Basketball

BOSTON (AP) — The Knicks grew accustomed to facing big deficits against the Celtics this season. New York faced another one to open its Eastern Conference semifinal matchup against the defending NBA champions.

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis didn't play in the second half of Boston's loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals because of an illness.

Kenny Atkinson went through a winless preseason with the Cleveland Cavaliers and wondered if his team would be any good. Turns out, they were better than good. And their coach — he was the NBA's best this season.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — During a team meeting the night before a win-or-go-home game for Golden State, Draymond Green had the floor.

Kenny Atkinson's biggest concern going into Cleveland's Eastern Conference semifinal series against Indiana was trying to match up against the Pacers' quick-tempo offense.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard is healthy going into the offseason for the first time since 2020, having played just 37 games before the Los Angeles Clippers lost in the first round of the playoffs.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich shook it, then pulled him in for a hug instead. And with that, the torch was officially passed. It's a new era in San Antonio.

Will Hardy is being given more time to continue the rebuild of the Utah Jazz. The Jazz announced Monday that Hardy has signed a contract extension, one that could keep him as head coach through the 2030-31 season.

Preview capsule on the Minnesota-Golden State Western Conference semifinal series that starts Tuesday: No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33, 4-1) vs. No. 7 Golden State Warriors (48-34, 4-3) Season series: Warriors, 3-1.

Defending champion Boston vs. title-starved New York. High-scoring Cleveland vs. high-scoring Indiana. The 2023 champion Denver vs. this year's favorite in Oklahoma City. And Golden State vs.