Basketball

DENVER (AP) — After a difficult-to-watch film session of their Monday night meltdown against Minnesota and an energetic practice Wednesday, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone gave his team a stinging reminder and made a request.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — As Oklahoma City prepared to host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was asked how his team would brace for Luka Doncic's physical style.

BOSTON (AP) — When Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum have it going, it usually means good things for the Boston Celtics. This postseason, it's also been opening up the floor —- and the 3-point line —- for Derrick White.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual self and Luka Doncic wasn't.

Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18, first in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Celtics -13.5; over/under is 213.

Dallas Mavericks (50-32, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Thursday, 9:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Thunder -5; over/under is 218.

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 32 points, Derrick White made seven 3-pointers and added 25, and the Boston Celtics powered past the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-95 on Tuesday night in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series.

BOSTON (AP) — Donovan Mitchell kept scoring, and the Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t getting any closer. Jayson Tatum was struggling, and the Celtics kept pulling away.

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was fined $100,000 by the NBA but avoided a suspension for “throwing multiple objects in the direction of a game official during live play,” the league announced Tuesday. Murray of Kitchener, Ont.

Rudy Gobert made some history. Victor Wembanyama nearly did.