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Nightly Pulse: NBA News & Highlights from April 26

Follow the NBA Playoffs with our Nightly Pulse blog featuring all the latest news, scores and highlights from around the league.

NBA.com Staff

NBA Playoffs Scores Today🏀

Cleveland Cavaliers 124, Miami Heat 87 (Final)

Oklahoma City Thunder 117, Memphis Grizzlies 115 (Final)

Denver Nuggets 101, Los Angeles Clippers 99 (Final)

Golden State Warriors 104, Houston Rockets 93 (Final)

Top Storylines of the Night 👉📝

1. OKC closes out Memphis. The Thunder had the best record during the regular season, and they took care of business with a four-game sweep over the Grizzlies. They’ll wait to see the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series.
2. Cleveland blows out Miami. The Cavs had the best record in the Eastern Conference, and they now have a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Heat. They won all four individual quarters in their lopsided 124-87 win. The Cavs will look to close this series out on Monday in Miami.
3. Denver grabs Game 4 at the buzzer. Despite nearly blowing a 22-point lead, the Nuggets were able to prevail thanks to a game-winning putback by Aaron Gordon at the buzzer. That series is now tied 2-2. Game 5 will be in Denver on Tuesday.
4. Golden State grabs home win over Houston. The Warriors rode a 35-22 fourth quarter to their comeback win, taking a 2-1 series lead over the Rockets. They recorded 26 assists to 10 turnovers while holding Houston to 19 assists to 14 turnovers.

🌟🌟 Top Performers of the Night 🌟

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accrued 38 points, five rebounds and six assists.
2. Scotty Pippen Jr provided 30 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
3. Nikola Jokic collected 36 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists.
4. Stephen Curry compiled 36 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.

Warriors Defeat Rockets, 104-93 🌉🌉🌉

There were six ties and 18 lead changes, with Golden State riding a 35-22 fourth quarter to their win.

Stephen Curry led the way with 35 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.

They lead this series, 2-1.

Game 4 will be in Golden State on Tuesday.

Curry Moves Up to 10th All-Time in Playoff Scoring 💦💦

Curry has 27 points and just passed Tony Parker for 10th all-time in playoff points.

We’re tied in the fourth quarter, but look out for a Curry Flurry!

Rockets Lead Warriors After 3Q, 71-69 🚀🚀🚀

Golden State was able to recapture the lead at times in the third quarter, and it looks like we’re in for a nail-biter.

Fred VanVleet leads Houston with 14 points, two rebounds and two assists.

Stephen Curry leads Golden State with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists. The other four starters have a combined 17 points.

Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (Live on ABC)

Rockets Lead Warriors at the Half, 49-46  🚀🚀🚀

Houston’s defense has been dominant, holding Golden State to 37 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range.

They’re also out-rebounding the Warriors, 29-24.

Fred VanVleet leads Houston with 13 points.

Stephen Curry leads Golden State with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (Live on ABC)

Joker Masterclass 🤡🤡🤡

Nikola Jokic had 36 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists in their road win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

He is one of four players in NBA history to reach 35 points, 20 rebounds and eight assists.

Just another ho-hum performance for the three-time MVP.

Game 5 will be in Denver on Tuesday.

Rockets Lead Warriors After Q1, 22-18 🚀🚀🚀

Fred VanVleet leads all scorers with 13 points.

No other player has more than five points.

Both teams are shooting below 35 percent from the field.

Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (Live on ABC)

🚨Aaron Gordon at the Buzzer🚨

Los Angeles nearly had an incredible comeback thanks to a 31-9 run, but Gordon hit this putback at the buzzer to snatch Game 4.

That followed up a game-tying tip from Ivica Zubac in the play prior.

This series is now tied 2-2.

Game 5 will be in Denver on Tuesday!

Nuggets Defeat Clippers, 101-99 ⛰️🧽🤡

This series is now tied at 2-2.

Game 5 is in Denver on Tuesday.

Nikola Jokic collected 36 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists.

Houston-Golden State Tip Shortly 🤩🚀

This series is tied at 1-1.

Jimmy Butler is unable to suit up for the Warriors, but Jonathan Kuminga will draw the start.

Jalen Green was the star of Game 2, dropping 38 points in that Houston win.

Check out these teams’ battle on ABC.

Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (8:30 ET on ABC)

 

Nuggets Lead Clips After Q3, 85-75 ⛰️ ⛰️

Denver grabbed their largest lead of the series in that third frame, outscoring LA, 35-17.

Nikola Jokic scored 16 points in that quarter and is up to 31 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.

No Clippers player has more than 15 points.

See if LA can make the comeback on TNT.

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers (Live, truTV and Max)

Denver Leads LA at the Half, 50-48 🌄🧽

It was a contentious first half, with six technical fouls handed out in a scuffle.

This is Denver’s first time leading at the half in this series.

Nikola Jokic leads the way with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac lead LA with nine points apiece.

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers (Live, truTV and Max)

Nuggets Lead Clippers After Q1, 27-22 ⛰️⛰️

After a Clippers blowout in Game 3, it looks like we’re in for a competitive Game 4.

Nikola Jokic hit this buzzer-beater to take a five-point lead.

The MVP has nine points, four rebounds and two assists.

No LA player has more than five points.

Thunder Defeat Grizzlies, 117-115 ⚡️⚡️⚡️Advance to Conference Semis

This win gives OKC the 4-0 series sweep. They advance to the Western Conference Semi-Finals and will face the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series.

The difference in the game was the turnovers, with OKC committing eight while forcing 21 from Memphis.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 38 points, five rebounds and six assists.

Jalen Williams amassed 23 points, four rebounds and five assists.

Scotty Pippen Jr led Memphis with 30 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

⛰️Nuggets vs Clippers🚢Game 4 matchup

After two incredible games between the Clippers and Nuggets in the West’s 4 vs 5 matchup, LA dominated Denver in the first-ever playoff game at Intuit Dome in a 117-83 victory to take a 2-1 series lead.

Kawhi Leonard has been a beast through three outings, averaging 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals. Denver hasn’t found an answer for James Harden, either, as he’s been phenomenal with 23.3 points, 9.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game on shooting splits of 45.3 / 39.3 / 91.7.

Nikola Jokić is averaging a triple-double with 26.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 11.7 assists and 2.3 steals, and he’ll aim to lead his team to a win and even things back up at 2 games apiece. Russell Westbrook (foot) is out tonight, and they’ll need big games from Michael Porter, Jr. and Aaron Gordon, who combined for 22 points on 8-for-25 shooting in Thursday’s loss.

Denver’s starting five

LAC’s starting five

Fourth quarter action in Memphis😲

This crucial Game 4 has been back-and-forth all day, giving fans 8 ties and 15 lead changes through three quarters. No team has had a double-digit lead as the Thunder take an 88-85 advantage into the final frame.

SGA is up to 31 points on 10-for-16 shooting, and Scottie Pippen, Jr. leads Memphis with 23 points, 4 boards and 3 assists on 7-for-15 from the field. Tune into the fourth on TNT, truTV and Max to see if the Grizzlies can hold onto their playoff hopes and make it a 3-1 series.

SGA cooks for the and-1🔥

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is taking over with 26 points on 9-for-13 shooting, including this nasty and-1 to fuel a 9-2 run in the first 3:27 of the third.

Scottie Pippen, Jr. leads Memphis with 17 points, 4 boards and 3 assists, and Zach Edey has chipped in 6 points and 6 blocks in 19 minutes. The Grizzlies trail the Thunder 72-67 with 6:33 remaining in the third quarter, which is live on TNT, truTV and Max!

Chet’s sweet euro🤌🌩️

Chet Holmgren and the Thunder are trading buckets in Memphis in a decisive Game 4. We’ve seen 7 ties and 13 lead changes through the first 24 minutes of action, with OKC holding a slight 60-59 lead.

SGA has 19 points (7-8 FG) and 5 assists in 18 first-half minutes, and All-Star Jalen Williams is right behind him with 13 points on 6-for-11 shooting. Gilgeous-Alexander was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field in the opening quarter, tallying his 11th perfect shooting quarter in the regular season and Playoffs (minimum 4 shots).

Memphis has used a total team effort to keep it close. Scottie Pippen, Jr. has a team-high 13 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and Santi Aldama has 12 points on 3-for-4 from behind the arc in his first playoff start. The Grizzlies have held the Thunder to just 4-for-23 (17.4%) from 3 while sinking 7 of their 15 (46.7%) attempts.

Thunder-Grizz battling in Game 4🍿

It’s been all Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for OKC through one quarter, as the superstar guard put up 16 points on 7-for-7 shooting in 12 minutes. Jalen Williams has added 7 points and one made 3 to help the Thunder secure a 34-31 lead after the first.

Memphis is led by Scottie Pippen, Jr. with 11 points (4-7 FG) and 2 assists in almost 11 minutes. Santi Aldama, who’s filling in for the injured Ja Morant in the starting unit, had 6 points on 2-for-3 from downtown in 10 minutes. Oklahoma City has a 36-31 lead with 10:38 left in the second frame.

Cavs dominate Game 3🔥🤯

Cleveland used a balanced effort on both ends of the court in a convincing 124-87 win over Miami, and they put a stranglehold on this series now wit a 3-0 lead. The 37-point victory is the third largest playoff win in Cavs franchise history. Ty Jerome recorded 13 points and a career-high 11 assists off the bench, dishing out the most helpers for a non-starter in Cavs playoff history.

Jarrett Allen dropped a playoff career-best 22 points (8-9 FG, 6-6 FT) with 9 rebounds as one of six Cavs to reach double figures in scoring. De’Andre Hunter popped for 21 points (6-8 FG, 6-6 FT) and 3 made 3s in 28 minutes as a reserve, while starting forward Max Strus had a stellar showing with 18 points (7-13 FG, 4-9 3PT), 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 0 turnovers.

Bam Adebayo was the high man for Miami with 22 points and 9 rebounds in 40 minutes, and Davion Mitchell was the second-leading scorer with 16 points (7-11 FG, 2-2 3PT), 4 boards and 5 assists. After exploding for 33 points on Wednesday night, Tyler Herro went for 13 points on 5-for-13 shooting in almost 37 minutes.

The Heat were doubled-up in points in the paint (60-30 CLE), and their bench was outscored 52-18 in the loss. Miami will look to rebound and grab their first win in Game 4 on Monday night in South Beach.

⚡Thunder vs Grizzlies🐻Game 4 matchup

The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a historic comeback in Game 3 to take the 3-0 lead over the Grizzlies on Thursday. They outscored Memphis 74-39 from 3 minutes remaining in the first half through the rest of the game, marking the 2nd-largest Playoff comeback since 1997-98.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had his best game of the series with a game-high 31 points and 8 assists, and Jalen Williams did a bit of everything with 26 points (9-16 FG), 6 boards, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block in 37 minutes. Chet Holmgren finished with 24 points after scoring just one point in the first half. He was 8-for-12 from the field and 5-for-8 from downtown to give him 23 points over the final two quarters.

Memphis will have to go for their first win of the postseason without Ja Morant, who is sidelined today with a hip contusion. Scottie Pippen, Jr. erupted for a postseason career-high 28 points and six made 3s in 38 minutes, adding 5 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals and a block. Jaren Jackson, Jr. had 22 points and 7 rebounds, but Desmond Bane struggled with 10 points on 3-for-14 shooting.

Starters for OKC

Starters for Memphis

Mobley comin’ through💥😤

Evan Mobley gets the and-1 to go to give him 14 points (6-11 FG), 6 boards, 3 assists, a steal and a block in 28 minutes. Six Cavs are in double figures, led by Jarrett Allen (18) and De’Andre Hunter with a game-high 19 off the bench.

Bam Adebayo leads Miami with 15 points and 8 boards, and Tyler Herro is up to 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting. Davion Mitchell has been solid again with 14 points (6-9 FG), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a block in 32 minutes. The Cavs stayed hot in the third and led 88-64 after three, and they’ve pushed it to 95-68 with 10:17 left in the contest.

Cleveland up 20 at half⚔️👀

The Cavs have been dominant in Game 3 against the Heat led by 16 points each from Jarrett Allen (7-7 FG) and De’Andre Hunter (4-5 FG, 2-3 3PT, 6-6 FT). Evan Mobley and Max Strus have added 9 points apiece to help Cleveland take a 62-42 lead at halftime despite no Darius Garland (toe sprain) and Donovan Mitchell with just 6 points on 2-for-6 shooting.

Bam Adebayo is still the high man for the Heat with 13 points (5-9 FG) and 3 made 3s in 22 minutes, and Tyler Herro has 7 points, 2 boards and an assist as their second-leading scorer. Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, and Kel’el Ware all have 5 points apiece.

Miami has turned it over 10 times while allowing Cleveland a 32-8 advantage in paint scoring. The second half will be starting soon on TNT, so tune in to see if the Heat can mount a comeback attempt similar to Game 2.

Spida powers through😤🕷

Donovan Mitchell bullies his way into the paint for the tough finish, giving him 5 points in the quarter and 6 overall. Max Strus has been hot from deep with 9 points (3 made 3s) and 4 assists in 17 minutes. Jarrett Allen leads all scorers with 16 points on 7-for-7 shooting.

Bam Adebayo leads Miami with 13 points while shooting 3-for-4 from behind the arc, but no other Heat player has more than 5 points. Cleveland has a 54-35 advantage with 2:45 remaining in the first half.

Cavs close 1Q strong🥵💪

After a slow start that led to a 12-4 advantage for Miami, De’Andre Hunter and Cleveland used an 18-0 run and forced 7 Heat turnovers to grab a 33-20 lead after one. Jarrett Allen leads the Cavs with 10 points and 4 boards, while Hunter has chipped in 7 off the bench.

Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo have 5 points apiece to lead the Heat, but they only managed 5 points total over the final 5+ minutes to end the quarter. Tune in for the second quarter, live now on TNT, truTV and Max!

⚔️Cavs vs Heat🔥Game 3 matchup

Darius Garland will not play in Cleveland’s Game 3 matchup with Miami today because of a toe sprain. He’s been solid through two games, averaging 24 points and 7 assists on shooting splits of 51.6 / 41.2 / 90.0. Sam Merrill will replace Garland in the starting lineup.

Donovan Mitchell, who has posted back-to-back 30-point games, will be tasked with carrying more of the offensive load with Cleveland looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Spida is fine with that, as he’s scored 30+ points in 48.2% of his career playoff games. Evan Mobley, fresh off being named the 2024-25 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, should also see his usage increase after putting up 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting with three made 3s.

Tyler Herro went off for a game-high 33 points in Wednesday’s loss, and he’ll be fired up and ready to go after some trash talking on both sides. Bam Adebayo finished one assist shy of a triple-double in Game 2, tallying 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists in 42 minutes. Look for Bam to be more assertive after only getting up 9 shot attempts.

Starters for Cleveland

Starters for Miami

Top Storylines on Saturday🚨📈

  1. Miami will host Cleveland for our first of two pivotal Game 3s today. The Heat are down 2-0 to the top-seeded Cavaliers after they fell just short of a 19-point comeback on Wednesday in Game 2. Cleveland shot better than 48% (22-45 3PT) from deep and got another 30-point performance from Donovan Mitchell to protect home court. Tyler Herro dropped a game-high 33 points in the loss, and he and Bam Adebayo will have to be even better to avoid Miami falling into an 0-3 hole.
  2. The Oklahoma City Thunder will try to be the first team to advance in the 2025 NBA Playoffs when they go for a 4-0 series sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went off for 31 points and 8 assists in his last outing, but Ja Morant is doubtful for this game because of the hip contusion he suffered in Game 3. The Grizz will rely on their trio of Jaren Jackson, Jr., Desmond Bane, and Scottie Pippen, Jr. to get their first win of the series and force a Game 5 back in OKC.
  3. After two incredible games between the Clippers and Nuggets in the West’s 4 vs 5 matchup, LA dominated Denver in the first-ever playoff game at Intuit Dome in a 117-83 victory to take a 2-1 series lead. Kawhi Leonard has been a beast through three outings, averaging 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals. Nikola Jokić is averaging a triple-double with 26.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 11.7 assists and 2.3 steals, and he’ll aim to lead his team to a win and even things back up at 2 games apiece.

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