Ty Jerome’s confidence has been hard to ignore. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard, who missed most of the previous season arrived at training camp this year with a new brashness. His scoring ability, highlighted by floaters, step-back 3s, and finishes at the rim, quickly caught the attention of his teammates. “He was talking his sh– and he was backing it up, so you can’t really say nothin’ to him,” said teammate Darius Garland. Jerome’s boldness came as a surprise, even to his fellow players. But it was a glimpse of the player who would later shine in the playoffs. In Game 1 of the Cavaliers’ first-round series against the Miami Heat, Jerome put on a show, proving he was not just talk. His performance made it clear: he thrives under pressure and is “made for the spotlight,”

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been awarded the 2024-25 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year. The honor recognizes the player who excels in close game situations during the final moments of the fourth quarter or overtime. A panel of 100 global media members selected Brunson for his ability to deliver in clutch moments. During the 2024-25 season, Brunson led the league with an average of 5.6 points in clutch time. He also led the NBA in field goals made (52) and ranked second in total points (156) and third in assists (28). Brunson shot 51.5% from the field and 84.0% from the free throw line during clutch moments. In the 28 clutch games he participated in, the Knicks posted a 17-11 record. Overall, Jalen Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 7.3 assists across 65 games, earning his second consecutive NBA All-Star selection.

The Cleveland Cavaliers set a new NBA playoffs record on Wednesday night. They hit 11 three-pointers in the second quarter against Miami Heat during Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. The Cavaliers, who were tied for the most 3-pointers in a quarter entering the playoffs, broke the record by shooting 11 of 16 from beyond the arc. Cleveland, up by just one at the end of the first quarter, extended their advantage to as much as 19 late in the third. Despite a Miami Heat rally, the Cavaliers held on for a 121-112 victory . Coach Kenny Atkinson praised the team’s offensive performance: “Everybody was shooting it… There’s spacing and running and dirty work involved, and then the skill work takes over.” Notable contributors included Max Strus, who made three 3-pointers, and Sam Merrill, De’Andre Hunter, and Donovan Mitchell.

During his formal introduction as the New Orleans Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars was tight-lipped about the futures of both Zion Williamson and head coach Willie Green. When asked about Williamson, Dumars acknowledged previous conversations with the star forward but declined to provide specifics. Dumars said, “I won’t go into those conversations,” referencing his past interactions with Williamson in the NBA. However, he did not offer any clear direction on the 24-year-old’s future with the team. Williamson has shown flashes of greatness with a career average of 24.7 points per game. His injuries have kept him sidelined for 258 regular-season games. His off-the-court issues have also raised concerns in recent years. And with the Pelicans coming off their worst season in two decades, the futures of both Williamson and Green remain uncertain.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum missed his first ever playoff  game on Wednesday night due to a bone bruise. The injury occurred when Tatum was hit hard by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during a dunk attempt in Game 1. The six-time All-Star was ruled out an hour before tipoff of Game 2 in their match against the Orlando Magic. Tatum sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of the game on Sunday. Despite Tatum’s absence, the Celtics secured a 109-100 victory, with All-Star Jaylen Brown leading the charge. Tatum cheered on his teammates from the bench and engaged with them during timeouts. Tatum, who had been listed as doubtful before the game. Coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum was doing everything possible to be ready to play and was considered day-to-day. Though Tatum finished the game, an MRI revealed the bone bruise. The series now shifts to Orlando for Game 3 on Friday.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $50,000 by the NBA. He was fined for using obscene gesture toward a fan during the Timberwolves’ 117-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The incident occurred with 4:33 remaining in the third quarter of the game. Byron Spruell, the President of League Operations, confirmed the penalty. Edwards’ fine served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining respectful behavior both on and off the court. The NBA has a strict code of conduct for players, ensuring that all actions align with the league’s standards for sportsmanship and professionalism.