Collin Murray-Boyles Shines in Historic NBA Playoff Debut for Toronto Raptors Collin Murray-Boyles, a South Carolina basketball product and Columbia native, made a groundbreaking impact in the NBA playoffs with a standout performance for the Toronto Raptors. Drafted as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Murray-Boyles joined the Raptors after two seasons with the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Initially viewed as a developmental player for a team in the early stages of its rebuild, Murray-Boyles and the Raptors exceeded expectations by securing the Eastern Conference’s No. 5 seed in the playoffs. The Raptors’ playoff run took a dramatic turn in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. Murray-Boyles delivered a performance that defied expectations, showcasing his versatility and skill on both ends of the floor. In a game that highlighted his growing influence, the 21-year-old rookie posted a stat line of 22 points on 11-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds (five offensive), two assists, one steal, and one block. His efficiency was staggering, as he achieved 20+ points in the playoffs while shooting 70% from the field—a feat that has not been accomplished by any NBA rookie in nearly two decades. Murray-Boyles’ impact extended beyond scoring. He demonstrated elite defensive capabilities, including a critical block on an attempted dunk by All-Star forward Jarett Allen and a timely denial of a James Harden-to-Evan Mobley lob. His energy and physicality were evident in a highlight-reel dunk during a transition play, further cementing his role as a dynamic force. The Raptors’ +21 net rating in his 28 minutes on the floor underscored his value to the team’s success in the series.#south_carolina_gamecocks #toronto_raptors #james_harden #collin_murrayboyles #jarett_allen
Cavaliers Secure 2-0 Series Lead Over Raptors with Dominant Performance The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their Eastern Conference first-round series lead over the Toronto Raptors with a decisive 115-105 victory on Monday night, securing a 2-0 advantage. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden led the charge, combining for 58 points as the Cavaliers maintained their composure throughout the game. Mitchell scored 30 points, while Harden added 28, showcasing their individual brilliance and synergy in the postseason. Evan Mobley contributed 25 points and eight rebounds, joining Mitchell and Harden in reaching the 25-point mark in a single game—a feat the Cavaliers have accomplished twice in the past two seasons. Coach Kenny Atkinson praised the team’s resilience, noting that the Cavaliers’ defensive adjustments forced the Raptors into a smaller lineup. “They threw the kitchen sink at us, gave us a lot of different looks and (we) kept our poise,” Atkinson said. “Donovan and James closed it for us, but I thought our defense kind of forced them to go small. This is what the playoffs are about. They came at us hard and we responded.” The Cavaliers’ ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they never trailed in the game, a testament to their disciplined execution and depth. The victory also marked another chapter in Cleveland’s historic dominance against Toronto. The Cavaliers have now won 12 consecutive playoff games against the Raptors, tying an NBA postseason record for consecutive wins against a single opponent. This streak began during the 2016 Eastern Conference finals, when Cleveland took the final two games to clinch the title. The Cavaliers further solidified their dominance by sweeping Toronto in the second round of the 2017 and 2018 playoffs.#donovan_mitchell #cleveland_cavaliers #toronto_raptors #evan_mobley #james_harden
11 Milestones to Watch for in 2026 NBA Playoffs The 2026 NBA Playoffs are set to begin, with several key statistical milestones within reach for players and teams. Among the most anticipated are individual achievements for Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and James Harden, as well as team records for the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets. The playoffs will also see the potential for historic moments in three-point shooting, free-throw accuracy, and defensive dominance. Kevin Durant, who recently passed Michael Jordan for fifth on the all-time scoring list, is poised to make further strides in the playoffs. He needs 188 points to surpass Tim Duncan for sixth place in career playoff scoring and 266 points to reclaim fifth spot, which currently belongs to Shaquille O’Neal. Durant’s regular-season performance, which included 319 points in postseasons where his team played at least 10 games, suggests he could reach these targets if the Houston Rockets have a long playoff run. In terms of field goals, Durant is 60 away from passing Karl Malone for seventh place on the all-time list, while he needs 19 more free throws to move past Malone for fourth in that category. LeBron James, meanwhile, is targeting a milestone in three-point shooting. With 480 career playoff 3-pointers, he needs just 32 to surpass Klay Thompson for second place. James last recorded 32 or more 3-pointers in the 2020 playoffs, when he led the Lakers to an NBA title, and a deep run with the Los Angeles Lakers could position him to achieve this goal. James Harden, despite a decline in scoring efficiency compared to his Houston days, remains a threat to move up the all-time playoff scoring list.#boston_celtics #lebron_james #james_harden #kevin_durant #nba_playoffs
Kendrick Perkins Picks James Harden Over Dwyane Wade in NBA Debate Kendrick Perkins has publicly aligned himself with James Harden in the ongoing discussion about which guard—Harden or Dwyane Wade—has had the superior NBA career. The former Celtics and Kings center, known for his candid opinions, made his stance clear during a recent appearance on the Road Trippin’ podcast. Perkins, who has long been a vocal figure in basketball circles, argued that Harden’s impact on the game since joining the league in 2009 has been unparalleled, despite Wade’s legacy of championships and individual accolades. Perkins’ comments focused on Harden’s time with the Houston Rockets, where he became a dominant force in the league. He highlighted the 2017-18 season, when Harden won the MVP award and averaged 36.1 points per game, a performance that many believed could have reached 40 points per game if not for injuries. Perkins also referenced Harden’s 2018-19 season, when he led the league in assists and continued to showcase his all-around game. “The only thing standing in James Harden’s way was KD and Steph on the same team,” Perkins said, referring to the Warriors’ dominance during that period. He noted that Harden’s ability to consistently produce at an elite level, even when facing the Warriors, solidified his place as one of the greatest guards in NBA history. While Perkins acknowledged Wade’s strengths—particularly his defensive prowess and three championships with the Miami Heat—he ultimately sided with Harden. “D-Wade, I’m a fan of his, but if you’re asking me, who had the better career or who I’m taking, no disrespect to D-Wade. This is my opinion, I’m taking James Harden,” Perkins said.#miami_heat #james_harden #houston_rockets #kendrick_perkins #dwane_wade
Cavaliers Dominate Magic in High-Scoring Clash, Extend Winning Streak The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a thrilling 136-131 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, March 25, 2026, extending their winning streak to four games. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with a career-high 42 points, while James Harden contributed 26 points and three three-pointers to help the Cavaliers maintain their dominance. The game, played at Quicken Loans Arena, saw both teams trade blows throughout the contest, with the Cavaliers ultimately prevailing in a tightly contested finish. Mitchell’s performance was a standout, marking his sixth 40-point game of the season and tying him for fourth in the league. The All-Star guard continued his effectiveness against the Magic, posting a third 40-point game in 23 regular-season matchups against Orlando. His scoring average of 27.2 points per game against the Magic ranks sixth in NBA history for any player. The Cavaliers’ offense was fueled by Mitchell’s ability to create opportunities, as he consistently found his teammates and converted key shots. Harden, who struggled in the first half of his previous game against the Pelicans, delivered a strong performance in the first half. He scored 22 points and hit three three-pointers as the Cavaliers built a 72-68 lead at halftime. This marked Harden’s highest point total in the first two quarters since joining the Cavaliers. His efficiency in the first half was crucial in setting the tone for the game. Cleveland’s balanced attack was further highlighted by Evan Mobley, who finished with 19 points, shooting 8-of-8 from the field, along with nine rebounds and six assists. Mobley’s ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively was a key factor in the Cavaliers’ success.#donovan_mitchell #cleveland_cavaliers #orlando_magic #evan_mobley #james_harden
Cavs Edge Bucks in Road Test as Harden Steers Offense The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 123-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a challenging road matchup, with James Harden playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to the win. Despite defensive struggles and inconsistent performances from key players, the Cavs managed to overcome the Bucks, who ranked 21st in offensive efficiency and lacked the star power of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Cavaliers’ perimeter defense remained a glaring weakness, as highlighted by the analysis of their struggles to contain the Bucks’ offensive threats. Cleveland’s inability to guard against three-point shooting proved costly, with opponents shooting the third-best percentage from beyond the arc against them. The issue wasn’t just bad luck, as the team failed to contest shots or recover to disrupt the Bucks’ rhythm. This trend has persisted across multiple games, including recent matchups against the Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic, raising concerns about the team’s defensive approach. Donovan Mitchell’s performance was another area of concern. While the point guard has had a standout season, his efficiency dipped significantly in this game. Mitchell shot 4-for-14 from the field, with several questionable decisions on offense. His tendency to take unnecessary shots, especially when struggling, disrupted the team’s flow. Analysts noted that Mitchell’s decision-making and playmaking have been inconsistent in recent games, possibly due to adjustments in the offense with Harden’s arrival. The lack of seamless chemistry between the two stars has also impacted the team’s overall effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the Cavaliers found ways to win, with several players stepping up in critical moments.#milwaukee_bucks #donovan_mitchell #cleveland_cavaliers #evan_mobley #james_harden
Cavaliers Edge Bucks in High-Octane Battle The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 123-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, marking a strong start to their three-game road trip. The game, played in Milwaukee, featured a tightly contested matchup with 11 ties and 16 lead changes, ultimately decided by a decisive run from the Cavaliers in the fourth quarter. Evan Mobley led the way for Cleveland with 27 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, while James Harden added 27 points to bolster the team’s offensive output. The Bucks, missing key players due to injuries, struggled to match the Cavaliers’ energy. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s two-time MVP, sat out with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, marking his 32nd game missed this season. Myles Turner also missed the contest due to a right calf strain, leaving Milwaukee without two of its primary contributors. Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen was sidelined for a sixth consecutive game due to right knee tendinitis, further complicating the Bucks’ depth. The game’s momentum shifted in the fourth quarter when Cleveland took a commanding lead. After trailing by three points early in the period, the Cavaliers launched an 8-0 run, starting with a 3-pointer from Sam Merrill. This surge extended their advantage to 103-100 with 6:55 remaining. Despite Milwaukee’s efforts to claw back, the Bucks could only narrow the gap to 110-106 on a 3-pointer from Ousmane Dieng with 3:39 left. Cleveland responded with a seven-point scoring burst, ensuring the lead remained intact for the remainder of the game. Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr. was the team’s top performer, finishing with 25 points and 10 assists. Dieng, Bobby Portis, and Ryan Rollins each contributed 19 points, but their efforts couldn’t offset the Cavaliers’ dominance in key areas.#milwaukee_bucks #cleveland_cavaliers #giannis_antetokounmpo #evan_mobley #james_harden
Clippers Help Darius Garland Turnaround After Struggles in Cleveland Darius Garland’s transition from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers has marked a dramatic shift in his performance, offering a stark contrast to his earlier struggles with the Cavaliers. The trade, which saw the Cavaliers acquire James Harden in exchange for Garland, initially faced scrutiny due to Garland’s underwhelming start with Cleveland. His early season struggles, compounded by a toe injury and a lackluster team performance, painted a bleak picture of his potential impact. In 26 games with the Cavaliers, Garland posted a troubling -40 plus-minus rating, indicating the team struggled to win while he was on the floor. The Cavaliers’ decision to trade Garland for Harden was met with mixed reactions, but the results for the team have since improved significantly. With Harden in the lineup, Cleveland has surged to a 9-2 record, reigniting confidence in their championship aspirations. The Cavaliers’ resurgence has been fueled by Harden’s leadership and the team’s renewed focus, creating a positive atmosphere in Cleveland. For Garland, the move to the Clippers has provided a fresh start, allowing him to reset his career trajectory. In his first four games with the Clippers, Garland has already flipped the script, posting a +55 plus-minus rating. This sharp contrast highlights how the change of scenery has benefited both the player and his new team. The Clippers, who lack draft capital and young building blocks, now have a versatile point guard who can contribute immediately. Garland’s ability to stay healthy will be critical, as his performance could extend the Clippers’ window for competitiveness, especially with Kawhi Leonard and Harden forming a formidable core.#cleveland_cavaliers #los_angeles_clippers #james_harden #darius_garland #kawhi_Leonard
Clippers Linked to Shocking Kawhi Leonard Trade With East Contender The Los Angeles Clippers are navigating a turbulent period regarding their star forward Kawhi Leonard, as rumors swirl about a potential trade that could reshape the team’s future. Leonard, who has faced off-court scrutiny due to an ongoing NBA investigation into his contract, is at the center of discussions about a possible move. The Clippers’ recent roster adjustments ahead of the trade deadline have fueled speculation about a broader rebuild. Before the deadline, the Clippers traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and sent Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers. In exchange, they acquired younger players like Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, along with draft picks. These moves have been interpreted as steps toward a long-term rebuild, though the team has yet to officially confirm any plans to trade Leonard. New reports suggest the Clippers could be in talks with the Detroit Pistons for a blockbuster deal involving Leonard. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed a trade that would send Leonard to Detroit in exchange for Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Halland, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2031 first-round pick swap. Bailey argued that this deal would provide the Clippers with valuable shooting, young talent, and multiple draft assets, positioning them to compete for a playoff spot as early as next season. For the Pistons, acquiring Leonard would bolster their already strong roster, pairing him with rookie Jalen Duren and potential star Jalen Hurts. Bailey noted that Leonard’s elite scoring ability could elevate the Pistons from a playoff contender to a favorite in the Eastern Conference. Leonard’s performance this season has been stellar, with him averaging 27.9 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.#los_angeles_clippers #james_harden #kawhi_leonard #detroit_pistons #duncan_robinson
Another Dort Flagrant on Jokić 🙄 Basketball fans were left questioning an exchange between former teammates Joel Embiid and James Harden during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. Harden engaged with members of the Sixers roster, including Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey, sparking speculation about their relationship. Harden’s relationship with the 76ers had deteriorated significantly before the 2023-24 season. At the time, it appeared that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was the primary target of Harden’s frustration. During a promotional event in China, Harden called Morey a “liar” and expressed no desire to play for an organization led by the executive. Despite the tension, Harden and Embiid may not have parted on good terms. In July 2025, Embiid told ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye that he and Harden were no longer on speaking terms. “No one knows this, but even James is not talking to me,” Embiid said. “That’s the part I don’t like about being ‘that guy,’ because it puts you in the middle of those situations. If you ask James, he probably believes I had something to do with him not being here. And I’m just like, ‘I won the scoring title. You won the assists title. We had a pick-and-roll that was unstoppable.’” While the past remains unresolved, time has softened the edges of their conflict. The two players’ dynamic, once a cornerstone of the 76ers’ success, is now a relic of a bygone era. Any lingering animosity does not have to define their legacies, though the history of their partnership continues to shape narratives around their careers. The incident highlights the complexities of high-stakes sports relationships, where personal chemistry and professional ambition often collide.#cleveland_cavaliers #philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #james_harden #daryl_morey
NBA Fans Speculate Over Joel Embiid, James Harden Interaction The Philadelphia 76ers faced their former star guard, James Harden, during a matchup in Cleveland, Ohio. While Joel Embiid, the team’s center, wasn’t on the court for the game, he was present on the trip and approached Harden after the contest for a brief greeting. Though interactions between former teammates are common, this moment carried weight due to the unresolved tension between the two players. Harden’s departure from the 76ers in 2023 was marked by public frustration, primarily directed at the team’s president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey. Harden had joined the Sixers in 2021 after a contentious trade from the Brooklyn Nets, where he had previously criticized Morey during his time with the Houston Rockets. The relationship soured quickly, with Harden accusing Morey of breaking a verbal promise regarding his contract. The Sixers denied these claims, and the NBA found no wrongdoing in the situation. Despite this, Harden exercised his player option to leave Philadelphia, joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023. The recent encounter between Embiid and Harden appeared to be their first public interaction since Harden’s departure. Social media speculation suggests Embiid may have acknowledged Harden’s lingering frustrations, with one post quoting a supposed exchange: “I know you mad at me but Ima say what’s up… I know, I know, just don’t be mad at me for it.” This comment, if authentic, highlights the unresolved dynamic between the two players, though Harden reportedly avoided engaging with Embiid after returning to Philadelphia as a Clipper. Harden and Embiid’s partnership with the 76ers was brief but impactful.#cleveland_cavaliers #philadelphia_76ers #joel_embiid #james_harden #daryl_morey
