This is the online version of our morning newsletter, The Morning Win. Subscribe to get irreverent and incisive sports stories, delivered to your mailbox every morning. Charles Curtis is filling in for Andy Nesbitt today.
The Portland Trail Blazers were all set to be in the playoffs, with not a worry about the play-in games with the team up 117-116 on the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
But with over four seconds to go, Devin Booker took a wild shot at the game-winner … and in came a whistle. Was he fouled by Norman Powell? Replays showed it appeared to be the case. Two free throws later … and suddenly, there’s chaos in the playoff picture.
If you’ve been rolling your eyes at the NBA’s play-in format this season (LeBron James, I’m looking at you), it’s time to admit it’s awesome given what’s ahead.
The Lakers now have a shot at pulling themselves out of the No. 7 spot and a play-in game or two. If they win their final two contests and the Blazers lose to the Nuggets in their final game of the season, LeBron and the Lake Show will avoid a possible date with the Golden State Warriors.
Not only that! The Suns have a shot at the No. 1 seed and the Nuggets and Clippers will go into the weekend fighting for the 3-4 spots.
There’s also some uncertainty in the East (will the Sixers clinch the No. 1 seed? Who’s going to end up in 4-6 between the Hawks, Heat and Knicks?), but you know everyone’s going to be focused on whether the defending champion Lakers can dig themselves out of the play-in spots.
This kind of drama is exactly why the play-ins are an amazing concept. And thanks to the Suns, we’ve got a weekend filled with nail-biting action ahead.
Quick hits: Tom Brady vs. the Patriots is going to be amazing … McLovin shoes! … the NHL playoffs are here … and more.
— Tom Brady had a fantastic reaction to facing the Patriots later this year, a game in which the former Pat could break the NFL passing yards record against his ex-team. Brady’s dad is pumped!
— Blake Griffin wore custom “McLovin” Jordans that you have to see.
— Our Mary Clarke gives you a comprehensive breakdown of how the NHL playoffs will work.
— Charles McDonald has an in-depth look at how Kyle Pitts could make the Falcons’ offense unstoppable.