Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup future is in serious doubt after the Spaniard failed to join his teammate Tyrrell Hatton in settling a dispute over a seven-figure fine with the European Tour Group over participation in LIV Golf.
Hatton is one of eight golfers who have agreed to settle all outstanding fines due in Europe and withdraw any appeals in return for releases to play on LIV tournaments in 2026. Luke Donald, who is expected to remain in office for a third stint as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, wanted the situation with Hatton and Rahm resolved. Donald has only partly got his wish, with Adare Manor in 2027 looming ever closer.
A century for Kurtis Patterson powered New South Wales into the One-Day Cup final, repelling a brilliant Queensland performance which included a Marnus Labuschagne ton and Mitch Swepson 7-fa.
As part of their Spurs Week Austin , the San Antonio Spurs unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at Foundation Communities M Station Apartments, an affordable housing community outside downtown Austin.
Jackie Cuellar, Director of Corporate and Volunteer Engagement at Foundation Communities shared,
“At Foundation Communities, we believe a home is more than just a roof—it’s a place where families thrive. By transforming this court into a vibrant hub for M Station residents, we are ensuring families have a safe space to connect and be active.”
This court refurbishment was presented through the Spurs partnership with Ledger.
Spurs 2025 draftees Carter Bryant and Dylan Harper made an appearance, led some basketball activities on the new court, and a presided over a special shoe giveaway allowing students to customize their own sneakers.
Patricia Mejia, Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer at Spurs Sports and Entertainment stated,
“Creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can play, connect and thrive is core to who we are. What makes this court special is that it’s located right where families live. Access to safe play spaces isn’t guaranteed, and having this court just outside their doors makes it easier for kids to stay active, build confidence and learn teamwork every day.”
Spurs Week continues tonight with as the Spurs host the Sacramento Kings.
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Los Angeles, CA - February 20: Guard Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammate guard Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a basket against the LA Clippers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, February 20, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — With just 28 games left to play coming out of the All-Star break, the Lakers are entering the final phase of the season.
That means every game becomes increasingly important as teams jockey for playoff positioning and attempt to set themselves up for postseason success.
In the Lakers’ first game back from the All-Star break, they faced a tough opponent, taking on the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. They passed the test, beating their rival 125-122.
While the game was far from easy, the Lakers had everyone available to take on the challenge. LA had a clean injury report, allowing them to play their entire rotation, a rarity for the purple and gold this season.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick took this opportunity to begin the game with a new starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.
The result? The Lakers’ offense came out blazing, scoring 41 points, knocking down eight 3-pointers and missing just two shots in the opening quarter.
“I think in the first quarter, we were playing good defense, and we were playing with a lot of pace,” Luka said postgame. “We were able to create some different looks, and I think that is how we should play.”
Despite the good start, challenges came LA’s way. Kawhi Leonard was incredible, scoring 31 points. And the Clippers had a 17-1 run in the third quarter that turned the Lakers’ 14-point advantage into a one-point deficit.
With the talent in the Western Conference, games like these are commonplace. How teams respond to this type of adversity is what separates the good teams from the bad ones.
On Friday night, the Lakers demonstrated they are the former.
Luka and LeBron were generating looks for their teammates. Both players had 11 assists. In the fourth, Smart stepped up, and the defensive specialist added some scoring to his performance.
Midway through the fourth Smart scored five straight points to even the game up. Not only were these crucial baskets down the stretch of a close gcontest, but it was the first time Smart had shot the ball all night long.
With under two minutes to go, LA led by just three points and the game could’ve gone either way.
While LA’s offense was humming and their stars were played well, it was a charge that secured the result.
With under two minutes to play and the Clippers down by three, Bennedict Mathurin was pushing the ball up the court and appeared destined to make it a one-point game.
Reaves did what he always does which is whatever it takes to win. He stood in Mathurin’s way and absorbed the contact as he got steamrolled in the paint. The foul was called, which not only gave the Lakers possession, but took Mathurin out of the game.
“That play right there changed the whole momentum,” Ayton said. “That just got everybody fired up and even more locked in down the stretch.”
The win wasn’t easy and it defintely wasn’t pretty. In fact, the Lakers almost gave up the game with a late turnover that gave Nic Batum a chance of tying it with a last-second three. But it rimmed out and the Lakers won.
In the end the win-loss column cares not about context and with the Lakers needing to increase their win total as high as possible with what’s left in the season, earning the victory is all that matters.
“Obviously, want to go game by game, but it was important to start like this,” Luka said.
With the win in hand, a new starting lineup revealed and some impressive performances by the Lakers’ most important players, the time it’s now or never for LA to show the NBA just how good they can be.
Cleveland Cavaliers (36-21, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland hits the road against Oklahoma City looking to prolong its five-game road winning streak.
The Thunder have gone 23-7 in home games. Oklahoma City ranks fifth in the league with 34.3 defensive rebounds per game led by Chet Holmgren averaging 6.8.
The Cavaliers are 17-10 in road games. Cleveland is ninth in the Eastern Conference giving up just 115.3 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting.
The Thunder make 48.6% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.6 percentage points higher than the Cavaliers have allowed to their opponents (46.0%). The Cavaliers average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 more makes per game than the Thunder allow.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Thunder won 136-104 in the last matchup on Jan. 19.
TOP PERFORMERS: Holmgren is averaging 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 14.5 points over the last 10 games.
James Harden is scoring 24.7 points per game and averaging 4.8 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Sam Merrill is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 6-4, averaging 112.9 points, 44.4 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.4 points per game.
Cavaliers: 9-1, averaging 122.9 points, 44.0 rebounds, 29.6 assists, 10.4 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (abdomen), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: out (abdomen), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
Cavaliers: Evan Mobley: out (rest), Max Strus: out (foot).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia is looking to break its three-game skid with a win against New Orleans.
The Pelicans have gone 9-21 at home. New Orleans is 6-19 in games decided by at least 10 points.
The 76ers are 15-10 on the road. Philadelphia ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with 16.2 fast break points per game led by Tyrese Maxey averaging 5.4.
The Pelicans average 11.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 fewer makes per game than the 76ers allow (13.0). The 76ers average 12.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 fewer made shots on average than the 14.6 per game the Pelicans give up.
The two teams match up for the second time this season. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 124-114 in their last matchup on Feb. 1. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 40 points, and Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 34 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Zion Williamson is shooting 58.9% and averaging 21.9 points for the Pelicans. Bey is averaging 20.4 points over the last 10 games.
VJ Edgecombe is averaging 15 points, 5.5 rebounds, four assists and 1.5 steals for the 76ers. Maxey is averaging 26.8 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 45.3% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 4-6, averaging 112.7 points, 43.3 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.0 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.
76ers: 6-4, averaging 115.5 points, 41.4 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.6 points.
INJURIES: Pelicans: Yves Missi: out (calf), Trey Murphy III: out (shoulder), Micah Peavy: out (toe), Dejounte Murray: out (achilles).
76ers: Joel Embiid: day to day (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Charlotte Hornets (26-31, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (16-39, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Washington; Sunday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte will try to keep its six-game road win streak alive when the Hornets take on Washington.
The Wizards are 2-6 against division opponents. Washington allows the most points in the Eastern Conference, giving up 122.7 points and is allowing opponents to shoot 47.7%.
The Hornets are 8-4 against the rest of their division. Charlotte ranks third in the Eastern Conference shooting 37.2% from 3-point range.
The Wizards are shooting 45.8% from the field this season, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 47.4% the Hornets allow to opponents. The Hornets average 15.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 14.0 per game the Wizards give up.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Hornets won the last meeting 119-115 on Jan. 24. Brandon Miller scored 21 points to help lead the Hornets to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bub Carrington is averaging 10.1 points and 4.6 assists for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Hornets. Miller is averaging 20.8 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 5-5, averaging 113.3 points, 42.9 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.2 points per game.
Hornets: 7-3, averaging 111.1 points, 47.3 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 6.2 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 43.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points.
INJURIES: Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Justin Champagnie: day to day (knee), Kyshawn George: out (toe), Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (hand contusion), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), D'Angelo Russell: out (not injury related), Alex Sarr: out (hamstring), Trae Young: out (knee).
Hornets: Coby White: out (calf), Grant Williams: out (rest), Liam McNeeley: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Memphis hits the road against Miami looking to stop its four-game road losing streak.
The Heat have gone 16-11 at home. Miami is second in the Eastern Conference with 54.4 points per game in the paint led by Jaime Jaquez Jr. averaging 10.3.
The Grizzlies are 9-18 on the road. Memphis ranks ninth in the NBA with 45.0 rebounds per game. Santi Aldama leads the Grizzlies with 6.7.
The Heat average 119.7 points per game, 2.3 more points than the 117.4 the Grizzlies give up. The Grizzlies average 13.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 fewer makes per game than the Heat give up.
The two teams square off for the second time this season. The Heat defeated the Grizzlies 146-114 in their last meeting on Oct. 25. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 24 points, and Cedric Coward led the Grizzlies with 16 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Adebayo is averaging 18.4 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Heat. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Walter Clayton Jr. is scoring 6.9 points per game and averaging 2.0 rebounds for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 4-5, averaging 119.7 points, 51.0 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.1 points per game.
Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 116.5 points, 39.1 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 11.2 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.7 points.
INJURIES: Heat: None listed.
Grizzlies: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ty Jerome: out (calf), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Cedric Coward: out (knee), Santi Aldama: out (knee), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Denver Nuggets (36-21, third in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (29-27, eighth in the Western Conference)
San Francisco; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Western Conference foes Golden State and Denver face off on Sunday.
The Warriors have gone 19-16 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State is 3-3 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Nuggets are 21-10 against Western Conference opponents. Denver is sixth in the NBA with 33.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Jokic averaging 9.3.
The Warriors score 115.4 points per game, 0.7 fewer points than the 116.1 the Nuggets give up. The Nuggets score 7.1 more points per game (120.9) than the Warriors give up to opponents (113.8).
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Nuggets won 129-104 in the last meeting on Nov. 8. Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, and Draymond Green led the Warriors with 17 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brandin Podziemski is averaging 12 points and 3.6 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is shooting 45.4% and averaging 14.0 points for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 2.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 4-6, averaging 108.9 points, 40.9 rebounds, 29.5 assists, 11.6 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.3 points per game.
Nuggets: 5-5, averaging 123.4 points, 45.5 rebounds, 29.3 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.4 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
Nuggets: Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Peyton Watson: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Boston Celtics (36-19, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (34-21, fifth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Boston hits the road against Los Angeles trying to continue its three-game road winning streak.
The Lakers have gone 16-10 in home games. Los Angeles is seventh in the Western Conference with 25.4 assists per game led by Luka Doncic averaging 8.6.
The Celtics are 18-10 in road games. Boston is third in the league averaging 15.4 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.4% from downtown. Derrick White leads the team averaging 2.8 makes while shooting 32.1% from 3-point range.
The 116.2 points per game the Lakers average are 7.8 more points than the Celtics give up (108.4). The Celtics average 115.4 points per game, 0.7 fewer than the 116.1 the Lakers give up to opponents.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Celtics won 126-105 in the last matchup on Dec. 6.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is scoring 33.0 points per game with 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 17.8 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 47.5% over the last 10 games.
White is averaging 17.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.5 blocks for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 48.9% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 115.7 points, 38.9 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 8.8 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 52.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.6 points per game.
Celtics: 8-2, averaging 108.3 points, 48.8 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 6.5 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.8 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: None listed.
Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Toronto Raptors (33-23, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (24-30, 11th in the Eastern Conference)
Milwaukee; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Milwaukee will try to keep its three-game home win streak intact when the Bucks play Toronto.
The Bucks are 17-18 in Eastern Conference games. Milwaukee has a 13-17 record in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Raptors are 25-15 in conference matchups. Toronto is the league leader with 19.4 fast break points per game led by RJ Barrett averaging 3.8.
The Bucks score 112.3 points per game, 0.2 more points than the 112.1 the Raptors allow. The Raptors average 11.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.8 fewer made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Bucks allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Raptors won 111-105 in the last matchup on Dec. 19.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Rollins is averaging 17.1 points, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. Kyle Kuzma is averaging 13.6 points over the last 10 games.
Brandon Ingram is averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 17.2 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 48.9% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 6-4, averaging 114.1 points, 43.3 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 6.0 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.
Raptors: 6-4, averaging 110.8 points, 43.1 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points.
INJURIES: Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (calf), Myles Turner: out (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).
Raptors: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (19-36, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (15-42, 15th in the Eastern Conference)
Indianapolis; Sunday, 5 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas heads into the matchup with Indiana as losers of 10 in a row.
The Pacers are 10-18 in home games. Indiana is 4-24 in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Mavericks are 5-20 on the road. Dallas allows 117.5 points to opponents while being outscored by 3.6 points per game.
The Pacers average 111.2 points per game, 6.3 fewer points than the 117.5 the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks are shooting 47.0% from the field, 1.4% lower than the 48.4% the Pacers' opponents have shot this season.
The two teams square off for the second time this season. The Mavericks defeated the Pacers 107-105 in their last matchup on Oct. 30. Brandon Williams led the Mavericks with 20 points, and Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 27 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jarace Walker is shooting 39.9% and averaging 10.7 points for the Pacers. Jay Huff is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Naji Marshall is averaging 15.1 points for the Mavericks. Max Christie is averaging 12.8 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 4-6, averaging 115.6 points, 41.7 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 8.0 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.7 points per game.
Mavericks: 0-10, averaging 111.7 points, 43.7 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.7 points.
INJURIES: Pacers: Aaron Nesmith: out (ankle), Obi Toppin: out (foot), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Andrew Nembhard: out (back), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Pascal Siakam: out (personal), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Cooper Flagg: out (foot).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Wellington’s Josh Oluwayemi heads into his own goal from outside box
Auckland FC’s 5-0 win prompts Giancarlo Italiano to resign
A comical own goal from Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi sparked a 5-0 thrashing by Auckland FC, prompting coach Giancarlo Italiano to dramatically announce his resignation in the post-match press conference.
Oluwayemi’s 24th-minute howler looks destined to be a permanent feature on goalkeeper gaffe compilations after the Phoenix No 1 completely misjudged a Jake Girdwood-Reich clearance at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.
Luka Doncic scored 38 points against Yanic Konan Niederhauser and the Clippers in his return to the Lakers' lineup Friday at Crypto.com Arena. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
They are the core of the Lakers (34-21), the engines that make this team go, but health issues have prevented them from playing together for far too much. In their first game since the All-Star break, Doncic, Reaves and James carried the Lakers to a 125-122 win over the Clippers on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Doncic had 38 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and some trash-talking with Clippers’ defensive Kris Dunn.
Reaves did his part with 29 points on an efficient nine-for-15 shooting. He also had six rebounds and a key defensive play late in the game.
And James had 13 points and 11 assists, his fifth straight game with 10 or more assists. He also was playing with a sore left knee and a migraine.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves celebrates after drawing a charging foul against Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin in the fourth quarter. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
They got helpfrom Marcus Smart, who scored all seven of his points of the fourth quarter and played his typical tough defense, and Deandre Ayton, who had 13 points, seven rebounds and a lob from James that he threw down for a dunk over Clippers center Brook Lopez late in the fourth quarter.
But this game was all about Doncic, Reaves and James, who are trying to build some chemistry this late in the season.
“I think it’s good. I hear this question every day. So, I always answer the same,” Doncic said. “You know, obviously we didn’t play a lot together, but chemistry is going to grow and grow.”
The Clippers kept chipping away at the Lakers’ lead late in the game despite Kawhi Leonard leaving with 5:10 left because of left ankle soreness.
Though Leonard departed with 31 points on 11-for-19 shooting, four-for-six on three-pointers and five-for-five on his free throws, the Clippers didn’t back down.
But in what Lakers coach JJ Redick called the play of the game with 1:49 left and the Lakers leading 118-115, Reaves drew a charge on Bennedict Mathurin. It was Mathurin's sixth foul and it sent him to the bench with 26 points.
“Marcus did a good job. He stabbed at the ball. I think Mathurin kind of got off balance and I saw an opportunity to make a winning play,” Reaves said. “I actually don’t mind taking charges because I can’t jump and block a shot, so my only chance is to take a charge”
Still, the Lakers didn’t escape until Doncic made two free throws with 21.2 seconds left to give the Lakers a five-point lead that barely stood.
With a 125-122 lead and the ball in the closing seconds, James threw a dangerous cross-court pass intended for Doncic that Nicolas Batum stole. But Batum missed a potential tying three-pointer, and James got the rebound to secure the win.
James then explained how his knee was feeling after practice Thursday.
“I mean, it happened at practice yesterday during our scrimmage,” James said. “I went up for a dunk, came down pretty good, but a couple minutes into the scrimmage after that, it started getting a little sore, started getting a little tight and yeah, that’s what happened.”
James still played 33 minutes. His time on the court allowed James, Doncic and Reaves to develop some much-needed chemistry.
“I mean, every game, every second, every minute that we’re on the floor together, it helps,” James said. “Like I said, when was that, All-Star weekend? We don't know what we're going to be until we get fully healthy and tonight was one of the first games where JJ and the coaching staff can look down and know everybody was available. So, we just got to keep pushing. We got to keep pushing. We got a tough team coming in on Sunday (against the Celtics). Obviously, a lifetime NBA rivalry, so we got to be ready for them. They're playing great basketball, too.”
Doncic played just five minutes for Team World in the All-Star game Sunday and had missed the previous four games before the break with his hamstring issue.
But he played 37:53 against the Clippers.
“It wasn’t bad,” Reaves said about his hamstring. “I got treatment after the game. But I felt good.”
Australia has gone down to India in the T20 stanza of the multi-format series after a blistering batting display set up the touring side for a stirring 17-run win in Ellyse Perry’s 350th on Saturday night.
