Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri as President; Magic Fire Jamahl Mosley After 3-1 Collapse

Key facts

• Mavericks hire Masai Ujiri as team president and alternate governor.
• Magic fire Jamahl Mosley after five seasons and a blown 3-1 series lead.
• Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards expected to play Game 1 against Spurs.
• Cavaliers beat Raptors in Game 7, will face Pistons in second round.
• Pistons roll past Magic in Game 7 for first series win since 2008.
• NBA releases second-round playoff schedule.
• Joel Embiid's injury status remains uncertain for 76ers-Knicks series.

Front-Office Earthquake in Dallas and Orlando

The Dallas Mavericks have hired Masai Ujiri as team president and alternate governor, a move that reshapes the franchise's leadership ahead of a critical offseason. Ujiri, the architect of Toronto's 2019 championship, arrives with a mandate to build around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. In Orlando, the Magic have fired head coach Jamahl Mosley after five seasons, following a devastating first-round exit in which they blew a 3-1 series lead against the Detroit Pistons. The collapse marked the third consecutive first-round loss for Orlando, prompting questions about the team's ceiling from star forward Paolo Banchero.

Edwards Cleared for Game 1 as Timberwolves Open Against Spurs

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been cleared for on-court activities and is expected to play in Game 1 of the second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards, who led the Timberwolves through a hard-fought first round, remains questionable on the official injury report but appears likely to take the floor. The Timberwolves face a pivotal summer regardless of playoff outcome, with key roster decisions looming. The series against the Spurs presents both an opportunity and a test of the team's long-term trajectory.

Cavaliers Edge Raptors in Game 7, Set Up Pistons Showdown

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors in a decisive Game 7, earning a second-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised center Jarrett Allen, saying he was 'ready for the moment' after a standout performance in the elimination game. Toronto's Darko Rajaković, meanwhile, was measured in his assessment of star Scottie Barnes, stating, 'This is not the best version of Scottie,' hinting at room for growth as the Raptors head into an offseason of reflection.

Pistons End 16-Year Drought with Series Win Over Magic

The Detroit Pistons rolled past the Orlando Magic in Game 7 to capture their first playoff series victory since 2008. The win ends a 16-year drought for the franchise and sets up a second-round clash with the Cavaliers. Orlando's collapse from a 3-1 lead has drawn comparisons to historic first-round comebacks, with analysts noting the psychological toll on a young Magic roster. Banchero publicly questioned the team's ceiling after the loss, signaling potential internal discord.

76ers-Knicks and Celtics-76ers Series Under Scrutiny

The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are set for Game 1 on Monday, May 4, with Joel Embiid's injury status a major storyline. Embiid's availability could swing the series, as the 76ers rely heavily on the MVP candidate's two-way impact. In the Celtics-76ers series, veteran forward Jaylen Brown suggested that some referees assigned to the series should be '...' (the comment was cut off in reports), raising questions about officiating consistency. The NBA has not publicly responded.

NBA Releases Second-Round Schedule Amid Coaching Carousel

The NBA has released the full second-round playoff schedule, with series beginning as early as May 4. The slate includes marquee matchups such as Timberwolves-Spurs and Cavaliers-Pistons. Off the court, the Mavericks' hiring of Ujiri and the Magic's firing of Mosley headline a busy coaching and front-office carousel. The Mavericks' move signals a win-now philosophy, while Orlando's decision underscores the high stakes of playoff failure.

Historic Comebacks and a Defining Summer Ahead

The first round of the playoffs featured historic comebacks, with the Magic's 3-1 collapse joining the ranks of notable NBA reversals. The Mavericks, meanwhile, hope Ujiri can replicate his Toronto success in a new market. As the second round begins, the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, and Pistons carry momentum, while the 76ers and Knicks grapple with uncertainty. The coming weeks will shape not only this year's champion but also the league's competitive balance for years to come.

The bottom line

• Masai Ujiri's hiring by the Mavericks signals an aggressive push to contend immediately.
• Jamahl Mosley's firing in Orlando underscores the cost of playoff failure, even for a young team.
• Anthony Edwards is expected to play Game 1, boosting the Timberwolves' chances against the Spurs.
• The Pistons' first series win since 2008 marks a significant milestone for a rebuilding franchise.
• Joel Embiid's injury status remains a pivotal unknown in the 76ers-Knicks series.
• The Cavaliers and Pistons will meet in the second round after both won Game 7s.