LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1978: Paul Westphal #44 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1978 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Westphal played for the Suns from 1975-80. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Duke great JJ Redick stirred things up a while back when he said guys like Boston Celtic Bob Cousy were “plumbers and firemen” in the off-season and couldn’t play in today’s NBA.
He had a point to an extent: although Cousy had phenomenal court vision, he was small by today’s standards, and if you watch any video at all, you’ll realize quickly that, like just about everyone else in his era, Cousy’s off-hand was very weak when it came to ball handling.
Cousy retired in 1963. In 1972, just 10 years later, the Celtics drafted Paul Westphal out of Southern Cal, and his skill set was entirely different.
Cousy said he learned to pass like a prodigy out of necessity, but he never developed his off-hand. In fairness, in the 1950s and ‘60s, he didn’t really need to.
Westphal, by contrast, was probably the greatest ambidextrous talent at that point in basketball history, and remains one of the finest to this day.
In 1975, the Celtics traded him to Phoenix, and he led the Suns to the NBA Finals against his old team, losing 4-2. Game 5, however, was extraordinary, going to triple overtime before the Celtics prevailed, 128-126.
Westphal had many career highlights, as you’ll see, but his greatest play ever may have been this stunner from the third overtime in that triple OT classic loss to Boston. It’s hard to believe anyone could take a shot like that, under that kind of pressure, much less hit it.
At midnight, less than an hour after the Wolverines finished off their victory, another began.
The day after the title game, the transfer portal opened, sending the more than 360 Division I teams into a rush to start assembling their rosters for next season — whether it’s trying to hold onto their own players or trying to nab difference-makers from other teams.
For players outside of the sport’s power conferences, the portal is an opportunity to earn a bigger payday from a bigger program while getting to showcase your game on the sport’s biggest stages. This time a year ago, Yaxel Lendeborg was an all-conference standout at UAB before entering the portal, signing with Michigan and becoming the centerpiece of a Wolverines team that won the program’s first national championship in 37 years.
While having that kind of impact isn’t a realistic bar for any mid- or low-major star, there are dozens of players available from the sport’s smaller leagues who can be all-conference performers at the Power conference level and lift their new programs to the NCAA tournament.
Who are some of the players poised to help some of the country’s best teams next season? Here’s a look at the best mid- and low-major players available in the transfer portal:
Note: Players from the Mountain West and Atlantic 10 were not considered for this article
Paulius Murauskas, Saint Mary’s
Murauskas is the No. 7 player available in USA TODAY’s transfer portal rankings for a reason: The 6-foot-8 Lithuanian averaged 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game for a 27-win Saint Mary’s team last season. It’s possible the first-team All-West Coast Conference honoree follows former Gaels coach Randy Bennett to Arizona State, where he was hired last month to replace Bobby Hurley, but he’ll be sought after by virtually any deep-pocketed program searching for a skilled big man.
Alex Wilkins, Furman
This time a year ago, Wilkins was a zero-star prospect coming out of high school in Massachusetts. Quite a bit has changed since then. As a freshman, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged a team-high 17.8 points and 4.7 assists per game for a Furman squad that won the Southern Conference. In the NCAA tournament, the No. 24 player in USA TODAY’s portal rankings showed he could compete against elite competition, scoring 21 points and making eight of his 15 shots in a competitive game against eventual national runner-up UConn. He’ll be more than just a quick rental, too, with three years of eligibility remaining.
Christian Hammond, Santa Clara
Another first-team All-WCC selection, Hammond was the leading scorer on a Santa Clara team that was a miracle heave against Kentucky away from advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The 6-foot-4 guard, the No. 34 player in USA TODAY’s portal rankings, averaged 15.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 48.4% from the field and 39.3% from 3. He’s a sophomore, too, giving him two more years of eligibility.
Tyler Lundblade, Belmont
The reigning Missouri Valley Conference player of the year was one of the top shooters available in the portal. The former walk-on made 40.6% of his 3-pointers despite having a high shooting volume, with 8.8 attempts per game from beyond the arc. As a graduate transfer, the 6-foot-5 Texas native didn’t even have to wait for the portal to open before deciding on his next stop, signing with Rick Barnes and Tennessee on April 2.
Jaquan Johnson, Bradley
Johnson took an enormous leap from his freshman to his sophomore season, improving his scoring average from 6.6 to 16.9 points per game to help him earn first-team All-MVC honors. He is only 5-foot-11, which could cause some problems against bigger, more athletic competition in a major conference, but his all-around production is impressive, with 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 steals per game. He was named the MVC most improved player and made the league’s all-defensive team.
Drew Scharnowski, Belmont
The 6-foot-9 Scharnowski, the No. 50 player in USA TODAY’s portal rankings, was a first-team all-MVC selection after averaging 10.7 points, six rebounds and 2.6 assists per game as a sophomore for a Bruins team that went 26-6. He was a strong presence down low, too, with 1.3 blocks per game. It’s possible he follows former Belmont coach Casey Alexander to Kansas State, but the Wildcats won’t be alone in vying for his services.
A former standout at Division II powerhouse Lincoln Memorial and the son of former Penn State and NFL running back Curtis Enis, Enis made the most of his first season at the Division I level. He averaged a team-high 16.2 points per game for a South Florida team that made its first NCAA tournament appearance in 14 years.
Though his season ended on a dour note, with him missing 13 of his 15 shots and all 11 of his 3-pointers in an NCAA tournament loss to Louisville, the No. 47 player in USA TODAY’s portal rankings is among the most talented offensive players available. Enis is reportedly entering the portal with a “do not contact” tag, heightening the expectation he’ll join former South Florida coach Bryan Hodgson at Providence.
Larry Johnson, McNeese
Coming out of high school, Johnson was sought after by some of the same kinds of programs who are now chasing after him. He was a top-60 recruit in the 2024 class who signed with Creighton, but did not play for the Bluejays during the 2024-25 season. He ended up at McNeese, where the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a freshman while shooting 49.2% overall and making the All-Southland Conference first team.
Gavin Doty, Siena
Doty did just about everything he could for Siena to try to pull off a stunning 16-over-1 upset over Duke in the NCAA tournament, scoring a team-high 21 points in a 71-65 first-round loss. The 6-foot-5 sophomore led the Saints in scoring at 18 points per game and was an excellent rebounder for someone his size, pulling down a team-high 6.9 boards per game. He didn’t waste much time in the portal, committing to follow former Siena coach Gerry McNamara to Syracuse on April 7, the first day the portal was open.
Leroy Blyden Jr., Toledo
Blyden was a big get for a Mid-American Conference program as a three-star recruit out of Detroit. He more than lived up to that promise as a freshman, averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 assists, four steals and 1.8 steals per game. The 6-foot-1 Blyden very nearly led the Rockets to their first NCAA tournament since 1980, scoring 21 points in the MAC championship game before losing on a buzzer-beater against Akron.
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates in the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t really have anything to really play for. Home court in the first round is secured, and they’re better off not moving up from the fourth seed to the third. Additionally, they’re facing the Atlanta Hawks for two of their final three games — their likely first-round opponent.
Those facts didn’t stop them from going all out and winning a back-and-forth game 122-116 on Wednesday.
This group with James Harden is still new. They need these reps.
“As talented as the guys that came in are, you still have to be able to have that chemistry and have that bond,” Donovan Mitchell said after pouring in 31 points. “That takes time.”
They also need experience in high-leverage games together. Even though there wasn’t much on the line for Cleveland, knowing how close the playoffs are and how well the Hawks are playing made this the perfect opportunity for a dress rehearsal.
Before the game, Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson was asked if he would go with a vanilla game plan against a potential first-round opponent. His answer was no. And the game showed that he meant it.
The Cavs pulled out several wrinkles that you usually only see in the playoffs. They decided to have Harden guard opposing center Onyeka Okongwu. They also drastically cheated off of Dyson Daniels and Jonathan Kuminga defensively in an effort to clog the paint. These are things that you’d expect to see in Game 1 of a playoff series.
Harden guarding Okongwumade sense and is worth revisiting in the playoffs.
Harden has enough strength to handle bigs in the post. He’s not going to get bullied for easy baskets. And hunting him out for post-ups gets you away from what you normally do, which is what happened here.
Okongwu put up 18 points on 7-10 shooting. Those are good numbers. However, the Hawks lost the 33 minutes he played by as many points. The offense wasn’t able to establish the same rhythm as they had an 83.6 offensive rating with Okongwu on the floor. That’s an absolute win for the Cavs.
The idea of using Harden to defend a big didn’t happen overnight. Atkinson has been looking at this for some time now. He mentioned last week that he’s been watching tape of Harden defensively, seeing how he’s guarded fours and fives in the past. That, presumably, inspired him to break that out here. This test run will likely encourage him to keep doing so.
The issue comes with figuring out the other matchups in front of Harden.
The Cavs tried a couple of variations before finding something that worked. Putting Evan Mobley on Jalen Johnson and Dean Wade on CJ McCollum slowed Atlanta down at the start of the third quarter, allowing the Cavs to get back into the game.
For as good of defenders as Mobley, Wade, and Jarrett Allen are, entirely flipping where everyone is on the court at the start of the possession does present some issues. Particularly regarding staying in front of Atlanta’s best scorers: Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
To the Cavs credit, they did a decent job with both, but more so with Johnson. Alexander-Walker did put up a team-high 25 points.
The Cavs’ game plan for Johnson was simple: make him a jump shooter and force him to finish around the basket. Cleveland mostly gave Johnson — who came into this game shooting 35.4% from three — clean looks from the outside. He didn’t make them pay, going 0-5 beyond the arc.
Around the rim is where the Cavs made it difficult. Johnson went just 2-6 on shots in the restricted area and 3-8 on attempts in the paint overall. This was due to how many defenders came over to help on his drives, and from making a team-wide effort to not let the Hawks attack in the open court.
Look at how well the defense — particularly Mobley — was able to help on these.
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder spoke pregame about how he wants his team to continue playing fast in the playoffs. They still played their style; the Cavs just did it better.
Cleveland — who’s been a much more half-court oriented since the Harden trade — was in the 84th percentile in points added in transition this game. They did this by running off steals and defensive rebounds.
Allen still doesn’t look quite right. He mentioned when he returned to the lineup after his knee injury that he still wasn’t 100%. That was clear again as he didn’t appear to have the same burst we’ve come to expect from him.
Atkinson didn’t want to speculate postgame about Allen’s health, but he acknowledged it’s something the team is monitoring down the stretch. Even if the Cavs don’t rest their starters in the last two games, Allen might be the one exception to that.
Mitchell’s 31 points lifted the Cavs. He did this by relentlessly attacking inside as he went 8-11 on shots in the paint and generated six attempts at the free-throw line.
Earlier in the season, Mitchell mentioned that he was trying to keep from attacking the rim as much — instead opting to use the floater more. His goal was to be efficient with his scoring, but also with how he moved on the court, opting to use his athleticism only when needed.
The governor is off now.
“It’s that time,” Mitchell said. “If you play like that for 82 games, y’all probably won’t see me in a week or two weeks. It’s hard to do, especially at my size. So you gotta find ways to adapt.”
Mitchell has found ways to adapt and is a more complete scorer because of it. He’s completed a career-high 54% of his looks between four and 14 feet of the hoop. That’s good enough for the 97th percentile in the league. For comparison, he connected on just 39% of those shots two seasons ago. Most of that improvement comes from his floater.
Teams in the playoffs can often take away what you do best. Even though the Indiana Pacers didn’t keep Mitchell from scoring last postseason, they made him pay for every drive to the rim by continually knocking him down. This wore on him to the point that Mitchell didn’t have much left at the end of Game 2, when his team collapsed and essentially lost the series.
We don’t know how this will look in the postseason, but the changes he’s made to his game all season should allow him more counters when teams load up to stop him at the rim.
The Hawks didn’t have an answer for Mobley. He punished their wings as he put up 22 points on 8-15 shooting while going 6-10 at the free-throw line. This included converting 8-12 in the paint.
“The one thing I loved tonight was his post-ups,” Mitchell said. “He was trying to still get down to the rim as opposed to the fade that we’ve talked about for years. He’s being assertive.”
That assertiveness showed up most on the glass, where Mobley tied a career high with 19 rebounds.
“That was huge,” Atkinson said. “It’s usually a mentality change when these jumps happen. I think he switched it on.”
Atkinson still believes in Mobley’s upside.
Before the season, there was some discussion about Mobley leaping into the periphery of the MVP conversation after making the All-NBA second team last season. That didn’t happen. He struggled to adjust offensively to an increased role at the beginning of the year. He’s righted the ship and is playing much more similarly to last season now.
Even though this year hasn’t exactly gone as planned, there’s still reason to buy into Mobley reaching that tier.
“I believe desperately in Evan Mobley,” Atkinson said. “I think he’s got everything. He’s got all the tools and does it on both ends. I love [how] Koby [Altman] always says he’s a winning player. He’s coming into the NBA, and he’s won right off the bat. Not a lot of guys can say that.”
This was a statement win that showed what this team is capable of in the playoffs. They blitzed the second-best defense in the league since the All-Star break to the tune of 44 points in the third quarter. Even though they weren’t able to keep that pace going, it shows how immensely talented this group is, even if the consistency isn’t there yet.
“We’ve never wavered, right? Mitchell said. “I think, no offense to y’all, I think y’all have wavered on us a few times.”
We have wavered, and who could blame us?
Injuries, franchise-changing trades, and overall uneven effort have produced some drastic swings. But in the end, the Cavs have still found a way to grab 51 wins, and have an opportunity to get two more. They believe in this team and what they can accomplish in the postseason.
“I’ve always said, I’m very confident in this group,” Mitchell said.
In just over a week, we’ll start to find out whether that confidence is justified.
Lakers start LeBron James, left, and Austin Reeves chat on the bench while sitting out the blowout loss to the Thunder on Tuesday because of injuries. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Barely a week ago, a charmed Lakers season screamed three words.
Deep playoff run.
Today, a jinxed Lakers season soberly whispers three very different words.
Shut it down.
With less than a month of games remaining, the Lakers season is done, finished, kaput.
Twisted and torn by the sudden same-day injuries to their two best players, the Lakers are broken beyond repair.
They can’t win without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and neither is coming back at full strength in time to save them.
They were wholly embarrassed in their first two shorthanded games and will wind up falling to a fourth or fifth seed with a first-round matchup looming against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
They can’t beat the Rockets, they won’t beat the Rockets, and the season will officially and quickly and sadly end. It might end in something more palatable than a sweep — maybe they win a game? — but it’s going to end, and soon, and the Lakers need to reinforce their priorities before it does.
Shut it down.
Tell Doncic to stay in Spain for as long as it takes for that magic medicine to cure his strained hamstring. Tell Doncic his MVP-worthy season is DOA. Tell Doncic to begin getting ready for September.
The Lakers don’t need him showing up in three weeks trying to save this season on a limp and a prayer. They don’t need him risking a reinjuring of the hamstring that could affect his summer workouts and bleed into next season.
Lakers star Luka Doncic reacts to a play during a blowout loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City last week. (Cooper Neill / Getty Images)
Most experts agree it would be a miracle if Doncic would return at 100% in time to carry them through the first round of the playoffs, which start April 18. The Lakers don’t need him to be a miracle. They need him to be the cornerstone of a franchise that is being rebuilt in his image.
They don’t need him now, when he’s not going to save them anyway. They need him six months from now, to be healthy and in shape to lead them into their next era.
Shut it down.
The Lakers need to say the same thing to Reaves, who they’re going to give a boatload of money this summer to be their No. 2 star for the indefinite future.
They don’t need him to try to play with an injured oblique and make things worse. They don’t need him to gut it out. They need him to sit it out.
The fans aren’t going to like reading this. And the players aren’t going to like hearing it.
Just listen to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks star who has been shut down since March 15 because the Bucks didn’t want his nagging injuries to worsen and affect either his trade value or his 2026-27 season.
“Like a slap in my face,” he told reporters recently. "I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available. Do I look like I'm not available? … I don't know what game is being played right here, I just don't wanna be a part of it."
There is no game with the Lakers. Their new Dodger ownership group doesn’t play games. Their goal is to build a franchise that has sustainable success. Pushing all their chips into the middle for a team that doesn’t have a chance in hell is not building sustainable success.
You’ve seen how the Dodgers rest their players for six months to prepare themselves for the postseason, right. Shutting down the Lakers now is sort of this, in reverse. They’re punting in the playoffs to prepare themselves for next season.
Certainly, Doncic would take the news of a shutdown about as well as Antetokounmpo.
“I think he's, in my conversations with him, he's motivated to do everything possible,” said coach JJ Redick to reporters. “And I know for him, it's hard for him not to be on a basketball court. That's his happy place. And he's one of the handful of guys that really plays year round. And it's not just international competition. But he likes to be in the gym. He likes to be working on his craft. And I think it's hard for him. He wants to get back on the court."
Lakers forward LeBron James reacts to a play during a win over the Kings last month at Crypto.com Arena. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
And no, LeBron James is not going to be happy either, trying to carry a team that seemingly isn’t trying. So what? Do you really believe he is going to take remarkably less money to stay on the Lakers next season? Do you really believe the Lakers want him back when they will have the cap space to trade for a player like, um, Antetokounmpo?
To leave James alone on a first-round island might be unfair, but the Lakers have kowtowed to him plenty in his eight years here. He’s just going to have to take one for the team, however briefly that team may be playing.
“It was a shot to the heart and the chest and the mainframe with Luka,” James told reporters. “I woke up from my nap and saw that [Reaves] news and was like, 'S—.'”
You know who else wouldn’t easily accept the news of a shutdown? That would be Redick, who, barely one week after being lauded as the first Laker coach since Phil Jackson to manage consecutive 50-win seasons, now finds himself again fighting for credibility.
Remember last year when Redick took heat for playing his starters the entire second half of a playoff loss to Minnesota?
He’s taking heat again this spring for playing both Doncic and Reaves in the second half of a blowout loss to Oklahoma City that sent both players to the injured list.
Lakers coach JJ Redick directs players during a blowout loss to the Thunder on Tuesday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
When Doncic was hurt the Lakers trailed by 32 and he had already looked injured after grabbing his leg in the second quarter. Reaves, meanwhile, spent much of the first quarter grabbing at his back.
Redick said both players were medically cleared and that they both insisted on challenging the league-leading Thunder in the second half.
“The group wanted to go for it in the second half,” Redick told reporters. “There was nothing leading into that game that would suggest either those guys were 'running hot.'’’
This was just the beginning of Redick’s bad week.
Jarred Vanderbilt was certainly running hot Tuesday night in a rematch against Oklahoma City after he was benched in the first moments of the second quarter. Vanderbilt accosted Redick on the court and had to be restrained. Redick ultimately responded by benching Vanderbilt the rest of the game and then not-so-subtly ripping him afterward.
“I think for all of us, you know, being undermanned, we’ve got to scrap and claw, we’ve got to all be on the same page, we got to be great teammates, we got to all play hard,” Redick told reporters. “Called a timeout to get him out of the game. And he reacted.”
One has to wonder about Redick’s connectivity with his players if one of them is unafraid to confront him on the court during the middle of a game.
One has to also wonder, again, about Redick’s big-game management style if he would allow his two best players to risk their health during a blowout.
Redick, who signed an extension in September that will keep him under contract until 2030, is not on the hot seat, not yet. But another spring meltdown will not endear himself to new owners who expect their coaches to be the calm face of the organization.
Then again, for everyone involved, there must be some grace granted in the wake of the incredible tension surrounding a team whose dream season just became a nightmare.
End the nightmare now. For the sake of the future of the franchise, shut it down.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics steps on to the court during introductions prior to a game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on April 05, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a tightly contested game, Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a victory over the surging Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night. Charlotte led for most of the game, but Boston finally managed to break through at the end of the third quarter, and they didn’t look back from there, securing a 113-102 win. The win marked the Celtics’ 17th double-digit comeback win of the season, tied for 2nd-most in the NBA.
Brown ended the night leading the team in points and rebounds at 35 and 9 respectively, tacking on 3 assists as well. He was a big force in Boston’s third quarter surge, scoring or assisting on 13 of the team’s 22 points in the final 7 minutes of the quarter. The other 9 points came from a flurry of threes by Baylor Scheierman and Payton Pritchard, capped off by Jaylen scoring 4 points in 34 seconds to give send the Celtics into the fourth quarter with a 3-point lead.
Just a few days ago, Bill Chisholm, owner of the Celtics, had some high praise for Jaylen in an interview with The Boston Globe which felt very applicable to Boston’s win over the Hornets. “He’s always been incredible… The leadership stuff has really been impressive,” he said, adding, “when we’re struggling in a game, you can just see it. He’s like ‘OK, this is enough. Enough of this screwing around.’ And he puts his head down and gets to the rim and gets a really high-quality shot.”
Chisholm also mentioned seeing little interactions between Jaylen and the other guys on the team, with Brown supporting and encouraging them. Those interactions extend beyond the court as well. As many fans know, JB has started to stream on Twitch, and often times he breaks down game film, giving insight into different plays and reads.
After the Celtics took down the Toronto Raptors, Jaylen invited Jordan Walsh onto his stream. Brown looked like a man coaching up his little brother, seeing Walsh’s potential, and trying to instill confidence in him while still poking fun and joking around.
“[You] had a great year… Celtics legends are born during the playoffs… are you ready for the smoke?” Brown asked Walsh.
“For sure, I’ve been waiting for this one,” Walsh replied. “This time I get a chance to impact the game.”
Jaylen Brown got Jordan Walsh pumped for the playoffs:
“(You) had a great year…Celtics legends are born during the playoffs…are you ready for the smoke?”
“For sure, I’ve been waiting for this one,” Walsh said. “This time I get a chance to impact the game”
People have criticized Brown for streaming after games, saying that it shows a lack of focus, and that he’s not “locked in.” The results show something very different, though. Jaylen is playing some of his best basketball lately and has been lifting his teammates up with him. He’s shown off a greater attention to detail, and we get to hear more of what goes on in his mind as he approaches the games.
Just a month ago, JB was ejected in the first half of a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs after voicing his displeasure with the lack of foul calls. He didn’t let it go after the ejection either, taking to Twitter and Twitch to get it off his chest. Prior to that ejection, Jaylen was averaging 7 FTA per game. Since that point, he’s gotten his average up to 10.4 FTA per game, the fourth highest rate in the league. He increased his efficiency too, raising his freethrow percentage from 78% to 84.8%.
Brown knew he was going to have extra responsibility on his shoulders this year, and at every stage of the season, he’s adjusted his game to put the team in the best possible position to succeed. That’s including supporting his teammates on and off the court. He always has praise for his guys, and even opposing teams. He takes the time to understand and appreciate the game around him to better understand how to approach it.
JB compared the Hornets to a younger version of the Celtics, praising their ability to shoot the ball, along with their “fearlessness.” He knows that Charlotte could be a potential first-round playoff matchup, and took note of their intensity in the game. “Give credit to Charlotte,” Brown said. “They came out trying to blow up screens. They came out playing with a different intensity level than we did to start the game.”
Even in a complimentary response like this, you get insight into what he sees and feels over the course of a game. JB recognized that the Hornets were playing at a higher level, and the team adjusted to match their energy. Walsh, who was coming off of some high praise in his appearance on Jaylen’s stream, was probably the biggest catalyst for Boston’s shift, no doubt empowered by JB’s words of encouragement.
Small gestures go a long way, and it’s been clear since the beginning of the season that Jaylen has been locked in, and making every effort to lead the Celtics in the right direction. In an MVP-caliber season of career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists, this leadership is maybe Brown’s biggest edge in the MVP race. While he’s certainly deserving, and surely wants the recognition, there’s nothing that he and the team want more than another deep playoff run, hopefully capped off with another Larry O’Brien to bring back to Boston.
Feb. 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) , center Boris Diaw (33) and guard Manu Ginobili (20) congratulate each other as they walk off the court in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Spurs defeated the Suns 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images
Last Monday, the Spurs showcased 2014 Spurs NBA Champion Boris Diaw at the Frost Bank Center during their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. He treated the crowd to a reenactment of his now iconic photo.
On Wednesday night, the Portland Trail Blazers came to town, bringing back former players Sidy Cissoko, Blake Wesley, and head coach Tiago Splitter, another member of the Spurs 2014 NBA Championship.
The night before, both Diaw and Splitter met up with 4x NBA Champion and Spurs legend Manu Ginobili for dinner at a local restaurant.
🇺🇸Loved catching up last night with my good friends coach @tiagosplitter and the one and only @theborisdiaw. Missed them!! Hope to see you guys soon again! 🇦🇷Visita a SA de mis amigotes Boris y Tiago! Los extrañaba! Gran cena gran anoche! 🫶 pic.twitter.com/b5ZuV5OOUe
During Splitter’s pregame presser, Splitter shared about the reunion.
“It was great. Seeing my friends and talk a little bit about life, and basketball, get an update on what they are doing. You know, we’re good friends. Of course — many, many battles together.”
Splitter added that Boris picked up the check “because I took the one before that…and it was a French restaurant.”
The three have been great friends for many years. At the time the Spurs won that 2014 title, they were often a quartet with Patty Mills. The response to the post was such that Ginobili added a comment, “For those asking @Patty_Mills didn’t join us since the guy is hooping in Spain. Too far! #NoMoreFrogging”
With so many teammates coming over the years, it is special to see how these guys have continued to seek one another out.
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Oklahoma City Thunder have won at least 60 games in consecutive seasons for the first time in their history [Getty Images]
Defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder clinched top spot in the Western Conference and home court advantage through the NBA play-offs with a 128-110 win against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The comfortable victory ensured the Thunder held off the San Antonio Spurs to secure the NBA's best regular-season record of 64-16 and claim the Western Conference's number one seed for the third consecutive season.
Thunder's Chet Holmgren led the way with 30 points and 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 20 points and 11 assists to extend his record for the most consecutive games with 20 or more points to 140.
The Clippers, who had won eight of their past nine matches, face a key trip to Portland Trail Blazers on Friday with the two sides battling for eighth place in the Western Conference.
The team that finishes in eighth will only require one win in the play-in tournament to advance to the play-offs, while the team finishing ninth will have to beat 10th seeds the Golden State Warriors and the loser of the seventh against eighth match to keep their season alive.
Elsewhere, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Trail Blazers 112-101 to extend their record in their past 20 games to 18-2. Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox starred with 25 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
The Denver Nuggets won their 10th consecutive match to tighten their grip on third place in the Western Conference. Jamal Murray scored a team-high 26 points in the 136-119 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Atlanta Hawks failed to guarantee a play-off spot after losing 122-116 to the Cleveland Cavaliers but can still secure a top-six finish in the Eastern Conference with victory in one of their final two regular-season matches.
Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit Pistons demolished the Milwaukee Bucks 137-111 while the Orlando Magic beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 132-120.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker scored 37 points in 37 minutes to lead his side to a 112-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Cleveland Cavaliers (51-29, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (45-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
Atlanta; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland looks to keep its four-game win streak intact when the Cavaliers take on Atlanta.
The Hawks have gone 26-24 against Eastern Conference teams. Atlanta scores 118.4 points while outscoring opponents by 2.5 points per game.
The Cavaliers have gone 32-18 against Eastern Conference opponents. Cleveland ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference shooting 36.0% from 3-point range.
The Hawks average 118.4 points per game, 3.1 more points than the 115.3 the Cavaliers give up. The Cavaliers average 14.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Hawks give up.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Cavaliers won 122-116 in the last meeting on April 8. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 25 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Johnson is averaging 22.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists for the Hawks. Alexander-Walker is averaging 24.2 points over the last 10 games.
Mitchell is averaging 27.9 points, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Cavaliers. James Harden is averaging 17.9 points and 7.1 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 7-3, averaging 123.1 points, 43.8 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points per game.
Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 123.3 points, 44.5 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 7.3 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points.
INJURIES: Hawks: Jock Landale: out (ankle).
Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson: out (toe), Thomas Bryant: out (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Oklahoma City Thunder (64-16, first in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (52-28, third in the Western Conference)
Denver; Friday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City seeks to keep its seven-game win streak alive when the Thunder take on Denver.
The Nuggets are 10-5 in division matchups. Denver is 23-20 against opponents with a winning record.
The Thunder are 41-9 in Western Conference play. Oklahoma City ranks third in the NBA with 34.7 defensive rebounds per game led by Chet Holmgren averaging 7.0.
The Nuggets' 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.1 fewer made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Thunder give up. The Thunder average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than the Nuggets allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Thunder won 129-126 in the last meeting on March 9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, and Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jokic is averaging 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 27.6 points over the last 10 games.
Cason Wallace is scoring 8.6 points per game and averaging 3.1 rebounds for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.0 points and 3.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 10-0, averaging 130.6 points, 45.9 rebounds, 33.1 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.9 points per game.
Thunder: 9-1, averaging 125.6 points, 46.3 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.0 points.
INJURIES: Nuggets: Peyton Watson: out (hamstring), Spencer Jones: out (hamstring).
Thunder: Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (25-55, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (61-19, second in the Western Conference)
San Antonio; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio hosts Dallas trying to prolong its six-game home winning streak.
The Spurs are 35-15 in Western Conference games. San Antonio ranks sixth in the NBA allowing only 111.2 points per game while holding opponents to 45.0% shooting.
The Mavericks are 4-11 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas ranks fifth in the league scoring 52.9 points per game in the paint led by Cooper Flagg averaging 11.3.
The Spurs average 119.6 points per game, 0.3 more points than the 119.3 the Mavericks allow. The Mavericks are shooting 46.5% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 45.0% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 138-125 on Feb. 7, with Stephon Castle scoring 40 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: De'Aaron Fox is scoring 18.5 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Spurs. Keldon Johnson is averaging 15.8 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 48.4% over the last 10 games.
Max Christie is scoring 12.2 points per game and averaging 3.3 rebounds for the Mavericks. John Poulakidas is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 125.5 points, 50.4 rebounds, 32.0 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points per game.
Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 116.1 points, 43.1 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.1 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Stephon Castle: out (knee), Victor Wembanyama: out (rib).
Mavericks: P.J. Washington: out (elbow), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Daniel Gafford: out (shoulder), Caleb Martin: out (foot), Brandon Williams: out (illness), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: out (hip), Klay Thompson: out (rest).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Clippers (41-39, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (40-40, ninth in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits Portland looking to prolong its four-game road winning streak.
The Trail Blazers are 27-23 in Western Conference games. Portland is seventh in the Western Conference scoring 115.4 points while shooting 45.3% from the field.
The Clippers are 24-26 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is last in the league recording 23.8 assists per game led by Kawhi Leonard averaging 3.6.
The Trail Blazers score 115.4 points per game, 2.8 more points than the 112.6 the Clippers give up. The Clippers average 12.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 fewer makes per game than the Trail Blazers allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Trail Blazers won 114-104 in the last matchup on April 1. Jrue Holiday led the Trail Blazers with 30 points, and Leonard led the Clippers with 23 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Deni Avdija is scoring 24.0 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Trail Blazers. Toumani Camara is averaging 18.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 54.8% over the past 10 games.
Leonard is averaging 28 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals for the Clippers. Brook Lopez is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 6-4, averaging 116.5 points, 46.7 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.6 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points per game.
Clippers: 7-3, averaging 119.4 points, 40.5 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 10.0 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: out (calf), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Vit Krejci: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Clippers: Darius Garland: out (toe), Isaiah Jackson: out (ankle), Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 8: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 8, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The night could have easily tilted the other way for the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. No Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and a late-season game with playoff stakes quietly looming in the background. On paper, it felt like a trap.
Instead, the Spurs turned it into a statement.
Behind a composed offensive attack and a defense that tightened when it mattered most, San Antonio pulled away for a 112-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers; a victory defined less by star power and more by collective resolve. From the opening tip, the Spurs looked like a team intent on controlling the tempo. De’Aaron Fox set the tone early, slicing into the lane and dictating pace on his way to a team-high 25 points.
But this wasn’t a one-man show and it couldn’t be with San Antonio missing two stars.
San Antonio leaned into its depth. Devin Vassell filled the gaps with his two-way presence, while rookie guard Dylan Harper stepped comfortably into a larger role, guiding the offense with poise beyond his experience. Then came the spark from their other rookie. Carter Bryant, a name that doesn’t always headline box scores, caught fire from beyond the arc—knocking down five of six three-point attempts in a breakout shooting performance that stretched Portland’s defense to its limit.
“I thought we had really good contributions from everybody that played,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “I thought we did a really good job with responses throughout the game to a really competitive team… I thought we did really good job.”
Off the bench, Keldon Johnson brought his usual edge, attacking the rim and providing a physical jolt that helped the Spurs maintain control whenever momentum wavered.
“I thought he [Carter Bryant] did a great job,” Coach Johnson said of the rookie. “He played within himself in terms of things we’ve talked about and training on. He shot with confidence and played with physicality.”
Still, Portland didn’t go quietly. Deni Avdija carved up the defense with 29 points, while Scoot Henderson added 20, helping the Trail Blazers chip away at San Antonio’s lead heading into the second half. For a moment in the third quarter, it felt like the game might slip. Portland surged, testing a Spurs lineup missing its defensive anchor.
That’s when San Antonio responded, not with flash, but with discipline.
The Spurs locked in defensively, cutting off driving lanes and forcing tough looks. On the other end, Fox returned to orchestrate, mixing timely buckets with smart decision-making. A late push, highlighted by key contributions from role players and interior finishes, reestablished control for good.
By the final minutes, the outcome felt inevitable. San Antonio didn’t just survive without its stars, it looked comfortable doing so. The win pushed the Spurs to 61 victories on the season and secured a top-two seed in the Western Conference, a milestone that underscores how far the franchise has come in a short time.
More importantly, it revealed something deeper. This isn’t just a team built around a generational talent. It’s a roster that can adapt, absorb adversity, and still impose its identity.
On a night when the spotlight could have dimmed, the Spurs proved they don’t need it to shine.
Game Notes
Mitch Johnson confirmed Carter Bryant will be part of his playoff rotation following his career night. “He will play in the playoffs,” the Spurs’ head coach told reporters postgame.
Keldon Johnson may have secured his Sixth Man of the Year award with his performance on Wednesday night.
Johnson and Bryant combined for 37 points off the bench for San Antonio, a dangerous sign for other teams if those guys can match those numbers.
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 8: Cooper Flagg #32 and Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 8, 2026 at PHX Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks came up just short Wednesday night, falling 112-107 to the Phoenix Suns in a game that stayed competitive into the final minutes but ultimately slipped away late. Dallas actually shot a respectable 41.1% from the field and 36.1% from three, but couldn’t quite match Phoenix’s overall efficiency and shot-making. Marvin Bagley III led the way with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting and 8 rebounds, continuing his strong play, while Cooper Flagg struggled from the field at 4-of-19 but still stuffed the stat sheet with 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Max Christie added 18 points on 4-of-9 from three, and Ryan Nembhard chipped in 7 assists, but the Mavericks couldn’t find enough consistent scoring late. Phoenix was more balanced and efficient, shooting 46.2% from the field and 40.0% from three, led by Devin Booker’s 37 points and 9 assists and Dillon Brooks’ 28 points.
Dallas came out with solid early energy, getting offense through Marvin Bagley III inside and from three, while Max Christie hit a pair of threes and Cooper Flagg added scoring and playmaking to give the Mavericks early rhythm and even brief control. But that momentum didn’t last, as the Suns flipped the first quarter late behind Royce O’Neale’s shooting and Devin Booker’s shot creation, turning a competitive start into a 33-29 deficit. In the second quarter, Dallas pushed back, with Flagg attacking downhill, Nembhard creating looks, and contributions from Cisse and Middleton helping tie the game around 45-45.
Still, the same issues showed up again, as the Mavericks couldn’t sustain offense or string together stops. Booker took over late in the half, scoring off drives, pull-ups, and free throws while Dallas fell into missed shots and empty possessions. Even when Dallas had chances to grab control, they couldn’t convert, and Phoenix consistently answered with efficient offense. By halftime, the Suns led 61-53, a half where Dallas showed flashes but couldn’t match Phoenix’s consistency.
The second half had stretches where it felt like Dallas might flip the game, but they could never sustain it. In the third quarter, the Mavericks chipped away behind Marvin Bagley’s interior scoring, Poulakidas hitting shots, and Cooper Flagg facilitating, even cutting the deficit down multiple times. But every push was answered, as Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks consistently generated efficient offense, keeping Phoenix in control.
The fourth quarter followed that same script, with Dallas getting within one possession behind Christie’s threes and more Bagley scoring, but missed layups and empty trips prevented them from taking the lead. Booker closed it late with shot-making and free throws, while Dallas’ offense stalled at the worst time. The box score tells the story, as the Mavericks shot 41.1% overall, with Bagley leading with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Flagg struggled at 4-of-19 despite filling the stat sheet. Phoenix was simply more efficient, shooting 46.2% and hitting 14 threes, led by Booker’s 37 and Brooks’ 28, which ultimately sealed a 112-107 loss.
23: Poulakidas points
John Poulakidas was one of the most impressive players in this game, especially considering the context. In real rotation minutes, he didn’t just hold his own; he legitimately impacted the game with his shooting and confidence. He finished with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 5-of-8 from three (62.5%), and it felt like every make came in rhythm and within the flow of the offense. This wasn’t empty production either. He hit tough shots, spaced the floor, and gave Dallas a scoring punch they desperately needed.
What stood out most was how unafraid he was. There were multiple possessions where he went right at Devin Booker, either answering on the other end or forcing Booker to work defensively. That kind of shot-making and confidence, especially from a player in his role, changes how the game feels. Instead of the offense stalling, Dallas actually had someone who could step into a jumper and make it count.
For a team searching for consistent perimeter shooting, this is exactly the kind of performance that should turn heads. Poulakidas didn’t just have a hot night. He showed real, translatable skill as a shooter who can stretch defenses and compete against high-level players.
10: Missed AJ Johnson shots
This was AJ Johnson’s first real extended run, and it was about as rough as it could look. He finished just 1-of-11 from the field (9.1%) and 0-of-3 from three, and it felt even worse than the numbers suggest. The misses weren’t just tough looks. They were forced shots, rushed decisions, and possessions that stalled the offense completely. When Dallas was trying to make a push, those empty trips added up fast.
It wasn’t just the shooting, either. The overall feel wasn’t there. Timing, decision-making, and control all looked off, and instead of settling things down, his minutes often sped the game up in the wrong way. For a player getting a real opportunity, you want to see composure and flashes of creation, but this was mostly out of sync from start to finish.
It’s one game, and young players are going to have nights like this. But this was a reminder of how far he still has to go. When you’re trying to evaluate pieces for the future, performances like this stand out just as much as the good ones.
Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) blocks the shot of Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns lost an emotional, hard-fought game against the Houston Rockets and had to bounce back quickly against a pesky Dallas Mavericks team. The Suns got great nights from Devin Booker, who scored 37 points and dished out nine assists, and Dillon Brooks, who scored 28 points on 50% from the field and survived, barely, to win 112-107.
Here’s what the Suns did well: they held Cooper Flagg to 11 points on 4-for-18 shooting, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The Suns shot 40% from the 3-point line and made 14 threes. The Suns outscored the Mavericks 16-6 in points off turnovers. Yet it was another game full of big momentum swings and consistent play.
The Suns led by 18 points in the third quarter, only to go scoreless for five minutes and allow the Mavericks to go on an 18-1 run, cutting the deficit to 1. Then they woke up and went up double digits again, only for that lead to evaporate quickly and the Mavericks to lead by two. Booker and Brooks combined for 65 points, and the Suns only beat the 25-55 Mavericks by five points. Stagnant offense and poor defense allowed the Mavericks to hang around in a game the Suns should have won easily.
Part of the roller coaster ride for the Suns was due to two in-game injuries to Jalen Green (knee) and Jordan Goodwin (lower leg injury), who both left the game in the first half and did not return. Already without Mark Williams and Grayson Allen, the Suns went to their bench and played everyone. Ryan Dunn played 24 minutes and guarded Flagg exceptionally well, while Rasheer Fleming played 14 minutes and had little impact on the game. Jamaree Bouyea played four minutes, and Amir Coffey played six as well.
The big, emphasis on big, story of the night was Khaman Maluach, who started his first NBA game and showed why he was the Suns’ lottery prize this offseason. He scored 4 points, grabbed 14 rebounds (one night after the Suns were obliterated on the boards), and blocked three shots, including a monster block on a Flagg dunk attempt.
Maluach still showed many flaws that he will have to work through to become a great center in the NBA, like his ability to grab the ball without bobbling it, finishing strong in the paint, and not getting pushed around. Tonight, though, he was the difference between the Suns winning and losing because of his effort. He challenged players at the rim, even though he got dunked on by Marvin Bagley in the first quarter, he blocked Flagg late in the game when the Suns needed it most. It was not just that he was trying to block shots either; it was his effort to contest shots and then immediately pursue the rebound after, something that Mark Williams has struggled to do since December. He and Booker tied for a team high +11 in plus/minus, and the eye test matched that. He was brilliant in his first start as a Phoenix Sun, and showed that he could be the Suns’ future at center as early as, well, right now.
Game Flow
First Half
The first half was back and forth between the Suns and the Mavericks. Neither team led by more than two possessions until the Suns closed the first half on an impressive 15-6 run to lead 61-53 at halftime. The Suns allowed just one field goal from the Mavericks in the last six minutes of the second quarter. Devin Booker started the game with a quick 8 points early in the first quarter and finished the second quarter attacking Dallas’s little guards at the rim. He had 19 points in the first half.
Outside of Booker, it was Phoenix’s 3-point shooting that was the difference in the first half, with Royce O’Neale scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 from long distance. Jordan Goodwin hit three 3-point shots as well, but unfortunately, he left the game with a lower leg injury in the second quarter. The Mavericks were 12-of-12 from the free-throw line and got just enough offense to remain close at the break.
With Mark Williams and Grayson Allen out of the lineup for injury management, and Jalen Green heading to the locker room just four minutes into the game, Jordan Ott was forced to play his young players. Khaman Maluach started the game for Williams and grabbed seven rebounds in the first half, and his defense was a mixed bag. His length at the rim is disruptive, but Marvin Bagley scored a team-high 11 points in the first half, with all of them coming against Maluach, including a thunderous dunk in the light center.
Ryan Dunn got into the rotation and played well, shutting down Cooper Flagg multiple times and finding shooters in the corner in the short roll on offense. Rasheer Fleming played seven minutes and was quiet in his minutes.
Second Half
The Suns started the second half with a quick 10-0 run. Dillon Brooks was getting into his midrange bag, forcing the Mavericks to call a quick timeout just two minutes into the quarter. The Suns led 71-53 and had created the separation needed to take full control of the game, except they didn’t score for the next five minutes of game action. The Suns’ lack of ball movement and Brooks’ isolations were major contributors to the drought. The Mavericks did what they do best: get to the free-throw line and score in the paint. Dallas guard Max Christie knocked in a couple of 3-point jumpers as well, and just as fast as the Suns’ lead ballooned to 18, it dwindled to just one, 72-71. The Mavericks 18-1 run was another extended slog of unremarkable basketball from a Suns team that needs to be playing its best basketball right now.
The Suns woke up and closed the quarter strong. Booker was attacking again in the midrange and converted multiple and-1 pullups to give the Suns a boost, and Gillespie scored 7 quick points to give the Suns an 88-80 lead after three quarters of basketball.
The fourth quarter was another seesaw of runs. Mavericks guard John Poulakidas continued his hot shooting in the fourth quarter, knocking down multiple jumpers to get Dallas back into the game. The Suns’ offense continued to stagnate, and the Mavericks took their first lead of the game, 95-93, after a Christie pull-up 3-point shot in transition. It was Booker to the rescue yet again as he checked in and immediately deposited a long-range triple and got the free throw line. A tough pull-up jumpshot at the right elbow from Brooks put the Suns up 102-95 after a 9-0 run with five minutes to go.
The Suns had control of the game again; they just had to hold on a little longer. Another Brooks jumper gave the Suns an eight-point lead, but the Mavericks continued to fight (even after they took out all of their best players to try to lose the game). The Mavericks cut the deficit to three, but a Booker side step 3-point shot was the nail in the coffin, as the Suns led 110-104 and went on to win 112-107.
Up Next
A Friday night showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, with tip-off at 7:30 Arizona time.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 08, 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The never-say-die Dallas Mavericks put up a valiant, short-handed effort against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, losing 112-107. Devin Booker was the high scorer and all-around best player for the Suns, scoring 37 to go along with five rebounds and nine assists. John Poulakidas led Dallas in scoring off the bench, pouring in 23 and making it look easy.
Both the Mavericks and Suns were on fire early from the three-point line. The teams traded leads, with neither squad playing much defense. Both Cooper Flagg and Jalen Green exited the game early with injury issues and it was unclear if either would return. The Mavericks stayed feisty and stuck with the Suns, trailing 33-29 after one quarter.
With Cooper Flagg returning in the second, Dallas tried to keep pace with the Suns and managed for most of the quarter. The hot outside shooting from Dallas cooled but getting to the line allowed Dallas to match scoring with the Suns. But after tying it at 50 with 4:22 remaining, the Mavericks would score only three points the rest of the quarter. The Suns scored slowly and built up a 61-53 to take into the half.
Before the second half started began, it was reported that Jalen Green would not return. The Suns opened the half blowing up their lead to as many as 18 as Dallas looked half asleep. The Mavericks, of course, spent the rest of the period whittling that lead back down to zero only to unravel in the final few minutes. The score entering the fourth was the same difference as when the second half began: the suns lead 88-80.
Dallas would not go away. The Mavericks stormed back once again, taking a 95-93 lead with around eight minutes remaining. Following a Suns timeout, Phoenix retook the lead but not before the Mavericks entered the 45th CLUTCH game of their season, being down five with under five minutes to go. In the first really obvious tanking move I can remember, Kidd pulled all his starters and they STILL managed to keep the game within three points until a Devin Booker three sealed the game with 1:12 remaining. The Mavericks fall, 112-107.
Have yourself a game, John Poulakidas
I make it a point not to get too invested in two-way players. If a two-way player matters, the season is usually lost. But that doesn’t mean I’m against a good story, and the Yale guard has been fun for Dallas these last 40 days or so. He scored his first NBA points three weeks ago and just nine games later, scores a career high 23 points on some great looking shots.
To be honest, I have no idea if he has a spot on a NBA team. He plays real hard and has a key skill in terms of shot making that teams can use. He tries hard on defense, but considering Dallas is so bad at defense I’ve no idea how to rate him. Perhaps he can go to Summer League with the Mavericks?
The Suns have a lot of good players I enjoy watching
Dillon Brooks is an acquired taste at best, but I very much appreciate the games of Collin Gillespie and Khaman Maluach. The former helped control the game for the Suns on the offensive end while the latter was fantastic on the boards for the Suns, grabbing 14 in his first start. I’m not sure how the pieces all fit with this team; Booker is awesome and Jalen Green has a ton of talent.
AJ Johnson might be the worst NBA contract player on the Mavericks in years
Tonight, Johnson shot 1-11 from the floor. He’s now 20-72 from the field in his short time with the Mavericks. Professional basketball players cannot shoot 27% from the floor. His finishing is weak (he loses the ball on drives), his shot from distance looks as if he’s blind, and his defense is that of a grade schooler. Sorry if this is too harsh. Whoever drafted and signed him should not be allowed to make personnel decisions.
