The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that Tyreek Hill has been barred indefinitely from all team activities until more is known about an audio recording that aired on a local TV station in which the star wide receiver's fiancée accused him of abusing their 3-year-old son.

"We were deeply disturbed by what we heard (on the recorded conversation)," general manager Brett Veach said. "We were deeply concerned. Now obviously we have great concern for (fiancée) Crystal (Espinal). We are greatly concerned for Tyreek. But our main focus, our main concern, is with the young child."

The recording surfaced one day after Johnson County District Attorney Stephen M. Howe said charges would not be filed after police were called to Hill's home twice last month and investigators determined the child had been injured. Howe said he believed a crime had occurred, but the evidence didn't clearly establish who committed it.

Veach read a statement after the conclusion of the first round of the NFL draft that said the team became aware of the recording of Hill and Espinal in "real time'' -- just like the general public.

Afterward, Veach called Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and informed him that Hill would no longer be allowed to work out with the team. The Chiefs are in the midst of voluntary offseason workouts.

"We are going to continue to gather information and we will make the right decision,'' Veach said in his statement.

Veach declined to take any questions. Chiefs coach Andy Reid and chairman Clark Hunt, who also were in the building for the start of the draft, were not made available.

Earlier Thursday evening, KCTV in Kansas City aired part of an 11-minute audio file in which Espinal tells Hill that when asked about an injury to the child's arm, the boy replied: "Daddy did it.''

Hill denies any role in what happened to the child's arm, adding: "He says Daddy does a lot of things."

Espinal then says, "A 3-year-old is not going to lie about what happened to his arm.''

"Daddy did it," Espinal says, paraphrasing the boy. "He is terrified of you."

Hill responds, according to the recording: "You need to be terrified of me, too, b----."

Later in the recording, Espinal says, "He kept saying 'Daddy punches me,' which you do when he starts crying. What do you do? You make him open up his arms, and you punch him in the chest. Then if he gets in trouble, you get the belt out.''

The conversation was recorded as the couple walked through Dubai International Airport, according to KCTV. No date for the conversation was given.

The portion of the recording played on KCTV on Thursday starts with Espinal saying, "We were getting into it, and he said, 'Daddy, you're mean.' So we walked up the stairs. You said, 'Come back down here,' and he didn't want to go down there. But I was like, 'Go down there because it will end up worse for you.' So he walked down there and then you were getting on his [deleted] ... Then he started crying, and you were like, 'Shut up, shut up, stop crying. Shut up, shut up, stop crying.'"

Hill replies, "Right.''

Espinal continues: "Then he kept crying because he was scared. He was terrified, and you grabbed on to him or he fell, one of the two.''

Hill says, "I didn't do nothing. That's sad, bro. That's really sad.''

That's when Espinal asks Hill why their son said Hill did it.

At another point in the recording, Espinal brings up the investigations by the Overland Park (Kansas) Police Department and the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

"Now, somehow this investigation got brought back up, and you're about to lose your [deleted],'' she says.

"Now I really want you sit and think about it because I rode for you against that detective and the [DCF] people.''

Espinal then talks about what Hill does when their son starts crying.

Howe was given a copy of the tape and told KCTV that he is reviewing the audio.

Before the recording aired, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told ESPN's Sam Ponder the league was still investigating.

"When you get the facts, then you make a decision about how it fits into our personal conduct policy," Goodell said. "You don't make a decision without having those facts."

ESPN was unable to independently confirm Thursday it was Hill and Espinal on the recording.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The 2019 NFL draft is finally here, and the Cardinals started it off selecting Oklahoma's Kyler Murray, their second quarterback selected in the first-round in as many years.

We're tracking every pick for Rounds 1-7, and you can also see all of the best available prospects in the class. Check out ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s first-round analysis here.

NFL Nation reporters assess every first-round pick:

1. Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Cardinals drafted Josh Rosen in the first round last season, so they don't need a quarterback. But there was no way first-year coach Kliff Kingsbury was going to pass on Murray, whom he has known since 2012 when he started recruiting him out of high school. The Heisman Trophy winner ran the Air Raid offense under coach Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma with success, and Murray will be running the same offense for Kingsbury in Arizona.

Biggest question: Can Murray be the same dynamic, playmaking, big-armed quarterback in the NFL as he was in college? Murray's skill level is not in question. What is in questions is whether the 5-foot-10 quarterback can run the Air Raid effectively when everyone else on the field is as or more athletic than what he faced at Oklahoma. Murray's athleticism and ability to create plays was unmatched in college. But in the NFL, Murray's injury risk is much greater, and the Cardinals can't afford for the No. 1 overall pick to get hurt. -- Josh Weinfuss

• Weinfuss: Analysis for every Cardinals draft pick

2. San Francisco 49ers

Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State | Highlights

Why they picked him: The 49ers added former Kansas City defensive end Dee Ford via trade, but coach Kyle Shanahan is a firm believer that edge rusher is the most important position aside from quarterback. Over the past two seasons, the Niners have lost 11 one-possession games, buoying Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's desire to add what Shanahan calls "closers" -- the type of players who can make that one big play to turn losses into wins in the fourth quarter. Bosa is widely regarded as that type of player, and, given his brother Joey's success in a similar defensive scheme with the Chargers, it's not difficult for the Niners to envision Bosa teaming with Ford to form a tandem akin to Los Angeles' Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.

Biggest question: Can Bosa stay healthy and productive given the rigors of the NFL? Bosa played in just two-plus games before a bilateral core injury ended his junior season and college career. That injury came less than three years after he suffered a torn ACL in November 2015. -- Nick Wagoner

• Wagoner: Analysis for every 49ers draft pick

• Draft Academy: Watch Nick Bosa's path to the NFL draft

3. New York Jets

Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama | Highlights

Why they picked him: Looking to minimize risk, general manager Mike Maccagnan -- on the hot seat -- takes the safest player in the draft. "No flaws," one AFC scout said of Williams, a disruptive force who produced a nation-leading 52 pressures among interior pass rushers. The Jets believe Williams, the 2018 Outland Trophy winner, is a potential "gold jacket" player. He was a full-time contributor for only one season at Alabama, so he's not even close to reaching his ceiling -- and that's scary. This is fifth time since 2011 the Jets have taken a defensive lineman in the first round.

Biggest question: Why not Kentucky OLB Josh Allen? He would've filled a big hole in the Jets' base 3-4 front, which lacks an edge-rushing linebacker. Another question: Where does Williams fit? He plays the 3- and 5-technique positions, which makes him similar to Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson. New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams can play multiple fronts, but it won't be easy to get all three on the field at the same time. Leonard Williams is entering the final year of his contract; this could hurt his negotiating leverage. -- Rich Cimini

• Cimini: Analysis for every Jets draft pick

4. Oakland Raiders

Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Raiders, who had a league-low 13 sacks last season, need a pass-rushing defensive end in the worst way. Introducing the reigning Ted Hendricks Award winner from the national champions. Ferrell goes a tad higher than expected, but he does address a need with 27 career sacks, 11.5 last season.

Biggest question: Surely Ferrell could have been taken later, so why didn't the Raiders trade down and gather some more picks? At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds with 4.8 speed in the 40, Ferrell is a specimen. But is he a Khalil Mack-type edge rusher? That's what the Raiders are still missing. -- Paul Gutierrez

• Gutierrez: Analysis for every Raiders draft pick

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devin White, ILB, LSU | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Bucs needed a viable replacement at middle linebacker after losing Kwon Alexander and might have found themselves the next Patrick Willis. Like Alexander, White also served as a team captain at LSU. In fact, when the Bucs were interviewing White, they actually had Alexander's picture on the wall. Like Alexander, White is a highly effective blitzer -- perfect for Todd Bowles' scheme. He recorded the second-best pressure percentage among FBS players with at least 100 pass rushes in 2018, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. He has also demonstrated reliability in coverage.

Biggest question: The Bucs, who up until last year hadn't had a player reach double-digit sacks in 12 seasons, passed on the draft's best edge rusher in Josh Allen. Many would argue that Allen, who registered 17.0 sacks last year, could provide a more immediate impact. By passing on Ed Oliver, they also lost one of the best possible replacements for Gerald McCoy. As for White, there aren't many weak spots, other than getting sucked up at times in play-action and needing to get better at diagnosing such plays. -- Jenna Laine

• Laine: Analysis for every Buccaneers draft pick

6. New York Giants

Daniel Jones, QB, Duke | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Giants needed a future franchise quarterback. Manning is 38 years old and on the final year of his current contract. One coach who watched Jones' college tape thought he had a "fairly high ceiling" and thought he checked all the boxes, especially behind the scenes and off the field. General manager Dave Gettleman recently said that was important for a quarterback stepping into Manning's footsteps in New York. It also doesn't hurt that Jones was trained by respected Duke coach David Cutcliff, who also worked with Eli and Peyton Manning in college. It helped refine and prepare Jones for the NFL.

Biggest question: Does Jones have franchise quarterback talent? One scout thought Jones was a "backup" with "pedestrian talent." Jones went to Duke as a non-scholarship player and isn't exactly blessed with a cannon arm or a dynamic skill set. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay didn't see it with Jones, either. He had him ranked as his 59th-best player in the draft. The Giants took him significantly higher. -- Jordan Raanan

• Raanan: Analysis for every Giants draft pick

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky | Highlights

Why they picked him: They couldn't pass up the value. Allen became available when Oakland surprised everyone by taking Clelin Ferrell with the fourth pick. Tampa's selection of Devin White meant Ed Oliver and Josh Allen were going to be available and that was a dream scenario. Allen was an extremely productive at Kentucky (31.5 sacks, including an SEC-high 17 last season) and immediately makes the Jaguars' pass rush even more dangerous as a complement to Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell.

Biggest question: Allen was a 3-4 linebacker at Kentucky, and the Jaguars play a 4-3, so he'll likely have to move to defensive end with the Jaguars. He doesn't quite fit as the team's "big" end (the spot Calais Campbell plays) even though he's 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, but will be used extensively in the third-down package. -- Michael DiRocco

• DiRocco: Analysis for every Jaguars draft pick

8. Detroit Lions

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa | Highlights

Why they picked him: Hockenson is the best offensive playmaker left on the board and the best tight end in the draft. He's a complete tight end and one who can handle both blocking duties and is a strong pass catcher. All along, general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia pointed to tight end as a clear need for the franchise. They signed Jesse James in free agency, but they view Hockenson as more of a complete tight end. The position was useless for Detroit this year. Now, the Lions have to hope Hockenson can solve that.

Biggest question: With Oliver on the board, why does Detroit need a tight end? Oliver is a potential transcendent defensive talent and someone who could play all across Detroit's defensive line. Hockenson is a very, very good talent, but if Oliver ends up being an Aaron Donald-type player and Hockenson doesn't develop into a top 5 NFL tight end, this pick could be reminiscent of the last time the Lions took a tight end in the top 10. -- Michael Rothstein

• Rothstein: Analysis for every Lions draft pick

9. Buffalo Bills

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston | Highlights

Why they picked him: Oliver was considered a near-lock to be a top-10 pick in the draft and fell to the Bills at No. 9 with help from the Oakland Raiders' surprise selection of Clelin Ferrell at No. 4. He was the obvious selection for a team that lost stalwart defensive tackle Kyle Williams to retirement this offseason. He should start immediately alongside Star Lotulelei for coach Sean McDermott, who personally attended Oliver's pro day at Houston.

Biggest question: The Bills won't raise too many eyebrows by picking Oliver, who was the common-sense choice at the spot. One question is whether the Bills should have traded down in the first round and targeted another player slipping down the board. Picking Oliver also does not help the Bills' offense, which finished 30th last season and still could use help across the board. However, general manager Brandon Beane stayed true to his philosophy of taking the best player available. -- Mike Rodak

• Rodak: Analysis for every Bills draft pick

10. Pittsburgh Steelers from Denver Broncos

Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Steelers made the bold decision to jump 10 spots in the first round to get one of the best overall players in the draft. Pittsburgh needed to replace Ryan Shazier once and for all with a playmaking inside linebacker who can run sideline to sideline. Bush has 4.4 speed and loves to hit at 234 pounds. Huge get for Pittsburgh. One AFC exec called him the second-best player in the draft next to Kyler Murray.

Biggest question: Can the Steelers strengthen the rest of the roster without a second-round pick in this week's draft? The Steelers gave up this year's second-rounder and next year's third-rounder for Bush. That's a reasonable haul, but the Steelers still need help at cornerback, tight end and outside linebacker, among other positions. Pittsburgh has a strong roster but isn't without its holes. -- Jeremy Fowler

• Fowler: Analysis for every Steelers draft pick

11. Cincinnati Bengals

Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Bengals came into the draft needing to upgrade their linebackers or offensive line, and with both linebackers off the board, taking one of the best offensive linemen in the draft was a no brainer. Although the Bengals re-signed right tackle Bobby Hart and signed free agent guard John Miller to play on the right side, neither one are necessarily long-term solutions. Williams is projected to play multiple positions, which means he could be plugged in anywhere on the line. For a team that often brings its rookies along slowly, being versatile means Williams could contribute early at minimum and potentially even work his way into the starting lineup in training camp.

Biggest question: The Bengals haven't exactly hit on their offensive linemen lately, with 2015 first-rounder Cedric Ogbuehi and second-round Jake Fisher both considered busts. It's too early to tell for 2018 first-round pick Billy Price. That means it's important for them to knock this pick out of the park, and nobody quite knows where he fits outside of the Bengals' building. Williams played tackle at Alabama, and some think he makes a better fit at guard in the NFL. Bengals coach Zac Taylor thinks he can play all over, but said he's proved that left tackle is his natural position. With Cordy Glenn anchoring that position, that would require some shifting around on the offensive line. Taylor said they just wanted to get Williams in the building, and put their five best on the field, letting things work itself out naturally. -- Katherine Terrell

• Terrell: Analysis for every Bengals draft pick

12. Green Bay Packers

Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan | Highlights

Why they picked him: GM Brian Gutekunst has only been on the job for 15 months but this much is clear: He knows the value of big people who can affect quarterbacks. He signed two of them to sizable deals in free agency - Za'Darius Smith (four years, $66 million) and Preston Smith (four years, $52 million). Za'Darius Smith can rush from the inside, which opens up a spot on the edge for Gary in the third-down sub packages. The Packers likely view Gary as an elephant position, their catch-all term for a defensive lineman/outside linebacker who can play multiple spots. He can move, running a 4.58 40-yard dash at the combine. "He's got rare gifts, a guy that size who runs that speed," said Packers college scout Joe Hueber, who added that Gary will start out as an outside linebacker.

Biggest question: Why the Packers didn't take an offensive tackle. Only one, Alabama's Jonah Williams, had come off the board before the Packers picked at No. 12. There's also injury concern. Gary had a shoulder injury that he played through last season at Michigan. Does that sound like Kevin King, the Packers' top draft pick in 2017 who came into the NFL with a shoulder injury, tried to play through it and eventually needed surgery before his rookie year ended? Gary's production on the field doesn't jump off the stat sheet, either, recording just 3.5 sacks in nine games last season as a junior. -- Rob Demovsky

• Demovsky: Analysis for every Packers draft pick

13. Miami Dolphins

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Dolphins love Wilkins and he's a perfect first pick to be a face of Brian Flores' new culture in Miami. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said he saw five elite defensive linemen in this draft, and Wilkins was one of them. He was the highest-rated player on their board, and Grier called it an "easy decision" to take him. The Dolphins finished in the bottom-five in run defense, total defense and sacks, so they hope Wilkins can make a big impact there at defensive end and nose tackle. He is a great fit in Brian Flores' multiple scheme, and the Dolphins feel great about his "charismatic personality" and strong production.

Biggest question: Dwayne Haskins and Drew Lock were sitting right there for Miami to grab its franchise quarterback, but Grier decided to pass on both players saying Wilkins was higher on the board. It became clear recently that Grier didn't love this quarterback class and he would rather add top-tier defensive line talent. Wilkins seems like a strong bet to be a solid pro, but quarterback is the most important position in sports, so the careers of Lock and Haskins will be followed closely by Dolphins fans. Did they pass on a franchise-changing quarterback? -- Cameron Wolfe

• Wolfe: Analysis for every Dolphins draft pick

14. Atlanta Falcons

Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College | Highlights

Why they picked him: Team owner Arthur Blank made it clear that the team needed to get younger and better along the offensive line, despite the free-agent additions. Lindstrom is a tough guy who impressed during a hour and a half private workout for the whole Falcons' contingent during a Saturday. Lindstrom is versatile enough to play guard or tackle, but his physicality gives the Falcons big guard who can block in the run game and pass protect for Matt Ryan. Oh, by the way, it probably helped that he went to Ryan's old school, Boston College. The Falcons signed guards James Carpenter and Jamon Brown in free agency, but Lindstrom has to start.

Biggest question: Most folks don't take a guard that high at No. 14, so the Falcons will take heat about looking at a guard rather than a tackle. One NFC scout said Lindstrom doesn't have great power, but that same scout praised Lindstrom as tough, quick, an athletic. -- Vaughn McClure

• McClure: Analysis for every Falcons draft pick

15. Washington Redskins

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State | Highlights

Why they picked him: They needed a quarterback who could generate a little buzz. Haskins was a record-setting quarterback at Ohio State with special arm talent and a strong work ethic. The Redskins have Colt McCoy and Case Keenum and an injured Alex Smith, whose future remains uncertain because of his right leg injury. They needed a young quarterback. Haskins played high school ball in suburban Maryland - at the same school where Redskins owner Daniel Snyder's son is now a sophomore football player.

Biggest question: How long will it take him to get ready to play? The Redskins have a coaching staff that needs to win now. That's why it was not a unanimous decision in the building to acquire Haskins. His mechanics need to improve, from his footwork in the pocket to his release. There was concern that Ohio State did not run enough pro concepts to give teams a great feel for how his game would immediately transfer to the NFL. -- John Keim

• Keim: Analysis for every Redskins draft pick

16. Carolina Panthers

Brian Burns, DE, Florida State | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Panthers finished 27th in the NFL in sacks last season and were looking to bolster their pass rush. They needed a premier edge rusher to play end and outside linebacker with the defense transitioning to more odd-man fronts. They needed a long-term replacement for future Hall of Famer Julius Peppers, who retired. They got all of this in Burns, who may be the best pure edge rusher in the draft with 38.5 quarterback pressures and 24 sacks the past three seasons.

Biggest question: Size. The 6-foot-5 Burns is a bit undersized at 249 pounds. There are concerns he may not be able to handle huge tackles simply with his speed. But he has plenty of room to bulk up with an NFL weight program. Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be many negatives. ESPN analyst and former Panthers coach John Fox thought Burns was good enough to be a top-10 pick. -- David Newton

• Newton: Analysis for every Panthers draft pick

17. New York Giants (from Cleveland Browns)

Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson | Highlights

Why they picked him: He's the big body (6-4, 342) that general manager Dave Gettleman likes on his defensive line. Lawrence was a force on the Clemson defensive line before being suspended for the team's two playoff games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. He fills a hole. Gettleman wants to have a deep rotation of linemen to shuttle in and out of the lineup.

Biggest question: Lawrence is a big boy in the middle of the Giants' defensive line, but does he bring enough pass rush? Lawrence, who is more of a push-the-pocket player, had 1.5 sacks last season. The Giants were 30th in the NFL last season in sacks and still need to add a dominant pass rusher to their roster. Lawrence doesn't fill that void. -- Jordan Raanan

• Raanan: Analysis for every Giants draft pick

18. Minnesota Vikings

Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State | Highlights

Why they picked him: This was their guy all along. The Vikings zeroed in on finding the help they need on the interior of the offensive line and had Bradbury on their radar for more than a year. Despite the tackles that were available to Minnesota at No. 18 (Jawaan Taylor, Andre Dillard, Cody Ford), the Vikings had their sights set on Bradbury and weren't budging despite fielding phone calls from teams interested in seeing if they wanted to trade back. "Bradbury was by far our target tonight when we got into the draft," general manager Rick Spielman said. Bradbury provides the Vikings with immediate help at the guard or center position. Without even seeing the 18th overall pick in action with his new team, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said the addition will make the offensive line "a lot better" in 2019.

Biggest question: Where does Bradbury fit? Not knowing which position the former N.C. State center/guard is going to play is a good question for the Vikings to answer over the next four months. The position flexibility Bradbury provides Minnesota will allow the offense to tinker around with its current personnel, too. After two years as an NFL center, Pat Elflein could move back to guard, the position he played for three years at Ohio State, while Bradbury fills his spot at center. Spielman noted how critical that quality was when scouting which offensive lineman this team would take. "One of the points of emphasis that we put on was guys that can play multiple positions, especially up front on the offensive line because if you do have a guy that does get hurt, you can move guys around and still be very good players," the general manager said. -- Courtney Cronin

• Cronin: Analysis for every Vikings draft pick

19. Tennessee Titans

Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State | Highlights

Why they picked him: Simmons, when healthy, is one of the best defensive tackles in the draft. He is likely to start the season on the reserve/PUP list as he is recovering from a torn ACL that happened in February. Simmons is a disruptive player that can pair with Jurrell Casey and make the Titans a very strong defense up the middle. His ability to get instant penetration makes Simmons a force against the run. At the same time, he collapses the pocket from the interior.

Biggest question: The off the field issues associated with Simmons. In March of 2016, a graphic video surfaced of Simmons punching a woman during a fight she was in with Simmons' sister. Simmons was arrested and faced legal consequences after the incident. He has been a leader at Mississippi State since arriving on campus. "We leaned on each other throughout our time together. I can vouch for him so much. Jeffrey Simmons was one of the best guys in that building and in our community. He is a great guy," fellow Bulldog Montez Sweat said. -- Turron Davenport

• Davenport: Analysis for every Titans draft pick

20. Denver Broncos

Noah Fant, TE, Iowa | Highlights

Why they picked him: Because they have tried and tried and tried to find a tight end who gives them some impact in the passing game -- they used three picks in the previous four drafts to select a tight end (Jeff Heuerman in 2015, Jake Butt in 2017 and Troy Fumagalli in 2018) -- the Broncos grabbed one of the best receiving tight ends on the board. Fant had 19 touchdown receptions in his three seasons with the Hawkeyes and even with T.J. Hockenson on his team, Fant averaged 16.5 yards per catch in 2017 and 13.3 yards per catch this past season. The Broncos haven't had a tight end catch more 31 passes in a season since 2015.

Biggest question: Right now, Fant is far better as a receiver than he is as a blocker, so he could be limited, at least early on in his career, to working out of the slot or out wide in the Broncos' offense. If they do line him up at a traditional spot right next to the tackle, Fant is going to have to show he can get off the jam at the line of scrimmage to get himself into his route. -- Jeff Legwold

• Legwold: Analysis for every Broncos draft pick

21. Green Bay Packers

Darnell Savaage, S, Maryland | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Packers needed a center fielder, and they got one who hawks the ball and can run. Savage ran a 4.36 40 at the combine, which was fourth fastest among all defensive backs (corners included). He's also not afraid to tackle. He had seven interceptions in his last two seasons at Maryland, where he played 40 career games over four years. With Savage, the Packers can play free-agent signing Adrian Amos, formerly of the Bears, closer to the line of scrimmage at strong safety. "I feel as if I'm extremely versatile," Savage said shortly after he was picked. "Always around the ball, always making plays, just a playmaker, fast and I like to hit.".

Biggest question: Did they need to trade up from No. 30 to get him? Probably because indications were the Colts (at No. 26), who were interested in a safety and had Savage high on their board. The Packers traded picks 30, 114 and 118 to Seattle to move up nine spots. The second of those two fourth-round picks (No. 118) was the pick the Packers acquired last fall from the Redskins in exchange for safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The only real concern about Savage is his size; he measured 5-foot-10¾ at the combine. -- Rob Demovsky

• Demovsky: Analysis for every Packers draft pick

22. Philadelphia Eagles

Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Eagles love to go big in the first round. They've now selected seven linemen (three offensive, four defensive) in the first round in eight drafts under executive VP of football operations Howie Roseman. Dillard, one of the top-rated tackles in the draft, fell further than expected. The Eagles moved up to select their potential left tackle of the future with the career of 37-year-old Jason Peters winding down.

Biggest question: The coaching staff is high on former Australian rugby league player Jordan Mailata. With Halapoulivaati Vaitai also on the roster behind Peters and Lane Johnson, there's a good amount of talent and only so many spots to go around. But that's a very good problem to have for Philly. -- Tim McManus

• McManus: Analysis for every Eagles draft pick

23. Houston Texans

Titus Howard, OT, Alabama State | Highlights

Why they picked him: After Deshaun Watson took 62 sacks last season, the Texans needed to find a way to protect their franchise quarterback. Houston expects Seantrel Henderson to start at right tackle, but did not have a viable candidate who can protect Watson on the left side. Howard brings talent and athleticism to a group who needed to improve this offseason after Watson had to play through injuries to his ribs and lungs last season.

Biggest question: Will Howard be ready to start right away, and do the Texans see him as a left tackle? Howard started all 11 games at left tackle in 2017, but moved back to right tackle last season, earning first team All-SWAC honors. Howard will be expected to step up right away to protect Watson. Howard was a high school quarterback who significantly changed his body by gaining weight in college to become a first round pick for the Texans. -- Sarah Barshop

• Barshop: Analysis for every Texans draft pick

24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago Bears)

Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama | Highlights

Why they picked him: With Marshawn Lynch seemingly choosing to retire rather than re-sign with his hometown team for one last ride, the Raiders need an every-down back who runs with a punishing style. But he's more Charlie Garner than, say, Beast Mode. And that will have Jon Gruden champing at the bit to get him involved, along with new running back Isaiah Crowell and returner Jalen Richard, who was tied for the team lead in receptions last season..

Biggest question: Jacobs' 640 rushing yards for the Crimson Tide last season were a career high. The 6.7 yards per carry he averaged as a freshman in 2016 was his high-water mark. Can he put it all together at the next level, though? At 5-foot-10, 220 pounds, he does run hard. -- Paul Gutierrez

• Gutierrez: Analysis for every Raiders draft pick

25. Baltimore Ravens

Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Ravens desperately need playmakers for quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the most explosive offensive weapon in this year's draft fell into their laps. Todd McShay said Brown is one of the fastest wide receiver prospects he's ever evaluated in terms of game speed. Brown, a.k.a. Hollywood, will strike fear in defenses with his ability to blow past cornerbacks deep and turn short throws into touchdowns. How much of an impact can the cousin of Antonio Brown make in Baltimore? The Ravens ranked last in the NFL with 13 plays over 30 yards.

Biggest question: Will Brown end the Ravens' awful track record at wide receiver? In terms of history, the safer choice for Eric DeCosta's first pick as Ravens general manager would've been guard Cody Ford or center Erik McCoy. The Ravens have been the worst team at drafting wide receivers. Only one wide receiver drafted by the Ravens produced a 1,000-yard season (Torrey Smith in 2013), and all three selected in the first round (Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton and Breshad Perriman) rank among the franchise's top busts. Baltimore is hoping to end that trend with Brown. The biggest knock on him is his thin frame. There are durability concerns considering he's 5-feet-10, 166 pounds. But the Ravens couldn't pass on the 11th-ranked prospect on McShay's board. -- Jamison Hensley

• Hensley: Analysis for every Ravens draft pick

• Draft Academy: Watch Marquise Brown's path to the NFL draft

26. Washington Redskins from Indianapolis Colts

Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Redskins lost Preston Smith to free agency and needed another outside linebacker opposite Ryan Kerrigan. They do have Ryan Anderson, a second-round pick in 2017, but he hasn't yet shown he can be a quality pass rusher. But Sweat, who played at the same high school and college as Smith, gives them a quality player against the run who is also an excellent pass rusher. They wanted an edge rusher and, with Kerrigan turning 31 in August, they also need depth with an eye toward the future. Sweat recorded 11.5 sacks this past season and had 29.5 tackles for a loss the past two years.

Biggest question: His health. Sweat might have been a top-10 pick if not for concerns about a diagnosis of possible heart issues. There are now conflicting reports about whether he did have any issues or if there was a misdiagnosis. Sweat also drew concerns because he had been suspended while at Michigan State, eventually prompting him to transfer. The Redskins felt good enough about him to trade back into the first round and draft him. He has tremendous value at this point of the first round -- as long as those questions are answered in the affirmative. -- John Keim

• Keim: Analysis for every Redskins draft pick

27. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas Cowboys)

Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Raiders have needs all over the field and the secondary is a glaring one, especially when it comes to defending tight ends. At a shade under 6-foot and 205 pounds, Abram is larger than returning strong safety starter Karl Joseph, the team's first-round pick in 2016 and might hit just as hard with five career sacks among his 170 tackles in two years at Mississippi State (he began his college career at Georgia). Plus, 17 of his 38 snaps as a primary defender came while lined up in the slot, and his 36 percent pressure percentage was highest in FBS among players with at least 50 pass rushes.

Biggest question: A box safety, Abram is far from a ballhawk with just two career interceptions, and the Raiders need guys to get picks. He offers size, though, but will he be able to cover tight ends in the AFC West like Travis Kelce? As mentioned earlier, that has long been a Raiders issue. -- Paul Gutierrez

• Gutierrez: Analysis for every Raiders draft pick

28. Los Angeles Chargers

Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame | Highlights

Why they picked him: Defensive tackle was the Chargers' most obvious need heading into the draft, with only three defensive tackles currently on the roster in Brandon Mebane, Justin Jones and T.Y. McGill, so Jerry Tillery fills a need. The Chargers at times struggled to stop the run and generate interior pass rush. At 6-foot-6 and 295 pound, Tillery's explosiveness and length should help improve both of those areas defensively.

Biggest question: Tillery suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder last season that required surgery in March, so his availability for the start of the regular season remains a question mark. Also, some around the league questioned his passion for the game because of his eclectic background. However, Tillery produced in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with seven sacks and two forced fumbles last season. -- Eric D. Williams

• Williams: Analysis for every Chargers draft pick

29. Seattle Seahawks from Kansas City Chiefs

L.J. Collier, DE, TCU | Highlights

Why they picked him: Because they needed help on the edge even before they traded Frank Clark. With Clark no longer in the mix, free-agent pickup Cassius Marsh became the only edge player on Seattle's roster with more than five sacks last season. So the Seahawks addressed their top need and they added a second-round pick, three fourth-rounders and a fifth-round pick as a result of trading back from Nos. 21 and 30.

Biggest question: Does Collier have as much upside as Montez Sweat? Sweat was mentioned as a possibility for the Seahawks and they had a chance to draft him at No. 21, but he was gone by the time they picked Collier at No. 29. Sweat is the better athlete of the two, which raises a question of whether the Seahawks shied away from him because of concerns about a reported heart issue. One thing Collier has over Sweat: the size (6-foot-2, 283 pounds) to anchor against the run on early downs. -- Brady Henderson

• Henderson: Analysis for every Seahawks draft pick

30. New York Giants from Seattle Seahawks

Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Giants traded back into the first round because of Baker's talent. He was considered by some the top cornerback in the draft. He only lasted this long because there were concerns about his character. The Giants didn't have a clear-cut starter alongside Janoris Jenkins without Baker.

Biggest question: There were teams turned off by Baker's attitude. Two executives with NFC teams had Baker flagged. It's not a question of talent. It's Baker's attitude and character that make this pick somewhat of a risk. -- Jordan Raanan

• Raanan: Analysis for every Giants draft pick

31. Atlanta Falcons from Los Angeles Rams

Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington | Highlights

Why they picked him: The Falcons traded back into the first round with the Rams to select McGary, a guy they worked out privately during the pre-draft process and a guy they brought in for a visit. The Falcons are unsettled at right tackle, and the 6-foot-8, 324-pound McGary played right tackle throughout his college career at Washington. There's no doubt the Falcons entered with a mindset of upgrading the offensive line to protect Matt Ryan and open more holes in the running game. Two offensive lineman in the first round proves that.

Biggest question: A couple scouts gave interesting takes on McGary. One scout said he's socially awkward with no filter with what he says ... not a bad person or anything. Another scout called McGary a "reach" who is capable of playing right tackle only. That same scout said, "McGary will be a starter, though." -- Vaughn McClure

• McClure: Analysis for every Falcons draft pick

32. New England Patriots

N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State | Highlights

Why they picked him: Receiver was arguably the team's top need, with Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman atop the depth chart, and then more uncertainty with Phillip Dorsett, Demaryius Thomas, Braxton Berrios, Bruce Ellington, Maurice Harris and Damoun Patterson on the depth chart. So the 6-foot-2, 228-pound Harry immediately slides in to the top half of the depth chart. With Rob Gronkowski's retirement, and the failed free-agent pursuit of slot receiver Adam Humphries, the Patriots needed to address getting more weapons for quarterback Tom Brady in the draft and they used a first-round pick at receiver for the first time in Bill Belichick's 20 years as head coach.

Biggest question: The Patriots' history selecting wide receivers early in the draft has more misses than hits. While Harry is a big-sized receiver, he had only one red-zone touchdown reception on 10 targets last season. -- Mike Reiss

• Reiss: Analysis for every Patriots draft pick

Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon has been ruled out of Games 1 and 2 against the Boston Celtics as he continues to recover from a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot, the team announced Thursday.

Brogdon hasn't played since March 15, when he suffered the injury.

The Bucks had hoped Brogdon would return in time for the start of the Eastern Conference semifinals, but the team now says he won't be re-evaluated until after Game 2.

Brogdon, the 2017 Rookie of the Year, started all 64 games he played for the Bucks this season, averaging 15.6 points, 3.2 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He shot 50.5 percent from the field, including 42.6 percent from behind the arc, and made a league-leading 92.8 percent of his free throws.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ABC).

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After a contentious series against the Trail Blazers that ended in another first-round elimination and what some perceive as a dent in his reputation, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook shrugged off criticism Thursday.

"If you want to determine my career and what I've done over two, three games, you go ahead," Westbrook said during his end-of-season exit interview with the media. "That don't mean s--- to me. It doesn't. I'm going to wake up, like I told you before, three beautiful kids, I'm going to wake up and smile, be happy, enjoy my life. Doesn't change anything about -- talk about if I'm playing bad or who's better, who's not. I know who I am as a person, and that's the biggest thing I can say about myself. I know who I am. I know what I'm able to do. I know my capabilities. I know what I've done. I know what I can and can't do. So I'm OK with that. I'm OK with who I am. I'll just be blessed to wake up every day and enjoy my life. The talk about -- I don't even know what talk you're talking about, but whatever that is, you guys can keep talking about it, and I'm going to keep living my life."

Westbrook has spent his career as one of the most polarizing players in the league. Criticism was raised again with his subpar series against the Blazers in which he struggled with his shooting.

"There used to be conversations if I was a ball hog, but now I lead the league in assists for the past three years or whatever it is, that's getting squashed out," he said. "So now the conversation is about shooting. Next year I'm going to become a better shooter. After that it'll be probably, f---, my left foot is bigger than my right one. Who knows.

"So that's why, back to your point, I don't really care what people say, what they think about me, because it doesn't really matter. I know what I'm able to do and know what I'm able to do at a high level every night, and nobody else can do what I can do on a night-in, night-out basis, and I truly believe that. If they could, I'm pretty sure they would. But I know for a fact that nobody can."

A soft-spoken Westbrook talked with reporters for nearly 17 minutes, covering a variety of topics, including his abrasive style, on and off the court.

"When you do so much at a high level, a lot of haters come," Westbrook said. "That's how life is, man. That's life, man. When you do so much, people going to try to pull and take away and try to take that away from you. But nobody can take away from me. I've been blessed, and I stay prayerful, stay thankful to be able to do what I'm able to do, and nobody can ever take that away from me, regardless of what it is, how many stories are written, how many stats are put up, how many numbers are put up."

After becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double in a season in 2017, Westbrook averaged a triple-double for a third consecutive campaign. He was asked if he had made the triple-double "passé."

"If it's passé, so be it," he said. "Let somebody else do it, or try to."

The question was asked by Oklahoman columnist Berry Tramel, who has been shunned by Westbrook since January. Westbrook made headlines for his approach to the media this postseason, particularly Tramel, to whom he would answer "next question" each time he was asked one by Tramel.

"It's a tough position to be in because I know being around him, like I know where it's coming from," teammate Paul George said when asked if he ever cringes at Westbrook not doing himself any favors in terms of perception. "Like it just doesn't come off the right way. But I know where it's coming from. You know, he's a guy of principles. Everything he does is off principles. He's going to take care of himself and he's going to look out for himself, and that's what you've got to love about him, to be honest."

George, who has become close friends with Westbrook since they became teammates two years ago, said that with Westbrook, so much of it is mistaking the basketball player as the person.

"I think Russ is honestly just as normal as anybody else," George said. "I think anything he does is just amplified, and, you know, if anybody knows Russ on a personal level, you know that he's as real as it gets. He's 100 percent. He's as pure as a person that you can find. If you're watching him from afar, you might mistake that for him being a certain type of way. But honestly, man, he's one of the best human beings I've ever been a part of."

"I had a choice and a decision to go anywhere I wanted to in my career, and I chose to come back here," George said. "I mean, come on, that says a lot on its own, what kind of person Russ is."

Patrick Beverley continued to play the foil for the Clippers in their first-round series against the Warriors on Wednesday.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr, given a day to reflect, likened Beverley's flopping to facing one of the great heavyweight champions of all time, saying that Beverley's head pops back as though he's being punched by Mike Tyson.

Kerr, asked about a sequence in which Draymond Green was assessed a technical foul in Wednesday's 129-121 loss, said Beverley duped the referee into a poor call.

"I didn't think it was a good call," Kerr said. "You know Beverley's going to flop, and Draymond turned. It looked like Tyson punched him in the face."

With 10:53 to play in the third quarter and the Warriors trailing by 11, Green was called for an offensive foul on Beverley. Green then argued with referee Marc Davis and was assessed a technical foul. Kerr said he thought Green had been clapping and trying to get the Oracle Arena crowd more into the game when he was called for the technical.

"Beverley's good at that," Kerr said. "His head literally snaps back. I worry he's going to get whiplash on some of these flops. But he's good at it. And the refs, they're oftentimes partial to the little guy who's down there.

"I didn't like that particular call," he said of the offensive foul. "I know Draymond didn't, hence the technical. There's no question Draymond was trying to get the crowd going."

A day after the loss, which cut the Warriors' series lead to 3-2, Kerr also praised Beverley, who grabbed a playoff-career-high 14 rebounds.

"We missed a lot of boxouts with him," Kerr said Thursday. "But you've got to know what you're up against when you play against Beverley. He's a competitor. That's how he's made his money in this league. That's how he's been able to stick around -- because he competes, and he makes you uncomfortable. He scraps. He goes after loose balls. I love that guy. He's a helluva competitor. He's a helluva player. I think every coach would like to have a guy like him on the team. You have to understand when you're playing against him that you have to match that edge. That's what we didn't do last night. I thought his first-quarter effort and our lack of a response set the tone for the whole game."

After Game 4, Green took umbrage when asked why he was more "edgy" than usual.

"Was I edgy? I was edgy?" Green said. "I got a tech. Think I give a damn about getting a tech? You consider that edgy? You should've watched some of my past games if you want to see edgy."

On Thursday, Green wasn't answering to media and didn't seem worried about whether Kerr could in his session with reporters. With music blaring during shootaround as Green practiced his outside shot, Kerr had trouble hearing questions from reporters and twice asked a Warriors public relations official if the volume could be lowered.

His request was denied both times.

When jokingly asked who was in charge, Kerr replied, "Not me, obviously."

But Kerr said he won't hesitate to take charge when the Warriors look to close out the Clippers in Game 6 on Friday in Los Angeles. Andre Iguodala could replace Andrew Bogut as a starter in a return to the "death lineup" for the Warriors, Kerr said.

"There's no question I have to consider all of our options in terms of rotations," Kerr said, "and who's playing with whom and for how long. All that stuff. That's our job."

More than anything, Kerr said effort is the Warriors' biggest issue.

"[On Wednesday] night, they played harder than we did," he said. "Schemes go out the window when a team plays harder than you. Schemes don't matter unless you compete. I always say it every year -- the first adjustment that you have to make is to play harder. Then you can get into switching rotations, matchups. I thought in L.A., we played really hard. I think our last two home games, we let our guard down. The one thing that you should know from watching the Clippers all year is that this is a competitive, fun team that enjoys playing together, and they're not going to go away. So we've got to put them away by competing, and that's what we have to do."

Kerr also focused on his team's issues on defense.

"Offense is not the problem," he said. "They're doing a good job defensively. They're making certain guys shoot, and they're trying to take away certain areas of the floor, but this is the playoffs. This is exactly how it always works. Every team has got a lot of time to prepare, so you come up with little schemes, new lineup shifts. So we've seen this for five years.

"Teams have been watching us in the playoffs for five years, so they've been plotting and scheming, and they've had a lot of homework and a lot of research that they were able to do over the years. We expect all of this. Everything that the Clippers are doing defensively, we've seen before. They're doing a really good job, but again, we're scoring plenty of points. We can do some things better offensively, but it comes down to defensive focus and energy and intensity. We take care of that part, a lot of things will resolve themselves."

Kerr admitted that his team "wasted" an opportunity to wrap up the series earlier and earn a few more days of rest, but he said he still likes the Warriors' positioning.

"You go into every playoff series, at least I do, and you want to be up 3-2," he said. "If you have home court like we do, you want to be up 3-2 in every series so that you've got one shot on the road and one shot at home if the shot on the road doesn't work. So, yeah, we would've liked to have won last night. That was the blueprint: Win in five and get some rest. That's out of the window. We wasted the opportunity. But we're still in a really good position, and we have to take advantage of it."

ESPN's Baxter Holmes contributed to this report.

The Boston Celtics announced Thursday night that John Havlicek, one of the greatest players in the history of one of the sport's most decorated franchises, died at 79.

Havlicek played all of his 16 NBA seasons with the Celtics, winning eight championships, including one in each of the first four seasons of his career. Only two players -- Celtics teammates Bill Russell (11) and Sam Jones (10) -- have won more championships in NBA history.

Havlicek had been suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Russell took to Twitter late Thursday to salute Havlicek, calling him "not just a teammate and a great guy, but he was family."

It is getting difficult each time I hear about another contemporary that passes! What is harder is when we lose guys like John Havlicek, he was not just a teammate & a great guy, but he was family. That is how our @celtics teams were. #RIP Hondo @NBA #RIPJohnHavlicek @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/VP9MGPjrmZ

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) April 26, 2019

Former teammate Paul Silas expressed his fondness for Havlicek, with whom he played from 1972 to 1976.

"I loved the man. I won two championships with him," Silas told ESPN. "When I first got to Boston, we talked all the time. All I wanted him to do was shoot. And when he didn't, I'd go right at him. He really was one of the greatest shooters I ever saw. When we needed a big basket, he was always the guy we wanted to take the shot.''

The Celtics called Havlicek "the face of many of the franchise's signature moments."

"His defining traits as a player were his relentless hustle and wholehearted commitment to team over self," a team statement read. "He was extraordinarily thoughtful and generous, both on a personal level and for those in need, as illustrated by his commitment to raising money for The Genesis Foundation for Children for over three decades through his fishing tournament.

"John was kind and considerate, humble and gracious. He was a champion in every sense, and as we join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss, we are thankful for all the joy and inspiration he brought to us."

The Celtics took Havlicek with the seventh pick in the 1962 NBA draft out of Ohio State, where he had won an NCAA title in 1960. He was named the 1974 NBA Finals MVP, was a 13-time NBA All-Star (one of nine players in NBA history to be an All-Star in 13 straight seasons) and made a combined 11 All-NBA teams and eight All-Defensive teams.

Havlicek was one of 10 players in NBA history to make at least eight All-NBA teams and eight All-Defensive teams. The other nine are Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Kevin Garnett, Gary Payton and Chris Paul.

"The thing with John, he competed against you at the highest level and he wanted to win badly," Hall of Famer Jerry West told ESPN. "But he was always a really nice person. I don't think that I ever heard anyone say a bad word about John. He was pleasant off the court, and pleasant on it. But he really, really competed against you."

Havlicek remains Boston's franchise leader in games played, points and field goals made, is second in assists and is fifth in rebounds. He ranks fourth -- behind Dirk Nowitzki, Bryant and Duncan -- in points scored by a player who spent his entire career with one NBA franchise.

"Everybody says nice things about you when you die. I wish they said them to John when he was alive. John was always overlooked. They never talked enough about him," former teammate Dave Cowens said. "I used to ask people, 'Why don't you talk about John Havlicek?' It was always Magic [Johnson] and Jerry West and Dr. J, but John belonged in those conversations."

Cedric Maxwell, who played his rookie season with the Celtics in Havlicek's final year in the NBA, remembered him as a great teammate.

"We had lost a couple of games, and [coach] Tommy Heinsohn was trying to shake things up, so he inserted me in the starting lineup in place of John," Maxwell told ESPN. "I scored something like 21 points against Buffalo in Boston, and we won the game. The first person that came to congratulate me after the game was John. There was no animosity. It was 'Rook, nice game, way to play.'"

Havlicek was known for his endless energy on the court. He led the NBA in minutes played in both the 1970-71 and 1971-72 seasons.

"The dude ran all day. Never stopped," Maxwell said. "He wouldn't take long strides -- they were little, choppy steps -- but he was gone. When people used to say, 'You cannot hit a moving target,' that made me think of John."

Havlicek also made one of the most iconic plays in NBA history.

After Russell committed a turnover with five seconds left in Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference finals, the Philadelphia 76ers had a chance to inbound the ball and win the game. But Havlicek anticipated Hal Greer's pass to Chet Walker and stole it, then got it to Jones to run out the clock and preserve the victory. The Celtics went on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers to win that season's NBA championship.

The play became immortalized by Celtics radio announcer Johnny Most's legendary call: "Havlicek stole the ball!" It remains one of the most well-known calls of a play in the history of the sport.

"Greer putting the ball in play," Most said. "He gets it out deep, and Havlicek steals it! Over to Sam Jones! Havlicek stole the ball! It's all over!"

ESPN's Jackie MacMullan and Adrian Wojnarowski contributed to this report.

SAN ANTONIO -- About two hours before Thursday night's Game 6, a relaxed Gregg Popovich sat down for his pregame session with the media and was amiable with reporters despite the fact his San Antonio Spurs were facing elimination.

"He always has a calm to him," DeMar DeRozan said of Popovich, who has at times been short with reporters in pregame gatherings. "It wears off on us. ... We understood what we had to come in here and do tonight. Wasn't much [that] needed to be said."

From the morning shootaround to the moments leading up to Game 6, the Spurs players not only could feel Popovich's collected temperament, they channeled it. With DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge playing their best all-around games together, the Spurs kept their season alive with a 120-103 rout of the Denver Nuggets to force Game 7.

Not since Dikembe Mutombo famously celebrated the Nuggets' first-round upset of the top-seeded Seattle Supersonics in 1994 by laying on the court and holding the basketball in his hands with a smile the size of the Rocky Mountains has Denver won a winner-take-all game.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone told his team that closing out the Spurs on their home court would make Game 6 the hardest game they've ever had to play. Now, the second-seeded Nuggets will have to win one more home game to advance to face Portland with many of the young Nuggets experiencing their first-ever Game 7 on Saturday.

Nikola Jokic, who had 43 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists Thursday night, acknowledged he didn't know what the do-or-die game would be like.

"It is probably going to be even tougher than this one," he said. "We are playing at home. That may be a little good thing for us.

"We need to go there and give our best. Just go out there and work and punch people, play physical, setting screen, whatever we need to do just to get a win."

Aldridge took the fight to the Nuggets early when he scored 13 of his 26 points in the first quarter. He also finished with 10 rebounds and five assists.

DeRozan scored 23 of his 25 points in the last 25:08 of the game, including a putback at the halftime buzzer that came off his own missed free throw. DeRozan added seven assists and seven rebounds to keep the Spurs alive.

Malone called the DeRozan putback "a microcosm of this game."

"DeRozan misses, no one boxes him out, he grabs it and lays it in," Malone said. "The attention to detail was not there tonight."

One game after missing 26 of 46 shots inside the paint, many of them layups, the Spurs made 57.1 percent of their shots. While Jokic scored the most points in a playoff game in Nuggets history, topping Carmelo Anthony's 42 in 2010, the Spurs locked in on the Nuggets' 3-point shooters, holding Denver to 6-of-24 shooting from behind the arc.

Jamal Murray, who has been so key to the Nuggets' success in their playoff wins, scored 16 points, but only five came in the second half. He also appeared to take a blow to his thigh on a screen set by Spurs center Jakob Poeltl that sent Murray to the floor before he would remain in the game following a timeout in the third quarter.

The Spurs, though, delivered their finishing blow in this game during a 22-4 run that spanned from near the end of the third quarter to midway through the fourth when they blew open a three-point game into a 110-89 lead.

Malone went mostly to his subs to rest his starters at the end of the third and early in the fourth when San Antonio made its move.

"I mean, we went into this game like it was our Game 7 tonight," said Nuggets point guard Monte Morris, who was part of a Denver bench that was held to 13 points after being solid for most of this series.

After the game, Popovich was back to his normal terse self in his postgame media session. Game 7 was on, and Pop was back to being Pop.

"Well, I mean, the plan is the plan," Popovich said when asked what worked for the Spurs in Game 6. "Sometimes things work, sometimes they don't, but I'm probably not gonna discuss the plan with you. With all due respect. I'm not sure why I should do that. It's not like it's a secret or nobody's seen things before, but things worked out for us tonight."

Earlier in the series, Malone said Popovich is "the Bobby Fischer" of NBA playoff chess games when it comes to making adjustments. Popovich deadpanned at the end of his pregame session before Game 6 that he had something up his sleeve.

Now the Spurs coach will try to win another Game 7 as he heads into Denver with a 3-3 career record in Game 7s.

"Game 7 -- how much do you have to say?" Malone said. "For us, we're lucky we're playing in front of our home crowd. ... The hope is that we will respond in Game 7."

The New York Yankees acquired Cameron Maybin from the Cleveland Indians on Thursday in a trade that adds depth to their injury-ravaged outfield.

Cleveland received cash considerations in the trade.

The Yankees officially announced the deal hours after Clint Frazier became the team's latest outfielder to be placed on the injured list.

Frazier, who has a left ankle sprain, joins outfielders Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks on the 10-day IL.

Maybin was in uniform and made his way into the Yankees' clubhouse just before first pitch for Thursday night's game against the Angels but did not play.

The Yankees lost 11-5.

"He has the ability to play all outfield positions and obviously right now we're a little left-handed out there,'' manager Aaron Boone said. "We have two lefties coming up in (a series at) San Francisco. He's a good athlete with versatility to so he provides us with good flexibility.''

Maybin signed a minor league deal with the Indians last month after being released by the San Francisco Giants. He was arrested during spring training and charged with two DUI offenses -- driving while impaired and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.

Maybin, 32, split last season between the Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners, batting .249 with four home runs.

Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein said the team will go "day-to-day" and wait to make a determination on suspended shortstop Addison Russell until after he plays his seven rehab games in the minors.

The Cubs could keep Russell in the minors by optioning him to Triple-A after his 40-game suspension for violating the league's joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy is over.

"We're taking this day-to-day," Epstein said Thursday before the Cubs played the Los Angeles Dodgers. "This is one situation where it is not appropriate to get ahead of the story. Addison has a lot of work to do going forward. There is no finish line here."

Epstein was asked if keeping Russell in the minors after those seven games is an option.

"Of course it is," Epstein said. "I told him seven days does not necessarily get someone ready for the season."

The Cubs will move Russell around the diamond, as his primary position is being filled by Javier Baez, who's off to a hot start at the plate and in the field this season.

Instead of moving Baez back to second base, Russell will get a lot of reps at the position in the minors. He made his major league debut playing second base in 2015, but the Cubs chose not to play Russell there during spring training this year.

"We were trying to get him on his feet, settled in," manager Joe Maddon said. "The fact that he was going through a lot emotionally, we didn't want to add another layer to that whole situation for him."

Russell has been undergoing league-mandated counseling after abuse allegations from his ex-wife came to light late last season. Epstein didn't want to go into details on how the Cubs are monitoring Russell's growth, but Epstein has been involved.

"If you ask the people in Addison's life, you would see there have been some positives that have come out of this thus far," Epstein said, "and his behavior to this point has lived up to the standards we're requiring of him."

Russell was working out in Arizona and playing in extended spring training games before he joined Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

He said Thursday that he is focused on "trying to become a better person."

"It's been a lot of hard work, a lot of self-reflecting and a lot of self-growth,'' Russell said of his time away from the game. "They have a high standard for me, and as we are right now, I think I've hit all those standards. I'm just working on myself.''

Russell was scheduled to start at shortstop and hit third for the Iowa Cubs on Thursday. He received a largely warm reception in his debut Wednesday -- in which he singled and scored two runs against Nashville -- but it is unclear how he will be received in Chicago.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But I really have been putting up some great work on trying to become a better person,'' Russell said. "... I'm just excited to get a second chance.''

Of a possible move back to second base, Russell said, "Everyone knows that I'm willing to play another role."

The Cubs could also trade Russell before his suspension is over. The Toronto Blue Jays dealt Roberto Osuna to the Houston Astros with just days left on his suspension last season.

"He's going to be down there for seven days, and then we'll make a determination for what's best for the organization," Epstein said. "Nothing is promised."

Epstein also indicated that closer Brandon Morrow is still undergoing tests after he was recently shut down in his return from elbow surgery.

"We're still in the diagnostic state at this point," Epstein said. "He's undergoing some tests. We think that he's going to resume pitching at some point."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

New York Mets reliever Jacob Rhame was given a two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at the head of Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced Thursday.

Rhame sailed two pitches over Hoskins' head with two outs in the ninth inning of New York's 9-0 win, one day after two Mets were hit by pitches. The Philadelphia cleanup man said later that the Mets catcher insisted they were trying to go inside.

Rhame's suspension was due to his pitch that sailed over Hoskins' head, sources told ESPN's Buster Olney. That pitch resulted in both teams being warned. There was no discipline for his second pitch that drew Hoskins' ire.

Hoskins got his revenge Wednesday, hitting a two-run homer down the left-field line off Rhame, then taunting him with a slow jog around the bases. It took Hoskins 34.23 seconds to run the bases, the slowest home run trot in the majors this season. The Phillies won 6-0.

It is not known whether Rhame will appeal. If he does not, the suspension is scheduled to begin Friday, when the Mets host the Milwaukee Brewers.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.