Sacramento plays Los Angeles, aims to stop home losing streak

Los Angeles Clippers (23-27, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (12-40, 15th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Friday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento looks to end its four-game home slide with a victory over Los Angeles.

The Kings are 2-7 against Pacific Division opponents. Sacramento has a 5-25 record in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Clippers are 6-4 against the rest of the division. Los Angeles has a 2-6 record in one-possession games.

The Kings average 10.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.3 fewer makes per game than the Clippers allow (13.7). The Kings average 112.3 points per game, 8.2 fewer points than the 120.5 the Kings give up to opponents.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Clippers won 131-90 in the last matchup on Dec. 31.

TOP PERFORMERS: DeMar DeRozan is averaging 19.2 points and 3.9 assists for the Kings. Zach LaVine is averaging 14.5 points over the last 10 games.

Kris Dunn is scoring 7.8 points per game and averaging 2.9 rebounds for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 17.3 points and 3.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 0-10, averaging 109.8 points, 43.0 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.4 points per game.

Clippers: 6-4, averaging 112.4 points, 42.9 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.4 points.

INJURIES: Kings: Keegan Murray: out (ankle).

Clippers: Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Ivica Zubac: out (personal), Darius Garland: day to day (toe).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Barnes and the Raptors host conference foe Chicago

Chicago Bulls (24-27, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (30-22, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Toronto; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Raptors -8.5; over/under is 226.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Bulls visit Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors in Eastern Conference action Thursday.

The Raptors are 22-14 in conference play. Toronto is eighth in the league giving up just 112.5 points per game while holding opponents to 46.2% shooting.

The Bulls have gone 16-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago is fifth in the league scoring 17.9 fast break points per game. Ayo Dosunmu leads the Bulls averaging 3.5.

The Raptors are shooting 47.2% from the field this season, 0.2 percentage points lower than the 47.4% the Bulls allow to opponents. The Bulls average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the Raptors give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Barnes is averaging 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.5 blocks for the Raptors. Brandon Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the last 10 games.

Josh Giddey is scoring 18.6 points per game and averaging 8.6 rebounds for the Bulls. Matas Buzelis is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 113.5 points, 42.4 rebounds, 29.4 assists, 8.0 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.

Bulls: 5-5, averaging 116.8 points, 44.5 rebounds, 30.2 assists, 6.2 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.9 points.

INJURIES: Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: out (back).

Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Zach Collins: out (toe), Julian Phillips: day to day (wrist), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Dallas faces San Antonio on 4-game home skid

San Antonio Spurs (34-16, second in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (19-31, 12th in the Western Conference)

Dallas; Thursday, 8:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Spurs -6.5; over/under is 224.5

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas hosts San Antonio looking to break its four-game home skid.

The Mavericks are 3-7 against division opponents. Dallas ranks third in the NBA with 35.0 defensive rebounds per game led by P.J. Washington averaging 5.7.

The Spurs are 8-3 against Southwest Division teams. San Antonio is fifth in the Western Conference scoring 116.9 points per game and is shooting 47.2%.

The Mavericks are shooting 47.0% from the field this season, 1.5 percentage points higher than the 45.5% the Spurs allow to opponents. The Spurs average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.9 more makes per game than the Mavericks allow.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Spurs won 125-92 in the last meeting on Oct. 23. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 40 points, and Washington led the Mavericks with 17 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Flagg is averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Klay Thompson is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Stephon Castle is shooting 45.0% and averaging 16.5 points for the Spurs. Julian Champagnie is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 4-6, averaging 117.1 points, 48.0 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 7.2 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.0 points per game.

Spurs: 7-3, averaging 114.0 points, 45.6 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 7.0 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points.

INJURIES: Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), P.J. Washington: out (concussion protocol), Brandon Williams: day to day (leg), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle).

Spurs: Kelly Olynyk: out (foot), Dylan Harper: out (ankle), Lindy Waters III: out (knee), Jeremy Sochan: out (quad).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Charlotte takes on Houston, aims for 5th straight road win

Charlotte Hornets (23-28, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (31-18, fourth in the Western Conference)

Houston; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rockets -3.5; over/under is 217.5

BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte will try to keep its four-game road win streak alive when the Hornets play Houston.

The Rockets have gone 17-5 in home games. Houston scores 115.5 points while outscoring opponents by 5.4 points per game.

The Hornets are 12-15 on the road. Charlotte ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference shooting 37.0% from 3-point range.

The Rockets are shooting 47.2% from the field this season, 0.1 percentage points lower than the 47.3% the Hornets allow to opponents. The Hornets are shooting 46.3% from the field, 0.3% higher than the 46.0% the Rockets' opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Durant is averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Rockets. Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Miles Bridges is averaging 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 23.7 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 7-3, averaging 109.6 points, 48.8 rebounds, 25.0 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.9 points per game.

Hornets: 8-2, averaging 113.4 points, 48.7 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 6.1 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.1 points.

INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (ankle).

Hornets: Tidjane Salaun: day to day (illness), KJ Simpson: out (hip).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Portland takes on Memphis, aims to break 6-game slide

Memphis Grizzlies (19-29, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (23-28, 10th in the Western Conference)

Portland, Oregon; Friday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Portland comes into the matchup with Memphis after losing six in a row.

The Trail Blazers are 18-15 in Western Conference games. Portland is 9-12 in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Grizzlies are 16-17 in Western Conference play. Memphis ranks ninth in the Western Conference shooting 34.9% from 3-point range.

The Trail Blazers' 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.2 fewer made shots on average than the 14.3 per game the Grizzlies give up. The Grizzlies average 13.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Trail Blazers allow.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Grizzlies won 119-96 in the last matchup on Dec. 7.

TOP PERFORMERS: Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 21.8 points for the Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant is averaging 13.6 points over the last 10 games.

Cedric Coward is averaging 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 10.8 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 53.6% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 112.9 points, 48.0 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.1 points per game.

Grizzlies: 2-7, averaging 116.8 points, 42.8 rebounds, 28.7 assists, 7.9 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.2 points.

INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Scoot Henderson: day to day (hamstring), Matisse Thybulle: out (knee), Kris Murray: day to day (lumbar), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

Grizzlies: Kyle Anderson: out (illness), Georges Niang: out (foot), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Milwaukee faces Indiana after overtime win

Indiana Pacers (13-38, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (20-29, 12th in the Eastern Conference)

Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Milwaukee hosts the Indiana Pacers following the Milwaukee Bucks' 141-137 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Bucks are 6-4 against opponents in the Central Division. Milwaukee has a 9-20 record against opponents over .500.

The Pacers are 3-8 against the rest of the division. Indiana is 6-29 against opponents over .500.

The Bucks average 14.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.4 more made shots on average than the 11.4 per game the Pacers give up. The Pacers average 12.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 fewer made shots on average than the 14.3 per game the Bucks give up.

The two teams match up for the third time this season. The Bucks defeated the Pacers 111-94 in their last matchup on Dec. 24. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 24 points, and T.J. McConnell led the Pacers with 16 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Rollins is averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. Kyle Kuzma is averaging 14.0 points over the last 10 games.

Pascal Siakam is averaging 23.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and four assists for the Pacers. Jarace Walker is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 3-7, averaging 109.3 points, 42.1 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 6.6 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.9 points per game.

Pacers: 4-6, averaging 112.4 points, 43.1 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 7.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.1 points.

INJURIES: Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: out (calf), Gary Harris: out (hamstring), Bobby Portis: out (hip), Taurean Prince: out (neck).

Pacers: Micah Potter: day to day (hip), Aaron Nesmith: day to day (hand), Obi Toppin: out (foot), T.J. McConnell: day to day (knee), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Kristaps Porzingis trade grades: Who won Warriors-Hawks deal?

The Golden State Warriors made a move on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in an attempt to keep themselves contenders in the Western Conference.

The Warriors added center Kristaps Porziņģis in the final hours before the NBA’s trade deadline, coming to a reported agreement with the Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in return.

For months, the Warriors were expected to trade Kuminga and were considered a candidate to land disgruntled Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The latter has seemingly changed, with Golden State having "moved on" from Antetokounmpo in the wake of this deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Here's grades for the Kristaps Porziņģis deal:

Kristaps Porziņģis trade grades

Golden State Warriors grade: B

The Warriors are finally moving on from Kuminga, who had shown flashes of his talent and potential but never appeared to be on the same page as the Golden State coaching staff.

Porziņģis could be seen as low-risk, high-reward. If he is healthy, he could be just what the  Warriors need: a center that can shoot the basketball. He also adds much-needed size near the rim.

Atlanta Hawks grade: B

Kuminga provides a level of athleticism and physicality to the Hawks at the forward position. He has also shown the ability to score and play solid defense during his time with the Warriors. Hield was a positive bonus in the trade, being one of the better long-range shooters in the league. He will also add a lighthearted and fun energy to the locker room.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kristaps Porzingis trade grades for Warriors-Hawks deal

Lomberg scores tiebreaking goal in 3rd and Flames top scuffling Oilers 4-3 to take season series

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Matvei Gridin had a goal and an assist for the rookie's first multipoint game in the NHL, leading the Calgary Flames to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.

Ryan Lomberg scored the go-ahead goal at 6:44 of the third period. Jonathan Huberdeau and Connor Zary also scored for Calgary. Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar and Zach Whitecloud had two assists apiece.

The Flames took the season series against their provincial rival, winning three of four meetings.

Leon Draisaitl had two goals and Kasperi Kapanen also scored for the Oilers, who limped into the Olympic break on a three-game losing streak. Evan Bouchard had three assists.

Flames goalie Devin Cooley stopped 36 shots. Tristan Jarry made 21 saves for Edmonton.

A bouncing puck in front went on net off Lomberg's skate, forcing Jarry to kick out his pad. Lomberg buried the rebound to give the Flames a 4-3 lead.

Calgary led 3-1 before Draisaitl scored his second power-play goal of the game at 18:26 of the second period. Kapanen tied it 4:17 into the third.

Draisaitl (1,036) moved past Mark Messier (1,034) into fourth place on Edmonton’s career points list. Draisaitl is seven back of Jari Kurri for third. Wayne Gretzky (1,669) leads, followed by Connor McDavid (1,178).

Edmonton has given up goals on five consecutive penalty kills after Calgary converted each of its first two power plays in the first period.

Gridin’s third career goal was his second in three games as the 19-year-old continues to impress on a line with Huberdeau and Morgan Frost.

Up next

Oilers: Visit the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 25.

Flames: Visit the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 26.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Spurs Outlast Thunder, 116-106, in Gritty Home Win

The San Antonio Spurs walked onto the floor at Frost Bank Center knowing the circumstances were tilted in their favor. Oklahoma City arrived shorthanded, resting much of its regular rotation and leaning heavily on its bench. What followed, however, was not a quiet night or an easy victory.

Instead, the Spurs had to earn every possession of a 116-106 win, fending off a Thunder group that played free, fast and with nothing to lose — the kind of opponent that can turn a routine night into an uncomfortable one if focus slips.

For long stretches, the game felt more like a test of discipline than talent.

San Antonio built an early 22-point lead behind aggressive drives to the basket and steady shot-making, but the Thunder’s reserves refused to go down without a fight in the second half. Each time the Spurs appeared ready to pull away, Oklahoma City responded with energy plays — loose balls, quick cuts, and timely perimeter shooting — keeping the game within reach.

The Spurs’ offense, defined by rhythm and ball movement, came in waves. When it stalled, Keldon Johnson became the stabilizer. Johnson attacked the paint, absorbed contact and finished through traffic, providing the kind of physical scoring that kept San Antonio from drifting too far off course. His presence was a reminder of how valuable a reliable scorer can be on nights when execution isn’t crisp.

“I felt we got a little unfocused at times,” Johnson said. “Ultimately we got the win, but there are things we need to learn to clean up, you know, be tighter on and be better on. We pulled together in the end and got it done, but we definitely need to be better.”

Oklahoma City continued to hang around into the fourth quarter, turning the final minutes into something more tense than expected. The Thunder trimmed the lead to single digits and briefly threatened to make the closing stretch uncomfortable for the home crowd.

That’s when De’Aaron Fox took control.

Fox’s speed changed the tone of the game late. He pushed the pace, broke down defenders off the dribble and delivered timely baskets that steadied the Spurs when the margin felt in doubt. His late-game command didn’t show up as a dramatic takeover, but as a series of calm, efficient decisions — the kind that quietly shut the door.

Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama made his impact felt in subtler ways. Even when he wasn’t the focal point of the offense, his length altered shots, discouraged drives and helped the Spurs control the paint when the Thunder tried to generate momentum inside. His presence alone forced Oklahoma City to think twice about attacking the rim during critical possessions.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Spurs had done enough — not flashy, not flawless, but effective.

“Getting our minds prepared in shootaround to play those guys and then to go out there not being like that is tough,” Spurs guard Stephon Castle said. “We still got it done. Whatever five is on the court for them [OKC] and they are a good matchup. So it was tough regardless.”

The win carried more weight than the box score might suggest. San Antonio matched its win total from last season, a small sign of progress for a team still learning how to close games and manage expectations. Nights like this, against an opponent with nothing to lose, often reveal as much about a team’s maturity as marquee matchups do.

For Oklahoma City, the loss still came with encouragement. Their bench-heavy lineup played with pride and confidence, showing why depth and development remain pillars of the franchise’s long-term vision.

For the Spurs, the takeaway was simpler.

They survived a trap game, leaned on experience when needed, and walked away with a win — the kind that doesn’t dominate highlight reels but quietly builds a season. As the schedule tightens and tougher opponents loom, San Antonio will look back on nights like this as lessons in patience, focus and finishing the job.

“I think we did what we had to do to get the win,” a disappointed Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson said. “I think there are a lot of things that could have been better. It was good to see us finish the job, but we’ll try to continue to get better from this one.”

Game Notes

  • The Denver Nuggets’ double OT loss to the New York Knicks combined with San Antonio’s win puts the Spurs two games up on Denver for second place a jam packed Western Conference with the All-Star break around the corner.
  • Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson combined for 47 of the Spurs’ 116 points. A good night at the office for them both.
  • Carter Bryant continued to show his growth in his rookie season, scoring 11 points in 13 minutes. Coach Johnson said Bryant has learned from his mistakes earlier in the season. “When you have a young player, they’re never mistake free, so once they figure out that, then sometimes they’re free to play with more effort and energy,” he said of the rookie.
  • Speaking of rookies, Dylan Harper missed Wednesday’s game, but it will be interesting to see if he available for Thursday’s road contest against Dallas.
  • And Thursday also brings the trade deadline. Who will still on the roster by tip-off Thursday night? Pounding the Rock will bring you all the latest news as it happens.

Shane Wright's 2 goals lead Kraken to 4-2 victory over Kings

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shane Wright scored twice to lead the Seattle Kraken to a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.

Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson also scored and Chandler Stephenson and Frederick Gaudreau each had two assists for the Kraken, who have won five of their last six games. Joey Daccord made 25 saves.

Andrei Kuzmenko scored both of Los Angeles' goals and Darcy Kuemper made 19 saves.

The Kings took a 1-0 lead at 7:42 of the first period when Kuzmenko scored on the power play.

Wright tied it at 1 at 9:16 on a backhander for his first goal of the game and Larsson put Seattle up 2-1 at 10:14 on a one-timer. Dunn made it 3-1 on the power play at 15:21.

Kuzmenko cut it to 3-2 on the power play at 10:27 of the second period, but Wright gave the Kraken a two-goal lead again with a power-play score at 5:50 of the third.

Up next

Kraken: Visit Dallas on Feb. 25.

Kings: Visit Vegas on Thursday night.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Stirtz scores 22 as Iowa beats Washington 84-74, extends win streak to 5 games

SEATTLE (AP) — Bennett Stirtz hit four 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, Alvaro Folgueiras scored 16 points, and Iowa beat Washington 84-74 on Wednesday night for its fifth consecutive win.

Tavion Banks had 11 points and Cooper Koch also scored 11, all in the second half, for Iowa (16-5, 6-4 Big Ten). Banks missed a free throw with 29 seconds left in the first half to break his streak of 30 consecutive made free throws — four shy of the program record set by Chris Street (1993) and Jordan Bohannon (2018).

Hannes Steinbach had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Washington (12-11, 4.-8) and his 15 double-doubles this season are the most by a freshman in program history. Isaiah Stewart had 14 double-doubles for the Huskies in 2019-20.

Zoom Diallo had 16 points, a career-high 12 assists and six rebounds and Wesley Yates III scored 15 points for Washington.

Franck Kepnang threw down a dunk that gave the Huskies a seven-point lead with 18:41 left in the game but they went without a field goal for the next seven-plus minutes. Washington was 0 for 6 from the field and committed two turnovers during an 18-4 Iowa run that made it 63-56 with 12:59 to play and the Hawkeyes led the rest of the way.

Washington shot 76.9% (20 of 26) in the first half — the third-best shooting half in the Big Ten since the 2018-19 season — but made just 9 of 25 (36%) from the field after halftime.

Up next

Iowa: The Hawkeyes host Northwestern on Sunday.

Washington: The Huskies play Saturday at UCLA.

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Golden Knights end 5-game skid with 5-2 victory over Canucks

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist and the Vegas Golden Knights snapped a five-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.

Ivan Barbashev scored a goal for the fourth straight game, and Cole Reinhardt, Pavel Dorofayev and Alexander Holtz also had goals for the Knights. Mark Stone had a pair of assists.

Akira Schmid made 21 saves, including a spectacular stop on Vancouver's Pierre-Olivier Joseph midway through the second period when he dove across the crease to snag the puck with his glove and preserve a 3-1 lead.

Elias N. Pettersson and Joseph had goals for the Canucks, who have now lost three in a row and six of their last seven games and remain in last place in the NHL. Teddy Blueger had a pair of assists and Kevin Lankinen made 26 saves.

After a scoreless first period, things heated up in the second when the teams combined to score on four straight shots, with all four goals coming in a span of 2:30 and Vegas taking a 3-1 lead.

With two third-period goals, the Golden Knights now have 75 third-period goals this season, the most in the NHL. Eichel has 21 multipoint games this season.

Up next

Canucks: At home against Winnipeg on Feb. 25.

Golden Knights: Host Los Angeles on Thursday night.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Bulls trade former Arizona wing Dalen Terry to Knicks

dalen-terry-traded-to-new-york-knicks-arizona-wildcats-in-nba
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Dalen Terry (7) drives against Brooklyn Nets during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

After a forgettable run in Chicago, Dalen Terry will have an opportunity for a career reset in the Big Apple.

The Chicago Bulls have traded the former Arizona Wildcats guard to the New York Knicks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday night. The Bulls received Guerschon Yabusele in return.

Terry has appeared in 34 games this season, averaging 3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He is in the last year of his rookie contract.

Terry is shooting a career-best 41.3 percent from 3-point range on 46 attempts. Overall he’s shooting 44.1% from the field.

The 23-year-old joins a contending Knicks team that is tied for second place in the Eastern Conference.

Terry was drafted 18th overall in 2022 after two seasons at Arizona. He played supporting minutes in his first season with the Bulls, and has averaged about 12 minutes per game over the last two-and-a-half seasons.

Terry’s playing time was starting to increase over the past few games. He played 29 and 28 minutes in back-to-back games against the Miami Heat over the weekend.

Terry figures to add more depth to the Knicks backcourt, with New York currently dealing with injuries to shooting guards Josh Hart and Miles McBride.

Grizzlies beat Sacramento 129-125, send Kings to their season-worst 10th straight loss

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Cam Spencer hit three key baskets late in the fourth quarter and finished with 20 points, and Ty Jerome added 28 as the Memphis Grizzlies beat Sacramento 129-125 on Wednesday night, sending the Kings to their season-worst 10th straight loss.

Spencer hit a 3-pointer with 2:08 remaining in the fourth to give Memphis a 122-118 lead. After GG Jackson hit a jumper, Spencer added a 16-foot jumper with 43 seconds left to keep the margin at four points. After the Kings pulled within a point on DeMar DeRozan's 3, Spencer hit a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left to restore the four-point lead and help seal the win.

Jaylen Wells scored 18 points, Jackson added 16 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 15 as Memphis won its second straight. Santi Aldama, back in the lineup after missing four game with a right knee injury, had 12 points and six rebounds.

The Grizzlies were playing their first game since trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in an eight-player, three-draft-pick deal. Memphis has also been engaged in talks about moving star guard Ja Morant. The trade deadline is Thursday afternoon.

Domantas Sabonis scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half and added 15 rebounds for the Kings, whose last victory came on Jan. 16 against Washington, the final game of a four-game win streak.

DeRozan scored 20 points, Nique Clifford added 14, and Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk had 13 points apiece. Zach LaVine scored 11 and Devin Carter 10 for Sacramento, which also had losing streaks of seven and eight games earlier this season.

Westbrook moved into 14th place on the NBA’s career scoring list with a 3-pointer at the 10:06 mark of the first quarter. He moved past Hakeem Olajuwon (26,946) and has 26,597 career points. Elvin Hayes ranks 13th with 27,313.

De’Andre Hunter, who was acquired by the Kings in a trade with Cleveland on Saturday, started in his Sacramento debut. He hit his first attempt, a 3-pointer, and finished with nine points.

Up next

Grizzlies: At Portland on Friday and Saturday night.

Kings: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Player Grades: Cavs at Clippers – Donovan Mitchell shines in wire-to-wire victory

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers scores against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half at Intuit Dome on February 04, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Whether or not the Cleveland Cavaliers won their recent trade with the Los Angeles Clippers remains to be seen. We can, however, confirm that they won their game against them rather convincingly. They routed the Clippers 124-91.

All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player. A “B” represents an average game for that player.

Donovan Mitchell

29 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals

Mitchell brings energy nearly every night, but some games, he plays like he’s been shot out of a cannon. This was one of those outings.

That effort was coupled with just a good all-around game. Mitchell got to the basket at will, set up his teammates well, took care of the ball, and was active defensively. It was the perfect game from someone who looked reenergized by the team’s recent additions.

Grade: A

Jarrett Allen

10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Allen didn’t dominate the scoring column like he did against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he had a noticeable impact on this game. He controlled the paint defensively and played with force on offense.

The Cavs don’t need Allen to lead them in points every night. They do, however, need him to play with energy and focus. He did so again this evening.

Grade: B+

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Jaylon Tyson

17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Tyson has continually made the most of the touches he gets offensively. That happened again in Los Angeles as he went 7-10 from the floor, 3-3 from three, all while playing good defense.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson has called Tyson the “ultimate role player” at various points the last two seasons. Tyson has continually proven Atkinson correct, but performances like this make you wonder how good he can be if you continue to scale up his usage.

Grade: A

Sam Merrill

11 points, 0 assists, 1 rebound

Merrill was an active off-ball mover and hit some threes. It was the exact performance you want from him, even if he didn’t make a large impact elsewhere.

Grade: B+

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Thomas Bryant

8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks

Bryant came in, got offensive rebounds (three), blocked some shots (two), and made the most of his chances to score. He even got rewarded for a deep seal in transition, which you absolutely love to see. You’d sign up for performances like this from your third big every night.

Grade: A

Dean Wade

5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Dean Wade did Dean Wade things.

Grade: B+

Nae’Qwan Tomlin

4 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

Tomlin was the one Cavalier who didn’t have an efficient scoring night. He went 1-7 from the field, but was still helpful due to his energy and effort. This was reflected in his plus/minus of +16

Grade: B

Dennis Schröder

11 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals

Schroder showed you the energy and straight-line attacking that he can provide. Both are things the second unit has desperately needed. Also, contributing three steals is helpful.

This was a solid debut, even if it wasn’t an efficient shooting game. He went 5-14 from the field and 1-5 from deep.

Grade: B+

Craig Porter Jr.

7 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals

Porter being able to shift to a more off-ball role worked tonight. He played well alongside Schroder. He’ll need to keep doing that if he’s going to continue to get steady minutes once James Harden joins the team on Friday.

Grade: B+

Keon Ellis

6 points, 0 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal

Ellis was disruptive defensively. He showed what he can do on that end in the limited minutes that he played. I’m interested to see how he performs when he gets a longer runway and gets more acclimated with the team’s system.

Grade: B