Latest Basketball News

๐Ÿ“…April 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Victor Wembanyama wins unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year amid playoffs; Hawks tie Knicks series with McCollum's heroics; Gilas Pilipinas preps for 3x3 World Cup.
1

Victor Wembanyama Named Unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year

San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama became the first unanimous winner and youngest champion in the award's 43-year history on April 20.Source 2 He led the league in blocks per game (3.08) for the third straight season.Source 2 The 22-year-old French star won on his NBA playoff debut on April 19.Source 2

2

Dirk Nowitzki Praises Wembanyama as 'Changing the Game'

German legend Dirk Nowitzki stated in a Berlin interview that Wembanyama is 'changing the game as we speak,' stunned by the 22-year-old's impact.Source 1Source 2 Nowitzki, the 2007 NBA MVP, spoke ahead of his FIBA Hall of Fame induction on April 20.Source 2 He believes the Spurs could advance past Portland and reach the Western Conference Finals.Source 1Source 2

3

Hawks Rally Past Knicks 107-106 to Tie Series 1-1

CJ McCollum scored 32 points, leading Atlanta's dramatic fourth-quarter comeback from a 12-point deficit over the New York Knicks.Source 2Source 4 The victory ties the Eastern Conference first-round series at one game apiece after Monday night's game.Source 4 McCollum has become the new MSG villain, replacing Trae Young post-trade.Source 4

4

Cavaliers Take 2-0 Lead Over Raptors Behind Mitchell and Harden

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 58 points as Cleveland defeated Toronto 115-105.Source 2 This win gives the Cavaliers a commanding 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series.Source 2 The duo's performance highlighted Cleveland's dominance in the matchup.

5

Nuggets Advance with Win Led by Jamal Murray's 30 Points

Jamal Murray scored 30 points while Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in Denver's victory.Source 2 The Nuggets progressed in the playoffs, setting up potential next-round matchups.Source 2 Jokic's all-around game was crucial to the win.

6

Spurs Poised for Deep Playoff Run with Wembanyama's Leadership

Nowitzki predicts the Spurs could defeat Portland and either Denver or Minnesota to face Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Finals.Source 1Source 2 Wembanyama's Defensive Player of the Year award bolsters their postseason hopes.Source 1 The team eyes further success following his playoff debut win.Source 2

7

CJ McCollum Thrives in Atlanta After Trae Young Trade

Traded from Washington to Atlanta in January for Trae Young, McCollum has filled the star role effectively.Source 4 His 32-point outing against the Knicks mirrored Young's past villainy at MSG.Source 4 The move propelled Hawks to a series-tying victory.Source 4

8

Gilas Pilipinas Women's 3x3 Team Gears Up for World Cup

Kacey Dela Rosa and Gilas Pilipinas show no signs of slowing down ahead of the 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Poland.Source 3 The team is intensifying preparations in Manila for the global event.Source 3 Their momentum builds toward international competition.

9

Wembanyama's Blocks Dominate NBA Stats for Third Season

Wembanyama topped the league in blocks per game at 3.08, marking his third consecutive season leading the category.Source 2 This stat line contributed to his unanimous Defensive Player award.Source 2 His defensive prowess is reshaping Spurs' playoff outlook.Source 1

10

Nowitzki, at 47, Eyes Spurs' Playoff Potential

Dirk Nowitzki, now 47, expressed optimism for the Spurs getting past defending champions in playoffs.Source 1 His comments came amid praise for Wembanyama's game-changing ability.Source 1Source 2 Nowitzki shared insights before FIBA Hall of Fame induction.Source 2

11

NBA Playoffs Heat Up with Key Series Shifts

Multiple series saw pivotal games, including Hawks-Knicks tie and Cavs' 2-0 lead over Raptors.Source 2Source 4 Western matchups feature Spurs' momentum and Nuggets' advancement.Source 2 Stars like McCollum, Murray, and Jokic drive intense competition.Source 2Source 4

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FIBA Hall of Fame Set to Induct Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki prepares for induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame following his NBA career reflections.Source 2 The event coincides with his comments on current stars like Wembanyama.Source 2 It highlights his legacy in international basketball.Source 2