A competitive postseason and buzzy offseason have elevated some of the league's feistiest conflicts.
Calling the discourse around NBA MVP "good chatter," Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nevertheless declined to weigh in himself, saying, "No, I'm good. Thanks for asking, though. ... I let my game do the talking."
The Cavs' title odds improved with the trade for James Harden, but the Thunder and Nuggets are clear favorites.
Anthony Edwards led Team Stars to a victory in the revamped NBA All-Star Game, earning MVP honors after a refreshingly competitive display by the stars involved.
Kevin Durant took a playful jab at Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and the rest of the NBA All-Star World team when asked how hard his own U.S. squad of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard plans to compete in the midseason showcase.
Victor Wembanyama watched the fourth quarter of Tuesday's game against the Lakers from the bench, wishing he could have kept piling up statistics after scoring 40 points in only 26 minutes of what would become a 136-108 Spurs victory.
