After Bonding Over Basketball and Biking, a Big Loss

Mark Eaton and Rudy Gobert, paint protectors past and present for the Utah Jazz, had built a relationship of mutual admiration and respect.

The Changing Meaning of Being ‘Like Mike’

Michael Jordan earned a reputation as a fiercely competitive winner with the Chicago Bulls. Owning the Charlotte Hornets hasn’t brought him the same on-court success — yet.

These N.B.A. Playoffs Burst 2020’s Bubble

The confined, roiled 2020 N.B.A. playoffs reflected their times. So, too, do this year’s celebratory games.

The Nets’ Starters Are Back Together. And So Are the Fans.

Over 14,000 fans attended Game 1 of the Nets-Celtics series as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Blake Griffin and Joe Harris started together for the first time this season.

The N.B.A. vs. the Coronavirus May Be the Toughest Playoff Matchup

There’s no bubble for the postseason, and players don’t have to get vaccinated. Some players have lingering effects from infections. The league acknowledged that it is “worried” others will get sick, too.

Even the Celtics Think the Nets Will Probably Win

The Nets would be heavily favored in the first-round playoff matchup even without Boston’s injury woes. “As a fan of the N.B.A., it’s hard to see those guys losing,” Celtics Coach Brad Stevens said.