After winning its first playoff game in almost 20 years, the first-place Pistons have been one of this season's biggest surprises behind the play of Most Valuable Player candidate Cade Cunningham and a gritty top-tier defense. The Knicks, who are three games behind Detroit, are the newly crowned NBA Cup champions, led by the steady Brunson, but they are supplemented by a bench that has already provided a few clutch moments.
"Drake Maye is well and capable, has all the upside, and skillset. But last year, under his player's status, a head coach was fired," Newton said. "That's not to say, 'Aw, man, you can't say that. That wasn't all Drake Maye, he was a young quarterback.' But, does Jerod Mayo have a job right now? Offensive coordinator was Alex Van Pelt. Is he an offensive coordinator anywhere in this league?"
As No. 6 Ole Miss celebrated its historic 39-34 victory against No. 3 Georgia in Thursday's CFP quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl, the shadow of former coach Lane Kiffin continued to hang over the Rebels program. Sources told ESPN on Thursday night that it remains unclear how many Ole Miss assistants, who are joining Kiffin at LSU, will be allowed to remain with the Rebels when they face No. 10 Miami on Jan. 8 in a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.