The NFL, in short, was being very much the NFL we’ve gotten to know, even with public dissent taking place up the highway from them at the Houston airport. At the same time, though, the NBA and its people have continued to be who they’ve always been. As Super Bowl week continues, the contrast between the cultures of those sports has never been sharper. While the Patriots and Falcons players have faced their biggest audience and kept a lid on any talk of the turmoil surrounding new president Donald Trump and his actions — even while many have direct connections to them — NBA people have not hesitated in any way to speak their minds....

In the wake of George Floyd’s killing on May 25, several NBA players have been vocal in demanding social changes and calling for an end to racial discrimination. While the league has acknowledged the current circumstances and has given the players the opportunity to wear a social justice message on their jerseys, NBA rules state that players and coaches must stand for the national anthem. According to multiple reports, however, the protocol could be tested when the season resumes next week after a four-month hiatus enforced by the coronavirus pandemic....

The 41-year-old was an instrumental figure in streetwear, becoming the first Black creative director for Louis Vuitton and changing sneaker culture with his signature “Off-White” kicks. Abloh’s presence in the sports world was huge, especially in the NBA with multiple players rocking his signature sneakers in games. In 2020, the NBA entered a partnership with Louis Vuitton, with Abloh designing a variety of capsules crossing over the luxury brand with the league’s identity, including a bespoke LV case for the Larry O’Brien trophy....

On the first of two incredible dunks, Antetokounmpo takes all of just two dribbles to get from half court to the rim, because his limbs are that freaking long. Jonas Valanciunas was helpless. MORE: From obscurity in Greece to Bucks stardom, Giannis Antetokounmpo just keeps getting better That second one you can file under “Things that only Giannis does.” He’s right-handed, yet takes the ball through the rim with his left over three defenders....

But that only starts to explain the trouble Miami had on defense. Roy Hibbert got out to a good start in the post, Lance Stephenson ruled the screen and roll and David West had his way as a screener. MORE: Forecasting Heat-Pacers series | Eastern Confence Finals schedule Because the Pacers made use of so many weapons, the Heat defense was overextended at all times and their ability to create turnovers was rendered meaningless....

The Wizards, not the Pacers, put on a defensive clinic. John Wall was at the center of that effort, as he posted back-to-back blocks of the Pacers' Lance Stephenson and Paul George. Those were just two of the team's eight first-half blocks, however. Watch Wall in action below. 

Kevin Durant needed to be wanted. He didn’t want to be needed. He went to the bench with 6:48 to go in the first quarter of the Warriors’ Game 4 matchup on the road against the Jazz in the Western Conference semifinals Monday night, having not scored a single point. He wouldn’t re-enter the contest until the 9:23 mark of the second. It didn’t matter. Durant would heat up before the half and go to the break as one of three Golden State players with 10 points at that juncture....

Lopez scored 13 of his 29 points in the final quarter as the Bucks rallied Wednesday to draw first blood at Fiserv Forum. The Raptors led by seven points at the end of the third quarter, and Middleton saluted Lopez for stepping up under pressure after the center played a huge part in a 108-100 victory. “He was huge, he was a beast.” said forward Middleton. “Inside the paint, he made some big plays for us....

Toronto pounded Philadelphia 125-89 in Game 5, giving it a 3-2 lead in the second-round series. Kawhi Leonard has been the most dominant player on the court throughout the series, but Pascal Siakam stole the show this time. The third-year forward followed up his poor Game 4 performance with a game-high 25 points and eight rebounds against the 76ers. Siakam had been struggling with a bruise on his right calf, but definitely had some spring in his step at Scotiabank Arena....

After considering the changes made and where teams stand now, here’s how we see the coming season shaping up for the remade and revamped NBA. MORE: Vegas predicts win totals for every NBA team Warriors Projected record: 62-20 Last year: 58-24 Changes: The big change, of course, was the addition of All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins and his still-rehabbing Achilles tendon. Cousins might not play in the first half of the season, but he will be on the floor with much to prove by the stretch run and into the playoffs....

While training camps don’t open until Sept. 28, the NBA released its full schedule for all 30 teams Friday, which means the storylines and subplots now have dates attached. Yes, we’re still two months away from opening night, but plenty of storylines have already emerged. Are the Lakers too old? Is KD, LeBron or Giannis the NBA’s best player? Can the Nets actually stay healthy? Should the defending champs get more respect?...

The league is expected to announce a four-day men’s and women’s basketball clinic in Havana from April 23-26. MORE: Nowitzki raves about Nash post-retirement | Mutombo inducted into Hall of Fame Recently retired Steve Nash and newly elected Hall of Fame member Dikembe Mutombo are among the instructors making the trip. Retired WNBA player Ticha Penicheiro will also make the trip. Nash, Mutombo and Penicheiro all speak Spanish. “We’ve seen the bridges that basketball can build between cultures,” NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said....

MVPs are everywhere across this five-game slate. Back-to-back reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets host the Magic. Perennial MVP candidate Joel Embiid and the 76ers face four-time MVP LeBron James and the Lakers in Los Angeles, with Anthony Davis (foot) remaining sidelined and James Harden (heel) possibly also in street clothes. And the Mavericks could be without MVP frontrunner Luka Doncic (ankle) against Damian Lillard and the Blazers. Got all that!...

Vote now for your favorite NBA All-Star starters! You know the deal when it comes to our DFS lineups — we’re not telling you to play each and every player we highlight and draft to our team, but rather showing you one of our many different build strategies and showcasing the players who are hot and/or have a solid opportunity to exceed their projected value. Today, we are anchoring our lineup with two star guards and then loading up the rest of our team with sleepers and under-the-radar value plays....

Despite winning 118 games the past two regular seasons, the Rockets have lost in the conference final and conference semifinal to the Warriors in consecutive years. While ESPN’s report says it’s “(h)ard to imagine” that 2018 regular-season MVP Jame Harden would be available, it does say any of the rest of Houston’s roster under contract — “perhaps even Chris Paul” — could be dealt if the right offer comes along....

Miami has inquired about a potential deal for Wizards guard Bradley Beal, according to a report from the Miami Herald, which cites an unidentified league source. The Heat “love” Beal, the report says, however, he said Washington has told him he won’t be traded. “(Ownership and the front office) have been very transparent and that’s been great,” Beal told the Washington Post in late June. “They’re not keeping me in the dark about anything, even about the trade rumors....

On Tuesday night, Houston lost 117-100 against the Los Angeles Lakers, suffering a second blowout loss at home against the reigning NBA champions in three days—but the result was overshadowed by Harden’s comments after the game. “I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can,” he said during a brief media appearance. “I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed....

That’s big talk for a player on a team that won only 29 games last season, but the Hawks have backed it up so far. They were 2-0 entering Monday’s home matchup with the favored 76ers, and they pushed the Eastern Conference title contenders to the buzzer before falling 105-103. Joel Embiid hit a pair of free throws with just over 5 seconds remaining to seal the win as the 76ers rallied from eight points down in the final five minutes....

“We’ve seen an increased targeting of civilians Mr. Secretary General in Ukraine. How long can NATO stand by and watch Russia target civilians without finding a way to help more when it comes to the Ukrainian resistance?” Todd asked Stoltenberg on NBC’s Meet the Press. “NATO allies are stepping up their support to Ukraine, partly by delivering military support, humanitarian support and billions of billions of financial support to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg responded....

But when Manziel took the college world by storm and won the Heisman Trophy in 2012 as a redshirt freshman, that wasn’t the case. What kind of money did Manziel leave on the table, both real and estimated? According to Nate Fitch, aka Uncle Nate, who was the “barrier” between Manziel and those who wished to cling to the QB’s fame, the sum is hefty. (Johnny Manziel / Getty Images)...