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In the May 21 newsletter:
A look at the most interesting players of the first round of the NBA playoffs, the story of Andre Drummond's second chance with the Lakers, and a personal essay on mortality and faith.

The Five Most Interesting Players of the NBA’s First Round

Getty Images/Ringer illustration

Can Ben Simmons snap out of his playoff funk? Will Michael Porter Jr. be this postseason’s breakout star? And how will Kevin Durant fare while anchoring Brooklyn? Here are the players demanding our attention.

[Dan Devine gives his picks for the five most interesting players of the first round.]

The Long Night of the Soul

Ringer illustration

A story of facing fear, confronting mortality, and turning to faith.

[Join Jonathan Tjarks on a personal journey.]

Andre Drummond Gets a Chance to Start Over

Juliette Toma

The Lakers’ polarizing center is best known for putting up gaudy numbers on bad teams. Can the 27-year-old change his image while doing less on a good one? “I owed it to myself to be part of something bigger than me.”

[Mirin Fader on Andre Drummond's fresh start with the Lakers.]

Are Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks' Defense Ready for the Playoffs? | The Void

On this episode of The Void, Kevin O’Connor breaks down how the Milwaukee Bucks changed their defense this season and what it could mean for their championship aspirations.

Resist the Impulse to Label The Underground Railroad As Trauma Porn

Scott Laven/Amazon

Barry Jenkins’s Amazon series faces the same common complaints about stories on slavery and, more broadly, “Black trauma.” But there’s a significant difference in approach that offers timeless insights into humanity and democracy.

[Justin Charity on Amazon's new series, The Underground Railroad.]

Please, Someone, Let’s Finally Get Amy Adams Her Oscar

Getty Images/Netflix/Ringer illustration

The actress has had six Oscar nominations without a win, and on paper, The Woman in the Window could have put her over the top. Unfortunately, thanks to a troubled production and iffy source material, it seems she may be waiting a while longer.

[Miles Surrey on Amy Adams's pursuit of an Oscar.]

“You're Jane Russell.”
—Anna Fox, The Woman in the Window

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The Five Most Interesting Players of the NBA’s First Round

The Five Most Interesting Players of the NBA’s First Round

The Long Night of the Soul

Andre Drummond Gets a Chance to Start Over

Are Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks' Defense Ready for the Playoffs? | The Void

Resist the Impulse to Label The Underground Railroad As Trauma Porn

Please, Someone, Let’s Finally Get Amy Adams Her Oscar

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