The Boston Celtics had a tougher matchup than expected, but they found a way to get the job done in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was one of the worst games for Jayson Tatum since he returned from his Achilles injury, going just 3-15 from the field as he finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds.

Friday's win was Boston's fourth-consecutive win as they continue to pick up momentum towards the playoffs. With the Detroit Pistons being without Cade Cunningham for at least two weeks due to a collapsed lung, Boston has a chance to make a run for the No. 1 seed, although they are still four games back.

Here's a quick recap of Boston's win on Friday night:

Final score: Boston Celtics 117, Memphis Grizzlies 112

Keys to the game:

Bench contributions: While Boston didn't outscore the Grizzlies in bench scoring, both teams had major contributions from their reserves, and for the Celtics, their bench kept their heads above water. Getting a season-high 22 points out of Luka Garza and 19 from Payton Pritchard, the Celtics were able to lean on two of their top reserves while Tatum, Derrick White and Sam Hauser struggled from the floor.

Paint dominance: Although known for their identity as a three-point shooting team, there's been plenty of games this season where Boston controlled the paint to lead them to victory. Getting 52 points in the paint, while outrebounding Memphis 57-35, the Celtics had 7 players with at least 5 rebounds in the game.

Highlight of the game: Neemias Queta with the flashy assist to Jaylen Brown

Queta play PG!? 👀 pic.twitter.com/SaKQiINa0x

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 21, 2026

What's next: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Sunday, March 22, 8:00PM ET on NBC/Peacock

Boston will look to continue their winning streak, taking on an undermanned Timberwolves team, who are likely to be without superstar Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves won the first of the two season matchups back in November, when the Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, on a night where Jaylen Brown scored 41 points and 7 assists. Minnesota is fighting for seeding in the very competitive and tight Western Conference, so this game will have big meaning to them as the playoffs draw near.

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics survive tough fight from Grizzlies for fourth straight win

NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets (17-53) had one of their toughest challenges to end the season with the New York Knicks (46-25) and their fanbase visiting Barclays Center to continue the Crosstown rivalry. Brooklyn's last matchup against New York resulted in a 54-point loss, but this time around, the Nets made sure to put forth a better effort in front of their fans.

The Nets lost to the Knicks on Friday 93-92, but it wasn't for a lack of trying as Brooklyn had everything working for them, at least when it comes to pulling off an upset over one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Forward Josh Minott had 22 points and five rebounds off the bench while forward Ziaire Williams had 17 points and four rebounds.

"The fight was great, but it comes down to the free-throw line and some of those things we cannot control. 32 to 10, but if you do your math, is 22 free throws in difference," Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said after Friday's loss to the Knicks. Brooklyn shot 40.0% from the field, but they also held New York to 41.0% shooting and that explains why the scoring was so low by the end.

Not only did Minott and Williams step up for an injury-riddled Nets team, but they also contributed to what was a complete team effort when it came to limiting Knicks guard Jalen Brunson's impact on the game. Brunson, who came into Friday's game averaging 26.3 points per game on 46.4% shooting the floor, finished the contest with just 17 points on 7-of-19 shooting (37.0%).

Brooklyn racked up as much as a 13-point lead in the first half as they did whatever they wanted to do before the Knicks came out of halftime to win the third quarter 31-15 to flip the game on its head. The Nets have been enduring some blowout losses as of late due to the amount of injuries and tough opponents, but Friday showed that Fernandez can get his players to give maximum effort on any given night.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Josh Minott drops 22 points in narrow 93-92 loss to Knicks

Jason Beede: Breaking News: The #Magic have signed two-way forward Jamal Cain to a standard NBA contract, the @orlandosentinel.com has learned. Cain fills Orlando’s 15th standard roster spot and will now be eligible to play in the postseason. A well-earned deal for Cain who turned 27 on Friday.

bsky.app

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Magic sign Jamal Cain to a standard contract

Stephen Curry has missed the Golden State Warriors' last 18 games. He will remain on the shelf for at least two more weeks before being re-evaluated by the team's medical staff. Due to Curry's injury, Warriors fans are still waiting to see both him and Kristaps Porzingis on the court at the same time.

However, that hasn't stopped Porzingis from sharing his excitement at that eventuality. During a recent conversation with Chris Mullin and Festus Ezeli on “Warriors Postgame Live, Porzingis explained why he's excited to share the court with the greatest shooter in basketball history.

“Oh man, this is the GOAT, you know what I mean,” Porzingis said. "To play with somebody like that, it’s going to be unbelievable. Obviously, from playing against him, I know what type of a player he is. And [with] the gravity he brings, it just opens everything up for everybody else. So, hopefully he will be back with us soon.”

Golden State currently has two games remaining on its East Coast road swing. Steve Kerr's team will face the Cade Cunningham-less Detroit Pistons before wrapping things up with a trip to the Atlanta Hawks, where Porzingis spent the first half of the current season.

By the time Curry is re-evaluated, the Warriors will have 12 regular-season games remaining on their schedule. Hopefully, we will get an opportunity to see him and Porzingis play together. After all, Porzingis is on an expiring contract, and there's no guarantee he will still be in the Bay Area by the time the 2026-27 season gets underway.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors' Kristaps Porzingis shares excitment over playing with Curry

Coty M. Davis: “Guys should not have to feel they have to play hurt or injured.” With the possibility of Cade Cunningham missing out on regular season awards, JB Bickerstaff shares his thoughts on the league’s 65-game rule. #Pistons

Twitter

“Guys should not have to feel they have to play hurt or injured.”

With the possibility of Cunningham missing out on regular season awards, Bickerstaff shares his thoughts on the league’s 65-game rule. #Pistonspic.twitter.com/tvoexGgYJ3

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) March 20, 2026

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: JB Bickerstaff on 65-game rule: 'Guys should not have to feel they have to play hurt or injured'

Dustin Dopirak: Pacers with 11 guys listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against the Spurs. That means an upgrade for Pascal Siakam.

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Pacers with 11 guys listed as questionable for …

Brian Lewis: Jordi Fernandez on if Michael Porter Jr. could play this season: "So, 2 or 3 weeks and then obviously there's a ramp up to go back to a competition level. We cannot predict but it'll be close. So we're going to go through these 2, 3 weeks, put the work in and then we'll see where we are." #Nets

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Jordi Fernandez on if Michael Porter Jr. could play …

Charles Barkley on Bam Adebayo: I like him a lot as a person. I think he represents everything that's good about the game. There was clearly some things about that game I did not like: The fouling, just giving him the ball every single time...  Ernie Johnson: He says if you want to blame somebody, blame Brian Keefe, the Wizards head coach. He said he shouldn't have waited till I had 70 to start throwing another guy at me. Barkley: Yeah, but like I say, Bam, great accomplishment. People going to have a debate, but I'm never going to say anything bad about Bam cuz I got love and respect for that guy. He represents everything good about the NBA.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Charles Barkley on Bam Adebayo's 83-point game: I did not like the fouling, and giving him the ball every single time

Sam Amick: The assumption around the league has been that Russell Westbrook wouldn't be back. I don't know that we can make that assumption 100%. The assumption has been that that Doug Christie very possibly wouldn't be back. We'll see on that front. It is a big summer for Scott Perry in the front office.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The assumption around the league has been that Russell …

Mike Brown when Cavs hired Jordi Fernandez: I told him, I said, "Hey, look, if there's nothing that you have to do for Elijah or Cameron, then you come down to the practice facility. You can sit in our meetings. You can watch practice. Now, you won't be able to coach or anything because you're not an employee of the Cavaliers, but I do have the ability to allow you in our meetings and practices." Fast forward on one of the days right before the season started. Somebody comes in and says, "Hey, such and such here. Need somebody to work him out. There are no coaches." Jordi was sitting in my office. So I said, "Jordi, go work him out." Danny Ferry comes busting in my office. “Who's that coach working with our player?!” And I was just like, "Oh Danny, I should have ran this by you." And he goes, “The guy's great." And I said, "He is?" I said, "Yeah, he's great." Then he's like, "Do you want to hire him?" Literally just like this. And I was like, "Hell yes, I need to hire him." Then he goes, "Okay, cool." I was like, "Okay, great." And that's how he got hired in the NBA.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: And he goes, “The guy's great." And I said, "He is?" I …

Carmelo Anthony on playing with Barack Obama: He's Barry in the gym. He’s Barry. He's Bo in the gym. We wasn't at the White House. We played somewhere else at… It was like Navy or something like that. One of the campuses. We played somewhere. But yeah, I got the call like, "Yo, Obama doing a basketball game, man." He said he needs a shooter. Said he wants you. You have to be there. Damn! I got summoned. I think LeBron was there. We had some older guys and then he invited some of the younger guys. We were just there having a good time man. We played pick up. Q. Did anybody guard him with any gust? Anthony: You guard him but you just can't touch him.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Carmelo Anthony on playing with Barack Obama: You guard him but you just can't touch him

Carmelo Anthony: President Barack Obama been around the game for a long time. He's been a major advocate for basketball, for the NBA as a whole. Him being such a global icon, like being able to bring awareness to the NBA and bring people in positions of power around the NBA, he's doing his job. He's like an ambassador for the NBA.

YouTube

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Him being such a global icon, like being able to bring …

The Ball in the Family podcast included the moment where LaVar Ball referenced his sons’ families while discussing his wider plans. “Gelo already got my number one pick: La’One. If I raised you three killas in the backyard, what do you think I’m finna do with a gym in the backyard?” LaVar said. The comment was made casually, but it immediately drew attention because LaMelo has not publicly confirmed having a child. He has also not addressed the claim on social media or in interviews, keeping the situation unclear from his side. LaMelo has been in a long-term relationship with model Ana Montana, but there has been no confirmation connecting her to the claim.

Yahoo!

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Ball in the Family podcast included the moment …

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The Toronto Raptors will try to pad their three-game winning streak tonight when they take on the Denver Nuggets in the Mile High City. 

I'm taking advantage of this evening's showdown with a three-leg same-game parlay centered on the shiftiness of Immanuel Quickley. The lightning-fast guard is poised to have his way with Denver's defenders, leading to plenty of dimes and a W for the visitors. 

This parlay has been BOOSTED from +2300 to +2800 by our friends at bet365.

Raptors vs Nuggets same game parlay for March 20

Toronto Raptors vs  Denver Nuggets

• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Ball Arena
• TV: NBA League Pass, SN, ALT2

Tonight's matchup against Denver sets up extremely well for Immanuel Quickley and his assists prop, which is why I’m targeting a massive alternate Over on this line. This is far and away my favorite assists props on the board for Friday.

Jamal Murray is expected to be Quickley’s primary defender, and he tends to struggle against quick, shifty guards—exactly Quickley’s profile. On top of that, Murray carries a significant offensive load, which likely limits his defensive impact.

There’s also a schematic edge working in Quickley’s favor. With Nikola Jokić playing higher in coverage to take away pull-up threes, it opens the door for Quickley to attack downhill. That allows him to use his snake dribble, get into the lane, draw help from defenders like Aaron Gordon, and create easy dump-off opportunities.

I’m also pairing Quickley with RJ Barrett, as no teammate has converted more of his assists over the last five games. Barrett has finished 10 of Quickley’s assists during that stretch. If Quickley is piling up assists, it means his teammates are knocking down shots, which puts the Raptors in a strong position to compete on the road.

Read our full Raptors vs. Nuggets prediction for even more analysis ahead of tip-off tonight.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

“I understand why [fans] are frustrated about it, because they’re an X, Y and Z fan,” says Gilgeous-Alexander. “They’re playing against us, and in the past couple years we’ve happened to beat their team. And we beat their team because we scored more points. We scored points at the free throw line, midrange, three-point shot, free throw, everything. So I completely understand why they’re frustrated. Gilgeous-Alexander shrugs at the criticism. He averages 9.1 free throw attempts this season, fewer than Luka Dončić (10.3) and tied with Deni Avdija. He points out the only time he averaged double-digit attempts was in 2022–23. “And nobody cared,” he says, “because we were the No. 10 seed.” He isn’t bothered by the internet outrage. He just points out the numbers don’t back it up.

Sports Illustrated

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on fan officiating complaints: You'll never hear a Denver fan complain about Jokic's free throws, you'll never hear a Lakers fan complain about Luka's free throws

“But you’ll never hear an OKC fan complain about my free throws. You’ll never hear a Denver fan complain about Jokić’s free throws. You’ll never hear a Lakers fan complain about Luka’s free throws. It’s just part of the business. But I love it, it creates buzz around the game. It creates rivalries. It creates energy. It’s what makes the NBA so fun. Honestly, the fact that they care so much is great, because they care, they watch it on TV, the TV deals grow, I get more money. It’s how it goes. That’s honestly how I see it. So I love it. It’s amazing. It makes the games more fun.”

Sports Illustrated

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “But you’ll never hear an OKC fan complain about my …

None of it is surprising, he insists. Gilgeous-Alexander counts Chris Paul as one of his earliest mentors. In his first season in Oklahoma City, Paul told him: You know you are starting to do things when you go to other arenas and they boo you. “That’s very true,” says Gilgeous-Alexander. Let the crowds complain. Let the talking heads gripe. To Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s just evidence he’s doing something right. “Everybody in the history of the NBA has an arc where everyone loves them, and then everyone hates them,” says Gilgeous-Alexander. “LeBron James was hated, and look what he’s done for the game? It’s part of the game. I love it. It’s stuff I dreamed about as a kid.”

Sports Illustrated

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “Everybody in the history of the NBA has an arc where …

A fight for seeding will do that, too. Last season Oklahoma City had the top seed sewed up by St. Patrick’s Day. This one has been more competitive. The Thunder have been a fixture at the top of the standings but have been forced to fend off the surging Spurs—who have beaten OKC four times this season. “For me it’s made things a lot more fun,” says Gilgeous-Alexander. “You just play longer. Last year I feel like my break from playing to my first playoff game was a little bit too long because I was out the last week of the season because we had already wrapped things up. But yeah, I definitely think we’ll go into a playoff sharper this year.”

Sports Illustrated

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “For me it’s made things a lot more fun,” says …

Injury report: Karl-Anthony Towns, Michael Porter Jr. and more ahead of Knicks vs. Nets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks enter Friday night's game against the Brooklyn Nets looking to improve on a four-game win streak.

Brooklyn on the other hand, has lost five straight and are hoping to avoid a sweep in the season series between the two squads (NYK leads 3-0).

However, both teams are dealing with injuries to high-profile contributors.

The Knicks will be without Miles McBride who continues to rehab from a pelvic injury.

They'll also be without Josh Hart who's sidelined with a knee injury.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been added to New York's injury report as well, with the big man being listed as questionable due to personal reasons.

That said, Jalen Brunson will return after missing the Knicks' last game versus Indiana.

As for the Nets, they'll be without Michael Porter Jr. who was recently diagnosed with a hamstring strain.

Day'Ron Sharpe and rookie Egor Demin have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Additionally, the Nets will be without Noah Clowney due to a wrist injury and Terance Mann who's dealing with an illness.

That leaves Nic Claxton as the only healthy Nets player averaging more than 10 points (11.9), as Brooklyn could be in for another blowout loss, after their recent 29-point defeat to the Thunder.

Following Friday's game, the Knicks will return home to host the Wizards Sunday.

For Brooklyn, they'll embark on a four-game West Coast road trip beginning Sunday against Sacramento.

More NBA news:

• Luka and LeBron make Lakers history last achieved by Wilt Chamberlain/Elgin Baylor
• JJ Redick has hilarious comment after LeBron's incredible night
• De'Aaron Fox sheds light on Victor Wembanyama's competitiveness
• Kenny Atkinson on Max Strus: 'He's such a clutch player'
• Jose Alvarado jokes around with Josh Hart after his season-high 33 points
• Hornets near attendance record in blowout win vs. Heat

Backup Boston Celtics big man Luka Garza has been putting in work to grow his game with his new ball club, and it has been paying dividends on the court. But this is nothing new for Garza, who regularly looks for ways to improve his play at the NBA level. Still, he seems to have landed in an ideal situation to try and wrest a larger role in the league with the fruits of his labor.

"Every summer, I dedicate myself, and even during the season, to improving myself, especially in the seasons where I didn't play as much," said the Celtics center in a recent interview with Responsible Gaming. "That's my main focus: getting better. I think, especially in the NBA, you've got to be able to adapt and change your game or mold it to find a way to have an impact on great teams."

"So for me, that impact is a little different than it was in college," he continued. "Not playing as much back to the basket, not having the ball in my hands every possession like I did."

"But I think I've found ways to be extremely effective through screening, through offensive rebounding, and through scoring when the ball is in my hands in different moments," said Garza. "Picking and popping, shooting, stretching the floor. Adding the slow step, other stuff into my game has really helped me ... I definitely developed, and I'm a lot better than I was back then."

"We do have a lot of great coaches who understand the game at a high level and push us in the right ways and put you in a good spot. I think that's helped."

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Luka Garza credits offseason work, Celtics coaches for leap this season

Dwyane Wade has revealed he is deliberately waiting for LeBron James to retire, with one personal reason behind the decision.

The two share one of the closest relationships in NBA history, which makes even small moments between them carry added meaning.

This latest detail shows how that connection still shapes how Wade views LeBron’s career.

Dwyane Wade is waiting for LeBron James retirement for a selfish reason

Wade, on The Tonight Show, explained why he has held off on completing something tied to their legacy.

“I have it, and it has not got signed yet, gotten signed yet by LeBron. I’m actually waiting until he retires. Maybe 2038,” Wade said.

He added: “And I already know the retirement gift I want him to get me when he retires, and it’s just a signature of this photo. So I’m waiting. I’m waiting until you retire.”

The idea is simple but meaningful: Wade wants the moment to carry more weight when LeBron’s career officially ends.

It reflects how certain milestones feel more significant when tied to a final chapter rather than the present.

Dwyane Wade admits he will miss LeBron James’ impact on the NBA

Wade also made it clear that the thought of LeBron retiring is not something he is ready for.

“I know it’s like ‘He’s old, he should retire,’ but at the same time I’m gonna miss him. I’m gonna miss how great he’s been for our game. So I’m just taking these moments in,” Wade continued.

“We don’t know when the last one is coming. But to see him still be able to get some posters, and his daughter now can see that her father is good,” the Heat legend concluded.

The comment shifts the focus from nostalgia to appreciation, recognising that LeBron is still performing at a high level.

For Wade, that makes the present just as important as the legacy that will follow. It also explains why he is waiting, not just for a signature, but for a moment that truly marks the end of an era.

Read more:

The Boston Celtics will make the trip to the state of Tennessee to face the Memphis Grizzlies at their home arena of FedEx Forum this Friday (March 20) night. The Celtics will be looking to keep their current win streak alive vs. their Western Conference opponent. On the other side of the court, the Grizzlies will be looking to keep their winning ways moving forward as well after a high profile victory vs. a West contender.

We expect a Celtics win, but as we saw in their last tilt, Memphis is not a ball club to mail it in against.

Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Celtics have a 46-23 record and a three game win streak, which has them second in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Grizz are the owners of a 24-44 record, good enough for 11th place in the West.

What happened in the last game for each team?

Boston beat the Golden State Warriors 120-99 at home.

Memphis beat the Denver Nuggets 125-118, also at home.

Injuries

For Boston, Nikola Vucevic (hand) is out.

For Memphis, Santi Aldama (knee), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger), Brandon Clarke (calf), Zach Edey (ankle), Jahmai Mashack (ankle), Ja Morant (UCL), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) are out, and Taj Gibson (foot), GG Jackson (knee) are doubtful.

Probable starting lineups - Celtics

• Derrick White
• Jaylen Brown
• Sam Hauser
• Jayson Tatum
• Neemias Queta

Probable starting lineups - Grizzlies

• Olivier-Maxence Prosper
• Cedric Coward
• GG Jackson
• Jaylen Wells
• Ty Jerome

What time is tipoff, and on what channels?

Here's when you should tune in to see the game:

• Date: 3/20
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: NBC Sports Boston
• Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics at Grizzlies: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (3/20)

Miami Heat trade proposal finally brings in 10-time All-Star but moves Tyler Herro and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Heat have not been known as a team willing to take a big swing when a superstar becomes available, but that could change if the right player comes up.

Gray Deyo of SI proposed a mock trade in which the Heat would do this. His deal would see Miami land Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for a massive package centered around Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and four unprotected first-round picks.

For the Heat, the idea is that they’re already competitive, but not at the level of true title favorites. Antetokounmpo would change that overnight, as long as the other right moves are made.

“Where the Heat currently are, they are just an Antetokounmpo away from being a title contender. They currently have a record of 38-30, slotting them in the seventh seed in the East.

"The Heat do lose a lot of young talent in the following mock trade, but it is well worth it. They have guys whom they have hit on in previous drafts, Pelle Larson being one, and players in general on their roster who are more than capable of stepping up and becoming depth pieces. With them on their squad, moving off the players in this mock deal for Antetokounmpo is a no-brainer," he wrote.

Miami would be sacrificing much of its young core and future draft capital, going all-in on a championship window. However, that’s often the price of landing a generational talent like Antetokounmpo. For the Bucks, there's even an argument that this won't be enough.

More NBA news:

• Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler provides important health update after undergoing surgery
• Anthony Edwards injury update: Timberwolves star sidelined with knee soreness
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander passes Wilt Chamberlain, breaks longstanding NBA record
• Former 76ers, Lakers center announces retirement from basketball
• LeBron James shares incredibly high praise for Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić recorded his first 60-point game in franchise history during a victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night.

Dončić, who has scored 100 points across his past two games and is averaging 40.9 points per game across eight consecutive wins since March 6, is playing particularly well right now. He recorded his 60th point of the night on a free throw with 14.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

While that may seem like an inconsequential fact, it is particularly fascinating to people who root for the Lakers.

Kobe and Luka both hit their 60th point with 14.8 left in the 4th 🤯 https://t.co/EiUVwJuF2apic.twitter.com/kP1lMmSfD7

— NBA (@NBA) March 20, 2026

Dončić became the first player to score 60 points in a single game since the late Kobe Bryant did during the final game of his professional career in his infamous "Mamba Out" game.

Last night, when Dončić recorded his 60th point, it was in the same way at the charity and with the same amount of time remaining that Bryant did during his on-court finale.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Luka Doncic and Kobe Bryant share an eerie detail about 60-point game

Fever predicted to draft 'well-rounded' All-American guard to help Caitlin Clark originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The WNBA offseason can finally kick into high gear after the league finally got a new collective bargaining agreement done with the Women's National Basketball Players Association.

In a truncated offseason, the league will hold two expansion drafts, the rookie draft and free agency before the 2026 season tips off on May 8.

The 2026 WNBA Draft has never moved off its April 13 date, and the loaded talent pool means that even teams picking outside of the top five could get their hands on a great prospect.

MORE: Fever have a $1.4 million Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston problem

The Indiana Fever, picking 10th overall after their run to the WNBA semifinals last fall, could get the chance to select UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice, according to a new Clutch Points mock draft.

"We have a ton of players where it's our last year playing together... It just means so much."

Kiki Rice told @AJRoss_TV winning back-to-back titles is extra special as a senior. @UCLAWBBpic.twitter.com/TFZnKioi8v

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 8, 2026

Rice, a third-team All-American, has been a four-year starter at UCLA, which has turned into one of the country's most dominant programs over her tenure. Rice is averaging 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Big Ten champion Bruins, who are the #1 seed in the Sacramento region of the NCAA Tournament.

"Rice can control tempo, attack the rim, facilitate offense, and shoot from three, and her well-rounded game makes her a stabilizing presence and a potential long-term starter for the Fever," wrote Clutch Points' Jess Koffie.

Getting Rice, a top-five talent, all the way at #10 would represent a significant coup for the Fever and give superstar guard Caitlin Clark a steady partner in the backcourt for years to come. Rice also could play effectively alongside Kelsey Mitchell, an electric scorer who was named first-team All-WNBA for the first time in 2025.

More WNBA news:

• Why Caitlin Clark still won't make the WNBA's average salary under new CBA

• Caitlin Clark USA stats: Game logs for Fever star at 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying

• Wild WNBA free agency predictions: Breanna Stewart to Fever, Sophie Cunningham to Aces and more

• How new CBA impacts WNBA's highest salaries, from Kelsey Mitchell and A'ja Wilson to Caitlin Clark

Is Steph Curry playing tonight vs. Pistons? Final status for Warriors star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Friday night matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors will be missing some serious star power.

The Pistons will be without star guard Cade Cunningham due to a collapsed lung that could potentially keep him sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

Steph Curry ruled out vs. Pistons due to lingering knee injury 

On the other side, the Warriors will continue to be without star guard Steph Curry, who has been ruled out of the game against Detroit due to the lingering knee injury that has kept him sidelined since late January.

It will be the 20th consecutive missed game for Curry, whose last game action ironically came against the Pistons back on Jan. 30. 

On the season, Curry has appeared in just 39 games for Golden State and posted averages of of 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per performance. 

Though there has been some speculation that the Warriors could look to shut Curry down for the season, the star guard recently expressed a desire to return. 

“If we have stuff to play for, we play. So, I’m working to get back.”

Entering the matchup with the Pistons, the Warriors (33-36)  sit 10th in the Western Conference standings. 

More NBA news: 

• LeBron James ties Boston Celtics legend for astonishing NBA record
• Kevin Durant thinks LeBron James has a lot of gas left in the tank
• Eastern Conference wide open for Celtics, Knicks after latest Pistons injury news
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks at odds regarding his status for rest of season
• Warriors' Steve Kerr becomes fourth-fastest to 600 wins in NBA history

"The Worm" is getting his flowers one more time.

Dennis Rodman, the former Pistons great who had a secondary career has a celebrity professional wrestler, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at WrestleMania in April, according to a report Friday by ESPN. WWE hasn't made the announcement, but it did share the post on X from ESPN.

Rodman, 64, burst onto the wrestling scene in the 1990s, at the height of the white-hot wrestling wars, while he still was playing and winning championships in the NBA. He was a part-time player for World Championship Wrestling (then the chief rival to WWE), where he ran with "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan as a member for the wildly popular gang of villains, the New World Order.

The WWE will induct its Class of 2026 on April 17 in Las Vegas, the night before WrestleMania 42. WWE, which purchased Ted Turner's WCW in 2021 and eventually put it out of business, has inducted some of the biggest stars from the rival wrestling outfit.

Rodman made his WCW debut in March 1997, during a taping of "Monday Nitro," appearing alongside Hogan. He competed in his first match in July 1997, at "Bash at the Beach," as a tag team with Hogan against Lex Luger and The Giant (Rodman and Hogan lost). Rodman also feuded with Randy "Macho Man" Savage, and played a bit as an imposter of popular wrestler Sting.

In July 1998, he was back at "Bash at the Beach," wrestling with Hogan in a tag-team match against Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz and Diamond Dallas Page, just weeks after Rodman and his Chicago Bulls beat Malone and the Jazz in the NBA Finals (Rodman and Hogan won). During the 1998 NBA Finals, Rodman famously missed a practice so he could wrestle a match with Hogan.

Rodman first retired from wrestling in 2000, before making brief comebacks in 2000 and 2023.

Rodman played in the NBA from 1986-2000, first with the Pistons, winning back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 as a key cog for the "Bad Boys." He joined the San Antonio Spurs in 1993 and was traded to the Bulls in 1995. He won three more championships with the Bulls.

He also played briefly with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

Rodman was one of the best defenders in the game, winning the league's rebounding crown seven times, and being named NBA defensive player of the year twice. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011; that same year, the Pistons retired Rodman's No. 11 jersey.

He also was one of the most colorful athletes in the 1990s, for his tattoos and tabloid fodder.

Also set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next month are Stephanie McMahon, former WWE champion AJ Styles and former tag-team champions Ax and Smash from Demolition.

Since baseball hit king Pete Rose was inducted in 2004, the WWE Hall of Fame has inducted celebrities. Among past inductees are President Donald Trump, Kid Rock, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Drew Carey, Mr. T, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Snoop Dogg.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons great Dennis Rodman to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame: report

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The Atlanta Hawks look to stay hot tonight as they take on the slumping Houston Rockets, who have dropped back-to-back contests.

My Hawks vs. Rockets predictions favor Atlanta to secure yet another victory amid their 11-game winning streak.

Read more in my NBA picks for Friday, March 20.

Hawks vs Rockets prediction

Hawks vs Rockets best bet: Hawks moneyline (+135)

The Atlanta Hawks are the hottest team in the Association, and they’re emerging as a potential dark horse in the Eastern Conference. An 11-game winning streak is wild in itself, but the Hawks are also blowing out opponents lately.

They just beat the Dallas Mavericks by 15 points and the Orlando Magic by 12 points. Atlanta is 19-15 on the road, and while they’ve lost three straight to the Houston Rockets, the hosts have dropped two straight and aren't in good shape right now. 

Hawks vs Rockets same-game parlay

Nickeil Alexander-Walker is having quite the campaign. He’s averaging 20.3 PPG, and in March so far, and 24 ppg on the season. He’s a big reason for this winning run.

The Canadian has cashed the Over in three straight, and he even erupted for 41 points on Monday against Orlando.

Jalen Johnson is an elite player in all aspects, and his playmaking cannot be overlooked. The Duke product is averaging 8.1 dimes, which ranks fourth in the NBA.

He’s hit the Over in assists in four consecutive appearances, and he’s averaging 7.8 dimes on the road in 2025-26.

Hawks vs Rockets SGP

• Hawks moneyline
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 18.5 points
• Jalen Johnson Over 7.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: McCollum Matters!

CJ McCollum is averaging 18.4 PPG since coming over to the Hawks. He’s cashed the Over in two of his last three, and just balled out for 24 on Wednesday against Dallas. 

The Rockets’ stars haven’t been playing great lately, but Jabari Smith Jr. is still doing his part. The youngster has hit the Over in points in three straight outings, and he’s cashed the Over in two of his previous four home games as well.

Hawks vs Rockets SGP

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 18.5 points
• Jalen Johnson Over 7.5 assists
• CJ McCollum Over 17.5 points
• Jabari Smith Jr Over 16.5 points

Hawks vs Rockets odds

• Spread: Hawks +3.5 (-110) | Rockets -3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Hawks +135 | Rockets -160
• Over/Under: Over 228 (-110) | Under 228 (-110)

Hawks vs Rockets betting trend to know

The Atlanta Hawks have hit the moneyline in 23 of their last 35 games (+13.55 Units / 17% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Rockets.

How to watch Hawks vs Rockets

Hawks vs Rockets latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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It’s a NYC showdown this evening at the Barclays Center as the New York Knicks face the Brooklyn Nets. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Karl-Anthony Towns has cooked Brooklyn this season, and my Knicks vs. Nets predictions will focus on his ability to score the rock.

Read more in my NBA picks for Friday, March 20.

Knicks vs Nets prediction

Knicks vs Nets best bet: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 19.5 points (-112)

Karl-Anthony Towns is definitely down a bit in 2025-26 compared to past seasons, but he’s still averaging 20 PPG for the title-chasing New York Knicks. The big man has been balling out lately, hitting the Over in points in four of his last five appearances.

Most notably, KAT has dominated the lowly Brooklyn Nets. Across three meetings, the Kentucky product is averaging 26.3 points per contest. He’s also averaging 19.8 PPG on the road this season.

Towns has also hit the Over in three straight road games, dropping 25,35, and 21 points. He’ll keep it rolling this evening in the Big Apple.

Knicks vs Nets same-game parlay

Jalen Brunson is the Knicks’ top playmaker, averaging 6.6 assists. Brunson has cashed the Over in two consecutive outings, and he’s hit the Over in five of his previous eight games. Brooklyn is allowing 9.0 dimes per contest to point guards.

Mikal Bridges is struggling lately. He’s barely averaging 10 PPG in March, but this is a revenge game for him, and he’s played well against Brooklyn this season. In three matchups, he’s averaging 14.3 PPG.

Knicks vs Nets SGP

• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 19.5 points
• Jalen Brunson Over 8.5 assists
• Mikal Bridges Over 12.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: OG!

OG Anunoby is shooting the three at a 38% clip this season, averaging 2.2 makes on 5.8 attempts. He’s cashed the Over in three of his last five, and Anunoby just went 4-for-5 from long range on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers.

New York is riding a 12-game winning streak against Brooklyn. They’ve covered tonight’s spread in two of the last three meetings, with their last matchup ending 120-66 at MSG. The Knicks will blow out the struggling Nets.

Knicks vs Nets SGP

• Jalen Brunson Over 8.5 assists
• Mikal Bridges Over 12.5 points
• OG Anunoby Over 2.5 threes
• Knicks -17

Knicks vs Nets odds

• Spread: Knicks -17 (-110) | Nets +17 (-110)
• Moneyline: Knicks -2222 | Nets +1100
• Over/Under: Over 214.5 (-110) | Under 214.5 (-110)

Knicks vs Nets betting trend to know

The New York Knicks have covered the 4Q Spread in 26 of their last 40 games (+9.65 Units / 21% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Nets.

How to watch Knicks vs Nets

Knicks vs Nets latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

WWE has a long history of working with star athletes and NBA legend Dennis Rodman will receive a huge honor before WrestleMania 42.

The massive wrestling entity has a long history of welcoming in outside athletes and celebrities. That collaboration has made WWE a massive global product over the years, including relationships with Bad Bunny and Travis Scott.

MORE: Liv Morgan teases WWE fans with tight black dress before WrestleMania 42

However, ESPN insider Shams Charania says a former Chicago Bulls great will be honored next month. Dennis Rodman is set to join the WWE Hall of Fame prior to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

Dennis Rodman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April, sources told @ShamsCharania.

Rodman is also in the Basketball Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/f8CvWDxMwj

— ESPN (@espn) March 20, 2026

Rodman is best known for playing alongside Chicago greats like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippin. However, his on-court excellence and wild persona also made him a quality WWE personality for several years.

The five-time NBA champion previously featured in several matches during the WCW era. Rodman famously teamed up with Hulk Hogan in 1997 to face off against Dallas Page and former NBA star Karl Malone.

Rodman’s four fights led to a huge uptick in future athletes and celebrities being featured in Vince McMahon’s WWE.

MORE: NFL legend claps back at Logan Paul after Tom Brady feud

Over the years, many athletes have stepped into the ring with WWE superstars. That list includes names like Muhammed Ali, Mike Tyson, Tyrese Haliburton and many more.

WWE’s celebrity wing of the Hall of Fame will now include Rodman on April 17 when his induction takes place. The Hall of Fame festivities will occur before the two-day WrestleMania event that brings out the biggest stars in wrestling.

The two-day show features CM Punk battling Roman Reigns and Randy Orton challenging Cody Rhodes for the two most prestigious men’s championships. Meanwhile, Liv Morgan is fighting Stephanie Vaquer for the women’s title.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

MARCH MADNESS: Predicting March Madness upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament

NFL DRAFT: New Mel Kiper NFL mock draft shows major impact of free agency

MLB: Dodgers announce Shohei Ohtani’s spring training pitching debut

NHL: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl out for regular season with lower-body injury

ENTERTAINMENT: Is ‘Bachelorette’ still airing amid Taylor Frankie Paul domestic dispute allegations?

VIRAL: Livvy Dunne shares ‘Baywatch’ training with BTS swimsuit, set photos

Michael Scotto: Wizards star Anthony Davis will be re-evaluated at the end of the month. His recovery continues to progress positively, but the volar plate tissue in his left hand hasn’t fully healed. He’ll continue with conservative treatment and advance his basketball activity as tolerated.hony Davis’ volar plate tissue in his left hand has not yet fully healed. Davis will continue with conservative treatment and advance his basketball activity as tolerated. He will be reevaluated at the end of the month.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Anthony Davis' Wizards debut delayed again

AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer have certainly been treated as a Big Three found at the top of every NBA’s team draft board, but I’m hearing more and more support for UNC forward Caleb Wilson forcing his way into that tier. “I don’t think anyone is taking Wilson No. 1 overall,” one general manager told me. “But I think every team is going to have him above one of those other three guys.”

marcstein.substack.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “I don’t think anyone is taking Wilson No. 1 overall,” …

It’s no secret that guard is considered to be the deepest position in this draft ... with some scouts calling it the deepest draft for guards since the 2018 edition that delivered Luka Dončić, Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Another executive I spoke to compared this guard class to the Class of 2008, which featured Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, OJ Mayo and Eric Gordon.

marcstein.substack.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Another executive I spoke to compared this guard class …

I’ve heard multiple respected executives say they think teams will be able to find lottery-level talent in the 20s. Teams are routinely saying that, come June, you could find a player at No. 25 who would have likely gone 15th in a typical draft year. NIL dollars are such in the modern college game that we will inevitably see select players declare for the draft and then decide to return to school ... like Michigan’s projected first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg did a year ago.

marcstein.substack.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: NIL dollars are such in the modern college game that …

Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday. Rodman, a five-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, has a four-match pro wrestling career, with three of those coming in WCW. He made his WCW debut in 1997 and famously skipped a practice during the 1998 NBA Finals to appear on "WCW Monday Nitro," where he set up a tag team match in which he partnered with Hulk Hogan to face Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone.

ESPN

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Dennis Rodman to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

The Philadelphia 76ers walked out of the Golden 1 Center with a 139-118 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night thanks to career nights from the younger players. Rookie VJ Edgecombe had a big performance while Quentin Grimes stuffed the box score.

However, second-year man Justin Edwards played a big role in the win. He scored 13 points in the first quarter on his way to a career-high 32 points while knocking down a career-high seven 3-pointers. It has been an up-and-down season for Edwards after such a solid rookie season, but with the Sixers missing so many pieces, they need somebody like Edwards to step up and produce for them.

"That was obviously a career high and a career game for him, but that's kind of the player I envision him becoming," coach Nick Nurse told reporters after the win. "Just a really knock down shooter. Again, his mechanics are amazing. His work ethic's amazing, and he seems to be open, right? The ball finds him, and he seems to be open, and he's got some range, eight, nine feet behind the line. So, he can stretch the defense a little bit as well."

Over his last seven games, Edwards is averaging 15.6 points, 2.1 steals, and shooting 46.9% from deep. He has the ability to do that on a nightly basis and Philadelphia should continue to invest developmental time in him as it moves forward. The Sixers will need younger players to step up and produce in big moments and Edwards fits that mold of what they're looking for.

The Sixers are also realistic. They know Edwards isn't going to produce 32 points every night, especially when the main guys return from the sidelines, but Philadelphia will continue to count on him to give something off the bench.

"He's got just enough, you know, if they press him, he can put it inside the 3-point line," Nurse added. "He’s got enough to finish and pull up and things like that, too. So, that was obviously a big night for him, but that's what we need from him—the perimeter shooting."

The Sixers will finish their 3-game road trip on Saturday against the Utah Jazz.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers single out Justin Edwards following road win over Kings

The Philadelphia 76ers were able to earn a much-needed 139-118 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night to even their 3-game road trip at 1-1. The Sixers began the trip with a blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets, but had a professional response over the lowly Kings on Thursday.

The Sixers received strong outings from everybody, but rookie VJ Edgecombe really made his presence felt at Golden 1 Center. He scored a career-high 38 points on 16-for-27 shooting along with a career-high 11 assists in 39 minutes. He was phenomenal all night long as the Kings had no answer for him and the Sixers continued to feed him the ball and get him going.

"Well, he obviously started really fast, right? So that was right off the bat," coach Nick Nurse told reporters after the win. "He came out, kind of getting to his spots and bolting up, and he seemed really confident of just continuing to do that all night."

To Nurse's point, Edgecombe was on a different level on Thursday. He has always been a confident player, but when he is able to put it all together like he did in Sacramento, then it makes a real difference for everybody out on the floor. His early offense forced the Kings to make an adjustment and he was then able to get into the paint, draw defenders, and kick out to open shooters which led to his big night passing the ball as well.

Another big aspect of Edgecombe's performance was his ability to read the blitzes the Kings sent his way in the second half. That continued progression helped open the floor and he made the correct decisions to either get into the paint or make plays with his passing.

"He did a really good job," Nurse added. "The screen and rolls even, even when they got to the blitzing in the second half, he was making the right plays. He rejected a few and got downhill and made some good pass outs, etc. He stepped into some 3s, but he was reading the offense, which is why he ends up with 11 assists."

Edgecombe and the Sixers will look to finish the trip on a high note when they take on the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Nick Nurse talks career night for VJ Edgecombe in 76ers win over Kings

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Thursday previewed an upcoming meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ahead of a planned vote on league expansion that could bring men’s professional basketball back to Seattle.

ESPN has reported that the Tuesday and Wednesday meetings of the NBA’s board of governors next week in New York would include a vote on initiating expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas. The news has given SuperSonics fans their first dose of hope in years. 

This vote would allow the league to formally open the bidding process for the new teams, focused on the two cities. It’ll need support from 23 of the 30 team governors to advance. A later vote would finalize the transactions. 

Ferguson is set to meet Monday afternoon with Silver, according to his public calendar. It’s unclear if the meeting is in person or virtual.

“It’ll be a private conversation, but I plan to do a lot of listening,” Ferguson told reporters Thursday. “I want to hear as much as he’s willing to share about what’s going on, and I appreciated that in the past with him.”

“Obviously, if this is to happen, there will be a role for the state in some capacity to be helpful,” Ferguson continued. “What I’ve tried to emphasize with him and others is that the state stands ready to be helpful, that this is a priority for me.”

Ferguson called himself a “die-hard Sonics fan” who grew up watching franchise legends Slick Watts, Jack Sikma and Dennis Johnson. He attended Lenny Wilkens’ basketball camp multiple times, he said.

“I feel I have a pretty good appreciation for the loss that our community experienced with the loss of the Sonics,” Ferguson said. “And so I communicate that, as you might imagine.”

The governor couldn’t recall if he set the meeting or if Silver initiated it. 

While the Seattle and Las Vegas markets would add revenue for the league’s owners, some could be reluctant to dwindle their share of the proceeds with 32 teams instead of 30.

Ferguson said Thursday he hadn’t made the case for expansion to owners. 

The new franchise could cost an ownership group upwards of $7 billion. Seattle Kraken executives have been cited as potential owners of the new NBA team.

Critics of the income tax on millionaires that Ferguson supports and Democratic lawmakers passed this month have argued it could hamper the state’s chances of attracting an NBA team and free agents in all major pro sports. Ferguson disagrees. 

“Steph Curry’s paid a lot of money in California. They have a pretty hefty income tax. So candidly, I just don’t think that’s got anything to do with anything,” Ferguson said. If Silver brings up the tax, “of course we’ll talk about it,” the governor added.

Ferguson and Silver met last month, sparking speculation that an NBA return to Seattle could be on the horizon. A Ferguson spokesperson said the meeting was an introductory call without a concrete update, and that the governor “offered to be helpful in bringing back the Sonics.”

The Sonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008. Their last glimmer of optimism for the franchise’s return came in 2013, when the Sacramento Kings came close to moving to Seattle. 

One of the barriers to bringing back the Sonics has been addressed in recent years, with the replacement of the aging Key Arena with Climate Pledge Arena. 

In his State of the State address in January, the governor mentioned wanting to see the SuperSonics return.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Bam Adebayo offered a blunt response after Luka Doncic’s explosive 60-point performance against the Miami Heat, showing both respect and frustration.

The performance came in a high-scoring contest where Miami struggled to contain one of the league’s most dominant offensive players.

It also forced a reaction from Adebayo that quickly stood out.

Bam Adebayo reacts to Luka Doncic’s 60-point game

Adebayo postgame reaction captured his thoughts after trying to deal with Doncic’s scoring night.

“He hit some tough shots out there. It is what it is. I know what it’s like to be in that mode, as people can see it’s not easy to hit 80,” Adebayo said.

The response carried a mix of acknowledgment and edge, recognising the difficulty of the performance while also hinting at the frustration of defending it.

It also reflects how players view those moments; sometimes, there is little you can do once a scorer reaches that level.

Luka Doncic dominates Heat in Lakers win

Doncic delivered one of the standout performances of the season, finishing with 60 points in the Lakers’ 134-126 win over the Heat.

He scored 39 of those points in the second half, taking control of the game after Miami had built an early lead.

The efficiency was just as important, with Doncic scoring from all areas while also adding seven rebounds, three assists, and five steals in a complete performance.

His performance overshadowed strong efforts from Miami, including Adebayo’s 28 points, as the Lakers extended their winning streak.

In the end, the night became less about the result and more about Doncic’s scoring display, which left even his opponents acknowledging the level he reached.

Read more:

The Philadelphia 76ers took advantage of a bad opponent on Thursday night. The Sacramento Kings entered this contest with the worst record in the West and missing a number of their main guys. While the Sixers were, obviously, short-handed as well, they were the better team. It resulted in a 139-118 win over the Kings to get them back in the win column.

VJ Edgecombe had a career-high 38 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, while Justin Edwards had a career-high 32 points and knocked down a career-high seven 3-pointers, and Quentin Grimes had 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Andre Drummond hopped off the bench and had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks while Adem Bona added eight points and 10 boards and Dominick Barlow had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Here are the three biggest takeaways following the win:

The continued strong play of Edwards

Outside of the tough night in Denver, it has been a strong couple of weeks for Edwards. The second-year forward has stayed ready for when coach Nick Nurse calls his name and his production has been huge with the stars sidelined for now. One has to wonder when the Sixers get whole again if Nurse can find a way to carve out minutes for Edwards as Philadelphia moves forward. His production against the Kings on Thursday was paramount for the offensive success of the Sixers.

Edgecombe’s mature offensive game

There is so much to like about Edgecombe’s overall game, but he showed some real maturity against Sacramento. While the Kings did a solid job of closing off driving lanes, the rookie would stop on the dribble and knock down some mid-range looks while also finding a way to keep the scoreboard moving amid receiving much more attention from opposing defenses. It’s natural for his name to reach the top of the scouting report, but he has adjusted nicely. It has been impressive to see him grow as a player.

Grimes does it all

In order for the Sixers to do anything on the offensive end with the stars out, the pressure is on Grimes to lead the way. While Edwards was able to get the Sixers off to the fast start, and Edgecombe stole the show, it was Grimes who got Philadelphia back on track once the Kings made a run in the second quarter to take the lead. His explosion to the basket was important and his 3-point shooting was a big lift as Philadelphia was able to get back in the right direction and earn a huge win.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following blowout road win over Kings

James Harden admits the Cavaliers still have problems despite their recent success originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a close call against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. It was supposed to be an easy victory because the Cavs were heavy favorites. Unfortunately, they were outscored 37 to 22 in the fourth quarter.

This led to the Cavaliers only winning the game by five points. James Harden had a superb night with 36 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. However, he was unhappy with how they ended the game because it revealed some weaknesses.

Harden addresses some red flags with the Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have done well to recover from having one of the slowest starts of any team this season. They were considered heavy favorites to take over the Eastern Conference this season, but they stumbled.

This led the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics to capitalize and become the East's best teams. Over the past few months, the Cavaliers have been impressive, but they have shown some problems here and there.

MORE: James Harden wants more from Evan Mobley and his performances

Harden joining the team is a good sign because he is a veteran guard who knows what he's doing. However, there are times when the rest of the team is struggling, and he can't solve every single problem.

"It’s not good enough. We gotta be more professional. We have to do a better job in closing that game out a lot earlier. We got off to a slow start and got off to that 29-point lead, and we started being careless, so we just gotta be better," Harden said after the Cavs' concerning win against the Bulls.

Considering that the 29-point lead ended up being only a five-point win, that is a problem for both the players and head coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavs need to lock in if they want to be as successful as they want to be.

More NBA news: 

• James Harden gets unique praise from his former head coach Doc Rivers
• Kenny Atkinson loves what he has seen from Max Strus' return
• James Harden celebrates being the ninth player in NBA history to score 29,000+ points
• Jayson Tatum gets rave reviews from James Harden after his Achilles comeback
• LeBron James might not be the only Cavs legend that could make his return

Every day, we bring you the best and worst performers from the previous night in the NBA.

Best players of the day

	PLAYER	RAT	STATS
1	Jamal Murray	35.41	31 pts · 6 ast · 5 reb · 1 stl · 10-18 FG
2	Kevin Durant	34.74	25 pts · 6 ast · 3 reb · 2 stl · 9-15 FG
3	Donovan Clingan	30.47	21 pts · 12 reb · 4 ast · 3 blk · 9-13 FG
4	Nikola Jokic	30.37	22 pts · 9 ast · 8 reb · 1 stl · 9-14 FG
5	Daniss Jenkins	29.24	22 pts · 8 ast · 7 reb · 1 stl · 7-12 FG
6	Jaylen Brown	28.87	30 pts · 6 reb · 6 ast · 0 stl · 10-23 FG
7	Luka Garza	27.53	22 pts · 7 reb · 1 ast · 1 stl · 9-12 FG
8	Jabari Smith	27.06	23 pts · 9 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 7-14 FG
9	Karl-Anthony Towns	27.02	26 pts · 15 reb · 1 ast · 1 stl · 7-16 FG
10	Jerami Grant	25.11	26 pts · 5 reb · 1 ast · 3 stl · 10-16 FG
11	Jalen Duren	24.24	23 pts · 6 reb · 1 ast · 1 stl · 8-12 FG
12	Alperen Sengun	23.05	15 pts · 10 ast · 9 reb · 2 stl · 7-11 FG
13	Paul Reed	23.04	15 pts · 6 reb · 3 ast · 2 stl · 6-12 FG
14	Deni Avdija	22.78	25 pts · 8 reb · 5 ast · 0 stl · 7-18 FG
15	Jakob Poeltl	19.95	23 pts · 11 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 10-14 FG

* (RAT) Global Rating, which measures performance based on individual and team stats. You can check season rankings here.

Worst players of the day

	PLAYER	RAT	STATS
1	Ben Saraf	-1.53	5 pts · 3 reb · 3 ast · 4 tov · 2-9 FG
2	Mouhamed Gueye	-0.79	0 pts · 2 reb · 0 ast · 0 tov · 0-2 FG
3	Walter Clayton	-0.17	4 pts · 3 reb · 2 ast · 2 tov · 1-7 FG
4	Corey Kispert	-0.16	2 pts · 2 reb · 2 ast · 0 tov · 1-6 FG
5	Kris Murray	-0.07	0 pts · 2 reb · 0 ast · 0 tov · 0-2 FG
6	Dyson Daniels	0.54	3 pts · 3 reb · 1 ast · 2 tov · 1-5 FG
7	Draymond Green	0.79	0 pts · 6 ast · 5 reb · 4 tov · 0-2 FG
8	Sam Hauser	0.90	0 pts · 4 reb · 1 ast · 0 tov · 0-3 FG
9	Toumani Camara	1.13	6 pts · 3 reb · 0 ast · 2 tov · 2-7 FG
10	Danny Wolf	1.13	8 pts · 6 reb · 2 ast · 1 tov · 3-12 FG
11	Drake Powell	1.37	2 pts · 3 reb · 2 ast · 0 tov · 1-4 FG
12	Kyle Anderson	1.79	4 pts · 2 reb · 2 ast · 0 tov · 1-6 FG
13	Jamal Shead	1.81	4 pts · 5 ast · 2 reb · 1 tov · 2-7 FG
14	Robert Williams	1.94	2 pts · 12 reb · 0 ast · 3 tov · 1-4 FG
15	Donte DiVincenzo	2.15	13 pts · 4 reb · 2 ast · 4 tov · 5-16 FG

* Minimum 15 minutes played

Breakout players of the day

	PLAYER	DIFF	STATS
1	Daniss Jenkins	23.42	22 pts · 8 ast · 7 reb · 1 stl · 7-12 FG
2	Luka Garza	21.35	22 pts · 7 reb · 1 ast · 1 stl · 9-12 FG
3	Donovan Clingan	19.95	21 pts · 12 reb · 4 ast · 3 blk · 9-13 FG
4	Paul Reed	17.53	15 pts · 6 reb · 3 ast · 2 stl · 6-12 FG
5	Kevin Durant	15.71	25 pts · 6 ast · 3 reb · 2 stl · 9-15 FG
6	Jabari Smith	13.91	23 pts · 9 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 7-14 FG
7	Jerami Grant	13.63	26 pts · 5 reb · 1 ast · 3 stl · 10-16 FG
8	Mohamed Diawara	12.74	8 pts · 7 reb · 5 ast · 0 stl · 2-4 FG
9	Jamal Murray	12.16	31 pts · 6 ast · 5 reb · 1 stl · 10-18 FG
10	Jakob Poeltl	11.72	23 pts · 11 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 10-14 FG
11	Aaron Gordon	11.70	16 pts · 5 reb · 3 ast · 1 blk · 6-10 FG
12	Tobias Harris	8.71	13 pts · 6 reb · 5 ast · 1 stl · 6-10 FG
13	Tim Hardaway Jr	8.18	23 pts · 4 reb · 0 ast · 1 stl · 8-16 FG
14	Taylor Hendricks	7.80	12 pts · 5 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 5-7 FG
15	Jrue Holiday	7.62	12 pts · 12 ast · 2 reb · 0 stl · 5-17 FG

* (DIFF) Difference between last game and 2025-26 Global Rating (minimum five games played)

Bombs of the day

	PLAYER	DIFF	STATS
1	Jalen Johnson	-13.56	14 pts · 5 reb · 3 ast · 4 tov · 6-12 FG
2	Julius Randle	-11.73	19 pts · 5 reb · 4 ast · 4 tov · 6-16 FG
3	Dyson Daniels	-11.70	3 pts · 3 reb · 1 ast · 2 tov · 1-5 FG
4	Donte DiVincenzo	-11.43	13 pts · 4 reb · 2 ast · 4 tov · 5-16 FG
5	Nicolas Claxton	-10.86	8 pts · 7 reb · 0 ast · 2 tov · 4-7 FG
6	Scottie Barnes	-8.74	15 pts · 8 reb · 8 ast · 2 tov · 7-18 FG
7	Onyeka Okongwu	-7.85	6 pts · 8 reb · 3 ast · 0 tov · 2-9 FG
8	Toumani Camara	-7.18	6 pts · 3 reb · 0 ast · 2 tov · 2-7 FG
9	Jaylen Wells	-6.70	6 pts · 0 reb · 0 ast · 0 tov · 3-6 FG
10	Jalen Brunson	-6.70	17 pts · 8 ast · 5 reb · 3 tov · 7-19 FG
11	Brandon Ingram	-6.48	19 pts · 5 reb · 2 ast · 3 tov · 7-12 FG
12	Mikal Bridges	-6.44	9 pts · 7 reb · 2 ast · 1 tov · 3-7 FG
13	Mouhamed Gueye	-5.92	0 pts · 2 reb · 0 ast · 0 tov · 0-2 FG
14	Jock Landale	-5.89	6 pts · 3 ast · 1 reb · 0 tov · 3-9 FG
15	Jamal Shead	-5.62	4 pts · 5 ast · 2 reb · 1 tov · 2-7 FG

* (DIFF) Difference between last game and 2025-26 Global Rating (minimum five games played)

Best rookies of the day

	PLAYER	RAT	STATS
1	Mohamed Diawara	13.44	8 pts · 7 reb · 5 ast · 0 stl · 2-4 FG
2	Javon Small	7.75	13 pts · 5 reb · 2 ast · 0 stl · 5-8 FG
3	Hugo Gonzalez	7.04	5 pts · 5 reb · 1 ast · 0 stl · 2-2 FG
4	Will Richard	5.24	11 pts · 1 reb · 0 ast · 1 stl · 4-5 FG
5	Nolan Traore	4.49	11 pts · 7 ast · 2 reb · 2 blk · 3-11 FG
6	Drake Powell	1.37	2 pts · 3 reb · 2 ast · 0 stl · 1-4 FG
7	Danny Wolf	1.13	8 pts · 6 reb · 2 ast · 1 stl · 3-12 FG
8	Walter Clayton	-0.17	4 pts · 3 reb · 2 ast · 0 stl · 1-7 FG
9	Chaz Lanier	-1.40	0 pts · 0 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 0-2 FG
10	Ben Saraf	-1.53	5 pts · 3 reb · 3 ast · 1 stl · 2-9 FG

* You can can check season rankings here.

Most clutch players

	PLAYER	RAT	STATS
1	Jerami Grant	9.50	10 pts · 3 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 3-5 FG
2	Jalen Brunson	7.25	5 pts · 1 reb · 1 ast · 0 stl · 2-2 FG
3	Nikola Jokic	7.00	6 pts · 2 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 2-2 FG
4	Aaron Gordon	6.75	3 pts · 2 reb · 1 ast · 1 blk · 1-1 FG
5	Jamal Murray	6.75	5 pts · 2 ast · 0 reb · 0 stl · 1-2 FG
6	Julius Randle	4.00	7 pts · 0 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 2-2 FG
7	Jakob Poeltl	3.76	3 pts · 4 reb · 1 ast · 0 stl · 1-2 FG
8	Karl-Anthony Towns	3.75	4 pts · 1 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 1-3 FG
9	Jayson Tatum	3.75	3 pts · 1 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 1-1 FG
10	Scottie Barnes	3.44	6 pts · 1 reb · 1 ast · 0 stl · 3-5 FG
11	Nolan Traore	3.36	7 pts · 0 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 2-4 FG
12	Deni Avdija	2.88	2 pts · 1 reb · 1 ast · 0 stl · 0-1 FG
13	Donovan Clingan	2.88	0 pts · 1 reb · 0 ast · 1 stl · 0-0 FG
14	Derrick White	2.63	2 pts · 0 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 1-1 FG
15	Jaylen Brown	2.50	2 pts · 1 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 1-1 FG

* (RAT) Clutch Rating, which measures performance in the last five minutes of 4Q or OT when the score is within five points

Best international players

	PLAYER	RAT	STATS
1	Jamal Murray	35.41	31 pts · 6 ast · 5 reb · 1 stl · 10-18 FG
2	Nikola Jokic	30.37	22 pts · 9 ast · 8 reb · 1 stl · 9-14 FG
3	Luka Garza	27.53	22 pts · 7 reb · 1 ast · 1 stl · 9-12 FG
4	Karl-Anthony Towns	27.02	26 pts · 15 reb · 1 ast · 1 stl · 7-16 FG
5	Alperen Sengun	23.05	15 pts · 10 ast · 9 reb · 2 stl · 7-11 FG
6	Deni Avdija	22.78	25 pts · 8 reb · 5 ast · 0 stl · 7-18 FG
7	Jakob Poeltl	19.95	23 pts · 11 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 10-14 FG
8	Rudy Gobert	17.33	18 pts · 15 reb · 1 ast · 2 stl · 7-14 FG
9	Neemias Queta	16.85	12 pts · 11 reb · 1 ast · 0 stl · 4-4 FG
10	Mohamed Diawara	13.44	8 pts · 7 reb · 5 ast · 0 stl · 2-4 FG
11	Nickeil Alexander-Walker	13.21	21 pts · 4 reb · 4 ast · 1 stl · 6-12 FG
12	Josh Minott	13.12	22 pts · 5 reb · 2 ast · 2 blk · 8-13 FG
13	Zaccharie Risacher	12.62	16 pts · 6 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 6-8 FG
14	OG Anunoby	12.21	16 pts · 3 reb · 1 ast · 2 stl · 7-13 FG
15	Jordan Clarkson	11.46	9 pts · 2 ast · 1 reb · 1 stl · 2-5 FG

* Includes players who represent national teams other than Team USA

Best bench players

	PLAYER	RAT	STATS
1	Luka Garza	27.53	22 pts · 7 reb · 1 ast · 1 stl · 9-12 FG
2	Paul Reed	23.04	15 pts · 6 reb · 3 ast · 2 stl · 6-12 FG
3	Tim Hardaway Jr	19.55	23 pts · 4 reb · 0 ast · 1 stl · 8-16 FG
4	Payton Pritchard	14.37	19 pts · 6 reb · 3 ast · 0 stl · 5-13 FG
5	Mohamed Diawara	13.44	8 pts · 7 reb · 5 ast · 0 stl · 2-4 FG
6	Josh Minott	13.12	22 pts · 5 reb · 2 ast · 2 blk · 8-13 FG
7	Zaccharie Risacher	12.62	16 pts · 6 reb · 2 ast · 2 stl · 6-8 FG
8	Ron Holland	12.25	11 pts · 1 reb · 0 ast · 1 stl · 5-6 FG
9	Tari Eason	12.13	10 pts · 10 reb · 2 ast · 1 stl · 3-9 FG
10	Jordan Clarkson	11.46	9 pts · 2 ast · 1 reb · 1 stl · 2-5 FG
11	Ja'Kobe Walter	11.38	14 pts · 2 reb · 2 ast · 1 stl · 4-6 FG
12	Bruce Brown	10.30	12 pts · 3 reb · 0 ast · 0 stl · 4-6 FG
13	Cam Spencer	10.28	11 pts · 5 ast · 3 reb · 1 stl · 4-8 FG
14	Gary Payton II	10.26	14 pts · 3 reb · 3 ast · 1 stl · 6-8 FG
15	Mitchell Robinson	9.98	3 pts · 10 reb · 0 ast · 3 blk · 1-2 FG

Stats per country

	COUNTRY	STATS	PLAYERS
1	United States	854 points · 319 rebounds · 212 assists	80
	Rest of the World	436 points · 195 rebounds · 89 assists	41
2	Canada	86 points · 22 rebounds · 14 assists	5
3	France	53 points · 31 rebounds · 16 assists	5
4	Israel	38 points · 17 rebounds · 10 assists	3
5	Dominican Republic	26 points · 15 rebounds · 1 assist	1
6	Turkey	23 points · 15 rebounds · 12 assists	2
7	Austria	23 points · 11 rebounds · 2 assists	1
8	Jamaica	22 points · 5 rebounds · 2 assists	1
9	Bosnia	22 points · 7 rebounds · 1 assist	1
10	Serbia	22 points · 9 assists · 8 rebounds ·	1
11	Great Britain	16 points · 3 rebounds · 1 assist	1
12	Australia	14 points · 7 rebounds · 4 assists	3
13	Brazil	13 points · 5 rebounds · 5 assists	1
14	Portugal	12 points · 11 rebounds · 1 assist	1
15	Philippines	9 points · 2 assists · 1 rebound ·	1
16	Nigeria	8 points · 6 rebounds · 1 assist	2
17	US Virgin Islands	8 points · 7 rebounds · 0 assists	1
18	Belgium	6 points · 3 rebounds · 0 assists	1
19	Spain	5 points · 5 rebounds · 1 assist	1
20	Montenegro	5 points · 3 rebounds · 0 assists	1
21	Latvia	5 points · 3 rebounds · 0 assists	1
22	Netherlands	5 points · 1 rebound · 1 assist	1
23	China	4 points · 2 rebounds · 2 assists	1
24	Georgia	4 points · 2 rebounds · 2 assists	1
25	Switzerland	3 points · 5 rebounds · 2 assists	1

* Includes players who represent national teams other than Team USA

All-Time Ranking

	PLAYER	CATEGORY	RANK	PASSED
	Rudy Gobert	Rebounds	38	Tyson Chandler
	Draymond Green	Assists	63	Karl Malone
	Kevin Durant	Assists	67	Kenny Anderson
	Tobias Harris	Scoring	123	Stephon Marbury
	Julius Randle	Scoring	164	Mike Mitchell
	Draymond Green	Rebounds	167	Armen Gilliam
	Nikola Jokic	Steals	172	Eric Bledsoe
	Tobias Harris	Rebounds	175	Shareef Abdur-Rahim
	CJ McCollum	Assists	204	Jerry Stackhouse, Domantas Sabonis
	Jayson Tatum	Scoring	205	Alvan Adams, Ron Harper
	Jaylen Brown	Scoring	228	Jalen Rose
	Julius Randle	Assists	231	Dolph Schayes

Sneakers

BRAND	STATS	PLAYERS
Nike	641 points · 246 rebounds · 153 assists	57
Jordan Brand	55 points · 17 rebounds · 7 assists	4
Adidas	38 points · 19 rebounds · 3 assists	4
Puma	31 points · 13 rebounds · 8 assists	4
New Balance	31 points · 6 assists · 5 rebounds ·	1
Under Armour	17 points · 0 rebounds · 0 assists	1
Li-Ning	17 points · 2 rebounds · 2 assists	1
361.00	16 points · 5 rebounds · 3 assists	1
Rigorer	15 points · 6 rebounds · 3 assists	1
Converse	14 points · 9 rebounds · 6 assists	2
Anta	13 points · 4 rebounds · 2 assists	1
Andiem	0 points · 4 assists · 3 rebounds ·	1

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: HoopsHype Daily: Strong night for Jamal Murray, Jerami Grant delivers in clutch time

The Philadelphia 76ers invaded the Golden 1 Center to pay a visit to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday looking to bounce back. The Sixers had a miserable night in Denver to begin this 3-game road trip and needed to earn a win over the West-worst Kings to stay in the race to get back in the top 6 in the East.

The Sixers used a fast start, shook off a slow second quarter, and were able to earn a 139-118 win over the lowly Kings. Philadelphia needed this one when considering the current circumstances in the East and how tight everything is in the standings. Every win counts right now and every win is important.

VJ Edgecombe had a career-high 38 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, while Justin Edwards had a career-high 32 points and knocked down a career-high seven 3-pointers, and Quentin Grimes had 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Andre Drummond hopped off the bench and had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks while Adem Bona added eight points and 10 boards and Dominick Barlow had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Here are the player grades following the win on the road:

VJ Edgecombe: A-plus

A beneficiary of the strong start by Edwards on the offensive end, Edgecombe was able to come up with some quick offense early. He knocked down a couple of triples which then forced the Kings to adjust and he then put the ball on the floor to get to his spots on the offensive end. He knocked down some impressive buckets in the mid-range as he continues to mature on the offensive end of his game. His takeover in the third quarter really put the Kings away and allowed the Sixers to cruise from there. He also stuffed the box score with his ability to make plays for others and attack the glass. Just a very mature game from the rookie.

Quentin Grimes: A-plus

After a tough night in Denver, the Sixers needed Grimes to find a way to bounce back. He was aggressive with his offense early and he used his athleticism and quickness to get easy looks at the basket. The Kings entered this contest ranked No. 28 in the league in defensive rating and Grimes took advantage of it. He was attacking the basket with aggression, finished well around taller defenders, and knocked down open 3s. Sacramento was the perfect “get right” opportunity for him. He also did well in terms of his passing and his rebounding.

Justin Edwards: A-plus

The second-year forward got the Sixers off on the right foot in this one. He was scoring early and often against this leaky Kings defense as he knocked down two quick 3s and then put the ball on the floor to get an easy bucket and get the scoreboard moving for Philadelphia. He did a lot of good things for Philadelphia in this one as he continues to stake his claim for a rotation spot when the Sixers get their main pieces back. Edwards put the ball on the floor to get to the basket, he knocked down big 3s, and had good moments defensively. It was really a terrific night for him.

Dominick Barlow: B-plus

There were a few good Barlow moments in this one. He created extra possessions by attacking the offensive glass and played well on the defensive end. He had some trouble converting on his chances offensively, at least he did until the game was already won, but the Sixers received big nights from others to make up for it.

Adem Bona: A-minus

There were issues defending Kings big man Maxime Raynaud, but Bona had a solid night. He was helpful on the glass, attacked the paint, defended well when he had to switch onto guards, and finished his opportunities at the basket. He played a part in the third quarter to help the Sixers build a large enough lead to cruise to the win.

Andre Drummond: A

The initial stint for Drummond was great. He knocked down two quick 3s, defended the paint with a couple of blocks, rebounded well per usual, and made plays with his passing ability. He did a lot of good things on both ends of the floor to start the night and the Sixers benefited from it. He was big in the second half as well as he knocked down another 3 and was able to help Philadelphia extend its lead.

MarJon Beauchamp: B

It was a nothing first half for Beauchamp, but he then knocked down a 3 in the second half and played some solid defense for Philadelphia. He did a lot of good things out on the floor as he continues to make a case for some potential rotation minutes.

Trendon Watford: D

It was a tough initial stint for Watford. He had a bad turnover in the paint, some real defensive struggles, and picked up a quick foul. It was a tough start for him in Sacramento. He didn’t get a look in the second half until the game was decided.

Cam Payne: D-minus

The bench unit struggled to get much going in the second quarter when the Kings began to turn things around to their favor. Payne was a part of that as he missed a couple of triples and had his defensive struggles as the Kings found a rhythm. The Sixers didn’t turn to him after halftime until the game was won.

Kyle Lowry: D-minus

The Sixers turned to the future Hall of Famer and there were some tough moments for Lowry in this one. He had a turnover and defensive struggles in his first stint as the younger Kings raced past him.

Jabari Walker: Incomplete

After missing three games due to an illness, Walker made his return to the floor. He didn’t do much in his initial stint. He played two minutes.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: VJ Edgecombe, Sixers earn much-needed win over Kings

The Brooklyn Nets have 13 games left to play in their 2025-26 NBA season and along the way, the team is going to evaluate as much of the roster as possible. Part of the reason that Brooklyn is able to look at so many guys that didn't see playing time in the beginning of the season is due to injuries and it looks like that will continue to be the case.

The Nets announced on Thursday that forwards Noah Clowney and Michael Porter Jr. are out for Friday's game against the New York Knicks due to their respective injuries. Porter, who is dealing with a right ankle sprain and left hamstring strain, is out for at least the next two weeks while Clowney is nursing a right wrist sprain that he suffered in Wednesday's 121-92 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Clowney played just eight minutes in Wednesday's loss loss to the Thunder before he suffered the wrist injury and after the game, head coach Jordi Fernandez didn't have many specifics to give on his status. With Clowney being out of the lineup on Friday, that will likely mean that rookie forward Danny Wolf should be starting at power forward after starting at small forward while Porter has been out.

Moving on in the injury report, the Nets listed forward Ziaire Williams as questionable for Friday's game against the visiting Knicks as he's dealing with left hand soreness. If Williams is unable to play against New York, that could lead to someone like veteran forward Terance Mann starting at small forward, assuming that Fernandez wouldn't start someone like Josh Minott or Ochai Agbaji at that small forward spot.

Lastly, rookie guard Ben Saraf is listed as probable for Friday's tilt against the Knicks due to left foot soreness, meaning that he is likely good to go after missing Wednesday's matchup against Oklahoma City due to the soreness. With the Knicks having one of the best records in the Eastern Conference, the Nets are hoping that they have as many players available to play as possible if they're going to upset their cross-town rival.

For tomorrow's game against the Knicks, the Nets say that Michael Porter Jr. (left hamstring strain) and Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain) are OUT.

Rookie Ben Saraf (left foot soreness) is PROBABLE.

Ziaire Williams (left hand soreness) is QUESTIONABLE.

— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) March 19, 2026

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain) out Friday vs. Knicks

NBA 50-point games this season: Updated list for 2025-26, from Bam Adebayo to Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

During the long NBA season, there are moments when players perform at the height of their talents, and producing 50 points in an NBA game can be one of them.

For most players, recording 50 points is a career milestone, while others have reached the mark several times over the course of their careers. While stars are typically the ones to reach the 50-point mark, role players occasionally have career nights themselves as they try to level up in the league.

Therefore, 50-point games are special moments for both players and fans during the regular season. Here's a look at all the players who have scored 50 in a game so far in 2025-26.

MORE: Who has scored the most points in an NBA Finals game?

Luka Doncic (March 19, 2026)

Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

• Opponent: vs. Miami Heat, Kaseya Center
• Result: Lakers 134, Heat 126
• Stat line: 60 points, 18-30 FGM-FGA, 9-17 3PM-3PA, 15-19 FTM-FTA

Doncic posted his second 50-point game in a span of eight days, hanging 60 on Bam Adebayo and the Heat in Miami as part of a road win. Doncic was efficient, shooting 18-of-30 from the floor and better than 50 percent from 3-point range. 

It's the third 60-point game of Doncic's career and ties his second-highest point total in a game, trailing only his 73-point explosion from 2024. 

LUKA DROPS 60 PTS 🔥

LAKERS WIN THEIR 8th GAME IN A ROW! pic.twitter.com/R9V262DHzl

— NBA (@NBA) March 20, 2026

Luka Doncic, Lakers (March 12, 2026)

Imagn Images

• Opponent: vs. Chicago Bulls, Crypto.com Arena
• Result: Lakers 142, Bulls 130
• Stat line: 51 points, 17-31 FGM-FGA, 9-14 3PM-3PA, 8-9 FTM-FTA

Two days after Bam Adebayo made history, Luka Doncic launched his name into the stars with an impressive — albeit slightly less prolific — display against the Bulls. He tallied 51 points in the fixture, his eighth career 50-point game — and first in Lakers colors.

Doncic found success all across the hardwood, tacking on 10 rebounds and nine assists while canning 9-of-14 threes. His displays, coupled with Austin Reaves' 30-point outing, pushed Los Angeles into third-place in the Western Conference. He became one of three players in franchise history to record 50+ points, 10+ rebounds, five or more assists and five or more three-pointers made in the same regular season game, joining Reaves and Kobe Bryant.

🚨 LUKA ERUPTS FOR 51 POINTS 🚨

51 PTS
10 REB
9 AST
3 STL
9 3PM

He joins Kobe Bryant and Austin Reaves as the only players in Lakers franchise history to record 50+ PTS, 10+ REB, 5+ AST, and 5+ 3PM in a regular season game. pic.twitter.com/DTC6f5NHYN

— NBA (@NBA) March 13, 2026

MORE:Luka Doncic on motivation behind 51-point explosion

Bam Adebayo, Heat (March 10, 2026)

• Opponent: vs. Washington Wizards, Kaseya Center
• Result: Heat 150, Wizards 129
• Stat line: 83 points, 20-43 FGM-FGA, 7-22 3PM-3PA, 36-43 FTM-FTA

Adebayo turned the Heat’s record books into his own personal diary with a historic 83-point explosion against the Washington Wizards. This incredible performance is the second-most points ever scored in an NBA game, blows away the new NBA season high for points by a single player and breaks the long-standing Miami Heat franchise record of 61 previously held by LeBron James.

Adebayo was locked in from the opening tip, racking up 31 points in the first quarter alone to tie for the fifth-highest scoring period in NBA history. He finished the first half with a staggering 43 points, which actually surpassed his previous career high for an entire game. 

By the buzzer, Adebayo had 83, officially eclipsing Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point mark to claim the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point masterpiece from 1962.

This scoring outburst caps off a legendary week for the Miami captain, coming just two days after he became only the second player in franchise history to reach 10,000 career points.

MORE:Bam Adebayo passes Kobe Bryant for most points in a game

Anthony Edwards (Jan. 17, 2026)

• Opponent: vs. San Antonio Spurs, Frost Bank Center
• Result: Spurs 126, Timberwolves 123
• Stat line: 55 points, 19-33 FGM-FGA, 9-16 3PM-3PA, 8-10 FTM-FTA

Edwards achieved a new career-high with 55 points in a loss to the Spurs, the third 50-point game of his career.

The Timberwolves star shot 19-of-33 overall and drilled nine 3-pointers, including a shot to pull Minnesota within one with 12 seconds remaining, but San Antonio was able to close out the win at home.

Jaylen Brown, Celtics (Jan. 3, 2026)

• Opponent: vs. Los Angeles Clippers, Intuit Dome
• Result: Celtics 146, Clippers 115
• Stat line: 50 points, 18-26 FGM-FGA, 6-10 3PM-3PA, 8-10 FTM-FTA

Brown's breakout season continued with a stellar performance against the Clippers, reaching 50 points in a game for only the second time in his career. He becomes the third player in Celtics history with multiple 50-point games, joining Larry Bird and Jayson Tatum, as Boston continued it's hot streak to rise in the Eastern Conference standings.

JAYLEN BROWN DROPPED 50 TONIGHT 🤯

50 PTS (ties career-high)
18-26 FGM

He joins Jayson Tatum (5x) and Larry Bird (4x) as the only players in Celtics franchise history with multiple 50+ PT games! pic.twitter.com/GhA06b2WfT

— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2026

MORE: Breaking down the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry

Kawhi Leonard, Clippers (Dec. 28, 2025)

• Opponent: vs. Detroit Pistons, Intuit Dome
• Result: Clippers 112, Pistons 99
• Stat line: 55 points, 17-26 FGM-FGA, 5-10 3PM-3PA, 16-17 FTM-FTA

Even at 34 years old, Kawhi Leonard proved on Dec. 28 against the Detroit Pistons that at his best, he's one of the game's elite offensive talents. He dominated against the Eastern Conference's leading squad for a career-high 55 points, leading the Clippers to a victory.

Leonard added 11 rebounds, five steals and three blocks in a vintage night, tying the Clippers' franchise record for single-game scoring.

A MASTERPIECE FROM KAWHI LEONARD!

🖐️ 55 PTS (career-high)
🖐️ 11 REB
🖐️ 5 STL
🖐️ 3 BLK
🖐️ 5 3PM

That ties the Clippers franchise record for PTS in a game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PMacnRiUxW

— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2025

MORE: Why did the Clippers part ways with Chris Paul?

Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (Dec. 25, 2025)

• Opponent: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Ball Arena
• Result: Nuggets 142, Timberwolves 138
• Stat line: 55 points, 15-21 FGM-FGA, 4-6 3PM-3PA, 22-23 FTM-FTA

Nikola Jokic delivered a Christmas night masterpiece that will be replayed in highlights for years, putting up one of the most statistically ridiculous triple-doubles in NBA history to lead the Nuggets past the Timberwolves in an overtime thriller.

NIKOLA JOKIĆ WITH VIDEO GAME STATS ON CHRISTMAS DAY 🤯

🃏 56 PTS
🃏 16 REB
🃏 15 AST
🃏 2 BLK
🃏 4 3PM

THE FIRST 55/15/15 GAME IN NBA HISTORY 🚨 pic.twitter.com/8LPXlFWO6V

— NBA (@NBA) December 26, 2025

The Joker tormented the Minnesota defense, scoring 56 points, hauling in 16 rebounds, and dishing out 15 assists, becoming the first player ever to reach the 55/15/15 mark in a single game. His efficiency was nearly flawless, shooting 15-21 from the field and draining a stunning 22 of 23 free throws, but his most memorable act came in overtime, where he scored an NBA-record 18 points to personally drag the Nuggets to victory. 

MORE:How Nikola Jokic broke historic Stephen Curry record on Christmas

Jamal Murray, Nuggets (Dec. 3, 2025)

• Opponent: at Indiana Pacers, Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• Result: Nuggets 135, Pacers 120
• Stat line: 52 points, 19-25 FGM-FGA, 10-11 3PM-3PA, 4-5 FTM-FTA

The Pacers couldn't stop Jamal Murray, they could only hope to contain him, and they couldn't do that either. The Nuggets star went off in a road tilt against the defending Eastern Conference champions, pouring in 52 points on extremely efficient shooting, going 19-25 from the field and draining 10 of 11 shots from downtown. At one point Murray was so hot, that he just looked at his hand and started shaking it as if he were trying to cool it off from being on fire. 

HAVE YOURSELF A NIGHT, JAMAL MURRAY.

52 POINTS.
10–11 FROM DEEP.
19–25 FROM THE FLOOR.

Denver grabs the road win & moves to 15-6 on the season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xW4uAp3tDy

— NBA (@NBA) December 4, 2025

MORE:What to know about Jamal Murray's historic 50-point night

James Harden, Clippers (Nov. 22, 2025)

• Opponent: at Charlotte Hornets, Spectrum Center
• Result: Clippers 131, Hornets 116
• Stat line: 55 points, 17-26 FGM-FGA, 10-16 3PM-3PA, 11-14 FTM-FTA

James Harden tied Kobe Bryant for third on the all-time list with his 25th career 50-point game on Nov. 22, scoring 55 points in a win over the Hornets.

Harden missed only nine of his 26 shot attempts, drilling 10 3-pointers for the first time since December 2019. Harden's 55 points were also his highest single-game total since December 2019, when he was still a member of the Houston Rockets, and they marked a new Clippers record.

55 POINTS FOR JAMES HARDEN 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0hFBeL60iD

— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2025

Tyrese Maxey, 76ers (Nov. 20, 2025)

• Opponent: at Milwaukee Bucks, Fiserv Forum
• Result: 76ers 123, Bucks 114
• Stat line: 54 points, 18-30 FGM-FGA, 6-15 3PM-3PA, 12-14 FTM-FTA

Tyrese Maxey recorded his fourth-career 50-point game on Nov. 20, tallying a career-high 54 to lead the Sixers to a nine-point win over the Bucks. The 25-year old produced points in bunches, sinking six triples while canning 12-of-15 attempts inside the arc.

ABSOLUTELY DOMINANT NIGHT FOR TYRESE MAXEY.

🔥 54 points (career high)
🔥 9 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks
🔥 powers Sixers OT win

The 7th player to record 50 points, 3 steals and 3 blocks since 1973-74! pic.twitter.com/VVJZGx0btV

— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2025

MORE:Which NBA teams have won the most championships?

Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (Nov. 12, 2025)

Harry How/Getty Images

• Opponent: at Los Angeles Clippers, Intuit Dome
• Result: Nuggets 130, Clippers 116
• Stat line: 55 points, 18-23 FGM-FGA, 5-6 3PM-3PA, 14-16 FTM-FTA

Nikola Jokic scored 55 points in November against the Clippers, his fourth-ever 50-point game. The Denver Nuggets star did so in a variety of ways, totaling 15 points from three and 14 from the free throw line.

HAVE YOURSELF A NIGHT NIKOLA JOKIĆ.

⚒️ 55 PTS (33 IN 1H)
⚒️ 12 REB
⚒️ 6 AST
⚒️ 18-23 FGM
⚒️ 5-6 3PM
⚒️ 34 MIN
⚒️ DEN W

He's just the 4th player in NBA history to score 55 PTS on 78 FG% or better 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NpKKAK6rna

— NBA (@NBA) November 13, 2025

MORE: Every NBA MVP in league history

Lauri Markkanen, Jazz (Oct. 27 2025)

Chris Gardner/Getty Images

• Opponent: vs. Phoenix Suns, Delta Center
• Result: Jazz 138, Suns 134
• Stat line: 51 points, 14-32 FGM-FGA, 6-13 3PM-3PA, 17-17 FTM-FTA

Lauri Markkanen exploded for 51 points in a Utah Jazz home win against the Suns, becoming the fourth player to score 50 points in the preceding week. While Markkanen was inefficient from the field, he was perfect from the free-throw line and totaled six threes overall.

CAREER NIGHT for @MarkkanenLauri.

🎵 51 PTS (career high)
🎵 14 REB
🎵 6 3PM
🎵 17-17 FTM
🎵 2 FTS to seal OT win

The first @utahjazz 50-piece since Karl Malone in 1998! pic.twitter.com/PA6iV5jeQG

— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2025

MORE: Which teams have never won the NBA Finals?

Austin Reaves, Lakers (Oct. 26, 2025)

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

• Opponent: at Sacramento Kings, Golden 1 Center
• Result: Lakers 127, Kings 120
• Stat line: 51 points, 12-22 FGM-FGA, 6-10 3PM-3PA, 21-22 FTM-FTA

Austin Reaves produced a career-high 51 points for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Kings early in the season, with much of his production coming from the free-throw line. Reaves totaled 21 points on free throws alone, but he also chipped in six threes to help reach the total.

Austin Reaves went OFF tonight 🤯

51 POINTS (career-high)
11 REBOUNDS
9 ASSISTS
6 TRIPLES
W

He is the FIFTH @Lakers player this century to score 50+ POINTS in a game ‼️ pic.twitter.com/XvER3NqImq

— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2025

MORE: Ranking the best players to never win an NBA title

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder (Oct. 23, 2025)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

• Opponent: at Indiana Pacers, Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• Result: Thunder 141, Pacers 135
• Stat line: 55 points, 15-31 FGM-FGA, 2-7 3PM-3PA, 23-26 FTM-FTA

The Oklahoma City Thunder faced the Pacers in an NBA Finals rematch in the second game of the season, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried them to a double-overtime win. Of his 55 points, SGA scored 23 at the free throw line while making just two three-pointers in the game.

SGA EXPLODES FOR 55 IN THRILLING OKC 2OT WIN IN INDY 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/bUpQvfEk5s

— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2025

MORE: Ranking the best Thunder players of all time

Aaron Gordon, Nuggets (Oct. 23, 2025)

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

• Opponent: at Golden State Warriors, Chase Center
• Result: Warriors 137, Nuggets 131
• Stat line: 50 points, 17-21 FGM-FGA, 10-11 3PM-3PA, 6-6 FTM-FTA

On the same night as SGA's 50-point game, Aaron Gordon scored 50 himself on the road against the Warriors. The forward largely dominated from the perimeter, scoring 30 points on three-pointers in the loss to Golden State.

Aaron Gordon became the 6th player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a season opener tonight!

He is the 1st Denver player to complete this feat 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NLM6iLFFhM

— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2025

MORE: Which teams have the most wins in an NBA season?

Dave McMenamin: Luka Doncic dropped 60 points, LeBron James (19 pts, 15 reb, 10 ast) had a triple-double and Austin Reaves scored 18 as the Lakers beat the Heat, 134-126, for their eighth win in a row and 11th in their last 12 games.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Luka Doncic stays hot, scores 60 points on second night of back-to-back to lead Lakers to eight straight wins

Keerthika Uthayakumar: Luka Doncic is averaging 39.4 points on the 2nd night of a back-to-back this season, on pace to be 4th-most in NBA history. Wilt - 50.1 points in 1961-62 Wilt - 41.7 points in 1962-63 James Harden - 40.9 points in 2018-19 Luka Doncic - 39.4 points this season

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Luka Doncic is averaging 39.4 points on the 2nd night …

NBA Courtside: Luka on his hot scoring streak and LeBron: "I feel like my 3 ball is going well and i'm attacking... Like I said yesterday, without him we don't win. The way he is playing its incredible to see and to watch"

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "I feel like my 3 ball is going well and i'm …

Keerthika Uthayakumar: LeBron James at 41 years & 78 days old: 30 points on 13/14 FG & 6 dunks LeBron James at 41 years & 79 days old: 19 points on 8/12 FG, 15 rebounds & 10 assists 49 points on 26 shots in the last 24 hours.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: LeBron James at 41 years & 78 days old:

Omari Sankofa II: Ausar on LeVert's playmaking: "He always says he’s the best passer on the team. I don’t know about that one, because I’m standing here."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "He always says he’s the best passer on the team. I …

Omari Sankofa II: On Duren leaving in the 3rd and not playing in the 4th after returning to the bench, JB said Paul Reed was rolling. Doesn't sound like anything serious for Duren. "We’ll take a look at JD and see if he’s alright, but I haven’t seen any problems yet."

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "We’ll take a look at JD and see if he’s alright, but …

Justin Russo: Final: Pelicans 105, Clippers 99. Missed free throws (Clippers shot 59% on 32 FTA), costly fourth-quarter fouls (10 FTA for New Orleans off of them), and ill-timed defensive decisions send the Clippers tumbling to 34-36. Rough trip so far. At Dallas on Saturday. Need to win it.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Final: Pelicans 105, Clippers

The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday as they continue their 3-game road trip. The Sixers need a win to bounce back and get back in the win column following a tough night in Denver to begin the trip on Tuesday.

The Sixers will once again be short-handed as they will be missing Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr. against the Kings. While Sacramento possesses the worst record in the league, the Sixers will still be faced with a challenge when considering all that is sidelined.

The Sixers will start VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, Dominick Barlow, and Adem Bona in an effort to knock off the Kings on the road.

tonight’s first five:

🔔 @vj_edgecombe
🔔 @qdotgrimes
🔔 @adembona
🔔 @Jedwards3_
🔔 @Dominickbarlow_pic.twitter.com/ZRUZMxgxXo

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 20, 2026

The Sixers did defeat the Kings in Philadelphia back on Jan. 29 due to the heroics of Maxey. They will need to play strong basketball for 48 minutes to get it done in this one.

Tip off is set for 10 p.m. EDT from the Golden 1 Center.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers announce same starting lineup for road matchup vs. Kings

As the season starts to wind down, the Atlanta Hawks are hitting their stride.

Atlanta currently sits with an 11-game winning streak as of Thursday. During the run, the Hawks are dominating opponents on both ends. Over the past 11 games, the Hawks have averaged 124 points per contest. Defensively, Atlanta is allowing under 107 points on average amid this recent spree of success.

As a result, the win streak has allowed the Hawks to move above .500 for the first time since December 20. It’s their longest win streak since the 2014-2015 season, when the team won 19 in a row.

Despite this recent tear, the Hawks still have not been able to move up much in the standings.

When the streak started on Feb. 22, Atlanta was ninth in the Eastern Conference. Over 10-plus straight wins later, the Hawks now only sit at eighth in the conference standings. For comparison, when Atlanta won eight games in a row during the 2020-2021 season, they moved from 11th in the Eastern Conference into the fourth seed.

So, what gives? Why has this streak resulted in minimal movement in the standings?

Hawks Dug Themselves A Deep Hole

As much as a winning streak can turn a season around, a losing streak can bury a team in a deep hole.

For the Hawks, a seven-game losing streak put them in a hole they are just now digging out of. It did have a great start to the season. Atlanta was a top-five seed by the end of November, but the losing streak caused them to slip to 10th in the Eastern Conference, where they have been most of the season.

An NBA season will always have its ebbs and flows. It is difficult to be consistently good throughout a six-month regular season.

That being said, a losing streak can be demoralizing if it results in falling in the standings. Because the losing streak in December sank the Hawks in the standings, it would be hard to work their way back up.

The good news: Atlanta is very close to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. As of Thursday, it’s just 1.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors for fifth in the standings. 

Everyone Keeps Winning

While the Atlanta Hawks are winners of their last 11, other teams above them are also winning at a high rate. The Southeast Division is on a hot streak altogether.

Both the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, who sit above Atlanta in the standings, are 7-3 in their last 10 games. The unfortunate part for the Hawks is that teams above them in the conference are also continuing to win.

Atlanta needs help to move up in the standings, and they aren’t receiving it from other teams.

Something to note: The Hawks are 7-0 against Orlando and the Philadelphia 76ers, but 1-6 against Miami and the Toronto Raptors. In the event of tie-breakers, this becomes critical to mention. Atlanta does match up with the Heat and Magic one more time each during their final six games of the regular season. 

The Bright Side

The main criticism of the Atlanta Hawks’ winning streak is that it has come against bottom-feeder teams.

Atlanta has notably played both the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets twice during the streak. However, you can only play those who are in front of you. Every team plays each other at least twice. 

The best part about a winning streak is the momentum it carries. There have been a lot of moving parts to the Hawks’ roster this season, but everyone appears to be settled in.

The defining move that started the streak was head coach Quin Snyder’s benching of Zaccharie Risacher in favor of C.J. McCollum. In 183 minutes together, the lineup of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu has a net rating of +34.9. Furthermore, the lineup has an offensive rating of 130.6 and a defensive rating of 95.6 for the year. 

McCollum moving to the starting lineup hasn’t hurt bench production either. Since the winning streak started, the Hawks are 10th in bench points at 39.3 per game. This is despite the fact that Atlanta is near the bottom in bench minutes during that time.

Going forward, Atlanta is hoping its recent momentum will lead it to make some noise when the playoffs come around. 

The post Why Isn’t Hawks’ Win Streak Yielding Results in East Standings? appeared first on The Lead.

Peter Hooley: NBL clubs have contacted Joe Ingles and his representation in effort to bring him home next season. One of Australia’s all-time greats, his career started in the NBL, before heading to Europe and then NBA. Ingles is currently with the Timberwolves as they approach the Playoffs.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: NBL teams have reached out to Joe Ingles about a potential move next season

They’re playing their best brand of basketball at the right time, and Luka Dončić, for all of his offensive brilliance, remains a critical figure at the other end. “Overall he’s been a good defender for us,” Redick said after the game. “When he gets switched on to the ball — I don’t know what the updated numbers are after the last three games — it’s been under 0.9 [points allowed per possession]. It’s been one of the best, if not the best of all our perimeter guys. “He’s been more active with rotations and being physical with our switching groups. With him, it's to be solid, engaged, do our rules, and he’s smart and can execute that at a high level. When he’s fully on defensively, he can guard the basketball. We’ve seen him do it against everybody in this league. We trust him.”

Yahoo! Sports

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “He’s been more active with rotations and being …

An understanding of Redick’s scheme means contextualizing Dončić’s defensive skill set, highlighting what he is good at and attempting to mask what he’s deficient in. Contesting shots, arguably the second-most important aspect of defense outside of positioning, is a strength of his, with Dončić in the 95th percentile in shots contested per 100 possessions and 87th percentile in rim contests. This particularly manifests itself as an isolation defender, when teams try to pick at him; Dončić is allowing just 0.844 points per possession in 109 isolations this year, a hairline below Amen Thompson, and a better mark than Jaden McDaniels and OG Anunoby.

Yahoo! Sports

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Contesting shots, arguably the second-most important …

But team officials had a surprise. They delayed the flight and rented out a section at the famous Toronto sports bar Real Sports, next door to the Raptors' arena, where there is a 40-foot-wide screen. And there was an open bar too. The beer flowed and Heat forward Shane Battier got drunk on Anchor Steam, stealing a Colin Kaepernick jersey off a dummy set up for the occasion. Later, on the way to the airport, Battier grabbed the microphone on the bus and gave an impromptu speech to his lubed-up teammates to "touch the people" as he urged them to take advantage of the Heat's popularity in that time and place.

ESPN

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: But team officials had a surprise. They delayed the …

The Heat's win streak ended a week later in Chicago, on March 27, when the Chicago Bulls jumped out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter and prevented the Heat from going on one of their patented runs. The crowd at United Center celebrated heartily after their team held on to a 101-97 victory to end the Heat's quest for history. Only one team since has won more than 20 in a row, when the 2015-16 Warriors opened the season 24-0 on the way to their record 73-win season.

ESPN

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Only one team since has won more than 20 in a row, …

“I look around, and I’m just like, ‘OK, this might be the time I have to say something,’ you know what I mean,” Melton said Tuesday on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” show. “I’m one of the guys that’s a little older than most at this point, which is crazy to even say. But I just use my basketball knowledge to express how I feel about the game or what’s going on out there. I feel like I have a very good basketball mind and very high IQ, so I just try to relay that to the rest of the team and go see what’s going on.”

NBC Sports Bay Area

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “I’m one of the guys that’s a little older than most …

Even more impressive is Missi is only 21, making him the youngest player in this exclusive club to hit the 10-5-5 benchmark in a game. “I thought he was fantastic,” said interim coach James Borrego. “Really all of our bigs were. But Yves specifically in impacting the rim. The way he’s rebounding out there. He affects our defense in so many ways. I love his energy, his spirit. He’s becoming that rim protector for us.”

New Orleans Times-Picayune

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The way he’s rebounding out there. He affects our …

High Point secured its first-ever win in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament on Thursday, upsetting the No. 5-seed Wisconsin Badgers in Portland, Oregon.

Rob Martin produced 23 points and 10 assists, Terry Anderson tallied 15 points and 11 assists and Chase Johnston added 14 points to lead the 12th-seeded Panthers to the 83-82 victory in the first round of the West Region at the Moda Center.

Johnston converted the go-ahead layup with 11.7 seconds left in regulation for his first 2-point basket of the season. Following a timeout, Panthers forward Owen Aquino blocked a layup attempt by Nick Boyd, and the team corralled the rebound with 1.6 seconds left to seal the win.

OH MY GOODNESS.

THIS IS MARCH ‼️#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/1if1XqLCxI

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2026

High Point punched its ticket to the Big Dance after claiming a second straight Big South Conference title with a 30-4 record. The Panthers went 15-1 during conference play, suffering their only loss to Winthrop, who they beat in the title game on March 8.

The Panthers returned to the NCAA Tournament under first-year head coach Flynn Clayman, who was promoted last year after Alan Huss left for Creighton. Clayman first joined the program in 2023 as an associate head coach under Huss.

High Point registered the first major upset of the NCAA Tournament in the opening round with its victory over Wisconsin. The Panthers will now face either No. 4 Arkansas or No. 13 Hawaii in the round of 32 on Saturday (T.B.D.).

Where is High Point University located?

The Panthers are based in High Point, North Carolina. The team plays its home games at the Qubein Center, which opened in September 2021 with a maximum capacity of 5,000.

When did the program move to Division I?

The men's program transitioned to Division I beginning with the 1999-00 season, joining the Big South Conference. It previously competed in Division II and made two round-of-32 appearances in 1996 and 1997.

How many times has High Point qualified for the NCAA Tournament?

The Panthers' appearance in the NCAA Tournament this year is only their second since moving to Division I. They qualified for March Madness for the first time last year as the 13-seed, losing to No. 4 Purdue 75-63 in the first round.

Who is the Panthers' all-time leading scorer?

Gene Littles holds the program record for career scoring, totaling 2,410 points from 1965-1969. He was a three-time NAIA All-American and also holds the records for field goals (881) and free throws (650).

Who has been drafted to the NBA?

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: High Point University: Who is the Panthers' all-time leading scorer?

Moving to the left corner, Payton Sandfort can finally cross off a huge bucket-list item. Aaron Wiggins found the two-way rookie for the momentumal moment. He knocked down the outside jumper to secure his first NBA points.

The Oklahoma City Thunder helped out the Brooklyn Nets' lottery odds with a 121-92 win. They led by as many as 42 points. The reigning NBA champions limited the rebuilding squad to an eye-popping 24 points in the first half. That allowed the second half to be skippable.

Added to a two-way deal on Mar. 2, Sandfort finally had the chance to play some meaningful NBA minutes. It was quite the journey for him to reach that point. He played four collegiate seasons at Iowa from 2021-25. He went undrafted this past summer.

Despite being signed by the Thunder as an undrafted free agent, it would take another six months before he could suit up. He had double shoulder surgery in the offseason to repair a torn labrum. That sidelined him for all of the 2025 Summer League and preseason.

After playing a handful of games with the G League's OKC Blue, the Thunder added Sandfort with their last two-way spot. A couple of weeks later, he scored his first NBA bucket. Wiggins was pumped to be the guy who fed him the bucket. He can relate to him as he started in OKC on a two-way deal, as well.

"That was awesome, man. I've been talking to him in and out of practices, at games, on the bench. Just telling him that it's going to come," Wiggins said. "We've had some games where we had leads and they got shrunk. He's waited for that opportunity. I just told him that it's going to happen. Stay with it. Be ready to go. I was happy to be the guy he assisted."

Sandfort went home with a memento. The Thunder ensured he was gifted the game ball. Afterward, he continued OKC's tradition of a postgame bark — something every newbie has done over the years.

If all that wasn't enough, Sandfort darted back on a flight to get to OKC. Fate had his younger brother, Pryce, at Paycom Center — the Thunder's home gym. On Thursday afternoon, he scored 23 points to lead Nebraska to its first March Madness win in program history over Troy.

In the stands was Sandfort. He surprised his little brother with his appearance. The Thunder two-way rookie talked to Hurrdat Sports about his adventurous 18 hours to go from Brooklyn back to OKC — with a few events in between.

"We were at a team dinner until 1 a.m. and then had a 3 a.m. taxi. Took a flight at 6 a.m. and here I am," Sandfort said. "It worked out. I'm happy I could be here."

The NBA schedule-makers did Sandfort a solid, as well. The Thunder are amid another two-day break on a season-long five-game road trip. They're set to play the Washington Wizards on Saturday. The basketball stars really aligned for all of this to happen.

"It was awesome. Last night was pretty special. Just the way all of the guys have treated me. Now being able to be here," Sandfort said. "Hopefully just a special 24 hours."

OKC Thunder forward Payton Sandfort is surprising his brother at March Madness after his game in Brooklyn last night. 🤯

Team dinner: 1 a.m.
Taxi: 3 a.m.
Flight: 6 a.m.
Nebraska tipoff: 11:40 a.m. pic.twitter.com/P95mDIZJmS

— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) March 19, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Payton Sandfort recounts wild 18 hours from first NBA points to March Madness

On the latest edition of the HoopsHype show "Around The Beat," hosts Cyro Asseo and Sam Yip bring you the pulse of the New Orleans Pelicans from a uniquely informed perspective with Shamit Dua, the Pelicans writer behind the "In The NO" newsletter and podcast. They discuss Dejounte Murray's galvanizing return from injury, Zion Williamson's transformed approach to the game, the front office's controversial roster philosophy, and what the future holds for the franchise.

You can watch the full podcast or check out snippets of the conversation in the transcribed version below the YouTube video.

The Dejounte Murray effect

Timestamps: 00:01:26 – 00:03:32 / 00:03:53 – 00:04:23

ShamitDua: "He definitely brings a style of basketball and a solid personality that I think is not common in the NBA in general, but also just like on the Pelicans team specifically. They've lacked sort of this outspoken, in-your-face style basketball player. Dejounte really wears his emotions on his sleeve, and I think it is infectious. It is something that everyone's like, 'Well, this guy clearly cares so much. You know, it'd be kind of an affront to not care as much as he does.'"

The audition begins

Timestamps: 00:03:32 – 00:04:53 / 00:04:54 – 00:05:38

SD: "In the back of everybody's mind, they know that this is a new regime... unless you're Yves Missi or Karlo Matkovic, you're part of the previous regime, and there's no guarantee that you're going to be here. And it's in your best interest to continue to audition not only for this team, but for every other team. And I think there's incentive in that in terms of playing hard."

The Zion Williamson conundrum

Timestamps: 00:08:14 – 00:09:47 / 00:14:53 – 00:16:08 / 00:30:51 – 00:31:55

SD:"I think it's the opposite. I think Zion's going to get extended... When Joe Dumars got here, there were some tough conversations had with Zion about what the expectation is for professionalism. And to Dumars's credit, Zion really took that to heart... He really wants to be in New Orleans, and he really, really wants the narrative on him to flip... I would model it after Julius Randle's extension... around three years, $100 million or so. Around 30 to $35 million a year. I think it's a good sweet spot for Zion."

AD vs. Zion

Timestamps: 00:11:49 – 00:14:31

Cyro draws a comparison between the front office's approach to Zion versus their approach to Anthony Davis in the past. Shamit explains the critical difference: availability and professionalism. Davis, despite his own injury history, was consistently available enough to be a top-5 player and earn All-NBA honors, which justified the franchise going "all in" around him. With Zion, the organization never got that proof of concept, leading to a more conservative, developmental approach.

Dua: "Davis, while he was in and out of games, he was still mostly healthy for the duration of his Pelicans career, and he was way more professional in how he approached the game... When you have a player who averages, like, 35 games a year, you can't take those type of swings."

Who stays and who goes?

Timestamps: 00:16:37 – 00:18:47 / 00:24:43 – 00:26:49

SD: "I think everybody on the team has a price. But the price is set intentionally high for guys like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy. So if those prices are met... those guys are available, but they're set to deter teams from asking."

DeAndre Jordan's surprising role vs. Kevon Looney's

Timestamps: 00:18:47 – 00:21:22

SD: "DeAndre Jordan, to everybody's surprise, has won his minutes... I think it's just evidence that, hey, if you can just do the bare minimum at that position, the Pelicans could be really good. And if they can get someone that can be more than the bare minimum... the guy that I have my eye on this summer is the local guy, Mitch Robinson."

The medical staff shake-up

Timestamps: 00:21:42 – 00:24:14

SD: "The medical side of the front office, most of them are on final years of their deals... it's going to look completely different come this summer. And it's something that people who follow the team need to be a little bit nervous about, because ownership wants to cut corners... there should be a healthy amount of skepticism that they're not going to invest in this area."

James Borrego's case

Timestamps: 00:43:31 – 00:47:39

SD: "I think if it were up to me, James Borrego should just have the interim tag removed... They've decentralized their offense away from Zion in a way that's become increasingly effective, and that was a challenge that Willie Green would talk about every single season... I think Borrego has certainly done enough to where he needs a look at the head coach."

Trey Murphy might be (almost) untouchable

Timestamps: 00:48:54 – 00:50:19

SD: "I think they view him as a guy that pairs perfectly with their star draft pick, Yves Missi... Trey is someone that pairs perfectly with anybody because he's an off-ball, highly efficient offensive player that can shapeshift into whatever offensive role you really need him to."

You can follow Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo), Sam Yip (@SamYip__), and Shamit Dua (@FearThe Brown) on X.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Around the Beat with Shamit Dua: 'Zion is all in on New Orleans'

Schools across the country are on spring break, which means March Madness has started. The month-long extravaganza fields 68 teams that are vying to be national champions. You could argue that it's the most chaotic postseason experience as games are on all day for a few weekends.

Even though Chet Holmgren was a one-and-done prospect, he fondly remembers his lone trip to the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. Teaming up with Degree Clinical, the 23-year-old reflected on his lone collegiate season at Gonzaga.

If you need your mind jogged, Holmgren headlined a stacked Gonzaga squad. They were the No. 1-ranked team in the final AP Poll. The Bulldogs were the first seed in the West region. While Holmgren has reached the pinnacle of the sport with an NBA championship, he told Thunder Wire what it was like to be part of the March mayhem.

"I just think it’s something that with an NBA career, you can make it a career as long as you are able to play. But a college career can be a four-year deal. You gotta make the most of it, for some guys, you have really a one-year opportunity to make the most of it," Holmgren said. "Those moments are moments that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, memory-wise. Not only do the moments mean a lot because you are trying to win, put on for your school, I guess, but also understanding it’s not necessarily going to be there for you next year."

Gonzaga fell in the Sweet 16 in a loss to Arkansas. Funny enough, Jaylin Williams was on the other side. Both opponents would become teammates just three months later in a stacked 2022 NBA draft class that really helped the Oklahoma City Thunder become an NBA champion.

In March Madness, Holmgren averaged 13 points on 58.6% shooting, 13.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He also had an eye-popping 4.3 blocks. The Gonzaga squad had plenty of NBA talent — from Jalen Suggs, Andrew Nembhard, Drew Timme and Julian Strawther.

There's a reason why Gonzaga was the heavy favorite to come away with the national championship.

Even when you're as highly decorated as Holmgren is, your college hoops stint always sticks with you. It's really the first time you get treated like a public figure. Something NBA players need to quickly adjust to once they reach the pros. He wasn't able to bring home a national championship in his lone season, but he established himself as the No. 2 pick of the 2022 NBA draft.

Chet Holmgren starring in a Degree Clinical commercial ahead of March Madness. A-plus for creativity:
pic.twitter.com/MY48VUp25U

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 10, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Exclusive: Chet Holmgren reflects on lone March Madness experience