What does it take to win an MVP award?
One of the highest accolades in American sports is to be named the league’s Most Valuable Player. We’ve analysed every MVP award for the four leading sports to work out what the winners have had in common.
Bucks vs Suns: Milwaukee to claim NBA title on home court
Milwaukee Bucks are only one win away from their first NBA title in 50 years when they face Phoenix Suns in Game 6 in the early hours of Wednesday. The Bucks were trailing 2-0 to Phoenix after Monty Williams’ side won back-to-back home games but Milwaukee are on a roll after three straight triumphs to leave them on the cusp of their first success since 1971.
Who is chasing all-time NBA stats records?
As the 2020-21 play-offs come to a close and anticipation builds for next season, we’ve looked at the all-time NBA stats records to see which of the regular season marks are close to being broken – and who are the players chasing new landmarks?
Hawks vs Bucks: Atlanta backed to stay alive
Milwaukee are just one game away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1974 after taking a 3-2 lead over Atlanta. The Bucks are searching for their first title in 50 years, while the Hawks are also aiming to make franchise history by securing a finals debut.
Clippers vs Suns: Los Angeles to force series decider
Los Angeles Clippers kept the Western Conference Finals alive and kicking with a superb road-trip victory over Phoenix Suns to extend the series into a sixth game. Monty Williams’ side had lost only one of their seven post-season games at Phoenix Suns Arena.
NBA predictions: 76ers vs Hawks & Jazz vs Clippers
There is more NBA play-off action to delve into as the Eastern and Western Conference semi-final series continue overnight. With two cracking contests taking place, we’re looking to boost our coffers with NBA predictions for a 21/10-plus double.
Most shocking draft picks and trades in US sporting history
For each of the four biggest US sports, we’ve picked out five of the most shocking draft picks and surprising trades of all-time. Such decisions can make or break an NFL, MLB, NBA or NHL franchise for years to follow and opinions are often divided on who will come out best from major moves.
Who will be crowned NBA champions in the 2020-21 season?
With the new NBA season getting under way, we’ve analysed every previous one under the current format – stretching back to 2004-05 – for clues about what might happen this time around.
Most exciting NBA free agents in 2020
With the 2020 post-season having ended, we’re taking a look at which players are potentially the most exciting NBA free agents in 2020. The off-season will be dominated by speculation about where the wealth of possible high-profile deals and moves will take place over the winter.
Analysis: The best ‘Cinderella runs’ in NBA postseason history
With the fifth-seeded Miami Heat having reached the 2020 NBA Finals, we’ve looked back at the best ‘Cinderella runs’ in the competition’s history to see how their postseason might rank against the other great underdog stories.
Rockets vs Thunder: Houston to hit form again in Game 7
Houston and Oklahoma City clash in a best-of-seven series finale in the NBA play-offs and we’re going for the Rockets to advance in Orlando. The Thunder have rallied from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits in what has been a thrilling contest but may find James Harden too hot to handle in the decider.
Relive the NBA playoff moments of the decade
The most thrilling time for basketball fans is finally here as the NBA playoffs are set to start on the 17th of August. A team’s form during the regular season doesn’t mean much once the playoffs begin. Low-performing players can be transformed into All-Stars, defences are getting tougher, and teamwork becomes more important.
The most successful US sports franchises of all-time
With the sporting calendar gradually returning to normality in the United States, we’ve taken stock of the most popular sports and identified which franchises have enjoyed the most success to date.
Lakers vs Bucks: LA to end recent Milwaukee hoodoo
NBA regular-season games don’t get much better than when Western Conference leaders LA Lakers entertain Milwaukee, top dogs in the East. LeBron James coming up against Giannis Antetokounmpo is just one of the sub-plots at Staples Center, in what could prove a preview of this year’s finals.