Tim Bontemps

Here are my picks for the conference semifinals, as Knicks-Sixers – which should be a super-fun series – is set to kick off here at MSG: Pistons in 7 Sixers in 6 Thunder in 4 Spurs in 5

New story: LeBron and the Lakers both might need each other more than either side would care to admit espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

That was a big-time response by the Spurs to end the quarter by pushing the lead all the way back to 18. Impressive how they've approached this game overall tonight.

BREAKING: Daryl Morey is out as president of basketball operations with the Philadelphia 76ers after six seasons, sources tell ESPN. Morey and 76ers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer met on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia and the decision was made to part ways.

Here’s the essay Jason Collins wrote about his battle with glioblastoma back in December. espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

On the morning of the lottery, Ted Leonsis thought he was going to lose an eye ‘Final Destination’ style and Wizards would pick fifth. But that old Bullets curse might be lifting. Behind the scenes with the Wizards on a day when they got a generational win espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

Incredibly sad news. Thinking of Brandon’s family and loved ones.

The Pistons simply have to take better care of the ball, beginning with Cade Cunningham.

Warriors stock report with @TimBontemps. Bigger picture conversation on the Steve Kerr return and the summer ahead youtu.be/uxl4dSUHp10?si…

The discourse about the defending champions is often dominated by discussion about officiating. None of which merits much more than a shrug from the Thunder. SGA: “I really don’t care at all.” ESPN story with @anthonyVslater: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

Perspective from Steve Kerr and Draymond Green in here on the Thunder and the inevitability of a heel turn for a dominant team x.com/BannedMacMahon…

The Hoop Collective with @WindhorstESPN and @TimBontemps: A rare USWB mea culpa, Wemby tossed and Wolves tie the series, Knicks party in Philly, Windy’s tales from inside the lottery room and ramifications from the results: youtu.be/EMFamyEZk-A?si…

New ESPN story: It was yet another disappointing playoff exit for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. So, in light of being swept out of the playoffs by the New York Knicks, where does he – and they – go from here? espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

The Wolves never make it easy on themselves, but that was quite a game. We'll see what happens Tuesday night back in San Antonio for Game 5.

Final: Knicks 144, Sixers 114 An absolute demolition by the Knicks, who sweep Philly, pick up a seventh consecutive victory overall & advance to the Eastern Conference finals for a second straight year. Philly has not advanced to the conference finals for a quarter century.

After 3: Knicks 122, Sixers 83 The only question left here is the margin of victory. Absolutely dominant performance by the Knicks from start to finish.

Jalen Brunson with a bucket, followed by Mikal Bridges stealing the inbounds pass, followed by Brunson making a 3-pointer in front of Philadelphia's bench. Knicks 99, Sixers 70 with 7:19 to go in the third. The party is well underway for the Knicks fans here.

New York's 18 3-pointers, per the great @StatsWilliams, are tied for the most in a half of any game – regular or postseason – in NBA history.

Halftime: Knicks 81, Sixers 57 The Knicks have shot 18-for-29 from 3-point range, and behind 20 points from Deuce McBride (who is 6-for-7 from deep) have routed Philly on its home court, though in front of a very pro-Knicks crowd. Joel Embiid has 19 points for Philly.

Raucous cheers here in Philly when Mitchell Robinson made a pair of hack free throws. Knicks are up 24 late in the second quarter.

This feels like a Knicks home game — and the Knicks fans have had plenty to cheer about. New York is up by 23 early in the second quarter, and shooting a cool 80 percent from 3-point range.