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Christian Braun SG | DEN
Nuggets' Christian Braun: Struggles in season-ending loss
Braun posted three points (1-4 FG, 1-4 3Pt), one rebound and three blocks in 28 minutes during Thursday's 110-98 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Braun scored in single digits for the fourth straight game, closing out what was an underwhelming end to a disappointing season. Despite having homecourt advantage, Denver simply couldn't match Minnesota's intensity. Injuries limited Braun to just 50 appearances across the season (including playoffs), during which he averaged 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 three-pointers.
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Jonathan Kuminga PF | MIN
Hawks' Jonathan Kuminga: Indifferent end to season
Kuminga contributed 11 points (3-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-6 FT), two rebounds, three assists and one block in 23 minutes during Thursday's 140-89 loss to the Knicks in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Kuminga closed the chapter on another disappointing season, undoubtedly raising some questions heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Although the trade from Golden State to Atlanta allowed him to play meaningful basketball, his impact was minimal. In 22 games as a Hawk (including playoffs), Kuminga averaged 12.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 three-pointers, leaving him well outside the top 250 in standard fantasy formats.
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Zaccharie Risacher SF | DAL
Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher: Plays in garbage time of big loss
Risacher finished Thursday's 140-89 loss to New York in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with eight points (4-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt) and three rebounds across 16 minutes.
Though he saw his most playing time since the Hawks' regular-season finale April 12, Risacher didn't check into the game until the start of the second half, when Atlanta was already trailing by 47 points. The Game 6 loss brings an end to a disappointing second season for the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, who saw his numbers mostly hold steady across the board from his rookie campaign but saw a drop in usage from 21.6 percent to 17.7 percent while Atlanta fielded a more competitive roster. Risascher could re-enter the rotation to begin the 2026-27 season, but the Hawks are unlikely to count on him to fill a significant role.
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Onyeka Okongwu C | ATL
Hawks' Onyeka Okongwu: Disappointing end to season
Okongwu amassed four points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt), six rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 32 minutes during Thursday's 140-89 loss to the Knicks in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Okongwu saved his worst for last, scoring just four points as Atlanta was embarrassed by New York in Game 6. The loss brings to an end what was a breakout season for Okongwu, as he established himself as the starting center for the Hawks. He ended the season as a top-40 fantasy asset, averaging 15.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 three-pointers and 2.2 combined steals and blocks over 80 games (including playoffs).
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Landry Shamet SF | NY
Knicks' Landry Shamet: Logs 15 minutes in Game 6 win
Shamet totaled five points (2-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt) and one rebound in 15 minutes during Thursday's 140-89 victory over Atlanta in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Shamet played double-digit minutes for just the second time in the series, as New York easily accounted for a woeful Atlanta performance, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Shamet has been mostly a non-factor throughout the playoffs, averaging just 1.8 points in 8.7 minutes through six games of the first round.
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Mikal Bridges SG | NY
Knicks' Mikal Bridges: Drops series-high 24 points
Bridges finished with 24 points (10-12 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists and one block across 27 minutes during Thursday's 140-89 victory over Atlanta in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Bridges finally found some rhythm on the offensive end, scoring 24 points during Thursday's blowout victory. Although his lack of peripheral numbers continues to be an issue, it was good to see Bridges turn things around in the scoring column. In six appearances during the first round, Bridges averaged 10.0 points, 20. rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.0 three-pointers.
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Karl-Anthony Towns C | NY
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns: Cruises to triple-double
Towns recorded 12 points (1-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 10-10 FT), 11 rebounds, 10 assists, one block and three steals across 28 minutes during Thursday's 140-89 victory over the Hawks in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Towns recorded his second triple-double of the playoffs, helping the Knicks to a comfortable victory Thursday. It continued what has been an elite stretch of games for Towns, who is averaging 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.3 three-pointers and 3.4 combined steals and blocks through six games in the first round. Friday's victory means New York will now move on to face either Boston or Philadelphia, with the winner of that series to be decided in Game 7 on Saturday.
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Jaden McDaniels SF | MIN
Timberwolves' Jaden McDaniels: Takes command in Game 6
McDaniels supplied 32 points (13-25 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals in 45 minutes during Thursday's 110-98 victory over Denver in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
McDaniels stepped up in a big way to help the Timberwolves close out the series. He shot the basketball with confidence, especially down the stretch, as he drilled several key field goals in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter to secure the victory. McDaniels also recorded his second double-double of the series by grabbing double-digit boards. He'll continue to be a key piece of the puzzle in the next round against San Antonio, even if Anthony Edwards (knee) is cleared to return.
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Kelly Oubre Jr. SF | IND
76ers' Kelly Oubre: Gets back on track
Oubre logged 14 points (6-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals across 39 minutes during Thursday's 106-93 win over the Celtics in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Oubre had been held to a combined six points between Game 4 and Game 5, but he found a way to make an impact on both ends in Game 6. The Kansas product also had a strong night on the boards, falling one rebound shy of a double-double. The Sixers would gladly take a similar performance from Oubre in Game 7 on Saturday as they look to advance to the next round.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Flirts with triple-double
Embiid produced 19 points (6-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Thursday's 106-93 victory over the Celtics in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Embiid once again found his name on the injury report leading up to Game 6, but he managed to appear in a third consecutive matchup and came through with a strong all-around performance. He's provided remarkable production after undergoing an appendectomy earlier in April, as he's averaging 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists in three games so far this series.