ROME, MAY 10 – Cleveland and Dallas brought their respective matches in the NBA playoffs to a draw. The Cavaliers surprised the Boston Celtics and the Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers to a clear victory over the Celtics (118-94), in Boston, bringing the score to 1-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Mitchell scored 23 of his 29 points in the second half. Evan Mobley provided the early momentum for Cleveland, with 15 of his 21 points in the first half. The 22-year-old center added 10 rebounds and five assists. Caris LeVert contributed 21 points off the bench for Cleveland, which saw six players top twelve points. At Oklahoma, Dallas was able to count on 29 points and 10 rebounds from its star Luka Doncic, although still hampered by his right knee, to defeat the Thunder (119-110) in the semifinal of the Western Conference. PJ Washington was also decisive for the Mavericks: the winger who arrived last February scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. His teammate Kyrie Irving scored just nine points but dished out 11 assists. Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responded with 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists for the Thunder. (HANDLE).
27. Denver Nuggets Record 2023-24: 8-17
Previous ranking: 28
Next matches: vs. OKC (Dec. 20), @ CHA (Dec. 23), @ SAC (Dec. 26)
The return of point guard Killian Hayes could provide a boost for the Nuggets, but that hasn't been the case so far. In the nine games since he returned from a shoulder injury, Hayes is averaging just 8.3 points and 4.9 assists on 34.6% shooting. The Nuggets need Hayes to find his rhythm quickly if they are to have any hope of a comeback in the West. -- Collier
28. Oklahoma City Thunder Record 2023-24: 5-20
Previous ranking: 29
Upcoming matches: @ DEN (Dec. 20), @ LAC (Dec. 22), vs. SA (Dec. 26)
Rookie Jaden Hardy has shown flashes of his potential in his first season with the Thunder. Over the last five games, Hardy has averaged 16.2 points on 43.5% shooting, including an impressive 47.1% from the three-point line. Although the Thunder are in a rebuilding season, Hardy and other young players are gaining valuable experience and showing signs of a promising future. -- Youngmisuk
29. Detroit Pistons Record 2023-24: 5-21
Previous ranking: 30
Next matches: vs. UTAH (Dec. 21), vs. LAC (Dec. 23), @ NO (Dec. 26)
The Pistons have lost five straight games and are struggling to find consistency in their play. However, forwardCade Cunningham has been a bright spot amid the adversity. Over the last five games, Cunningham has averaged 25.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists on 46.9% shooting, showing why he was the top pick in the 2023 draft. The Pistons are looking to build around Cunningham and are eager to see his progress. as the season progresses. -- Collier
30. Houston Rockets Record 2023-24: 3-23
Previous ranking: 28
Next matches: vs. SAC (Dec. 20), vs. TOR (Dec. 22), vs. CLE (Dec. 26)
The Rockets are in the midst of a 15-game losing streak and are at the bottom of our rankings. The team is struggling on both ends of the floor, ranking 30th in points scored per possession and 29th in points allowed per possession. Rookie guard Bryce Thompson has been one of the few bright spots for the Rockets, averaging 13.5 points over the last five games. Houston needs to find solutions quickly if it hopes to get out of this losing streak. -- Youngmisuk