Jeff Maillet

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Jeff Maillet

It wasn't looking good for the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night in Oklahoma City. The Eastern Conference champs had nine turnovers in the first quarter and then topped that by committing 10 in the second quarter. It was the most turnovers by a team before halftime in a postseason game in the league's play-by-play era, which began in 1997. Indiana's defense couldn't contain NBA MVP and Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was doing whatever he wanted offensively.

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Jeff Maillet

The NBA season is long and grueling, with players aspiring to compete in June for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, which is awarded to the champions. For NBA referees, their goal is to be working in June as well, officiating in the championship series and receiving the coveted White Jacket, which is awarded to referees selected for the NBA Finals. Earning that apparel isn't easy, and it's an honor. "It's kind of our trophy, the medal around our neck," veteran referee Scott Foster said in a league video.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Jeff Maillet

It was an unbelievable victory for the Indiana Pacers and a stunning loss for the New York Knicks. In one of the wildest NBA playoff games ever at Madison Square Garden, the Pacers, trailing by 16 points in the fourth quarter, rallied past the Knicks in a 138-135 overtime thriller in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night. The Knicks led by 14 points after star guard Jalen Brunson made 1 of 2 free throws with 3 minutes, 44 seconds left in the game. So, what happened?

Jul 1, 2024 | nytimes.com | Jeff Maillet

The NBA team with the best regular-season record won the championship for the first time in seven seasons. Congrats to the Boston Celtics, which finished 80-21 this season, including the playoffs. The Celtics cruised past the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 and won the franchise's 18th championship, breaking a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history. And the Celtics might not be done. The franchise is set up to keep the current group intact for the foreseeable future.

May 31, 2024 | nytimes.com | Jeff Maillet

May is National Photography Month, which makes it a good time to celebrate the NBA with photos. It's been a grueling month of playoff basketball: mesmerizing offensive and defensive plays, lots of contact, bodies on the floor and in the air, celebrations and emotions. Which team do you like to win it all? The Celtics have won seven consecutive playoff games and are 6-0 on the road. The Mavericks cruised to a 4-1 Western Conference finals series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.