Draymond reveals Steph gave him ‘night night' tips before Bucks game

Draymond reveals Steph gave him ‘night night' tips before Bucks game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green always takes notes, even when it comes to perfecting Warriors superstar Steph Curry’s iconic “night night” celebration.

Green took his first shot at mimicking his teammate’s celly after a game-sealing dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 8. The Warriors forward hit the pose from baseline to baseline in true Draymond Green fashion.

While it certainly was iconic in its own right, the master of the celly, Curry himself, couldn’t help but share some pointers with his teammate.

And that eventually carried over into the second and latest “night night” celebration from Green, who whipped it out with 25 seconds remaining in the Warriors’ 97-94 win over the New York Knicks last Saturday.

“Here’s what I will say: everything I do I do aggressively,” Green said on “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.”
“My shoulders come up. If you watch Steph, Steph shoots the ball and it goes through, he’s just going to do it like this. When I do anything, my shoulders do this, I’m tense. The first time I did the ‘night night,’ which was after the Rudy Gobert play when I dunked, I hit the ‘night night’ and it was way up here. It was aggressive as hell.

“Now, Steph gave me notes after that one, and he said it was a little aggressive, you were too high up, you got to come down a little. So I took notes. What I will say is on that one, I think my hands were a little lower, I learned to drop that down a little more.”

You be the judge, Dub Nation. Did Green correct his flaws the second time around?

Curry seems to think so.

“[Green] has evolved his version of it since the Minnesota game earlier in the year,” Curry told reporters. “He’s softened it a little bit. He’s brought it down to where a pillow is supposed to really be. I realized he does everything aggressive and with his whole body.

“I’m giving that a solid A-minus effort on the “night night” tonight. That was beautiful.”

While Green is well on his way to perfecting the “night night,” or what his teammates have twisted into something more fitting for Green, “The Nightmare,” he also figures it might be time to craft his own celebration given how well he’s been playing as of late.

“I’ve had a couple ‘night night’ moments over the last week and a half, so maybe I need to come up with my own celebration,” Green said. “But I love paying homage to the GOAT, Steph.”

At least we know if Green plans to do the “night night” — or some variation of it — again this season, third time will be the charm.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Rockets vs. Heat Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 21

It’s Friday, March 21, and the Houston Rockets (45-25) and Miami Heat (29-40) are all set to square off from Kaseya Center in Miami.

The Rockets are currently 19-14 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Heat have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. Miami won the only meeting of the season 104-100.

Houston is riding an eight-game winning streak entering this contest, while Miami is on a nine-game losing streak.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Rockets vs. Heat live today

  • Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
  • Time: 8:00PM EST
  • Site: Kaseya Center
  • City: Miami, FL
  • Network/Streaming: NBA TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Rockets vs. Heat

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Rockets (-206), Heat (+171)
  • Spread:  Rockets -5.5
  • Over/Under: 213 points

That gives the Rockets an implied team point total of 108.35, and the Heat 105.49.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s Rockets vs. Heat game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Rockets against the Heat:

"Houston has won eight straight games, while Miami has lost the past nine. Miami won the only meeting of the season in Houston, so I like the Rockets to get revenge while they are hot. It's Houston or pass."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Rockets & Heat game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Miami Heat at +5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 213.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Rockets vs. Heat on Friday

  • The Heat are on a 6-game win streak at home to the Rockets
  • The Over is 7-3 in the Heat's and the Rockets' last 5 games combined
  • The Rockets have covered in 5 of their 8 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division teams this season
  • The Heat have won 10 of their last 12 home matchups against the Rockets

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

Magic vs. Wizards Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 21

It’s Friday, March 21, and the Orlando Magic (32-38) and Washington Wizards (15-53) are all set to square off from Capital One Arena in Washington.

The Magic are currently 14-21 on the road with a point differential of -2, while the Wizards have a 2-8 record in their last ten games at home. Orlando has won both meetings this season by 20 and 27 points. This is the third of four matchups.

Washington lost the past two games and four of the previous six, while Orlando is 3-3 in the previous six contests.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Magic vs. Wizards live today

  • Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
  • Time: 7:00PM EST
  • Site: Capital One Arena
  • City: Washington, DC
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Magic vs. Wizards

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Magic (-309), Wizards (+247)
  • Spread:  Magic -7.5
  • Over/Under: 216 points

That gives the Magic an implied team point total of 110.83, and the Wizards 106.92.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s Magic vs. Wizards game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Magic to cover:

"In two meetings this year, Orlando did not play with its food one bit when it came to Washington. With two 20-plus point wins, the Magic should earn another double-digit victory against the Wizards if they want to stay in the play-in tournament. Orlando currently sits as the No. 8 seed and Washington is ahead of Utah for the worst record in the NBA, something they're likely to hold onto. It's Magic or pass."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Magic & Wizards game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Orlando Magic on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Washington Wizards at +7.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 216.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Magic vs. Wizards on Friday

  • The Magic have won their last 3 matchups against divisional opponents
  • Each of the Magic's last 8 games at the Wizards have gone over the Total
  • The Magic have covered in 4 of their last 5 road games
  • The Magic have won 8 straight games against the Wizards

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacts to change in team ownership

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacts to change in team ownership originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics will have a new owner soon.

An investment group led by Massachusetts native Bill Chisholm — the managing director and co-founder of private equity firm Symphony Technology Group — has agreed to purchase a majority of the team at a $6.1 billion valuation.

Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck will stay on as CEO and governor of the team through the 2027-28 season.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacted to the news in an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand show Friday morning.

“I just spoke to (Chisholm) yesterday, briefly, but that was a good conversation,” Mazzula said.

“I think it’s two-fold, right? I think you’re grateful for what our ownership has done up until this point, and it kind of goes back to what we’ve always talked about is, the Celtics have always been in great hands. And the people who have either coached, played, owned it and been a part of it have left it in a better place.

“I think Wyc and (Steve Pagliuca) have done that, and now we transition into Bill and his group and Wyc still being there, but it’s great that we have someone that is from the area and has a passion and commitment to just keep pushing the Celtics forward and trying to make it the best it can be. He shares that, and I’m looking forward to growing our relationship with him.”

The Celtics have won two championships since the Grousbeck family bought the team in 2002, including last year’s league record 18th title in franchise history.

The C’s are in a good position to win another one this season. They entered Friday with a 50-19 record, good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

They start a six-game road trip Friday against the Utah Jazz.

Bronny talked about improvement then on Thursday showed it off scoring 17 on 7-of-10 shooting

Milwaukee Bucks v Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

"I definitely think I've improved, not only as a player, but just having a different mindset as a player to go out and play my game and play the game that I know how to play. I feel really good about it — I see the progress."

Bronny James talked about his improvement, then went out and showed it on Thursday. Going against the Milwaukee Bucks on a night the Lakers were shorthanded (no LeBron James or Luka Doncic), Bronny had a career-high 17 points, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and 2-of-4 on 3-pointers, plus five assists in 30 minutes of action.

That's a career-high for Bronny, but what's more important is the efficiency of his shot. It's a sign of progress (although he was a team-worst -36), which is all the Lakers have asked of him this season. The Lakers drafted Bronny with the No. 55 pick — a spot deep in the draft where few players ever make the league — and locked him up on a cheap contract. He was a project and the Lakers were all in on giving him a chance (even if they drafted him to please LeBron, give Bronny credit for taking advantage of his opportunity and putting in the work).

The issue had been Bronny's handles and shot, and while he has to show he can be this guy consistently, what we saw Thursday was a positive sign. He's not going to get a lot of time on the court once the Lakers get healthy, or in the playoffs, but it's about stacking good days for Bronny and improving his game to the point J.J. Redick has to play him. For Bronny, Thursday was a good day.

The shorthanded Lakers still lost the game to the Bucks 118-89, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way with 28 points.

How Warriors tied franchise history with successful homestand

How Warriors tied franchise history with successful homestand originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There is nothing quite like home.

The Warriors proved that to be true during their recent impressive homestand, in which they went 6-1 and improved to 41-29 on the season.

Golden State’s six wins and one loss over that seven-game stretch tied its franchise record.

The victories came over the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and, most recently, the Toronto Raptors.

Golden State’s lone loss at Chase Center during that near two-week stretch came at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, who pulled off a stunning victory playing without Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.

The momentum came at the perfect time for the Warriors battling to stay in the top-six seed in the wild Western Conference. They currently hold a 1.5-game advantage over the No. 7 Los Angeles Clippers, and they are creeping two games behind the fifth-place Memphis Grizzlies with 12 games remaining in the regular season.

After they wrapped up a successful homestand, the Warriors now will embark on a six-game road trip as the playoff race continues to tighten.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Warriors share positive Steph injury update before six-game road trip

Warriors share positive Steph injury update before six-game road trip originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Take a sigh of relief, Dub Nation.

An MRI on Warriors superstar Steph Curry confirmed he sustained a pelvic contusion but no structural damage, the team shared in a release Friday morning.

Curry won’t travel with the team as it begins a six-game road trip Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, and he has been ruled out of the game.

He will be re-evaluated Monday.

Curry sustained the injury during the third quarter of Golden State’s win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night after he had a scary fall under the basket. The star guard immediately grabbed his lower back in pain and went to Golden State’s locker room shortly after.

The Warriors later ruled Curry out of the game with a pelvic contusion. He finished the game with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting and 2 of 4 from 3-point range.

In Year 16, Curry is averaging 24.2 points on 44.7-percent shooting from the field and 39.4 percent from long-range, with 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals in 32.2 minutes through 60 games this season.

After the Hawks, the Warriors will face the Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers before returning home on April 4 to face the Denver Nuggets.

Entering the road trip, Golden State is 41-29 and sixth in the Western Conference after an impressive 6-1 homestand.

The Heat are 11 games under .500 and on a nine-game losing streak. The Pelicans have a 19-51 record, and the Spurs are just above them in the Western Conference standings.

Golden State has the fourth-easiest remaining schedule in the West, per Tankathon, so the Warriors likely will be extra cautious with their superstar while banking on their other leaders, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, and key role players, to step up in Curry’s indefinite absence to ensure he’s fresh and ready to go come playoff time.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Stephen Curry leaves game after frightening fall, suffers pelvic contusion

Nothing sucks the air out of the Chase Center like Stephen Curry lying on the court in pain.

That's what happened in the third quarter Thursday night against the Raptors when Curry drove the lane, drew the defense, passed out of it, and was hit as he did, landing flat on his back.

After the game, coach Steve Kerr said Curry wanted to re-enter the game, but the medical staff would not allow that. Postgame Curry got an MRI. It should be noted that Curry's back was bothering him earlier in the week, which is why he sat out the game against Milwaukee. Don't be surprised if Curry misses a few games, the Warriors are going to want to slow-play this and make sure there are no lingering issues heading into the playoffs.

The Warriors went on to win 117-114 behind a triple-double from Jimmy Butler (16 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists) plus 21 points from Draymond Green and 17 from Curry before his injury. The Warriors need all the wins they can get to hold on to the No. 6 seed in the West and avoid the play-in.

With LeBron, Luka and Reaves out, Bronny James scores 17 in Lakers' blowout loss

Los Angeles, CA - March 20: Lakers guard Bronny James, #9, right, drives to the hoop.
Lakers guard Bronny James, right, controls the ball in front of Milwaukee guard AJ Green during the Lakers' 118-89 loss Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The sixth game in eight nights for the Lakers meant they were going to have to pay for all the energy they used fighting short handed over the last week.

It meant Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic needed to sit out because of sore ankles, Jarred Vanderbilt had to rest an injured groin and Dorian Finney-Smith was out because of nagging ankle issues. LeBron James also missed his seventh consecutive game because of a groin strain.

So who was in?

“The healthy players are gonna play tonight,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.

Read more:Luka Doncic's hot first quarter sparks Lakers to win over shorthanded Nuggets

That Bronny James is one of the healthy ones, again, is a reminder of how much of his journey is already house money, the Lakers rookie surviving a cardiac arrest less than two years ago.

With the Lakers down to 10 available players against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a 118-89 lopsided loss, Bronny James got his longest runway yet to show the steps he’s taken largely in the shadows of the G League.

James scored a career-high 17 points, sparking the Lakers’ only positive quarter, the second, when the team outscored the Bucks 27-23.

James made seven of 10 from the field along with three rebounds, five assists and three turnovers. He played a season-high 30 minutes for the Lakers (43-26).

The performance caps a stretch where he has been much more comfortable on NBA courts. He has made 15 of his last 26 shots over an eight-game stretch that’s included real rotation minutes twice, including Thursday. Dalton Knecht also scored 17 points.

Antetokounmpo led the Bucks (39-30) with 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Knicks' Josh Hart: 'The way we’re losing games is embarrassing'

Wednesday night's loss to the Spurs was one thing, but to look lifeless against a 17-win Hornets team is another.

That's what the Knicks have to come to terms with after their 115-98 loss to Charlotte on Thursday night. Sure, it was the second of a back-to-back on the road, and New York is trying to find wins without Jalen Brunson on the floor, but how the Knicks played in Charlotte was nothing fans have seen or expected from this team all season.

The Knicks were outworked and outplayed for most of Thursday's game. And Josh Hart has one big concern for his team right now.

"Mental toughness. I think that’s my main concern right now," Hart said after the game. "We can make all the excuses in the world, but there’s highs and lows in the season and no one's 82-0. But the way that we're losing games is embarrassing.

"So, we have to find a way to right the ship. We have to come out next game with more intensity, more desperation. Starts with myself. As someone who's supposed to bring energy. I've been atrocious the last several weeks. So, we have to get our minds prepared for the end of the season."

Hart, who came in averaging 9.7 rebounds a game, came down with just four against the Hornets. That's indicative of how much more the Hornets wanted this game as they outrebounded the Knicks 52-38.

But it wasn't just on the glass, the Knicks shot poorly too. They shot only 40 percent from the field and 10-of-39 from three (25 percent). The Knicks' bench was also outscored 37-11.

The Knicks knew it would be difficult to generate offense without Brunson, and they are now just 3-4 without him, but they have to find ways to stay afloat and can't get down on themselves when shots aren't falling.

"Shots are gonna fall, not fall, whatever that is. In that case, we got to clean up on the defensive end," Miles McBride said. "Make sure we're doing everything we can for them to miss shots and us to rebound because we're a talented team. We're going to end up making shots. It's just got to be on the other end." 

"The defense and the rebounding have to be the constant, so the nights that you're not shooting well you still have a good chance to win," head coach Tom Thibodeau said of his team's performance. "I thought for the most part, there was a lot of unselfish play. We didn't shoot well, but we had 26 assists. Right. And there was low turnover, but I think sometimes when you're missing those types of shots it tends to … you can't allow that to take away from your intensity, or your concentration. The frustration, you have to eliminate."

The team talked about fatigue and how the Knicks' recent brutal schedule has attributed to their slow starts of late, but this group would tell you that it's not something they can accept.

"Like I said, we can make the excuses. We've had a terrible two, two and a half weeks of travel. But all teams go through terrible travel periods during the season. And it's not an excuse," Hart said of the schedule. "If we're right mentally. We win some of these games but we're not doing what it takes.

"We’re not doing the extra effort. We're not giving energy, not giving the right output. We're crying to refs. We got to pick it up."

"It's very uncharacteristic of us to come out the way we did," McBride said. "And we just got to come together and find it. Whatever you have to do. We have to do it."

For the Knicks, they have a few nights to rest in their own beds before their next game. They host the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, looking to put this embarrassing stretch behind them.

New York's loss Thursday coupled with the Pacers' win against the Nets has put the gap between them at only three games. If the Knicks want to hold onto their No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, they'll need to figure things out and fast.

Nets drop second straight with 105-99 OT loss to Pacers

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bennedict Mathurin scored six of his 28 points in overtime and the Indiana Pacers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 105-99 on Thursday night.

Mathurin added a career-high 16 rebounds for the Pacers. Myles Turner added 23 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.

Ziaire Williams and D’Angelo Russell each scored 22 points for Brooklyn.

Indiana trailed 52-42 at halftime and outscored the Nets by four points in the third quarter and six in the fourth to force overtime tied at 91.

In overtime, Mathurin shot 2 for 3 from the field and 2 for 3 from the line.

Takeaways

Nets: Brooklyn’s free-fall continued with the team’s 12th loss in 14 games. Brooklyn led 52-42 at halftime but scored just 39 points in the second half and was outscored 14-8 in overtime.

Pacers: Indiana came through in the clutch without its star point guard and now has won five of six. Tyrese Haliburton missed the game with lower back soreness. It was his third straight missed game, and the Pacers have won them all.

Key moment

Mathurin made three free throws with 14 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 91, leading to overtime.

Key stat

The Pacers outscored the Nets by 14 points at the free throw line, making 27. The Nets hits 13.

Up next

The teams meet again on Saturday, in Indianapolis.

Knicks' road woes continue, bench struggles in 115-98 loss to Hornets

A lot has been made of the Knicks' schedule, and their fatigue, and it showed Thursday as they dropped the second of their back-to-back, 115-98 to the Hornets in Charlotte.

New York could not feed off of the large contingent of Knicks fans in attendance, as they were outplayed and outworked by the Hornets (18-51). The Knicks' offense was once again flat without Jalen Brunson, and the team is now 3-4 without its captain.

Here are the takeaways...

-The Knicks got off to another slow start, missing their first three shots and allowing the Hornets to get out to a 9-2 lead in the opening minutes. But the Knicks would clamp down on defense and get their offense going through OG Anunoby, as they went on a 15-4 run to take the lead for the first time with six minutes to go in the first.

However, the Knicks' offense would go ice cold in the final minutes. The combination of misses and turnovers allowed the Hornets to go on a 12-0 run and end the first on top, 27-19. The Knicks would not score a point over the last five minutes. Anunoby led the Knicks with 10 points, but the offense as a whole was not good. They shot 7-for-20 in the opening frame.

Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic took advantage of the Knicks' lack of size, with Mitchell Robinson not playing due to injury management. Both centers scored six points each and grabbed seven combined rebounds, three offensive.

-The second quarter went a lot like the first, with cold shooting from the Knicks. In the middle of the quarter, the Knicks went without a field goal for four minutes, while the Hornets continued to beat New York on the glass.

Karl-Anthony Towns would hit back-to-back threes to break the Knicks' drought and give the team some life, but New York could not cut more into Charlotte's lead, as they went into halftime down, 54-44.

Only four Knicks scored in the first half, with Miles McBride being the only starter to go scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting. The guard was questionable heading into the game with a groin contusion, but he simply could not find his range. The Knicks bench went a combined 0-for-5 and didn't score a point.

New York was also outrebounded, 27-17, at halftime.

-McBride would find his game early in the third, making his first shots and finding his teammates for early scores. On the defensive end, the Knicks found their intensity just like in Wednesday's game. New York would cut Charlotte's lead to five, but whenever the Knicks made a run, the Hornets would make a timely three or get to the free-throw line.

The Knicks' frustration bubbled over in the waning minutes of the third, when Towns went hard to the basket and thought he had an and-one. The Knicks' center was demonstrative toward the official and was assessed a technical foul. Towns wouldn't shoot his first free throw of the game until 18 seconds left in the third quarter.

-The Knicks' bench was being outscored 32-0 until Cam Payne hit a three with 10:55 left in the game for the bench's first points. It didn't amount to much, as every Knicks run would be extinguished by a Hornets' three or run. With two minutes left in the game and down 18 points, Tom Thibodeau emptied his bench.

-The Hornets outrebounded the Knicks, 52-38, and were better offensively. Charlotte collectively shot 49 percent, including 15-of-32 from three, while the Knicks shot just 40 percent and 10-of-39 from downtown.

Charlotte's bench outscored New York's, 37-11.

Anunoby (25) and Towns (24) led the way for the Knicks, but it was not nearly enough. Josh Hart scored 13 points -- after scoring just two on Wednesday -- but came down with only four rebounds. MIkal Bridges (16 points on 5-of-11 shooting) and McBride (9) rounded out the scoring for the starters. LaMelo Ball had a team-high 25 points for the Hornetts, and went 5-of-10 from three. Williams also finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds (seven offensive).

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks get some much-needed days off before returning to The Garden on Saturday to take on the Washington Wizards. Tip is set for 8 p.m.

What Butler yelled at Draymond after clutch block in Warriors' win

What Butler yelled at Draymond after clutch block in Warriors' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While Draymond Green typically authors the Warriors’ defensive heroics, Jimmy Butler couldn’t pass up an opportunity to remind his Golden State teammate he can do it too.

Butler delivered the play of the game with a clutch block in the final minute of the Warriors’ 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, racing over to Green where the two shared a brief exchange before joining in celebration.

So what exactly did Butler tell the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

“I can do that too,” Butler told reporters when asked what he told Green following the block. “Like I always say, I respect Draymond so much. I definitely respect him because he took 14 [3-pointers] tonight. I love that. He’ll do anything to make sure this squad gets a dub. Whatever you ask him to do, he’s willing to do that. So, I’m glad I can follow suit in that sometimes.”

Butler’s heroics helped stave off a gritty effort from a scrappy Raptors team, propelling the Warriors to a 6-1 homestand as Golden State continues to rack up wins after the addition of its new star wing.

Butler and Green form a dynamic defensive duo that inspires plenty of confidence moving forward as Golden State seeks to make a deep NBA playoff run.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Steph's injury puts Warriors in tough spot even as schedule eases up

Steph's injury puts Warriors in tough spot even as schedule eases up originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – No matter how hard the Warriors practice, how carefully they study video or who they acquire in trade, their fate rests, until further notice, in the same hands that have carried them for 12 seasons.

So, when Stephen Curry landed hard on his backside with 3:24 left in the third quarter, the sellout crowd at Chase Center went library quiet. The Warriors were being pushed around by the lottery-bound Toronto Raptors, and now Curry was face-down on the floor in obvious pain, never to return.

Curry’s departure left the Warriors on their own, lurching through the final 15 minutes before finally massaging their way to a 117-114 victory that was in doubt until the final seconds.

“We decided to be physical, be the more physical team later on in the game,” Jimmy Butler III said. “It’s never too late for that. Then just putting bodies on bodies and going up and getting the loose balls, and getting every rebound, getting some steals, getting some blocks. Then it turns into good things for us offensively.”

The Warriors (41-29) escaped a close call, but Curry’s condition was on everyone’s mind. The initial diagnosis was a “pelvic contusion,” which ended his night and leaves his immediate future subject to closer examination and prognosis.

“He was trying to come back,” coach Steve Kerr said, adding that Curry would undergo an MRI test. “He thought he might be able to come back, and we just decided not to risk anything.”

Draymond Green and Butler covered for Curry. Neither shot well, but they dived into their team leader roles and did the two things that will be absolute requirements to maintain momentum without the team’s offensive engine.

They got crucial stops on defense and valued the ball on offense. Golden State committed two turnovers in the final 15 minutes while forcing seven Toronto giveaways.

“The mentality is just, when Steph’s out of the game, then it’s vitally important that we get stops,” Green said. “So, you just kind of emphasize that. Guys stepped up to the challenge. The offense is never going to be as smooth when he’s not out there.”

The positive single-game outcome notwithstanding, the Warriors are entering the final 12 games of the regular season uncertain about the availability of their most indispensable player.

Regardless how long Curry is out, any chance of the Warriors continuing their stellar play depends on how wide Green and Butler can spread their veteran wings – and how much crisper their younger teammates can perform.

“The message is going to be, whether he’s with us or whether he’s not – hopefully he is,” Butler said of Curry. “But if he isn’t, that’s just more perfect basketball that we’re going to have to play. We can’t afford to turn the ball over. We can’t afford to foul because we don’t have the one individual that can, like, automatically get us back into the game.”

If there is a silver lining, it is this: Golden State will spend another 11 days tucked into the most exploitable portion of their remaining schedule. Having disposed of the 24-46 Raptors to close a 6-1 homestand, the Warriors go on the road this weekend knowing their next four opponents are reeling.

They’re at Atlanta (33-36) on Saturday, at Miami (29-40, nine consecutive losses) in Butler’s return next Tuesday, at New Orleans (19-51) on March 28 and at San Antonio (29-39) on March 30. The Warriors won’t see another winning team until April 1 at Memphis.

Which isn’t to suggest this will be as easy it would seem – with or without Curry.

Six Warriors scored in double figures against Toronto, with Green leading with 21 points. Quinten Post 18, Curry 17, Jonathan Kuminga and Butler 16 apiece and Brandin Podziemski 15. With the Warriors shooting 42.2 percent from field for the game – and only 25 percent in the fourth quarter – every bucket seemed to be small victory.

“The margin for error goes way down when he’s not out there,” Green said of Curry. “We’ve got to understand that and act accordingly.”

The Warriors found a way on this night. It was ugly and the win came with an at least a modicum of negative emotional vibes. The road awaits, and it’s up to Butler and Green to set the tone for a team that can’t prosper without playing focused and productive basketball no matter who is on the court.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Huerter's ‘revenge game' vs. Kings spoils DeRozan's historic night

Huerter's ‘revenge game' vs. Kings spoils DeRozan's historic night originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

A familiar face spoiled DeMar DeRozan’s historic accomplishment

On a night the star Kings forward became the 27th player in NBA history to score 25,000 points, Kevin Huerter got revenge on his former team, handing Sacramento a 128-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at Golden 1 Center. 

Huerter, who was traded to Chicago in the same deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in February, made his mark in his return to Sacramento, erupting for 25 points while adding five rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

It was intentional. The former Kings guard was looking for retaliation.

“One-hundred percent revenge game,” Huerter told reporters (h/t ABC 10’s Matt George). “One-hundred percent. So, that felt good [to] come out of here with a dub.” 

Malik Monk, who scored an impressive five 3-pointers in the first quarter, led the way for the Kings with 34 points. Kings big man Trey Lyles contributed 22 points and six rebounds for Sacramento off the bench. 

No bucket, however, was as significant as DeRozan’s personalized mid-range bucket in the dying minutes of the third quarter. 

Sixteen NBA seasons in the making, DeRozan recognizes the privilege of accomplishing such historic feat – even if it’s going to take time to process its significance. 

“It hasn’t really hit me,” DeRozan told reporters. “You know, it sucks losing. I think maybe tomorrow, day off it [will] kind of sink in. 

“It’s always an honor. It’s an honor period to still be able to play this game at a high level. My 16th year being able to be recognized wherever it is of scorers in this league. I’ve been a fan of this league since I was a kid. 

“I have nothing but love and respect for all the people that came before the people who built this league. To be able to be niched in any type of history in this league is an honor.”

Shooting 9 of 22 from the floor, DeRozan finished with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. 

Like Huerter and Kings guard Zach LaVine, DeRozan also faced a former team in Chicago on Thursday night. 

No stranger to the scenario, the 35-year-old understands the motivation behind Huerter’s play. 

“ …  He came in here like he had a grudge, and he played like it,” DeRozan said. “He made big shots.

“He came up big and put up 25 for him. That’s how it goes sometimes when you’re playing against your former team.” 

Huerter might have gotten revenge – and spoiled DeRozan’s historic night along the way – but, as Monk recognizes, the star forward is already at the doorstep of league immortality. 

“Man, a lot of people don’t even get to the NBA,” Monk told reporters. “For him to do that, it’s crazy.

“I’m mad we didn’t get the win for him. Hats off to DeMar. That’s why he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame.”

Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast