“He didn’t get a tech. I am so proud of him,” Jordan said with a grin. “He didn’t get a tech today.”

"He didnt get a tech. I am so proud of him. He didnt get a tech today"

— DeAndre Jordan on Jeremiah Fears pic.twitter.com/GQ0AgVCqdt

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) March 1, 2026

The veteran’s playful jab came after a high-stakes game where emotions could have easily boiled over. Fears, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, played with a maturity that belied his age, especially after Pelicans star Zion Williamson left the game early in the second quarter with a right ankle injury.

With Williamson sidelined, Fears stepped up in a major way. The rookie guard finished the night with a massive double-double, tallying 18 points and a season-high 11 rebounds. He also added five assists and two blocks in 34 minutes of action, showing exactly why he’s been a fixture on the NBA’s Rookie Ladder all season.

The Pelicans relied on a balanced attack to secure their fourth straight win. Saddiq Bey led the scoring with 24 points, while Bryce McGowens matched Fears with 18 of his own. Herbert Jones anchored the defensive effort with 17 points and eight rebounds, helping New Orleans weather a late surge from Utah’s Isaiah Collier, who finished with 21 points.

For a Pelicans team that is starting to find its stride in the Western Conference, the development of Fears as a poised playmaker is a huge win. If he can keep stacking double-doubles while avoiding the refs’ whistle, DeAndre Jordan will have plenty more to be proud of.

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During his on-court interview following a dominant 26-point performance, Doncic, who turned 27 on Friday, jokingly called out the squad. “Nobody gave me a gift yet, it’s crazy,” the superstar guard said with a smirk.

The banter didn’t stop there. While Austin Reaves tried to handle his own media duties in the locker room later, Doncic decided to interrupt by chucking two towels at the third-year guard. Reaves didn’t miss a beat, firing back with a laugh, “I actually got you a present, you freaking idiot!”

Luka threw 2 towels at Austin

"I actually got you a present you freaking idiot" pic.twitter.com/d4zAAoiX1S

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 1, 2026

The lighthearted exchange highlights a growing chemistry in Los Angeles that is finally translating to the win column. The Lakers didn’t just talk a big game; they played one. Along with Doncic, Reaves provided a massive spark off the bench. He finished the night with 18 points and three assists, shooting an efficient 7-of-11 from the floor.

DeAndre Ayton anchored the defense and dominated the boards, tallying four points and 10 rebounds to help the Lakers outpace a Warriors team led by Gui Santos’s 14 points.

Winning fixes everything, and for a Lakers team that has dealt with plenty of external noise lately, seeing their two most popular players trade barbs and towels is a great sign. Whether Reaves actually has a gift waiting for Luka remains to be seen, but a 28-point road win over a rival is a pretty solid start.

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Luka Doncic, who celebrated his 27th birthday on February 28, top-scored with 26 points while Austin Reaves had 18 to round off a comfortable victory in the absence of Stephen Curry, among others. However, at least a similar amount of attention went to LeBron’s 11-year-old daughter Zhuri James, who did a heartwarming shootaround with her dad before the game.

“It’s special, it’s special, it’s definitely softened me up over the last 11 years. I had two boys to begin with but it’s special to have her. It’s a different type of love between girls and boys. It’s tough love when it comes to my boys. I yell at them and stuff whatever, you know they take it, they know how to approach it, it’s different, a little softer when I it’s my daughter,” James said per a clip on X by BronMuse, speaking about the impact his daughter has had over him.

"It's special. It's definitely softened me up over the last 11 years"

– Lebron on being a girl dad. pic.twitter.com/MgnecIIr3J

— BronMuse (@BronMuse) March 1, 2026

The session featured Zhuri mirroring her father’s dribbling drills and successfully sinking a backward over-the-head trick shot from the free-throw line after several attempts and some coaching from the 41-year-old. The interaction culminated in Zhuri tossing an alley-oop to the 41-year-old James for a pre-game slam, followed by their signature handshake and an exchange of “I love you” before tipoff, per Seattlepi.

“I don’t know. I tried to make sure I was in front of the basket,” Zhuri said when asked how she ended up making the basket.

Regardless, fans will be happy that LeBron is not growing soft on the court as he would arguably have had a better answer to questions about his own shooting, considering he went 7-13 on the night, contributing well in the Lakers’ overall 53.3% efficiency. They also went a staggering 46.1% from the three-point zone, compared to the Warriors’ 45.1% overall efficiency and 27.3% from beyond the arc.

For the Warriors, Gui Santos top-scored with 14 points while Moses Moody and Gary Payton II added 12 each, the latter off the bench. The Lakers brought an end to a three-game losing streak and will now take on the Sacramento Kings next.

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Poulakidas, a Yale University product and former Ivy League Tournament MVP, has been lighting it up for the San Diego Clippers. The 6-foot-6 guard is currently second in the G League in three-pointers made this season, one less than the leader with 96 triples.

He is averaging 14.7 points per game while shooting a crisp 38.5% from beyond the arc. His ability to space the floor is exactly what the Mavericks need as they navigate a roster ravaged by injuries.

Dallas has hit a wall, dropping 11 of its last 13 games and suffering a sixth consecutive home loss on Friday night. In that 124-105 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Mavericks looked physically and offensively spent. Without rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and star guard Kyrie Irving, the team lacked the perimeter threat necessary to keep Memphis honest.

Even in the prior 130-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings, where Naji Marshall exploded for 36 points and 10 rebounds, the depth issues were glaring. While Khris Middleton chipped in 17 points, the Mavericks struggled to find consistent bench production. Poulakidas offers a low-risk, high-reward solution to that problem.

By bringing in a specialized shooter who can thrive in the catch-and-shoot game, the Mavericks hope to provide their remaining playmakers with more room to operate. If his G League success translates to the NBA stage, the “King of the Ivy” might just find a permanent throne in the Dallas rotation.

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Both teams are tied at 37-23 for the season setting up a direct contest for the No. 4 position in the Western Conference. Denver enters as a slight home favorite per odds from DraftKings, looking to move on from a loss against Oklahoma City on Friday, which was a replay of last year’s conference semifinals. 

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Odds

• Minnesota Timberwolves: +2.5 (-110)
• Denver Nuggets: -2.5 (-110)
• Over: 237.5 (-110)
• Under: 237.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Key Injuries

Denver Nuggets The Nuggets’ depth will once again be tested with multiple high-profile absentees. Anthony Gordon is confirmed to be out alongside Peyton Watson, who are both struggling with hamstring trouble. Tamar Bates is a long-term absentee while Spencer Jones is questionable and Cameron Johnson is probable for this one.

The Timberwolves are relatively healthy and almost have a clean injury slate. They have Julius Randle listed as questionable due to right lower-back spasms.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Betting Trends

Denver has won the last three head-to-head meetings against Minnesota, including a 142-138 overtime thriller in their last matchup. The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in four consecutive games. 

Conversely, Denver is a perfect 3-0 ATS in their last three games against Minnesota. Denver has seen the Over hit in 38 of their 60 games (63.3%) this season. The Nuggets have been elite at covering on the road (21-12) but have struggled slightly at Ball Arena, posting a 13-14 ATS home record.

Keys to Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Matchup

The outcome of this game rests on Denver’s ability to work around Nikola Jokic’s customary brilliance. The Nuggets have shot well as a unit, scoring 120.5 points per game at more than 49% overall from the field. 

Much will depend on the inside battle between Rudy Gobert and Jokic, with Jamal Murray also recently picking form, which gives the Nuggets another important scoring threat. However, the Timberwolves will hope that Anthony Edwards can take charge.

The All-Star has been on a tear the entire campaign, averaging 29.6 points on the season. Minnesota will be determined to make use of the Nuggets’ thin rotation to dominate important stretches of the game.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Prediction and Pick

While the Timberwolves are surging on the road, Denver’s historical edge in this specific matchup is hard to ignore. The Nuggets have won the last three times these teams met, and Jokic typically finds a way to neutralize Gobert’s rim protection by operating away from the paint, especially in the presence of Murray.

ATS Pick: Nuggets -2.5 O/U Pick: Under 237.5

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James entered the contest needing only one triple to hit the mark, and he didn’t make the fans at Chase Center wait long. He started the game red-hot, drilling a step-back three in the first quarter to reach 1,000. By the time the final buzzer sounded, James sat at 1,002 career triples for the franchise, trailing only Bryant’s legendary mark of 1,827.

The 41-year-old superstar finished the night with an efficient 22 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. He shot 7-of-13 from the field, including a 4-of-6 mark from downtown. While Luka Doncic handled the bulk of the scoring with 26 points, James provided the steady veteran presence that allowed Los Angeles to pull away in the second half.

The victory was a collective effort for the Lakers, who moved to 35-24 on the season. DeAndre Ayton dominated the paint with four points and 10 rebounds, while the team’s perimeter defense limited the Warriors to just 27% shooting from deep.

Hitting this milestone further cements James’ legacy in Purple and Gold. While he is already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, achieving this specific feat with the Lakers highlights his sustained excellence and adaptation since arriving in 2018.

As the Lakers push for a higher seed in the Western Conference, they’ll need this version of James, one that can still dominate the game from beyond the arc, to make a deep playoff run.

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Ayton is going through the eighth year of his NBA career, his first with the Lakers. Despite playing alongside the likes of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Ayton hasn’t been able to fully flourish in the team’s attack this season, resulting in him having inconsistent stretches.

Ayton commented on those struggles, saying that Los Angeles is trying to use him like Houston Rockets center Clint Capela, a player Ayton doesn’t see himself as. Capela has since responded to those comments, saying that Ayton needs to lock in when it comes to performing alongside James and Doncic.

O’Neal also chimed in with his comments ahead of the Lakers’ clash with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. He described how Capela tends to play hard every game, something that he wants to see out of Ayton.

“Clint Capela plays hard every game… You’re not gonna be on the same team with LeBron [James] and Luka [Doncic] and think you’re gonna get shots,” O’Neal said. “I wish my career was this easy… He don’t play hard all the time.”

"Clint Capela plays hard every game… You're not gonna be on the same team with LeBron [James] and Luka [Doncic] and think you're gonna get shots… I wish my career was this easy… He don't play hard all the time."

Shaq on Deandre Ayton pic.twitter.com/3ZHrMgtoGx

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2026

What lies ahead for Deandre Ayton and the Lakers

Shaquille O’Neal knew the importance of having toughness while having the role to dominate in the NBA. He wants to see Deandre Ayton adapt in his current situation and consistently help the Lakers produce throughout the rest of the season.

In the 50 games he played before Saturday, Ayton averaged 13 points and 8.4 rebounds. He is shooting 66.5% from the field and 67.8% from the free-throw line.

Los Angeles has a 35-24 record on the season, holding the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns and 4.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors. However, they trail the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets by 1.5 games.

Following Saturday’s win over the Warriors, the Lakers will look forward to their next matchup. They will be at home when they host the Sacramento Kings on March 1 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

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The Slovenian superstar turned 27 on Friday, but the real party happened at Chase Center. Doncic dominated from the opening tip, putting up a massive line of 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. He carved up the Warriors’ defense with surgical precision, shooting 9-of-17 from the field and connecting on four triples. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why the Lakers pushed all their chips into the middle to get him.

Steph Curry and Luka Doncic share some laughs after the Lakers win over the Warriors

pic.twitter.com/4OCdHHq84s

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2026

While the Lakers took care of business, Gui Santos did his best to keep Golden State in the hunt. The Brazilian finished with 14 points and two assists, hitting 6-of-12 from the field. The Warriors had no answer for the Lakers’ size and transition game, as Los Angeles outscored them in fast-break points.

The win is a massive momentum booster for a Lakers squad that has faced its fair share of criticism lately. LeBron James anchored the interior with 22 points and nine assists, while Austin Reaves chipped in 18 points to provide the necessary scoring balance.

For the Lakers, seeing their franchise cornerstone share a lighthearted moment with a legend like Curry signals a shifting of the guard in the Western Conference. If Doncic continues to play at this MVP level, Los Angeles might just be the “contender” everyone expected them to be.

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The North Carolina product has continued to make a defensive impact at the NBA level using his seven-foot wingspan and elite athleticism. He’s also shown encouraging offensive flashes in spurts. Powell averaged 6.4 points on 46.0 percent shooting from the field and 32.4 percent from three in 16.9 minutes per game across his first 30 appearances.

However, he’s struggled to find his rhythm offensively as of late.

Nets send Drake Powell down to G League amid extended slump, call up Ben Saraf

Powell has averaged 5.2 points on 35.4 percent shooting from the field and 20.9 percent from three in 19.1 minutes per game over his last 17 appearances. The Nets have utilized the G League to get their NBA-record five rookie first-round picks extended reps throughout this season.

After struggling during the preseason and his first regular-season NBA appearances, the Nets sent Nolan Traore down to Long Island for an extended stretch. Following an impressive G League run, the French floor general rejoined Brooklyn and has since become the team’s full-time starting point guard.

With Powell in Long Island, rookie Ben Saraf could see extended minutes in the Nets’ rotation. Brooklyn called up Saraf on Friday after he spent an extended period in the G League. While he’s struggled during his NBA appearances, the Israeli point guard has averaged 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists on .423/.373/.759 shooting splits across 15 outings with Long Island.

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At this point, the Warriors are a shell of the powerhouse they used to be. Nostalgia can cloud one’s perception of reality, although a lot of Dubs fans know that their time as a competitive team with Curry leading the way is coming to an end.

But no one should ever forget how incredibly fun to watch the Curry-led Warriors were at their heyday, even though it’s nearly been a decade since they sealed a historic 73-win campaign.

Curry is at least doing his part to make sure his legacy lives on long after he hangs up his sneakers, as he recreated Hall of Fame commentator Mike Breen’s iconic “double bang” call of his game-winner from the hash line back in 2016 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Malika Andrews: "We have Mike Breen on the call. What's your best double bang impression?"

Steph Curry: "Decide not to use it, from way downtown. Bang! Bang!"

(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/oIyi8i9haJ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2026

Stephen Curry, Warriors are on their last legs

Curry and the Warriors, during their prime, were so unstoppable. Defenses back then were yet to figure out how to maximize the mathematical advantage of the three-point shot, but there Curry was, lighting up opposing defenses like it was nobody’s business.

The Dubs won four rings with Curry as the star of the show, and the addition of Kevin Durant should not diminish Curry and the Warriors’ winning legacy whatsoever. All good things come to an end, however, and the Warriors, in the aftermath of the Jimmy Butler injury, may be just watching time tick away on the final few good years of Curry’s NBA career.

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Demin missed most of the offseason due to a plantar fascia tear.  However, he played in his second straight back-to-back after the All-Star break on Friday. The rookie guard had not played in a back-to-back in over two months before the All-Star break.

Following a promising start to his rookie campaign, Demin has seen a dip in production recently amid a move to shooting guard. The 19-year-old has averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists on .360/.317/.789 shooting splits across 11 appearances in February.

Egor Demin, Nic Claxton land on Nets’ injury report ahead of Cavaliers matchup

Claxton’s appearance on the injury report with a thumb ailment comes after he played 23 minutes during Friday’s 148-111 loss to the Boston Celtics. The veteran center has continued one of the best offensive seasons of his career in February, averaging 14.2 points and 3.7 assists on 66.3 percent shooting. However, he’s gone nine straight games without a block, the longest streak of his seven-year career.

With Demin sidelined, rookie guard Ben Saraf could see extended minutes in Brooklyn’s rotation. The No. 26 pick rejoined the Nets during Friday’s loss following an extended stint in the G League.

If Claxton is unable to play, Day’Ron Sharpe will move into the Nets’ starting lineup at center. Sharpe has averaged 8.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 59.4 percent shooting in 18.6 minutes per game this season.

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Durant and Herro exchanged words throughout the course of the first half. The first quarter saw the two bicker as the officiating crew had to separate them before they escalated things further. They continued to trade barbs with one another for the remainder of the game.

The opposing stars eventually shared a postgame hug, moving on from their intense interactions. Durant reflected on those moments after the game. The veteran star described it as them needing a jolt of energy to get themselves going in the contest.

“I think we both just needed a jolt of energy to start the game,” Durant said via reporter Brady Hawk. “You seen it. We laughed and joked right after that. I got respect for Tyler, he has respect for me… Those words are just words.”

I asked Kevin Durant about the back and forth with Tyler Herro tonight:

“I think we both just needed a jolt of energy to start the game.”

“You seen it. We laughed and joked right after that. I got respect for Tyler, he has respect for me.”

“Those words are just words.” pic.twitter.com/1ueDWzD4Ke

— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) February 28, 2026

How Kevin Durant and the Rockets played against the Heat

That’s the art of the competitive spirit. No matter how intense the interactions Kevin Durant and Tyler Herro had with each other, they continued to maintain respect for one another. However, Herro had the laugh, helping the Heat take down the Rockets 115-105 at home.

Five players scored in double-digits for Houston in the loss, including Durant. He finished with a stat line of 32 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two blocks. He shot 12-of-20 from the field, including 2-of-8 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Amen Thompson came next with 20 points and 11 rebounds, Reed Sheppard had 14 points and five assists, Alperen Sengun put up 13 points and six rebounds, while Tari Eason provided 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Houston fell to a 37-22 record on the season, holding the third spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves by 0.5 games while trailing the San Antonio Spurs by six games and the Oklahoma City Thunder by eight games.

The Rockets will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining on the road. They face the Washington Wizards as tip-off will take place on March 2 at 7 p.m. ET.

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The 34-year-old had a chance to jump ship to a contender before Sunday’s deadline to be playoff-eligible with a new team. The Denver Nuggets were reportedly leading the pack of interested suitors, but Middleton has decided to stick it out in North Texas. Sources indicate he has settled in quickly since arriving in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade earlier this season, according to Marc Stein.

It has been a rough ride for Dallas lately. The Mavericks currently sit at 21-38, far from the playoff picture in a loaded Western Conference. The team is coming off a disappointing 124-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, where the offense struggled to find any consistent rhythm.

Middleton has been a steadying force amidst the chaos. In the team’s recent 130-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings, the former Milwaukee Bucks All-Star put up 17 points and five rebounds in 33 minutes. He also showed flashes of his championship pedigree during a February 22 win over the Indiana Pacers, erupting for 25 points on an efficient 11-of-15 shooting.

Keeping Middleton is a significant move for a Mavericks front office looking to maintain some veteran leadership around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the postseason is likely out of reach this year, Middleton’s presence provides a professional blueprint for a young roster still searching for its identity.

The Mavericks return to action Sunday at American Airlines Center to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be a massive test for a Dallas squad looking to snap a two-game skid and prove they can compete with the West’s elite.

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Barkley’s main gripe? He’s exhausted by the “contender” label constantly slapped on a team that, in his eyes, just isn’t very good. “I get sick of people talking about they’re contenders,” Barkley said. “The Lakers are not a good team. They’re not athletic, they’re not good defensively. I guess we’re contractually obligated to talk about them every day.”

"I get sick of people saying they’re contenders… The Lakers are not a good team. I just think it's funny how the media's turned on Luka [Doncic]… I guess we’re contractually obligated to talk about them every day."

— Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/Bi0q2tu1sh

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2026

The “Chuckster” even turned his attention to superstar Luka Doncic. While the media’s honeymoon phase with the Slovenian guard seems to be cooling, Barkley took it a step further, joking that the Lakers are essentially “tanking” right now. He even went as far as to suggest that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver should step in with a fine because of their recent slide.

The numbers aren’t exactly silencing the critics. Following a narrow 113-110 loss to a Phoenix Suns team playing without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, the Lakers have now dropped three straight games. Despite the team’s struggles, Luka Doncic did his best to carry the load against Phoenix, putting up a massive stat line of 41 points on 12-of-21 shooting, along with eight rebounds and eight assists.

Currently sitting at 34-24 and holding the 6th seed in the Western Conference, the Lakers find themselves closer to the Play-In tournament than the top spot. With 24 games left, the pressure is mounting. If the Lakers want to prove Barkley wrong and stop the “tanking” narrative, they’ll need to find some defensive identity, and fast.

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Richard is going through the rookie campaign of his NBA career, having enjoyed an incredible collegiate career at Florida that included winning the national championship. He has made valuable strides in the rotation, earning Steve Kerr’s trust as a reliable two-way player.

However, Richard had misfortune happen to him during Golden State’s contest against Los Angeles. He injured his ankle in the first half, needing to go to the locker room for evaluation.

Golden State confirmed it as an ankle injury, stating that Richard will miss the remainder of the game. His night ends after five minutes of action, finishing with four points, one rebound and a block.

How Warriors played against Lakers amid Will Richard’s injury

The Warriors will hope for the best when it comes to Will Richard’s injury. However, they were unable to keep up with the Lakers as they lost in a 129-101 blowout at home.

Los Angeles set the tone early on, taking a 33-20 lead after the first quarter. Golden State never recovered from that slow start, not having enough offense to stay in the contest.

Four players scored in double-digits for Golden State in the loss. Gui Santos led the team in scoring with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Moses Moody came next with 12 points and three rebounds, Gary Payton II had 12 points and three assists, while De’Anthony Melton provided 10 points and four assists.

Golden State fell to a 31-29 record on the season, holding the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Portland Trail Blazers by 2.5 games and the Los Angeles Clippers by three games. However, they trail the Phoenix Suns by three games and the Los Angeles Lakers by 4.5 games.

The Warriors will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Clippers as tip-off will take place on March 2 at 10 p.m. ET.

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Bridges discussed how White’s arrival brings something new to the Hornets, he said, per The Observer’s Rod Boone.

“Just a dynamic veteran guard off the bench. He’s doing a great job. He can score 20-30 [points] each night if he wanted to, but just to have him as a sixth man, that’s great for us,” Bridges said. “He’s playing in his hometown. So, it feels extra good for him and should be comfortable. We’re trying to make him comfortable here on his team, and we’re happy to have him.”

Miles Bridges says he feels the difference in how the Hornets fans have increased their support for the team this season.

“It’s a different vibe,” Bridges said. “We’ll go to away games, their team’s [crowd] be loud, cheering them on, and we didn’t have the same at home. Some people showed up. Now, it’s like everybody’s showing up, showing us love. But shoutout to the fans that’s been down with us before, and shoutout to the fans now.”

Asked Miles Bridges about the atmosphere surrounding #Hornets basketball in the city. He said "it's a different vibe."

He also gave praise to Coby White with how he's fitting in: pic.twitter.com/yvSHsafVJJ

— Rod Boone (@rodboone) February 28, 2026

The Hornets will host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

Coby White’s reaction to Bulls reunion after Hornets trade

Facing his former team for the first time since his trade, Hornets’ Coby White reacted to his recent Bulls reunion. Before his trade to the Hornets, White’s only team throughout his NBA career has been the Bulls.

You could imagine what it felt like for White to return to the Windy City for the first time as a member of the visiting team, he said, per CHSN.

“You don’t really know the impact you have on people. And the impact people have on me. I got the ovation and whatever, but so many people being here tonight, wearing my jersey, calling my name,” White said. “For me, it’s just trying to be in the moment. And just try to stay grounded. It’s very humbling to find out how many people you impact through this beautiful game that we play.”

"It's very humbling to find out how many people you impact through this beautiful game that we play."

Coby White on the support he felt in his return to Chicago tonight pic.twitter.com/WqZPPQyYXi

— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) February 25, 2026

The Hornets are now on a four-game winning streak.

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And as has been true a lot in the past, it is Draymond Green once again who is leading Golden State from the front despite the adversity. Green was in full floor general mode during the first half of the clash against the Warriors, per a clip posted on X by NBA on ESPN.

Draymond mic'd up and leading the Warriors vs. the Lakers

ABC, ESPN App pic.twitter.com/m4WOqvgwvH

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 1, 2026

A mic’d Green can be seen initially wishing Luka Doncic, who turned 27 on February 28, a happy birthday, before directing Gary Peyton II to defend Austin Reaves with 9:58 remaining in the second quarter.

“Force this inside, don’t switch it. Just don’t let him get a direct pass right here,” he was heard telling Peyton, who walked to Reaves immediately.
Green was then seen giving a resounding speech to the Warriors bench, asking them to defend better as the Lakers began the game well. They finished with a 33-20 first quarter, extending their lead to 65-47 at the end of the second.

Payton came off the bench to score 10 in the first half with De’Anthony Melton scoring eight for Golden State. LeBron James already had a game-high 20 points in the first half, with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic adding 13 and 10, respectively.

The Lakers look on track to get their first win in four games, with their big three threatening to take over. The Warriors are without Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis, among others.

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Sources indicate that Garland plans to suit up Monday night when the Clippers host the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome. It marks a massive turning point for a franchise that has been treading water since acquiring the former Cleveland Cavaliers star in the blockbuster James Harden trade.

Garland hasn’t seen game action since Jan. 14 due to a stubborn toe injury. The layoff has been long, but the timing of his return couldn’t be better. The Clippers have spent the last month leaning heavily on their depth, and adding a dynamic playmaker of Garland’s caliber changes the ceiling of this roster entirely.

During his last healthy stretch in Cleveland, the 24-year-old was a walking bucket, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 47.2 percent from the field. His ability to navigate the pick-and-roll and knock down shots from deep provides a much-needed secondary scoring option alongside the existing core.

The matchup against the Warriors serves as a high-stakes litmus test. While the coaching staff will likely monitor his minutes as he regains his game legs, Garland’s presence alone should loosen things up for the rest of the offense.

For a Clippers team looking to solidify its identity in a crowded Western Conference, Monday night isn’t just another regular-season game. It is the beginning of the Darius Garland era in Los Angeles. If he can recapture the All-Star form that made him one of the most coveted guards on the market, the rest of the league is officially on notice.

The post Clippers’ Darius Garland sets LA debut date after toe injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Per a clip posted on X by SportsCenter, Giannis walked through the crowd to his seat alongside his sons, six-year-old Liam and four-year-old Maverick. Antetokounmpo, alongside his brothers and rapper Lil Yachty, was also seen vibing to CM Punk’s iconic Cult of Personality entrance theme with a grin on his face.

The Antetokounmpo brothers and Lil Yachty vibing along to "Cult of Personality" #WWEChamber LIVE on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan https://t.co/c7avSEMsP2 pic.twitter.com/fgrfvctdKZ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 1, 2026

Known to be a fan of the WWE, Giannis attended an AEW taping in August 2021, where he received a replica championship belt. However, the current event is even more important in the WWE universe as it will decide who features in WrestleMania 42.

.@Giannis_An34 is in the house at #WWEChamber! pic.twitter.com/963UT1IRI7

— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2026

The chamber features two starting competitors and four others locked in glass pods to be released at timed intervals. The men’s match pits Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Je’Von Evans, Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Trick Williams against one another, with the victor earning a shot at Drew McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship.

Paul notably secured his spot after Jey Uso was removed due to a backstage attack. On the women’s side, Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Raquel Rodriguez, andKiana James will battle to secure a title match against WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill.

The Chicago card also features a World Heavyweight Championship rematch between hometown hero CM Punk and Finn Bálor, as well as a Women’s Intercontinental Championship bout featuring Becky Lynch defending against AJ Lee. And while Giannis is among thousands of spectators watching at the United Center, fans will be hoping he makes a return to the court in the near future as well.

The 31-year-old forward has been sidelined for 13 consecutive games since suffering a right calf strain on January 23 against the Denver Nuggets.

The post Bucks’ Giannis pulls up at WWE for Elimination Chamber appeared first on ClutchPoints.

RayJ Dennis has been playing for the Hawks on his two-way contract for about two months now, the longest stretch of stability he’s had this season. Although the season started anything but calm, Dennis’ unwavering belief in himself in the pursuit of his NBA dream was what kept him focused.

“I’m living out a dream, so it’s always a blessing,” Dennis told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “I’ve been able to be on two-way contracts, so I’m beyond blessed and just trying to take it day by day and keep getting better. Honestly I’m just grateful. Grateful for the opportunity in Indiana, grateful for the quick stint with the Clippers and grateful that Atlanta is believing in me.”

Dennis’ start in the NBA came ahead of last season when he signed with the Clippers. He used a strong summer league performance to earn an invite to training camp, but he was cut just a few days after camp began. He latched on with the Washington Wizards on a two-way contract, but was cut before the start of the regular season.

His first official stint on an NBA regular season roster didn’t come to fruition until January 2025 when the Pacers signed him to a two-way contract. Dennis had been putting up numbers for the Clippers’ San Diego affiliate in the G League, and the Pacers added him for backcourt depth.

Dennis played in a total of 11 games for the Pacers last season. While his time with the team was ultimately cut short, he was still able to pick up important habits as far as finding success in the NBA amid the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals.

“I think it’s the little things,” Dennis said. “It’s the little things, I think it’s the confidence and I think the camaraderie of our team was really good. Obviously we had the talent, the horses to do it, but I think those three things were super important for success.”

RayJ Dennis developing game with Hawks

Since signing the two-way contract with the Hawks, Dennis has only appeared in one game with the team. That was a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics in which he logged a little over four minutes and finished with four assists. He may have gone scoreless, but that playmaking aspect of his game is what’s going to get him NBA minutes eventually.

Amid the Pacers’ injury woes to start the season, Dennis was cast into immediate duty. He responded with games of six, five, five and five assists, respectively, in his first four games of the year. He played over 25 minutes in each of those games as well. Fine-tuning those playmaking reps boils down to the game starting to slow down.

“I think the biggest thing for me is the game is slowing down a little more every day. Day by day it’s slowing down, reads are little easier,” Dennis said. “It’s about making the reads, making the right reads, being sharp, making shots and staying out of foul trouble.”

In addition to learning how to be a ball-handling guard in the NBA, Dennis has to get used to the constant shuffle that’s part of the nature of a two-way contract. He’s limited in terms of the number of NBA games he can play in. Since signing with the Hawks, he’s spent a good portion of the season with their affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.

Dennis has appeared in 21 games with College Park thus far, at a little over 37 minutes per game. He’s averaging 24.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 38.4 percent from the 3-point line and 76 percent from the free-throw line.

Whether he’s with the Hawks or with College Park, the key to staying ready and focused is by understanding that it’s an opportunity to take advantage of regardless of the situation.

“The G League is where you get your reps, two-ways when you go up,” Dennis said. “There have been some guys who have been playing a lot this year as two-ways. Normally, you don’t play ton, you don’t really know your routine and rhythm. The G is where you get all your reps. You get to work on everything you’ve been working on. I’m grateful for the G.”

The Hawks have around 20 games remaining in the regular season. Should they reach the postseason, Dennis would not be able to play as his two-way contract renders him ineligible for the playoffs.

Dennis has yet to appear in meaningful minutes for the Hawks save for the lone game against the Celtics back in January, but he’s confident that if his number is called, he’ll be able to make an impact.

“I think I can be a true point guard,’’ Dennis said. “I think I can brink an energy spark, I think just somebody who can contribute to winning and kind of do everything. Just be a point guard. I think I can be a high-level point guard and I’m excited to show that one day.”

The post Exclusive: Hawks’ RayJ Dennis navigating whirlwind of a season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Ahead of the Warriors’ primetime matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Kerr had to walk back comments he made about Porzingis’ POTS diagnosis the previous day in a radio interview with 95.7 The Game.

“It was a stupid mistake by me to talk about something that I’m not qualified to talk about,” Kerr said. “So I regret even trying to discuss the diagnosis. That was my mistake, and I need to leave that to the professionals.”

Kerr had told radio hosts Mark Willard and Dan Dibley that Porzingis’s POTS diagnosis was incorrect, describing it as “misinformation” and that the illness that kept him out of games for the Atlanta Hawks was something else entirely.

“When I heard about the trade, I read about the POTS diagnosis, and I called [Hawks GM] Onsi [Saleh] … and said, ‘Is this POTS story real?’” Kerr recounted on the radio.

“And he said, ‘It’s actually not POTS.’ That was some misinformation that was out there. I don’t know if anybody’s asked him about it. Bottom line is, whatever was bothering him in Atlanta that was keeping him out had nothing to do with the illness (this) week. He was just sick. … He was sick enough where he was losing a lot of fluid and contagious, so we just kept him home, and he’s doing a lot better now.”

It was a strange gaffe for a coach who is usually very media savvy, as Porzingis’ POTS diagnosis was something he himself shared with The Athletic last season. And it’s been widely reported that this specific health issue is what’s cost him so many games the last two seasons.

Where does that leave Kristaps Porzingis and the Warriors?

Kerr’s walkback comes as Porzingis remains sidelined for his fourth straight game due to the nebulous illness currently plaguing him. Details about Porzingis’s symptoms and the kind of illness he’s been dealing with have been sparse.

What is known about Porzingis’s health status is that he practiced on Friday for the first time since falling ill. There was hope that he could be available for this Lakers game, as the team classified him as questionable heading into the game. But ultimately, the team ruled him out, opting for a conservative approach to his health and recovery.

In the same presser, Kerr said he could not give specifics on Porzingis’s condition.

“I can’t really say anything,” Kerr said. “Just a medical issue way beyond my capabilities of explaining anything. So, yeah, he’s sick. He won’t play, and we’ll keep monitoring.”

All in all, it makes for a muddied situation.

Porzingis’s health concerns were something the Warriors were aware of when they traded for him. Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy both expressed their confidence in managing his health. But with this recent walkback and the team’s unwillingness to share more specific details of Porzingis’s status, it muddies when we can expect him to return to action. Especially because he’s their big trade deadline acquisition.

As of right now, the boost they were searching for – and confident in getting – in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga has amounted to very little. Regardless, the Warriors will continue to monitor Porzingis and his health.

The post Warriors’ Steve Kerr walks back Kristaps Porzingis’ POTS comments: ‘It was a stupid mistake’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the win for Miami, Herro would be re-inserted in the starting lineup after playing the last four off the bench since he was coming off a 15-game absence with a ribs injury. With Norman Powell out and labeled “week-to-week” with a groin sprain, Herro would fill in the void, and immediately brought energy as both he and Durant were barking at each other in the first quarter.

It got to the point where, after a timeout, Durant and Herro would exchange more words, to the point where Durant had to be held back, with both receiving technical fouls. The intensity would continue throughout the game, with both talking to each other, but it would be contagious as the outing was physical.

Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant exchanging more words, had to be held back. Techs for both. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/mWEFk3xDAQ

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 28, 2026

By the end of the game, Herro and Durant embraced in a show of respect, as the guard said to ClutchPoints after the game that it was just “competing at the end of the day.” Herro would say that Durant called out his defense.

“He was saying, ‘I couldn’t guard,’ then I said something to him. But, we’re competing. And at the end of the day, you want to play the best players in the world and compete like that. That’s what I live for, I love to compete,” Herro said after recording 18 points on eight of 12 shooting from the field, two of four from deep.”

ClutchPoints would ask what Herro said in response to Durant’s comment:

“Ask Kevin,” Herro said.

Tyler Herro spoke about the matchup with Kevin Durant that got heated. Says he wanted to give the team an edge, was just competition.

Confirmed to me that KD said he couldn’t guard, Herro said he responded. Would ask about what he said in response, “Ask Kevin.” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/fAbORr5GRq

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) March 1, 2026

Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant embrace after a contentious game. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/8oQZrUrfFk

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 28, 2026

Bam Adebayo gives his take on the Tyler Herro-Kevin Durant exchange

With the Heat’s frustrations growing after the prior two straight disappointing results, with even captain Bam Adebayo questioning the effort level of the team, Saturday was a major step in the right direction. For Herro, he would even say that he wanted to bring an “edge” to Miami.

“Nothing crazy, I know Kev a little bit, just competing. I feel like as a team, we didn’t have an edge to us in Milwaukee or Philly, so I was trying to bring a little edge to it,” Herro said.

“I mean, we won, the team responded,” Herro continued. “So we were down 14-4 at the time, was able to just get some fire going. I feel like we’re at our best when we got guys in here that are on edge.”

Durant would echo the same sentiments as Herro, saying “those words are just words” and how respect goes both ways with him and the Heat star, via a video by Brady Hawk, as shown by the hug at the end of the game.

I asked Kevin Durant about the back and forth with Tyler Herro tonight:

“I think we both just needed a jolt of energy to start the game.”

“You seen it. We laughed and joked right after that. I got respect for Tyler, he has respect for me.”

“Those words are just words.” pic.twitter.com/1ueDWzD4Ke

— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) February 28, 2026

For Adebayo, “it’s competitors being competitors.”

“That’s what you want,” Adebayo said after recording 24 points and 11 rebounds. “I mean, it gets like that when we play pickup. Y’all just don’t see it. You know, that brings the best out of everybody. When you have those types of matchups, you have those types of competitors on the floor, that causes a great game of basketball, and you want to see it like that. You want guys to go at each other and then obviously, best man wins, or best team wins.”

Bam Adebayo said the interactions between Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant is “competitors being competitors.”

Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/lw2LtEJ40c

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) March 1, 2026

At any rate, it was a huge win for Miami as the team is 32-29, putting them eighth in the East, as the next two games on Tuesday and Thursday will be against the Brooklyn Nets.

The post What Heat’s Tyler Herro ‘loved’ about heated Kevin Durant matchup in win over Rockets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Post-game, Durant was seen handing out his signed jersey to none other than Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was among the thousands of attendees at the matchup. The two were seen talking and dapping up after the game, with Durant taking his time to sign the jersey that he wore, per a post on X by ClutchPoints. Higgins returned the favor with his own signed Bengals jersey with his number 5 on the back.

Kevin Durant and Bengals WR Tee Higgins do a jersey swap after the Rockets-Heat game

(via @NBAonPrime)
pic.twitter.com/DucYB6rvy4

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

Regardless, the win snapped a two-game skid for Miami, taking them to 32-29 for the season and up to 8th in the Eastern Conference. Bam Adebayo was the highlight of the game, returning with a team-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. Adebayo shot an efficient 9-of-17 from the field, stretched the floor by hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and finished with a team-best +16 plus/minus rating.

Rookie big man Kel’el Ware delivered a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds off the bench. Pelle Larsson erupted for 20 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, while Tyler Herro added 18 on 8-of-12 shooting.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. chipped in 14 points as the Heat shot 50% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc compared to the Rockets’ 43.2% from the field and a poor 25% from the three-point zone.
Despite the loss, Kevin Durant was arguably the best player on the court.

Alongside the 32 points and eight assists, KD also had six rebounds while shooting 12-of-20 from the floor and a perfect 6-of-6 from the foul line. The Rockets suffered due to their poor shooting the entire night and never threatened to take control in the final quarter.

They will now take on the Washington Wizards hoping to return to winning ways. The Heat will host the Brooklyn Nets next.

The post Rockets’ Kevin Durant, Tee Higgins have jersey swap after Houston-Heat clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When Adebayo joined the crew for his postgame interview after Saturday’s 115-105 win against the Houston Rockets, host Steve Nash joked that Haslem was disappointed to see Adebayo take his Heat franchise record, per NBA on Prime.

“UD’s over here so salty that you’re about to pass him on the all-time rebound list with the Heat,” Nash said, to which Adebayo asked the crew how close he is to passing Haslem.

Adebayo is 245 rebounds away from reaching Haslem’s franchise record.

“Sorry, OG,” Adebayo said. “I love you to death. I’ll give you the game ball if you want it. But you know that record is mine, buddy.”

"You know that record is mine, buddy."

Bam Adebayo says he'll give @ThisIsUD the game ball the day he breaks UD's franchise rebounding record pic.twitter.com/XsbSG4Gr60

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 28, 2026

Udonis Haslem expressed zero interest in collecting Adebayo’s game ball from when he eventually surpasses Haslem’s all-time Heat record, which he predicts will be before the end of the regular season. Adebayo finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds in Saturday’s win against the Rockets.

Dwyane Wade questions Bam Adebayo’s Heat claim

Hall of Fame Dwyane Wade questioned Bam Adebayo’s take on the Heat, which is considered a talented team beyond the play-in round of the postseason. Wade addressed Adebayo’s take during Prime Video’s pregame broadcast, also discussing his team’s recent loss.

“Same thing I asked Bam… Are you? That was my voice note to Bam.”

Wade continued by emphasizing that results ultimately determine where a team stands in the hierarchy.

“Because men lie, women lie, numbers don’t. But I will say this, to Bam’s point back to me was – I think his disbelief and probably the team’s disbelief comes from them being first in pace overall, top-five in scoring, being top in defense so all the numbers are there. They have three guys now with [Norman Powell], Bam, [Tyler] Herro who have been All-Stars so you have guys that have talent there as well. So, I believe some of the disbelief from there is coming from that.”

DWade sent a voice note to Bam Adebayo about his comments on the Heat being better than a play-in team:

“Are you?… Because men lie, women lie, numbers don't.”

(via @NBAonPrime, h/t @HeatCulture13)pic.twitter.com/cnd3NOtctw

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 28, 2026

Adebayo and the Heat responded with a 10-point win against the Rockets on Saturday.

The post Bam Adebayo’s moment with Udonis Haslem amid Heat franchise rebound record pursuit appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“It’s hard to scout us, with three dynamic guards. I think when Fox and Steph start the game, we’ve got two of the best guards in the NBA,” Harper shared. “And I think when I come off the bench, I think that’s just another weapon we have. So, I think it opens the floor for everyone, including for Vic. And I think when Vic has all that pressure on him and two people go to him, it just opens the world for us.”

At 11 points per game, Harper ranks seventh on the team in scoring. Playing 22 minutes per night, the second overall pick of this past summer’s draft is seeing the floor significantly less than Castle and Fox. The reigning Rookie of the Year averages 16.6 points in 29.7 minutes, while the two-time NBA All-Star, Fox, is scoring 19 a night in a team-leading 31.6 minutes of action.

“I think that from everywhere we all can score. That’s the beauty of this team. We all can dribble the ball,” Harper added, expanding the praise to other teammates.

“We have a bunch of ball handlers and a bunch of scorers. So, every night is going to be a big night,” Harper continued. “Just for us as a collective group, just to come and help out however we can, it’s great for us.”

Victor Wembanyama heaps praise on Stephon Castle

Though all are dynamic offensively, Harper, Castle, and Fox each have an aspect of their game they do better than the other two. Fox is the best scorer of the three. Harper may be the best at getting to the rim. And Castle is easily the group’s best defender.

“He’s understood his role very well,” Wembanyama said. “The level he’s playing at is really unseen for a second-year player and how it fits in our game plan.”

Nicknamed “Area 51,” as a nod to their jersey numbers and Wembanyama’s ‘Alien’ moniker, Wemby and Castle form one of the most lethal defensive combinations in the NBA.

“I know we make it hard, we make it uncomfortable for people to play against us,” Wembanyama said. “That’s the goal because a guy has to dribble around one of the best on-ball defenders and then has to go shoot a shot against some of the best rim protectors; it’s very tough.”

Dylan Harper soaks in the Spurs’ success

While Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel lead the Rookie of the Year discussion, Harper will likely still be playing this spring when they won’t.

“It feels great,” Harper said of the Spurs’ success. “I think this is the most I’ve won in a long time. So, just having this winning streak and just building off of that and not taking teams for granted, I think, is a big thing for us.”

Thanks to the former Rutgers star, Fox and Castle, the Spurs are currently seeded second in the West. Their standing is much closer to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the top than they are to the teams behind them.

The post Spurs’ Dylan Harper drops truth bomb on SA’s three-headed monster appeared first on ClutchPoints.

LeBron James led the group in singing a “Happy Birthday” to the Slovenian international, who wears the number 77 both for the Lakers and his national team. Doncic’s teammates then brought out the highlight of the celebration which took place before their game against the Golden State Warriors, a birthday cake shaped like a jersey but split through the middle; one half representing his national team, and the other the franchise, per a post on X by ClutchPoints.

The Lakers sing happy birthday to Luka Doncic, who turns 27 today

(via @Lakers)pic.twitter.com/CfHfr8ekrn

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2026

“Slov-Lakers,” Doncic read out from the cake, which quickly became a slogan the entire room began to chant. The Lakers undoubtedly found cause for celebration despite the losses, with Luka Magic turning 27 on February 28.

Regardless, the Lakers are still sixth in the West with a 34-24 record but have lost crucial ground to teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets, who both have a 37-23 record. Doncic and co. do have a rather straightforward route to bringing an end to the skid.

They have a relatively healthy roster with each of Austin Reaves, LeBron and Doncic to call upon. The Warriors in comparison are severely handicapped, with the Curry brothers out alongside Jimmy Butler and LJ Cryer, while Kristaps Porzingis is questionable and Draymond Green probable to play.

The Lakers need to steady the ship quickly in order to avoid dropping further down, with teams such as the Phoenix Suns (34-26) in close pursuit. The Suns also handed them the third of their three consecutive losses, with two of those coming against teams the Lakers would have expected to beat.

In addition to the Celtics, the Lakers also lost to the Orlando Magic 110-109, which again came despite the presence of their big three. A win will not only mean an end to the streak, but will also dampen the noise surrounding the fit of their three biggest stars on the same starting lineup.

The post Lakers have complete birthday celebration for Luka Doncic before Warriors matchup appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Miami Heat legend is also a rotating hybrid game and studio analyst for Amazon Prime Video’s NBA coverage, and if this latest clip is anything to go by, Wade does not need all the hustle. That is because he still has it, evidenced by a clip from the NBA on Prime set, per a post on X by ClutchPoints.

HE STILL GOT IT!

Dwyane Wade hits the no-look jumper

(via @NBAonPrime)

pic.twitter.com/skonV7g5Qc

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

In it, Wade can be seen almost overconfidently hitting and sinking a no-look jumper before casually strolling over and dapping up several members of the team. Wade is part of a star-studded NBA on Prime roster which also includes Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash and Candace Parker.

“Light work for D. Wade,” the clip said.

Spending the vast majority of his career with the Miami Heat, Wade won three NBA Championships (2006, 2012, 2013) and was named the 2006 NBA Finals MVP. Statistically, his dominance is undeniable: he earned 13 All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team nods, and three All-Defensive Team honors.

During his peak in the 2008–09 season, Wade won the NBA scoring title by leading the league in both total points (2,386) and points per game (30.2). To this day, he remains the Miami Heat’s all-time franchise leader in points, games played, assists, steals, shots made, and shots taken, while also holding the NBA’s all-time record for blocked shots by a guard.

And well, Wade continues to find the same kind of success off the court as well. He has aggressively bought into sports ownership, acquiring minority stakes in the NBA’s Utah Jazz (2021), the WNBA’s Chicago Sky (2023), and the MLS/NWSL’s Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals.

Through his 59th & Prairie Entertainment banner, he has become a heavyweight producer, securing two Sports Emmy Awards (for The Redeem Team and The Dads) and an Oscar nomination for the short documentary The Barber of Little Rock.

The post Dwyane Wade casually sinks no-look shot on NBA on Prime set appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Coming off his first All-Star appearance, Chet Holmgren’s grabbing a career-high 21 rebounds is a testament to the work he’s put in behind the scenes, as he continues to grow in only his fourth season with the Thunder.

“I try to put a lot into my body, making sure that I continue to get stronger every time. Continue to stay as healthy as I can. Take care of myself,” Holmgren said. “I definitely think that’s paid off for me, and I’ve gotten better in a lot of different areas, but I think I still got a long way to go with my body; with my game. I don’t want to let one night excite me much. I still got work to do.”

Chet Holmgren on his career-high 21 rebounds: “I try to put a lot into my body, making sure I continue to get stronger every time. Continue to stay as healthy as I can. Take care of myself.

I definitely think that’s paid off for me and I’ve gotten better in a lot of different… pic.twitter.com/hsvOB6tE12

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 36 points, nine assists, two blocks, and two steals in his first appearance in nine games for the Thunder. Oklahoma City improved to 46-15.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s blunt take on missing OT in Thunder win

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t hold back his feelings about missing overtime during Friday’s showdown against fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. After leading the Thunder to erase a 16-point deficit in the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to miss the rest of the game. He’d reached the minutes allotted for his first game since suffering an abdominal strain.

Still, it didn’t make the process any easier, as Gilgeous-Alexander cheered on the Thunder against the Nuggets from the bench throughout the final period of the game.

“I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But if I re-injure this injury, none of it will matter. So, that’s kind of how I see it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The post Thunder’s Chet Holmgren reacts to career milestone in win vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Durant recorded his 30th point late in the fourth quarter by scoring on a fast break layup. That bucket made it the 432nd time in his career that he has scored at least 30 points in a game. The 37-year-old forward bumps Bryant out of the top five all-time in most 30-point games in a career.

MORE HISTORY FOR KD!

With this bucket, Kevin Durant has passed Kobe Bryant for 5th all-time in 30-point games with 432

pic.twitter.com/VQCngrSYt3

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

Kevin Durant finished the game against the Heat with 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks. He shot 60.0% from the floor and 25.0% from beyond the three-point line. He led the Rockets in points, as Amen Thompson finished with the second most with 20.

The 18-year veteran has been a scoring machine throughout his entire career. He’s so efficient, even this late in his career, that Kendrick Perkins called Kevin Durant “the Beyoncé of the offensive end.” Essentially claiming that Durant’s abilities as a scorer is equivelent to Beyoncé winning the Grammy Award 35 times for her musical talent.

Durant has been as efficient as ever in Houston, serving as one of the go-to scoring options for the club. He entered Saturday’s game against the Heat, averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while owning a 50.8% field goal percentage and shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc.

Kevin Durant will have another opportunity to add to his 30-point game feat on Monday, March 2. The Rockets are scheduled to face off against a struggling Washington Wizards team. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST that day.

The post Rockets’ Kevin Durant makes history as he surpasses Kobe Bryant in stunning scoring stat appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reports indicate that the 19-year-old rookie will miss Sunday’s contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Grant Afseth of the DallasHoop Journal. This will be Flagg’s seventh straight missed game since sustaining the injury on February 10 in the Mavericks’ 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

“Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg (left mid-foot sprain) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.”

The news of the former No. 1 overall pick being ruled out on Saturday can’t be all that surprising. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said on Friday that he doesn’t even expect Cooper Flagg to be available for the March 3 matchup against Kon Knueppel and the Charlotte Hornets. If that’s the case, Flagg could be out for at least two more games.

Despite the concerning injury woes in recent weeks, Flagg has looked every bit of a franchise cornerstone throughout his rookie season. He’s still in consideration for the Rookie of the Year Award, as he’s played at a high level when healthy. Through 49 games played, Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 48.2% from the floor and 30.2% from beyond the three-point line.

With Cooper Flagg ruled out once again, RJ Nembhard Jr. and Brandon Williams should see some action in the point guard position. With PJ Washington and Marvin Bagley III also ruled out for the game against the Thunder, the Mavericks will likely rely on Maxx Christie, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford.

The post Cooper Flagg set to miss Mavericks-Thunder clash with lingering foot injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Joining Converse as the face of their basketball line in 2020, Gilgeous-Alexander also serves as the brand’s Creative Director, creating concepts for the lifestyle lines as well as having first-hand input into his own signature model. The debut Converse SHAI 001 debuted in September 2025 and has been a force in the signature sneaker landscape.

Releasing in colorways reminding SGA of his loved ones like “Charm Black” or “Masi Blue,” this next “Truffle” colorway represents the richness and rarity of the ingredient, mirroring SGA’s calm, deliberate approach to the game.

Converse SHAI 001 “Truffle”

Converse Shai 001 Truffle pic.twitter.com/jxE2RoyUXu

— DJ Willingham (@DJ_SNEAKERHEAD) February 24, 2026

The Shai-vrolet is too clean

SGA pulled up to the Shai Lounge in a custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that matches his new “Truffle” Converse SHAI 001 LUX pic.twitter.com/Qj7Pl7Unkc

— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) February 14, 2026

Converse SHAI 001 Lux “Truffle” https://t.co/nyzwd5DKf2 pic.twitter.com/jidZZQqCKI

— JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) February 25, 2026

The typically monochromatic sneaker returns in a rich brown hue, abandoning the typical mesh material of the uppers and offering a LUX edition with suede all around. The SGA logos are stitched in brown to match the ensemble along with the zipper and lacing system hidden underneath. The shoes arrived in special packaging and limited stock, so fans lucky enough to grab a pair will be met with elevated quality and attention to detail.

The Converse SHAI 001 Lux “Truffle” released on February 28, 2026 via Converse and select Converse outlets. Stock has been reported limited and numerous retailers have already sold out, so finding a pair at this point may come with a premium price increase on the retail market. Nevertheless, this is certainly the most hyped SHAI 001 release we’ve seen since the original debut.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander releases Converse SHAI 001 ‘Truffle’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Taking to social media to reveal Embiid’s latest injury in what has been a stop-and-start season, The Athletic’s Tony Jones disclosed that “The Process” will miss the next three games after straining his right oblique in the team’s Thursday night win over the Miami Heat.

“Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a strained right oblique and will miss the next three games,” Jones wrote on social media.

Initially beginning the season on the shelf as he recovered and ramped up from offseason surgery, when Embiid has actually taken the court for the 76ers, he’s largely recaptured his MVP form. “The Process” is averaging 26.6 points in just 31.2 minutes of action per game, is recording 3.9 assists to go with 7.5 rebounds each night, and has embraced allowing Tyrese Maxey to take over the offense at time, spacing the floor as a 31.8 percent 3-point shooter while power forwards like Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker do the dirty work in the painted area.

Can the 76ers hold things down against the Boston Celtics, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Utah Jazz until Embiid presumably returns against the Atlanta Hawks on March 7? Considering the team holds a 12-14 record with Embiid off the court, that might be tough, but considering this injury came on a play instead of due to the further degradation of his knee or another lower-body part, it’s safe to assume “The Process” won’t need too much of a ramp-up to return to his vintage form next month.

The post 76ers’ Joel Embiid to miss multiple games with oblique injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Sure, the Heat are in the middle of the Eastern Conference’s pack, slotted in the eighth seed with a 31-29 record, but Erik Spoelstra teams are always a fiesty out, especially at home, where they hold a 17-11 record so far in 2025-26. With the Rockets fighting tooth and nail to keep their third seed in a very tightly contested Western Conference, securing a win in Miami felt crucial as the season winds down.

And unsurprisingly, when the rubber hit the hardwood, that consciousness boiled over into technical foul territory, with Tyler Herro and Durant both getting T’d up after having to be separated following a war of words on the court.

Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant exchanging more words, had to be held back. Techs for both. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/mWEFk3xDAQ

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 28, 2026

While players never want to draw technical fouls, especially during a timeout, his interaction with Herro served as nothing more than a minor roadblock on the way to KD doing KD things, with the future Hall of Famer leading all scorers with 14 points in just 19 minutes while holding the best plus-minus of any player in the game at +17. Durant’s Rockets outscored the Heat 24-19 in the second quarter and entered the half with a one-point lead at 52-51.

Will the Rockets pull out the win in Miami? Only time will tell, but with 24 more minutes to play at the time of publication, things have the potential to heat up even further in South Beach before the final buzzer.

The post Watch Kevin Durant, Tyler Herro exchange words in heated moment appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Though there was some speculation on Durant not participating along with stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the Houston Rockets star would shoot down that talk to ESPN, giving his eagerness to play.

“Hell yeah, I want to play,” Durant said. “I would love to, but I gotta stay on top of my game, I want to produce on the floor and make Grant and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. I don’t want — not just for seniority. I want to still prove I can help the team win. Today, yeah, I feel like I’ll put my name in that hat.”

If there’s one person who loves to hear Duran’s comments, it was Spoelstra, as he spoke before Miami took on Houston Saturday afternoon, saying the star embodies the “culture of USA basketball.”

“I mean, just him saying that is incredible, and that’s the culture of USA basketball,” Spoelstra said. “You just want the best American players to raise their hand and say, I want to do this. And you can feel his passion for representing the country and the USA on the jersey. He’s been incredible in those competitions. But as far as him, what he’s doing right now, his game is timeless, it really is.”

Erik Spoelstra reacts to Kevin Durant saying he wants to play for Team USA in LA as he nears 40 years old:

“I mean, just him saying that is incredible…”

Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/ES4HSVbXIn

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 28, 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on his experience with Kevin Durant on Team USA

Durant’s impact with Team USA basketball is huge, as he’s the all-time men’s leading scorer in Olympic competition and is a four-time gold medalist. Currently 37 years old, the star will be approaching 40 when the 2028 Olympics roll around, but there’s no doubt that Durant is still an elite player, as shown with his current stint in Houston.

Right now with the Rockets, Durant is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep. Spoelstra would go into how timeless Durant’s game is and what he saw from the star when he was an assistant coach on the 2024 gold medal team.

“You look at what he does at his age, and you can just book him for 26 plus, shooting 50 percent on jump shots,” Spoelstra said. “Doesn’t matter whether you’re there or not. He’s an absolute tactician in terms of his work ethic and how he drills. It’s a great lesson for all the young players coming in the league. There’s one thing to get up shots, and there’s another thing to really work on player development.”

“And I think that’s a takeaway that we all had, you know, watching him work during the summer, those six weeks after practice, before practice, the days in between, he’s going in there with intention,” Spoelstra continued. “You know, to try to, even at this age, to try to get better and improve, what a beautiful mindset that is, so he’s added a lot to their team for sure.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen how Spoelstra’s roster for Team USA in 2028 will be, with a good chance Durant is on the squad.

The post Heat’s Erik Spoelstra has ‘beautiful’ reaction to Kevin Durant’s urge to play in 2028 Olympics appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Speaking during Prime Video’s pregame broadcast as Miami opened a three-game homestand, Wade addressed Adebayo’s comments following the Heat’s recent loss.

“Same thing I asked Bam… Are you? That was my voice note to Bam.”

Wade continued by emphasizing that results ultimately determine where a team stands in the hierarchy.

“Because men lie, women lie, numbers don’t. But I will say this, to Bam’s point back to me was – I think his disbelief and probably the team’s disbelief comes from them being first in pace overall, top-five in scoring, being top in defense so all the numbers are there. They have three guys now with [Norman Powell], Bam, [Tyler] Herro who have been All-Stars so you have guys that have talent there as well. So, I believe some of the disbelief from there is coming from that.”

Miami enters the contest at 31-29, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat are looking to snap a two-game losing streak after a 124-117 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. They trail Philadelphia (33-26) by 2.5 games for the sixth seed, the final guaranteed playoff spot that avoids the play-in tournament. Miami has participated in the play-in during each of the past two seasons.

DWade sent a voice note to Bam Adebayo about his comments on the Heat being better than a play-in team:

“Are you?… Because men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.”

(via @NBAonPrime, h/t @HeatCulture13)pic.twitter.com/cnd3NOtctw

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 28, 2026

Dwyane Wade questions Heat standing as Bam Adebayo voices frustration

Following Thursday’s loss, Adebayo voiced frustration about the team’s current position in the standings.

“Yea I don’t wanna be in this sh*t no more. We’re better than being in the play-in in the last 4 years.”

“See if we can string some Ws together.”

Statistically, Miami ranks second in the NBA in scoring at 119.9 points per game, trailing only the Denver Nuggets (120.5). However, the Heat rank 20th in points allowed, surrendering 117.2 per game, highlighting inconsistencies on the defensive end.

Wade’s remarks reflect the tension between potential and production. While Miami boasts multiple All-Star-caliber players and elite offensive metrics, its record places the team squarely in play-in territory. With the regular season entering its final stretch, the Heat face increasing urgency to convert strong statistical indicators into wins if they intend to avoid another appearance in the play-in tournament.

The post Dwyane Wade questions Bam Adebayo’s ‘better than a play-in team’ claim appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Lakers have been handed a major boost considering Stephen Curry is confirmed to be out in addition to Jimmy Butler. They themselves have almost a clean injury report, and will once again look at Luka Doncic to provide the offensive impetus. The overall injury outlook has also translated in the odds, with DraftKings giving favorable odds to the visitors.

Lakers vs. Warriors Odds

Lakers: -4.5 

Warriors: +4.5 

Over: 229.5 

Under: 229.5

Lakers vs. Warriors Key Injuries

Stephen Curry has been officially ruled out due to a knee injury. The Warriors will also be without Jimmy Butler III, Seth Curry, and LJ Cryer. Forward Draymond Green is listed as probable, while big man Kristaps Porzingis is questionable to suit up. 

The Lakers enter the contest relatively healthy, with Rui Hachimura questionable and two absentees including Bronny James due to G League assignments.

Lakers vs. Warriors Betting Trends

The Lakers are 21-13 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite this season, including a sharp 10-6 ATS mark as a road favorite. Los Angeles has been highly profitable in tight lines, going 7-2 ATS when favored by between two and five points. They are also 4-2 ATS in their last six meetings with Golden State.

Golden State has struggled to cover recently, posting a 3-7 ATS record over its last 10 games. They are 5-8 ATS when entering as an underdog of 4.5 points or more this season.

The Over has been a dominant trend in this rivalry, cashing in eight of the past 10 head-to-head matchups between the Lakers and Warriors. The Over has hit in 57.6% of Golden State’s games overall this season, including five of their last six contests.

Keys to Lakers vs. Warriors Matchup

The Lakers (34-24) arrive at the Chase Center desperate to stop the three-game losing streak that includes a 22-point blowout against the Celtics and a narrow 113-110 defeat in Phoenix. They have all three of their big-3 fit and firing, although that has also been the case in the recent losses. Still, the Lakers know that they will face a lineup without their best players and have enough firepower to mount a resounding victory even.

Golden State will need Draymond Green to orchestrate the offense at anchor the defence while while they continue to rely on  Brandin Podziemski (12.3 PPG) and Moses Moody (12.0 PPG) for scoring.

Lakers vs. Warriors Prediction and Pick

The Lakers boast a stellar 18-12 straight-up record on the road and are looking much better on the injury report. The Warriors are always vulnerable without Curry and may struggle to keep up against a stack attack.

At the same time, LA continues to show vulnerability inside the paint and has actually been worse with their best players all on the court. Still, this should prove straightforward for Luka Doncic and company.

Spread Pick: Lakers -4.5

Over/Under Pick: Over 229.5

The post Lakers vs. Warriors prediction, odds, pick – 2/28/2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Santos and the Warriors agreed to a contract extension, the team announced Saturday morning– a three-year, $15-million deal with a player option for 2028-29, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Santos was set to be a restricted free agent this summer but the Warriors signed him to a deal that benefits both sides.

With injuries and absences plaguing Golden State this season, Santos emerged as a key rotational piece in Steve Kerr’s system. A 2022 second-round draft pick out of Brazil, the third-year forward worked his way from the Warriors’ G-League affiliate in Santa Cruz to now a guy that Kerr and the Dubs trust to close with in tightly contested games.

Since Kerr entrenched him as a starter about a month ago, Santos has averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 28.8 minutes across 12 games.

In that stretch, Santos has come up with two game-winning buckets– a fastbreak layup to take the lead against the Phoenix Suns and a chaotic layup in traffic at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“He’s taken another step this year, Gui has,” Kerr told reporters after the win in Memphis earlier this week. “Last year, he was a very important role player for us. Number one on the team in plus-minus and after the [Jimmy Butler] trade, he really solidified that role. But now, he’s become more on-ball as a creator [and] a post-up guy. The step-through move that you saw was incredible.

“He has the ability to play point guard when the other team is pressuring us. He’s really a versatile player and somebody we really value.”

Santos’ journey to the NBA

For Santos, his journey to this point in his career has taken patience. After the team’s practice Thursday afternoon, Santos reflected on what he had to do to become a guy capable of sticking around in the NBA.

“I think the keyword for that is patience,” Santos said.

“Patience, because when I got here, I was a point guard playing back in Brazil. I was playing as a point guard, having the ball in my hand, and I spent the whole year in the G-League just learning how to fit in the system here, because my goal always was playing in the NBA, playing for the Warriors. And I asked [Kerr], what I got to do that. And he was like, all right, I’m gonna give you the way, like, you gotta play hard in defense. You’ve got to be crashing the boards all the time, and you just got to find Steph.”

Safe to say, Santos did all of those things, which is why Kerr felt comfortable increasing his minutes this season after not seeing much action in the two seasons prior.

But ultimately, what sticks out about Santos has been his unrelenting positivity and upbeat persona. Rarely will you find Santos without a big smile on his face, whether that’s at the podium, at practice, or talking with teammates. It’s why even now, he remains grateful for the opportunity and support the Warriors have given him.

“The coaches here, the staff, and the organization, they’re always nice for me,” Santos said. “They always help me with everything that I need, and right now they’re giving me the opportunity to show a little bit more because of all that happened.”

Gui Santos reflected on his journey up to this point, now a key guy for the Dubs:

“The key word for that is patience. Because when I got here, I was a point guard playing back in Brazil… and I spent the whole year in the G-league just learning how to fit in the system here.” pic.twitter.com/Q2tyVmjhEQ

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 27, 2026

The post Gui Santos signs multi-year contract extension with Warriors appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Scott appeared on Rock 955’s The Morning Mosh Pit podcast and reflected on Bryant’s unforgettable finale against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016. Bryant, who spent all 20 seasons of his career with the Lakers, scored 60 points in a 101-96 victory at Staples Center, closing out one of the most decorated careers in league history.

Scott admitted Bryant struggled early in the game, prompting concern from the sideline.

“He started off horrible, couldn’t make a shot and I’m standing there and my first thought as I told him when I took over the job – I said, my job is to develop these young guys, that’s number one. Number two, to get you to game number 82 relatively healthy cause nobody plays in the NBA 82 games and you’re healthy like you started training camp… So, when he starts that game off the first 3/4 minutes I was like ‘this is not how I want him to go out.’ He couldn’t throw it in the ocean, then he got fouled and hit two free throws then all hell broke loose.”

Byron Scott details halftime decision that fueled Kobe Bryant’s 60 vs. Jazz

Bryant quickly found his rhythm after those free throws and began heating up offensively, energizing the crowd and his teammates. Scott then made a decisive adjustment at halftime.

“The second half I told him, third quarter ‘you’re not coming out. So get ready to play the rest of this game.’ And every timeout we’d get our board, the trainer gives me a board and I got a pen and an eraser and I would go sit down with the guys… I would sit down and I was like, ‘here’s the play guys. Kobe got the ball here, the rest of y’all get the hell out of the way.’ Just get the hell out of the way I said, ‘Kobe if you want a pick and roll just call one up.’ I said, ‘everybody get the hell out of the way, as simple as that.’ And he just went off.”

Byron Scott tells story of him coaching Kobe Bryant through his last NBA game when he scored 60

“He started off horrible, couldn’t make a shot… When he start that game off the first 3/4 minutes I was like ‘this is not how I want him to go out.’ He got fouled and hit two FTs… pic.twitter.com/QbiRhOYwTd

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 28, 2026

Bryant scored 23 points in the fourth quarter alone, repeatedly delivering in isolation situations and late-game possessions. Despite the offensive surge, Scott said there was a moment late in the game when fatigue nearly caught up to the five-time NBA champion.

“There was a time with about six minutes left in that game where I didn’t think he would make it. He was so exhausted and it was just his will. His will got him through the last six minutes and I called a couple of timeouts just to give him rest.”

Scott recalls Lakers legend Bryant refusing to come out

Scott said Bryant never indicated he was ready to come out, even as exhaustion became visible.

“No, as matter of fact he told me opposite. Because I would look at him and said, ‘you got six more minutes left in that body?’ He wouldn’t answer, he looked at me like [nodding]. I was like damn… ‘You got three more minutes left in that body?’ [Nodding]. I was like okay, and I just let him go. It was a beautiful moment. That’s something else again, we won’t see this in our lifetime. You won’t see a guy who played 20 years in the NBA [and] score 60 in his last game. Michael Jordan had 20 something or 30 – not even close. So what we witnessed that night is history. It won’t be done again in our lifetime and no better guy to do it.”

Bryant finished his career with five championships, two Finals MVP awards and one regular-season MVP. His 60-point farewell remains one of the most iconic performances in NBA history and a defining moment for the Lakers franchise.

Nearly a decade later, Scott’s account provides further insight into the final chapter of Bryant’s career — a performance driven by endurance, willpower and an unwavering competitive edge.

The post Byron Scott shares behind-the-scenes story from Kobe Bryant’s 60-point Lakers finale appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After Gilgeous-Alexander discussed the plan the Thunder has in place for his first games back from injury, he reacted to Dort’s ejection in the fourth quarter.

“They’re obviously a high-level team. We’re a high-level team. We’ve seen each other a lot in the past couple of years. Might be a little more into the game because we know the opponent. But yeah, it was fun. It was good out there. End-of-season basketball is like that — it’s that physical. So, it’s good to get one of those in the regular season.

“As far as the scrummage, that’s how it usually goes. Something happens, a team roars, the other team roars. Lu got thrown out. Lu’s not that type of guy — Lu’s trying to go out there and win. I didn’t see what happened.”

SGA on Lu Dort’s ejection for scuffle with Nikola Jokic: “Lu’s not that type of guy — Lu’s trying to go out there and win.

I didn’t see what happened” pic.twitter.com/dJReEmNCHn

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

As Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic made his way back up the floor, Lu Dort checked the All-Star center by the knees, which resulted in him falling and getting into Lu’s face. Then, Thunder center Jaylin Williams got in between, and the pushing and shoving happened between Williams and Jokic. Upon review, Dort was hit with a flagrant-2.

Lu Dort with an absolutely dirty play on Nikola Jokic.

No room for this in the NBA.pic.twitter.com/Ft4z5QQwtu

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 28, 2026

The two centers earned double technical fouls.

Why Mark Daigneault sat SGA during overtime in Thunder win

Head coach Mark Daigneault discussed Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after Friday’s hard-fought win in overtime. Although Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t play in overtime for the Thunder, Daigneault had a perfectly good explanation as to why.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury,” Daigneault concluded.

The Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The post Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps it 100 about Lu Dort’s ejection appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Wells has outperformed his draft slot in ways that typically command top dollar on the open market. The Grizzlies will not let Wells hit free agency soon. According to Tuomas Iisalo, EVP Zach Kleiman knows the going price for a starting caliber two-way wing and why Wells is the best fit around Beale Street.

“Jaylen is just extremely solid. (Wells) fits into different types of lineups because he doesn’t need the ball to impact the game positively,” Iisalo explained. “He’s knocking down open shots and also improved his mid-range scoring, which is high efficiency for him. Defensively, he’s taken on different matchups. He’s always been an on-ball specialist for us. Now, for the second year, his off-ball defense, his awareness, his disruption have really gotten better.”

That last sentence is the statistical argument in plain language. Wells is producing in his sophomore season to the tune of 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 three-pointers made, and 0.9 steals in 26.7 minutes per game. Those are the quiet numbers. The louder ones came when Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were out. Wells averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 boards, and 2.0 assists while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc in December. That three-point accuracy is up to 45.3% in February.

Wells has had three 20-point games in a five-game stretch and posted four steal games twice. He went 10-of-13 from the field for 25 points against the Miami Heat after the NBA All-Star break. The efficiency, not just the scoring, is what separates this run from ordinary production. Committing about one turnover per game despite the drastic increase in usage rate (20.8) is acceptable at this part of the process. Thankfully for the Grizzlies, the CBA’s cap and a 10-year rolling comparison of second-round picks made good provide a great framework for a team-friendly deal.

Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies on the clock

Herb Jones, the 35th pick in 2021 by New Orleans, signed a four-year, $54 million extension ($13.5 million AAV) after two seasons averaging 10 points and strong defense. Andrew Nembhard, selected 31st in 2022 by Indiana, inked a three-year, $59 million deal ($19.7 million AAV) following a sophomore year with 9.5 points and 4.5 assists. Ayo Dosunmu, the 38th pick in 2021 by Chicago, secured a three-year, $21 million contract ($7 million AAV) after similar 3-and-D production.

Isaiah Joe (49th, 2020) signed a three-year, $30 million deal ($10 million AAV) with Oklahoma City; Aaron Wiggins (55th, 2021) agreed to a five-year, $47 million extension ($9.4 million AAV). Wells should demand a number near the top end of that scale. If his February surge (51.6% FG, 44.9% 3PT) carries into the offseason, that $15 million target may prove conservative.

For the Grizzlies, extending Wells now aligns with building around cost-controlled talent amid salary cap constraints. It’s a contract that would immediately hold first-round value. For Wells, pushing for $15 million AAV capitalizes on his momentum before injuries or roster changes alter his leverage. Unrestricted free agency is still a long way away, and that would be a huge gamble for such a small return under the NBA CBA’s Estimated Average Player Salary structuring.

However, there is no telling where this organization will be a year from now, nor can anyone assure the 22-year-old (birthday in August) has a significant role in it. So lock in the middle ground money first. Haggle over the player options until Labor Day. Either way, this should be done before training camp opens. There should be some security in place to cover the prime years before Wells risks another crazy accidental injury.

The post Why Grizzlies’ breakout star should push for $15 million contract extension this summer appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After unveiling a surprise collaboration with Magic City on Thursday, the Hawks listed their “Forever 404 Magic City Peachtree Hoodie” for sale on the team’s official website. The hoodie is priced at $125 and is currently available for pre-order, with two days remaining in the pre-sale window. The organization has also placed a limit of two hoodies per order.

The partnership announcement introduced “Magic City Night,” a themed promotion tied to Atlanta’s March 16 home matchup against the Orlando Magic. The social media reveal quickly circulated online and led to a significant spike in ticket demand, with reports indicating average list prices surged shortly after the news broke.

Former Hawks guard Lou Williams publicly voiced his support for the collaboration Friday during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back. Williams, widely known by his nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou,” praised the franchise for embracing Atlanta culture and expressed approval of the partnership. His comments followed Thursday’s official announcement and came as merchandise interest intensified heading into the weekend pre-sale.

The Atlanta Hawks are now selling “Magic City Monday” hoodies for $125.

Wild times. pic.twitter.com/6vs5mr8nJ2

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 28, 2026

Hawks-Magic City collaboration fuels merchandise surge

The collaboration has positioned the Hawks at the center of a broader cultural conversation, blending basketball and one of Atlanta’s most recognizable nightlife institutions. The co-branded hoodie features Magic City’s name across the chest alongside the Hawks’ logo, aligning with the team’s “Forever 404” branding tied to the city’s area code.

On the court, Atlanta (30-31) sits ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks secured their third consecutive victory Thursday with a 126-96 win over the Washington Wizards and will host the Portland Trail Blazers (29-31) on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

With merchandise now available for purchase and ticket demand rising, the Hawks’ collaboration continues to generate momentum beyond social media. The pre-sale launch Saturday marks the latest step in a rollout that has extended from Thursday’s announcement to Friday’s player support and into the weekend’s merchandise push, as Atlanta prepares for its upcoming home stretch.

The post Hawks selling Magic City inspired hoodies after viral announcement appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While Powell deals with a Grade 1 groin strain that’s going to potentially keep the 32-year-old out for a handful of games, as Miami has four games this upcoming week, Herro is the obvious choice to fill the role as the lead offensive option along with Bam Adebayo. Still, Powell has been crucial to the Heat’s offense, leading the team with 22.5 points per game, but one can’t forget that Herro was an All-Star last season, averaging 23.9 points per game.

Though Miami is losing Powell for an unknown amount of time, Herro’s workload seems likely to increase, with Spoelstra even saying to ClutchPoints that he was “planning on playing him a few more minutes anyway.”

“Well, we know what we miss with Norm,” Spoelstra said before Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets. “He’s proven this year that he’s a versatile, explosive scorer in our system, but we have other guys who can step up. Tyler, for sure, is a guy who’s already started getting in a better rhythm and was planning on playing him a few more minutes anyway.”

“So, we need it,” Spoelstra continued. “You can see him in the second half [of last Thursday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers] much more like himself, and I think that will just continue to get better.”

Asked Erik Spoelstra about Norman Powell’s absence, and Tyler Herro getting more of a workload.

“We have other guys who can step up, Tyler, for sure, is a guy who’s already started getting in better rhythm, was planning on playing him a few more minutes anyways…” #HeatNarion pic.twitter.com/eTj690ezyW

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 28, 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on treating Norman Powell, more on Tyler Herro

While the Heat are sick and tired of participating in the play-in tournament, looking to climb the standings with 22 games left before Saturday, Herro will be crucial in maintaining the offense. However, this could mean a change of role from what fans have seen, as after missing 15 games with a ribs injury, Herro has been coming off the bench for the last four games.

There was already a question whether Herro would be re-inserted into the starting lineup, but now with Powell out, does Miami have a choice? Time will tell, but there’s no denying that Herro is looking to stay healthy and help the Heat for the rest of the season, as he’s missed 45 games this season with a myriad of injuries.

Also, the trio of Herro, Powell, and Adebayo has only played in 11 games this season, giving the team a small sample size on the ceiling this team can reach. At any rate, Powell will work to get back, though it remains to be seen how much time will be missed.

“We have who we have available today. I feel for Norm, because he wants to be out there for all the games, especially in these moments, you know, right now. But we’ll treat him, and we’ll see where he is after the week,” Spoelstra said.

Erik Spoelstra on Norman Powell being labeled as “week to week” and where it leaves the team.

“We have who we have available today. I feel for Norm because he wants to be out there for all the games…but we’ll treat him and we’ll see where he is after the week…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/3sn4FpTUoS

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 28, 2026

Before Saturday’s game against the Rockets, Miami is 31-29, putting them eighth in the Eastern Conference, but the good news is that, including the aforementioned contest, the Heat are home for the next seven of eight outings.

The post Heat’s Erik Spoelstra teases bigger role for Tyler Herro amid Norman Powell injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Over the course of Doncic’s eight-year career, Saturday’s game will be just the sixth time he’ll be playing on his birthday. The now-27-year-old guard has recorded 30 or more points in the past three games he has played on his birthday. He scored 39 points in 2023, 30 points in 2024, and 31 points in 2025.

Birthday Luka Luka Magic

Dončić the past 3 years on this day:
39 PTS (2023)
30 PTS (2024)
31 PTS (2025)

What does he have in store for his 27th tonight in the Bay?

LAL/GSW | 8:30pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/igXpLif6hs

— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2026

Luka Doncic should have a great chance to score at least 30 points against the Warriors. Especially considering he’s averaging a league-high 32.7 points per game. It’s the third time in his career so far that he is averaging over 30 points per game. The six-time All-Star is also averaging 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 47.0% from the floor and 35.7% from beyond the three-point line.

He will also have an opportunity to snap the Lakers’ three-game losing streak. It’s been a rough go for Los Angeles lately, as the past two losses have been by three points or less. Both the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns defeated the L.A., thanks to some clutch shots to take the lead in the closing seconds of those games.

The Lakers and Warriors are set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST. It will be taking place in Golden State, making it the second consecutive road game for Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

The post Luka Doncic carries jaw-dropping birthday streak into Lakers’ matchup vs. Warriors appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“I think that’s a sign of growth for a team that, at a certain point, we were probably a little bit of a momentum team. I think earlier in the season our highs were really high, but we were trying to continue to grasp that consistency,” the head coach said. “And I think it’s been fun this month to have some struggle; or some teams or circumstances forced us to find different ways to win.”

What’s considered a nine-game winning streak (they lost to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup Final in the middle of that stretch) that included three victories against the Thunder from early to late December propelled the Spurs to the second best record in the West. Save for maybe a night or two when they momentarily flip-flopped with the team directly behind them, the Silver and Black have essentially remained there since then.

“It feels like the guys in that locker room have found a lot of different ways to win, and it feels like that’s a sign of growth,” Johnson said.

During their current hot streak, while the Spurs didn’t get the number of quality wins they recorded earlier in the season, they didn’t fall into any traps. Not to mention their victory at the Detroit Pistons did register as one of their most impressive of the year.

“I think when you look back at this month, there wasn’t one guy who went on some historical stretch or a certain way that we won it every night. I think we played a lot of different styles of teams. And the games that we played this month have taken on a lot of different personalities,” Johnson added. “We’ve had some guys that have had their night, so to speak. And we’ve had some guys that didn’t have their night in terms of ball going in and that things are going your way.”

Players like Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie played very well to close out February. And while Victor Wembanyama leads the way, the Spurs are also deep when it comes to star power. The roster features two-time NBA All-Star De’Aaron Fox, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and this past summer’s second overall draft pick, Dylan Harper.

Asked if he’s been able to take in this stretch — and, really, the entire season — Johnson didn’t hesitate.

“No, but I do enjoy the work of being with them. So, it’s kind of a fun balance of being mad and enjoying it all at the same time.”

In his first official season as the Spurs head coach, Johnson is guiding the team to what looks to be the organization’s best campaign since 2016-17 when they advanced to the Western Conference Finals — with signs this group could match the best years the five-time NBA champion franchise has produced.

The post Spurs coach Mitch Johnson’s candid take on 11-game win streak appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During the latest segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” Perkins claims the 37-year-old forward is the absolute greatest scorer in league history. The former center turned NBA analyst says that Durant has no flaws in his game, which is why the Rockets star is similar to Beyoncé.

“[Kevin Durant is] the greatest scorer to ever play the game of basketball,” said Perkins. “The greatest scorer. When you talk about a guy that has zero flaws, he’s Beyoncé on the offensive end. He’s flawless… He has no holes in his game.”

"[Kevin Durant is] the greatest scorer to ever play the game of basketball… When you talk about a guy that has zero flaws, he’s Beyonce on the offensive end… He has no holes in his game."

— Kendrick Perkins

(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/wqeycSMGly

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

Although he is in his 18th NBA season, Kevin Durant is still lighting up the scoreboard. He’s a legitimate threat from anywhere on the floor, and it’s hard to disagree with Kendrick Perkins’ take. Especially after just watching Durant record 40 points off 50.0% shooting and going 10 for 10 from the free-throw line against the Magic.

Through 55 games played so far this season, the 16-time All-Star is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He also owns a 50.8% field goal percentage while shooting 40.2% from beyond the three-point line.

Durant will have another opportunity to show off his skills on Saturday when the Rockets take on the Miami Heat on the road. That game is scheduled to tip off at 3:30 p.m. EST.

The post Kendrick Perkins makes wild Kevin Durant-Beyoncé comparison appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The trade deadline acquisition was among Brooklyn’s lone bright spots, posting nine points and two rebounds on 4-of-7 shooting in 16 minutes off the bench.

“It’s just me trying to play basketball to the best of my ability,” Minott said postgame. “I know somewhat about quote-on-quote enemy tactics from being here, but overall it’s just me trying to play as hard as I can for my team, my coaches, and trying to play the Brooklyn way.”

Minott flashed his athleticism and two-way versatility against his former teammates. The 6-foot-8 forward was comfortable creating off the dribble, breaking down Boston’s defense on a pair of possessions leading to easy Brooklyn buckets. He also threw down a poster dunk over Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez in transition early in the game.

Josh Minott looks very comfortable creating off the bounce. pic.twitter.com/WiPrHfWV3B

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 28, 2026

Josh Minott looks very comfortable creating off the bounce. pic.twitter.com/WiPrHfWV3B

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 28, 2026

Minott impressed for the Celtics earlier this season.

Josh Minott impresses during first extended minutes with Nets after trade from Celtics

The 23-year-old averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals in 18.5 minutes per game over his first 27 appearances with Boston. He shot 50.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three on 7.1 attempts per 100 possessions during that span.

However, he fell out of Boston’s rotation as the team got healthy. The Celtics salary-dumped Minott to the Nets in exchange for $110,000 at the deadline to duck under the luxury tax.

Minott played in three games with Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, before being called up on Thursday. Jordi Fernandez hinted that the fourth-year forward could be in line for an extended NBA audition.

“He played in Long Island, did a great job. We needed him to be in game shape, and I think he took advantage of those minutes, and now he’s ready to play here. So, very happy with him and trying to help him develop and see what we got,” Fernandez said. “[Josh is a] great personality. You could say that he’s been a teammate in the group for a long time, the way he’s just blended in right away. He knew what we were about. I sat down with him in my office, and sometimes you feel like it’s going to be a quick conversation, and all of a sudden, we’re talking for like 20-30 minutes, and it was good to get to know these guys. The reality of the NBA, sometimes there are trades, and it may be weird, but it’s part of it. And he’s done a great job just trying to be part of it [here] right away.”

With the Nets tanking, Minott should continue to see heavier minutes as the season progresses. He has a $2.6 million team option for 2026-27.

The post Nets trade acquisition turns heads against former team during debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Recently, head coach Billy Donovan shared publicly what the front office told him about the new players, per Paolo Songco of ChiCity Sports.

Essentially, it’s a very lukewarm approach management is taking. In other words, go out and do your best.

“The discussions I had with [the front office] when the trade deadline was finalized was, ‘Nothing has changed, try and get these guys to play to the best of their ability; we know it’s going to be somewhat challenging with seven new players,’ ’ Donovan said. “Even talking to ownership, it’s been, ‘Hey, go out there and do your very best.’ There has been no indication from ownership or the front office of, ‘Hey, listen, if we finish here, here or here’ or ‘Listen, don’t worry about playing these guys; just play these guys.’ There’s been none of that at all.”

Although the Bulls are denying allegations of tanking, Donovan recognizes that they are in a prime position to draft high.

“Philosophically, I get the dynamics once June, whatever date that draft date is, I get how that impacts all of that,” he continued. “It’s not like I’m sitting over there saying, ‘Well, it’s a close game right now, let’s sit Josh [Giddey] and Tre [Jones] and Jalen [Smith].’ There has not been that. And I think if I did do that, they would say, ‘Listen, you need to put the best guys out there.’ ’’

On Sunday, the Bulls will play the Milwaukee Bucks to kick off March.

The post Billy Donovan reveals what front office said about new players appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Feels like an accomplishment. I guess, looking back, we could say it’s a satisfying month.

“It feels good.”

In dispatching all 11 opponents they faced from February 1 to February 26, the stretch featured one game that could be considered close by most standards. And that win came by nine points.

“I think we had only one win, which was single digits,” Wemby said, alluding to the team’s first contest of the month, a 112-103 victory vs. the Orlando Magic.

“So does it mean it was perfect? Not at all. But looking back, it’s never going to be perfect, so it’s pretty satisfying,” the generational star continued.

Spurs correct wrongs during February streak

For a month starting in late December, the Spurs found themselves struggling against teams that themselves were struggling. Following a third win in 10 days vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day, San Antonio lost two nights later at home to a Utah Jazz team that was 11-19 heading in. By the time they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 6, the Spurs had dropped four of six with three of those setbacks coming to squads with losing records and the other to a Cleveland Cavaliers team that was a game above .500 when they went into San Antonio.

“We showed that it was one of our weaknesses. I think especially about the defeat against Utah that we had in 2025. After a good series of big matches, we had a few more mediocre defeats,” Wembanyama reflected.

During this 11-game win streak, the team with the second best record in the West handled not only the three teams they faced with losing records, but also took care of business in several contests against shorthanded contenders.

“It was already my state of mind at the time. I think it’s something as a team that has potential, as a team that grows up and has some success at the beginning of the season. For me, these are things that we have to go through. And even if we know that we have to take all the games in the same way, they’re lessons that are learned in the best way by failing, by losing games,” Wemby admitted.

“There is nothing that would have bothered us. I think we have made progress in this regard, even though we are not there yet,” the Spurs leading scorer added.

Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama talks championship contention

Asked about whether the Spurs showing in February proves the Spurs are a legitimate title contender, Wembanyama gave no assurances.

“I can’t answer that because it’s the first time I’m in this situation, but to talk about the floor; I think it was something that we really had to raise in the beginning of the season to show that our ceiling is extremely high. We have a great record against the strongest teams in the league.”

In addition to the three aforementioned victories against the defending NBA champions, the Spurs have beaten every Western Conference team except for one that would qualify for the extended postseason, including the Play-In, if the season ended at the end of February. And the one team they haven’t topped — the Los Angeles Clippers — they haven’t played yet.

The Spurs will face the Clippers in early March as they look to extend the league’s best current stretch.

The post Victor Wembanyama goes all in on Spurs’ accomplishment appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The performance showcased Gafford’s talent in the frontcourt, which led to increased speculation of his availability during the trade deadline. Whether Gafford stays with the Mavericks—recently receiving an three year, $54 million extension this offseason—remains to be seen. He spoke about the mental toll that injuries have provided him.

“Kind of like a bit of a wear and tear on the brain when it comes to just trying to figure out ways to play around it. Of course there is pain, but, like I said, we got a job on a night to night basis. And, just trying to play through that is just…it is going to help me in the long run, I would say, because now it’s just kind of like the first time that I’ve kind of dealt with like a injury that’s kinda like prolonged throughout the season.”

Gafford added, “So I’m learning a lot of stuff where it’s just, you know, taking care of my body more, being consistent with trying to find ways to be ready for. The next game coming up.”

Despite a brilliant rookie campaign from Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks sit at 21-38. They’re the 12th seed in the Western Conference, two spots away from a Play-In berth. Recently, the Mavericks made significant moves, trading D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in what can be signaled as a reset for the organization around their new star.

The 27-year-old Gafford factors into that future. He’s currently averaging 8.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game on a 63.2% field goal percentage. He could remain with Dallas as a consistent option at the center spot, or his tradable contract could be moved to add more depth to the team around Flagg. But Gafford’s availability certainly adds to the winning efficacy of the Mavericks.

The Mavericks return to action on Sunday, hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game tips off at 8:00 p.m.

The post Daniel Gafford gets 100% real on dealing with injury adversity appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Rui Hachimura injury status vs. Warriors

After sitting out of the Lakers’ last game, a 113-110 loss to the Suns, Rui Hachimura is on track for a second consecutive absence. The team lists its seventh-year forward as doubtful with his lingering illness on the official injury report.

Hachimura has missed 11 games this year and has bounced in and out of the starting lineup. He is still a crucial part of JJ Redick’s vision, averaging the fourth-most minutes on the team.

Against the Suns, Hachimura’s playing time went to Jake LaRavia, who chipped in 11 points in 28 minutes off the bench. However, Jarred Vanderbilt could be in line for additional court time against a bigger Warriors team if the Japanese forward misses another game.

While Hachimura is the only significant absence for the Lakers, the Warriors are dealing with a plethora of injuries. Golden State will still be without Stephen Curry, who has not played since Jan. 30, though Draymond Green is on track to return from a one-game absence.

De’Anthony Melton, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody have guided the Warriors in the absence of their stars. Rookie Will Richard is also coming off a 21-point outing in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, his highest-scoring game since November.

Lakers injury report

Rui Hachimura — Doubtful, illness

Bronny James — OUT, G League

Adou Thiero — OUT, G League

Warriors injury report

Jimmy Butler — OUT, Right ACL surgery

LJ Cryer — OUT, G League

Seth Curry — OUT, Left sciatic nerve irritation

Stephen Curry — OUT, Right patellofemoral pain syndrome

Draymond Green — Probable, Left lower back injury management

Kristaps Porzingis — Questionable, illness

The post Is Rui Hachimura playing tonight? Lakers vs. Warriors injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The signing of Ryan Nembhard brings the Mavericks’ current roster to 15 standard contracts. Tyus Jones was originally thought to be finishing out the season with the Mavericks, but he reportedly approached the team about a release so he can join a playoff contender, as per ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel.

Waiving Jones might not be the last roster mover the Mavericks make this weekend. With Sunday being the deadline for players to be waived in order to be eligible to play in the playoffs, the Mavericks are awaiting a decision from Khris Middleton as well, as per Siegel. Middleton was acquired at the trade deadline, and will have plenty of playoff teams interested in his services should he hit the buyout market.

In Nembhard, the Mavericks have a young-ish guard who can be a part of the team’s future. He was limited to the amount of NBA games he could be active for under his two-way contract, and he had nearly run out of days  of eligibility.

He’s appeared in 38 games this season, including 17 starts, at a little over 18 minutes per game. He had been averaging 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists with splits of 42.9 percent shooting from the field, 37.9 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 76.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Mavericks are currently 21-38 and in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. With each passing day, a run at the play-in looks less likely.

The post Mavericks set to officially make Ryan Nembhard contract move after waiving Tyus Jones appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Pelicans have found recent momentum and are currently on a three-game winning streak. Regardless, the Jazz once again have Keyonte George on the official injury list, as he is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain.

George last played for Utah in the loss against the Orlando Magic and is on the injury list alongside a host of players, including Lauri Markkanen, who is out due to right hip
impingement. The likes of Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkic, and Vince Williams Jr. are also out due to various injuries.

For the Pelicans, Yves Missi is listed as questionable, while Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Trey Alexander, and Hunter Dickinson are officially out.

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Keyonte George injury status vs. Pelicans

George will once again be a game-time decision but his questionable status suggests he may as well play a part. Considering their recent form and their record of 18-41, they need their guard to be fit as soon as possible.

This should be another high-paced matchup akin to Thursday night when the Pelicans dispatched the Jazz in Salt Lake City. While both teams are currently languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference, New Orleans (18-42) will be hoping to notch up another win.

The Pelicans have won four of their last six contests and if George is unable to play, Utah will once again have to rely on a scrappy second unit that kept them afloat. The Jazz bench produced 61 points on Thursday, highlighted by Ace Bailey’s 23 points and Brice Sensabaugh’s 20.

However, Utah’s biggest hurdle remains their porous defense. The Jazz are currently surrendering 125.9 points per game and will need to be better than recent weeks in order to have a chance.

Jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (Right Ankle Sprain)

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Out (Left Knee Injury Recovery)

Walker Kessler: Out (Left Shoulder Injury Recovery)

Lauri Markkanen: Out (Right Hip Impingement)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (Nose Injury Recovery)

Vince Williams Jr.: Out (Left Knee Injury Management)

Pelicans injury report

Yves Missi: Questionable (Left Calf Strain)

Trey Alexander: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Trey Murphy III: Out (Right Shoulder Contusion)

Dejounte Murray: Out (Return to Competition Reconditioning)

The post Is Keyonte George playing tonight? Jazz vs. Pelicans injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Though he isn’t in uniform, Flagg has remained active in a different way, per Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban.

Head coach Jason Kidd went into detail about the extent to which Flagg has stepped up even from the sidelines.

“His voice. You see him over there cheering…He’s all about his teammates, he’s all about trying to help this team win, even if he’s not in uniform. He’s been very consistent with that.”

Jason Kidd on how Cooper Flagg has contributed to the morale of the team despite being out:

“His voice. You see him over there cheering…He’s all about his teammates, he’s all about trying to help this team win, even if he’s not in uniform. He’s been very consistent with that.” pic.twitter.com/KAiiDd4ppu

— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) February 28, 2026

On Friday, the Mavericks lost to the Grizzlies 124-105. Then they will play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. They stand at 21-38.

Flagg is averaging 20.4 points and 6.5 rebounds over the course of 49 games. Meanwhile, he has been out for the last six games.

As of now, Flagg is in the midst of a tight battle for the NBA Rookie of the Year with Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets.

Over the course of the season, Flagg has accumulated numerous accolades during his rookie year. He’s won many Rookie of the Month honors. Additionally, Flagg scored a career high of 49 points on Jan. 29 against the Hornets. In the process, he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points in a game at 18 years old.

Additionally, Flagg became the youngest player to garner consecutive 30-point double-doubles in early February.

Also, he participated in the NBA Rising Stars game during the NBA All-Star Weekend.

The post How Cooper Flagg has impacted Mavericks despite injury absence appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander approached a 34-minute threshold Daigneault and the Thunder had set for the night. After tallying 36 points, nine assists, two blocks, and two steals in his first game in 24 days, there was nothing else Gilgeous-Alexander could do to impact Friday’s overtime thriller.

“I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over. But if I re-injure this injury, none of it will matter. So, that’s kind of how I see it”

SGA on not playing in OT vs. Nuggets: “I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over.

But if I re-injure this injury, none of it will matter. So, that’s kind of how I see it” pic.twitter.com/8RXYnlRfrM

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Thunder starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, returning from a calf injury, was on the same minutes restriction as Gilgeous-Alexander. Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren, who finished with a career-high 21 rebounds, led the defending champions to victory alongside Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Jaylin Williams, who closed out the win for Hartenstein. Alex Caruso also played in overtime.

Mark Daigneault on sitting Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In a game that involved a scuffle with Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic and resulted in Thunder veteran Lu Dort’s ejection, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault explained his decision to sit reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

The Thunder will travel to face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The post Thunder Shai-Gilgeous Alexander’s immediate reaction to not playing in OT vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Deni Avdija injury status vs. Hornets

After a rock-solid start to the 2025-2026 season, Avdija has been slowed by injuries over the last month. Avdija is currently being slowed by a back injury that forced him out in the first minute of the Blazers’ Sunday night game against the Phoenix Suns.

Avdija has yet to return to the court since then, missing Portland’s last two games. He is listed as doubtful on Saturday and expected to miss his third straight contest.

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter has turned to Kris Murray in Avdija’s absence. Murray enters Saturday’s game off consecutive double-digit efforts and is slated to receive his 14th start of the season against the Hornets. He will join Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan in the Blazers’ starting lineup.

Clingan is listed as questionable after missing the Blazers’ last game with an illness. If he misses another game, expect Scoot Henderson to remain in the opening lineup.

Holiday and Grant have picked up the scoring slack in Avdija’s absence, with Henderson absorbing additional minutes off the bench. Holiday is currently on his best stretch of the season, averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in February.

With Avdija trending toward missing another game, expect the same Blazers team that just collected a 121-112 win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday to face the Hornets.

Blazers injury report

Deni Avdija — Doubtful, Lower back injury management

Sidy Cissoko — Questionable, Illness

Donovan Clingan — Questionable, Illness

Damian Lillard — OUT, Left Achilles tendon management

Caleb Love — OUT, G League

Shaedon Sharpe — Left fibula stress reaction

Hornets injury report

Tosan Evbuomwan — OUT, G League

PJ Hall — OUT, G League

Liam McNeely — OUT, G League

Antonio Reeves — OUT, G League

Tidjane Salaun — OUT, G League

The post Is Deni Avdija playing today? Blazers vs. Hornets injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis are both on the injury report ahead of this matchup, per the official injury report. Green is currently listed as probable as he manages a left low back injury, while Porzingis is questionable with a general illness.

While those two players might still play, Stephen Curry will not as he is confirmed to be out with a right patellofemoral injury. Curry joins the likes of his brother Seth, Jimmy Butler and LJ Cryer, who are all out.

For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura is doubtful while Bronny James and Adou Thierro are out due to G League assignments.

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Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis injury status vs. Lakers

Given Draymond Green is probable on the injury report, the assumption is he will be suiting up in what is a marquee matchup. The veteran forward is currently averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per contest while shooting 41% from the field.

Porzingis’s status is murkier, and he is less likely to play considering his questionable status. The division-leading Lakers (34-24) arrive in San Francisco desperate to snap a three-game losing streak following a narrow 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

Despite their recent struggles, Los Angeles will look at their Big-3 for inspiration once again. Luka Doncic leads the NBA in scoring at 32.7 points per game (while adding 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists), Austin Reaves is enjoying a career year averaging 24.6 points, and the ageless LeBron James is contributing 21.5 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per night.

Los Angeles and Golden State have split their first two head-to-head matchups this season, with both previous games taking place in Los Angeles. The Lakers are 18-12 on the road this year, while the Warriors are 19-11 on their home floor.

Lakers injury report

Rui Hachimura: Doubtful (Illness)

Bronny James: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Adou Thiero: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Warriors injury report

Draymond Green: Probable (Left Low Back Injury Management)

Kristaps Porzingis: Questionable (Illness)

Stephen Curry: Out (Right Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

Seth Curry: Out (Left Sciatic Nerve Irritation)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (Right ACL Surgery)

LJ Cryer: Out (G League – Two-Way)

The post Are Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis playing tonight? Warriors vs. Lakers injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, one of the most hilarious moments came when Kenny Atkinson was caught swearing at the touchline after a call did not go his team’s way.

“He pushed the s—t outta him on that finish, come on baby!” he was heard screaming at the refs, per a clip on X by Bleacher Report.

The Cavs were in control with a nine-point lead with less than four minutes remaining on the clock. However, they allowed the Pistons back into the game despite Cade Cunningham fouling out with almost two minutes on the clock.

The Cavs committed costly turnovers and allowed the Pistons back with a defensive error with 4.7 seconds on the clock. Guard Jaylon Tyson attempted to intentionally foul Pistons reserve Daniss Jenkins near halfcourt to prevent a game-tying three-point attempt.

Instead, he drew a three-shot foul, converting the resultant free throws and forcing overtime. The Pistons built a quick six-point advantage in OT, but the Cavaliers once again clawed back to within a single point behind a Tyson 3-pointer and a Dennis Schroder layup.

Following a successful coach’s challenge by Detroit, Tobias Harris hit a clutch turnaround jumper with 21 seconds left to give the Pistons a three-point cushion. Cleveland had one final opportunity to force double-overtime, but Mobley’s buzzer-beating 3-point attempt drew iron.

For the Pistons, Jalen Duren produced 33 points and 16 rebounds to lead his side with Cunningham finishing with 25 points and 10 rebounds alongside seven assists.

Jarrett Allen top-scored for Cleveland, continuing his staggering form with 25 points and nine rebounds, missing out on a double-double for only the second time in the last 10 games. Evan Mobley scored 23 while Sam Merrill added 20 points as well.

Regardless, the Cavs were in touching distance of a win despite the absences of both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, and will now play the Brooklyn Nets next.

The post Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson caught cursing mid-game on live TV mic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

The Air Jordan 3 released in 1988 as Michael Jordan’s first sneaker to feature his Jumpman logo. It was the debut sneaker for legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, who later went on to take over the Air Jordan numbered series. Throughout an expansive catalogue, the Air Jordan 3 always stands out as the original that launched the creative vision.

Among classics like the “Black Cement” and “White Cement” pairs, the “True Blue” colorway has been a foundational pair for the Jordan 3’s legacy. For the first time since 2016, fans will have a chance to grab an updated version of the popular colorway.

Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” (2026)

The Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” Returns Fall 2026 https://t.co/2YshheSCb8 pic.twitter.com/qaV9BDKiLx

— JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) February 24, 2026

The “True Blue” Air Jordan 3 OG RETURNS on July 18th!

MJ FACE BOX. Full-family sizing. #NIKEAIR pic.twitter.com/v2e09x5feW

— zSneakerHeadz (@zSneakerHeadz) February 27, 2026

Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” Returns July 18, 2026

Details: https://t.co/w2TAdI6pZ9 pic.twitter.com/Xrq0YZ3MtZ

— House of Heat° (@houseofheat) February 26, 2026

The Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” will return true to the OG version from 1988, featuring a similar silhouette shape and classic Nike Air branding on the back heel. The colorway arrives in the typical White/Cement Grey-True Blue scheme, complete with the iconic elephant print along the mudguard, back heel panel, and eyelets. Hits of red are seen throughout for the perfect contrast and balance over the white leather base.

Nike will take things one step further in bringing back the classic Air Jordan “face” boxes, which were in circulation from 2001-2005 and provide an added nostalgic detail to this release.

The Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” is expected to release July 18, 2026 for a standard retail tag of $220. Arriving on Nike SNKRS app, we can expect full family sizing with adjusted pricing as stock should be ample for the sneaker’s first retro release in 10 years.

The post Air Jordan 3 ‘True Blue’ officially returning soon appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Tensions boiled over on Friday when Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ran up the court. Thunder’s Lu Dort backed into Jokic, sending him tumbling to the floor. Jokic stood up and chest-bumped Dort angrily. Jaylin Williams attempted to intervene, and he and Jokic exchanged shoves and grabbed each other’s jerseys before officials and team personnel separated them.

The normally mild-mannered Jokic took a moment to address the tense situation postgame.

“Unnecessary move, and a necessary reaction,” said Jokic. “There is no such thing — I think there’s not supposed to be those things on a basketball floor. So it was just an unnecessary move and a necessary reaction by me.”

Tensions boil over in battle between Nuggets, Thunder

Following a video review, officials upgraded the foul on Dort to a flagrant 2, triggering an automatic ejection with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. Crew chief James Williams stated the contact was unnecessary, excessive, and carried a high potential for injury. Jokic and Williams each received technical fouls for their roles in the ensuing scrum.

Lu Dort was ejected after appearing to trip Nikola Jokic on this play.

Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams both received technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/ZFyNHpigsM

— ESPN (@espn) February 28, 2026

Despite the fourth-quarter scuffle, Jokic would record a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists. Jamal Murray led Denver in scoring with 39 points over 47 minutes.

The Nuggets would ultimately come up short, falling in overtime 121-127.

The Nuggets and the Thunder will face each other two more times before the end of the regular season. With the way things played out on Friday, the last two games between these teams are gearing up to be absolute cinema.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic speaks out after heated altercation with Thunder players appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Brunson finished with a game-high 27 points in 31 minutes, shooting 11-of-17 from the field (64.7%), 4-of-6 from three-point range, and 1-of-2 at the line. He also contributed seven rebounds and three assists. He erupted for 22 points in the opening quarter, connecting on 9-of-10 shots and all three of his three-point attempts. The 22-point burst was the second-most points in a first quarter in franchise history, one shy of his own record set on Jan. 12, 2025, also against Milwaukee. It was his 10th career 20-point quarter, all recorded as a Knick, and the highest-scoring quarter by a New York player in any period this season.

In 55 games this season, Brunson is averaging 26.7 points, 6.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 47.1% from the floor and 37.6% from the three-point range. He closed February averaging 23.8 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 made threes, and 0.8 steals in 35.6 minutes per game. Since signing with the Knicks as a free agent in 2022 after four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson has earned three consecutive All-Star selections, two All-NBA Second Team honors, and led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years last postseason.

New York shot 21-of-42 (50%) from three-point range and 60% overall in the first half while building a 77-57 halftime lead. The Knicks forced 16 turnovers that resulted in 19 points and had all five starters score in double figures for the 15th time this season. OG Anunoby scored 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Landry Shamet hit five threes for 15 points.

The Bucks, who had won eight of their previous 10 games and were playing their fifth game in eight days, played without Giannis Antetokounmpo (strained right calf), who missed his 14th straight game.

New York grabbed an important win over a below-.500 Milwaukee team. Up next, the Knicks will host the Western Conference’s No. 2-seeded San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

The post Knicks’ Jalen Brunson makes history with 7,000th point in NY appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the win, Daigneault addressed Dort’s fourth-quarter ejection while reminding reporters of how familiar his Thunder team is with the Nuggets, coming off their seven-game series in the Western Conference semifinals.

“That was a chippy game. These are two teams that played each other in a seven-game series. We’re in the same division. We’ve played each other 100 times,” Daigneault said. “They know our playbook. We know their playbook. It’s just what it is. It’s going to be an imperfect game, and things escalate like that sometimes. I know Lu [Dort]. I know [Nikola] Jokic.

“I know J-Will. I don’t think anybody’s trying to hurt anybody; they’re just great competitors. That just boiled over. I think it was nothing more than that.”

Jaylin Williams & Nikola Jokic just went at it here in OKC.

Both could be ejected after Williams came to Lu Dort’s defense. Fight is now under review pic.twitter.com/1zxS2glQJT

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

One could argue that Nikola Jokic took his frustration from Lu Dort’s flagrant-2 out on Williams, who defended his teammate, as most centers do in the NBA. It most likely factored into the referees’ decision to keep Jokic in the game, slapping him and Jaylin with double technical fouls.

Daigneault’s only hope is that if the situation were reversed, Jokic would have been the one heading to the locker room due to a flagrant-2.

“I will say this: If J-Will is running up the floor and gets tripped, we expect a flagrant-2 from this point forward. That’s all,” Daigneault added. “If that’s the precedent, if that becomes a malicious play, and flagrant-2 is the line in the sand on that, we would expect that if it’s J-Will. We would expect that if it was anybody. And if that’s the case, we’re good.”

Mark Daigneault’s honest take on Lu Dort’s ejection after his scuffle with Nikola Jokic: “I will say this: If J-Will is running up the floor and gets tripped, we expect a Flagrant-2 from this point forward.

That’s all.” pic.twitter.com/HFTcdINFdN

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Williams finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block off the bench before closing out the Thunder win in overtime.

Mark Daigneault on Thunder’s SGA missing overtime

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault sat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in overtime of Friday’s win against the Nuggets. Coming off an abdominal injury that forced him to miss the Thunder’s previous nine games, Gilgeous-Alexander was on a minutes restriction that went unannounced ahead of the defending champions’ showdown against the Nuggets.

Daigneault explained what factored into the Thunder’s decision to keep Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench after the fourth quarter.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

Mark Daigneault on sitting SGA in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him to a certain point minutes-wise.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals keyed a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half before the defending champions closed out a win without their reigning MVP in overtime.

The post Mark Daigneault’s take on Lu Dort’s ejection after Nikola Jokic scuffle in Thunder win vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, Daigneault and Gilgeous-Alexander, making his return after missing the past nine games due to an abdominal injury, set an unannounced minutes restriction that ran its course. Gilgeous-Alexander played just under 34 minutes (33:46) in regulation, which Daigneault pointed to as the end of SGA’s night regardless of the in-game situation.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

While starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, coming off a calf strain, was under the same restriction, Jaylin Williams finished the game, as Jared McCain started the extra period in place of Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Unbelievable effort by the guys that were out there. The rest of the team didn’t know we had that conversation,” Daigneault added. “We just subbed the MVP and our starter at the beginning of overtime, and they attacked that game. They deserve a lot of credit for that.”

Mark Daigneault on sitting SGA in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him to a certain point minutes-wise.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals led a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half. Chet Holmgren finished with a career-high 21 rebounds, 15 points, and three blocks. Jared McCain’s 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting, including a pair of threes, led the bench.

Lu Dort’s flagrant-2 leads to Nikola Jokic scuffle vs. Thunder

Thunder veteran Lu Dort earned a flagrant-2 with 8:03 left in the fourth quarter for tripping Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic, which led to a physical altercation between the MVP candidate and Thunder center Jaylin Williams.

After review, the officials deemed Lu Dort’s foul against Nikola Jokic “unnecessary and excessive,” upgrading his common foul to a flagrant foul penalty two and ejecting him from the game. Williams and Jokic received double technical fouls, while Dort’s night came to an end.

Jokic finished with a dominating triple-double (23 points, 17 rebounds, 14 assists), as the Nuggets fell to the Thunder in a six-point loss in overtime.

The post Thunder’s Mark Daigneault explains why SGA sat out of OT in Nuggets loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Detroit is enjoying a strong campaign as one of the best teams in the entire league. They pulled off an overtime win over Cleveland, who has been making its way up the East standings with a solid stretch of games.

Fans came in droves to react to the game, hoping for a better showing while being positive about the win. Here are some of their reactions.

“Epic win! Both teams stepped up. The Cavs didn’t have Donovan Mitchell and a few others, while our Pistons still miss Isaiah Stewart,” one fan said.

“I didn’t enjoy going to OT against a shorthanded Cavs team. BUT… at the same time we’ve gotten our fill of wins while we were shorthanded. Boys battle when it matters. And those who battle harder get the win. #DetroitBasketball,” another remarked.

“Celebrate the win, but stay locked in. every dub is proof that preparation met opportunity. stack them up, stay humble, and keep building the scoreboard only tells part of the story. the grind continues,” one commented.

“WHAT A COMEBACK WIN,” one replied.

“Got the win and JB benched Levert for Sasser, I prayed for times like these,” a fan said.

How Pistons played against Cavaliers

Pistons fans can want more from their team after beating the Cavaliers. Nonetheless, the playoff ceiling remains high for them.

Five players scored in double-digits for Detroit in the win. Jalen Duren dominated with a performance of 33 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. He shot 11-of-19 from the field and 11-of-15 from the free-throw line. Cade Cunningham came next with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Ausar Thompson had 18 points and eight rebounds, Ronald Holland II put up 12 points and three rebounds, while Tobias Harris provided 11 points and six steals.

Detroit improved to a 44-14 record on the season, boasting the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 5.5 games above the Boston Celtics and seven games above the New York Knicks.

The Pistons will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They face the Orlando Magic as tip-off will take place on March 1 at 6 p.m. ET.

The post Pistons’ thrilling overtime win over Cavs has fans thinking NBA Finals appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jones, 29, was acquired by the Mavericks at the trade deadline in a smaller deal with the Charlotte Hornets, who were looking to trade the 11-year guard for cap reasons. Last offseason, the Mavs showed strong interest in acquiring Jones via free agency, but other teams, such as the Orlando Magic, who Jones began this season with, could offer him more than Dallas.

Although it seemed likely that he would finish out the 2025-26 season with the Mavericks before entering unrestricted free agency in the summer, Jones first approached the Mavs to express his desire in a potential buyout to join a playoff-contending organization, sources said.

The Mavericks, who have been looking for a pathway to convert two-way guard Ryan Nembhard, now have a clear reason to do so.

Jones’ decision to hit the NBA buyout market was first reported by Marc Stein.

After waiving Jones and likely converting Nembhard to a two-way contract in a matter of days, the Mavericks are also awaiting a firm answer from veteran wing Khris Middleton on what he wants to do regarding a potential buyout.

Middleton was traded to the Mavs in the nine-player deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. Initially, Middleton was viewed by many around the league as a possible buyout candidate, but he reported to the team, and Dallas expressed no interest in waiving him immediately.

Over the last week, Middleton has been giving thought to his future, and the possibility of leaving the Mavericks to join a playoff threat remains on the table. He has until Sunday to decide whether or not he will approach the team for a buyout, as they will not waive him unless he wants a change in scenery.

The Mavericks are 21-38 this season, the seventh-worst record in the NBA.

The post Mavericks make surprising Tyus Jones roster decision appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Chris Paul spent six full seasons with the LA Clippers franchise, from when he was traded to Los Angeles in 2011 all the way until he was traded to the Houston Rockets in the 2017 offseason.

Of the 249 teammates that Chris Paul shared the floor with throughout his 20-year NBA career, no one played more games alongside Paul than former Clippers All-Star center DeAndre Jordan. The duo played 406 regular season games together in addition to 53 playoff games. The duo had a .658 winning percentage, going 302-157 in those 459 games together.

Paul announcing his retirement in the middle of All-Star weekend came as somewhat of a surprise, given that the guard had been looking for a team to play for and close out his NBA career. But no team materialized, and Paul decided to call it.

DeAndre Jordan took to Instagram on Friday, a few weeks after the official retirement announcement of his former teammate to deliver a heartwarming message.

“Can’t believe I’m making a retirement post for your old ass! I still remember when we found out we were getting CP3 and the “Lob City” run was born. It still feels like yesterday. Some of the greatest years of my life.

I want to first congratulation you on an amazing basketball career! You have achieved countless accolades and have done so much for the game. However, the biggest accomplishment I’ve seen from you is your love and dedication to your family.

Thank you for ALWAYS pushing me even when I wasn’t trying to hear it. You were a teammate then and became a forever brother and I am grateful.

Enjoy this next chapter of life and the journey. Here’s to more pars and birdies! Cheers

– 6″

DeAndre Jordan was a full time starter for the Clippers when Chris Paul arrived, but under head coach Doc Rivers, became a 34 minute a night player for the Clippers starting in the 2013-14 season. From the 2023-14 season where he played alongside CP3, Jordan averaged 11.8 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while being named to his first NBA All-Star team in the 2016-17 season. Jordan was also a two-time rebounding champion, a three-time All-NBA selection, and a two-time All-Defensive team selection.

Chris Paul finished his NBA career playing 1,370 career games in the regular season, averaging 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 37 percent from three. Paul finishes his illustrious, 20-year NBA career as a 12-time NBA All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA member, a nine-time All-Defensive team member, a six-time steals champion, and a five-time assists champion.

The post DeAndre Jordan breaks silence on Chris Paul’s retirement appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Entering the half with a 20-point deficit, the Bucks were able to play the Knicks even in the third quarter but ultimately went down without much of a fight in the game’s final frame, scoring just 15 points on the way to a 127-98 loss.

Discussing how the game got away from his Bucks on their home court, Doc Rivers laid it out plainly for those in attendance and beyond: Milwaukee simply got outplayed by New York.

“Yeah, yeah, I mean some of the guys on their team we gave shots, and we’re fine with that,” Rivers noted. “You know, and we still should have went out and guarded it, but I just thought they got everything they wanted and forgot the 3s. Like when they wanted to drive, they drove the ball, when they wanted to shoot, they shot the ball. And I just didn’t think we met their physicality and their intensity. And you know, it’s a good lesson for them. He knew that he knew how this game was gonna be played, and we just didn’t meet the moment.”

Now granted, heading into the game, few expected the Bucks to secure the win, as they still don’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo and have a 26-32 record with just a few more weeks left in the season. Still, after a few strong showings following the arrivals of Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng, it’s clear Rivers is ready to burn this game’s film and move on.

“I don’t think we met their physicality and intensity… we just didn’t meet the moment” says Doc Rivers after a tough loss at home to the Knicks #NBA #Postgame #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/bDf3gS4EPK

— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) February 28, 2026

The post Doc Rivers admits harsh reality after Bucks’ loss to Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Vucevic is going through the 15th year of his NBA career, his first with the Celtics. He started the 2025-26 campaign with the Chicago Bulls before they traded him to Boston in exchange for Anfernee Simons. He is eight games into his stint with the 18-time NBA champions.

Brown and Mazzulla reflected on Vucevic’s improvement in the system over time after the game against Brooklyn, via Celtics on CNLS. The former likes seeing the veteran center get more comfortable with the team, while the latter is looking forward to seeing the fit fully flourish.

“Allow him to feel more comfortable is big time for our team. Today was a great step forward. I like to see him aggressive,” Brown said.

Jaylen Brown on Nikola Vucevic getting more comfortable with the offense:

“Allow him to feel more comfortable is big time for our team. Today was a great step forward. I like to see him aggressive.”
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/6uH6NC4tES

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 28, 2026

“Well, I hope that he’s never completely comfortable, because that would mean we don’t get better…,” Mazzulla remarked.

Joe Mazzulla on how the Celtics have worked to get Nikola Vucevic more comfortable with the offense:

“Well, I hope that he’s never completely comfortable, because that would mean we don’t get better…”
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/2rALNmkM5e

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 28, 2026

How Jaylen Brown, Celtics played against Nets

It’s clear that the Celtics will only get better as long as Nikola Vucevic continues making strides with his production on the court. For Jaylen Brown and Joe Mazzulla, they believe the sky is the limit for the team’s ceiling when Vucevic accomplishes his goals.

In the meantime, the Celtics torched the Nets in a convincing 148-111 blowout win at home. Boston took control in the second half and never looked back, outscoring Brooklyn 82-54 in the last 24 minutes of regulation.

Six players scored in double-digits for Boston in the win. Brown led the way with 28 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block. Vucevic came next with 28 points and 11 rebounds, Payton Pritchard had 22 points and five assists, Sam Hauser put up 13 points, while Derrick White provided 12 points and seven assists.

Boston improved to a 39-20 record on the season, holding the second spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the New York Knicks by 1.5 games and the Cleveland Cavaliers by three games while trailing the Detroit Pistons by 5.5 games.

The Celtics will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Philadelphia 76ers as tip-off will take place on March 1 at 8 p.m. ET.

The post Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown reveal how Nikola Vucevic became more comfortable on offense appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Things got very heated, however, with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter between Nikola Jokic, Lu Dort, and Jaylin Williams.

Lu Dort unnecessarily moved backwards into the path of Nikola Jokic after a made basket by Oklahoma City, tripping the Nuggets star and sending him to the floor. An irate Jokic immediately stood up and confronted Dort, who had his arms out to the side wondering why the foul was called and why Jokic was coming after him.

That’s when Dort’s teammate, Jaylin Williams, entered the altercation. Both Jokic and Williams grabbed each other’s jerseys and did not let go as players, coaches, and security staff members from both teams tried to separate the two and keep other players from starting more altercations.

Nikola Jokic got into the face of Lu Dort and Jaylin Williams

pic.twitter.com/GvHKxeJM28

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

After review, the officials deemed Lu Dort’s foul against Nikola Jokic, “unnecessary and excessive,” upgrading his common foul to a flagrant foul penalty two and ejecting him from the game.

Both Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams were hit with technical fouls, with offset and added no additional free throws for either team.

Dort finished the game with eight points, six rebounds, and five fouls in 28 minutes of play.

The Thunder and Nuggets game did go into overtime after both teams missed shot attempts to retake the lead in the final 10 seconds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 36 points, three rebounds, nine assists, and two steals for the Thunder. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic entered overtime with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists.

More to come…

The post Lu Dort’s flagrant 2 ejection leads to Nikola Jokic, Jaylin Williams altercation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Harden is going through the 17th year of his NBA career, his first with the Cavaliers. He started the 2025-26 campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers before they traded him to Cleveland in exchange for Darius Garland.

Harden has impressed to begin his time with the Cavaliers, going 6-1 throughout his first seven games with the franchise. However, he is on the sidelines after fracturing his thumb against the New York Knicks on Feb. 24.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson provided an update on Harden’s health during Friday’s pregame press conference, via SB Nation. It was there where he revealed the veteran’s stars struggles in dealing with the hand injury.

“I know this morning he was struggling a little just dribbling,” Atkinson said. “If you have a hard time dribbling and catching [it’s tough to play]. Jarrett Allen went through it earlier in the season. We tried to bring him back. He wanted to rush, and then we had to go back and give him some time.

“I know James is different…we got to get the feedback from James. … Theres no tougher guy in the league. No one more available. No one wants to play more.”

What’s next for James Harden, Cavaliers

It’s clear that it will take time for James Harden to fully recover from the thumb fracture. Until then, the Cavaliers will have to hold down the fort without their newly-acquired star.

Harden has been impressive throughout his seven appearances with the Cavaliers. He is averaging 18.9 points, eight assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. He is shooting 49.4% from the field, including 48.8% from beyond the arc, and 86.7% from the free-throw line.

Cleveland has a 37-24 record on the season, sitting at fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are two games above the Toronto Raptors and three games above the Philadelphia 76ers while trailing the New York Knicks by 1.5 games and the Boston Celtics by three games.

Following Friday’s overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Cavaliers will look to bounce back in their next matchup. They remain on the road when they face the Brooklyn Nets on March 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The post Cavs’ James Harden struggling to dribble amid thumb fracture appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While taking part in an in-game interview from the bench, the sidelined Cavs superstar couldn’t help but play “armchair ref.” As he watched Dennis Schröder get a steal and then get fouled, Mitchell cut himself off to lobby for his teammate. “Look at Dennis, man. That’s a foul. Sorry,” he joked. It was a rare moment of levity in a building that felt more like a construction site than an NBA arena.

"Look at Dennis, man. That's a foul."

—Donovan Mitchell joined the broadcast from the bench pic.twitter.com/CWlyHJK2fw

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 28, 2026

The jokes eventually faded as the Pistons ground out a 122-119 victory in an overtime thriller. Jalen Duren was a man possessed, anchoring Detroit with a massive 33-point, 16-rebound triple-double. Cade Cunningham was just as clinical, with 26 points and seven assists to secure the win in front of a rowdy home crowd.

Despite being down Mitchell and James Harden, the Cavs refused to go quietly. Evan Mobley put up 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen’s 25 points kept them alive long enough to force a 114-114 tie at the end of regulation. In the end, Detroit’s interior strength proved too much for the shorthanded Cavs to handle in the extra five minutes.

Despite showing tremendous grit and determination, the Cavs could not overcome the Pistons, who were missing their stars.

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As SGA was pushing the ball and guarded by Jokic, SGA was seen throwing the ball at Jokic, per ClutchPoints. As a result, he was rendered with a technical foul.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was given a technical foul after throwing the ball at Nikola Jokic

pic.twitter.com/GJR6JpV89f

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

The Thunder entered the game with the best record in the NBA at 45-15 and had won six of their last 10 games. SGA is the defending NBA MVP and is averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists per game.

Furthermore, he is in a tight race for MVP alongside Jokic according to an ESPN poll. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are 37-22 and are ranked fourth in the Western Conference. Also, Jokic is averaging 28.8 points and 10.4 assists per game.

The Thunder are looking to repeat as NBA champions. At the same time, the Nuggets are looking to bounce back from a seven-game loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Even with the technical foul, SGA and Jokic have shown mutual respect in various capacities. Jokic openly complimented SGA’s abilities in a TikTok video. Many experts are also anticipating SGA and Jokic going down to the wire in the NBA MVP.

SGA is looking to be the first back-to-back MVP since Jokic in 2021 and 2022.

On Sunday, the Thunder will hit the road to play against the Dallas Mavericks. After that, they will play the Chicago Bulls on the road.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander given technical foul for throwing ball at Nikola Jokic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He was expected to be a strong backcourt complement to Stephen Curry, but the ACL injury forced the Warriors to explore other options for retooling their roster. But Melton returned to the Warriors in the summer of 2025, signing a two-year deal $6.53 million deal to try and finish what he started the year prior.

De’Anthony Melton missed the first 22 games of the season for the Warriors as he continued to rehab from the torn ACL, but finally made his season debut on December 4th against his former team in the Philadelphia 76ers. In 21 minutes of play, Melton recorded 14 points, three assists, and two steals.

Melton has quietly been trending upwards as the season has gone on. Since the calendar flipped to 2026, Melton has averaged 15 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from three.

His best game of the season actually came this past week, when he scored a season-high 28 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out four assists in a season-high 28 minutes and 11 seconds of action.

The one thing Melton still hasn’t done yet is play back-to-back sets, a common thing for players to not do in their first year coming back from a serious injury.

According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, however, there’s a chance that De’Anthony Melton could be cleared to play in both halves of back-to-back sets at some point this season. In speaking with Bay Area radio hosts Willard and Dibs, Kerr said that Melton recently had his minutes restriction increased and could play in back-to-backs.

“There is a chance, but it’s not something that I know I can pinpoint when, but he is heading in a good direction,” Kerr said. “And we bumped his minutes restriction up so he’s playing more minutes in individual games and the next step hopefully is that he’ll play in back-to-backs, but I can’t tell you exactly when that is. That’ll be up to the training staff.”

On the show, Steve Kerr also made the revelation that Kristaps Porzingis is not presently dealing with POTS after reports that the illness had been affecting the center since his Boston Celtics days.

“When I heard about the trade, I read about his POTS diagnosis and then called Onsi Saleh, who was with us, he’s now Atlanta’s GM and he’s a good friend of mine,” Kerr explained. “I called him and I said, ‘is this POTS story real?’ And he said it’s actually not POTS. It was not POTS.’ So that was some misinformation that was out there.

“I don’t know if anybody’s asked him about it, but bottom line is whatever was bothering him in Atlanta that was keeping him out had nothing to do with the illness last week. He was just sick. There’s a lot going around as you guys know and he was sick enough where he was losing a lot of fluid and contagious so we just kept him home, but he’s doing a lot better now.”

The Golden State Warriors return home for a matchup against their division rival Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, one in which De’Anthony Melton is not listed on the injury report for. Kristaps Porzingis, who has played just one game with the Warriors since being traded from the Atlanta Hawks, is listed as questionable to play.

The post De’Anthony Melton could be fully unleashed soon, says Steve Kerr appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For the third consecutive season, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are the two leading candidates for MVP. Before Friday’s matchup, Adelman addressed the league’s 65-game regular-season requirement for NBA awards and how it could affect Jokic and SGA’s tight race.

“The rule wasn’t made for them. They both got hurt. They both always play. So, that part of it — maybe we have to take a look at that. I really mean that. That’s one of the best things about both guys,” Adelman said. “When a fan buys a ticket, they’re going to play. And they’ve done that over the years, and our guy has been doing it for a very long time. Him missing a game, him missing a practice, him missing a workout, is really hard for the guy.

“He’s a routine-based player, which is good for our game, good for fans, and Shai’s the same way. That’s one of the most impressive things about both guys. So, when both guys get hurt, I just don’t see that as rest. I think there’s a difference, and I know why the rule is in — it’s to clean things up. That makes sense to me as well for the fan.”

While the 65-game rule forces teams to play their stars regardless of their record, Nuggets coach David Adelman understands the importance of fans attending games. He just doesn’t think the rule should apply for guys like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, who rarely miss games intentionally.

“It’s the worst when your bus is parking, and you see kids in jerseys, and they show up, and that guy doesn’t play,” Adelman added. “I see it both ways, but in the spirit of the game, I just think Shai and Nikola have been so good for the league over these years. I would hope that gets taken into account as we go forward.”

David Adelman’s strong take on SGA & Jokic’s MVP race in relation to the NBA’s 65-game rule: “The rule wasn’t made for them. They both got hurt. They both always play. So, that part of it — maybe we have to take a look at that…

There’s a difference and I know why the rule is… pic.twitter.com/IWRsNt7krz

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns for Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

After missing the previous nine games, Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns from an abdominal injury for Friday’s showdown against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. It’s always must-see TV when Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are going at it.

Coming off of last year’s Western Conference semifinals best-of-7 series, where the Thunder and Nuggets played a Game 7 at the Paycom Center, it should be another playoff-like intensity with SGA and Jokic taking center stage.

The post Nuggets’ David Adelman keeps it 100 about Nikola Jokic, SGA MVP race, 65-game rule appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The veteran guard, who has been a steadying force for the Cavs since arriving via trade, found himself at the center of a heated exchange during the second half.

While the specific “diss” remains under wraps, it was enough for the officiating crew and arena security to step in. After a brief discussion near the baseline, security escorted a group of fans from their seats. Schröder, never one to back down from a verbal spar, seemed unfazed as he guided the offense through the most bizarre environment of the NBA season.

A fan was ejected from Cavs-Pistons for something he said to Dennis Schroder.pic.twitter.com/gvOOIH0dV7

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

Before the ejections and the power surge that broke the arena’s buzzer, the game featured some legitimate heavyweight basketball. The Cleveland Cavaliers were forced to lean heavily on their frontcourt with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden both sidelined.

Evan Mobley played massive minutes to keep Cleveland in it, finishing regulation with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Sam Merrill also stepped up in a big way, knocking down critical shots to finish the fourth quarter with 20 points.

On the other side, the Detroit Pistons continued to rely on their young core. Jalen Duren was an absolute force in the paint, racking up 33 points and 16 rebounds. Cade Cunningham almost matched that scoring output, dropping 25 points of his own while dishing out seven assists to keep the Pistons’ offense fluid despite the lack of a functioning game clock.

The score sat deadlocked at 114-114 when the “manual” air horn sounded to end the fourth quarter. We are headed to free basketball in Detroit.

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Kristaps Porzingis had reportedly been dealing with postural tachycardia syndrome, a condition that causes an increased heart rate, dizziness, and even fatigue when transitioning from lying down or sitting to standing up, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The symptoms of POTS, which are caused by a lack of blood flow back to the heart when a person stands up, can also be relieved by sitting or laying down.

Porzingis had missed 14 straight games for the Atlanta Hawks before being traded at the NBA trade deadline to the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.

Since the trade, Porzingis has played just one of a possible eight games for the Warriors. He was able to make his Dubs debut on February 19th against the Boston Celtics, where he scored 12 points in 17 minutes of play, but has subsequently missed three straight games with an illness.

According to head coach Steve Kerr, however, Kristaps Porzingis is not dealing with POTS. Kerr recently spoke with Willard and Dibs, a Bay Area radio show that airs weekday afternoons, and it was there that he revealed Porzingis not dealing with POTS at all.

“When I heard about the trade, I read about his POTS diagnosis and then called Onsi Saleh, who was with us, he’s now Atlanta’s GM and he’s a good friend of mine,” Kerr explained. “I called him and I said, ‘is this POTS story real?’ And he said it’s actually not POTS. It was not POTS.’ So that was some misinformation that was out there.

“I don’t know if anybody’s asked him about it, but bottom line is whatever was bothering him in Atlanta that was keeping him out had nothing to do with the illness last week. He was just sick. There’s a lot going around as you guys know and he was sick enough where he was losing a lot of fluid and contagious so we just kept him home, but he’s doing a lot better now.”

For months, Kristaps Porzingis is thought to have been dealing with POTS and had led many to question what is actually left of his NBA career. But Steve Kerr says the Warriors received confirmation that Porzingis is not dealing with POTS ahead of the trade that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks.

“I don’t really know what’s out there,” Kerr added. “I just know that we had internal discussions and I’ve talked to Kristaps and he told me he’s feeling good and we haven’t gone into depth with his illness stuff in Atlanta, but I got confirmation that it was not POTS, but it was something else that was really difficult to figure out and that’s sometimes the case, even in this modern age where we have a lot of answers, we never have all o them. Sometimes there’s just mysterious stuff.”

As of Friday night, Porzingis is listed as “Questionable” to play in Saturday night’s game against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers due to an illness. While Stephen Curry continues to be listed as out with, “runner’s knee,” Draymond Green is listed as “probable” after missing the Warrior last game.

Porzingis has played in just 18 games so far this season between the Hawks and Warriors, averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three.

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