Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES — While the Lakers have their big three of LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves healthy and available, it hasn’t been smooth sailing.
The game ended in heartbreaking fashion with Luka passing up an open look and tossing the ball to LeBron, who had to heave a shot to beat the buzzer that bounced off the rim.
This sequence, featuring some poor offensive execution, has been far too common in Los Angeles. It’s a prime example of how the team hasn’t been able to find an offensive rhythm lately.
With LA needing every win possible in the crowded Western Conference, better offense is necessary, especially on a night where the other aspects of their game were good enough to earn the result.
“I thought we played well enough to win tonight,” Redick said postgame. “[We] certainly had the edge and played hard enough to win. We played together. We did our best to play the right way and share the basketball.”
With 24 assists on 40 makes, Redick is right that the ball was moving. And with Dendre Ayton finding a rhythm during the first half, things were looking up for LA early on.
“Well, my playmakers were feeding me the ball, and they just kept telling me do the same thing over and over,” Ayton said. “So, I just was making sure I was physical and I tried my best to score closest to the rim as much as possible so I can keep getting it down there. Tonight, they believed in their switches a lot, so I’m glad I got a chance to punish that just to switch it up a little bit and give them a different look.”
But Los Angeles slowly died in this game. Through three quarters, they took a double-digit lead and turned it into a home loss. They couldn’t take advantage of Orlando shooting 24% from deep because they were outrebounded 48-40.
And as individuals, none of their big three stepped up.
Reaves is known for being an aggressive player who gets inside the paint and to the free-throw line. He only took five shot attempts in the first half and didn’t score until the third quarter.
Luka is the team’s bestplayer and on-ball creator. Against the Magic, he went 8-24 from the field and converted on just two of his ten3-point attempts. Perhaps that poor shooting is why he became passive on that final possession.
"I know I was open, I just thought I was a little bit far." Luka Dončić on the final play of the game.
And LeBron had a respectable game, scoring 21 points, but most of that damage came during his first six minutes of play, where he scored 10 points. After that, he was rather pedestrian,and that’s not going to be enough when his co-stars are struggling.
LA needed more from their starson Tuesday night and no one was able to respond.
It’s clear the Lakers’ strength isn’t defense. They are ranked 24th in the league in defensive rating. So, they have to win games with their offense. That shouldn’t be as much of a problem with two All-Stars and Reaves, who is also known for putting the ball in the hoop.
However, they posted their second-lowest point total of the season against the Celtics and shot horrendously from three against Orlando, going 9-29 as a team.
Whether it’s because of a lack of time working together, their opponents throwing different defensive coverages at them or just a cold streak, the fact is they haven’t been able to, as a collective, consistently score since the All-Star break.
With 25 games left, time is running out for them to figure things out.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns controls a rebound over Ron Harper Jr. #13 and Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 24, 2026 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
PHOENIX — Late in the third quarter of the Celtics 97-81 win over the Phoenix Suns, Payton Pritchard turned the ball over. Suns two-way player Jamaree Bouyea dribbled furiously down the court, while Baylor Scheiermman stayed in front of him, keeping his arms raised, but avoiding any contact.
Ron Harper Jr, amid his second-ever NBA start, trailed the play, but sprinted back and ultimately swatted Bouyea’s layup. Hugo Gonzalez secured the rebound and finished a layup on the other end. The Celtics led by 23.
The block was pretty cool.
But in the split second after Harper’s massive block came the play of the game. Before they ran back on offense, Harper and Scheierman enthusiastically high-fived, celebrating their collective big-time stop.
WHAT A PLAY by the Celtics
Baylor Scheierman does a GREAT job going straight up allowing Ron Harper Jr time to catch up and absolutely smack this layup attempt
The dap up afterwards is a true mark of what happened : a collective effort
Harper got credit for the block on the box score, but Scheierman’s role in the play was just as important — he stayed vertical, avoided a foul, and ultimately helped force Bouyea into a difficult look.
“We talk about that a lot,” Joe Mazzulla said after the game. “Those plays are super important, because a lot of times that guy that goes up for the block may foul, and then you don’t get a chance to contest it. And so we do focus on a lot, it’s not just that guy that gets the block — it’s just as important to protect the rim.”
A Ron Harper Jr — Baylor Scheierman defensive sequence perfectly captures the magic of this Celtics season
Ron Harper Jr. and Baylor Scheierman first met when they played on the Celtics’ Summer League team in 2024. Scheierman had just been drafted days prior, while Harper was coming off a serious shoulder injury that abruptly ended his season.
Both players spent most of the 2024-2025 season in the G League; Harper began his year with the Maine Celtics and finished it with the Motor City Cruise after getting a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, while Scheierman spent it in Maine.
Now, both players are impacting winning with the parents club, and both got the start in Tuesday’s matchup against the Suns. (Scheierman has started the last five games for the Celtics, while Harper started in place of Jaylen Brown, who missed the game with a knee contusion).
Harper, who remains on a two-way contract, added 8 points, 5 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block in 30 minutes.
Afterwards, Sam Hauser — who also started en route to a 16-point night — praised his performances.
“Nothing changes when he gets out there,” Hauser said of Harper. “There’s no skipping of the beats, and he’s a great player. He’s a great defender, and he helps us in a lot of different ways. And tonight he was great.”
Scheierman, meanwhile, tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in 32 minutes — and also earned Hauser’s praise.
“He can kind of can do a little bit of everything, and he’s shown it,” Hauser said. “And he, again, is another guy who just kind of got thrust into the lineup — and he’s made the most of it. At times, it’s really hard to take him off the floor, for obvious reasons, because he’s a really well-rounded player, and he’s been defending his butt off, and it’s been fun to watch.”
Harper will likely go back to the bench when Jaylen Brown returns to the lineup in the coming days, and Scheierman’s minutes will likely diminish when (or if) Jayson Tatum makes his season debut.
But on Tuesday night, for a brief moment, those two 25-year-old, former G League standouts were invincible.
And in the middle of live action, they high-fived one another, taking a moment to recognize just how great a defensive possession it was. It’s that kind of synergy that’s allowed the Celtics to have the NBA’s best defense over the past month, and the 8th-best defensive rating in the league this season.
That Harper-Scheierman sequence stood out to Derrick White, too.
“It’s huge,” said White. “Baylor does a good job of occupying, kind of slowing him down a little bit, and Ron sprints back and makes a play. That’s the kind of thing we talk about all the time — it’s a team effort, every time down the court. Even in transition, you try to get nothing easy. Big time for both of them to sprint back and make that big play, and it was a big momentum swing for us.”
The duo’s reaction perfectly captured what kind of season it’s been.
Kon Knueppel scored his 200th three-pointer in only his 58th NBA game [Getty Images]
Rookie Kon Knueppel became the fastest player to reach 200 three-pointers in NBA history as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Chicago Bulls 131-99.
The 20-year-old American scored 21 points, including three three-pointers, while Brandon Miller added 23 as the visiting Hornets condemned the Bulls to a 10th consecutive defeat for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
Knueppel needed only 58 games to tally up his 200th three-pointer - 11 less than previous record holder Duncan Robinson - and is also just the second rookie to reach the milestone.
With a league-leading 201 three-pointers, Knueppel only needs six more to break Keegan Murray's record of 206 in 2022-23 for the Sacramento Kings for the most threes made by a player in their first season.
Having played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, Knueppel was drafted as a fourth overall pick by the Hornets in the 2025 draft.
"It is exciting and refreshing [to coach Knueppel]," said head coach Charles Lee after the Hornets' eighth straight win on the road.
"It elevates our whole culture when you have a guy who is that good but that humble and has no ego, and it becomes contagious throughout the whole organisation."
Meanwhile, new signing James Harden scored 20 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers returned to winning ways with a 109-94 victory over the New York Knicks.
The result helped them draw level on 37 wins and 22 losses with the Knicks, who are third in the Eastern Conference.
Harden, who left the Los Angeles Clippers this month, is an 11-time NBA All-Star and regarded as one of the greatest guards in history, but the 36-year-old has never won an NBA title.
"We're working to build something special, and each game is an opportunity to get better," said Harden. "Tonight was a good step for us."
The Boston Celtics consolidated second place with a 97-81 win over the Phoenix Suns while the Philadelphia 76ers posted a 135-114 win against the Indiana Pacers, who are bottom of the Eastern Conference after reaching the NBA Finals last year.
Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the Toronto Raptors 116-107 while sixth-placed Los Angeles Lakers were edged by Orlando Magic 110-109 and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 124-121.
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Every game after the All-Star break feels like it carries more weight, especially for a team that is within striking distance of the first seed, and another that can still secure home-court advantage in the first round.
The San Antonio Spurs are the hottest team in the NBA with nine straight wins, five of which have come on the road. They may not be champions, but they have a target on their backs because of their talent and the noise they’ve made so far.
This will be the second and final matchup between these teams, with the Spurs having claimed the first in San Antonio on Oct. 27 without their All-Star point guard. Similar to the Spurs, the Toronto Raptors are tough to cover because they move the ball well and average a low time of possession and seconds per touch.
Notably, the Raptors have been vulnerable at home this year, logging a 16-14 record in Scotiabank Arena. They are an average-to-below-level rebounding team, so the Spurs will have an opportunity to punish them by coming up with extra possessions.
San Antonio Spurs (41-16) at Toronto Raptors (34-24)
Feb. 24, 2026 | 6:30 PM CT
Watch: FanDuel | Listen: WOAI 1200
Spurs injuries: Harrison Ingram (G-League- Two-Way) Out, David Jones Garcia (G-League- Two-Way) Out, Emmanuel Miller (G-League- Two-Way) Out, Mason Plumlee (Return to competition reconditioning) Out
Raptors injuries: Not due until noon CT
What to watch for
The Raptors will be on the second night of a back-to-back, yet they are a fast, long and athletic team that can collapse on the paint quickly, like the Spurs. But teams can have success attacking from the outside, then in. Toronto has poor three-point defense, allowing opponents to make 39.2 percent of wide-open shots, making it the perfect opportunity for the snipers.
Scottie Barnes is Toronto’s biggest player with quick foot speed to put on Victor Wembanyama. He had the second-most defensive minutes on Wemby in their first matchup, and that shouldn’t change on Wednesday. Still, the release point will be too high for him to disrupt, and the Spurs could make life easier for their big man by getting Barnes off of him through an inverted pick-and-roll.
The Raptors only run screen rolls for 17.1 percent of their time on offense. They understand better than most that the pass is faster than the dribble to expose openings, and their offense includes a steady dose of attacking through transition. Notably, they are second in the NBA in potential assists created (53.3).
Could this be Sandro Mamukelashvili’s revenge? He was practically invisible the last time they played, but the public should always be on the lookout for guys who want to remind their old teams of what they are missing. If he gets significant time, he’ll be a threat because defenses usually let him roam while helping on others. This makes him dangerous off the catch. Keep in mind that Mamu has logged double-figure points in five of his last seven games.
Despite Toronto’s eagerness to shut off the lane, they have the bad habit of fouling too often. Castle even got to the line for 14 attempts, making nine, in the first matchup, as well. Don’t be surprised if there’s an encore, or if De’Aaron Fox lives at the line because of his inclination to attack the body.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits at the free-throw line during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena on February 24, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers had one of the more odd streaks come to an end this season. Despite being a very average team for the season, the Lakers were undefeated when leading into the fourth. They also still sported a sterling 16-3 record in clutch games.
Both stats were outliers that took a hit on Tuesday. LA led by one entering the final frame and was in a back-and-forth game down the stretch before losing. While they still have the best win percentage in the league in clutch games, it brings them a little closer to what this team actually is, which is mid.
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron opened the game with 10 points in the first six minutes and looked on pace for a great night. Instead, he was quiet for the next two-and-a-half quarters and missed a free throw late that proved costly. A really promising start turned into a pretty disappointing game.
One of Ayton’s best games in a really long time went to waste. He spent the second quarter punishing the Magic for switching a smaller defender onto him. He was also strong on the boards for most of this one.
While he’s had some standout performances against the Sixers and Clippers since returning from injury, it doesn’t feel like Reaves has really found his rhythm. He was a complete bystander in the first half before hitting some big shots in the second half.
Luka’s night is going to be remembered for the shot he didn’t take at the end of the game, though if his stat line is anything to go off, he would have missed it anyway. It was a pretty inefficient shooting night made better by great playmaking, many of those to Ayton after switches.
But completely passing up the three to win it is just too much to overcome in my books.
LaRavia’s three in the second half of this one was just his second made three since the All-Star break. His 3-point shot absolutely cratering this season has been a really tough blow.
Grade: D
Maxi Kleber
11 minutes, 3 rebounds, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, +1
With Hayes out, Kleber got some short stints in this one. Orlando’s size in the front court was a pretty tough matchup.
Another player whose night might be defined by the shot he didn’t make. Rui had a chance late to put the Lakers up after Luka found him open in the corner for three. The shot wasn’t even close.
It overshadowed him hitting a pretty big three two minutes prior, but even then, it was too quiet of a night from Rui.
Kennard has had a pretty funny start to his Lakers career. Most viewed him as a 3-point weapon when the Lakers acquired him, yet he didn’t take a single shot from range on Tuesday. So far, he’s taken 22 twos and 16 threes with the Lakers.
His shots are going in at a crazy clip (65.8%) so you can’t complain too much. It’s just not been what anyone expected.
Vando’s minutes are going down again and so is his impact, creating a chicken-and-the-egg conundrum. So long as teams can sag off Vando and force him to shoot threes, the more his minutes will fluctuate based on matchup.
Grade: D
JJ Redick
Redick drew up a couple of plays late that led to open threes to take the lead. One was an airball and one wasn’t even taken. The Lakers had no answer for Paolo Banchero defensively and the zone defense was a mess at times.
The default trade deadline for Yahoo fantasy basketball leagues is March 5. With only about one week left to make deals, now is the time to get your roster ready for a playoff run. Let's discuss some players to consider buying, selling or holding onto in fantasy basketball based on their current situations.
Buy
Bennedict Mathurin, Los Angeles Clippers
Early returns suggest that Mathurin is one of the biggest winners of the trade deadline. He was on a Pacers team that had among the worst records in the league and was already starting to rest key players to try and improve its lottery odds. Had he stayed on the team, we might not have seen much of him in March and April. Now, he's on a Clippers team that is well on its way to making the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference.
With James Harden now in Cleveland and Darius Garland (toe) considered week-to-week, the Clippers need Mathurin's scoring. He hasn't let them down, averaging 22.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 3-pointers over his first five games with the team. That's despite him only shooting 25.0% from 3. For the season, he shoots 35.8% from behind the arc. Now is the time to try to acquire Mathurin for a playoff push.
Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns
Green has seen his season limited by a recurring hamstring injury. He has been limited to just 11 games and has only averaged 20 minutes across them. With him playing so infrequently, he has averaged just 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He has had a difficult time getting into a groove, shooting 36.9% from the field and 71.4% from the free-throw line.
Despite his horrific campaign, there have been some promising signs for Green lately. He has played six of the last seven games for the Suns, which included a game against the Magic in which he logged 37 minutes. With Dillon Brooks (hand) out for at least four weeks, the Suns need Green to play more and help lead their scoring attack. Those who currently roster him might be frustrated to the point where he can be had in a trade for a discount.
Sell
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were one of the biggest sellers at the trade deadline. Their new disjointed roster has contributed to them losing 10 straight games. Their chances of making the Play-In Tournament are slipping away, with the Hornets and Bucks having passed them in the standings. At this point, the Bulls would probably like to rack up losses to help improve their lottery odds.
If the Bulls want to lose games, one way to do that is by limiting Giddey's minutes. He has appeared in four games since returning from a hamstring injury, but didn't top 27 minutes in any of them. He hasn't played at least 30 minutes in a game since the day after Christmas. His overall numbers for the season are excellent, so try to sell high on him now before more limitations come his way. Rest days could also be in the near future.
DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings
The Kings have the worst record in the NBA. Domantas Sabonis (knee) and Zach LaVine (finger) are out for the rest of the season, leaving DeRozan as the last man standing from their top trio. The veteran has played in 59 games, putting him on pace to appear in at least 70 games for the fifth straight season. However, his production is down with him averaging 18.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
As the Kings continue to flounder, DeRozan has averaged just 26 minutes over their last eight games. They are getting blown out often, which has contributed to him sitting out significant portions of the fourth quarter. That could be a trend that continues, so even if the Kings don't flat-out sit him, more muted stat lines could be coming. If anyone in your league is willing to give up something of value for him, it might be wise to make the deal.
Hold
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have won nine games in a row to not only grab hold of the second seed in the Western Conference, but also put them within striking distance of the Thunder for the top spot. They have beaten up some weak teams during their winning streak, including two games against the Mavericks, one against the Kings and one against the injury-riddled Warriors. With them blowing out so many teams, Castle has only averaged 24 minutes over his last eight games.
When the Spurs were locked into a close game against the Pistons on Monday, Castle produced 16 points, four rebounds, 11 assists, one steal and one block over 30 minutes. Don't let his recent muted stat lines cloud your judgment. He's still a very valuable fantasy option who should get back on track as the Spurs play in more competitive games.
RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors
Coming off the best campaign of his career, injuries have put a damper on Barrett this season. He has appeared in only 34 games. He was also on minute restrictions when he initially returned from a couple of ailments, which has contributed to him averaging a career low of 29 minutes.
The good news is, despite his limitations, Barrett averages 18.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 3-pointers, while shooting 47.3% from the field. In three of the last five games, he logged at least 30 minutes. The other two were blowouts, which could have contributed to his limited run. The Raptors are fighting for seeding in the Eastern Conference, so rest days won't be an issue for Barrett. His best stretch could be ahead of him, so don't trade him away at a discount now.
LOS ANGELES — As Alijah Arenas walked off the Pauley Pavilion court after picking up his third foul just four minutes into the second half of USC's rivalry game against UCLA on Tuesday night, he slammed his hands on the bench in frustration.
It was that kind of night for Arenas, and that kind of night for the Trojans in general as they lost, 81-62, to their archrivals. And maybe that kind of season.
USC was ice cold from the floor all night, struggling to find any real offensive contribution from anyone other than Chad Baker-Mazara, who led the team with 25 points. His 14 points in the first half made him the only Trojan to that point with more than two made field goals. Arenas had four points in the first — all from the free-throw line — in only nine minutes after picking up two early fouls.
It was a game that USC simply could not afford to lose as one of the first four teams out in USA TODAY Sports' latest Bracketology. The Trojans now drop their fourth consecutive Big Ten game, and second consecutive Quad 1 matchup after blowing a late lead to Oregon on Saturday.
Even with the bumps expected since making his freshman debut in late January — five months after tearing his right meniscus practice in July — Arenas continues to flash the potential that made him a five-star recruit and potential lottery pick entering the season.
If it doesn't show in the stat sheet, it shows in the little things: dribbling out of double teams, getting to the line, grabbing boards and setting his teammates up for open looks. Arenas also added six points down the final stretch to finish the game as the only Trojan besides Baker-Mazara to score in double figures.
Here's how Alijah Arenas fared in Tuesday's loss to UCLA:
Feb 24, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) dunks the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images
After a disappointing home loss to the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers, the Minnesota Timberwolves begin their trifecta of matchups during a west coast road trip with the Portland Trail Blazers, who will be without Shaedon Sharpe and first-time all-star Deni Avdija. Minnesota started the break with a home win against the Mavericks, but followed it up with a dreadful battle against the Sixers.
Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid return to the lineup after missing the previous game due to suspension and injury, respectively. The front-court troops were thin on Sunday, and having two key pieces back should help them a lot with the impending matchup. Rudy Gobert will have his hands full with Donovan Clingan, who has been playing extremely well as of late and is a massive presence down low and on the glass. It’s a great opportunity for the Wolves to recollect and start this interesting road trip against very competitive teams with a bang.
The game opened with the arena seeming a little bit hazy, but it did not seem to impact either team as it was a close one throughout, with Minnesota holding a slight edge for the majority of the quarter. The Timberwolves, as they tend to do, had too many turnovers early on, but Ant and Jaden answered the bell to keep the pressure on and maintain the lead.
Kris Murray and Scoot Henderson carried the Blazers’ scoring load early, for a team bereft of scorers with the absence of Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe. Jaden McDaniels stole the show in the first, hitting three 3s and adding an insane four blocks to his stat line. The Timberwolves used Slim’s dominance to hold a 33-27 lead in the first.
Julius Randle began the second quarter off on a sour note, picking up the third foul that forced him out of the game early in the second. A lightning-quick 8-0 run spurred by Donte DiVincenzo helped Minnesota to grow the lead, but Portland was able to slow the game down by drawing fouls and making their free throws to stay within striking distance.
Jaden McDaniels continued to wreak havoc, and Anthony Edwards answered every Blazers bucket with one of their own. Ant was nearly flawless in the first 24 minutes; he shot 8/12 with 25 points, including 4/8 from beyond the arc. Despite shooting well and seemingly having control over much of the second quarter, Minnesota only led 62-59 at the break.
The Trail Blazers came out swinging in the third in what would be a tug-of-war frame with both sides having their moments. Jaden McDaniels continued his awe-inspiring dominance on both ends to help the Wolves take a larger edge a couple of times throughout the third, but Minnesota wasn’t able to keep the momentum going as the Blazers kept fighting their way back in it with offensive rebounds and a boost of Scoot Henderson energy. Donte DiVincenzo ended a lackluster third quarter from the Timberwolves with a bang, ripping the ball away from Scoot Henderson and going in for a slam to give Minnesota the slight 96-94 edge.
Another nail-biter was in store for the Minnesota Timberwolves after allowing the shorthanded Blazers to stay in the game. The fourth quarter was no different, with both teams throwing punches trying to gain the upper hand. For the start of the quarter, the Timberwolves were getting killed on the offensive glass and allowing the Trail Blazers to get extra opportunities.
That’s when Coach Finch turned to Rudy Gobert. Rudy had a dominant fourth quarter, controlling the glass, contesting shots, and most importantly, rebounding Ant’s misses as he went cold down the stretch. Gobert controlled the game and helped the Timberwolves to score points in the clutch when their usual ace in the hole was a bit off line.
We’ve seen these types of performances by Jaden McDaniels in the past – uber-efficient, lockdown defense on the perimeter and at the rim, closed out by his bounce dunk that is nearly patented at this point. This was another chapter in the long book of awe-inspiring McDaniels performances. He scored 29 points on 12/16 shooting, added six rebounds, five blocks, and three steals. Definition of stuffing the stat sheet.
Fans have gotten used to Jaden’s stoic coldness as he wreaks havoc on opponents’ shots and dashes their dreams of coming out with a victory. While we can all appreciate that, it is fun to see a little flair in his emphatic dunk that can and should call attention to a performance that deserves its (Portland) roses.
Anthony Edwards on Jaden McDaniels: This man right here in this game he supposed to have 40 tonight, he back home in front of the home crowd….The fam right here. He back at the crib. He went ham man. (Jaden possibly covering his mouth with a towel so he doesn't show his big… pic.twitter.com/DeZwDjYw3s
Minnesota let the Trail Blazers hang around for a lot longer than they should have. When this happens, the less talented team starts to feel themself. One of the worst ways that this can manifest is by hounding the offensive glass. The best way to make up a talent deficit is to shoot more shots, which usually come easier off an offensive rebound.
As the fourth quarter started, that was exploited – the Trail Blazers were getting multiple shots per possession, and one was bound to find its way into the hoop. That is when Chris Finch turned to Rudy Gobert. Rudy understood the assignment: end possessions. But he had a much larger impact than that. Gobert not only helped keep the massive Donovan Clingan off the boards, while ending Portland’s offensive possessions after one shot, but he also impacted every drive that they had during the stretch.
This led to runouts and an easier time managing Portland’s pressure. Finally, Anthony Edwards went on a cold streak to close this one. When your alpha doesn’t have it, things can get scary. Rudy Gobert took it upon himself to help gut out those offensive possessions.
He attacked the offensive glass and generated extra possessions while also finishing plays himself (including a 2/2 trip to the free throw line). Rudy’s ability to control games in this way is big-time, and a big reason they finished this game with a win.
Just some monster plays from Rudy Gobert on both ends down the stretch.
The Timberwolves will face off against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers in another late 9 PM CT tipoff on Thursday night. This will be another nationally televised game on Prime Video, but also available on Fanduel Sports Network.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 34 points and made five 3-pointers to help the Minnesota Timberwolves hold off the Portland Trail Blazers 124-121 on Tuesday night, their fourth win in their last five games.
Jaden McDaniels added 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks for the Timberwolves.
Donte DiVincenzo had 19 points and made five 3-pointers, and Julius Randle had 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Rudy Gobert scored just 10 points but had 19 rebounds and changed the game defensively.
Jrue Holiday led the Blazers with 22 points. Jerami Grant had 18 points, and Donovan Clingan scored 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.
Scoot Henderson had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench.
It was a tight, physical, back-and-forth affair with 15 lead changes, but Minnesota’s 3-point shooting (17 of 35) was enough to hold off the Blazers, who were 14 of 35 from deep.
Up next
Trail Blazers: Face the Bulls in Chicago on Thursday night.
Timberwolves: Face the Clippers in Los Angeles on Thursday night.
Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. loses control of the ball while being guarded by LeBron James and Deandre Ayton in the first half. (Caroline Brehman / Associated Press)
In a topsy-turvy fourth quarter, the Lakers came up short when LeBron James missed a last-second shot that sent them to a 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic had 22 points to lead the Lakers but was just eight for 24 from the field and two for 10 from three-point range. He was wide open behind the arc after taking the inbounds pass in the closing seconds, but he didn't shoot, passing to James with the clock running down.
James took a turnaround three that missed. He finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The lead went back and forth most of the fourth quarter, each play more important than the previous one, each moment more intense, each possession more meaningful.
When Rui Hachimura drilled a three-pointer from the corner off a pass from Doncic for a 106-103 lead with 2 minutes 14 seconds left, the Lakers (34-23) looked to be in pretty good shape.
But Magic star Paolo Banchero scored in the paint, giving him a game-high 36 points, and was fouled by Deandre Ayton. Banchero missed the free throw, leaving the Lakers ahead 106-105 with 1:18 left.
James went to work in the post over the smaller Anthony Black, drawing a foul. But James made just one of two free throws for a 107-105 lead
Magic guard Desmond Bane (22 points) answered with a three-pointer for a 108-107 lead that forced the Lakers to call a timeout with 34.6 seconds left.
Hachimura missed a three but the Lakers retained possession, and on the ensuing inbounds play Doncic found James cutting down the lane for a dunk for a 109-108 Lakers lead.
Banchero missed a jumper, but Wendell Carter Jr. grabbed the rebound and scored for a 110-109 Orlando lead with 6.7 seconds left. The Magic finished with 12 offensive rebounds.
The Lakers called another timeout and had one last opportunity, but this time they couldn’t get a good shot and time expired.
The good news was the Lakers sawa more engaged Ayton, a more active big man, a more involved player.
Doncic passed the ball inside to Ayton in the midpost early in the third quarter and watched his big center turn and shot over a smaller defender. Ayton missed the shot, but he collected the rebound and scored on a layup.
Ayton had 17 points on six-for-eight shooting and six rebounds in the first half and 21 points for the game to go along with 13 rebounds.
Doncic went down late in the first quarter after getting poked in his eye by Mo Wager, a red mark developing beneath his eye. Doncic stayed down for a while before eventually getting up with one minute and 59 seconds left in the first.
On the very next possession, Doncic drilled a three-pointer, a sign that his vision was clear.
He finished the first quarter with 11 points on four-for-eight shooting, four rebounds and four assists.
After the end of the first, Doncic went to the Lakers’ locker room, but he returned to the bench early in the second quarter.
Early in that second quarter, the Lakers displayed hustle and defense.
James ran down Anthony Black and blocked his shot off the backboard. Banchero got the rebound, but he had his shot blocked by a hustling Marcus Smart.
The Lakers started the third quarter by giving their fans a highlight moment.
It began with Ayton getting the defensive rebound and passing the ball to James, who then whipped the ball to Austin Reaves and filled the lane on the fast break.
Reaves threw a lob to James for a dunk, bringing the crowd to its feet.
The Lakers even opened a 12-point lead in the third quarter, their defense on point and their offense looking good.
But the Magic didn’t stop coming after the Lakers.
Orlando closed out the third quarter hard and got to within 80-79 entering the fourth.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 24, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For the first time this season, the Lakers lost when leading after three quarters, falling to the Magic at home on Tuesday, 110-109. A putback layup from Wendell Carter Jr. after a missed jumper from Paolo Banchero with 6.7 seconds left put Orlando up.
Luka Dončić had a chance to win the game with a three, but hesitated, allowing the defense to recover, forcing a pass to LeBron James whose off-balance shot missed at the buzzer..
LA led for the near entirety of the first three quarters, building a 12-point lead in the second and third quarters. However, a huge game by Paolo Banchero and big fourth quarter from Desmond Bane made it a tight game down the stretch.
The Magic crushed the Lakers in second-chance opportunities, scoring 15 points on 13 offensive rebounds.
The game began with LeBron James setting the tone with 10 points, including two triples. Deandre Ayton was the next highest scorer with four points. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane combined for eight points for the Magic.
LA built a lead of seven. Orlando then responded well, cutting Los Angeles’ lead down to two.
Carter Jr.’s nine points helped the Magic trim the deficit. The Lakers had no answer for him, allowing him to have a free path to the rim.
Luke Kennard scored a quick four points off the bench after entering the game. Los Angeles held off Orlando on the shoulders of Luka Dončić, who was now in double figures with 11 points. At the end of the first, the purple and gold were up by eight.
Good 1st Q overall against an ORL team that's won 5 of 7 despite missing Wagner/Suggs.
LA's up 33-25, with LeBron/Luka combining for 21 points, and Luke Kennard adding 6 off the bench.
Lakers shooting 60% to ORL's 41.7%; LA does have 5 TO's to 1 from ORL.
Tristan da Silva started the second period by converting on a hook shot for the Magic. LA still had no answer for Carter Jr., who was now at 15 points for the half. The Lakers only had three offensive rebounds compared to Orlando’s five.
With 6:20 left until halftime, Austin Reaves was still scoreless on four shot attempts.
Da Silva knocked down two more 3-pointers as he had not missed a shot. Ayton was now the third player in double figures for the Lakers with 15 points. Neither team seemed to have the answer for each other’s centers. Ayton was scoring easily on hook shots.
Luckily for LA, Desmond Bane was 0-5 from behind the arc. Going into halftime, Los Angeles was up by three.
The Lakers lead the Magic 56-53 at the half. Deandre Ayton has been great. He has 17 points. Austin Reaves has been very quiet, he has 0 points and is 0-5 from the field. I'm not sure when the last time that happened was.
Reaves started the third period by converting on a pair of free throws for his first two points of the game. Reaves also connected with LeBron for an impressive alley-oop. After Reaves knocked down a 3-pointer, Orlando had to call a timeout, trailing by 10.
After an uncharacteristically quiet first half scoring wise, Austin Reaves scored 5 points in the first 2 minutes of the 3rd Q, to go with an alley-oop assist to LeBron, that put LA up 63-53 and forced an early Orlando time out.
Out of the break, the Magic missed on a shot from behind the arc. On the other end, Reaves scored on a jumper in the paint. Paolo Banchero scored four in a row to stop some of the bleeding for Orlando.
The Magic cut the deficit down to five with 6:37 left until the fourth.
A quick six straight points for LA put some more cushion on their lead. Orlando answered right back with Banchero continuing to lead the way with 17 points in the quarter, making it a one-point game. He was also 10-10 from the charity stripe.
Los Angeles turned the ball over with seven seconds left, but decent defense on the other end protected their one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Lakers lead the Magic 80-79 entering the fourth quarter. LA has yet to lose this year when leading after three quarters of play.
Marcus Smart started the final frame by converting on a free throw. Bane responded by knocking down a pair of jumpers, giving Orlando their first lead since the first quarter.. LeBron ended that lead with a jump shot.
Reaves put Los Angeles back in the lead with a layup.
It was Bane’s quarter as he scored another five points, putting the Magic back ahead. Reaves aggressive play was helping keep the Lakers from falling apart. He tied the game after completing a three-point play.
Jonathan Isaac was left wide-open for an easy slam to retake the lead for Orlando,
The Lakers were shooting 50% from the field in the quarter, while the Magic were shooting 58%. After Orlando went up by five, Los Angeles responded with five straight points to tie the game.
Both teams were battling hard and exchanging the lead. Luka was having a tough offensive game, but suddenly turned the jets on, converting on two big-time shots.
Lakers-Magic going bucket for bucket in the fourth.
With 1:25 left, LA was nursing a three-point lead until Banchero converted on a layup to cut it to one again. Luka was then fouled from behind the arc; Orlando challenged the call and won. It led to a jump ball, which the Lakers won.
LeBron was then fouled with 44 seconds left in regulation, splitting the free throws to put LA up two. Bane knocked down a 3-pointer on the other end that put the Magic up by one with 34 seconds left.
Hachimura missed a triple, but Los Angeles got the ball back and LeBron dunked to give the Lakers the lead back. On the other end, Carter Jr. grabbed the offensive rebound and converted on a layup to give them the lead again.
LA had 6.7 seconds left to get the win, but they fumbled it with Luka passing up an open 3-pointer to pass to LeBron, who had to take a bad shot that he missed.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and 15 assists. LeBron notched 21 points with six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ayton pitched in with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Reaves had a slow offensive game with 18 points. Kennard scored nine points off the bench. Hachimura ended with 10 points.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday at 6:00 PM PT.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 24: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 24, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors got back in the loss column on Tuesday, losing 113-109 to the New Orleans Pelicans. It was an odd game, and it wasn’t clear whether the Warriors should be favored or not. They were facing a very bad Pelicans team, but New Orleans was fairly healthy, and even welcomed Dejounte Murray back after more than a year on the sidelines. Golden State, meanwhile, was playing without Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler III, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Al Horford.
It was a very ugly first half, with the Warriors unable to buy a bucket. It looked for a while like they would get blown out, but they came roaring back in the second half, and took the lead. Then they lost their rhythm down the stretch, and the Pelicans took control in the final moments.
Let’s grade the shorthanded squad that came up just short against old friend Jordan Poole. As always, grades are based on my expectations for each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player.
Note: True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. Entering Tuesday’s games, league average TS was 57.9%.
Moody stepped up in a huge way this game, just as he did on Sunday. After a few games looking a little slow and sluggish, he’s starting to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him. His shot was nice in this one, and his defense was solid, even though he almost fouled out. But what I really loved was the way he used the threat of his jump shot to attack … he took three shots inside the arc and drew eight free throws, and that was fantastic to see.
Grade: A Post-game bonus: Best plus/minus on the team.
It’s been a while since a Warrior played 39 minutes in a game, but if anyone can do it, it’s the endless ball of energy that is Santos. That energy mostly did good things. The 12 rebounds speak for themselves, and Santos was frequently leaping around the court, keeping a possession alive or saving a ball from going out of bounds. The five stocks certainly speaks to his activity level.
The energy sometimes did bad things, though. Six turnovers is way too many, as is five fouls, though some grace is afforded given how shorthanded the team was. Overall, it was a chaotic game from Gui, but he did more good than harm, especially considering the circumstances of the roster.
A pretty solid Dray game which, honestly, we hadn’t really seen in a while. He played really strong defense on Zion Williamson, who scored 26 points but needed 21 shots and five free throws to get there, while having his playmaking shut down. Some really nice passes from Dray, as well.
Grade: B+ Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists.
There were points in this game where Melton was the only Warrior capable of getting a bucket. When no one else could score early, he was dropping it shots. He continued to be able to get looks all through the game, though his efficiency fell off rather dramatically. He was the team’s top scorer, but didn’t score very efficiently, and turned the ball over as often as he passed out an assist (though much of that was due to his teammates missing shots).
He had the highlight of the game on a massive dunk, and was a reminder as to the value of being able to get a bucket, even when the efficiency isn’t great. Especially with Curry out.
Spencer couldn’t get much going in this game. It was an especially rough first half for him, though he came out of the gates in the third quarter with some big plays. But mostly, he struggled.
With Horford resting, Porziņģis sick, and Trayce Jackson-Davis in Toronto, Post was the only true center that the Warriors had. And he played like one. His signature three wasn’t falling, so he took up a more old school game. He scored in the paint, going 3-for-4, gobbled up nine rebounds in just 23 minutes, and played strong interior defense. It was fun to see!
As we’ve grown accustomed to, Richard played some strong perimeter defense. Unfortunately, that’s about all he did. That’s not strictly a bad thing: it’s still impressive for a rookie to play more than 17 minutes and be comfortable not taking a single shot. But he just didn’t provide an impact in any area of the game, except on some defensive possessions.
Grade: C Post-game bonus: Worst plus/minus on the team.
My goodness, what has gotten into Podziemski on the glass? That’s now 15 boards in back-to-back games for the diminutive (by NBA standards) guard. Pretty magnificent stuff.
He struggled to score, but I liked a lot of the things he did on offense, the shots just weren’t falling. Keep rebounding like that, though, and the shots will eventually fall. Like Santos, Podz’s hustle and energy made good things happen, even where it isn’t statistically reflected.
Grade: B+ Post-game bonus: Led the team in rebounds.
Hey, we might as well shout out Kuminga, who made his Atlanta Hawks debut and thoroughly dominated. Hawks fans are probably feeling really excited right about now. Way to go, JK.
Grade: A+
Tuesday’s DNP-CDs: Malevy Leons
Tuesday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, LJ Cryer, Seth Curry, Steph Curry, Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis, Nate Williams
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) defends New York Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan (20) during the first half at Rocket Arena.
CLEVELAND — Jeremy Sochan’s transition to the Knicks has not gone smoothly on the court as he tries to recover game conditioning and gets comfortable with his teammates.
But he’s confident it will turn around.
“It’s a process. It’s my fourth game here,” Sochan said in an interview with The Post. “So we’ll figure it out. We’ll be good.”
James Harden defends Jeremy Sochan during the first half of the Knicks’ 109-94 blowout loss to the Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Feb. 24, 2025 in Cleveland. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Sochan managed just two rocky minutes in the first half of Tuesday’s 109-94 loss to the Cavaliers, then was benched until garbage time while finishing with no points.
Sochan, who was signed as a free agent during the All-Star break, had been given a rotational opportunity by coach Mike Brown, who said he wanted to give the forward a chance to determine his fit before the playoffs.
But Sochan’s third-quarter shift Tuesday went to rookie Mohamed Diawara, who had been surging before Sochan’s signing but struggled in Cleveland while missing three of his four 3-point attempts.
“It’s my first time adjusting to a different dynamic,” said Sochan, who spent his first three full seasons with the Spurs. “So it’s going to take some time to figure out and, of course, I haven’t been in a lot of game shape. So altogether there are going to [be] ups and downs. But I’m blessed and excited to be in this situation. And I truly believe I can add to this team.”
In four appearances, Sochan is averaging one point and one rebound in 7.5 minutes.
“I think it’s just learning how everyone wants to play. The vibe on the team and all those sorts of things,” Sochan said about his biggest adjustment. “And I think it’s pretty easy for me to learn the playbook. But now it’s learning everybody’s tendencies. What they like and what don’t like. Just trying to figure out that part. That’s offense and defense, too.”
Jeremy Sochan rises up for a layup attempt during the Knick’ road loss to the Cavaliers. NBAE via Getty Images
Fitness was also a hurdle after spending most of this season on the bench with the Spurs.
“[Tuesday] I felt a little better than Chicago [on Sunday] and the other two games. There’s nothing you can really do to get into game shape,” Sochan said. “That’s a whole different story. But it only takes a few games and then you start feeling better.”
Kenny Atkinson isn’t focused on beating the Knicks in the playoffs because he doesn’t want to make the same mistake as last season, when his top-seeded Cavs were prepping for a Celtics showdown but got upset in the second round by the Pacers.
“You have to be careful. I know last year we were thinking ‘Boston, Boston, Boston,’ and we got Indiana,” Atkinson said Tuesday. “I thought, ‘We’ve got to beat Boston.’ As a head coach, I do keep an eye on what those teams are doing, the Knicks or Boston, teams that are in our wheelhouse. Detroit, I’ll keep an eye on. But I think it’s a mistake just to focus on one team because the roulette wheel could just drop on another team.
“I’m aware of what’s going on with those teams more than, say, teams at the end of the standings.”
The Knicks and Cavs entered the season as favorites in the East but the Pistons and Celtics emerged as surprising top two seeds nearing the end of February.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: (L-R) Team Owner Ryan Smith of the Utah Jazz talks with CEO Danny Ainge and President of Basketball Operations Austin Ainge during warmups before their game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Delta Center on January 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Things move quickly in the NBA news cycle. It’s been a few weeks since the Utah Jazz were chosen to be the scapegoats for Adam Silver’s terrible plan to flatten lottery odds in 2019. Instead of the flattened odds preventing tanking, they made it worse by incentivizing middle-lottery teams to lose more. Utah had to adjust to Silver’s incompetence to do what was best for the Jazz. Just like Utah was worse off because of Silver’s decision-making, ESPN is now worse off as well.
The Utah Jazz are “old news” now, everyone is slowly forgetting the big story a few weeks ago. Everyone but the Jazz, that is. And you can count on the Jazz not forgetting anytime soon. If you haven’t noticed, there have been some news stories recently involving the Utah Jazz, but the reporters have been different.
When the Jazz traded for Jaren Jackson Jr., it wasn’t Shams Charania who broke the news, it was Chris Haynes.
BREAKING: Utah Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. is likely to miss the remainder of the season to undergo surgery on his left knee to ensure his longterm health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered post trade, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/pHeJT8NphE
When the news that Jusuf Nurkic was out for the season due to nose surgery broke, it was Haynes, not Charania, who broke it again.
BREAKING: Utah Jazz starting center Jusuf Nurkić will undergo a surgical procedure on his nose Wednesday that will sideline him for the remainder of the season, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/MFYjY333GU
And it’s not just breaking news stories that are now being sent to different reporters, relationships are being cut off as well. On his podcast on February 13, Brian Windhorst said he was done talking about tanking, that the Jazz are an organization of “good people” just trying to do what’s best for their team. He talked about not wanting to talk about tanking anymore because he didn’t want to ruin any more relationships, like the one he apparently had with Utah.
It may seem like a small thing to some, but those relationships matter. Utah is a part of interconnected relationships and is a contact that can provide news and rumors. Now, that’s gone. Hope it was worth it for a week of bullying a small market team. And in all honesty, this might not be the only team. The Pacers have to be frustrated as well, and it appears they may be looking to fire back at Silver and ESPN, also.
Rick Carlisle was recently on the radio and said the league asked the Pacers to consider medicating Aaron Nesmith so he could play in the game they were fined for sitting out players.
The league asking if the Pacers would consider medicating Aaron Nesmith so that he could play in the game that they were fined for sitting out players seems like a massive overreach. Absurd. https://t.co/2MlvhjWLTN
Adam Silver could not look worse. He apparently wants to force teams to play injured players now? It seems insane, considering the issues the league is having with players going down with injuries. Just another example of horrible leadership from Adam Silver and the NBA. The question that comes from this is, what are the stories we don’t know about?
One thing you can bet is that these leaks and changes would not have happened had Adam Silver not put out some sort of bat signal to bully the Jazz and Pacers. Now, he gets even more bad press, and those reporters who salivate over access are now without the most important thing a reporter needs: sources.
Hope it was worth it, ESPN and Adam Silver, you can bet that Utah and Indiana will not forget, and no doubt if a vote ever comes to remove Adam Silver, you can count on two teams being involved.
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Micah Robinson scored 20 points, Xavier Edmonds added 17 and TCU rolled to a 90-78 victory over Arizona State on Tuesday night.
TCU took the lead for good with about six minutes to play before halftime led by as many as 18 points in the second half.
Edmonds and Robinson each made three of TCU's eight 3-pointers. Brock Harding shot just 1 of 10 from the floor but made 8 of 11 free throws and finished with 10 points and distributed 11 assists for the Horned Frogs. Tanner Toolson added 12 points and Liutauras Lelevicius scored 10.
TCU (18-10, 8-7 Big 12) has won five of its last six and four straight against Arizona State (14-14, 5-10).
Maurice Odum scored 21 points and had 10 assists to lead the Sun Devils. Anthony Johnson added 18 points and Massamba Diop 13.
Edmonds scored 14 points and Lelevicius added nine to help TCU take a 33-30 lead to halftime. With 13:30 left, TCU started a 9-0 surge for a 58-46 lead and the Horned Frogs held a double-digit advantage for most of the remainder.
