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Defector

Patrick Redford

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks interview after a 127-121 Dallas Mavericks win over the LA Clippers in game two of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on May 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Luka Doncic Solves All The Problems

Albert Burneko

Danny Ainge Finally Delivers The Big Move

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Devin Booker looks at Chris Haynes as Haynes asks his insanely stupid question.

Here Is A Super Incredibly Dumb Post-Game Question, Courtesy Of NBA Insider Chris Haynes

Tom Ley

Damian Lillard Is A Waking Nightmare

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

Joel Embiid lies on the court, clearly injured. Robin Lopez looks back at him.

I Spent All Day Thinking About Joel Embiid’s Injury

The Shitty Fans Are Escalating

The Knicks Look Like Crud

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Bucks Didn’t Conquer The Giannis Wall, And Didn’t Have To

Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, in happier times.

Danny Ainge Puts A Foot In His Big Fat Mouth

Arena view. Fans point to another fan who it appears threw popcorn

The Assholes Are Back, Too

Giri Nathan

The Celtics Chose Death By Joe Harris

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball against Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

It’s Anthony Davis Time

Patrick Beverley looks bummed after committing a foul.

Bask In The Delights Of Patrick Beverley’s Miserable Evening

Ray Ratto

There’s Only One Solution To Bad Refereeing

Luis Paez-Pumar

Bryn Forbes #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after his three point basket in the second quarter against the Miami Heat during Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on May 24, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Bucks Couldn’t Miss

The Clippers And Mavericks Are Good At Being Mean

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MAY 23: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz blocks Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies in Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 23, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

The Grizzlies Are Here To Party

Trae Young beats Frank Ntilikina for the deciding bucket.

A Timely Nudge And A Lost Shoe Helped Trae Young Author A Classic Finish

Investigations Editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99

Diana Moskovitz

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns slam dunks the ball past Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90.

All The Phoenix Suns Have To Do Is Rewrite Their Own History

Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after scoring in overtime against Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat during Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on May 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Ugly Playoff Basketball Games Are Uniquely Thrilling

Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets, in a hoodie, making a goofus face

A Timely And Incredibly Expert Preview Of The 2021 NBA Playoffs

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Alex Caruso Was Right Where The Lakers Needed Him To Be

David Roth

Russell Westbrook contemplates the void, and The Distraction logo.

Podcasts

A Hater’s Guide To Every Postseason, With Lauren Theisen And Albert Burneko

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores the game winning three point basket against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the closing minute of an NBA Tournament Play-In game at Staples Center on May 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

NBA