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Chet Holmgren is certainly enjoying the spoils of victory right now.
Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals on Wednesday night with a win in Game 5 of their Western Conference Finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The seven-footer Holmgren scored 22 points on 8/13 shooting during the game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, O.K. as the Thunder won in a 124-94 blowout.
In a post to his Instagram Story after the game, Holmgren took a petty shot at Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Back in February, the Thunder and Timberwolves met for a regular season game, and Edwards put Holmgren on a poster with a ruthless slam dunk.
Anthony Edwards poster dunk over Chet Holmgren OH MY GOD pic.twitter.com/Lii0PoiqmK
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) February 14, 2025
After that February game, which Minnesota won 116-101, Edwards took a jab at Holmgren while in the locker room. “Shoutout to Chet, welcome home baby,” said Edwards in a video clip that went viral.
Spun the block, welcome home Chet. pic.twitter.com/JZfEoZOBtO
— (@neverbeenequal) February 24, 2025
But after Wednesday’s victory by the Thunder, which officially eliminated the Timberwolves from the playoffs, Holmgren threw it back in Edwards’ face. Holmgren posted the exact same video of Edwards saying, “Shoutout to Chet, welcome home baby.”
Chet Holmgren on IG pic.twitter.com/84pb06fsXB
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 29, 2025
That was pretty petty from the 23-year-old Holmgren, especially nearly four months later. But he earned the right to puff out his chest after averaging 18.0 points per game on 56.7 percent shooting from the field during the series against the Timberwolves (while serving as OKC’s most impactful interior defender as well). Holmgren is also becoming known for his shady social media posts and once even had one about Victor Wembanyama.
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Celtics’ $100 Million Guard Emerging as Major Trade Market ‘Wildcard’: Report
The Boston Celtics' offseason has been a whirlwind of moves, most of them unwanted by fans and players. Boston has already ditched championship starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and cut two-way point guard JD Davison in the name of slashing cap space, while letting reserve center Luke Kornet walk in free agency. Sixth man power forward/center Al Horford — who actually started more playoff games than an ailing Porzigins during both of their two seasons together — also appears poised to leave as a free agent, although he techincally has yet to sign with a new team. More news: Celtics’ Expected Plan for Last Roster Spot Revealed Now, one of Boston's new trade acquisitions could be rerouted — if there's any market for his services, that is. Brian Robb of MassLive opines that combo guard Anfernee Simons, who was acquired for Holiday in an exchange with the Portland Trail Blazers, may be on the move before he even plays a game for his new team. "Simons’ market is the ultimate wildcard," Robb writes. "Whether the Celtics find an appealing deal for him remains an open question given their propensity to not want to take long-term salary back unless it fits into their future plans. If getting under the luxury tax line ends up being a priority, Simons is a likely piece to go." More news: NBA Insider Provides Unfortunate Update on Celtics Star Al Horford's Free Agency When the Celtics waived Davison rather than allow him to join their standard roster following three years of two-way service, they dipped under the NBA's brutal second luxury tax apron. But there's still room to go if Boston wants to get below the first luxury tax apron, and shedding Simons' expiring $27.7 million salary (he's on the last year of a four-season, $100 million deal he signed in Portland) could go a long way towards accomplishing that. Across 70 games for the 36-46 Trail Blazers in 2024-25, Simons averaged 19.3 points on .426/.363/.902 shooting splits, 4.8 dimes, 2.7 rebounds and a career-high 0.9 swipes a night. Despite his slight frame, and his reputation as something of a score-first backcourt player in the body of a point guard, he in theory should hold some appeal to rival teams. Given that 2025-26 is expected to be a "lost" season as the Celtics await the Achilles tendon tear recovery of six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum, it behooves the team to cut some costs. Simons' score-first mentality and defensive struggles make him an odd fit for the current roster, so it makes sense that the team would at least explore moving on from his money. More news: Celtics Insider Provides Massive Update on Jaylen Brown Knee Injury Former Celtics All-Defensive Teamer Gets Honest About Guarding Lakers' Kobe Bryant For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.
Knee operation: Kirby Dach not yet back on his feet
Two years ago to the day, Canadiens fans were optimistic about Kirby Dach’s future in Montreal: the 6’4 forward had just collected 38 points in 58 games – in his first campaign in Quebec – and many wondered whether Dach had a better chance of establishing himself as a first NHL center than captain Nick Suzuki. The past 730 days have proven otherwise, but that’s not the point this morning. Since joining the Canadiens, Dach has earned a reputation as a fragile player. Virus, shoulder, upper body (concussion?), lower body, knee(ACL and MCL), knee again… Let’s just say that injuries haven’t spared Dach since he arrived in Montreal. In fact, injuries haven’t spared Dach since he started playing hockey. He has never played more than 70 games in a single season, and has only broken the 60-game barrier three times in nine junior or pro seasons. Last February, Dach underwent a second operation on his right knee in the space of 18 months. Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes may tell us that Kirby Dach is fine,but we still have our doubts. Especially whenyou consider that, with the Canadiens’ recent additions and departures, Kirby Dach is still the team’s second center on the organizational chart. content-ads]Last week, I wondered where Kirby was ? We’ve seen plenty of Habs players skating at the CN Complex this summer, but not Kirby Dach. And I had to work like a monk to catch a glimpse of him in a video filmed at Nick Suzuki’s wedding! Yesterday, I was told that Kirby Dach was spending the summer in Edmonton with Kaiden Guhle – Dach is from Saskatchewan and Guhle is from Alberta – and that Dach was still in rehab. I repeat: five months after his most recent knee operation and some 40 days before the start of practice camp, Kirby Dach is still not recovered and ready to play. Good informants spotted him in an Edmonton gym doing squats with loads that look like the ones I used to take when I went to Econofitness, not the ones an NHL player uses [content-ads]This explains it: when he came to Montreal for his captain’s wedding, Kirby Dach couldn’t – or wouldn’t – skate with his teammates in Brossard. It’s worth noting that Dach is also very quiet on social networks – his last post was in November 2024 – probably in an effort to be forgotten… to go unnoticed. Spending the summer in Alberta, rather than in Montreal (with his chums at Osheaga), makes sense, when you think about it…Let’s just say that the chances of Dach starting his season at the same time as everyone else in two months’ time are pretty slim, which is cause for concern for those hoping to see the Canadiens in the playoffs in 2026. Yes, the Kirby Dach problem would be solved if a guy like Mason MacTavish-good offensively, defensively, physically and in the face-off circle-came to Montreal, but let’s just say that the odds of that happening this summer are very low. And you can’t make plans with very improbable things![spacer title=’Prolongation’]Matthew Tkachuk, who was injured last winter while throwing down the gloves at the 4 Nations tournament, underwent surgery last month (hernia and adductor). According to the latest information from Elliotte Friedman, Tkachuk could return to action just before the Olympic Games. Let’s hope Kirby Dach doesn’t have to wait as long as Tkachuk.
Napheesa Collier Injury Update Adds Drama to Lynx’s Historic Victory
If you’re a Minnesota Lynx fan, your emotions are probably still doing somersaults. Sure, the Lynx just steamrolled the Las Vegas Aces 111-58, accomplishing the largest road win in WNBA history. But the team’s MVP frontrunner, Napheesa Collier, left the game limping, and no amount of points can distract from that gut punch. Collier’s departure came late in the third quarter with her team already leading by a colossal margin. She collided awkwardly with teammate Alanna Smith while jostling for a rebound, and down she went, landing uncomfortably on her right ankle. It was one of those moments that takes the air out of any arena, no matter the scoreline. Why Collier’s Injury Sends Chills Through the WNBA Collier was in peak form before the injury. Earlier in the quarter, her scoring kicked into high gear, bringing her total to 18 points, to go along with five assists, three rebounds, and two steals in just 26 minutes. The Lynx were cruising with a confidence that comes naturally when your franchise player elevates everyone around her. Which is exactly why her injury stings so much. This isn’t just any player. Collier leads the WNBA in points per game this season with 23.8 and has been the focal point of Minnesota’s stellar 24-5 record. Losing her for any length of time could shake up the entire league, not just the Lynx’s season. Cheryl Reeve Faces Tough Questions Head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t escape post-game scrutiny, as reporters questioned why Collier was still on the court with such a huge lead. The Lynx were up by a staggering 43 points at the time. Reeve defended her decision, saying, “I didn’t think the game was over… these things happen.” She added, “I get it. People are going to rail on me… but we did what we think was right.” Love her or not (and Lynx fans mostly do), Reeve’s response hits at a deeper truth of pro sports. Coaches have to make a thousand judgment calls mid-game, and hindsight always paints the clearest picture. That said, having your star player laid out on the hardwood in a game that was, for all practical purposes, already locked up, is a moment you’d wish you could rewind. Some Sweet Among the Sour As chaotic as the injury drama was, the game itself was a textbook example of how to make dominance look easy. Kayla McBride was the showstopper, going 8-for-8 from three-point range in the first half, setting a new WNBA record. McBride’s 23 points led all scorers and were emblematic of a Lynx squad firing on all cylinders. Even with Collier’s setback, Minnesota’s victory margin wasn’t just historic; it was a statement. Their 53-point blowout dethroned a 1998 Houston Comets win for the largest road victory in league history. For fans looking for something to smile about amid the concern for Collier, that’s a decent silver lining. The WNBA Holds Its Breath Now the league waits. Collier is set to undergo testing and imaging in the coming days. Whether she travels with the team to their next game in Seattle or heads back to Minnesota for further evaluation remains unclear. Players and fans alike, however, are feeling the weight of uncertainty. Kayla McBride spoke for all of us when she said postgame, “You hate to see anybody go down, but especially your MVP.” The Bigger Picture for the Lynx This season, Collier hasn’t just been a player. She’s been a beacon, driving Minnesota from mere playoff contention to outright championship conversation. If her ankle injury sidelines her for longer than a game or two, the ripple effects will be seismic. For now, the Lynx have an MVP-sized gap to fill in Seattle. They’ll look to McBride and others to step up. But as Reeve so eloquently put it, “I can be both happy for our team and worry about Napheesa Collier at the same time.” Fans, It’s Time to Rally The WNBA has a knack for delivering brutal cliffhangers, and this is no exception. Every die-hard Lynx fan, and plenty of Collier admirers league-wide, are crossing their fingers for a quick recovery. What’s certain is this: Collier’s passion and work ethic have always set the tone for her team. Whether she’s on the court or cheering from the sidelines, you can bet her influence will resonate. For now, though, the Lynx’s postgame celebration is muted. Their historic milestone feels like a warm cup of coffee spilled before you can even take a sip. Here’s hoping Collier’s injury doesn’t turn this sweet season bitter.
Vancouver Canucks Top Prospect Braeden Cootes Injured at World Junior Summer Showcase
Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes has been injured during the World Junior Summer Showcase, which was revealed by Team Canada coach Dale Hunter. The 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase came to a close this past Saturday after a week of competition among some of hockey's brightest young stars, such as Vancouver Canucks first-rounder top prospect Braeden Cootes, who represented Team Canada. Team Canada had a tough time in the event, dropping their opening two games to Team Finland and Sweden by a 14-7 total score. Injuries added to the problems, with some key players out of the lineup, and it hit the Canucks especially hard. Braeden Cootes suited up for Canada's split-squad contest on Tuesday as well as their game versus Finland on Wednesday. He was scheduled to dress against Sweden on Friday, but was suddenly not in the lineup. After the 8-4 blowout loss, head coach Dale Hunter informed the media that Braeden Cootes, Michael Misa, and Henry Mews were all battling injuries and were going to be game-time decisions for Saturday's final game against the U.S. Michael Misa and Henry Mews were back for that game, but Cootes was still out, which meant he was sitting out his second consecutive game. The Injury to Cootes is Expected to be a Short-Term One Luckily, the injury is not viewed as serious and is not of a long-term nature, which can allow Vancouver and their fans an opportunity to take a sigh of relief. 'Light stuff, not heavy stuff.' - Dale Hunter on Braeden Cootes' injury Though Cootes is going to be okay, missing those games was certainly a disappointment, especially since he was hoping to make an impression on Canada's World Junior staff before the final cuts are due in December. Cootes should be good to go for training camp with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds in a few weeks, as the club is set to begin its preseason on September 2 vs. the Prince Albert Raiders.
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