TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Ingram #3 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 11, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In one last game before the All-Star Break, the Toronto Raptors welcomed the Detroit Pistons for the first game between these two teams this season. The Pistons are the top team in the East this season, their team-building efforts from the past few seasons coming to fruition.
While fans were disappointed to see the Raptors lose, it proved a thesis that has rung true all season long: The Raptors’ hot start set unrealistic expectations for the ceiling of this current team.
Here’s the thing — they are one season removed from being a tank machine. They make some good moves (ie, getting Brandon Ingram), Scottie Barnes is playing like an All-Star and a potential All-Defence kind of guy, and those are nice improvements from last year. Yet, the idea that they were going to even contend in the Eastern Conference was way too premature for this iteration of the team. That’s before you think about Jakob Poeltl missing a bunch of time, and some unexpected turns in the road as well.
They go on a HOT win streak at the beginning of the season, which is great for vibes. Yet, that set a standard that this current roster just isn’t equipped to maintain. We can acknowledge there have been some exciting improvements this season, while still admitting there is work to be done before this team will have some serious motion in the playoffs.
So, when the No. 1-seed Detroit Pistons come to town and deliver a 113-95 loss to the Raptors, why freak out? Why catastrophize? Why sit there and lament about what they should or shouldn’t have done at the deadline when none of the available moves would have changed much about the situation?
There is way more things to be happy about this season without freaking out over every loss. For the first time since 2020, the Raptors have two players heading to the All-Star Game. Their coaching staff was selected to lead one of the All-Star teams. They have multiple players in the Rising Stars game as well. Not saying the All-Star Game is the be-all and end-all of the year — but the representation is exciting and shows improvement from this team. It shows the league is noticing them and their improvements as well.
This wasn’t meant to be a championship year. It wasn’t meant to be a Conference Finals year. The Raptors are actually fairly on schedule rebuild-wise, and this one loss against the Pistons isn’t reason to go on a dramatic spiral about it all. Unless that brings you joy??
Instead of wasting more energy on a bad loss, I will instead be heading into my All-Star Break ready to rewatch Piper and Paul’s bronze medal Ice Dance program 100 times, go into a Biathlon-lore rabbit hole, and watch some Skeleton. Enjoy your All-Star Break, friends.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Julius Randle had 41 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Portland 133-109 von Wednesday night to end the Trail Blazers;' winning streak at three.
Randall, who also had seven rebounds, capped his night with a windmill dunk that put the crowd at the Target Center on its feet. Jaden McDaniels added 21 points for the Timberwolves, playing their final game before the All-Star break.
Jrue Holiday scored 23 points for the Trail Blazers, who trailed by 28 points and were hurt by 25 turnovers. Scoot Henderson, playing just his third game back since missing the first half of the season because of a hamstring injury, finished with 18 points.
Minnesota scoring leader Anthony Edwards was listed as questionable going into the game because of an illness but he started and finished with 14 points.
Minnesota was coming off a 138-116 win at home over Atlanta that stopped a two-game skid.
McDaniels' floating jumper pushed Minnesota's lead to 50-38 midway through the second quarter. McDaniels had 15 points in the opening half and the Timberwolves led 61-51 at the break.
Edwards and Julius Randle hit back-to-back 3-pointers to go up 73-59 in the third quarter. Rudy Gobert dunked to cap a 16-2 run and gave the Timberwolves a 79-59 lead.
Portland ended the third quarter on a 10-3 run to close to 96-82 but couldn't find a rally down the stretch. All-Star Deni Avdija struggled with 11 points.
The Blazers were without Shaedon Sharpe, who missed the third straight game for the with a left calf strain.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bam Adebayo had 27 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks and the short-handed Miami Heat beat the New Orleans Pelicans 123-111 on Wednesday night in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.
Miami used only nine players, with Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson and Andrew Wiggins sidelined. Herro missed his 15th straight game.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 23 points, Kel’el Ware had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Simone Fontecchio scored 15 points. Eighth in the Eastern Conference, the Heat improved to 29-27. Miami has won 11 of its last 12 against New Orleans
Zion Williamson had 26 points for New Orleans. He has played a career-high 30 straight games and 40 of 56 this season. In his first six seasons, he played 214 of 472 games and never had more than 25 in a row.
Trey Murphy III added 19 points before leaving late in the third quarter because of soreness in his right shoulder. The Pelicans dropped to 15-41. They had won two in a row.
Ware hit a 3-pointer with 2:46 left in the third quarter to cap a 23-10 run that gave Miami a 92-76 lead. The Heat hit four 3s during that surge, one each by Kasparas Jakucionis, Fontecchio, Myron Gardner and Ware.
During that stretch, Jakucionis also hit three free throws after landing on Murphy’s foot on a missed 3 near sideline. Murphy was called for a flagrant foul.
Miami pushed the lead to 17 at 112-95 with 6:19 left in the fourth. After New Orleans cut it to 115-111 on Williamson’s putback, Fontecchio hit a 3 from the left corner with 54 seconds remaining to make it 118-111.
Miami led 58-55 at halftime. Adebayo had 15 points in the half.
This is shaping up to be an impressive Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Blake Griffin, the legendary Suns pairing of Amar'e Stoudemire and Mike D'Antoni, Doc Rivers, plus Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne headline the list of finalists for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this year.
"This year's group of Finalists represents the full scope of basketball's impact, from the professional and collegiate ranks to high school, international play, officiating, and innovation," said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "Their achievements span championships, historic milestones, and a lasting influence on how the game is played, taught, and experienced around the world. Each Finalist has made a notable contribution to basketball's growth and excellence, and their collective legacy speaks to the power of the sport."
Here is the full list of finalists.
North American Committee Finalists: • Joey Crawford [Referee] • Mark Few [Coach] • Blake Griffin [Player]
Women's Veterans Committee Finalist: • Molly Bolin-Kazmer [Player] International Committee Finalist: • Dušan Ivković [Coach] Contributors Committee Finalists: • Tal Brody • Mike D’Antoni Veterans Committee Finalists: • Marques Johnson
These Finalists will be voted on, and then the Class of 2026 will be announced on Saturday, April 4, during Final Four Weekend.
Blake Griffin should be a lock. He was a six-time NBA All-Star whose athleticism and versatility helped redefine how the power forward position was played in the NBA. The No. 1 overall pick of the Clippers in 2009, he was at the heart of changing the franchise's reputation on the court. He was the 2011 Rookie of the Year and went on to be a five-time All-NBA player, most famously one of the engines of the Lob City Clippers era. He is currently an analyst with Amazon Prime on their NBA broadcasts.
Candace Parker should also be a given to make the Class of 2026. Parker was a two-time NCAA national champion at Tennessee who took the NBA by storm in 2008 when she became the only player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She went on to be a three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP (2008, '13). Parker also is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, '12).
DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks rookie teenage standout Cooper Flagg will miss their final game before the All-Star break and not play in the NBA's Rising Stars game on Friday night because of a left midfoot sprain.
The Mavericks announced Wednesday night than an MRI revealed the injury that occurred in their loss at Phoenix a night earlier, when the 19-year-old had 27 points in 36 minutes. They said further updates will be provided as appropriate
Flagg, the No. 1 overall draft pick last summer, is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his 49 games with Dallas.
The Mavericks (19-34) have an eight-game losing streak going into Thursday night's game at the Los Angeles Lakers.
But for their tanking efforts, the end result was pretty good.
Brooklyn blew a huge late lead and fell 115-110 to tanking rival Indiana before a crowd of 16,779 at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
Indiana’s Jarace Walker, who scored a game-high 23 points, looks to make a move on Ben Saraf during the Nets’ 115-110 loss to the Pacers on Feb. 11, 2026 at Barclays Center. AP
After the Nets starters built an 18-point cushion, their bench squandered it.
And once rookie Egor Dëmin’s surprisingly clean 3-point look rimmed out in the final second, they’d suffered a vexing come-from-ahead defeat.
Granted, the Nets (15-38) might have also avoided a Pyrrhic victory.
They’re still fifth in the lottery standings, but now just a game behind the fourth-place Pacers and second-place Washington.
They’re two games clear of the sixth-place Jazz, thanks to Utah’s win against Sacramento.
“A lot of the things we did well, we stopped doing well. Only one good defensive quarter doesn’t help in the NBA,” coach Jordi Fernández said. “In the second half we gave up 13 second-chance points, nine fast-break points, and in the third quarter alone we had 11 turnovers.
“Those are things we can control, and we weren’t good enough. That’s why we lost. We have higher standards than that, especially on things we can control, and when you get an opportunity you have to play as hard as you can and be locked in. Losing three out of four quarters, you’re not going to win many games.”
After the Nets had blown an 82-64 lead midway through the third, Day’Ron Sharpe had a steal and layup to knot the game at 110-110 with 38 seconds left.
But Kam Jones — who had missed all five of his attempts from deep to that point — hit a prayer 3-pointer with seven seconds left to put the Nets in a 113-110 hole.
And despite getting free for a clean look, Dëmin just missed and Indiana iced it at the line.
Nolan Traore, who scored 20 points, reacts after scoring a bucket during the Nets’ loss to the Pacers at Barclays Center. Robert Sabo for New York Post
“It was an amazing play. Knowing their coverage, I knew it would be a good shot for me unless they changed something. I’m really upset it didn’t go in, but I’ve got to move on,” said Dëmin, who had 13 points, five assists and five rebounds. “I’ll probably sit with it a little over the break, but then think about the next games.”
Brooklyn played without starters Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney and Michael Porter Jr. Rookie Nolan Traore had 20 points and eight assists in another big night, albeit five of the 16 Nets turnovers.
Still, the rookies were encouraging, with 65 of the Nets’ 110 points. But the bench as a whole did Brooklyn in.
Brooklyn reeled off eight unanswered points to pad the cushion to 82-64 midway through the third.
Day’Ron Sharpe goes up for a layup during the Nets’ loss to the Pacers at Barclays Center. Robert Sabo for New York Post
Sharpe (season-high 19 points, 12 rebounds, five assists) kicked out to Ziaire Williams for a 3-pointer that gave the Nets their biggest lead of the evening.
It was still 86-70 after Traore’s skip pass to Williams with 4:31 left in the third. But Brooklyn couldn’t protect that lead, helplessly watching it bleed away.
The Nets conceded an extended 30-11 run that spanned the third and fourth. And all but six points of that came with the reserves on the floor.
Brooklyn had an 86-73 lead when the starters went out with three minutes left in the third.
It was tied 97-all when Traore, Dëmin and Sharpe checked back in, the bench on the wrong side of a 24-11 blitz.
Micah Potter (19 points, 12 boards) put the Pacers ahead at the line, and his putback dunk made it 100-97 with 7:11 left.
Traore tied it at 105-105 on a high-difficulty turnaround in the lane, and a Dëmin corner 3-pointer put the Nets back ahead 108-106 with 2:04 to play.
Sharpe had a steal and layup to knot it at 110-110 with 38 seconds left, but Jones’ 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining turned out to be the winner.
Jarace Walker led the Pacers with a game-high 23 points.
“A lot of it was just being careless,” Fernández said. “Starting with me, we all have to be better.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center on February 11, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 133-109. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s almost a punchline how easily the Minnesota Timberwolves can flip the switch when they want to.
From looking like an iso-heavy team in a deep hole at the beginning of the week to looking like the 2010s San Antonio Spurs moving the ball in the middle of the week, Wednesday night served as yet another reminder of how good this team can be when they decide that they want to be.
The intentional nature of playing with pace was apparent early on, as the Wolves hit the ground literally running with six of their first 23 points coming in transition.
It also never hurts when a hyper-active Jaden McDaniels making an appearance. Perhaps envisioning his impending vacation with Naz Reid over the All-Star break, the all-defensive wing was all over the floor. From blocking the Portland Trail Blazers’ lone All- Star Deni Avdija on one end to dunking on him on another, McDaniels made his presence known.
McDaniels much encapsulates the last few days for the Timberwolves. With just four shots in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was easy to see the “barometer for ball movement” tag he had been given for a long time and is growing out of. In such and iso-heavy game that ended catastrophically, coach Chris Finch spoke regrettably afterward on needing to make it more intentional to give both McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo at least 10 shots each.
It certainly happened for the former on Wednesday. McDaniels activity paired well with his 15 first half points. He would go on to finish the game with 21 on an efficient 7-13 shooting.
A symptom of activity and pace, the Wolves finished the game with 25 transition points and more importantly, 39 points off of 25 forced Portland turnovers.
But the source of 41 of the Wolves’ 133 points was a motivated Julius Randle, a side of the power forward that’s waxed and waned during this season and really, most of his tenure in Minnesota. A low of his came on Sunday, and correlating with his team, a high on Wednesday before the break.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with teammate Anthony Edwards #5 in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center on February 11, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 133-109. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Julius Randle Has Something To Say
A lot had been weighing on Julius Randle over the last week.
Between his name circling around in trade rumors and not getting drawn for the All-Star game as even a fill-in, the weight of it all felt like a lot.
“We had a couple good chats this past week,” coach Chris Finch said after the game. “Everything that swirls around this time of year…I know he was disappointed that he wasn’t named an All-Star, and I think he took this game quite personally in that regard.”
Arguably the most important player in the Wolves offensive scheme, the team needs him to take more of these games personally. He sets the tone in so many ways. When he passes, it sets an example and the team has stretches like they have in the last two games with 62 combined assists.
When he decides to take more upon himself and iso into the offense, others follow suit to get their own. The result? Shaky your turn, my turn offense that can dig this team into holes that everyone saw both over the last week and during the recent five-game losing streak.
“Over the course of my career, I’ve learned to focus on the things I can control,” Randle said in the locker room, elaborating on external ailments that made him not himself. “I can control how I help my team win games…we got a great team here, we can compete at the highest level, and that’s where I choose to put my focus.”
Did he use it as motivation for his 41 point masterclass on Wednesday?
“Maybe,” he said with a grin.
But points aren’t always the answer. When Randle scores more than 30 points, the Wolves are 5-5. When he has five or more assists? They’re 20-11.
Sure, points are the measure of winning and losing games, but how those are opened up for the Wolves’ starting power forward through his playmaking and movement are even more important. Based on the approach over the last two games, everyone knows it too.
“Julius is a guy who plays with his heart on his sleeve,” Finch said, elaborating more on a player he’s fond of and has helped transform over the last season and a half. “He was not himself recently, but he’s so important for us in so many ways, and we just needed him to come back to the pack if you will.”
A windmill. dunk and a smile to cap off a 40 point night heading into the break? Not too bad of a sign for things to come for a player who will be paramount for the Wolves down the stretch.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 11: Julian Phillips #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolvesdunks the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 11, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Emptying the Notebook
1). Julian Phillips hasn’t played outside of garbage time, but I thought Chris Finch’s comments about him after the game were notable. Obviously, Phillips won’t be playing much of a role anytime soon, but Finch gushed about his range and ability to be a good defender.
“He’s really hard to screen…really long,” Finch said. “We obviously have Jaden who’s like that, but we don’t have a lot of other really long wing players.”
Again – not in the same class as Jaden, not in the same class as any of the starters currently. But I do think the tea leaves point towards Phillips being someone who really intrigues the front office and coaching staff. With a relatively cheap club option for next season, a developmental guy that they really want to get a look at.
2). Everyone speaks glowingly of Ayo Dosunmu, and it’s only been his third game on the job. Naz Reid spoke highly of his ability to ball handle and score, adding an additional element alongside him on the bench unit. Rudy Gobert coninues to speak highly of Dosunmu’s defensive effort and ability, and ease of being able to work together. Another double-digit scoring night on 62% shooting, Dosunmu is fitting in nicely, and will have more than a week to hang around the practice facility and get even more comfortable.
A much-needed eight day break awaits the Timberwolves, with many of them getting ready to leave town.
When it’s all said and done, however, the home stand continues against a red-hot Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on February 20.
Over his last five games, Flagg is averaging 28.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Playing with force, he poses a challenge to a Wolves team that can tend to struggle with those matchups. Flagg was diagnosed with a foot sprain on Wednesday night, but is not expected to miss further time beyond the All-Star weekend.
Cooper Flagg underwent an MRI that revealed a left midfoot sprain, the Mavs announced.
He will miss the team’s game vs. the Lakers on Thursday as well as the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game on Friday. pic.twitter.com/MDT9UWN8yQ
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Nate Kingz scored 27 points, Naithan George and William Kyle III each had double-doubles, and Syracuse opened double overtime on an 8-2 spurt to outlast California for a 107-100 victory on Wednesday night.
After a Kyle free throw, Donnie Freeman made two layups, and Kingz made a 3-pointer to give Syracuse a 99-93 lead with 1:56 left in double-overtime. Freeman added another layup before the Orange sealed it from the free-throw line.
Syracuse had missed 15 of its previous 16 3-pointers before Naithan George hit a 3 with 57 seconds left in regulation to give the Orange a 78-76 lead. A Dai Dai Ames layup with 41 seconds left then tied it 78-all. The Orange committed a turnover, and Ames missed a jumper at the buzzer to force overtime.
In the first OT, Ames airballed a shot but Milos Ilic secured the offensive rebound and put it in at the buzzer to knot it at 91.
Kingz shot 8 of 14 from the floor and made three 3-pointers. J.J. Starling added 21 points for Syracuse (14-11, 5-7 Atlantic Coast Conference). Kyle finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. George had 14 points and 10 assists.
Ames scored 23 points on 10-of-25 shooting and was 0 for 5 from long range. John Camden made five 3s and scored 21 points for Cal (17-8, 5-7). Chris Bell chipped in with 18 points. Ilic had 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
The teams met for the first time at JMA Wireless Dome, which used a generator due to power loss in Syracuse.
Up next
Cal: The Golden Bears play at Boston College on Saturday.
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell scored 20 points with six 3-pointers and JT Toppin matched a career high with 18 rebounds in his 46th career double-double as No. 16 Texas Tech blew out Colorado 78-44 on Wednesday night.
Toppin, the Big 12's top rebounder at 10.9 per game, also had 16 points in his league-high 15th double-double this season and 34th in 56 games since arriving at Texas Tech from New Mexico before last season. Christian Anderson added 14 points and seven assists, and Jaylen Petty scored 12 for the Red Raiders (18-6, 8-3).
Isaiah Johnson had 13 points and Ian Inman added 12 for Colorado (14-11, 4-8), held to its fewest points since scoring 43 at Washington State on Jan. 30, 2022. The Buffaloes shot a season-worst 29.1% (16 for 55) from the field, including 24% (6 of 25) on 3-pointers.
The only active college player with more double-doubles than Toppin is Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, who got his 51st on Wednesday night against Northwestern.
Colorado's only lead came when Barrington Hargress made its first shot of the game for a 2-0 score. Atwell put the Red Raiders ahead to stay with his first 3, and they led 39-22 at halftime. Then they scored the first eight points after the break, maintaining at least a 20-point lead the rest of the way.
That was much different than the meeting Jan. 10 in Boulder, when Texas Tech had a 24-point lead after halftime and held on for a 73-71 win after Hargress' late 3-point attempt rimmed out. The Buffs, who started the season 8-0, have lost eight of their last 10 games.
Up next
Colorado visits No. 22 BYU on Saturday.
Texas Tech plays Saturday at No. 1 Arizona, whose first loss was Monday at No. 9 Kansas.
PHILADELPHIA — The Knicks played like their vacation hinged on the final result. The 76ers played like they were already in Cabo.
And in the end, the Knicks were rewarded with an All-Star break that started a little earlier than expected.
Their victory Wednesday over Philly was forged in the first quarter and secured by halftime, when the Knicks took a 30-point lead into the locker room before cruising to a 138-89 final.
Jalen Brunson reacts during the second quarter of the Knicks’ 138-89 blowout win over the 76ers on Feb. 11, 2026 in Philadelphia. Getty Images
Coach Mike Brown pulled all his starters for the last 10 minutes, then removed the second unit for the final seven.
See you in a week.
“I’m checked out now,” Josh Hart said in the postgame locker room. “I’ve got my wine right here. I’m living my best life.”
The scrappy point guard was activated in the first quarter by a dustup with Philadelphia’s Trendon Watford — which occurred in the aftermath of Mitchell Robinson being fouled hard by the Sixers forward — and the Knicks launched a game-breaking 27-9 run.
Karl-Anthony Towns grabs a rebound in front of Adem Bona during the first half of the Knicks’ blowout win over the 76ers in Philadelphia. AP
Alvarado picked up his first technical foul for shoving Watford and subsequently connected on eight 3-pointers, tying his career best.
He also finished with a season-high five steals as the Knicks outscored the Sixers by 35 points in his 18 minutes.
He was awarded his first defensive player of the game, given by the Knicks coaches after victories.
“That’s what we need. That’s what we want from him,” Hart said of Alvarado. “Obviously that toughness, ability to help us get organized, ability to knock down shots. And defensively bring energy, bring physicality, get in the passing lanes, those kind of things. That’s why he’s here.”
Among the starters, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns set the tone with a balanced scoring attack, combining for 43 points on 17-for-28 shooting.
It left Brown’s side with a 33-20 record before the weeklong break, which is on pace for roughly the same 51 wins as their last regular season.
The Sixers (30-24) were missing Joel Embiid (knee) and were overwhelmed by New York’s defensive energy, cutting and ball movement.
The Knicks, who didn’t have OG Anunoby (toe injury), shot 53 percent and racked up a season-high 41 assists.
“I don’t know if I’ve seen this before,” Brown said. “We had 48 baskets and 41 assists. So unbelievable night in that regard.”
Jose Alvarado shoots a jumper during the Knicks’ blowout win over the 76ers in Philadelphia. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
It was a beatdown and a bounce back.
A day earlier, the Knicks fell in OT to the Pacers, who are better than their record but nonetheless at the bottom of the East. That result was disappointing.
And their response was immediate.
The Knicks led by double digits after just three minutes and never looked back.
“They are a resilient group of guys. We’re not going to go up the whole year,” Brown said. “Everybody expects us to go up the whole year and win it all. But this is a process. We’re going to up, we’re going to take a step backwards, we’re going to figure it out. That’s why there’s coaching, that’s why there’s practice, that’s why there’s shootaround. That’s why we have those guys in the locker room we have figured out and just go out and play the next game and figure out if you can play better the next game and that’s what our guys did.”
They also required very little Wednesday from star Jalen Brunson, who logged just 30 minutes and finished with eight points on six shots.
The Sixers blitzed Brunson on pick-and-rolls — a faulty strategy from coach Nick Nurse — and the Knicks point guard responded by consistently finding his cutting teammates.
Brunson’s next stop is All-Star Weekend in L.A. Same for Towns.
The rest of the rotation players are getting a week off in addition to Wednesday’s second half.
NEW YORK (AP) — Jarace Walker had 23 points, Kam Jones secured the victory with a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining, and the short-handed Indiana Pacers beat the Brooklyn Nets 115-110 on Wednesday night.
Micah Potter had 19 and Ethan Thompson had 15 for the Pacers, who won for the second straight night after winning in overtime over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night to end a four-game losing streak.
Potter shot 6 of 8 from the field and 6 for 8 from the line. He scored 14 in the second half.
Nolan Traore had 20 points to lead the Nets, who had won two in a row. Day'Ron Sharpe had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Ziaire Williams also had 19.
The Pacers played without eight key players, including T.J. McConnell (right hamstring soreness); Andrew Nembhard (lower back injury management); Aaron Nesmith (lower back soreness); Pascal Siakam (left hamstring soreness); and Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain).
Brooklyn jumped to a 31-18 lead after one quarter and led 64-53 at halftime. The Pacers put the game away in the fourth, outscoring the Nets 31-20 in the quarter.
The Nets turned the ball over 16 times, six more times than the Pacers.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 11: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks smiles during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 11, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Two nights, two games, two different Knicks (35*-20) teams.
Last night, the Knicks fell in overtime to the lowly Indiana Pacers, dropping a game that should’ve been a gimme and playing the worst defense of their season. Tonight, they travelled to Philadelphia to battle the sixth-place 76ers (30-24). With vastly improved defense, domination in the frontcourt, a franchise-record 24 first-half assists, and a total eruption by the freshly minted Jose Alvarado, the outcome was completely flipped. New York burned the Xfinity Mobile Arena to the ground and won, 138-89.
As mentioned by chinaski1980, this was the “Largest point margin ever against the 76ers.” The win splits the season series. Weirdly, the road team won all four games, although the Knicks fans in attendance made this one sound almost like a home game.
The first quarter was like a beautiful dream. Our heroes displayed no fatigue from last night’s bummer against the Pacers, and Mikal Bridges led the way, contributing nine of the Knicks’ initial 16-4 run. He scored 13 in the quarter and 22 overall on 9-of-15.
Through the first 12 minutes, New York won the paint 20-12 (with Karl-Anthony Towns scoring seven of those), made seven of their first nine shots, and assisted on 11 of their 15 first-quarter field goals. Their lead peaked at 14 points, thanks to a tighter defense (steals for Bridges and Hart, a block for Towns) that forced four Philadelphia turnovers. Towns finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Off the bench, Mohamed Diawara (14 PTS, 4-8 3PT) swished a three, redeeming his dud performance last night. Then, with a minute left, Mitchell Robinson tried to drive a rebound to the hoop but was dropped by Trendon Watford. While Mitch lay on the floor, Watford stood over him. The newest Knick, Jose Alvarado, took exception, told Watford so, and tensions rose. Philly’s Nick Nurse entered the court, trying to break up the congregating players. The coach and Alvarado were assessed offsetting techs. Watching Jose—26 PTS, 8-13 3PT, 5 steals, four assists, three boards, and +35 in 19 minutes—I can’t help thinking what fun Thibs would have had with such a magnificent menace.
New York won the first quarter, 36-23, and the good vibes continued in the second. Diawara drilled again from deep. Alvarado hit back-to-back triples early in the second quarter, and then a third at the midway point. New York was on a 9-0 run, going up by 27. The stadium rocked with Let’s Go Knicks chants. Philly’s supporters tried to drown them out to no avail.
With Joel Embiid out, Nurse started Adem Bona at center. Neither Bona nor Andre Drummond (2 PTS, 4 RBS) could contain KAT and Mitch. Through the half, the former had 16 points, the latter had four blocks. For one delightful stretch, Coach Mike Brown played a lineup that included Jalen Brunson (8 PTS, 30 MIN), Alvarado, Towns, and Robinson. The height in the frontcourt compensated for the height in the backcourt.
Tyrese Maxey (32 PTS, 9-21 FG) tried to keep Philadelphia afloat, but his was mostly a solo performance. By halftime, New York was steamrolling the Cheesesteaks, 72-42.
The Knicks’ 24 assists set a franchise record for a half. They had outshot the home team 58% to 35% from the field and 50% to 13% (2-of-15) from deep, beat them in the paint (34-24), and won the glass (26-20). Bridges and Maxey led their teams with 19 points apiece.
Out of the intermission, the Knicks promptly pushed the lead to 33 points, then got sloppy, turning the ball over twice. Philly didn’t capitalize on New York’s mistakes, however. Maxey did his best but received scant assistance from VJ Edgecombe (14 PTS, 0-5 3PT) and Dominick Barlow (13 PTS), and no help from Kelly Oubre, Jr. (2 PTS, 0-6 FG, 30 MIN), Bona (6 PTS, 5 RBS), or their bench.
Maxey and Edgecombe trimmed the differential from 34 to 22 by the three-minute mark. Towards the end of the frame, Nurse resorted to hack-a-Mitch. The big fella went 5-of-8 from the line, so joke’s on you, jerk. Mitch finished with 11 points and six points to go with those four blocks.
With Alvarado adding another triple and Clarkson scoring seven points, New York regained a hefty lead by the break. 104-71 after three.
To start the fourth, Alvarado stroked another three-ball, then jumped a passing lane for his second steal, THEN hit another trey. And another. Pinch me, I’m in love—and so was the half of the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena that was chanting Jose! Jose! Jose!
The Knicks were up by 40, so Brown thought it safe to field an assortment of Alvarado, Tyler Kolek, Diawara (who hit another longball), Kevin McCullar, Jr., and Ariel Hukporti. Sweet lord, Alvarado had back-to-back steals, then hit a career-tying eighth three-pointer. After that, Brown decided Jose deserved a rest and subbed him out. Diawara and Kolek hit from deep, Hukporti dunked, and every Knick available scored. What a win to carry them into the break.
Up Next
Like an oasis in the NBA desert, the All-Star break awaits. Rest up, Knickerbockers.
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11: Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 11, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When you have Paul Reed, anything is possible. When you have Paul Reed and a Cade Cunningham who is hitting his threes, the Detroit Pistons are nearly unstoppable. Add those ingredients to an absolutely locked-in, suffocating team defense, and Detroit is invincible. The Pistons had everything going in a 113-95 road win over the Raptors.
Detroit entered tonight without three of its top eight players, with its top two big men in Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart suspended and Ron Holland out for personal reasons. It did not matter. It just allowed Paul Reed to shine.
Reed went 7-of-7 from the floor in the first quarter for 15 points. He hit a three, he cut into the lane for dunks, he used fancy footwork to knife his way to the rim, and he blocked shots. He did it all. He finished the night with 22 points, five rebounds, four blocks, three steals, and three assists. It was a vintage B-Ball Paul performance.
He wasn’t the only player to shine for the Pistons, though. Cade Cunnigham looked like he wanted to show the world why he was one of the leading vote-getters for the All-Star team with an absolutely dominant performance. He scored 28 points, hit four threes, added nine assists, and seven rebounds. He also played zero minutes in the fourth quarter because the Pistons had the game well in hand.
Detroit built up a 14-point lead in the second quarter, and aside from a couple quick spurts from Toronto that it was able to respond to, that is where the game hovered for the majority. Detroit’s team defense was absolutely on point tonight, and only got stronger as the night went along. The Pistons held Toronto to 43 second-half points en route to ballooning its lead to as high as 23 before letting the reserves get plenty of garbage-time action.
Tobias Harris added a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double as the veteran took on more of the rebounding load in the absence of his two big men. Things were going so well for the Pistons that Kevin Huerter even hit a 3-pointer for his new team. It was his first with the club. Hopefully it was the first of many to come.
The Raptors were able to stay competitive early with some hot 3-point shooting, but eventually cooled off and faded away. They finished 10-of-32 from deep on the night. They were led by 18 points from Immanuel Quickley and 17 points from Scottie Barnes.
The Pistons enter the All-Star break 40-13 and are tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the fewest losses in the NBA. When the final buzzer sounded they had a six-game lead in the East and prepare for a fun All-Star weekend that will feature both Cunningham and Duren.
It’s been a hell of a season so far, and this doesn’t strike me as a team that is going to let up anytime soon.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jose Alvarado scored a season-high 26 points and Mikal Bridges added 22 points as the New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 138-89 Wednesday night.
The Knicks bounced back from an overtime home lost to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night for their 10th win in 12 games. Two of those victories have come against the Sixers. The teams split their four-game season series.
Alvarado, acquired last week from New Orleans, shot 8 for 13 from 3-point range and finished with five steals.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 11 rebounds. Mohamed Diawara scored 14 points. Jalen Brunson, who scored 40 points against the Pacers, scored eight on Tuesday.
Tyrese Maxey led the way with 32 points in three quarters for the 76ers, who played without center Joel Embiid, who sat due to right knee soreness. VJ Edgecombe added 14 points, and Dominick Barlow scored 13.
The 76ers, who lost their second straight and for the third time in four games, were held to a season-low point total, just their third game under 100 points this season.
The Knicks jumped out to a 16-4 lead thanks to nine points from Bridges. They led by 30 at the half. The Knicks shot 58% from the field in the first half, paced by 19 points from Bridges and 16 from Towns. They finished with a season-high 41 assists.
Embiid missed his second straight game. He hadn’t missed consecutive games since Dec. 19-20. Quentin Grimes missed a second straight game due to illness.
OG Anunoby missed this fourth straight game for the Knicks with a right toenail avulsion.
Up next
Knicks: Host the Detroit Piston on Thursday, Feb. 19.
76ers: Host the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Feb 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) stands on the court in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have won five straight after knocking down the Washington Wizards 138-113.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
30 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
The Cavs can thank Mitchell for dragging them through the early stretch of the season. Now? All systems are cleared for takeoff as Cleveland has one of the best players in the league, with the best record since late December, and one of the easiest remaining schedules.
Grade: A+
James Harden
13 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds
Harden looks like he’s playing in a sandbox. With a dominant pick-and-roll partner and three-point shooters galore around him, we’ve seen Harden dish the ball at an elite level over his last three games. Tonight was no different.
He might have only taken four shot attempts, but he managed to get himself to the line for 12 free throws.
Grade: A–
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That’s the only way to describe the last week Allen has played. Another 25 points and 9 rebounds feels too easy, at this point.
Grade: A+
Jaylon Tyson
7 points, 1 assist, 5 rebounds
Tyson didn’t have his shot falling tonight. That’s no big deal; the Cavs didn’t need him to score. He finished as a plus-19 despite shooting 2-6 from the floor.
Ellis will quickly earn rotation minutes if he plays like this. Quality off-ball movement, disruptive defense, and efficient shooting. These are all the makings of a fine role player.
Grade: A-
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Is it too late to enter Qwan into the dunk contest?
At one point in this game, Tomlin picked someone’s pockets and then threw down a viscious windmill dunk. It’s the type of stuff that’s become common for this newly minted NBA wing.
Grade: B+
Dennis Schroder
7 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
Schroder struggled from the floor but made up for it by getting to the free-throw line and going 5-5.
Grade: C+
Sam Merrill
32 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
Whew, this was a heat check if I’ve ever seen one.
Merrill shot 7-for-7 from deep in the first half, lighting up the Wizards for 26 points without even missing a shot. He finished the game with a career-high 32 points and only missed one field goal. Sammy, this was something special.
