April 22, 2026 | Edition #211
👋 {{readername | Hey NBA Fans}}
The atmosphere inside the Frost Bank Center felt nothing like it did just days ago. But more than the loss, all eyes were on Victor Wembanyama, as concern rippled through the crowd. Elsewhere, the Houston Rockets are unraveling in the worst possible way.
Let’s tip things off…
Today’s Headline 🏀
Must-Reads ⛹️♂️
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NBA Playoffs Preview: Injury Report, Predicted Lineup, Where to Watch for 04/22 Games Feat. Suns, Thunder, Magic and Pistons
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EssentiallyDunk Originals 🔏
Alley-oop 🤝🏻
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Fan Zone 📣
Just the other day, majority of you told us that the best time to receive Essentially Dunk was between 8 AM and 10 AM. We want to fine-tune your experience further, so tell us…
Which Time Zone Do You Reside In?
Last Poll Result: There’s been a tie in last edition’s poll with 25% of you picking Derrick Rose’s injuries and the Bulls never being able to land another superstar as the biggest “what if” in franchise history.
Play of the Day ▶️
LeBron James takes the roof off at Crypto.com Arena with this reverse windmill dunk. Somebody remind him he’s 41!
NBA Playoffs ⚔️
The Maxey - Edgecombe duo combined for 59 points and won Game 2 against Boston. The Celtics could not win despite Jaylen Brown scoring 36. It’s because they shot poorly, making only 26% of shots from deep, and couldn’t capitalize on any momentum in the second half.
Portland edged San Antonio in a game where Wemby played all but 12 minutes. The Frenchman was diagnosed with a concussion after he tumbled face-first onto the floor. Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 31 points, and a 16-point contribution from Jrue Holiday was enough to help them power through on the day.
The Lakers won again, but this time it was in Kevin Durant’s presence. LeBron James had 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. On the other hand, Durant scored just three of his 23 points in the second half, took only 12 shots overall, and had nine turnovers. For LA, both Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard went 8 for 13 from the field, combining for eight triples.
Thank you for reading the latest edition of Essentially Dunk. As always, we appreciate your honest feedback. So please tell us…