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Jaylen Brown has taken his leadership to the next level

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics steps on to the court during introductions prior to a game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on April 05, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a tightly contested game, Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a victory over the surging Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night. Charlotte led for most of the game, but Boston finally managed to break through at the end of the third quarter, and they didn’t look back from there, securing a 113-102 win. The win marked the Celtics’ 17th double-digit comeback win of the season, tied for 2nd-most in the NBA.

Brown ended the night leading the team in points and rebounds at 35 and 9 respectively, tacking on 3 assists as well. He was a big force in Boston’s third quarter surge, scoring or assisting on 13 of the team’s 22 points in the final 7 minutes of the quarter. The other 9 points came from a flurry of threes by Baylor Scheierman and Payton Pritchard, capped off by Jaylen scoring 4 points in 34 seconds to give send the Celtics into the fourth quarter with a 3-point lead.

Just a few days ago, Bill Chisholm, owner of the Celtics, had some high praise for Jaylen in an interview with The Boston Globe which felt very applicable to Boston’s win over the Hornets. “He’s always been incredible… The leadership stuff has really been impressive,” he said, adding, “when we’re struggling in a game, you can just see it. He’s like ‘OK, this is enough. Enough of this screwing around.’ And he puts his head down and gets to the rim and gets a really high-quality shot.”

Chisholm also mentioned seeing little interactions between Jaylen and the other guys on the team, with Brown supporting and encouraging them. Those interactions extend beyond the court as well. As many fans know, JB has started to stream on Twitch, and often times he breaks down game film, giving insight into different plays and reads.

After the Celtics took down the Toronto Raptors, Jaylen invited Jordan Walsh onto his stream. Brown looked like a man coaching up his little brother, seeing Walsh’s potential, and trying to instill confidence in him while still poking fun and joking around.

“[You] had a great year… Celtics legends are born during the playoffs… are you ready for the smoke?” Brown asked Walsh.

“For sure, I’ve been waiting for this one,” Walsh replied. “This time I get a chance to impact the game.”

People have criticized Brown for streaming after games, saying that it shows a lack of focus, and that he’s not “locked in.” The results show something very different, though. Jaylen is playing some of his best basketball lately and has been lifting his teammates up with him. He’s shown off a greater attention to detail, and we get to hear more of what goes on in his mind as he approaches the games.

Just a month ago, JB was ejected in the first half of a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs after voicing his displeasure with the lack of foul calls. He didn’t let it go after the ejection either, taking to Twitter and Twitch to get it off his chest. Prior to that ejection, Jaylen was averaging 7 FTA per game. Since that point, he’s gotten his average up to 10.4 FTA per game, the fourth highest rate in the league. He increased his efficiency too, raising his freethrow percentage from 78% to 84.8%.  

Brown knew he was going to have extra responsibility on his shoulders this year, and at every stage of the season, he’s adjusted his game to put the team in the best possible position to succeed. That’s including supporting his teammates on and off the court. He always has praise for his guys, and even opposing teams. He takes the time to understand and appreciate the game around him to better understand how to approach it.

JB compared the Hornets to a younger version of the Celtics, praising their ability to shoot the ball, along with their “fearlessness.” He knows that Charlotte could be a potential first-round playoff matchup, and took note of their intensity in the game. “Give credit to Charlotte,” Brown said. “They came out trying to blow up screens. They came out playing with a different intensity level than we did to start the game.”

Even in a complimentary response like this, you get insight into what he sees and feels over the course of a game. JB recognized that the Hornets were playing at a higher level, and the team adjusted to match their energy. Walsh, who was coming off of some high praise in his appearance on Jaylen’s stream, was probably the biggest catalyst for Boston’s shift, no doubt empowered by JB’s words of encouragement.

Small gestures go a long way, and it’s been clear since the beginning of the season that Jaylen has been locked in, and making every effort to lead the Celtics in the right direction. In an MVP-caliber season of career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists, this leadership is maybe Brown’s biggest edge in the MVP race. While he’s certainly deserving, and surely wants the recognition, there’s nothing that he and the team want more than another deep playoff run, hopefully capped off with another Larry O’Brien to bring back to Boston.

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Yankees news: Rosario draws praise after career day

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a single in the eighth inning during the home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The New York Yankees defeated the Miami Marlins 8-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

AM New York | Ashley Cando: Amed Rosario’s two-homer day Tuesday was a validation of the organization’s belief in his ability to impact a team with championship aspirations. “We brought Rosie back because not only is he a really good player, but he is a tremendous teammate,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of the journeyman, who signed a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason to run it back with the team that acquired him at last year’s trade deadline. “He sets an amazing example for everyone. I’m happy for him to just get it done.” Although expected to play primarily against lefties, Rosario has started the past two days against righties in a potential harbinger of an expanded role. “Although I’m not playing every day, I try not to let that affect me mentally,” he said of embracing his role as a part-timer. “Over the years, I’ve been able to create a routine to help me do my job.”

CBS Sports | RotoWire Staff: Anthony Volpe could begin a rehab assignment as soon as next week, Aaron Boone told the press Wednesday. The Yankees shortstop has been working his way back from offseason surgery to repair a shoulder labrum tear at extended spring training. Given the length of his layoff, Volpe would likely need a relatively long rehab stint, making him unlikely to return before May. José Caballero has manned short in his absence, though an anemic start at the place has done little to create competition for the starting job upon Volpe’s return.

Sports Collectors Digest | Larry Canale: Ben Rice’s emergence as a middle-of-the-order bat has been a boon to more than just the Yankees. A 2025 Topps baseball card featuring his signature and the “MLB Debut” patch from the jersey he wore during his debut the year prior sold for $68,989 on eBay last month. And, while that astonishing price is an outlier, other cards featuring the first baseman have sold in the thousands due to a nexus of his current status and unheralded prospect status heading into last year.

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Open Thread: Manu Ginobili, Tiago Splitter, and Boris Diaw reunite

Feb. 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) , center Boris Diaw (33) and guard Manu Ginobili (20) congratulate each other as they walk off the court in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Spurs defeated the Suns 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images

Last Monday, the Spurs showcased 2014 Spurs NBA Champion Boris Diaw at the Frost Bank Center during their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. He treated the crowd to a reenactment of his now iconic photo.

On Wednesday night, the Portland Trail Blazers came to town, bringing back former players Sidy Cissoko, Blake Wesley, and head coach Tiago Splitter, another member of the Spurs 2014 NBA Championship.

The night before, both Diaw and Splitter met up with 4x NBA Champion and Spurs legend Manu Ginobili for dinner at a local restaurant.

During Splitter’s pregame presser, Splitter shared about the reunion.

“It was great. Seeing my friends and talk a little bit about life, and basketball, get an update on what they are doing. You know, we’re good friends. Of course — many, many battles together.”

Splitter added that Boris picked up the check “because I took the one before that…and it was a French restaurant.”

The three have been great friends for many years. At the time the Spurs won that 2014 title, they were often a quartet with Patty Mills. The response to the post was such that Ginobili added a comment, “For those asking @Patty_Mills didn’t join us since the guy is hooping in Spain. Too far! #NoMoreFrogging”

With so many teammates coming over the years, it is special to see how these guys have continued to seek one another out.

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NHL Fines Ryan Strome After Overtime Cross-Check Sparks Heated Finish

Tempers finally spilled over Tuesday night in what had been a razor-tight battle between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars—and now the NHL is stepping in to clean up the fallout.

Tensions Finally Spill Over In Overtime

On Wednesday, the league announced that Flames forward Ryan Strome has been fined $5,000—the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement—for a cross-check delivered to Stars forward Jason Robertson in overtime.

The play unfolded just 45 seconds into the extra frame of Dallas’ eventual 4–3 win, a moment that quickly shifted the tone from tense to chaotic. Robertson, one of the Stars’ most dangerous offensive weapons, was forced to leave the game following the hit. Strome, meanwhile, was handed a double-minor for high-sticking on the play.

But the frustration didn’t come out of nowhere.

Earlier in the night, Strome was driven awkwardly into the boards from behind by Dallas defenseman Tyler Myers. The officials initially assessed Myers a five-minute major—a call that suggested serious concern—but after review, it was controversially wiped away entirely. No penalty. No further discipline. That sequence appeared to linger, simmering beneath the surface as the game wore on.

By the time overtime arrived, it felt like something was bound to give—and it did.

Strome, 32, has been a noticeable addition since arriving in Calgary at the trade deadline in March. In just 16 games with the Flames, he’s already produced five goals and six assists, quickly surpassing the nine points he recorded across 33 games earlier this season with the Anaheim Ducks. His impact has been immediate—but so, now, are the consequences.

For Calgary, it’s another frustrating chapter in a season that’s been defined as much by missed opportunities as it has been by moments like this—where emotion boils over and control slips away at the worst possible time.

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Thunder see off Clippers to seal Western top spot

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (left) and Cason Wallace (right) of the Oklahoma City Thunder shake hands
Oklahoma City Thunder have won at least 60 games in consecutive seasons for the first time in their history [Getty Images]

Defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder clinched top spot in the Western Conference and home court advantage through the NBA play-offs with a 128-110 win against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The comfortable victory ensured the Thunder held off the San Antonio Spurs to secure the NBA's best regular-season record of 64-16 and claim the Western Conference's number one seed for the third consecutive season.

Thunder's Chet Holmgren led the way with 30 points and 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 20 points and 11 assists to extend his record for the most consecutive games with 20 or more points to 140.

The Clippers, who had won eight of their past nine matches, face a key trip to Portland Trail Blazers on Friday with the two sides battling for eighth place in the Western Conference.

The team that finishes in eighth will only require one win in the play-in tournament to advance to the play-offs, while the team finishing ninth will have to beat 10th seeds the Golden State Warriors and the loser of the seventh against eighth match to keep their season alive.

Elsewhere, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Trail Blazers 112-101 to extend their record in their past 20 games to 18-2. Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox starred with 25 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

The Denver Nuggets won their 10th consecutive match to tighten their grip on third place in the Western Conference. Jamal Murray scored a team-high 26 points in the 136-119 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Atlanta Hawks failed to guarantee a play-off spot after losing 122-116 to the Cleveland Cavaliers but can still secure a top-six finish in the Eastern Conference with victory in one of their final two regular-season matches.

Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit Pistons demolished the Milwaukee Bucks 137-111 while the Orlando Magic beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 132-120.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker scored 37 points in 37 minutes to lead his side to a 112-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Riley O'Brien secures ninth-inning role in St. Louis

In this week's Closer Report, Riley O'Brien has solidified his status as the Cardinals' top ninth-inning option. The Rays look to be turning to Bryan Baker. And Ryan Walker tumbles down the rankings with some unexpected usage. We break it all down and more as we run through the latest closer rankings.

⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

2026 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings

▶ Tier 1

Mason Miller - San Diego Padres
Edwin Díaz - Los Angeles Dodgers
Jhoan Duran - Philadelphia Phillies
Andrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners
Cade Smith - Cleveland Guardians

Miller worked back-to-back save chances against the Red Sox over the weekend, striking out the side each time to convert a pair of saves. He then pitched the ninth on Wednesday with a six-run lead after the Padres added four in the top of the ninth, striking out two in a clean frame. Miller has faced 18 total batters so far and has struck out 13. This is complete domination. Meanwhile, Díaz locked down a save on Sunday, striking out one in a clean inning against the Nationals, then struck out the side on Tuesday against the Blue Jays for his fourth save.

Duran is up to four saves after converting two more this week. He's been outstanding so far, giving up one earned run while striking out seven batters with no walks over 5 2/3. Muñoz also hasn't issued a walk across four innings of work while collecting seven strikeouts. He is, however, still searching for his first save opportunity. They will undoubtedly come.

Smith has worked through the most trouble among this top tier. After pitching a clean inning in his first appearance, he had allowed at least one hit in each of his next five outings. He got back on track with two strikeouts in a perfect frame on Tuesday before falling in line for a win against the Royals. There's nothing in the profile to suggest any cause for concern despite the crooked 6.43 ERA in the early going.

▶ Tier 2

Devin Williams - New York Mets
Daniel Palencia - Chicago Cubs
David Bednar - New York Yankees
Aroldis Chapman - Boston Red Sox
Ryan Helsley - Baltimore Orioles

So far, so good for Williams. He's made five scoreless appearances with a 7/2 K/BB ratio while converting a pair of saves. In Chicago, Palencia got on the board with his first save on Sunday against the Guardians. He's scattered three hits with no walks and three strikeouts over three innings of work.

Bednar gave up a run against the Marlins on Saturday before holding on for the save with two strikeouts. He then pitched a clean inning with one strikeout on Tuesday against the Athletics for his fifth save. And coming in with the game tied in the ninth on Wednesday, he surrendered a run on two hits while striking out two to take the loss.

Chapman picked up a save against the Padres on Friday, striking out one batter in a scoreless inning. He then surrendered a run and took the loss on Saturday before bouncing back with his third save of the season on Tuesday against the Brewers on just six pitches. The 38-year-old right-hander has just three strikeouts over five innings. It's likely just early-season noise as he's generated an excellent whiff rate.

▶ Tier 3

Jeff Hoffman - Toronto Blue Jays
Raisel Iglesias - Atlanta Braves
Trevor Megill - Milwaukee Brewers
Pete Fairbanks - Miami Marlins
Riley O'Brien - St. Louis Cardinals
Emilio Pagán - Cincinnati Reds
Kenley Jansen - Detroit Tigers
Seranthony Domínguez - Chicago White Sox
Jordan Romano - Los Angeles Angels
Paul Sewald - Arizona Diamondbacks

Hoffman has done a great job at missing bats so far, collecting 15 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings of work. He was charged with a loss and a blown save on Friday against the White Sox, though both runs allowed were unearned. He then surrendered a run against the Dodgers on Tuesday, striking out two in an inning of work before bouncing back with his second save of the season on Wednesday. All of the strikeouts early on are certainly a good sign for the 33-year-old right-hander.

Iglesias converted his first two saves of the season this week, including a five-out save against the Angels on Tuesday. He's pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings with a 5/0 K/BB ratio. Behind Iglesias, Robert Suarez has pitched six innings with no runs and seven strikeouts, recording two holds and a win.

In Milwaukee, Megill converted a pair of saves this week as he continues to work as the Brewers' primary closer. He's up to three on the season. Meanwhile, Abner Uribe has pitched exclusively in the seventh and eighth innings.

Fairbanks made one appearance this week, starting Sunday's contest against the Yankees as the opener to make an early departure for the birth of his child. He surrendered three runs in the outing, but has otherwise been solid as the Marlins' closer with two saves. Fairbanks will likely return on Thursday.

O'Brien makes a jump in the rankings as he's solidifying his role as the Cardinals' closer. The 31-year-old right-hander has been outstanding, tossing 6 1/3 scoreless frames with a 7/0 K/BB ratio, generating whiffs and ground balls for a great closer profile. O'Brien is up to three saves after picking up one in extra innings on Tuesday against the Nationals.

Pagán recovered nicely this week. He's made four scoreless appearances since giving up four runs against the Pirates on April 1, picking up three straight saves and earning a win. That four-run outing came on the road, where he's likely to be a bit more volatile, followed by his last four appearances on the road.

No save chances for Jansen and the Tigers this week. He made one appearance, recording the final out against the Cardinals on Saturday. Jansen has made just three appearances all season, giving up one run with five strikeouts over 1 2/3 innings.

Domíguez worked the final four outs against the Blue Jays on Friday, falling in line for a win. He then worked around two baserunners on Saturday before closing out the game for his first save of the season. Grant Taylor was considered one of the better closers-in-waiting coming into the year. He made three straight appearances as the team's opener. That kind of usage won't put him in line for any holds or saves.

Romano has paid off the late-round and waiver wire speculation. He locked down two more saves for the Angels this week, giving him four with seven strikeouts over five scoreless innings. The 32-year-old right-hander has pitched well enough to probably warrant a long look in the closer role, even when Kirby Yates returns from the injured list. This, of course, also hinges on Romano staying healthy.

Sewald had an up-and-down week, taking two losses and converting one save. It was an encouraging sign when his velocity came in at 92 mph to start the season. And he has the trust of manager Torey Lovullo. The velocity has fluctuated across Sewald's outings, becoming much more hittable when he's at 90 mph. Still, a 7/0 K/BB ratio across 4 1/3 innings will get the job done; it just might come with volatility.

▶ Tier 4

Bryan Baker - Tampa Bay Rays
Lucas Erceg - Kansas City Royals
Ryan Walker - San Francisco Giants
Dennis Santana/Gregory Soto - Pittsburgh Pirates
Bryan Abreu - Houston Astros

It seemed as though the Rays were holding Baker out of games to save him for a ninth-inning situation. Sure enough, he got two ninth-inning appearances this week, pitching in a tie game against the Twins on Sunday to fall in line for a win before converting his first save against the Cubs on Monday. Griffin Jax's struggles aside, Jax's usage never suggested that the closer role, or a significant share of it, was his to lose. As well as Baker is pitching, he's a great pickup for fantasy managers looking for a shot at saves from a relatively skilled reliever.

In Kansas City, Erceg gave up two runs in a non-save situation against the Brewers on Sunday, then bounced back with a clean inning against the Guardians on Monday for his third save of the season. He hasn't pitched particularly well enough to feel confident he'll hold the closer role all season, but take the saves while they're there.

Walker's usage has taken an unexpected turn early on. In last week's edition, I highlighted Keaton Winn and Caleb Kilian as possible save specs behind Walker after he was used in the sixth inning. Walker made another appearance before the ninth inning this week, pitching the seventh and eighth with a four-run lead against the Phillies on Tuesday. Winn pitched the ninth in a non-save situation. The Giants haven't had many save situations, so it warrants monitoring, but this may end up more of a committee under first-year manager Tony Vitello.

The Pirates seem to be going with a full matchup-based committee. Soto converted his first save last Friday against the Orioles with a clean inning of work, with Santana pitching the eighth. Santana got the ninth the next day with the game tied and fell in line for a win. Soto has been the more impressive of the two, striking out 13 batters over 7 1/3 innings.

Abreu is still here only by the fact that the Astros continue to give him ninth-inning looks, though that may not be far off if his struggles continue. He's yet to pitch a scoreless inning this season, giving up at least one run in all five appearances for a 19.64 ERA. Bryan King would be the next reliever to speculate on for saves until Josh Hader returns, likely sometime next month.

▶ Tier 5

Jakob Junis/Cole Winn - Texas Rangers
Cole Sands/Taylor Rogers/Justin Topa - Minnesota Twins
Victor Vodnik - Colorado Rockies
Clayton Beeter/Cole Henry - Washington Nationals
Hogan Harris/Mark Leiter Jr./Justin Sterner - Athletics

The Rangers recorded three saves this week, none by Robert García or Chris Martin. It was Junis who stepped in for back-to-back saves before Winn picked up his first on Wednesday against the Mariners. Neither reliever has much strikeout upside and isn't worth chasing in such a fluid situation, outside of the deepest of leagues. The same can be said in Minnesota, where Cody Laweryson, Justin Topa, and Kody Funderburk each recorded a save.

Relievers on the rise/Stash candidates

Hunter Bigge (RHP) - Tampa Bay Rays

Hunter Bigge could be working his way up the leverage ladder in Tampa Bay. He recorded the final two outs in the seventh before pitching a clean eighth on Monday against the Cubs, with Bryan Baker taking over for a save in the ninth. Bigge probably has some of the best stuff in the Rays' bullpen. He had an excellent spring, striking out 12 over seven innings. The 27-year-old pitched just 15 innings last season after he suffered an unfortunate injury when he was struck in the face by a foul ball.

Antonio Senzatela (RHP) - Colorado Rockies

I can't believe I'm going here, but Antonio Senzatela has actually been good out of the bullpen for the Rockies. He helped put the Astros away on Tuesday with 2 2/3 perfect frames to come away with a save. The 31-year-old right-hander has now pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings on the season with a 9/1 K/BB ratio. Senzatela has fully shifted to a relief role this season, and it's brought with it a significant rise in his fastball velocity. It hasn't necessarily translated to more whiffs yet, but he is getting batters to chase outside of the zone at a far higher rate while showing excellent control. There's nothing to act on yet for fantasy purposes, but he's someone to keep an eye on if he starts working shorter, one-inning stints in high-leverage.

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The Calgary Flames’ Collapse Was Inevitable

The end finally came into focus Tuesday night for the Calgary Flames—not with a bang, but with the kind of quiet inevitability that has followed them all season.

A 4–3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars, paired with a dominant 5–0 win by the Nashville Predators over the Anaheim Ducks, officially slammed the door on Calgary’s playoff hopes. They join the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks as the Western Conference teams sent packing early.

On paper, the numbers tell a bleak but unsurprising story: seventh in the Pacific Division, 30th overall, and a 32-36-9 record through 77 games. But this season was never just about the standings—it was about a franchise caught in the middle of something bigger, and frankly, deeper than one bad year.

What Went Wrong for the Flames?

This wasn’t a collapse—it was a continuation.

The Flames entered the year already trending toward a reset. Trade rumors surrounding core pieces like Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri surfaced early, and by midseason, management leaned fully into that direction. Andersson was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights, while Kadri—along with MacKenzie Weegar—was moved at the deadline, with Kadri returning to the Colorado Avalanche and Weegar landing with the Utah Mammoth.

Those moves made sense long-term. In the short term, they stripped down an already thin roster.

But even before the sell-off, the problems were obvious—especially offensively.

Calgary spent much of the year struggling to generate consistent scoring. Early in the season, they were averaging just 2.17 goals per game—worse than even a slumping New York Rangers squad that had its own issues finishing chances. The Flames have since improved marginally to 2.57 goals per game, but that still ranks near the bottom of the league.

Even more telling? Four players are tied for the team lead with just 41 points—and one of them is Kadri, who was traded back to the Avalanche more than a month ago.

And if you zoom out, the roots of this go back even further—to a franchise-altering move that simply hasn’t aged well.

A Blockbuster Trade That Backfired Badly

When the Flames traded Matthew Tkachuk, part of the urgency came from the reality that he didn’t want to stay in Calgary long-term. In return, they acquired Jonathan Huberdeau, who was coming off a monster season—30 goals, 85 assists, 115 points—and looked like a cornerstone piece.

Instead, Calgary is locked in what could arguably be considered the worst contract in the NHL at this point. At the very least, it's a bona fide contender for a top two finish. 

Huberdeau signed an eight-year, $84 million extension shortly after arriving—$10.5 million annually in a hard-cap league. Four years in, he hasn’t come close to replicating his Florida production. This season, he managed just 25 points in 50 games (10 goals, 15 assists), a steep drop-off that’s impossible to ignore.

In a league built around cap efficiency, that kind of contract doesn’t just hurt—it echoes through the entire lineup. When that much money is tied up in underperformance, something else inevitably gives.

To put it bluntly: when you’ve got the NHL version of Anthony Rendon eating up cap space, the ripple effects are unavoidable.

This isn’t about one player being solely responsible—but it is about how one contract can quietly limit flexibility, depth, and ultimately competitiveness.

What’s Next

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Flames are positioned to reshape their future—if they get it right.

They currently hold the third-best odds heading into the draft lottery on May 5, with a chance to land a franchise-changing talent. And in a draft class headlined by names like Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Keaton Verhoeff, the opportunity is there to find a true centerpiece.

Calgary also owns Vegas’ first-round pick and holds four second-round selections, giving them volume as well as upside. This isn’t just one swing—it’s multiple chances to accelerate a rebuild.

Beyond the draft, the organization will turn its attention to a growing prospect pool. Players like Jonathan Castagna, Samuel Honzek, Zayne Parekh, and Matvei Gridin represent the next wave, and development will be everything.

The timeline also aligns with a bigger organizational milestone: the opening of Scotia Place in 2027–28. The expectation isn’t just to be better by then—it’s to be relevant again.

There’s no sugarcoating a season like this. But for the Flames, this wasn’t about falling short—it was about arriving exactly where the trajectory was always pointing.

Now comes the hard part: turning all of this into something that actually works.

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Cleveland plays Atlanta on 4-game win streak

Cleveland Cavaliers (51-29, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (45-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference)

Atlanta; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland looks to keep its four-game win streak intact when the Cavaliers take on Atlanta.

The Hawks have gone 26-24 against Eastern Conference teams. Atlanta scores 118.4 points while outscoring opponents by 2.5 points per game.

The Cavaliers have gone 32-18 against Eastern Conference opponents. Cleveland ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference shooting 36.0% from 3-point range.

The Hawks average 118.4 points per game, 3.1 more points than the 115.3 the Cavaliers give up. The Cavaliers average 14.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Hawks give up.

The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Cavaliers won 122-116 in the last meeting on April 8. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 25 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Johnson is averaging 22.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists for the Hawks. Alexander-Walker is averaging 24.2 points over the last 10 games.

Mitchell is averaging 27.9 points, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Cavaliers. James Harden is averaging 17.9 points and 7.1 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 7-3, averaging 123.1 points, 43.8 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points per game.

Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 123.3 points, 44.5 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 7.3 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points.

INJURIES: Hawks: Jock Landale: out (ankle).

Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson: out (toe), Thomas Bryant: out (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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San Antonio takes home win streak into matchup with Dallas

Dallas Mavericks (25-55, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (61-19, second in the Western Conference)

San Antonio; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio hosts Dallas trying to prolong its six-game home winning streak.

The Spurs are 35-15 in Western Conference games. San Antonio ranks sixth in the NBA allowing only 111.2 points per game while holding opponents to 45.0% shooting.

The Mavericks are 4-11 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas ranks fifth in the league scoring 52.9 points per game in the paint led by Cooper Flagg averaging 11.3.

The Spurs average 119.6 points per game, 0.3 more points than the 119.3 the Mavericks allow. The Mavericks are shooting 46.5% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 45.0% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 138-125 on Feb. 7, with Stephon Castle scoring 40 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: De'Aaron Fox is scoring 18.5 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Spurs. Keldon Johnson is averaging 15.8 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 48.4% over the last 10 games.

Max Christie is scoring 12.2 points per game and averaging 3.3 rebounds for the Mavericks. John Poulakidas is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 125.5 points, 50.4 rebounds, 32.0 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points per game.

Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 116.1 points, 43.1 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.1 points.

INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Stephon Castle: out (knee), Victor Wembanyama: out (rib).

Mavericks: P.J. Washington: out (elbow), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Daniel Gafford: out (shoulder), Caleb Martin: out (foot), Brandon Williams: out (illness), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: out (hip), Klay Thompson: out (rest).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Thunder face the Nuggets, seek 8th straight victory

Oklahoma City Thunder (64-16, first in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (52-28, third in the Western Conference)

Denver; Friday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City seeks to keep its seven-game win streak alive when the Thunder take on Denver.

The Nuggets are 10-5 in division matchups. Denver is 23-20 against opponents with a winning record.

The Thunder are 41-9 in Western Conference play. Oklahoma City ranks third in the NBA with 34.7 defensive rebounds per game led by Chet Holmgren averaging 7.0.

The Nuggets' 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.1 fewer made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Thunder give up. The Thunder average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than the Nuggets allow.

The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Thunder won 129-126 in the last meeting on March 9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, and Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jokic is averaging 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 27.6 points over the last 10 games.

Cason Wallace is scoring 8.6 points per game and averaging 3.1 rebounds for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.0 points and 3.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 10-0, averaging 130.6 points, 45.9 rebounds, 33.1 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.9 points per game.

Thunder: 9-1, averaging 125.6 points, 46.3 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.0 points.

INJURIES: Nuggets: Peyton Watson: out (hamstring), Spencer Jones: out (hamstring).

Thunder: Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Los Angeles faces Portland, seeks 5th straight road win

Los Angeles Clippers (41-39, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (40-40, ninth in the Western Conference)

Portland, Oregon; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits Portland looking to prolong its four-game road winning streak.

The Trail Blazers are 27-23 in Western Conference games. Portland is seventh in the Western Conference scoring 115.4 points while shooting 45.3% from the field.

The Clippers are 24-26 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is last in the league recording 23.8 assists per game led by Kawhi Leonard averaging 3.6.

The Trail Blazers score 115.4 points per game, 2.8 more points than the 112.6 the Clippers give up. The Clippers average 12.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 fewer makes per game than the Trail Blazers allow.

The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Trail Blazers won 114-104 in the last matchup on April 1. Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 30 points, and Leonard led the Clippers with 23 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Deni Avdija is scoring 24.0 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Trail Blazers. Toumani Camara is averaging 18.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 54.8% over the past 10 games.

Leonard is averaging 28 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals for the Clippers. Brook Lopez is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 6-4, averaging 116.5 points, 46.7 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.6 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points per game.

Clippers: 7-3, averaging 119.4 points, 40.5 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 10.0 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points.

INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: out (calf), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Vit Krejci: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

Clippers: Darius Garland: out (toe), Isaiah Jackson: out (ankle), Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Spurs down Blazers 112-101 behind balanced attack

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 8: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 8, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The night could have easily tilted the other way for the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. No Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and a late-season game with playoff stakes quietly looming in the background. On paper, it felt like a trap.

Instead, the Spurs turned it into a statement.

Behind a composed offensive attack and a defense that tightened when it mattered most, San Antonio pulled away for a 112-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers; a victory defined less by star power and more by collective resolve. From the opening tip, the Spurs looked like a team intent on controlling the tempo. De’Aaron Fox set the tone early, slicing into the lane and dictating pace on his way to a team-high 25 points. 

But this wasn’t a one-man show and it couldn’t be with San Antonio missing two stars.

San Antonio leaned into its depth. Devin Vassell filled the gaps with his two-way presence, while rookie guard Dylan Harper stepped comfortably into a larger role, guiding the offense with poise beyond his experience. Then came the spark from their other rookie. Carter Bryant, a name that doesn’t always headline box scores, caught fire from beyond the arc—knocking down five of six three-point attempts in a breakout shooting performance that stretched Portland’s defense to its limit.

“I thought we had really good contributions from everybody that played,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “I thought we did a really good job with responses throughout the game to a really competitive team… I thought we did really good job.”

Off the bench, Keldon Johnson brought his usual edge, attacking the rim and providing a physical jolt that helped the Spurs maintain control whenever momentum wavered. 

“I thought he [Carter Bryant] did a great job,” Coach Johnson said of the rookie. “He played within himself in terms of things we’ve talked about and training on. He shot with confidence and played with physicality.”

Still, Portland didn’t go quietly. Deni Avdija carved up the defense with 29 points, while Scoot Henderson added 20, helping the Trail Blazers chip away at San Antonio’s lead heading into the second half. For a moment in the third quarter, it felt like the game might slip. Portland surged, testing a Spurs lineup missing its defensive anchor.

That’s when San Antonio responded, not with flash, but with discipline.

The Spurs locked in defensively, cutting off driving lanes and forcing tough looks. On the other end, Fox returned to orchestrate, mixing timely buckets with smart decision-making. A late push, highlighted by key contributions from role players and interior finishes, reestablished control for good.

By the final minutes, the outcome felt inevitable. San Antonio didn’t just survive without its stars, it looked comfortable doing so. The win pushed the Spurs to 61 victories on the season and secured a top-two seed in the Western Conference, a milestone that underscores how far the franchise has come in a short time.

More importantly, it revealed something deeper. This isn’t just a team built around a generational talent. It’s a roster that can adapt, absorb adversity, and still impose its identity.

On a night when the spotlight could have dimmed, the Spurs proved they don’t need it to shine.

Game Notes

  • Mitch Johnson confirmed Carter Bryant will be part of his playoff rotation following his career night.
    “He will play in the playoffs,” the Spurs’ head coach told reporters postgame.
  • Keldon Johnson may have secured his Sixth Man of the Year award with his performance on Wednesday night.
  • Johnson and Bryant combined for 37 points off the bench for San Antonio, a dangerous sign for other teams if those guys can match those numbers.

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Avalanche Eye Presidents’ Trophy As Flames Visit Denver

The Colorado Avalanche have already locked up the top seed in the Western Conference, leaving just one box left to check before the postseason begins: securing the Presidents’ Trophy and home-ice advantage all the way through the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

They’re within striking distance, too. Just two more points over their final five games would seal it, and their first opportunity comes Thursday night against the Calgary Flames on home ice.

Colorado (51-16-10, 112 points) punched its ticket to the top of the conference with a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. It’s been a long time coming—the Avalanche have held the NHL’s best record since Dec. 1—and the only team still within reach is the Carolina Hurricanes, who sit six points back with four games remaining. Colorado also holds the edge in the season series, going 1-0-1.

“We set our goals at the start of the year, and we wanted to be on top,” captain Gabriel Landeskog said after the win in St. Louis. “That's a big step. We know it doesn't mean anything come playoff time, other than we get an extra game at home every series.”

Injury Concerns Surface Despite Win

As dominant as Tuesday’s win looked on paper, it didn’t come without a cost. Nazem Kadri exited after blocking a shot late in the second period, suffering a finger injury that will sideline him for an undisclosed period. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Wednesday on Altitude Radio that Kadri will miss time, though no timeline has been set.

Kadri, who was dealt from Calgary to Colorado on March 6, still leads the Flames in scoring with 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists). Since joining the Avalanche, he’s chipped in nine points (four goals, five assists) over 16 games.

Colorado has also been without star defenseman Cale Makar, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since March 30—ironically suffered against Calgary. The good news: he’s expected to return before the regular season wraps up.

Kadri is no stranger to playing through adversity. During the 2022 Stanley Cup run, he underwent thumb surgery in the second round but still managed to return for the final three games of the Final.

On the other side, Calgary (32-36-9, 73 points) is playing out the string after being officially eliminated from playoff contention following a win by the Nashville Predators on Monday. Still, the Flames didn’t roll over in Dallas on Tuesday, pushing the Dallas Stars to the brink before falling 4-3 in overtime.

Calgary had built a 3-1 lead early in the third period before the Stars stormed back to steal the extra point.

“I liked our game,” Flames coach Ryan Huska said. “There was a lot of our game where I thought we played hard. We did a good job away from the pucks, thought we had some lengthy shifts in the offensive zone. ... At the end of the night, again, you're taking penalties against a very good power play. That's tough.”

The Flames also took an injury hit of their own, as defenseman Kevin Bahl logged just two shifts before leaving with a lower-body issue. No update was provided postgame.

Thursday’s matchup marks the second meeting in a condensed stretch, with the two teams set to face off three times in just nine games. After not seeing each other at all earlier this season, they’ll wrap up the series Tuesday in Calgary.

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Stats Recap: 2 numbers from Mavs 112-107 loss to the Suns

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 8: Cooper Flagg #32 and Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 8, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks came up just short Wednesday night, falling 112-107 to the Phoenix Suns in a game that stayed competitive into the final minutes but ultimately slipped away late. Dallas actually shot a respectable 41.1% from the field and 36.1% from three, but couldn’t quite match Phoenix’s overall efficiency and shot-making. Marvin Bagley III led the way with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting and 8 rebounds, continuing his strong play, while Cooper Flagg struggled from the field at 4-of-19 but still stuffed the stat sheet with 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Max Christie added 18 points on 4-of-9 from three, and Ryan Nembhard chipped in 7 assists, but the Mavericks couldn’t find enough consistent scoring late. Phoenix was more balanced and efficient, shooting 46.2% from the field and 40.0% from three, led by Devin Booker’s 37 points and 9 assists and Dillon Brooks’ 28 points.

Dallas came out with solid early energy, getting offense through Marvin Bagley III inside and from three, while Max Christie hit a pair of threes and Cooper Flagg added scoring and playmaking to give the Mavericks early rhythm and even brief control. But that momentum didn’t last, as the Suns flipped the first quarter late behind Royce O’Neale’s shooting and Devin Booker’s shot creation, turning a competitive start into a 33-29 deficit. In the second quarter, Dallas pushed back, with Flagg attacking downhill, Nembhard creating looks, and contributions from Cisse and Middleton helping tie the game around 45-45.

Still, the same issues showed up again, as the Mavericks couldn’t sustain offense or string together stops. Booker took over late in the half, scoring off drives, pull-ups, and free throws while Dallas fell into missed shots and empty possessions. Even when Dallas had chances to grab control, they couldn’t convert, and Phoenix consistently answered with efficient offense. By halftime, the Suns led 61-53, a half where Dallas showed flashes but couldn’t match Phoenix’s consistency.

The second half had stretches where it felt like Dallas might flip the game, but they could never sustain it. In the third quarter, the Mavericks chipped away behind Marvin Bagley’s interior scoring, Poulakidas hitting shots, and Cooper Flagg facilitating, even cutting the deficit down multiple times. But every push was answered, as Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks consistently generated efficient offense, keeping Phoenix in control.

The fourth quarter followed that same script, with Dallas getting within one possession behind Christie’s threes and more Bagley scoring, but missed layups and empty trips prevented them from taking the lead. Booker closed it late with shot-making and free throws, while Dallas’ offense stalled at the worst time. The box score tells the story, as the Mavericks shot 41.1% overall, with Bagley leading with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Flagg struggled at 4-of-19 despite filling the stat sheet. Phoenix was simply more efficient, shooting 46.2% and hitting 14 threes, led by Booker’s 37 and Brooks’ 28, which ultimately sealed a 112-107 loss.

23: Poulakidas points

John Poulakidas was one of the most impressive players in this game, especially considering the context. In real rotation minutes, he didn’t just hold his own; he legitimately impacted the game with his shooting and confidence. He finished with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 5-of-8 from three (62.5%), and it felt like every make came in rhythm and within the flow of the offense. This wasn’t empty production either. He hit tough shots, spaced the floor, and gave Dallas a scoring punch they desperately needed.

What stood out most was how unafraid he was. There were multiple possessions where he went right at Devin Booker, either answering on the other end or forcing Booker to work defensively. That kind of shot-making and confidence, especially from a player in his role, changes how the game feels. Instead of the offense stalling, Dallas actually had someone who could step into a jumper and make it count.

For a team searching for consistent perimeter shooting, this is exactly the kind of performance that should turn heads. Poulakidas didn’t just have a hot night. He showed real, translatable skill as a shooter who can stretch defenses and compete against high-level players.

10: Missed AJ Johnson shots

This was AJ Johnson’s first real extended run, and it was about as rough as it could look. He finished just 1-of-11 from the field (9.1%) and 0-of-3 from three, and it felt even worse than the numbers suggest. The misses weren’t just tough looks. They were forced shots, rushed decisions, and possessions that stalled the offense completely. When Dallas was trying to make a push, those empty trips added up fast.

It wasn’t just the shooting, either. The overall feel wasn’t there. Timing, decision-making, and control all looked off, and instead of settling things down, his minutes often sped the game up in the wrong way. For a player getting a real opportunity, you want to see composure and flashes of creation, but this was mostly out of sync from start to finish.

It’s one game, and young players are going to have nights like this. But this was a reminder of how far he still has to go. When you’re trying to evaluate pieces for the future, performances like this stand out just as much as the good ones.

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Game Recap: Suns beat Mavericks 112-107 in Khaman Maluach’s first NBA start

Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) blocks the shot of Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns lost an emotional, hard-fought game against the Houston Rockets and had to bounce back quickly against a pesky Dallas Mavericks team. The Suns got great nights from Devin Booker, who scored 37 points and dished out nine assists, and Dillon Brooks, who scored 28 points on 50% from the field and survived, barely, to win 112-107. 

Here’s what the Suns did well: they held Cooper Flagg to 11 points on 4-for-18 shooting, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The Suns shot 40% from the 3-point line and made 14 threes. The Suns outscored the Mavericks 16-6 in points off turnovers. Yet it was another game full of big momentum swings and consistent play. 

The Suns led by 18 points in the third quarter, only to go scoreless for five minutes and allow the Mavericks to go on an 18-1 run, cutting the deficit to 1. Then they woke up and went up double digits again, only for that lead to evaporate quickly and the Mavericks to lead by two. Booker and Brooks combined for 65 points, and the Suns only beat the 25-55 Mavericks by five points. Stagnant offense and poor defense allowed the Mavericks to hang around in a game the Suns should have won easily. 

Part of the roller coaster ride for the Suns was due to two in-game injuries to Jalen Green (knee) and Jordan Goodwin (lower leg injury), who both left the game in the first half and did not return. Already without Mark Williams and Grayson Allen, the Suns went to their bench and played everyone. Ryan Dunn played 24 minutes and guarded Flagg exceptionally well, while Rasheer Fleming played 14 minutes and had little impact on the game. Jamaree Bouyea played four minutes, and Amir Coffey played six as well. 

The big, emphasis on big, story of the night was Khaman Maluach, who started his first NBA game and showed why he was the Suns’ lottery prize this offseason. He scored 4 points, grabbed 14 rebounds (one night after the Suns were obliterated on the boards), and blocked three shots, including a monster block on a Flagg dunk attempt. 

Maluach still showed many flaws that he will have to work through to become a great center in the NBA, like his ability to grab the ball without bobbling it, finishing strong in the paint, and not getting pushed around. Tonight, though, he was the difference between the Suns winning and losing because of his effort. He challenged players at the rim, even though he got dunked on by Marvin Bagley in the first quarter, he blocked Flagg late in the game when the Suns needed it most. It was not just that he was trying to block shots either; it was his effort to contest shots and then immediately pursue the rebound after, something that Mark Williams has struggled to do since December. He and Booker tied for a team high +11 in plus/minus, and the eye test matched that. He was brilliant in his first start as a Phoenix Sun, and showed that he could be the Suns’ future at center as early as, well, right now. 

Game Flow

First Half 

The first half was back and forth between the Suns and the Mavericks. Neither team led by more than two possessions until the Suns closed the first half on an impressive 15-6 run to lead 61-53 at halftime. The Suns allowed just one field goal from the Mavericks in the last six minutes of the second quarter. Devin Booker started the game with a quick 8 points early in the first quarter and finished the second quarter attacking Dallas’s little guards at the rim. He had 19 points in the first half.

Outside of Booker, it was Phoenix’s 3-point shooting that was the difference in the first half, with Royce O’Neale scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 from long distance. Jordan Goodwin hit three 3-point shots as well, but unfortunately, he left the game with a lower leg injury in the second quarter. The Mavericks were 12-of-12 from the free-throw line and got just enough offense to remain close at the break. 

With Mark Williams and Grayson Allen out of the lineup for injury management, and Jalen Green heading to the locker room just four minutes into the game, Jordan Ott was forced to play his young players. Khaman Maluach started the game for Williams and grabbed seven rebounds in the first half, and his defense was a mixed bag. His length at the rim is disruptive, but Marvin Bagley scored a team-high 11 points in the first half, with all of them coming against Maluach, including a thunderous dunk in the light center.

Ryan Dunn got into the rotation and played well, shutting down Cooper Flagg multiple times and finding shooters in the corner in the short roll on offense. Rasheer Fleming played seven minutes and was quiet in his minutes. 

Second Half

The Suns started the second half with a quick 10-0 run. Dillon Brooks was getting into his midrange bag, forcing the Mavericks to call a quick timeout just two minutes into the quarter. The Suns led 71-53 and had created the separation needed to take full control of the game, except they didn’t score for the next five minutes of game action. The Suns’ lack of ball movement and Brooks’ isolations were major contributors to the drought. The Mavericks did what they do best: get to the free-throw line and score in the paint. Dallas guard Max Christie knocked in a couple of 3-point jumpers as well, and just as fast as the Suns’ lead ballooned to 18, it dwindled to just one, 72-71. The Mavericks 18-1 run was another extended slog of unremarkable basketball from a Suns team that needs to be playing its best basketball right now. 

The Suns woke up and closed the quarter strong. Booker was attacking again in the midrange and converted multiple and-1 pullups to give the Suns a boost, and Gillespie scored 7 quick points to give the Suns an 88-80 lead after three quarters of basketball. 

The fourth quarter was another seesaw of runs. Mavericks guard John Poulakidas continued his hot shooting in the fourth quarter, knocking down multiple jumpers to get Dallas back into the game. The Suns’ offense continued to stagnate, and the Mavericks took their first lead of the game, 95-93, after a Christie pull-up 3-point shot in transition. It was Booker to the rescue yet again as he checked in and immediately deposited a long-range triple and got the free throw line. A tough pull-up jumpshot at the right elbow from Brooks put the Suns up 102-95 after a 9-0 run with five minutes to go. 

The Suns had control of the game again; they just had to hold on a little longer. Another Brooks jumper gave the Suns an eight-point lead, but the Mavericks continued to fight (even after they took out all of their best players to try to lose the game). The Mavericks cut the deficit to three, but a Booker side step 3-point shot was the nail in the coffin, as the Suns led 110-104 and went on to win 112-107. 

Up Next

A Friday night showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, with tip-off at 7:30 Arizona time.