Author: Matt Eppers, USA TODAY

Patriots owner Robert Kraft was seated with Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck and got a loud ovation when shown on the Jumbotron.

It all comes down to this. The long playoff journey has arrived at the NBA Finals. It’s the Warriors and Raptors for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Portland big man Jusuf Nurkic was taken off the court on a stretcher after sustaining a terrible injury to his left leg Monday night against Brooklyn.

Zion Williamson would make an immense, immediate impact on a floundering Cavs team in need of direction, and he’d give fans something to cheer for.

The Lakers’ misery isn’t going to elicit very little pity among fans outside their own, but at least one person is feeling some sympathy.

Kyrie Irving isn’t too concerned about losses in February and remains confident that the Celtics will have the answers come playoff time.

DeMar DeRozan felt the love in his return to Toronto, but the night ended with the crowd showering the Raptors’ newest star with an MVP chant.

On a night when he struggled shooting, James Harden hit a 3 with 53 seconds left to reach 31 points, his 30th consecutive game with at least 30.