Warriors-Rockets showdown begins Monday
The long-awaited matchup between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors is set to begin Monday night in Houston.
The buildup for this series truly began in February, with some pointed comments from Golden State's Draymond Green.
Or in October, when Houston won at Golden State on ring night.
Or in June, when the Rockets landed Chris Paul.
Whenever it started, however it started, it's clear that this is the series that the NBA-watching world wanted. Western Conference finals, Golden State versus Houston, Game 1 on Monday on the Rockets' home floor. Series winner to the NBA Finals, series loser will undoubtedly feel like they let a championship ring slip away.
"They got us. We got them," Green said. "Got to go out there and play. We'll see who's better."
After more than 10 months of playing, posturing and some pontificating, it really is that simple.
This Rockets team was assembled — the key being the trade for Paul last summer — with hopes of unseating the reigning champion Warriors from their perch atop the NBA. So far, so good. Houston set a franchise record with 65 wins in the regular season, went 2-1 against the Warriors in games that were hyped at the time though seem meaningless now, and has the likely MVP in James Harden.
But how this Houston season will be remembered hinges largely on the outcome of this series.
Raptors not all-in on Casey's future
Raptors head coach Dwane Casey knows this much about his future in Toronto: his key to the gym still works.
Right now, that's all Casey can say for certain after meeting with Toronto President Masai Ujiri Wednesday morning, with little else clear about the coach's outlook with the organization.
Ujiri said Casey has been "unbelievable for our organization" but declined to make a firm commitment about Casey's future, saying he needed more time to evaluate the entire team.
It was the first time Casey and Ujiri spoke to reporters since Toronto was swept out of the second round of the playoffs for the second straight season. Ujiri talked about his uncertainty regarding Casey's future the same day Casey was named coach of the year by the National Basketball Coaches Association. The award is voted on by NBA head coaches. A media panel voted separately for the NBA's coach of the year award, which will be announced June 25.
Celtics defeat Sixers to advance
Jayson Tatum caught a pass underneath the basket, shook off a hit and went up for the go-ahead layup with 23 seconds left and the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-112 on Wednesday night to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
Tatum scored 25 points, Jaylen Brown had 24 and Terry Rozier 17, sinking a pair of free throws after forcing Joel Embiid’s turnover in the final seconds. Al Horford added 15 points and eight rebounds for Boston, which will play Cleveland for the second straight year for a spot in the NBA finals. Game 1 is Sunday in Boston.