Nba

The Knicks won on June 13, some Jewish fans think that’s more than a coincidence

Rabbi Justin Pines, CEO of JBS, noted the Holzman banner in a broadcast. “Coincidence?” he asked. “Or a divine reminder hanging right over the court?”

|ByPHILISSA CRAMER/JTA
The Empire State Building, JPMorgan Chase Building, and One Vanderbilt in New York City are illuminated in the colors of the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2026, as seen from Bayonne, New Jersey.
Revellers and fans celebrating the New York Knicks' win over the San Antonio Spurs and World Cup festivities watch as a city shuttle bus catches fire outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York, U.S., June 14, 2026. The shuttles had been brought in to transport spectators to and from the New

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win NBA

"They are expressing their happiness, a little bit violently, but it is what it is," said Youssef Sabbr, a 49-year-old Canadian of Moroccan descent.

|ByREUTERS
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) hoists the trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the 2026 NBA Finals to win the 2026 NBA Championship at Frost Bank Center.

Knicks in five! Knicks win NBA win 2026 NBA Championship for first time in over 50 years

Down double digits once again, the Knicks rallied to win their first NBA championship since 1973, ending a 53-year title drought.

|ByRICHARD OFFENBACHER
2026 NBA Finals - Game Four NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 10: Members of the New York Knicks celebrate their 107-106 victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026 in New York City.

Knicks complete historic comeback to take commanding 3-1 series lead.

Unsung hero OG Anunoby scored 33 points and delivered the game-winning tip-in as the Knicks erased a 29-point deficit to move within one win of their first NBA title in more than 50 years.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, RICHARD OFFENBACHER

Deni Avdija drawn into political storm after Netanyahu’s All-Star praise

Netanyahu’s message, posted shortly after Avdija was named an All-Star reserve, read: “Every time you step onto the court, our country shines with pride.”

FEBRUARY 3, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS forward Deni Avdija, the first Israeli selected to the NBA All-Star Game, has found his historic achievement followed by online backlash after a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Deni Avdija first Israeli to be an NBA All-Star, Gaza hospital director revealed as Hamas colonel

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
Feb 29, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (8)drives past Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

Why Deni Avdija’s All-Star moment feels bigger than basketball in Israel - analysis

“I’m an athlete. I don’t really get into politics, because it’s not my job. I obviously stand for my country, because that’s where I’m from,” he said in an interview last month in The New York Times.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByHERB KEINON
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 27, 2026 in Washington, DC.

NBA star Deni Avdija becomes first Israeli chosen for All-Star game

More fans voted for the Israeli than for LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and many others.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.

Israel’s basketball powerhouse: Deni Avdija’s meteoric rise to NBA stardom

Deni Avdija has become the fulcrum of Portland’s offense and one of the most productive two-way forwards in the league.

JANUARY 31, 2026ByASHER SMITH
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS forward Deni Avdija (8) scores a basket during the first half against Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5) at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

Deni Avdija nears Portland Trailblazers NBA return following injury

Portland forward Deni Avdija is close to returning after missing one game with lower-back soreness, as his strong season keeps him in the All-Star conversation.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
IN HIS sixth NBA season, Israeli forward has taken a big leap with the Portland Trail Blazers and is favored to make his first All-Star Game.

Did Washington move too soon on Avdija? Former manager Tommy Sheppard offers an answer - interview

Avdija’s first season highlighted the difficulty. An ankle injury limited him to 54 games, and according to Sheppard, that period tested his character.

JANUARY 11, 2026ByIDAN KWELLER
Deni Avdija

Deni Avdija’s NBA leap is turning Israeli hoops into must-watch TV

JANUARY 7, 2026ByISAAC KAPLAN
Basketball.

Avdija leads, Portland believes: Triple-double and turning point in road victory over Spurs

“I think we’re improving at closing games,” Avdija explained. “Everyone is disciplined defensively, helping each other. We don’t leave anyone alone, and we go get wins together.”

JANUARY 4, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS Israeli forward Deni Avdija drives past San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet for two of his game-high 29 points – to go along with 11 rebounds and 10 assists – in the Blazers’ 115-110 road victory over the Spurs. (Daniel Dunn/Imagn Images)

Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija scores 34 as Blazers extend Pelicans' misery

Avdija buoyed the Blazers for much of the first half, having scored almost half of Portland's points deep into the second quarter.

JANUARY 3, 2026ByREUTERS
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) during the first half at Smoothie King Center, Jan 2, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.