It’s gonna be May

The GIST: For the first time since 2005, the second round of the playoffs does not feature LeBron James, Steph Curry or Kevin Durant. With two decades of dominance possibly in the rearview mirror, here’s a refresher on a few of the next gen hoopers lighting up the postseason. Consider the torch passed.

Eastern Conference (EC): Despite enormous efforts from their respective All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton last night, the NY Knicks and Indiana Pacers are both still one win away from advancing to the EC semis. But even when their squads fall short, these two shine.

• Through his three-point prowess and silky smooth assists, Brunson has transformed the Knicks into a bona fide title contender after a 51-year championship drought, while, thanks in part to fashion icon Haliburton, the Pacers are on their first playoff run since 2020.

• Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is gearing up for tonight’s 7:30 p.m. ET Game 5 against the Miami Heat and needs just one win to clinch his sixth conference semis berth in seven seasons. Dads do it better.

Western Conference (WC): With the aforementioned James’ status as an LA Laker apparently up in the air, the king of the WC is the defending champion Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić — the 2023 NBA Finals MVP and undisputed triple-double legend.

• Another player electrifying social media this postseason? The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, whose slam dunks and smack talk are winning hearts and drawing serious eyes. A star on the rise.

The GIST: Somebody call Jeff Probst because teams are channeling their best outwit, outplay, outlast mentality as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue.

Who clinched: All up 3-1 heading into last night’s Game 5s, the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche sealed the deal with wins over the NY Islanders and Winnipeg Jets, respectively. Consider those votes tallied.

• But the Boston Bruins, who had clinching potential, were stunned by the shorthanded Toronto Maple Leafs as left winger Matthew Knies stepped up to secure a 2–1 Game 5 overtime win last night, forcing Game 6 back in The Six tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.

• The Florida Panthers, who eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday, will just have to wait for their second round opponent.

Who’s knocking at the door: There are two big Western Conference matchups on deck tonight. The first is evened at two games apiece and anyone’s for the taking as the Dallas Stars host the reigning champion Vegas Golden Knights when the high-scoring series continues tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET.

• Elsewhere, the Edmonton Oilers (up 3-1) will aim to send the LA Kings packing when the Game 5 puck drops tonight at 10 p.m. ET.

• And after losing Game 5 last night, the Vancouver Canucks (up 3-2) have another opportunity to close out their series against the Nashville Predators on Friday. Survivors, ready?

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