Mitchell the man to end Cavaliers' NBA playoff slide
Donovan Mitchell has refused to let another fourth-quarter lead slip away from Cleveland.
So with home fans on their feet, expecting Indiana to cut what had been a 24-point deficit to single digits, Mitchell took the game into his own hands. He hit a 13-foot fade-away, then a pull-up three-pointer and finally found Max Strus for another triple and the Cavaliers went on to a 126-104 victory on Friday night.
"I couldn't let it happen again, and it wasn't just me," Mitchell said after finishing with 43 points and nine rebounds to cut their Eastern Conference semi-final series deficit to 2-1.
"I know I scored, but like, we got stops, made plays. But for me, just trying to be the aggressor."
The road team has won all three games, and the Pacers will have another chance to break that trend Sunday in Game 4.
But Cleveland were desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole and used everything in their arsenal to hold on.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and key backup De'Andre Hutner returned from injuries after missing Game 2. All-Star guard Darius Garland also returned from a toe injury that kept him out of four straight games.
Strus made four triples and had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a game the Cavs never trailed.
Bennedict Mathurin led the hosts with 23 points. Pascal Siakam had 18 and Tyrese Haliburton finished with four points and five assists - his first career home loss in a post-season game he's appeared.
"This was a very poor effort at the beginning of the game, through so many parts of the game," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
"Clearly, I didn't have these guys ready for this. Ty had a rough game. I have to do more to get him in better positions to have better shots."
Tempers flared at times with the Pacers drawing five technical fouls. On the court, though, Cleveland controlled the game after breaking a 36-36 tie with a 25-4 run, which gave them a 66-45 halftime cushion.
Indiana closed to 104-93 early in the fourth before Mitchell and Strus led the game-sealing scoring flurry.
In Denver, Jamal Murray scored 27 points and Michael Porter Jr hit 21 clutch points to lead the Denver Nuggets past the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime for a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series.
Nikola Jokic added 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon had 22 points for the Nuggets, who led by no more than two points in regulation but went on an 11-2 run in the extra period.
Jokic went 8-for-25 from the field and missed all 10 of his three-pointers, but started the overtime flourish with a finger-roll lay-up and the Nuggets never trailed again.
The other NBA MVP front-runner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also had a tough night, missing 15 of 22 shots, going 1-for-6 from deep and finishing with 18 points.
Jalen Williams led OKC with 32 points and Chet Holmgren chipped in with 18.
Scores were tied at 102-102 after regulation, and both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic missed potential winners in the closing seconds of regular time.
Game 4 is on Sunday (Monday AEST) at Ball Arena.
Donovan Mitchell has refused to let another fourth-quarter lead slip away from Cleveland.
So with home fans on their feet, expecting Indiana to cut what had been a 24-point deficit to single digits, Mitchell took the game into his own hands. He hit a 13-foot fade-away, then a pull-up three-pointer and finally found Max Strus for another triple and the Cavaliers went on to a 126-104 victory on Friday night.
"I couldn't let it happen again, and it wasn't just me," Mitchell said after finishing with 43 points and nine rebounds to cut their Eastern Conference semi-final series deficit to 2-1.
"I know I scored, but like, we got stops, made plays. But for me, just trying to be the aggressor."
The road team has won all three games, and the Pacers will have another chance to break that trend Sunday in Game 4.
But Cleveland were desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole and used everything in their arsenal to hold on.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and key backup De'Andre Hutner returned from injuries after missing Game 2. All-Star guard Darius Garland also returned from a toe injury that kept him out of four straight games.
Strus made four triples and had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a game the Cavs never trailed.
Bennedict Mathurin led the hosts with 23 points. Pascal Siakam had 18 and Tyrese Haliburton finished with four points and five assists - his first career home loss in a post-season game he's appeared.
"This was a very poor effort at the beginning of the game, through so many parts of the game," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
"Clearly, I didn't have these guys ready for this. Ty had a rough game. I have to do more to get him in better positions to have better shots."
Tempers flared at times with the Pacers drawing five technical fouls. On the court, though, Cleveland controlled the game after breaking a 36-36 tie with a 25-4 run, which gave them a 66-45 halftime cushion.
Indiana closed to 104-93 early in the fourth before Mitchell and Strus led the game-sealing scoring flurry.
In Denver, Jamal Murray scored 27 points and Michael Porter Jr hit 21 clutch points to lead the Denver Nuggets past the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime for a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series.
Nikola Jokic added 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon had 22 points for the Nuggets, who led by no more than two points in regulation but went on an 11-2 run in the extra period.
Jokic went 8-for-25 from the field and missed all 10 of his three-pointers, but started the overtime flourish with a finger-roll lay-up and the Nuggets never trailed again.
The other NBA MVP front-runner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also had a tough night, missing 15 of 22 shots, going 1-for-6 from deep and finishing with 18 points.
Jalen Williams led OKC with 32 points and Chet Holmgren chipped in with 18.
Scores were tied at 102-102 after regulation, and both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic missed potential winners in the closing seconds of regular time.
Game 4 is on Sunday (Monday AEST) at Ball Arena.
Donovan Mitchell has refused to let another fourth-quarter lead slip away from Cleveland.
So with home fans on their feet, expecting Indiana to cut what had been a 24-point deficit to single digits, Mitchell took the game into his own hands. He hit a 13-foot fade-away, then a pull-up three-pointer and finally found Max Strus for another triple and the Cavaliers went on to a 126-104 victory on Friday night.
"I couldn't let it happen again, and it wasn't just me," Mitchell said after finishing with 43 points and nine rebounds to cut their Eastern Conference semi-final series deficit to 2-1.
"I know I scored, but like, we got stops, made plays. But for me, just trying to be the aggressor."
The road team has won all three games, and the Pacers will have another chance to break that trend Sunday in Game 4.
But Cleveland were desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole and used everything in their arsenal to hold on.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and key backup De'Andre Hutner returned from injuries after missing Game 2. All-Star guard Darius Garland also returned from a toe injury that kept him out of four straight games.
Strus made four triples and had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a game the Cavs never trailed.
Bennedict Mathurin led the hosts with 23 points. Pascal Siakam had 18 and Tyrese Haliburton finished with four points and five assists - his first career home loss in a post-season game he's appeared.
"This was a very poor effort at the beginning of the game, through so many parts of the game," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
"Clearly, I didn't have these guys ready for this. Ty had a rough game. I have to do more to get him in better positions to have better shots."
Tempers flared at times with the Pacers drawing five technical fouls. On the court, though, Cleveland controlled the game after breaking a 36-36 tie with a 25-4 run, which gave them a 66-45 halftime cushion.
Indiana closed to 104-93 early in the fourth before Mitchell and Strus led the game-sealing scoring flurry.
In Denver, Jamal Murray scored 27 points and Michael Porter Jr hit 21 clutch points to lead the Denver Nuggets past the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime for a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series.
Nikola Jokic added 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon had 22 points for the Nuggets, who led by no more than two points in regulation but went on an 11-2 run in the extra period.
Jokic went 8-for-25 from the field and missed all 10 of his three-pointers, but started the overtime flourish with a finger-roll lay-up and the Nuggets never trailed again.
The other NBA MVP front-runner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also had a tough night, missing 15 of 22 shots, going 1-for-6 from deep and finishing with 18 points.
Jalen Williams led OKC with 32 points and Chet Holmgren chipped in with 18.
Scores were tied at 102-102 after regulation, and both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic missed potential winners in the closing seconds of regular time.
Game 4 is on Sunday (Monday AEST) at Ball Arena.
Donovan Mitchell has refused to let another fourth-quarter lead slip away from Cleveland.
So with home fans on their feet, expecting Indiana to cut what had been a 24-point deficit to single digits, Mitchell took the game into his own hands. He hit a 13-foot fade-away, then a pull-up three-pointer and finally found Max Strus for another triple and the Cavaliers went on to a 126-104 victory on Friday night.
"I couldn't let it happen again, and it wasn't just me," Mitchell said after finishing with 43 points and nine rebounds to cut their Eastern Conference semi-final series deficit to 2-1.
"I know I scored, but like, we got stops, made plays. But for me, just trying to be the aggressor."
The road team has won all three games, and the Pacers will have another chance to break that trend Sunday in Game 4.
But Cleveland were desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole and used everything in their arsenal to hold on.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and key backup De'Andre Hutner returned from injuries after missing Game 2. All-Star guard Darius Garland also returned from a toe injury that kept him out of four straight games.
Strus made four triples and had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a game the Cavs never trailed.
Bennedict Mathurin led the hosts with 23 points. Pascal Siakam had 18 and Tyrese Haliburton finished with four points and five assists - his first career home loss in a post-season game he's appeared.
"This was a very poor effort at the beginning of the game, through so many parts of the game," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.
"Clearly, I didn't have these guys ready for this. Ty had a rough game. I have to do more to get him in better positions to have better shots."
Tempers flared at times with the Pacers drawing five technical fouls. On the court, though, Cleveland controlled the game after breaking a 36-36 tie with a 25-4 run, which gave them a 66-45 halftime cushion.
Indiana closed to 104-93 early in the fourth before Mitchell and Strus led the game-sealing scoring flurry.
In Denver, Jamal Murray scored 27 points and Michael Porter Jr hit 21 clutch points to lead the Denver Nuggets past the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in overtime for a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semi-final series.
Nikola Jokic added 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Aaron Gordon had 22 points for the Nuggets, who led by no more than two points in regulation but went on an 11-2 run in the extra period.
Jokic went 8-for-25 from the field and missed all 10 of his three-pointers, but started the overtime flourish with a finger-roll lay-up and the Nuggets never trailed again.
The other NBA MVP front-runner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also had a tough night, missing 15 of 22 shots, going 1-for-6 from deep and finishing with 18 points.
Jalen Williams led OKC with 32 points and Chet Holmgren chipped in with 18.
Scores were tied at 102-102 after regulation, and both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic missed potential winners in the closing seconds of regular time.
Game 4 is on Sunday (Monday AEST) at Ball Arena.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Thunder cap off best season with NBA crown
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled. It was over. The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions. The best team all season were the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and OKC beat the Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. "It doesn't feel real," said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It's crazy to know that we're all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this." Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season. Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more. It's the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There's nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title. In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner. "They behave like champions. They compete like champions," Daigneault said. "They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports. I've said it many times and now I'm going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they're champions." The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away. "Deflated, but proud of everything we've accomplished," Pacers guard TJ McConnell said. Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, who are still is waiting for their first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn't have enough in the end. Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s and the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history. "It really hurts on the one hand," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "On the other hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very proud of." Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled. It was over. The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions. The best team all season were the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and OKC beat the Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. "It doesn't feel real," said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It's crazy to know that we're all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this." Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season. Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more. It's the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There's nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title. In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner. "They behave like champions. They compete like champions," Daigneault said. "They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports. I've said it many times and now I'm going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they're champions." The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away. "Deflated, but proud of everything we've accomplished," Pacers guard TJ McConnell said. Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, who are still is waiting for their first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn't have enough in the end. Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s and the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history. "It really hurts on the one hand," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "On the other hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very proud of." Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled. It was over. The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions. The best team all season were the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and OKC beat the Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. "It doesn't feel real," said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It's crazy to know that we're all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this." Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season. Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more. It's the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There's nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title. In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner. "They behave like champions. They compete like champions," Daigneault said. "They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports. I've said it many times and now I'm going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they're champions." The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away. "Deflated, but proud of everything we've accomplished," Pacers guard TJ McConnell said. Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, who are still is waiting for their first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn't have enough in the end. Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s and the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history. "It really hurts on the one hand," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "On the other hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very proud of." Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled. It was over. The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions. The best team all season were the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and OKC beat the Indiana Pacers — who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes — 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. "It doesn't feel real," said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It's crazy to know that we're all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this." Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season. Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more. It's the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There's nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title. In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner. "They behave like champions. They compete like champions," Daigneault said. "They root for each other's success, which is rare in professional sports. I've said it many times and now I'm going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they're champions." The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away. "Deflated, but proud of everything we've accomplished," Pacers guard TJ McConnell said. Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, who are still is waiting for their first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn't have enough in the end. Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s and the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history. "It really hurts on the one hand," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "On the other hand, this team has given all of Pacer Nation something to be very proud of."
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Bad news for Saints, All-Australian Dog sidelined
St Kilda's Max King has needed more knee surgery, confirming he won't play any AFL this season. The key forward's inability to recover from his pre-season injury has been a disaster for the Saints, who are in the bottom four after Saturday night's fighting loss to Collingwood. Also on Monday, Saints young gun Mattaes Phillipou reportedly is out for several weeks. He was distraught after aggravating a lower-leg injury only minutes before of the start of the Collingwood game and was a late withdrawal. And the Western Bulldogs have lost All-Australian Adam Treloar for six weeks with another calf muscle injury. Treloar was hurt in the first half of Sunday's win over Richmond and coach Luke Beveridge said there was "significant concern" about the midfielder's latest setback. King has not played since round 17 last year, but the Saints had been hopeful he would return before the end of this season. He has already needed two operations on his right knee because of the initial injury during a February practice match. The Saints re-signed King to a six-year deal last season, taking him to 2032. In a statement, the club said Monday's surgery was on damage to the medial aspect of the knee, which had caused "occasional but persistent" pain. The Saints are also adamant they have been baffled by King's ongoing problems. "Max's case has not been simple nor linear, and we've attempted to adequately keep our members and fans up to date while maintaining Max's privacy," said Saints football boss Dave Misson. "We have also been dealing with a medical situation that has often confounded the many medical experts we have consulted."About 10 days ago, as Max was closing in on a return to football, he felt a clunking in his knee - the same knee that has been causing him trouble throughout this season."This was as surprising as it was frustrating, as all indications were that Max's most recent arthroscope had addressed this issue." That meant more consultations and scans, leading to Monday's surgery. "We feel the cause of Max's issue has been pinpointed and that damage to the medial aspect of his knee, in certain situations, was impeding his movement and causing pain," Misson said. "The operation aimed to address and repair this issue. It will see Max off-legs for several months, however, will allow him to be ready for the commencement of pre-season." Meanwhile, the AFL website reported Phillipou would be out for several weeks after his plantaris tendon injury flared again before Saturday night's match. Phillipou was a late scratching when he felt sharp pain in his calf while warming up. Injuries have restricted him to only four games this season. Treloar has only played four games in 2025 after last year's All-Australian honours. The Bulldogs confirmed he has a moderate-grade calf strain and ruled him out for six weeks. St Kilda's Max King has needed more knee surgery, confirming he won't play any AFL this season. The key forward's inability to recover from his pre-season injury has been a disaster for the Saints, who are in the bottom four after Saturday night's fighting loss to Collingwood. Also on Monday, Saints young gun Mattaes Phillipou reportedly is out for several weeks. He was distraught after aggravating a lower-leg injury only minutes before of the start of the Collingwood game and was a late withdrawal. And the Western Bulldogs have lost All-Australian Adam Treloar for six weeks with another calf muscle injury. Treloar was hurt in the first half of Sunday's win over Richmond and coach Luke Beveridge said there was "significant concern" about the midfielder's latest setback. King has not played since round 17 last year, but the Saints had been hopeful he would return before the end of this season. He has already needed two operations on his right knee because of the initial injury during a February practice match. The Saints re-signed King to a six-year deal last season, taking him to 2032. In a statement, the club said Monday's surgery was on damage to the medial aspect of the knee, which had caused "occasional but persistent" pain. The Saints are also adamant they have been baffled by King's ongoing problems. "Max's case has not been simple nor linear, and we've attempted to adequately keep our members and fans up to date while maintaining Max's privacy," said Saints football boss Dave Misson. "We have also been dealing with a medical situation that has often confounded the many medical experts we have consulted."About 10 days ago, as Max was closing in on a return to football, he felt a clunking in his knee - the same knee that has been causing him trouble throughout this season."This was as surprising as it was frustrating, as all indications were that Max's most recent arthroscope had addressed this issue." That meant more consultations and scans, leading to Monday's surgery. "We feel the cause of Max's issue has been pinpointed and that damage to the medial aspect of his knee, in certain situations, was impeding his movement and causing pain," Misson said. "The operation aimed to address and repair this issue. It will see Max off-legs for several months, however, will allow him to be ready for the commencement of pre-season." Meanwhile, the AFL website reported Phillipou would be out for several weeks after his plantaris tendon injury flared again before Saturday night's match. Phillipou was a late scratching when he felt sharp pain in his calf while warming up. Injuries have restricted him to only four games this season. Treloar has only played four games in 2025 after last year's All-Australian honours. The Bulldogs confirmed he has a moderate-grade calf strain and ruled him out for six weeks. St Kilda's Max King has needed more knee surgery, confirming he won't play any AFL this season. The key forward's inability to recover from his pre-season injury has been a disaster for the Saints, who are in the bottom four after Saturday night's fighting loss to Collingwood. Also on Monday, Saints young gun Mattaes Phillipou reportedly is out for several weeks. He was distraught after aggravating a lower-leg injury only minutes before of the start of the Collingwood game and was a late withdrawal. And the Western Bulldogs have lost All-Australian Adam Treloar for six weeks with another calf muscle injury. Treloar was hurt in the first half of Sunday's win over Richmond and coach Luke Beveridge said there was "significant concern" about the midfielder's latest setback. King has not played since round 17 last year, but the Saints had been hopeful he would return before the end of this season. He has already needed two operations on his right knee because of the initial injury during a February practice match. The Saints re-signed King to a six-year deal last season, taking him to 2032. In a statement, the club said Monday's surgery was on damage to the medial aspect of the knee, which had caused "occasional but persistent" pain. The Saints are also adamant they have been baffled by King's ongoing problems. "Max's case has not been simple nor linear, and we've attempted to adequately keep our members and fans up to date while maintaining Max's privacy," said Saints football boss Dave Misson. "We have also been dealing with a medical situation that has often confounded the many medical experts we have consulted."About 10 days ago, as Max was closing in on a return to football, he felt a clunking in his knee - the same knee that has been causing him trouble throughout this season."This was as surprising as it was frustrating, as all indications were that Max's most recent arthroscope had addressed this issue." That meant more consultations and scans, leading to Monday's surgery. "We feel the cause of Max's issue has been pinpointed and that damage to the medial aspect of his knee, in certain situations, was impeding his movement and causing pain," Misson said. "The operation aimed to address and repair this issue. It will see Max off-legs for several months, however, will allow him to be ready for the commencement of pre-season." Meanwhile, the AFL website reported Phillipou would be out for several weeks after his plantaris tendon injury flared again before Saturday night's match. Phillipou was a late scratching when he felt sharp pain in his calf while warming up. Injuries have restricted him to only four games this season. Treloar has only played four games in 2025 after last year's All-Australian honours. The Bulldogs confirmed he has a moderate-grade calf strain and ruled him out for six weeks.
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
OKC Thunder claim NBA title in Game 7!
NBA: The Oklahoma City Thunder took home the 2025 NBA championship, the first in the franchise's 17 years here with a 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
