Author: Matt Eppers, USA TODAY

The NBA playoffs are here, and the quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy is on. Check out the full schedule for the conference finals.

The Knicks clinched their first playoff berth since 2013, completing a quick turnaround under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau and a new front office.

Russell Westbrook had 14 points, 21 rebounds and 24 assists for the third 20-rebound, 20-assist game in NBA history.

After third straight loss, Lakers are in three-way tie for 5-7 spots in West and face possibility of having to get to playoffs through play-in game.

Just when they seemed to be making strides ahead of the playoffs, the Celtics have lost three in a row, and Tuesday’s loss might be most puzzling.

With 14 games left in regular season, Bucks are quietly inching up the standings behind Sixers and Nets and could be poised to make a run at No. 1 seed.

Joel Embiid came *this close* to hitting the most incredible game-tying shot Wednesday when his full-court heave banked off the glass and rimmed out.

The Nuggets’ Jamal Murray crashed to the court in agony late in the fourth quarter Monday against the Warriors and immediately grabbed his left knee.

Steph Curry passed Wilt Chamberlain as the Warriors’ career scoring leader early. He didn’t stop and lit up the Nuggets for 53 points.