Updates below the fold:
Wolves/Lynx
- The Minnesota Lynx nearly blew a 24-point lead and needed a last-second layup from Lindsay Whalen to defeat the Washington Mystics, 79-77. The Mystics had a 21-4 run in the 3rd quarter and actually took the lead, 73-72, with 3:25 left in the game.
- Former Wolves' player and current NBA analyst Wally Szczerbiak tweeted after the game, "KG is another one who lacks the #clutchgene always has!" Wally deleted the tweet, but retweets are still available.
- The Wolves renewed an agreement with WFTC My 29 to broadcast up to 25 games of the 2012-13 season. FS North will televise 50 Wolves games during the upcoming season.
- Today, the Wolves will host several draft prospects - inculding Miles Plumlee and Jae Crowder, among others - at the Target Center for workouts.
Around the NBA/WNBA
- The New Orleans Hornets won the NBA's draft lottery and the #1 overall pick in the 2012 draft. It is expected that the Hornets will use the pick to select Kentucky forward Anthony Davis. The pick was New Orleans' own pick, not the pick they received from Minnesota. That picked finished 10th overall.
- David Stern spoke before the lottery and said the league needs to take a closer look at flopping and at all flagrant fouls. He also wants to end defensive basket interference. Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver also discussed reserving spots on the US Men's Basketball Team for those 23 years of age and under.
- Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports talks about the league inviting lottery skepticism.
- Brandon Becker of Rufus on Fire laments the Charlotte Bobcats finishing second in the NBA draft lottery and missing out on a potential franchise-changing player in Davis.
NBA Playoff Recap
- Rajon Rondo had an all-time classic playoff performance - 44 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 3 steals - but the Celtics wound up losing in overtime, 115-111. LeBron James also had a nice night with 34 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. The Heat are now up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- Jeff Clark of CelticsBlog says that the Celtics are demoralized, but not done yet.
- Surya Fernandez of the Peninsula is Mightier also had this take from the Heat's point of view.