Will this Thunder era be different?

Good morning. As the NBA Finals begin, we look at whether Oklahoma City is capable this time of establishing a dynasty with their young core. Plus: Mat Ishbia says now he's taking control. Let's basketball.

There's no such thing as a championship coach

Good morning. Tom Thibodeau has been fired by the Knicks after the most successful season in a quarter-century for the franchise. Whether it was merited or not, the idea that a team with Thibodeau as head coach could never win a title is absurd. Plus: we have some links on

The thin line the Joshes Hart of the league walk

Good morning. Today we're looking at the Josh Hart genotype in the NBA, and the conditions needed to make it useful for a team. Let's basketball.

The impossible what-ifs of the Phoenix Suns

Good morning. We begin Finals Week with a ... meditation on what the Suns, who are not in the Finals, could have done differently in 2023 when they traded for Kevin Durant and then Bradley Beal. Let's basketball.

The Pacers are a miracle

Good morning. The Indiana Pacers are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Their style, their construction, their path: it's all a miracle. Let's basketball.

The difference between Brunson and Haliburton

Good morning. The Knicks survive by ramping up the defense just enough to give Indiana some problems to close out Renoir Week in the newsletter. Let's basketball.

Don't take it personal

Good morning. Today we have an argument that the Minnesota Timberwolves shouldn't take special exception to the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder embarrassed them on live television to eject them from the playoffs. It happens. Let's basketball.

OK fine, the Tyrese Haliburton trade wasn't *exactly* a win-win

Good morning. As the Indiana Pacers move closer to the NBA Finals, we revisit the moves that got them there. Let's basketball.

Haymakers for dinner, yawns for dessert

Good morning. The NBA really needs to fix the free throw parade at the end of games. The most exciting point in the game shouldn't also be the most boring. Let's basketball.

Sundays are for the KATs

Good morning. Karl-Anthony Towns had a fourth quarter for the ages to lead the Knicks back against the Pacers and make the series interesting. Plus: All-NBA voters possibly saved the Grizzlies from themselves. Let's basketball.

We have one series. Will we get another?

Good morning. The Timberwolves did to the Thunder what the Thunder usually do to other teams, and the Pacers stunned the Knicks again. The conference finals are weird. Let's basketball.

The Serge Ibaka trade was an inside job!

Good morning. As the Thunder move one win closer to glory, we take a brief look at how they arrived here. Let's basketball.