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Who killed Bambi? The Knicks, 127-98

MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 27: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 27, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images

Tonight at the Fiserv Forum, the visiting Knicks (38*-22) took on the suddenly hot Bucks (26-32), which we never saw coming given their gawky adolescent phase. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Deer had won eight of ten and clipped some of the league’s best along the way. Conversely, the unpredictable Knicks had alternated between world-beaters and egg-beaters since the All-Star break. Which Knicks team would show up for the last night of their three-game road trip? The winning one! Final score, 127-98.

The Knicks started slow, but then blasted off behind Jalen Brunson’s 22-point first quarter. J.B. mixed it up with jumpers, multiple triples, and free throws, missing only one of his 10 field goal attempts. His roomie Josh Hart provided a three, a transition finish, and a block that sparked an improved defensive effort that included steals from OG Anunoby (24 PTS, 5-7 3PT, 2 STL) and Mikal Bridges (10 PTS, 2 STL, 2 BLK).

Milwaukee tried to stay competitive with buckets from Ryan Rollins (13 PTS) and Myles Turner (19 PTS, 4 RBS), but they mostly huffed New York’s exhaust. Although Karl-Anthony Towns (17 PTS, 13 RBS) was scoreless in the quarter, the ‘Bockers whupped the home team in the paint (12-2), shot 6-of-9 from deep, and committed just one turnover to Milwaukee’s five. Heading into the second frame, their lead was 38-30.

Congratulations to Cap for scoring 7,000 points as a Knick and doing so in 265 games. He finished the night with 27 points on 11-of-17 from the field, 4-of-6 from deep.

To open the second period, coach Mike Brown went with Jose Alvarado (7 PTS, 5 AST), Bridges, Mohamed Diawara (10 PTS), Anunoby, and Towns. Mo buried a three to cap an 8–0 run and strengthen the case for more playing time . . . then the rook picked up two fouls and prompted Brown to try the Towns-Mitchell Robinson attack instead. Karl finally registered on the scoresheet, and although Porter answered with a few midrange jumpers, Milwaukee couldn’t trim their deficit to single digits.

When Brunson returned, the Knicks rolled on. They incinerated the nets, and their defense put the hammer down, with steals, deflections, rebounds, and blocks. A late 10-0 run pushed New York’s lead to 20 and forced coach Doc Rivers to call a third timeout. After that, KAT and Landry Shamet (15 PTS) stepped into the scoring spotlight, and by intermission, New York was up 77-57. That’s their second-highest scoring first-half total of the season.

The Knicks cruised through the half by shooting 61% from the field (59% from three, 13-of-22), limiting the Bucks to 54% overall, forcing nine turnovers that led to 14 points the other way, and scoring 18 fast-break points. They doubled Milwaukee in the paint (24-12), dished 20 assists on 28 makes, and blocked four shots. Milwaukee had zero steals. After two quarters, Brunson led all scorers with 25 points, and Turner had 18 for the home team.

OG Anunoby hit three three-pointers for the Knicks’ first nine points of the second half and scored 15 in the quarter. Soon after OG’s explosion, Brunson got dinged for his first technical foul of the year when AJ Green violated his landing space, but no whistle blew. Things got a little wobbly for our heroes. The Bucks cut a 24-point deficit to 15 thanks to nine points by Kyle Kuzma. Rather than losing their grip on the rope, New York regained it by returning to the tactics that had worked so well earlier—great defense, ball movement, and shot selection. In a flash, they went up by 22 again. Porter and Kuzma hit back-to-back longballs, but their spark never caught fire.

To close out the quarter, Mitch blocked Portis, and Diawara sank two freebies, giving the visitors a 103-83 advantage.

The fourth quarter began with five more points from Diawara and another Anunoby trey. Milwaukee got some push from Portis and Cam Thomas, but Bridges took his turn, splashing in some buckets to stretch the lead to 29.

With the game well in hand, both teams emptied their benches around the 6:13 mark. Tyler Kolek received a nice ovation. Jeremy Sochan, Ariel Hukporti, Trey Jemison, and Jordan Clarkson also checked in for New York, while Gary Trent, Jr. and Thanasis Antetokounmpo stretched their legs for Milwaukee. From there, it was all cardio. Great game, and just when we forgot how enjoyable easy wins are.

Up Next

Back to MSG to host the San Antonio Spurs in an early matinee. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but what NBA Cup Final?

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Ex-Rangers star Artemi Panarin gifts Rolex to Kings mascot for jersey number after trade

The Kings’ mascot gave up his jersey number for Artemi Panarin, and in return, the ex-Rangers star decided to ice him out.

Panarin, who was traded to the Kings shortly before the Olympic break earlier this month, was looking to adopt the jersey No. 72 upon arriving in Los Angeles. But the number was already taken by the team’s mascot, Bailey.

A number trade then commenced between the two parties, with Panarin giving the mascot a Rolex watch in return for the No. 72 jersey, with the Kings posting the exchange on social media Friday.

Since the two will never be on the ice at the same time, Bailey will continue to wear the number in the stands, which seems to be a clear win-win for the mascot.

The reason behind Bailey wearing No. 72 is “because it’s always 72 degrees in Los Angeles,” according to NHL.com.

Bailey got a Rolex in exchange for allowing Artemi Paranin to wear the No. 72 jersey. LA Kings on X

After agreeing to waive his no-movement clause with the Rangers, the 34-year-old Panarin said he “tried to find a team for myself that was where I wanted to be” while facilitating the trade to Los Angeles.

The Rangers shipped Panarin off to the Kings on Feb. 4, getting prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional draft pick in return.

Upon acquiring Panarin, the Kings signed him to a two-year, $22 million contract extension.

The Kings signed Panarin to a two-year $22 million contract extension. LA Kings on X

Despite his breakup with the Blueshirts, Panarin said that he was “pretty proud” to don the Rangers jersey and made some good memories while on the team.

“Six-and-a-half seasons is a pretty long time [to be in New York]. … A lot of good memories, a couple [Eastern] Conference finals. It was a great group of guys,” Panarin told reporters on Feb. 6. “I was pretty proud to wear [the Rangers’] jersey.

“And thank you to the fans. I have to make a video, actually.”

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Lyon makes 27 saves against former Florida teammates, Sabres top Panthers 3-2

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Alex Lyon made 27 saves to beat his former Florida teammates for the second this month, helping the Buffalo Sabres top the Panthers 3-2 on Friday night for their eighth victory in 11 games.

Lyon played for the Panthers during the 2022-23 season. He has won two of his past four starts — both against Florida.

Beck Malenstyn gave Buffalo a 2-1 lead with 8:22 left, sending a slap shot from the point through traffic and past Daniil Tarasov. Florida challenged for goalie interference after Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson’s stick made contact with Tarasov’s glove, but the goal stood.

The Sabres won 2-1 at New Jersey on Wednesday night in their return from the Olympic break. They are tied with Detroit for second place in the Atlantic Division. Buffalo has missed the playoffs an NHL-record 14 straight years.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers are in serious danger of missing the playoffs. Florida, which has lost six of its past eight, is eight points behind Boston for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 23 games left.

Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs also scored for Buffalo. Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett scored for Florida.

Buffalo got a needed insurance goal with 1:17 remaining on an empty-netter from Krebs. Florida cut it to a goal with 35 seconds left when Bennett’s shot went off the post and Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin inadvertently swept the puck in off of Lyon.

Florida played much of the game without defenseman Uvis Balinskis who blocked a shot late in the first period. After coming off the ice to get treated, Balinskis returned and played one more shift. He only played two in the second and did not come out for the third.

Up next

Sabres: At Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Panthers: At the New York Islanders on Sunday.

Up next

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhla

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Brooklyn Nets get shot apart by Boston Celtics, lose 148-111

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 27, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

When the Brooklyn Nets first played the Boston Celtics this season, I wrote about how both teams were at or near the same competitive skill level. After all, it was way back in late November and Boston was a mediocre 7-7. They sat just two spots ahead in of Brooklyn in the East, and were still looking to find rhythm with a newly reconstructed roster.

What a stupid, hilarious assertion.

In the time since, Brooklyn’s been the Yin to Boston’s Yang. They’ve gone 13-31 while Boston’s gone 30-13. The Celtics are now knocking on the postseason door for a 12th straight season, while the Nets are knocking on heaven’s.

Sometimes, you just have to say it when you can.

But tonight, the Nets certainly couldn’t, not that I or anyone expected them to be able to. Brooklyn fell behind quickly in game no. 59. They turned it over three times in the contest’s first three minutes. The Celtics did what they do, and have somehow continued to do for years even with significant roster turnover — beginning the game 6-6 from deep. For Brooklyn, it would only get worse defensively from beyond the arc, but more on that later.

Josh Minott also played his first non-garbage time minutes in the first for the Nets. While Boston remained ahead during them, they gave us the only bit of basketball we could celebrate tonight. Early on, the 23-year-old put the athleticism that always made him an intriguing prospect on full display while creating for himself and others….

Seconds after soaring past Hugo González for a jam on the break, he went over Nikola Vučević and Day’Ron Sharpe for two more just before the horn. Minott finished with nine points and two rebounds in 16 minutes of play while shooting 4-7 from the field.

Following their new teammate’s lead, Brooklyn kept attacking the paint in the first half, even as Boston continued to advertise the 3-pointer as a viable offensive weapon. The Nets outscored the Celtics inside 32-22 in the first half. They pushed to the cylinder anytime they could on the break and weren’t bashful about attacking known rim-receptionist Vučević in the halfcourt either.

And while the Celtics still led at halftime by a 66-57 margin, shooting 12-20 from deep by that point, Brooklyn seemed to be making progress. Just 24 hours removed from a game where they lost the turnover battle 15-8 and finished -10 in points off them, they were winning it 8-4 and with a +6 advantage through two vs Boston. They also put the Celtics at the line for just 11 first half shots after giving San Antonio 21 attempts in the first half last night.

Nevertheless, Boston started the second half 5-5 from the field, jumping up by two touchdowns less than three minutes into the third. The Boston three-party raged on in the process. The Celtics went 5-7 from deep in the period, hitting skip passes and leveraging around screens like a well-oiled machine they are.

Between a quick five from Egor Dëmin, who was scoreless in the first half, and Nolan Traoré probing and creating, the Nets tried to hang around, but if they did, it was only by a coogi thread.

Brooklyn went into the fourth down 109-83. Then, after the Celtics started a perfect 4-4 from the field again, they were down 117-83.

So, that meant extended garbage time, and a look at a Net with even less experience here than Minott. This morning, Brooklyn signed rookie Grant Nelson to a 10-day contract. The Alabama product checked in with 9:50 remaining. He ended up tallying three points, dishing four assists, and blocking two shots.

That burn gave him 60 minutes played in three games in two leagues in three days. I think he’ll sleep well tonight.

Ben Saraf, who the Nets swapped in from Long Island with Drake Powell, also logged nine minutes down the stretch. His first few weren’t as memorable as Nelson’s, as he got called for an illegal screen just seconds after checking in. However, he did rebound, putting in seven points while shooting 3-3 from the field. Ochai Agbaji and Danny Wolf also combined for 15 points on 6-11 shooting in the fourth.

An honest man would remind you that all that production came against Boston’s deep bench guys, but the ultimate beat down Boston delivered should be sobering enough on its own. The Celtics had a magnet ball that never lost its pull, even as Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard tested it with “heat check” heaves. Those two combined for 50 points on 18-24 shooting from the field and 8-9 from three. Pritchard finished as a +40 in 28 minutes.

Even Ron Harper Jr., who’s appeared in just 14 games and 11-42 from deep this year, dusted himself off, came in, and buried a three in the final two minutes. The Celtics collectively shot a ludicrous 22-34 from three.

“Better technique, better knowing who the personnel is,” Fernandez said postgame. “And obviously, you know we were not good enough. When you shoot 49% from the field, 40% from three, and you turn over 11 times, you should be able to give yourself a chance or fight. And it was like a really, really poor defensive game, probably the worst of the season, and I know we’ve shown better. So there’s something for me to fight for.”

Fernández often talks about wanting to see that “fight” from his players. It felt like he missed that tonight, and it’s hard to argue otherwise.

“Yeah, it was a complete-on quit, when you lose by almost 40 points,“ he said. ”They scored 82 points in one half of basketball. Obviously, give them credit because they’re very good team, but we can be better than this.“

Final: Boston Celtics 148, Brooklyn Nets 111

Milestone Watch

Not much going on. Grant Nelson played three games in three days: with the Long Island Nets Wednesday and Thursday and tonight for Brooklyn. He played a little less than 50 minutes.

Meanwhile, over at Tankathon, the Nets are still third in lottery chances, but they’re now a half game out of second.

Next Up

The Nets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third and final time this season at the Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon. Brooklyn hasn’t beat the Cavs since their hold skipper Kenny Atkinson took over the team in in 2024. This one tips off at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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20 Years After Meeting In First Kraft Hockeyville Game, Senators And Canadiens To Square Off Again This Fall

For the second straight year, the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens will play a preseason game in a non-NHL arena. But the setting will be anything but neutral. The teams will meet Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in Trois-Rivières, Que., at Colisée Vidéotron.

Last fall, the Senators agreed to play two preseason games in Quebec City in hopes of winning over Nordiques fans who've now been without their NHL team for about 30 years.

This year's Sens visit to La Belle Province is because Saint-Boniface, a municipality about 30 km away from Trois-Rivières, was the winner of last year's Kraft Hockeyville contest. Saint-Boniface, which has just over 5,000 people, received $250,000 for upgrades to Aréna de Saint-Boniface and $10,000 worth of youth hockey equipment from NHLPA Goals & Dreams.

However, the local rink wouldn't be able to accommodate an NHL game. So instead, it will be played at Colisée Vidéotron, which seats over 4000 people and is home to the Trois-Rivières Lions, the Montreal Canadiens ECHL affiliate.

So just like last year's matchup in Quebec City, where Montreal beat the Senators 5-0, the stands will again be jammed with Canadiens fans, although snarky NHL fans might also point out that's also true for the games in Ottawa.

“In Quebec, hockey is part of everyday life—from local arenas to the pride fans have in their favourite team,” said Simon Laroche, President of Kraft Heinz Canada om. [ress release."

"This pre-season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators for the community of Saint-Boniface provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate hockey culture in Quebec as we mark the program’s 20th anniversary.”

According to the press release, Aréna de Saint-Boniface's future was uncertain, but thanks to the upgrades, the community has a happy home for the next wave of hockey players.

GM Steve Staios says the Senators are always committed to grassroots initiatives, both in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and elsewhere in the country.

"We are proud to once again participate in Kraft Hockeyville," Staios said in the release. "Over the years, we have witnessed that hockey is part of the fabric of the communities that we visit.  We look forward to the opportunity to bring Ottawa Senators hockey to these areas as a celebration of our sport and the Canadian communities that continue to grow the game."

The matchup is just four days away from the 20th anniversary of the first Kraft Hockeyville game in Salmon River, NS, which also featured these same two teams. This will be the tenth time the Senators have taken part.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

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Alabama Supreme Court denies Charles Bediako’s request to play for Alabama again

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Supreme Court has denied a request by former professional basketball player Charles Bediako to play for the University of Alabama again this season while he appeals his eligibility case against the NCAA.

According to online court records, the high court on Friday denied Bediako's emergency motion for an interim injunction so he could play again for the Crimson Tide. Bediako said an expedited decision was needed because the end of the regular season and postseason tournaments are fast approaching.

An email seeking comment was left with Bediako’s lawyer after regular business hours on Friday.

Bediako, who played in the NBA G League, on Monday filed an appeal of Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet’s recent decision that ended Bediako's temporary playing status with the University of Alabama.

Bediako, a 7-foot center from Canada, spent two seasons (2021-23) at Alabama, averaging 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, and helped the Crimson Tide make the NCAA Tournament both years. He wasn’t selected in the 2023 NBA draft, but played three years in the G League, the NBA's minor league.

He filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after it denied Alabama’s request to allow him to return to collegiate competition this season. His lawyers argued that Bediako remains within his five-year college eligibility window. NCAA President Charlie Baker and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey have opposed Bediako’s reinstatement.

A judge, who later recused himself from the case, issued a temporary restraining order that allowed Bediako to play while the case moved forward. He ended up playing in five games. But Pruet on Feb. 9 ruled against Bediako, writing that the player “failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to the injunctive relief that he seeks.”

Bediako has been playing for Canada in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, including in Thursday's 96-85 win over Puerto Rico.

Alabama’s regular season ends on March 7. The SEC men’s basketball tournament takes place in mid-March, and the NCAA Tournament will be held from March 17-April 6.

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Questionable Goal Dooms Panthers In 3-2 Loss to Buffalo

The Florida Panthers are desperate for every point they can get, which is what made Friday’s result so frustrating.

Florida played well enough to win, but a strong game by the Buffalo Sabres and their goaltender, and a very questionable game-winning goal, led to the Panthers falling 3-2 to their division rivals.

An entertaining opening frame ended on a high note for the visitors thanks to a late-period power play.

Sabres forward Alex Tuch scored on his third shot of the game, giving Buffalo a 1-0 lead with 2:12 on the clock.

That’s how the score would remain until the latter stages of the second period.

This time it was Florida on the power play, and right off the ensuing faceoff, Matthew Tkachuk picked up the puck, went to the net and after a quick backhand-forehand move, popped a shot between Alex Lyon’s blocker and the near post to knot the score at one.

Buffalo took a 2-1 lead just past the midway point of the third period on a very controversial goal.

A point shot by Beck Malenstyn got past the glove of Daniil Tarasov, but that’s because Buffalo’s Mattias Samuelsson hit Tarasov’s glove with the blade of his stick a moment before the puck arrived.

Florida challenged the play for goalie interference, and after a lengthy review the officials decided that the goal should stand.

To say Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice was incredulous on the bench would be an understatement.

Buffalo added an empty-net goal, and Sam Bennett scored during the final minute to make it a one-score game again, but it would be all for not. 

On to the Islanders.

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Photo caption: Feb 27, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Daniil Tarasov (40) cannot make a save against a shot on goal by Buffalo Sabres left wing Beck Malenstyn (not pictured) during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

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Celtics blow past the Nets, 148-111

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 27, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Nets had come into TD Garden losers of 6 in a row on Friday night, they left losers of 7 in a row. The Celtics beat the Nets in blowout fashion, 148-111 behind a big 28 point game from Jaylen Brown.

Only Jayson Tatum missed this one for the Celtics. They started the group that has become the usuals; Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, Sam Hauser, Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta. Brooklyn, meanwhile, had no one missing on the injury report. They started Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton.

The Nets have beaten the Celtics once already and the last time these two teams played, it went to 2OT. Brooklyn had given Boston problems this year so it was important that the Celtics brought the energy for 48 minutes. Especially since it was the first home game back off of a west coast trip.

Spoiler alert: they didn’t give the Celtics any problems on Friday.

The Celtics were hot from there early, making their first 5 makes and going 8/10 from the field. However, Brooklyn was able to hang around because Boston could not get a stop as the Nets started the game 7/11 themselves.

Former Celtic Josh Minott checked into the game for the Nets in the first quarter. He had 4 points and a huge poster dunk on Hugo Gonzalez in the period.

The Celtics led 35-32 at the end of the first quarter. They went 6/7 from three point range with the only miss being a Gonzalez heave at the end of the quarter. Nikola Vucevic led the way with 10 points and 5 rebounds off of the bench.

Boston’s defense was lacking in the first half. Entering Friday’s game, the Celtics had the best defense in the league over the past 1o games.

However, Brooklyn was getting whatever they wanted throughout the half. Finishing with 32 points in the paint for the half.

The Celtics still led 66-57 after the half. Jaylen Brown led the team with 14 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists while Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Neither team could get a stop for a lot of the third quarter as well. The Celtic stayed hot from three as they were 16/26 from three for the game in the middle of the third quarter as they took their largest lead of the night.

They never looked back.

A 27-7 run gave the Celtics a 109-83 cushion at the end of the third quarter. Jaylen Brown led the team with 28 points while Nikola Vucevic had 24 and 10 off of the bench and was a +25 in the game.

The lead ballooned to 34 points in the 4th quarter as Payton Pritchard put in a nice layup leading to a Brooklyn timeout.

Jaylen Brown finished the game with 28 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. He was dominant throughout the game shooting 9/12 from the field and 4/4 from three. Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds and Payton Pritchard scored 22 points and was a +40 for the game.

The Celtics shot an astronomical 67% from the field and 65% from three while Brooklyn shot 49% from the field and 41% from three. Boston’s next game is Sunday night at 8 EST against the 76ers from TD Garden.

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Rockies manager and players comment on a 3-2 Rockies walk-off win

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Colorado Rockies outfielder, Zac Veen walks back to the dugout after striking out during the first 2026 spring training game at Salt River Field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona on February 20, 2026. The Arizona Diamondbacks went onto beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images

Earlier today, the Colorado Rockies walked off the San Diego Padres in a 3-2 win.

For game highlights, click here.

First, here’s manager Warren Schaeffer’s thoughts on the day’s performances:

Here’s the man of the hour, Zac Veen:

Starting pitcher Tanner Gordon weighed in:

Finally, please enjoy some game highlights, including that Veen bomb:

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

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JJ Redick says Lakers’ losses are ‘louder’ than other teams’ losses

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The good thing about the Lakers is that when things are going well, the attention the franchise receives is more than virtually anyone else in sports gets.

However, the other side of that coin is that when losses are piling up, the media frenzy is just as loud, perhaps even louder.

After the Lakers lost to the Suns, head coach JJ Redick discussed the negativity that comes with being the most popular basketball team on Earth.

Whether fair or not, the standard in Los Angeles is to win all the time, with no exceptions or grace allowed. So, when fans or the media can’t see the path towards a title, the blame game begins and that’s a contest no one can win.

Simply put, the Lakers, given the size of their fanbase and the amount of national TV games they play, aren’t allowed to struggle quietly. If something is going wrong in LA, it will be broadcast on every show, podcast and website imaginable.

It also doesn’t help that the Lakers are playing poorly.

During this losing streak, the Lakers have been blown out by the Celtics, lost to a Magic team missing key players, and failed to generate any stops in the fourth quarter against Phoenix.

When you have awful losses on the largest stage, it’s going to get people talking about your flaws ad nauseam.

As Don Draper said in the television show “Mad Men,” “If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.”

The only way the Lakers can do that is by winning games. And the path towards that is fixing the defense, optimizing the offense and getting the trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves all playing well together.

Also, there are only 20-plus games left to get that done. So, yeah, the 2025-26 Lakers might be cooked.

But yes, Redick is right. It does get loud in LA.

Hopefully, one day, the noise is about the team going on a title run, and the conversation is about how the Lakers have one of the best run franchises in the NBA.

Right now, the dialogue is much darker. And no matter how loud the noise is, the play on the court warrants the criticisms.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto balances workload for WBC repeat, Dodgers three-peat

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Yoshinobu Yamamoto insists he has no concerns.

The Los Angeles Dodgers tell you, well, at least publicly, they have no worries.

And Dodgers fans will be at home watching with a knot in their stomachs, no sure how much success they want their ace to have in the World Baseball Classic, only that he returns fully healthy for the regular season.

Yoshinobu, after giving up five hits and two runs in three innings Friday against the San Franciso Giants in a 12-4 loss, is leaving for Tokyo where he will meet up with Shohei Ohtani and the rest of his teammates as Team Japan defends its WBC title.

“We’re going to miss him certainly when he’s away with Team Japan,’’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “but we absolutely got what we needed.’’

Yamamoto, who threw 37 of his 52 pitches for strikes, with four strikeouts, is tentatively scheduled to pitch against Chinese Taipei on March 6 in his WBC opener, where he will be limited to 65 pitches.

“I’m looking forward to that game against Taiwan,’’ he said. “I understand the passion of Taiwanese fans and baseball fans. So I think it’s special.’’

Yamamoto could pitch again in the quarterfinals with a 75-pitch limit, or if Japan advances to the semifinals in Miami, he could pitch the semifinal or championship game with a 95-pitch restriction.

“Yoshinobu knows when he’s going to pitch for Team Japan,’’ Roberts said. “And we’re aligned as far as our organization and our pitching guys. He’s comfortable with it.’’

So just how much will he pitch?

“It’s a secret,’’ Yamamoto said, laughing.

Yamamoto did concede that last season, pitching 211 innings last season, including 37.1 innings during the postseason in which he won the World Series MVP, had an effect on him. It wasn’t so much the physical effect, he said, but the mental stress.

“Mentally, I was a little bit tired,’’ he said. “You know, fatigue. But physically, I was good.’’

Now, after being in Arizona for most of February, he says he’s ready physically and mentally, hoping to lead Japan to back-to-back WBC titles in March, and the Dodgers to a World Series three-peat in October.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will head to the World Baseball Classic.

“I do think when the bell rings,’’ Roberts said, “he’s going to be fine, but I could certainly understand [with] what’s he gone through the last couple of years. It’s a tax mentally, but you know he’s going to have to ramp up for the WBC.

“We’ll see how he is when he gets back with us.’’

Certainly, Yamamoto has done everything possible to prepare for the workload after the short winter. He worked out six days a week, sometimes for six hours at a time beginning in December, preparing for this moment.

“The dude is an animal,’’ Dodgers teammate Kiké Hernández said on the “Baseball & Coffee" podcast with Adam Ottavino. “Little guy, nicest guy in the world, but man ... when he’s on the mound, that stadium is his, and he’s shown it."

His value to the Dodgers can’t be understated. He not only is the Dodgers’ ace, but one of the select few Dodgers starters who are on schedule to open the season without restrictions.

Blake Snell, the Dodgers’ two-time Cy Young winner, has been bothered by shoulder fatigue and is still only playing catch at 90 feet. He certainly won’t be ready for opening day and is expected to open the season on the injured list.

Shohei Ohtani is healthy and scheduled to open the season in the starting rotation, but he didn’t pitch in a spring training game before leaving for Japan, and has no plans to pitch in the WBC either.

Emmit Sheehan missed a week with an illness, and is behind schedule.

Roki Sasaki struggled badly in his spring-training debut, and is no longer a lock to make the opening-day rotation.

Bobby Miller has shoulder tightness and still hasn’t pitched off the mound.

Brock Stewart is progressing well after shoulder surgery, but hasn’t pitched in a game, and will open the year on the IL.

Tyler Glasnow is healthy and pitched well in his spring-traiing debut, but he pitched just 90.1 innings last season with an assortment of injuries, and has pitched more than 100 innings just three times in his 10-year career.

And Clayton Kershaw is retired, coming back only to pitch in the WBC.

Needless to say, as deep and talented and rich as the Dodgers are, they badly need Yamamoto to be their ace again this season.

Yamamoto, who finished third in the NL Cy Young voting last season after going 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA and 201 strikeouts, struggled a bit with his command Friday, but was effective with all of his pitches, hitting 97 mph on his fastball. He gave up a leadoff homer to Willy Adames on a 3-2 curveball, and back-to-back hits to Matt Chapman and Heliot Ramos in the second inning, but finished his outing by not permitting the last seven batters to hit the ball out of the infield, with three strikeouts.

“After today’s game, I do feel I got the feeling I wanted,’’ Yamamoto said, “and was looking for, although there’s some more stuff I need to work on.’’

Certainly, according to the scouts on hand, he looks like he’s nearly ready for the season, and certainly the WBC.

So, inquiring WBC fans want to know, if Yamamoto is pitching in the championship game for Team Japan against Team USA, who will Dodgers fans cheer for in the potential matchup?

“That’s a great question,’’ Roberts said. “I would like to say the U.S., the ones that are U.S. citizens, but it’s probably going to be a split camp because there’s a lot of Yoshinobu fans, for sure.’’

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yoshinobu Yamamoto hoping for WBC repeat, Dodgers three-peat

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Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt Injury Report: Kam Williams and Frankie Collins are out

Ahead of their Saturday showdown at Rupp Arena, the Kentucky Wildcats and Vanderbilt Commodores have unveiled their SEC Injury Report.

For Kentucky, you will be absolutely stunned and shocked to hear that Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Kam Williams all remain out. Williams is out of a walking boot, and Mark Pope is keeping the faith that the sophomore guard can return toward the end of this season, but it’s far from a certainty.

For the Commodores, starting guard Frankie Collins remains out, though he hasn’t played since December 17, so Vandy is plenty used to being without him.

Only one other player is on the injury report, and that’s reserve guard Mike James, who is doubtful to play. The former Louisville guard is averaging just 1.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 11.1 minutes per game.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt Injury Report

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'It goes!' Miami Ohio stays undefeated with buzzer-beater vs Western Michigan

Miami (Ohio) basketball's perfect season lives another night.

The No. 25 RedHawks survived a scare from Western Michigan on Friday, Feb. 27, at University Arena in Kalamazoo, Michigan, when Trey Perry hit a game-winning layup with 0.4 seconds remaining. Miami improved to 29-0 on the season with the win.

REQUIRED READING: How Miami Ohio became college basketball's most unlikely undefeated team

“Tough man, playing to win. He’s fiery. He’s a competitor. He’s built for those moments, man," Miami (Ohio) coach Travis Steele said of Perry in a postgame interview. "So we put the ball in his hands there at the end. I told him to try and get to the rim, not settle. Which he did. He got right to that left hand. He’s really good, he can finish with either hand equally as well.”

The RedHawks trailed by as many as nine points with 6:38 left in the game. They only led the contest for 4:43 of gametime, but were able to steal a victory at the end. Peter Suder led Miami with 18 points, while Almar Atlason added 16 points and Perry finished with 14, including the game-winner.

The Broncos tied the game at 67-67 with 12 seconds on a second-chance jumper from Justice Williams. However, Perry's layup kept the RedHawks quest for a perfect season alive. According to USA TODAY Sports' latest bracket projections, they are slated to be an 11-seed in the East Region as an automatic qualifier out of the Mid-American Conference.

“If you look at our numbers since Jan. 1, we’re a top 60 team in defense in the country, analytically," Steele said. "We’re really trending in the right direction, when we get a little healthier, we’ll regain that offensive magic we had. But our guys figure it out. That’s what good teams do. They win when they didn’t play their best.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Ohio stays undefeated with buzzer-beater vs Western Michigan

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Charles Barkley tears into new NBA media rights landscape: ‘Disservice to the fans’

Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Spike Lee smile before the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 29, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Spike Lee smile before the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 29, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

Charles Barkley agrees with disenchanted NBA fans.

The Basketball Hall of Famer appeared on long-running ESPN show “Pardon the Interruption” on Friday to discuss current matters in the NBA, particularly ranting about how hard it is to simply find games.

The league’s new media rights deal sprinkles games throughout ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock and Amazon’s Prime Video.

Charles Barkley stands in the second tee box during the first round of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 11, 2025 in Stateline, Nevada. Getty Images

Barkley isn’t a fan of the whole setup.

“It is so difficult for fans to find the games now,” Barkley told Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser. “I think we’ve done a disservice to the fans and to the game. We’ve got to find a way to let the fans know. Because the fans are the backbone, and we want to support these networks.”

Barkley went on to say that people “don’t know” when games are on, and where.

“We’ve got to be very careful because we’ve got an 11-year deal, and it’s a team deal. The players are gonna be successful, but we want the networks to be successful also,” Barkley continued.

The new media rights deal, signed in July 2024, was inked for 11 years and $77 billion, and it kicked in this year.

Controversially, the deal didn’t include TNT, which didn’t appear to be keen on keeping the NBA product.

“Inside The NBA,” a long-running staple of TNT’s coverage, has since been moved to ESPN and will air more often now that football season is over.

Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Spike Lee smile before the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. NBAE via Getty Images

Previously, TNT and ESPN shared the bulk of the nationally televised contests, not including the in-house NBA TV.

Barkley, who continues to co-host alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, has been a vocal proponent of the league becoming more “fan-friendly” as it relates to this media deal.

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PWHL teams place Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Erin Ambrose on long-term IR

Olympians Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Erin Ambrose have all been placed on long-term injured reserve by their PWHL clubs after sustaining injuries during the Milan Cortina Games.

Knight, a five-time Olympian and captain of the United States team that won gold, will be out of the Seattle Torrent's lineup indefinitely after sustaining a lower-body injury in Italy, the team announced Friday.

Knight had three goals and three assists for the U.S. at Milan Cortina including a goal in the 2-1 overtime win over Canada in the final. She has three goals and seven assists during the current PWHL season.

“While we’re eager to be at full strength and recognize the anticipation of Hilary’s return, we’re focused on putting her and our team in the best position for a playoff push," Torrent general manager Meghan Turner said in a statement.

Minnesota Frost captain Coyne Schofield was placed on long-term injured reserve on Friday retroactive to Feb. 19 with an upper-body injury. Coyne Schofield scored three goals for the United States during the Olympics.

“I am incredibly proud of all our Frost Olympians who demonstrated true excellence on the world stage,” general manager Melissa Caruso said in a statement. “We are fully committed to supporting Kendall throughout her recovery, and our medical team will be working diligently to help her prepare for her return to the ice."

The moves by the Torrent and Frost came a day after the Montreal Victoire announced that Ambrose has been placed on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 19 for a lower‑body injury suffered while representing Canada in the gold medal game. Ambrose had a pair of assists at the Olympics.

The Victoire's Marie-Philip Poulin, Canada's captain in Italy, was listed as day-to-day with an Olympics-related injury.

Victoire general manager Daniele Sauvageau said of the team's Olympians "we are confident that they will be back in the lineup in the near future.”

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey