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Embiid inspires 76ers fightback against Heat to reach NBA playoffs

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Raptors forward Porter banned from NBA for breaching betting rules

Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors has been banned from the NBA for breaching gambling rules.

The league said in a statement that Porter, 24, disclosed information about his health to a known bettor before a game.

He also limited his own participation in at least one game to impact the outcomes of bets, and placed bets on NBA games, including one involving the Raptors to lose.

“There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“While legal sports betting creates transparency that helps identify suspicious or abnormal activity, this matter also raises important issues about the sufficiency of the regulatory framework currently in place, including the types of bets offered on our games and players.

“Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game.”

Porter’s last game in the NBA was on March 22 in the Raptors’ loss to Oklahoma City Thunder.

The NBA said in its statement that a few days earlier Porter “disclosed confidential information about his own health status to an individual he knew to be an NBA bettor” ahead of a game against the Sacramento Kings.

He only played three minutes of the game, saying he felt ill.

Porter also placed at least 13 bets on NBA games earlier this year using an associate’s betting account.

The bets ranged in size from $15 (£12) to $22,000 (£17,698) for a total of $54,904 (£44,169). The total payout from was $76,059 (£61,188), resulting in net winnings of $21,965 (£17,670).

None of the bets involved games in which Porter played, but he did bet on the Raptors to lose.

Porter joined the Raptors in December 2023 and is the brother of the Denver Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr.

Raptors forward Porter banned from NBA for breaching betting rules

Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors has been banned from the NBA for breaching gambling rules.

The league said in a statement that Porter, 24, disclosed information about his health to a known bettor before a game.

He also limited his own participation in at least one game to impact the outcomes of bets, and placed bets on NBA games, including one involving the Raptors to lose.

“There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“While legal sports betting creates transparency that helps identify suspicious or abnormal activity, this matter also raises important issues about the sufficiency of the regulatory framework currently in place, including the types of bets offered on our games and players.

“Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game.”

Porter’s last game in the NBA was on March 22 in the Raptors’ loss to Oklahoma City Thunder.

The NBA said in its statement that a few days earlier Porter “disclosed confidential information about his own health status to an individual he knew to be an NBA bettor” ahead of a game against the Sacramento Kings.

He only played three minutes of the game, saying he felt ill.

Porter also placed at least 13 bets on NBA games earlier this year using an associate’s betting account.

The bets ranged in size from $15 (£12) to $22,000 (£17,698) for a total of $54,904 (£44,169). The total payout from was $76,059 (£61,188), resulting in net winnings of $21,965 (£17,670).

None of the bets involved games in which Porter played, but he did bet on the Raptors to lose.

Porter joined the Raptors in December 2023 and is the brother of the Denver Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr.

Warriors crash out, Kings through to next play-in round as Lakers win No.7 seed in NBA playoffs

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Six-time NBA All-Star Griffin announces retirement after glittering career

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Wembanyama: ‘I’m at 15% of my capacity’ after stellar rookie NBA season

This interview was conducted in French by Théo Quintard for Eurosport France. It has been adapted for TNT Sports UK by Pete Sharland. This interview is presented in a Q&A format.

You seem to have exceeded expectations for your first season in the NBA. Do you share this opinion?

Victor Wembanyama: Not really. That may be the case but that’s not how I feel. Every day I try to surpass myself, set new records, win more games. But the next day, I always tell myself that I didn’t do enough, to try and push myself even more. I would have liked to play all the matches and not miss any but I agree with the way we managed [the workload] the season. For a first season, it’s satisfactory.

So has your first NBA season met your expectations?

VW: Yes, overall it was in line with my expectations. I have never had any doubts about my ability to perform because I am the person who knows myself the best. I know the work that has been done so there is no reason to worry.

What are your proudest moments of the season?

VW: There are several. One of them is my unique stat lines, especially in wins. Producing performances that have never been done before is one of them. There is also being the best rookie in most statistical categories and the best blocker in the league (3.6 blocks per game).

What is the most important thing you learned this season?

VW: I was taught many things, more than I could name. But I was taught a lot about physicality, development and health. I also learned a lot from the great players in the league and their consistency, whether from (Joel) Embiid, (Nikola) Jokic or Giannis (Antetokounmpo). They are present at every match throughout the season and rarely have bad evenings. They don’t just shine occasionally because that’s not enough.

How was your first season under the leadership of [San Antonio coach] Gregg Popovich?

VW: What stood out to me was how much he cares about his players. He considers the people we are first, before the player. This didn’t surprise me that much, because he told me from day one, or even before. In many cases, whether in the NBA or elsewhere, the relationship between coaches and players is far from perfect so I’m happy that things are going well here.

The Spurs have had a series of defeats, sometimes significant. How did you experience these tough moments?

VW: There was a moment when it was quite hard to lose all these games and to go back the next day or two days later and have to fight again in another game (laughs). It was hard but I am surrounded by a great team and there were no moments where I broke down. The season was mentally taxing but if it hadn’t been, it would mean that I wouldn’t have pushed myself hard enough. So I really try to push myself as much as possible. But it’s definitely to be expected that it’s physically and mentally tiring. That’s why you have to give everything during the season and then rest because you’ll deserve it.

You are in the race with your compatriot Rudy Gobert (Minnesota) for the title of defender of the year. Do you think you deserve it?

VW: We’ll see. It would be far from a steal if Rudy got it but I think a lot has changed since the start of the season. Whatever the result, it will still be a great fight. What satisfies me the most is to have two French people at the top of the ranking.

And what about the rookie of the year title?

VW: The results will tell but I have no regrets about that. It was a goal but not the primary goal of my season. Above all, I wanted to help the team improve and grow. I know very well that the best way to help the team is to perform well individually.

You have delighted fans with numerous highlights which have made the rounds on social media. Is this something you value?

VW: I like it, yes. For me, highlights are like art, like dance. During warm-ups, I always try to try new dunks, new techniques and sometimes even actions that I didn’t think I would be able to do. It’s truly a universe to explore.

Did you realize that your new status as an NBA star went beyond just basketball?

VW: Of course. But in my private life, I am absolutely disconnected from all that, I don’t consider myself a star. But what struck me during each of my outings is the impact that we can have as a player on many people, on young people.

How does it feel to have been followed by three French journalists all year round?

VW: I don’t have to say anything (laughs). I already appreciate that France is putting so many resources into growing basketball and supporting my career. I tend to slightly overestimate the power of the media in the United States and underestimate that of the media in France because they are two totally different worlds. Being far away, it’s difficult to see the impact we can have.

Exactly, what does France think of you, in your opinion?

VW: Maybe I’m wrong but I have the feeling that my performances remain mainly in the basketball sphere and that unlike in the United States, the general public is not too interested in it. But I think I don’t realise the greatness of my performances in France.

After a full season in the NBA, do you miss France?

VW: Yes, I’ve been looking forward to going back for some time now. I’m going to go see my grandparents who I haven’t seen since I left for the United States. I’m also going to meet my sister (Eve, French 3×3 international) and my brother (Oscar, resident of the Asvel training centre), I would like to go see some of their matches. I also miss the food. I’ll go eat Greek, maybe? That wouldn’t be bad (laughs).

In terms of your peak, how far along on your journey do you feel you are?

VW: It’s hard to say. I would say I’m currently at 15% of my capacity, between my first NBA game and what I hope will be my “prime”.

You often talk about your love for basketball. How much did this help you during the season, when faced with difficulties?

VW: Before 95% of matches, I try to realise how lucky I am to be on the floor. Sometimes it’s very difficult because the match will start right away and I’m extremely tired. I tell myself that I played one yesterday, another three days ago and I will play another tomorrow. But every time, I try to remember how lucky I am to be on the field. It is my destiny, in quotes. It is these strong inner reasons that push me to continue, because sometimes it is very hard.

The 100 Days To Go milestone before the Paris Olympic Games will soon be reached, does this inspire you?

VW: It’s going to be huge. When I’m on the court, I’ll give 200%, as I do every time I wear this jersey. It will be extraordinary and I will be there, like a child, enjoying the moment.

What would a successful season look like for you next year?

VW: I definitely don’t want the next season to end so soon. I want to go as far as possible and obviously participate in the play-offs. Ideally, I would like to win every match but to win, there are a lot of little details to adjust. It’s not enough to say that we want to win a title or reach the playoffs, every day we have to add a new brick, and that’s how we will build the house.

What is your program until the Olympic Games?

VW: I’m going to stay in San Antonio for a few days for end-of-year medical tests, continue training, then I’m going to return to France. I don’t know what day yet, but it will happen very soon. Unfortunately, I will be there for less than three weeks.

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Wembanyama: ‘I’m at 15% of my capacity’ after stellar rookie NBA season

This interview was conducted in French by Théo Quintard for Eurosport France. It has been adapted for TNT Sports UK by Pete Sharland. This interview is presented in a Q&A format.

You seem to have exceeded expectations for your first season in the NBA. Do you share this opinion?

Victor Wembanyama: Not really. That may be the case but that’s not how I feel. Every day I try to surpass myself, set new records, win more games. But the next day, I always tell myself that I didn’t do enough, to try and push myself even more. I would have liked to play all the matches and not miss any but I agree with the way we managed [the workload] the season. For a first season, it’s satisfactory.

So has your first NBA season met your expectations?

VW: Yes, overall it was in line with my expectations. I have never had any doubts about my ability to perform because I am the person who knows myself the best. I know the work that has been done so there is no reason to worry.

What are your proudest moments of the season?

VW: There are several. One of them is my unique stat lines, especially in wins. Producing performances that have never been done before is one of them. There is also being the best rookie in most statistical categories and the best blocker in the league (3.6 blocks per game).

What is the most important thing you learned this season?

VW: I was taught many things, more than I could name. But I was taught a lot about physicality, development and health. I also learned a lot from the great players in the league and their consistency, whether from (Joel) Embiid, (Nikola) Jokic or Giannis (Antetokounmpo). They are present at every match throughout the season and rarely have bad evenings. They don’t just shine occasionally because that’s not enough.

How was your first season under the leadership of [San Antonio coach] Gregg Popovich?

VW: What stood out to me was how much he cares about his players. He considers the people we are first, before the player. This didn’t surprise me that much, because he told me from day one, or even before. In many cases, whether in the NBA or elsewhere, the relationship between coaches and players is far from perfect so I’m happy that things are going well here.

The Spurs have had a series of defeats, sometimes significant. How did you experience these tough moments?

VW: There was a moment when it was quite hard to lose all these games and to go back the next day or two days later and have to fight again in another game (laughs). It was hard but I am surrounded by a great team and there were no moments where I broke down. The season was mentally taxing but if it hadn’t been, it would mean that I wouldn’t have pushed myself hard enough. So I really try to push myself as much as possible. But it’s definitely to be expected that it’s physically and mentally tiring. That’s why you have to give everything during the season and then rest because you’ll deserve it.

You are in the race with your compatriot Rudy Gobert (Minnesota) for the title of defender of the year. Do you think you deserve it?

VW: We’ll see. It would be far from a steal if Rudy got it but I think a lot has changed since the start of the season. Whatever the result, it will still be a great fight. What satisfies me the most is to have two French people at the top of the ranking.

And what about the rookie of the year title?

VW: The results will tell but I have no regrets about that. It was a goal but not the primary goal of my season. Above all, I wanted to help the team improve and grow. I know very well that the best way to help the team is to perform well individually.

You have delighted fans with numerous highlights which have made the rounds on social media. Is this something you value?

VW: I like it, yes. For me, highlights are like art, like dance. During warm-ups, I always try to try new dunks, new techniques and sometimes even actions that I didn’t think I would be able to do. It’s truly a universe to explore.

Did you realize that your new status as an NBA star went beyond just basketball?

VW: Of course. But in my private life, I am absolutely disconnected from all that, I don’t consider myself a star. But what struck me during each of my outings is the impact that we can have as a player on many people, on young people.

How does it feel to have been followed by three French journalists all year round?

VW: I don’t have to say anything (laughs). I already appreciate that France is putting so many resources into growing basketball and supporting my career. I tend to slightly overestimate the power of the media in the United States and underestimate that of the media in France because they are two totally different worlds. Being far away, it’s difficult to see the impact we can have.

Exactly, what does France think of you, in your opinion?

VW: Maybe I’m wrong but I have the feeling that my performances remain mainly in the basketball sphere and that unlike in the United States, the general public is not too interested in it. But I think I don’t realise the greatness of my performances in France.

After a full season in the NBA, do you miss France?

VW: Yes, I’ve been looking forward to going back for some time now. I’m going to go see my grandparents who I haven’t seen since I left for the United States. I’m also going to meet my sister (Eve, French 3×3 international) and my brother (Oscar, resident of the Asvel training centre), I would like to go see some of their matches. I also miss the food. I’ll go eat Greek, maybe? That wouldn’t be bad (laughs).

In terms of your peak, how far along on your journey do you feel you are?

VW: It’s hard to say. I would say I’m currently at 15% of my capacity, between my first NBA game and what I hope will be my “prime”.

You often talk about your love for basketball. How much did this help you during the season, when faced with difficulties?

VW: Before 95% of matches, I try to realise how lucky I am to be on the floor. Sometimes it’s very difficult because the match will start right away and I’m extremely tired. I tell myself that I played one yesterday, another three days ago and I will play another tomorrow. But every time, I try to remember how lucky I am to be on the field. It is my destiny, in quotes. It is these strong inner reasons that push me to continue, because sometimes it is very hard.

The 100 Days To Go milestone before the Paris Olympic Games will soon be reached, does this inspire you?

VW: It’s going to be huge. When I’m on the court, I’ll give 200%, as I do every time I wear this jersey. It will be extraordinary and I will be there, like a child, enjoying the moment.

What would a successful season look like for you next year?

VW: I definitely don’t want the next season to end so soon. I want to go as far as possible and obviously participate in the play-offs. Ideally, I would like to win every match but to win, there are a lot of little details to adjust. It’s not enough to say that we want to win a title or reach the playoffs, every day we have to add a new brick, and that’s how we will build the house.

What is your program until the Olympic Games?

VW: I’m going to stay in San Antonio for a few days for end-of-year medical tests, continue training, then I’m going to return to France. I don’t know what day yet, but it will happen very soon. Unfortunately, I will be there for less than three weeks.

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

The Undeniable Realness of Jimmy Butler: Heat Star Talks Leadership, Staying True and the Playoffs

Shot on location at ZZ’s Club, Miami

Jimmy Butler is everywhere these days.

There he is at the US Open, serving as an honorary ball boy for an exhibition match between Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe. There he is in the new music video for Fall Out Boy’s “So Much (For) Stardust,” sporting his now-legendary “Emo Jimmy” look. There he is in ads for Hulu, Alo, State Farm and Hotels.com. There he is sampling products for BIGFACE, his budding coffee brand, and at the first-ever Reserve Cup, a padel competition that he helped bring to Miami. There he is at the Kaseya Center, soaring for lobs and knocking down threes.

And here he is at ZZ’s Club Miami, singing and dancing along to Lloyd’s “You,” breathing energy into the club’s swanky sports bar. He is, after all, five cups of coffee in, and it’s just 2:30 p.m. (he drinks 10-12 cups a day, by the way). A wide-ranging playlist booms through a handheld speaker—everything from “Let Me Love You” by Mario to “Jamming” by Bob Marley & the Wailers to “Loop Hole” by Tee Grizzley featuring 21 Savage. In between posing for photos, the Heat star snacks on sushi and sips an old fashioned.

Welcome to Jimmy Butler’s SLAM cover shoot, and welcome, more broadly, to his ever-growing universe, where you’re invited—err, encouraged—to be your authentic self at all times. To follow whatever passions you may have.

SLAM 249 featuring Jimmy Butler is available now. Shop here.

Butler is a man of many interests: coffee, wine, country music, tennis, padel, soccer (which he calls football), dominoes, spades, UNO, traveling—the list goes on. He is always up to something, always surrounded by family and friends. His house in Miami doesn’t even have TVs. Instead of binge-watching shows, Butler does things like chase tennis balls around Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, NY, because, well, it’s fun and he felt like doing it. He is currently working on his own country album; right now, it features 62 songs (!) and Butler, who has played a DJ Khaled-like role, is debating whether to hop on one.

“He loves to get into a whole bunch of stuff that you wouldn’t think he would enjoy doing,” says Butler’s teammate Caleb Martin. “He’s just super active, man, whether he’s doing something on an off day or meeting up with certain types of artists or playing dominoes or going to tennis matches. He’s definitely a dude full of surprises.”

Surprises like…starring in that aforementioned Fall Out Boy video in an all-purple cowboy outfit.

“Anything to shake up anything on the internet and continually be myself, be happy and love my life and what I’m doing, I’m down,” Butler says. The video was shot over All-Star break and it dropped less than two weeks later. And yes, it shook up the internet.

Butler strikes a difficult balance: he doesn’t take life too seriously, but he is also extremely competitive. He cracks jokes, but often leaves people wondering…was that really a joke?

“Don’t be fooled because you see me on TV or a commercial or a billboard, I do a lot of the same stuff y’all do,” he says, before adding with a grin, “I’m probably just better at it than all y’all…but I can’t help that.”

The truth (and irony) is, Butler engages in many extracurricular activities, such as tennis and songwriting, “to humble” himself. He wants to experience firsthand the challenges of other professions. Of course, he is also certain that if he keeps working at something, he will excel at it. He has a burning desire to be the best at everything he does.

To win at everything he does.

Take spades, for example. The Heat like to play on the team plane during long road trips. “When I say he does not lose, he does not lose,” forward Jamal Cain says. “Me and Haywood Highsmith beat him once and he was kind of shitty after that. I kind of saw it in his face. He’s very competitive. He does not like to lose.”

Or take dominoes, which might be the game Jimmy is best at (including the one he’s famous for). “He’s a top-five, top-10 dominoes player in the world,” claims Chris Brickley, Butler’s trainer. “I know this because he and [Colombian singer] J Balvin have flown in the top dominoes players in the world, like, world champions. And he’s beat them.”

“That’s some Jimmy shit,” Martin remarks with a laugh. He and his twin brother, Cody, are a rare duo that have actually beat Jimmy in dominoes. “And we ain’t played since,” Martin says. “On and off the court, he doesn’t like to lose. He’s ducking me, for sure. Ever since we played him, he tells me and my brother, ‘Y’all are The Funky Brothers.’ Me and Cody play funky, so it messes him up.”

Butler brings that same competitive mindset to his brand, BIGFACE, which he is very dedicated to building. Along with the BIGFACE team, he has visited Colombia and Ecuador on a quest to find the best coffee. He is even trying to master latte art and how to make the perfect cappuccino.

“People can see this on the court as well—his dedication to something and to knowing everything there is to know about it translates from basketball to coffee,” says Britt Berg, Chief Operating Officer at BIGFACE. She and Butler text about coffee almost every day.

BIGFACE is set to open its first brick-and-mortar shop in Miami later this year, a milestone that Jimmy is eagerly awaiting. “When I’m not practicing, when I’m not with my kids, when I’m not in a game, I can tell you where I’m gonna be, and that’s in this coffee shop, meeting all the fans of myself and of coffee,” he says. “Because I do love coffee, I do want to bring the best coffee to Miami. I don’t think there’s a spot like that here yet, and I want the first BIGFACE café to be that, so that’s where I’m gonna be. And we need that. Miami needs that…along with a championship!”

Ah, yes. We should probably talk a bit about basketball. It’s mid-March when we shoot this cover—or, as Butler calls it, “that time.”

Allow him to elaborate: “It’s the time where people really gotta think about going up against the Miami Heat and myself. I know what I’m capable of. I know what my squad is capable of. And don’t nobody want to see us in a seven-game series anyways. We know that.”

We do.

Miami finished eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record. But, then again, the Heat entered last year’s playoffs as the No. 8 seed before going on an epic run to the Finals. In 2019-20, the League’s bubble season, Miami reached the Finals as the No. 5 seed.

“Nobody can tell you anything right now,” Jimmy says. “There are three things that you gotta have in order to win a championship: you’ve gotta be playing your best basketball at the right time, you gotta be healthy, and you gotta be lucky. That’s just the way that it is. So can’t nobody tell right now who’s going to have all three of those things.”

Butler quietly had another stellar year, posting 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game and shooting a career-high 41.4 percent from behind the arc. Don’t expect him to be launching more threes in the postseason, though. “I just don’t like shooting threes because I want to run into you,” he says. “I want to hit somebody. You can’t hit nobody if you shoot threes. I want to see who’s going to quit first. I’m gonna keep running in there, I’m gonna hit you, and I’m gonna hit you again, and I’m gonna hit you again, and we’re gonna see who’s gonna quit.”

That sounds like something the fabled and fearless “Playoff Jimmy” would say, doesn’t it? Only thing is, Butler continues to deny that Playoff Jimmy exists.

“That’s not a thing for the hundredth time,” he insists. “Playoff Jimmy is not a thing. Emo Jimmy, thing. Football Jimmy, thing. Tennis Jimmy, thing. Daddy Jimmy, thing. Zaddy Jimmy, thing. But Playoff Jimmy, not so much.”

OK, fair enough. But worth noting: over a four-season stretch, Butler has led Miami to the Eastern Conference Finals three times and to the Finals twice, averaging 24.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals through 64 playoff games. During the 2020 Finals, he registered two triple-doubles, including just the third 40-point triple-double in Finals history. In Game 6 of the 2022 ECF, he hung 47 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals on the Celtics to force a Game 7 (one of four 40-plus-point performances he had that postseason). He set a franchise playoff record with 56 points in Game 4 of last season’s first-round series against the top-seeded Bucks, then followed it up with 42 points in Game 5 as his team pulled off one of the biggest upsets ever.

Butler will admit that things “ramp up a notch” this time of year. Amid the last few weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs, he and Brickley start working out the night before every single game. They study the defense Miami is about to face and try to replicate the exact situations Butler will find himself in. What spots on the floor will be open? What shots will be available? What switches might occur? Butler’s basketball IQ is “probably the highest IQ out of any player I’ve worked with,” says Brickley.

Martin, who has been with the Heat since 2021, notices a “mental shift” in Jimmy as the playoffs loom. “I think him having the experience of going through this phase so many times, he knows how to time stuff up with his body, and then [there’s] the mental part of it, too, him just being so steady mentally,” Martin explains. “He’s very strategic. He knows when it’s time to ramp up. He knows what games probably hurt more than others or whatever the case is. Everything he does, he thinks about.”

The added reps in the gym help, as does Butler’s very calculated approach. But if there’s one reason to believe Playoff Jimmy is real, and that other teams should fear his impending arrival, it’s this: Jimmy Butler is fully confident in who he is and what he’s capable of. There’s a comfort in that, a peace. Any feelings of self-doubt and pressure are gone. He doesn’t care one bit what others think about him—what others predict he and his team will or won’t do.

That type of confidence has a way of rubbing off on the people around him: friends, colleagues, teammates.

“When you have a leader like that, it gives you a sense of confidence in your abilities and what you’re doing,” says Berg.

“The first thing I noticed with Jimmy, he’s very comfortable being in his skin. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks about him,” Cain adds. “Seeing how he carried himself and how confident and comfortable he was in his skin only made me more comfortable being who I am.”

Cain remembers one game day when he and other members of the Heat huddled up to pray before taking the court, as was their ritual, and requested that Jimmy turn down the music he was blasting. “Y’all need to be praying to me!” Butler responded. “He said it in a joking manner, but just the fact that that was the first thing on his mind, I was like, Wow, this is Jimmy in a nutshell,” Cain recalls with a chuckle.

It’s no coincidence that Butler describes the Heat as being “overly confident in a good way.” In large part, that identity stems from him. Despite the ups and downs of the regular season, Butler has no doubt that his team has what it takes to make another deep playoff run.

Why?

“We just have a different way of going about things,” he says. “Our coaching staff cares and they’re constantly studying how we can make everybody on our roster stick to their strong suits and stay away from the weak points of their games. Ownership cares—they’re at every practice, they’re on the plane. We’re talking to one another. We really fuck with one another, which is a good thing. And, um…”

He pauses for a moment and flashes a sly smile.

“I’m on the team. So, I’m taking my chances every time.”

Portraits by Alex Subers

The post The Undeniable Realness of Jimmy Butler: Heat Star Talks Leadership, Staying True and the Playoffs appeared first on SLAM.

Who is in the NBA play-offs? Who will go through the play-in? How to watch in the UK?

82 games for each team have come and gone and we’re finally at the NBA playoffs.

Ahead of the start of the playoffs with the play-in tournament we’ll run through all the information you will need to know.

That includes who is in the playoffs, who’s out and who will be in the play-in tournament, as well as how to watch.

Which NBA teams are in the playoffs?

The following teams are in the NBA playoffs. Their seeding is in brackets next to their name.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder [1]
Denver Nuggets [2]
Minneosta Timberwolves [3]
Los Angeles Clippers [4]
Dallas Mavericks [5]
Phoenix Suns [6]

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics [1]
New York Knicks [2]
Milwaukee Bucks [3]
Cleveland Cavaliers [4]
Orlando Magic [5]
Indiana Pacers [6]

What are the NBA playoff match-ups?

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder [1] v No. 8 seed
Denver Nuggets [2] v No. 7 seed
Minnesota Timberwolves [3] v Phoenix Suns [6]
LA Clippers [4] v Dallas Mavericks [5]

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics [1] v No. 8 seed
New York Knicks [2] v No. 7 seed
Milwaukee Bucks [3] v Indiana Pacers [6]
Cleveland Cavaliers [4] v Orlando Magic [5]

Which NBA teams are in the play-in tournament?

A relatively new addition to the NBA is the play-in tournament, which expanded the playoffs to give the ninth and tenth ranked teams in each conferences chances to get in.

The following teams are in the NBA play-in tournament. Their seeding is in brackets next to their name.

Western Conference

New Orleans Pelicans [7]
Los Angeles Lakers [8]
Sacramento Kings [9]
Golden State Warriors [10]

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia 76ers [7]
Miami Heat [8]
Chicago Bulls [9]
Atlanta Hawks [10]

What are the NBA play-in tournament match-ups?

Western Conference

New Orleans Pelicans [7] v Los Angeles Lakers [8] – Winner will face Denver Nuggets. Loser will face winner of Kings v Warriors
Sacramento Kings [9] v Golden State Warriors [10] – . Winner will face loser of Pelicans v Lakers.
Loser of Pelicans v Lakers v Winner of Kings v Warriors – Winner will face Oklahoma City Thunder

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia 76ers [7] v Miami Heat [8] – Winner will face New York Knicks. Loser will face winner of Bulls v Hawks
Chicago Bulls [9] v Atlanta Hawks [10] – . Winner will face loser of 76ers v Heat. .
Loser of 76ers v Heat v Winner of Bulls v Hawks – Winner will face Boston Celtics

What are teams are out of NBA playoff contention?

Houston Rockets
Utah Jazz
Memphis Grizzlies
San Antonio Spurs
Portland Trail Blazers
Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors
Charlotte Hornets
Washington Wizards
Detroit Pistons

How to watch the NBA on TNT Sports and discovery+?

How do I watch NBA live streams on TNT Sports? What is discovery+?

The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Who is in the NBA play-offs? Who will go through the play-in? How to watch in the UK?

82 games for each team have come and gone and we’re finally at the NBA playoffs.

Ahead of the start of the playoffs with the play-in tournament we’ll run through all the information you will need to know.

That includes who is in the playoffs, who’s out and who will be in the play-in tournament, as well as how to watch.

Which NBA teams are in the playoffs?

The following teams are in the NBA playoffs. Their seeding is in brackets next to their name.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder [1]
Denver Nuggets [2]
Minneosta Timberwolves [3]
Los Angeles Clippers [4]
Dallas Mavericks [5]
Phoenix Suns [6]

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics [1]
New York Knicks [2]
Milwaukee Bucks [3]
Cleveland Cavaliers [4]
Orlando Magic [5]
Indiana Pacers [6]

What are the NBA playoff match-ups?

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder [1] v No. 8 seed
Denver Nuggets [2] v No. 7 seed
Minnesota Timberwolves [3] v Phoenix Suns [6]
LA Clippers [4] v Dallas Mavericks [5]

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics [1] v No. 8 seed
New York Knicks [2] v No. 7 seed
Milwaukee Bucks [3] v Indiana Pacers [6]
Cleveland Cavaliers [4] v Orlando Magic [5]

Which NBA teams are in the play-in tournament?

A relatively new addition to the NBA is the play-in tournament, which expanded the playoffs to give the ninth and tenth ranked teams in each conferences chances to get in.

The following teams are in the NBA play-in tournament. Their seeding is in brackets next to their name.

Western Conference

New Orleans Pelicans [7]
Los Angeles Lakers [8]
Sacramento Kings [9]
Golden State Warriors [10]

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia 76ers [7]
Miami Heat [8]
Chicago Bulls [9]
Atlanta Hawks [10]

What are the NBA play-in tournament match-ups?

Western Conference

New Orleans Pelicans [7] v Los Angeles Lakers [8] – Winner will face Denver Nuggets. Loser will face winner of Kings v Warriors
Sacramento Kings [9] v Golden State Warriors [10] – . Winner will face loser of Pelicans v Lakers.
Loser of Pelicans v Lakers v Winner of Kings v Warriors – Winner will face Oklahoma City Thunder

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia 76ers [7] v Miami Heat [8] – Winner will face New York Knicks. Loser will face winner of Bulls v Hawks
Chicago Bulls [9] v Atlanta Hawks [10] – . Winner will face loser of 76ers v Heat. .
Loser of 76ers v Heat v Winner of Bulls v Hawks – Winner will face Boston Celtics

What are teams are out of NBA playoff contention?

Houston Rockets
Utah Jazz
Memphis Grizzlies
San Antonio Spurs
Portland Trail Blazers
Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors
Charlotte Hornets
Washington Wizards
Detroit Pistons

How to watch the NBA on TNT Sports and discovery+?

How do I watch NBA live streams on TNT Sports? What is discovery+?

The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.