our shoes before”, finished Nemanja, who is now already thinking about the Greek league where Peristeri is currently third team in the league.

Photo: Philadelphia 76ers/TwitterJoel Embiid may consider himself fortunate for never facing off against the likes of Charles Oakley on the court. The renowned New York Knicks legend was known for his no-nonsense approach and would likely not tolerate Embiid’s behavior.During Thursday’s Game 3 clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Knicks, Embiid was slapped with a flagrant one after grabbing and pulling Mitchell Robinson’s leg while both players were on the floor.This action resulted in Robinson leaving the game due to an aggravated ankle injury. The incident sparked a heated altercation, involving players such as Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby confronting Embiid. In response, the towering center defiantly challenged his opponents, asking, “What are you going to do?”“I probably would have smacked him,” Oakley told Newsday’s Barbara Barker regarding the exchange. “You can’t let him send that kind of message. If he had done something like that [when Oakley played], he wouldn’t have gotten away with it. David Robinson, when he played, he knew what he could get away with. They [bullies] pick a fight they think they are going to win.”Knicks legend Charles Oakley would not have tolerated Joel Embiid’s antics in Game 3.”I probably would have smacked him.”MORE: https://t.co/aDXJDxY0g2 pic.twitter.com/m4PKnkP3Zh— OutKick (@Outkick) April 27, 2024

Photo: Los Angeles Clippers/TwitterLos Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will miss Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks due to ongoing issues with his surgically repaired knee. Coach Ty Lue expressed uncertainty about Leonard’s return timeline, citing limitations in his movement.Leonard, who also missed Game 1 and several regular-season games, returned for Games 2 and 3 but struggled. With the Mavericks leading the series 2-1, Game 4 will be in Dallas on Sunday, followed by Game 5 in Los Angeles.Kawhi Leonard Out For Game 4, Status In Doubt Beyond That https://t.co/iIvOxtMqaS— RealGM (@RealGM) April 28, 2024

Photo: Dallas Mavericks/XDallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison believed that both Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington would thrive with the Dallas Mavericks. He anticipated that joining a competitive team like the Mavericks would provide them with renewed motivation, compared to playing for teams lower in the standings.Gafford echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shift from playing without clear objectives to competing with purpose. He noted the significant change in mindset and level of focus required to adapt to the Mavericks’ environment.“No disrespect to any other team that we were on, but it’s just we went from playing for nothing to playing for something,” Gafford said. “It’s like we had to lock in a whole different way.”Mavs GM Nico Harrison: We’re Built For The Next Three Playoff Runs https://t.co/mVS2aX3FEw— RealGM (@RealGM) April 28, 2024

Photo: Peter BabaDallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison recognized the imperative to bolster his team’s talent pool during the trade deadline.However, he eschewed short-term fixes, maintaining a steadfast focus on the long-term trajectory of the franchise. This approach guided his decision-making process when acquiring Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington via trades.Speaking to ESPN, Harrison articulated that the objective wasn’t solely about immediate success on the court. Rather, it centered on the continuous growth and development of the team.He emphasized the importance of each move contributing to the Mavericks’ sustained improvement, with an eye toward building a competitive roster for multiple playoff runs in the future.“It wasn’t really about winning right now,” Harrison said. “It was just about continuing to build it. It’s like every step is, how do we continue to get better? And we’re not built for just right now; we’re built for the next three playoff runs.”Mavs GM Nico Harrison: We’re Built For The Next Three Playoff Runs https://t.co/mVS2aX3FEw— RealGM (@RealGM) April 28, 2024

Photo: Orlando Magic/XOrlando Magic star Franz Wagner spoke about not being satisfied/staying locked in as a team after yesterday’s 112-89 Eastern Conference First Round Game 4 home playoff win vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers (series now tied 2-2).(via Orlando Magic):Reporter: “After Game 2, you specifically said, ‘We just gotta go home and do what the Cavaliers just did, and win both games.’ How were you guys able to do that, what allowed you to when there may have been some doubt from the outside, and how satisfying is it that you guys got it done?”Wagner: “I feel like we’ve been battling against that all year. Pretty much from the first day in training camp, we talked about that, that we as a group got to believe what we’re capable of, and that’s the most important thing. We’re not satisfied at all, we just got two wins. We need two more against them, so we gotta stay locked in and hopefully get the next game in Cleveland.”[embedded content][embedded content]

Photo: Milwaukee Bucks/XThe Milwaukee Bucks are facing an uphill battle as they aim to square their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.With the series at 2-1 in favor of the Pacers and the Bucks on the road, Milwaukee’s task is made even more daunting by the absence of Damian Lillard, who is sidelined due to a strained Achilles that he re-aggravated during the Bucks’ Game 3 loss.Indiana now has an opportunity to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead before the action returns to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday.Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard Out For Game 4 https://t.co/Ad6zdRjczM— RealGM (@RealGM) April 28, 2024

Photo: Peter BabaThe Milwaukee Bucks are confronted with challenging circumstances as they endeavor to level their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.Down 2-1 in the series and playing away from home, the Bucks face the additional setback of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence due to a strained calf.With Antetokounmpo still sidelined, the Pacers have an opportunity to extend their lead to 3-1, intensifying the pressure on Milwaukee as the series returns to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday.Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard Out For Game 4 https://t.co/Ad6zdRjczM— RealGM (@RealGM) April 28, 2024

Photo: Peter BabaNew Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson is expanding his front office team, with New York Knicks executive Brock Aller on his radar.Aller presently serves as the Knicks’ vice president of basketball and strategic planning, having been one of the earliest hires under New York president Leon Rose.Recognized for his adept management of the salary cap and skill in negotiating favorable contracts, Aller’s potential move to Charlotte remains uncertain, as the Knicks are reportedly keen on retaining him.Hornets Interested In Hiring Brock Aller For Front Office Role https://t.co/PVPE6TcT65— RealGM (@RealGM) April 28, 2024