New York Knicks Jalen Brunson (11) drives a lane past the Cleveland Cavaliers defense leading in scoring in game 1 of the third round of the NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tue May 19, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:
#1 Which player will have the biggest impact for the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime loss in Game 1 against the New York Knicks?
#2 What adjustments should the Cavaliers make defensively after allowing 115 points in Game 1?
#3 How important is home-court advantage for the Knicks in this Eastern Conference Finals series?
#4 Which matchup is more crucial to the outcome of the series: the battle in the paint or three-point shooting?
#5 Can Cleveland bounce back in Game 2, or do the Knicks now control the momentum of the series?
Michael Roberson does the NBA Playoffs podcasts weekly at sportsradioservice.com
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) was the leading scorer for the Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second overtime in game 1 round 3 of the NBA Playoffs at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Mon May 18, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast Tony Renteria:
#1 How did Victor Wembanyama change the game with his 41-point, 24-rebound performance, and where does it rank among recent playoff performances in the Spurs game 1 win over the OKC Thunder 122-115?
#2 What defensive adjustments did the Spurs make to limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to inefficient shooting, and can Oklahoma City counter that strategy in Game 2?
#3 Did Game 1 expose a weakness in the Thunder’s smaller lineup against San Antonio’s size and rebounding advantage?
#4 How important was rookie Dylan Harper stepping up in place of injured De’Aaron Fox, and what does his performance say about the Spurs’ future?
#5 After the Spurs stole Game 1 in Oklahoma City, has the momentum of the series shifted, or should the Thunder still be considered favorites?
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson, left, and Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart fight over a ball during the first half in Game 5 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers James Harden scored 30 points and Donavon Mitchell had 21 points as the Cavaliers bounced back from nine points down as the Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime on Wednesday night. The Cavs now have a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference in the semifinal series.
#2 The Pistons took a 15 point lead in the first half 103-94 with two plus minutes left. Cleveland caught up with Detroit to tie up the game 103-103. Evan Mobley converted free throws with 45.2 seconds left.
#3 For the Cavaliers they went on a 13-0 unanswered run against the Pistons with five minutes left in the fourth quarter to the midway point in the overtime stanza. The Cavs caught the Pistons with 2:39 left in OT on a Mitchell three pointer.
#4 Harden had a free throw and also rebounded his second free throw attempt his other free throw helped the Cavs get the win and put the Cavs in the lead in the series 3-2.
#5 Next game Friday night in Cleveland for game 6 as the Cavs could put it way and get two shots to advance to the third round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Confernce finals.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (left) looks to shoot against the San Antonio Spurs in game 4 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at the Target Center in Minneapolois on Mon May 11, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast David Zizmor:
#1 How important is Game 5 for the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs with the series tied 2-2?
#2 Can Anthony Edwards continue his dominant scoring after putting up 36 points in Game 4?
#3 How will Victor Wembanyama respond after his controversial Game 4 ejection and return in this pivotal matchup?
#4 Will injuries to De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper affect the Spurs’ performance in Game 5?
New York Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns smiles after committing a foul in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden in New York during game 2 in the second round of the NBA Playoffs on Thu May 7, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast David Zizmor:
#1 Dave,how surprised are you that the New York Knicks who beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-102 on Wednesday night as the Knicks move up 2-0. Can the Knicks keep this moving and win the series?
#2 The Detroit Pistons get a 107-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and take a 2-0 lead. The Pistons Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 25 points and Cunningham was the most essential part of the Pistons success in game 2.
#3 Three core scorers for the Oklahoma City Thunder Chet Holmgren, AJay Mitchell and Shea Gilgeous. were key in the Thunder’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 as the Thunder take a 2-0 lead.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) loses the ball as he drives to the net against the Denver Nuggets center Nicola Jokicin the second half of game five of the NBA Playoffs first round at Ball Arena in Denver on Mon Apr 28, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast Tony Renteria:
#1 How did the Minnesota Timberwolves adjust their offense without key players like Anthony Edwards against the Denver Nuggets in Game 5?
#2 What impact did Nikola Jokić’s triple-double performance have on the Denver Nuggets’ 125–113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves?
#3 In what ways did turnovers affect the Minnesota Timberwolves’ ability to compete with the Denver Nuggets during the April 27, 2026 game?
#4 How did injuries on both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets influence the overall pace and outcome of the game?
#5 What adjustments might the Minnesota Timberwolves need to make in the next game to close out the series against the Denver Nuggets?
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (23) passes the ball under pressure from the Houston Rockets Kevin Durant (7) in game 2 of the NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wed Apr 22, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:
#1How did LeBron James influence the outcome of Game 2, and what aspects of his performance (scoring, playmaking, leadership) were most impactful?
#2 What were the main reasons the Houston Rockets struggled offensively despite having Kevin Durant back in the lineup for game 2 and is back for game 3.
#3 How did the Los Angeles Lakers exploit defensive weaknesses—particularly involving Alperen Şengün—through their game plan?
#4 What role did Lakers supporting players like Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard play in securing the victory?
#5 After falling behind 0–2 in the series, what adjustments must the Rockets make heading into Game 3 to stay competitive?
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots in front of the Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood during the first round of the NBA Play In game on Wed Apr 15, 2026 (AP News photo)
NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:
#1 How did Stephen Curry’s performance influence the outcome of the Warriors vs. Clippers play-in game, especially given his recent return from injury?
#2 What were the key factors behind the Golden State Warriors’ late-game comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers, particularly in the fourth quarter?
#3 How did roster health and injuries (including absences like Moses Moody and Bradley Beal) impact both teams’ strategies and rotations in this elimination game for the Clippers?
#4 Why were the Clippers considered favorites heading into the matchup, and what went wrong for them despite holding a late lead?
#5 What does this win mean for the Warriors’ postseason chances, and how does it set up their next play-in game against the Phoenix Suns Friday?
Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) takes a shot against Golden State Warrior center Kristaps Porzingis (7) at the Intuit Dome Ingelwood on Sun Apr 12, 2026 (AP News photo)
Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:
#1 In the second meeting between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers and the same clubs facing each other in a play in on Wednesday how much of an advantage does it give each team to get familiar how they stack up against each other?
#2 How will Stephen Curry handle the Clippers’ perimeter defense, and can he create enough scoring opportunities against their top defenders?
#3 What impact will Draymond Green have on both ends of the floor, particularly in setting up the offense and defending the Clippers’ key scorers?
Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford looks to pass around Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
By Barbara Mason
Sunday evening the Sacramento Kings (22-60) finished off their 2025-26 season losing to the Portland Trail Blazers (42-40) 122-110. The Kings had the high score for the game. Precious Achiuwa had a double double with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford had double digits, Clifford with 24 points. Next big date for the Kings will be the NBA draft later this year.
Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play this game was tied at 33. The Kings were hanging in this game until the second quarter when Portland really turned the game around outscoring the Kings 44-24. At the half the Trail Blazers had a 77-57 lead and it sure looked like Portland was in total control of the game.
One thing that we have learned in the later games of this season is that there is no “quit” on this team, they battle until the very end. These young players play hard and they never give up. By the end of the third quarter the Kings had cut the Trail Blazers lead nearly in half.
Going into the final quarter Portland had a 96-84 lead. Clifford and Achiuwa were shooting lights out. Clifford with 20 and Achiuwa with 22 points. Raynaud also had double digits shooting for 15 points.
If nothing else these guys will bring incredible energy, skill, and scoring ability to next year’s roster. The rally the Kings mounted at the end of the third quarter fell apart as the final quarter wore on.
Just when it looked as if all was lost, the Kings fought back pulling to within 11 points 103-92. With eight minutes left in the game the Kings pulled to within nine points 104-95 but that would be as close as they would get and that was the finish of the 2025-26 season for the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings Precious Achiuwa finished with the game high, a double double, 27 points and 11 rebounds. Nique Clifford had 24 points and Maxime Raynaud with 21 points.
Game notes: A season like no other has finally come to an end for the Sacramento Kings. Everything that could go wrong did and the Kings went into probably every game this season short-handed. If not every game pretty darn close to every game.
Since the start of 2026 a lot of the younger players got a rare opportunity to start games and they reaped the benefits. While Maxime Raynaud has been starting for awhile now, Nique Clifford, Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden have gotten a lot of minutes and the improvement they have shown has been impressive.
The Kings now look ahead to the upcoming 2026-27 season but before that the draft lottery at the end of May will be of great interest to the future of the team. Of course no team wants to finish with one of the three worst records of the season but those teams have the best chance at a first round draft pick.
Sacramento will not be in that group but they do have a 22-60 record and after Sunday night’s game and a finish to their season. They took on the Trail Blazers in their final game of the season ending with a loss Sunday. The Trail Blazers are tied for eighth place with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers beat the Golden State Warriors Sunday night 115-110 and the Clippers came away with a big win.
Stay connected for upcoming Kings news and an important one to keep all eyes on will be the upcoming NBA draft. On May 10 the NBA draft lottery will take place. The date for the NBA draft will be announced at a later date most likely sometime in June.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
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