The Association: Dallas Mavericks

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2024 NBA All-Stars Announced

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Karl-Anthony Towns and Dennis Smith Jr. will headline the NBA All Star Game, hosted in San Antonio on February 25, 2024. Both players were the highest vote-getters for their respective conference as per the fans, players, and media panel.

Averaging a career best 25.6 APG and 4.6 BPG so far, Towns is playing at the highest level of his potential however he has his work cut out with his Timberwolves struggling with just a 3-5 record.

Joining Towns in the front-court will be fellow teammate Harry Giles and Kevin Durant, who is averaging 23.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 5.3 APG.

The West starting guards named were Stephen Curry and Matthew Holland. Unfortunately, Curry, with averages of 26 PPG and 5 APG, is currently nursing a shin injury and therefore will not participate this year. Meanwhile, Matthew Holland has taken his team to new heights this season with the Thunder sitting second in the Western Conference on a 6-3 record.

Rounding out the West reserves will be Markelle Fultz, Michael Porter Jr., DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George, Damian Lillard (replacing Curry), and first-timers, D'Aneglo Russell, Axel Romero, and Brandon Ingram.

As for the East, Dennis Smith Jr. continues his breakout season from last year, averaging 21.8 PPG and 7.7 APG while leading the Wizards to a 7-2 record, currently sitting atop the East. He'll be joined by Kyrie Irving, whom is now the leader of the Cavs with averages of 26.1 PPG and 8.6 APG.

For the East front-court, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Kristaps Porzingis were named the starters. Simmons and Embiid are currently leading the 76ers to a 6-3 record (#3 in East), while Porzingis is having an outstanding year with the Knicks, averaging 19.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG and 2.7 BPG.

Rounding out the East reserves will be Giannis Antetokounmpo, Aaron Gordon, Raymar Benjamin, Josh Jackson, and first-timers, Russell Warner, Jayson Tatum, and Tyshawn Atkins. Unfortunately with injuries to Tatum and Gordon, they'll be replaced by Dario Saric, and Rookie of the Year favorite, Zion Williamson.

Stars

Starters: Darius Garland (NYK), Russell Warner (BOS), Jarell Benson (CHA), Wilson Thomas (ATL), Devon Sharpe (LAL)
Reserves: Marvin Bagley III (SAS), Jabari Logan (CHA), Immanuel Quickley (DET), Simi ****tu (LAL), Marco Gomez (MIN)

Elites

Starters: Tyshawn Atkins (DET), Romeo Langford (BKN), Darnell Hardaway (CHI), Zion Williamson (TOR), Bernard Benjamin (LAC)
Reserves: Ja'Kel Smart (TOR), Cameron Reddish (CHI), Moses Brown (SAC), Hughie Daniels (PHX), Bronx Johnson (DAL)

Participants
Dennis Smith Jr. (WAS)
Kemba Walker (NYK)
Kevin Durant (GSW)
D'Angelo Russell (LAL)
Damian Lillard (POR)
Kyrie Irving (CLE)



Participants
Ja'Kel Smart (TOR)
Bronx Johnson (DAL)
Zion Williamson (TOR)
Devon Sharpe (LAL)

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2024 NBA All-Star Weekend Recap

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The East All-Stars have defeated the West All-Stars, 115-103, in a more tightly contested game. Joel Embiid was voted the All-Star MVP after his dominating performance, racking up 24 points, 19 rebounds and shooting 10/14 from the field.

Karl-Anthony Towns was the leading scorer for the West All-Stars as he posted 16 points and 3 blocks. But despite a huge disparity in free throw attempts (5 for East and 39 for West), the East continued to fire from all cylinders, making 54% of their field goal attempts.

Box score

Spoiler

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The Rising Stars Challenge saw the Stars defeat the Elites, 107-81. Celtics guard, Russell Warner took the MVP honors, finishing with 18 points. For the Elites, Darnell Hardaway was their leading scorer with 26 points.

Box score

Spoiler

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Winner: Kemba Walker (NYK)

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Winner: Zion Williamson (TOR)

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Dallas gets back on track with a crushing victory over Memphis

March 1, 2024 | by NBA News

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There was simply no stopping DeMarcus Cousins tonight, who scored 21 of his 35 points in the first half, along with a season-high 6 blocks, as he helped the Mavericks snap a 2-game losing streak, defeating the Grizzlies 110-94.

Cousins was backed up by Paul George, who poured in 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Khris Middleton lit up from downtown, dropping 16 points (4/10 from three-point).

The game also marked Marcus Smart's return to Dallas for the first time since his departure almost two years ago. Smart was greeted in the arena prior to the game by Cousins and Wall, both of whom were teammates during the 2021 championship run. Despite the friendly environment, Smart struggled from the field, shooting just 4/11 and finishing with 9 points and 8 assists.

Box Score

Spoiler

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Lakers crush Mavericks, get back into Top 8

March 15, 2024 | by NBA News

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The Lakers have handed the Mavericks their worst defeat of the season, annihilating them by 26 points. Los Angeles forced Dallas to shoot just 38% from the field whilst dominating on the boards with 65 rebounds and scoring 20 points of second chance makes.

A large part of the win was the performance of second year center, Devon Sharpe, who posted 16 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks. He did it on both ends of the floor, limiting DeMarcus Cousins to just 14 points (7/17 shooting).

Meanwhile, Alejandro Ruiz faced off against fellow Spaniard, Ricky Rubio, scoring 18 points and 8 assists. After the game, Rubio had nothing but praise for the young playmaker. "Alejandro is like a little brother to me. I've known him and his family for many years now. I'm very happy for him and the success he's had in the NBA so far."

The win for the Lakers now move them back into the top 8 with a 6-5 record as the Playoff race begins to tighten up.

Box Score

Spoiler

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Curry catches fire late, keeps Warriors' playoff hopes alive

March 22, 2024 | by NBA News

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With the return of Dallas point guard, John Wall, who had been sidelined for the past two months due to an ankle injury, the Mavericks jumped out to big lead early in the game. They led by as much as 19 points at one stage. However, slowly and eventually, the Warriors clawed their way back, reducing the deficit by just 8 points at the end of the first quarter.

Stephen Curry struggled mightily with his shot early on, shooting just 4/17 from the field, but would save his best performance for last, as he was simply un-guardable in the fourth quarter. Curry winded back the clock to put up one of his vintage heat check moments, scoring 25 points and knocking it down from everywhere on the court. The 36 year old finished with a season-high 44 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists as Golden State outscored Dallas 46-29 in the fourth quarter to keep their playoff aspirations alive and are now sitting with a 5-6 record.

As for the Mavericks, the loss moves them down to 9th place in the West with a 6-6 record. The next two remaining games are now imperative for them to win if they want any chances of defending the title.

Box Score

Spoiler

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Mavericks win big in a crucial road game against the Trail Blazers

March 29, 2024 | by NBA News

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Much like their last game, Dallas jumped out to an early lead, scoring 10 straight unanswered points, but only this time, they continued putting their foot on the gas, crushing the Trail Blazers by 18 points.

The Mavericks were all business as they held Portland to just 35% from the field while also swatting away 14 shot attempts.

John Wall continued to show no signs of his ankle injury as he posted 22 points and 8 assists. Meanwhile, Paul George contributed with 19 points and 11 rebounds while DeMarcus Cousins and Marc Gasol combined for a whopping 10 blocked shots.

The win now moves Dallas back up to 7th place in the West, and with one more game remaining in the season, everything is up for grabs. With Utah the only team to have locked a playoff birth, Dallas could go anywhere from the second seed to outside the top 8. Thus, the outcome of their playoff hopes will solely hang on the next game against the Timberwolves on April 12.

Box Score

Spoiler

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Dallas collapses as Minnesota snatches final Playoff spot

April 12, 2024 | by NBA News

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For the first time in nearly 7 years, the Mavericks have missed the Playoffs after a fourth quarter meltdown to the Timberwolves.

Just as things were looking to be in the bag, and up by double-digits, Minnesota made a ferocious comeback, outscoring the Mavericks 44-26 and locking up the 8th seed in the West.

Karl-Anthony Towns posted one of the greatest performances of his career, notching up 36 points and 24 rebounds as he willed his team back from the dead. Despite struggling mightily with his shot all game, Isaiah Thomas also hit a huge three late in the game to give the Timberwolves the go-ahead bucket. He finished with 12 points and 9 assists.

As for the Mavericks, even though their big three combined for 80 points, their season has abruptly ended after a disappointing finish to the season, losing 3 of their last 4. It was a very quiet locker room, Carlisle told reporters. "Nobody said anything. We all knew the ramifications coming into this game but I had the sense that some didn't take it too serious and now we're paying for it."

No doubt the Mavericks will be under the microscope this offseason as concerns over their aging roster will be the hot topic.

Box Score

Spoiler

[lakers24]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Damn...seems age finally caught up to your squad

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Damn...seems age finally caught up to your squad

Yep, big time!

Outside of John Wall and Bronx Johnson, it really felt like I was running through mud the entire season.

Guess I finally paid for it by missing the Playoffs - which is still heartbreaking. But in turn, it has somewhat given me the motivation to go another season!

[lazershow]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

What's the plan going forward? Are any of your core guys contracts up?

Sent from my SM-N920V using Operation Sports mobile app

[Slyone14]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Still following and loving your league man, very realistic. So how are the guys from dc2 doing? Hows there overalls?

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What's the plan going forward? Are any of your core guys contracts up?

Everyone's contract expires besides the Big 3 and Hardaway Jr. and Ibaka, who both have player options. The plan is definitely to go younger but might be tough to do through free agency due to limited cap space.

So how are the guys from dc2 doing? Hows there overalls?

Not too sure what their overalls are exactly, but from a quick glance, the names that really stood out and flourishing are Tyshawn Atkins, Jarrell Benson, Darnell Hardaway and Russell Warner. #1 pick, Moses Williams, had a down year during his sophomore year but I think injuries played a big factor.

[Slyone14]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Everyone's contract expires besides the Big 3 and Hardaway Jr. and Ibaka, who both have player options. The plan is definitely to go younger but might be tough to do through free agency due to limited cap space.


Not too sure what their overalls are exactly, but from a quick glance, the names that really stood out and flourishing are Tyshawn Atkins, Jarrell Benson, Darnell Hardaway and Russell Warner. #1 pick, Moses Williams, had a down year during his sophomore year but I think injuries played a big factor.

That's pretty much exactly what I have. I think Warner is based off Reggie Miller but I can't prove it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Operation Sports mobile app

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2023-24 End of Season Report

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Division Standings

SOUTHWEST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
New Orleans Pelicans	9	5	0.0	3-1	9-5
San Antonio Spurs	7	7	2.0	1-3	7-7
Dallas Mavericks	7	7	2.0	3-1	7-7
Memphis Grizzlies	5	9	4.0	2-2	5-9
Houston Rockets	3	11	6.0	1-3	3-11

Conference Standings

WESTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. Utah Jazz	12	2	-	3-1	12-2
2. Oklahoma City Thunder	9	5	3.0	1-3	9-5
3. New Orleans Pelicans	9	5	3.0	3-1	9-5
4. Golden State Warriors	7	7	5.0	2-2	7-7
5. San Antonio Spurs	7	7	5.0	1-3	7-7
6. Phoenix Suns	7	7	5.0	3-1	7-7
7. Denver Nuggets	7	7	5.0	1-3	7-7
8. Minnesota Timberwolves	7	7	5.0	2-2	7-7
9. Dallas Mavericks	7	7	5.0	3-1	7-7
10. Portland Trail Blazers	7	7	5.0	3-1	7-7
11. Los Angeles Lakers	7	7	5.0	2-2	7-7
12. Los Angeles Clippers	6	8	6.0	3-1	6-8
13. Sacramento Kings	5	9	7.0	0-4	5-9
14. Memphis Grizzlies	5	9	7.0	2-2	5-9
15. Houston Rockets	3	11	9.0	1-3	3-11

EASTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. Washington Wizards	10	4	-	3-1	10-4
2. Boston Celtics	9	5	1.0	2-2	9-5
3. Miami Heat	9	5	1.0	2-2	9-5
4. Toronto Raptors	9	5	1.0	4-0	9-5
5. Orlando Magic	8	6	2.0	1-3	8-6
6. Philadelphia 76ers	8	6	2.0	1-3	8-6
7. Milwaukee Bucks	7	7	3.0	2-2	7-7
8. Atlanta Hawks	7	7	3.0	2-2	7-7
9. Charlotte Hornets	7	7	3.0	2-2	7-7
10. Detroit Pistons	6	8	4.0	3-1	6-8
11. Chicago Bulls	5	9	5.0	2-2	5-9
12. Cleveland Cavaliers	5	9	5.0	2-2	5-9
13. Brooklyn Nets	5	9	5.0	2-2	5-9
14. Indiana Pacers	5	9	5.0	1-3	5-9
15. New York Knicks	5	9	5.0	1-3	5-9

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Team Statistics

FGM

FGA

FG%

3PM

3PA

3P%

FTM

FTA

FT%

OREB

DREB

REB

AST

TO

STL

BLK

PF

PTS

+/-

38.4

78.8

48.8

8.6

27.3

31.4

23.0

29.2

78.7

10.3

39.6

49.9

28.3

13.3

9.1

7.9

16.0

108.4

1.9

14th

30th

1st

7th

4th

26th

1st

1st

18th

28th

1st

12th

3rd

25th

3rd

16th

28th

1st

13th

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Player Statistics

Dallas Mavericks
Player	GP	MIN	FG%	FT%	3PM	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
John Wall	9	32.1	49.1	83.5	0.7	3.4	10.8	1.6	0.3	25.9
DeMarcus Cousins	14	33.0	59.6	69.9	0.4	10.6	1.7	1.4	2.0	24.1
Paul George	14	35.5	48.1	82.0	2.1	7.6	3.4	1.5	1.4	22.3
Marc Gasol	14	18.4	49.6	80.5	0.2	6.3	1.0	0.5	1.5	10.7
Bronx Johnson	14	24.7	45.0	76.5	0.6	4.0	1.1	0.6	0.7	7.6
Khris Middleton	14	21.2	39.5	80.0	1.7	2.0	0.9	0.6	0.2	7.1
Tim Hardaway Jr.	14	27.4	36.0	88.9	1.2	1.7	1.4	0.5	0.1	6.8
Kenneth Faried	5	10.6	64.3	50.0	0.0	3.4	0.6	0.4	0.6	4.2
Ricky Rubio	14	20.8	45.2	85.7	0.4	1.2	7.6	1.6	0.2	4.0
Serge Ibaka	14	22.1	55.9	75.0	0.6	5.9	0.9	0.5	1.3	3.7
Chandler Parsons	12	9.6	39.4	75.0	0.8	1.3	0.7	0.3	0.1	3.2
Chevon Best	6	14.7	27.3	66.7	0.2	0.8	5.5	0.7	0.0	1.8
Kenny Guzman	3	7.3	40.0	0.0	0.3	0.3	1.0	0.0	0.0	1.7

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League Leaders

POINTS		PPG	REBOUNDS		RPG
	1. Kyrie Irving	27.3		1. Karl-Anthony Towns	14.6
	2. Stephen Curry	26.4		2. Harry Giles	13.6
	3. Dejounte Miller	26.0		3. Myles Turner	11.9
	4. Karl-Anthony Towns	24.6		4. Joel Embiid	11.6
	5. DeMarcus Cousins	24.1		5. Axel Romero	11.5
ASSISTS		APG	STEALS		SPG
	1. Markelle Fultz	9.6		1. Matthew Holland	3.1
	2. Matthew Holland	9.6		2. Giannis Antetokounmpo	3.0
	3. Sherron Davis	9.3		3. Raymar Benjamin	2.9
	4. Lonzo Ball	9.1		4. Dejounte Miller	2.6
	5. Tyshawn Atkins	8.9		5. Markelle Fultz	2.6
BLOCKS		BPG	FIELD GOAL		FG%
	1. Karl-Anthony Towns	3.2		1. Jakob Poeltl	65.1
	2. Harry Giles	2.8		2. DeAndre Jordan	62.7
	3. Mohamed Bamba	2.5		3. Axel Romero	60.5
	4. Anthony Davis	2.4		4. DeMarcus Cousins	59.6
	5. Bernard Benjamin	2.4		5. Ivica Zubac	59.2
3 POINT FIELD GOAL		3P%	PLUS/MINUS		+/-
	1. Dennis Smith Jr.	55.8		1. Otto Porter	9.4
	2. Kevin Durant	48.1		2. Markelle Fultz	9.4
	3. Dejounte Miller	47.8		3. Axel Romero	8.1
	4. Kyrie Irving	47.5		4. Stephen Curry	8.1
	5. Rodney Hood	47.3		5. Ivica Zubac	7.6

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Injury Report

Injury Report
Pos	Player	Injury Note
C	Leon Best (BKN)	Torn Right Achilles (Season)
C	Tony Bradley (POR)	Torn Right Achilles (Season)
G	Devin Booker (PHX)	Torn Left Calf Muscle (6-8 weeks)
C	Ike Anigbogu (SAS)	Broken Right Wrist (2-4 weeks)
G	Jeremy Lin (NOP)	Left Knee Tendinitis (1-2 weeks)
G	Cory Joseph (IND)	Broken Right Ankle (1-2 weeks)
F	Kevon Looney (LAC)	Sprained Right Knee (Day-to-Day)

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Transaction Report

TRADES

14 December, 2023
Timberwolves trade: Kris Dunn
Celtics trade: Isaiah Thomas

8 February, 2024
Pelicans trade: Isaac Bonga, Caleb Swanigan
Nets trade: Nicolas Batum, Jeremy Lin

4 January, 2023
Nuggets trade: Gary Harris, 2025 first-round pick (Top 10 Protected)
Magic trade: Jonathan Isaac

SIGNINGS

• Hawks sign Matthew Dellavedova to 1yr/$1.24M deal
• Rockets sign Thomas Robinson to 1yr/$1.24M deal
• Nuggets sign Henry Ellenson to 1yr/$1.24M deal
• Raptors sign Evan Turner to 1yr/$1.24M deal

COACHING CHANGES

• 04/01/2024 | Kings fire Mike D'Antoni & hire Oliver Cooper
• 23/02/2024 | Pistons fire David Joerger & hire Logan White
• 17/03/2024 | Bulls fire Brad Stevens & hire David Joerger

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Season Awards

Players of the Month

Rookies of the Month

Most Valuable Player

	#17 Markelle Fultz | PG Washington
	Height: 6'4"	Age: 26
	Weight: 180 lbs	Drafted: 2017 (1st Rnd, 3rd by UTA)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 7 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2023-24 Season 12 35.4 54.4 69.4 3.8 9.6 2.6 0.9 23.0
Summary Fultz had an unbelievable year, posting career highs in points, assists, and field goal percentages, all while leading the Jazz to the best record in the league. Season highs: Points (50) | Three Pointers Made (6) | Rebounds (7) | Assists (15) | Steals (5) | Blocks (2) | Minutes Played (41)

Rookie of the Year

	#12 Zion Williamson | PF Duke
	Height: 6'9"	Age:19
	Weight: 230 lbs	Drafted: 2023 (1st Rnd, 4th by TOR)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 1 year
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2023-24 Season 14 34.6 56.2 68.2 8.6 0.4 0.9 2.4 17.4
Summary In literally a two-man race, it was Williamson that ultimately beat out Bagley III, with averages of 17.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG and 2.4 BPG. He has also helped a rebuilding Toronto Raptors team surprisingly lock up the 4th seed in the East with a 9-5 record. Season highs: Points (26) | Three Pointers Made (2) | Rebounds (16) | Assists (2) | Steals (2) | Blocks (5) | Minutes Played (39)

Sixth Man of the Year

	#24 Sherron Davis | PG Kansas
	Height: 6'3"	Age: 20
	Weight: 197 lbs	Drafted: 2022 (1st Rnd, 10th by SAS)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 2 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2023-24 Season 14 31.4 40.7 81.8 1.5 9.3 1.6 0.0 13.6
Summary In just his second year, Davis impressively racked up 9.3 APG while coming off the bench. It's now only a matter of time before Pop makes the decision to start him permanently. Season highs: Points (17) | Rebounds (4) | Assists (16) | Steals (5) | Blocks (0) | Minutes Played (36)

Defensive Player of the Year

	#32 Karl-Anthony Towns | C Kentucky
	Height: 7'0"	Age: 28
	Weight: 244 lbs	Drafted: 2015 (1st Rnd, 1st by MIN)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 9 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2023-24 Season 14 37.4 52.4 87.5 14.6 2.6 0.9 3.2 24.6
Summary At the height of his career, Towns continues to make his mark as the best player right now on both ends of the floor, racking up career highs in blocks with 3.2 per game. Season highs: Points (44) | Rebounds (24) | Assists (6) | Steals (3) | Blocks (9) | Minutes Played (42)

Most Improved Player of the Year

	#3 Major Banks | SG North Carolina State
	Height: 6'4"	Age: 24
	Weight: 204 lbs	Drafted: 2019 (1st Rnd, 23rd by SAS)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 5 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2023-24 Season 14 33.1 49.4 90.9 5.2 6.1 0.6 0.0 14.1
Summary Off the heels of signing a big contract after the departure of LeBron James, Banks quieted all the naysayers, posting career highs across the board and cementing himself as a key building block as part of the Cavalier's revamped roster. Season highs: Points (24) | Three Pointers Made (3) | Rebounds (8) | Assists (10) | Steals (3) | Blocks (0) | Minutes Played (43)

Coach of the Year

	Nate McMillan Utah Jazz
	W-L: 12-2	Home: 7-0
	Road 5-2	PPG: 106.2
	PAPG: 99.1	Point Differential: 7.1

All-NBA Teams

Award	Player	Pos	Team
All-NBA 1st Team
All-NBA 1st Team	Markelle Fultz	G	UTA
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	G	MIL
	Kevin Durant	F	GSW
	Ben Simmons	F	PHI
	Karl-Anthony Towns	C	MIN
All-NBA 2nd Team
All-NBA 2nd Team	Kyrie Irving	G	CLE
	Stephen Curry	G	GSW
	Josh Jackson	F	MIA
	Michael Porter Jr.	F	UTA
	Raymar Benjamin	C	ATL
All-NBA 3rd Team
All-NBA 3rd Team	Dennis Smith Jr.	G	WAS
	Russell Westbrook	G	NOP
	Paul George	F	DAL
	Harry Giles	F	MIN
	DeMarcus Cousins	C	DAL
All-Defensive 1st Team
All-Defensive 1st Team	Giannis Antetokounmpo	G	MIL
	Jimmy Butler	G	CHI
	Myles Turner	F	IND
	Harry Giles	F	MIN
	Karl-Anthony Towns	C	MIN
All-Defensive 2nd Team
All-Defensive 2nd Team	Russell Westbrook	G	NOP
	Matthew Holland	G	OKC
	Josh Jackson	F	MIA
	Anthony Davis	F	NOP
	Mohamed Bamba	C	PHX
All-Rookie 1st Team
All-Rookie 1st Team	Darius Garland	G	NYK
	Romeo Langford	G	BKN
	Cameron Reddish	F	CHI
	Zion Williamson	F	TOR
	Marvin Bagley III	F	SAS
All-Rookie 2nd Team
All-Rookie 2nd Team	Jabari Logan	G	CHA
	Simi ****tu	F	LAL
	Darion Mitchell	F	PHI
	E.J. Montogmery	F	MIL
	Isaiah Pondexter	F	MIA

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Playoffs Bracket

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First-Round Recap

April 19, 2024 | by NBA News

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(1) Utah Jazz vs. (8) Minnesota Timberwolves

Possibly one of the toughest first-round matchups in recent years, the Jazz prevailed over a determined Timberwolves team with Michael Porter Jr. leading the way, scoring 29 points and 4 blocks. MVP, Markelle Fultz, was also outstanding, dropping 16 dimes to go with his 17 points.

Box Score

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(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Denver Nuggets

There was no stopping Luka Doncic as he shined with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks to carry the Thunder to a 116-102 win over the Nuggets.

Box Score

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(3) New Orleans Pelicans vs. (6) Phoenix Suns

With both Westbrook and Davis in foul troubles, it was the Pelicans' "other guys" that stepped up, with Knight, Hield and Batum combining for 75 points as they dismantled the Suns, 131-109.

Box Score

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(4) Golden State Warriors vs. (5) San Antonio Spurs

The Warriors proved they weren't done just yet, beating the Spurs, 121-113. Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant combined for 66 points while Stephen Curry almost triple-doubled with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists.

Box Score

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(1) Washington Wizards vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks

The Wizards and Hawks meet in the first-round for the second consecutive year, and just like the last, the Wizards easily defeated the Hawks, 96-78. Kevin Love led the team with 23 points.

Box Score

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(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Milwaukee Bucks

In his postseason debut, Russell Warner flourished with 34 points and 9 rebounds to help the Celtics advance through to the next round. We are witnessing a special player right now!

Box Score

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(3) Miami Heat vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

The Heat gave the 76ers quite a beatdown, winning by 35 points. Josh Jackson led the team with 21 points, 16 rebounds and 3 steals, as the Heat contained Philly's All-Stars to just 13 points on 4/21 shooting.

Box Score

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(4) Toronto Raptors vs. (5) Orlando Magic

The Raptors simply showed they just weren't ready yet as the inexperience was in full exposure, falling to the Magic in OT, 105-106. Dejounte Murray led Orlando, scoring 22 points, 6 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks.

Box Score

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Conference Semifinals Preview