Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday has been recognized as a finalist for the 2024-25 NBA Social Justice Champion award, highlighting his commitment to social justice causes. The NBA announced he is among five candidates competing for the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy, which honors players who advocate for social equality. Alongside Holiday are CJ McCollum from the New Orleans Pelicans, Chris Boucher from the Toronto Raptors, Harrison Barnes of the San Antonio Spurs, and Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat. The recipient will be announced during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, with the winner receiving a $100,000 grant for a social justice organization of their choice.

Previously recognized winners of this accolade include notable figures such as Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Bullock, and Stephen Curry, signifying the importance of athlete advocacy in today’s society. Holiday's nomination not only showcases his achievements on the court but also underscores his broader impact within the community.

The New York Knicks showcased their resilience in Game 1 of the playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, overcoming a third-quarter slump to secure a 123-112 victory. The Knicks' defense, spearheaded by Tom Thibodeau, sparked a remarkable 21-0 run in the fourth quarter that turned the tide. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 34 points, while Cam Payne's contributions off the bench helped maintain the momentum. Despite a strong showing from Cade Cunningham, who scored 21 points, the Knicks' defensive strategy, particularly from OG Anunoby, proved effective.

With Game 2 approaching, the Knicks are optimistic but aware of the adjustments needed to maintain their edge. Anunoby's all-around performance, including 23 points and four steals, reinforced his status as a key player. While the Pistons excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 15 threes, the Knicks will need to tighten their perimeter defense moving forward. The stage is set for a compelling continuation of this playoff battle.

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri reflects on a challenging season, marked by inconsistency and the injury-plagued acquisition of Brandon Ingram. With a 7.5% chance of landing the top draft pick, the Raptors face uncertainty about future improvements. Ujiri's unique view as the only non-U.S. NBA team positions Toronto at the forefront of the league's global aspirations. His comments suggest a growing trend of international players potentially favoring Canada over the U.S. for professional careers, particularly as the NBA expands globally.

Despite the challenges, Ujiri emphasizes the importance of chemistry within the team while hinting at the evolving dynamics of player recruitment as the NBA's global presence strengthens. He underscores the distinctiveness of the Toronto market in this changing landscape.

Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors, is set to hold an end-of-season media conference after a disappointing 30-52 season that left the team in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors' struggles have put them in a position where they secured the seventh slot in the NBA draft lottery, giving them a 7.5% chance of acquiring the coveted No. 1 pick, which is expected to be Cooper Flagg.

This offseason presents a critical juncture for the Raptors as they navigate potential roster changes and establish a plan to regain competitiveness. Fans are eager to hear Ujiri's insights on the team's future direction and prospects for improvement.