Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton raised eyebrows this week when he was heard saying in the Lakers locker room his team is "trying to make me Clint Capela."
Those remarks have indeed gotten back to Capela.
The Houston Rockets center took a playful shot at Ayton Thursday night via his Instagram story. Sharing an ESPN post that contained Ayton's comments, Capela wrote "U got 2 of the best floor general in the game my dawg Lockinnn" and included two crying from laughter emojis.
Capela's comments went up roughly around the time when the Lakers' game against the Suns was concluding. Los Angeles lost a heartbreaker, 113-110, as Phoenix's Royce O'Neale hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds. Ayton struggled mightily in the contest.
Fresh off saying he was "Not no Clint Capela," following the Lakers' prior game, Ayton went out and scored just 2 points on 1-for-3 shooting. He added just 4 rebounds in his 23 minutes.
The performance, coinciding with the Lakers' third consecutive loss, is not likely to quiet down the conversation around the former No. 1 overall pick.
Toronto Raptors (34-25, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (16-42, 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Washington; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Washington aims to end its three-game skid when the Wizards take on Toronto.
The Wizards are 11-26 against conference opponents. Washington ranks ninth in the Eastern Conference with 47.5 points per game in the paint led by Anthony Davis averaging 13.1.
The Raptors are 26-15 in conference play. Toronto is fourth in the Eastern Conference allowing just 111.8 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting.
The Wizards' 12.7 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.2 fewer made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Raptors give up. The Raptors are shooting 47.1% from the field, 0.4% lower than the 47.5% the Wizards' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last meeting on Dec. 27 the Wizards won 138-117 led by 23 points from Kyshawn George, while Brandon Ingram scored 29 points for the Raptors.
TOP PERFORMERS: George is scoring 14.8 points per game with 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 13.8 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46.8% over the past 10 games.
Scottie Barnes is scoring 19.1 points per game and averaging 8.2 rebounds for the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 3-7, averaging 110.3 points, 40.9 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.3 points per game.
Raptors: 5-5, averaging 113.9 points, 42.0 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points.
INJURIES: Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Kyshawn George: day to day (knee), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (not injury related), Alex Sarr: out (hamstring), Trae Young: out (knee).
Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (lower body).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New Orleans Pelicans (18-42, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (18-41, 13th in the Western Conference)
Salt Lake City; Saturday, 9:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans visits the Utah Jazz after Saddiq Bey scored 42 points in the Pelicans' 129-118 victory over the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz are 10-28 against conference opponents. Utah has a 4-7 record in one-possession games.
The Pelicans are 11-26 in Western Conference play. New Orleans gives up 120.3 points to opponents and has been outscored by 5.2 points per game.
The Jazz average 118.0 points per game, 2.3 fewer points than the 120.3 the Pelicans allow. The Pelicans average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 4.3 fewer made shots on average than the 15.5 per game the Jazz allow.
The teams play for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Feb. 27 the Pelicans won 129-118 led by 42 points from Bey, while Ace Bailey scored 23 points for the Jazz.
TOP PERFORMERS: Keyonte George is shooting 45.8% and averaging 23.8 points for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Derik Queen is averaging 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and four assists for the Pelicans. Bey is averaging 22.2 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 115.9 points, 46.7 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 11.5 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points per game.
Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 118.2 points, 42.1 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 8.1 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points.
INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: day to day (ankle), Vince Williams Jr.: out for season (acl), Keyonte George: day to day (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).
Pelicans: Yves Missi: day to day (calf), Trey Murphy III: day to day (shoulder).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Lakers (34-24, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (31-28, eighth in the Western Conference)
San Francisco; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits the Golden State Warriors after Luka Doncic scored 41 points in the Lakers' 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors are 21-17 in conference matchups. Golden State is the league leader averaging 16.4 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.2% from downtown. Moses Moody leads the team averaging 2.5 makes while shooting 40.5% from 3-point range.
The Lakers are 23-15 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles has a 6-2 record in one-possession games.
The Warriors are shooting 46.2% from the field this season, 2.4 percentage points lower than the 48.6% the Lakers allow to opponents. The Lakers are shooting 49.8% from the field, 2.6% higher than the 47.2% the Warriors' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Lakers won the last meeting 105-99 on Feb. 8. LeBron James scored 20 points to help lead the Lakers to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brandin Podziemski is averaging 12.3 points and 3.7 assists for the Warriors. Moody is averaging 15.8 points over the last 10 games.
James is averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is averaging 17.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 4-6, averaging 112.5 points, 42.8 rebounds, 30.9 assists, 10.2 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.8 points per game.
Lakers: 5-5, averaging 112.4 points, 38.8 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 8.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.8 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: LJ Cryer: out (hamstring), Kristaps Porzingis: out (achilles), De'Anthony Melton: day to day (knee), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Draymond Green: day to day (illness management), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
Lakers: Rui Hachimura: day to day (illness).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas looks to break its six-game home slide with a victory over Memphis.
The Mavericks are 3-9 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas is ninth in the Western Conference with 25.1 assists per game led by Cooper Flagg averaging 4.1.
The Grizzlies are 5-6 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Memphis allows 118.1 points to opponents and has been outscored by 2.7 points per game.
The Mavericks average 10.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.6 fewer makes per game than the Grizzlies give up (14.3). The Grizzlies average 13.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.2 more made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the Mavericks give up.
The two teams match up for the third time this season. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 102-96 in their last matchup on Nov. 23. Santi Aldama led the Grizzlies with 20 points, and Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with 22 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Flagg is shooting 48.2% and averaging 20.4 points for the Mavericks. Thompson is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Cam Spencer is averaging 11.2 points and 5.6 assists for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 17 points and 6.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.9 points, 42.5 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.4 points per game.
Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 119.4 points, 37.9 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 11.7 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.2 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Cooper Flagg: day to day (foot), P.J. Washington: day to day (ankle).
Grizzlies: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Cedric Coward: day to day (knee), Santi Aldama: day to day (knee), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn aims to break its six-game slide with a victory over Boston.
The Celtics are 7-5 against division opponents. Boston is ninth in the NBA with 33.1 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Vucevic averaging 6.7.
The Nets are 3-9 against the rest of their division. Brooklyn averages 14.8 turnovers per game and is 4-14 when winning the turnover battle.
The Celtics average 15.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.9 more made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Nets give up. The Nets average 13.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 fewer makes per game than the Celtics allow.
The two teams play for the fourth time this season. The Celtics defeated the Nets 130-126 in overtime in their last matchup on Jan. 24. Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with 32 points, and Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 30 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Celtics. Pritchard is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Day'Ron Sharpe is scoring 8.6 points per game and averaging 6.7 rebounds for the Nets. Porter is averaging 15.8 points and 5.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 105.5 points, 51.1 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 5.8 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 96.7 points per game.
Nets: 2-8, averaging 106.5 points, 41.1 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles).
Nets: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
It just seems fitting that Kon Knueppel has this record.
With a third quarter 3-pointer, Knueppel moved past the Kings' Keegan Murray and took over the record for the most 3-pointers by a rookie in NBA history.
KON MAKES HISTORY ‼️
With this three, Kon Knueppel has set the new NBA rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season! pic.twitter.com/CoaK09QIQY
Knueppel is in the mix for Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.3 points a game while shooting 43.6% from beyond the arc. His shooting was expected, but what has stood out has been his playmaking and offensive diversity, things he didn't get to show off as much at Duke next to Cooper Flagg (the guy he is in the race with for ROY). Knueppel's other advantage in the Rookie of the Year race: He's playing in meaningful games for a Hornets team that appears headed to the play-in in the East.
Knueppel finished with 28 points in Charlotte's win in Indiana on Thursday.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards wasn't afraid to put Thursday's game in his own hands ... and wasn't afraid to let everyone know about it, including Minnesota head coach Chris Finch.
Edwards made a huge shot to give the Timberwolves a 92-88 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers with 42.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter, before getting in Finch's face.
"That's what I do," Edwards could be seen telling Finch on the broadcast after the 3-point shot.
The Timberwolves went on to win 94-88 and Edwards was asked about that moment during his postgame interview with Amazon Prime.
"I told him, you don't want me to pass the ball, you want me to shoot it." 🗣️
“The play before, when I took the midrange over two (players), (Finch) said to pass the ball and I told him, 'You don't want me to pass the ball, you want me to shoot it,'" Edwards said.
Edwards had 31 points, five assists and three rebounds for the Timberwolves. He shot 12-of-24 from the field, including 2-for-6 from the 3-point line.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. 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
How many “worst losses of the season” in a row could the Lakers string together in the coming week, because it seems like they’re trying to do as much.
After a lifeless loss to the Celtics and handing a game away to the Magic, the Lakers went to Phoenix against an undermanned Suns team and blew a double-digit second half lead to lose a third straight. When could this streak end? If they lose to a Steph-, Jimmy-, Kristaps- and, potentially, Draymond-less Warriors team on Saturday, that would be worse.
They then host the tanking Kings and Pelicans in the next two games. We could only be halfway through an impressive run, guys!
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
We were long overdue for a good Marcus game, and he delivered in a couple of ways. He knocked down a couple of important shots in the fourth, but his biggest play was a block at the rim that somehow didn’t count in the box score.
These are symptoms of bigger issues offensively, but LeBron has been a bystander more often than not of late. It doesn’t help that his 3-point shot has absolutely cratered this year.
Most of his baskets in this one came in the third quarter when he punished an undersized Suns team with simple baskets at the rim. Those were nice, but he didn’t do much else.
He made countless defensive mistakes by not getting out on shooters early enough on screens, resulting in one flagrant foul and six-point Suns possession.
Ironically, his only basket was a pretty Capela-esque lob.
Similar to LeBron, Reaves has been relegated to ball-watching too much offensively. He did hit a huge shot to tie the game late, but missed the look to tie the game at the buzzer at the same time.
Without a single caveat, Luka was the reason the Lakers got back into the game at the end with his offensive brilliance. He had one of his 3-point shooting games of the season with multiple of those coming down the stretch. Just a brilliant performance offensively from him and the Lakers needed every bit of it.
But I can’t just not mention how bad he was defensively. He lost Colin Gillespie multiple times for threes. Grayson Allen was hunting him in the pick and roll and Luka couldn’t stay in front of him. Don’t get me wrong, he was much, much more good than bad. But there was bad, which is why I can’t give it an A+.
It remains extremely funny how positively impactful Luke Kennard has been without taking threes. It’s now just six threes over his last four games and one in the last two. He’s been good for the Lakers and a big upgrade over Gabe Vincent. It’s just funny as to how and why he’s been an improvement.
A very nice return game for Hayes, who brought a level of energy and activity that Ayton did not. Grabbing eight rebounds in any amount of minutes is a big positive for Hayes, too.
Another role player who was due for a good game that had one. LaRavia’s 3-point shooting just isn’t going to come around this year it seems and he still made some mistakes defensively, but he also had a big steal late and was overall good in this one.
Grade: B+
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vando was already teetering on even getting two shifts per night, then he had a horrid sequence in the second quarter where he had a bit of miscommunication defensively with Kennard that allowed Jalen Green to get off a clean, even if very deep, look from three that banked in at the shot clock buzzer. Vando’s ensuing inbound was lackadaisical and stolen, leading to another three from Phoenix.
He did not play after that.
I’m back to the point that I think Thiero should get a couple of games to see if he can provide something.
Maxi Kleber
He logged one second, but set one hell of a screen to free up Reaves for the near game-tying shot.
JJ Redick
JJ made some mistakes in this one. I didn’t think the play he used his challenge on was worth it and he lost it. I also felt he waited multiple possessions too long to call some timeouts, especially in the third quarter.
But I saw criticism of his defensive scheme because of the open looks the Suns had from three. The Lakers did not play zone because they wanted to try to limit Phoenix’s outside shooting. They also wanted the bigs to come out higher to stop the Suns from shooting off screens, too.
Ayton struggled badly on that coverage though, evidenced by his foul on a closeout that led to a six-point possession. Redick then tried to go to a switching lineup, but the Suns would just find Luka and pick on him. There were a couple of instances of overhelping from the Lakers as well, but that’s a trait of a bad defensive team that knows its teammates can’t stay in front of the opponent.
The Lakers have a team that can’t shoot and can’t defend. JJ isn’t innocent but he didn’t build this team.
Grade: C
Thursday’s DNPs: Kobe Bufkin, Dalton Knecht
Thursday’s inactives: Rui Hachimura, Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr., Bronny James, Adou Thiero, Chris Mañon
Clippers guard Kris Dunn drives to the basket in front of Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo during the Clippers' 94-88 loss Thursday at Intuit Dome. (Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)
Anthony Edwards scored 31 points, Donte DiVincenzo added 18 and the surging Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Clippers 94-88 on Thursday night.
Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu each scored 12 points and Rudy Gobert had 13 rebounds to help the Timberwolves improve to 5-1 since Feb. 9 and 3-1 since the All-Star break.
Edwards, returning to the site of the All-Star Game, where he was the MVP, was 12 for 24 from the floor and sealed the victory with a step-back three-pointer over two defenders for a 92-88 lead with 42.9 seconds left.
Derrick Jones Jr. scored 18 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 14 for the Clippers, who struggled from the outset with a season-low 38 points in the first half. Kris Dunn had 11 points for the Clippers (27-31), who have lost three consecutive games for the first time since December.
The Clippers struggled on offense without star Kawhi Leonard, out because of ankle soreness. The Clippers shot 40.5% from the floor, including 18.2% (four for 22) in the second quarter. Minnesota shot 43.4% in the game.
The Timberwolves (37-23) scored just 15 points in the second quarter and still topped the Clippers, who had 11. Minnesota led 44-38 at halftime behind 12 points from DiVincenzo and 11 from Edwards.
The Clippers led by six in the third quarter and were up 68-63 heading into the fourth. Edwards' drive and reverse layup put the Timberwolves up for good at 76-74 with 7:40 remaining.
The Clippers pulled within one three times in the last 2½ minutes, but Edwards answered each time. He scored the Timberwolves' last nine points.
Up next for Clippers: vs. New Orleans on Sunday night.
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 20: Olivier-Maxence Prosper #18 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz on February 20, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (21-37) will play for the second consecutive night with a game Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies (21-36) that tips at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center. Dallas snapped a two-game winning streak in losing 130-121 to the Kings Thursday. Naji Marshall scored 36 in the effort and the team was once again without Cooper Flagg, who missed his fourth straight game with a foot injury. As of this writing Flagg’s availability for Friday has not been announced.
Led in scoring by veteran swingman Ty Jerome, the Grizzlies enter this game on a three-game skid and having dropped seven of their last eight; they beat the Mavericks in each of these teams’ first two meetings, winning 118-104 at home Nov. 7 and in Dallas Nov. 22, 102-96. Since then both clubs have undergone major changes at the trade deadline. Although the bar for “surprising trade” is pretty high around these parts, the Grizzlies’ Feb. 3 deal with Utah sending Jaren Jackson Jr. and others away in a change for guard Walter Clayton Jr., forward Taylor Hendricks, guard Kyle Anderson, and three first round draft picks represented an abrupt change in direction for Memphis.
The post-trade Grizzlies, already without Jackson’s fellow building blocks Ja Morant (elbow) and Zach Edey (ankle) for much of this season, are giving their entire remaining roster a long look to see who to keep around for a likely rebuild, with wing Rayan Rupert, who arrived last week in a trade with Portland, the only Grizzly not to have yet started a game. For this approach, they have the right coach in Tuomas Iisalo, whose coaching style involves frequent substitutions and high demands on reserves. Since returning from the All-Star break, the only Memphis player to appear in a game and play fewer than 20 minutes has been Anderson, who left Feb. 20 against Utah with a knee injury after playing 18.
Next up
While it will take years to fully determine whether the Jazz or Grizzlies won the Feb. 3 trade, one of the deal’s clear early winners has been GG Jackson, a starter at power forward in eight of the nine games since. The third-year player has used the increased playing time to go on a 20-of-39 bender from long range, a stunning turnaround that has brought his season average up to 34.7 percent. Already an excellent finisher through contact at the rim, his shooting from deep has opened up the floor for him to operate and for his teammates. On a Grizzlies team that’s suddenly one of the smallest in the league he’s still looking for his first double-digit rebounding game of the season. The four-year contract he signed after making the team as a second-round pick in 2023 looks like quite a bargain now; the Grizzlies have a $2.4M option on him for 2026-27 but he is earning himself a lot of leverage at the negotiating table.
Welcome back, O-Max
Former Maverick Olivier Maxence-Prosper has also made hay with the opportunity afforded him lately; he had a rough scoring night Wednesday against the Warriors, with a late three-pointer his only scoring output, but has posted a couple of 20-point games since the break. The Mavericks drafted Prosper in 2023 for his athleticism, and in Memphis he has shown more refinement in his offensive game, with the ability to handle the rock in transition and put the ball on the floor to drive. He’s also had some nice nights shooting from three, including a seven-of-eight effort against Portland Feb. 7.
The Grizzlies are not a good team but they do have an intriguing collection of young, talented players, including Hendricks, another third-year player whose offense is gradually catching up to his defense. In the backcourt, guard Javon Small responded to his first start of the season Wednesday with a four-of-eight three-point performance, and Scotty Pippen is turning into a valuable pest with quick hands and a nose for the ball. Guard Walter Clayton Jr., on a title run with Florida this time a year ago, now finds himself taking his lumps in the pros alongside shooting guard Jaylen Wells, the Grizzlies’ leader in starts, though both show signs of being pretty good players in the long haul.
A new leaf
While the Grizzlies turned themselves into a two-month open mic at the trade deadline, the Mavericks have been reshaped into a team with size and veteran experience by the deal that sent Anthony Davis to Washington and brought Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, Tyus Jones, and others to Dallas. They beat the Nets Tuesday with a balanced attack in which the team’s success getting into and controlling the paint led to success in the backcourt, where Klay Thompson made 5-of-10 threes and Brandon Williams connected on 9-of-11 from the field and racked up 10 assists.
One might expect a team like that to chew up the young developing Grizzlies if that team had not just gotten thumped by the worst team in the league, Sacramento, the night before, making 10 three-pointers and turning the ball over 17 times. The Kings beat the Grizzlies this week too, winning 123-114 Monday by outmuscling Memphis in the paint; if the Mavericks are healthy they’ve got the size to impose their will. One downside to the Mavericks’ recent infusion of veterans is that playing on consecutive nights becomes a much taller order; if the team needs young legs they can see if guard AJ Johnson can reprise his impressive 4-4 effort against the Kings. Up until the last two games, the Mavericks appeared to have solved their turnover woes; Friday’s game presents a good opportunity to get back on track.
How to watch/listen
You can watch the game on KFAA Channel 29 or MAVS TV (streaming), or listen at 97.1FM KEGL (English), and 99.1FM KFZO (Spanish).
Feb 26, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives to the basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
This game felt like the Rockets season in microcosm. Amen Thompson returned from being out in the previous game, and the Rockets traveled to Orlando for the second game of a back to back. Orlando was at home, and last played Tuesday in Los Angeles. After a game of beating the woeful Kings easily with a more spacing friendly lineup, the Rockets were back to the usual, with Amen as the point guard.
The Rockets size and athleticism do them much less good against a team like Orlando. The Magic can counter the Rockets size and, mostly, athleticism at every position. Like the Rockets, the Magic struggle with offensive execution, and the addition of a single good shooter, Desmond Bane, hasn’t fixed the problem. Like the Rockets, great things were expected of the Magic this season, with the addition of Bane, similar to the Rockets with Durant. Some might have favored the Magic’s young talent over that on the Rockets, in the preseason. Again, like the Rockets, that talent has somewhat duplicative skill sets, and most of them require getting into the paint to be most effective.
Like the Rockets, a certain inflexibility of ideas regarding how to play, and further, a lack of shooting and spacing beyond Desmond Bane, has held Orlando back, even when healthy. Also similar to the Rockets, injuries have bent the initial concept of the team out of shape this season. Both are teams with a defense first (last and only?) identity, and neither has done much to address that issue, beyond hoping a new addition will fix it, while doing everything else much as before.
You’re probably wondering about the game, I don’t blame you. I very much believe the mirror image conceit is important in what follows.
The Old Look Rockets did not exactly light up the Orlando Magic with their Amen, Tari, Durant, Jabari, Sengun lineup. Considering potential spacing and general offense issues, one might look at this lineup and think “Wow, that’s all forwards, and one center. Sure, you can SAY Amen and Tari are guards, but they aren’t. Only Durant is a shooter anyone must respect and must go out to guard. Even so, Durant prefers to operate in the paint mostly. And Sengun never gets a pass made to him in the paint. He has to get to the rim somehow, from the 3pt line, every time. You know what I’d do? What everyone else does, harass Durant and pack the paint.”
Guess what? That’s what Orlando did. It worked. The Rockets lost the first quarter 22-29, while looking, frankly, dreadful on offense. Sure, it’s bad to surrender points, but it’s worse to surrender them and not score, to boot. It was very much a lather, rinse, repeat, no movement, spacing for a drive and kick that rarely happens, to supposed shooters nobody comes out to guard.
So, in true Udokan fashion, the Rockets tightened up on defense. And they somehow got even worse on offense. Orlando only scored 24 points. That’s great defense. The Rockets? They scored 21. That is simply losing NBA offense.
Kevin Durant looked, frankly, tired, maybe old, and why not? He’s a 37 year old player, playing big minutes routinely on the second night of a B2B on the road. Sengun couldn’t operate, the shooters you’d want to take 3pt shots weren’t taking them. Orlando wasn’t shooting threes at a great rate at that point, but they were taking, at one point, three times as many.
The score at halftime was a Wayback Machine 54-43. The Rockets were On Pace to score 86 points. That’s a losing score most nights in 1994. The battle of inept offenses continued, until 5:18 remaining in the 3rd quarter, with Orlando leading 76-57. What follows next was a strong an argument for shooting, for spacing, for point guard play, basically for the idea of offense in basketball, as I’ve ever seen. Of course the Rockets had to play good defense to make that happen, but somehow, despite the presence of Reed Sheppard, Kevin Durant and Clint Capela, that’s exactly what they did.
At 5:18 remaining, Reed Sheppard came in for Amen Thompson. Clint Capela came in for Alperen Sengun. Tari Eason stayed in the game, and we saw, finally, Josh Okogie take the place of Dorian Finney-Smith (and Jabari Smith).
The Rockets would go on the score the next 21 points. In roughly 4 minutes. Kevin Durant, Reed Sheppard, and Josh Okogie would score all those points, off a far better spaced Rockets offense. Most of those points, unlike earlier, were assisted. Most of them by Sheppard.
At 1:15 remaining in the third, with the Rockets taking a 78-76 lead, the Magic finally scored again. After that it would be a back and forth affair. Durant and a returning Sengun lead the Rockets down the stretch against a Magic team that suddenly found shooting with deadline acquisition Jevon Carter and Desmond Bane, who was amazing tonight. Jabari Smith returned, and with 9 minutes remaining, took, and made, his first three point attempt of the game. Mostly though it was the Rockets playing great defense, an energized Durant splashing tough shots, and finally, Reed Sheppard making two big threes in the last two minutes. Also credit to Josh Okogie. The Rockets finally put him on Desmond Bane, and he helped close him down. Okogie has been everything we hoped DFS would be, including making 3pt shots. It’s baffling he hasn’t played much lately.
I really can’t think of a better example of a game to emphasize the points I’ve been trying to make here. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that spacing, provided by two shooters defenses must respect, and point guard play turned this game, and brought the Rockets up to NBA average scoring in a bit less than a quarter and a half. Remember, they were on a pace to score 86 points, playing The Ime Way.
The Rockets basically have to play perfect defense to win the Ime Way. Why not play very good defense, and good offense, instead of requiring perfection? It might look like the Magic had a scoring outburst, but again, they were under NBA average. The Rockets really didn’t run an offense per se, the spacing just gave players like Durant, like Sengun, the space to be their best. It gave players like Okogie and Smith looks they can make.
Life doesn’t have to be as hard as it has been for the Rockets. Why does it seem like they only play reasonable offense when they have almost no other option?
Tonight KD played a real Game of Two Halves. In the end he scored 40 points, on 14-28 shooting. He was 2 for 10 from three point range, and that’s where maybe we saw tired legs. He hardly seemed to miss late, and showed why he was one of the greats of all time. But late game? Durant benefited from spacing, and from passing to him. The difference between a swarmed, harassed, KD, and one with room to work was enormous.
Sheppard scored 20 points on 7-11 shooting, in 31 minutes. He added 3 boards, 4 assists, 2 steal, 2 blocks, against a turnover. He’s far perfect, he’s still essentially a 21 year old rookie PG in terms of minutes. Judging him like an established veteran is lunacy. But he is simply the only player on the roster that can provide what they need. The only other player, besides Durant, to give them any shooting gravity, to take defenses out of their packline defense, essentially, and give both Alpie and KD a bit of room to operate.
Maybe it’s also time to stop being stubborn about lineups that cannot provide space to operate for Rockets players on offense? Are they THAT much better defensively? Or at all? The scoring for Orlando seemed about the same either way. What changed was the Rockets offense.
The difference between the Reed lineup late, and everything before it, was that stark. It seems blasphemous to suggest that Amen maybe shouldn’t be on the court in certain situations, but that’s exactly what’s happening to his brother in Detroit. It’s very difficult to simply defend your way to a comeback. Scoring is required. You just can’t have a player in a guard role that just can’t shoot it, combined with a non shooting center, and two other offensive players that simply haven’t earned the respect of defenses, for good reason. It just doesn’t work in the pace and space, three point shooting, modern NBA.
You may have another viewpoint, and this is just one game, but the Rockets didn’t even run some sort of offense late. It was the same old motionless, hanging around the 3pt line stuff, just with a PG who could shoot it, and one defenses must respect for that shooting.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots the ball in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
When Caleb Foster had various members of the Duke team on the Brotherhood Podcast before last season started, he asked everyone who had surprised them the most.
Just about everyone said Kon Knueppel, and that kind of got your attention.
This past fall, before the NBA season started, someone asked Charlotte GM Jeff Peterson if he was unfortunate to have drafted fourth and missed out on Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe.
We don’t remember exactly what he said, but he made it clear that he got the player he wanted, and that stuck, too.
And on Thursday night, Knueppel, who is having a tremendous rookie season, shattered the NBA three-point record with 23 games to go.
He surpassed Keegan Murray’s previous record of 206 in a game at Indiana and his 207th three came on a pass from former Duke teammate Sion James.
How cool is that? The new record, which he’ll keep breaking for a while, is currently 209.
Even if Knueppel only gets one three per game (and he had eight against the Pacers), he’d finish with 232. If he averages two per game, it’ll be 255. And if he averages three, he’ll get to 278.
If he goes on a real tear and gets four per game, Knueppel would finish with 301.
Wherever he ends up, that record is likely to be safe for a few years. What an amazing season the kid has had!
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 7: Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 7, 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Christie couldn’t quite find the range, hitting only 3-for-9 overall and 2-for-5 from deep. Compounding the issue was that what he did contribute didn’t come in any impactful way – no big-moment shot or key defensive stop and two turnovers paired with zero assists.
Caleb Martin: B-
10 PTS / 0 REB / 2 AST / 3 STL / 0 BLK – 20 MIN
Martin had a deceptively decent box score despite an almost shockingly bad plus/minus of minus-25. He shot 4-for-7 from the floor, didn’t turn the ball over and had an impressive number of steals.
Khris Middleton: B+
17 PTS / 5 REB / 4 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 33 MIN
Middleton put on a savvy veteran performance. He didn’t shoot at a particularly effective rate to start, but made up for it by getting to the free throw line (5-for-5) and then hit a couple of nice shots in the fourth quarter to end the game 5-for-9 overall (2-for-4 from down town). He had a more solid game than his box score totals would necessarily indicate, although you really can’t complain about much there aside from three turnovers.
Marvin Bagley: B
10 PTS / 9 REB / 0 AST / 0 STL / 2 BLK – 29 MIN
In a recent Grades article, I pondered if Bagley would eventually get a starting nod over Gafford, given their comparative play. Tonight Bagley got his chance, although Gafford was unavailable. I’m not really sure what else to say about him at this point. He has been a huge positive for this team, consistently making smart plays and putting himself in a position for success. His production has been great, especially relative to minutes played. He was 5-for-6 from the floor and continues to do a lot of small things – boxing out (unheard of!), getting offensive rebounds, sneaking into the paint for a little drop-off pass he converts into a dunk. He took a knee to the head, but returned after a quick trip to the locker room to come just shy of a double-double. Way too many turnovers and fouls (four apiece) hurt his grade relative to where he has been lately.
Brandon Williams: B+
16 PTS / 3 REB / 4 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 27 MIN
Despite hitting 6-for-10 from the floor, Williams’ grade gets dinged for three turnovers, three fouls and hitting only 3-for-7 from the free throw line. His game was a bit Jekyll-and-Hyde as a result, but credit for a big three-pointer in the fourth quarter and consistently penetrating to breakdown the defense.
Klay Thompson: C
8 PTS / 2 REB / 2 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 16 MIN
Thompson mirrored Christie in both output and presence. He was fine, but largely flew under the radar in respect of material impact on the game.
AJ Johnson: A+
11 PTS / 2 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 15 MIN
I’ve joked with fellow MMB’ers David Trink and Tyler Edsel about my high hopes for Johnson, so it feels good to give him an A+ here. In fairness, there is quite literally zero history to compare to, and this was his best game as a Mav by default. Nonetheless, he did have a solid game and was a legitimate part of the Mavs’ fourth quarter comeback when he dropped in eight of his 11 points. 4-for-4 shooting with two and-ones allowed him to show some flashes. It’s nice Dallas has a very young player they can invest some time in, to see what they may have.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks’ ability to get obliterated in the first quarter and inevitably make it a clutch game is the stuff of legend at this point. It’s beyond belief. Dallas couldn’t finish the comeback, largely victimized by missed free throws (21-for-34) and 17 turnovers. If nothing else, it helps the effort for a higher draft pick.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
Michael Porter Jr. has spent this month fighting his way through a funk partly of his own making.
The worst shooting slump he can remember has been about rhythm and rust. And maybe a little bit about mentality as well.
“It’s the feel, the timing. My shot hasn’t felt this off since I can remember. For the last four or five games, I’ve been off. But that’s what happens when you’re out of rhythm and you don’t play for a while,” Porter said before Thursday’s 126-110 loss to the Spurs.
“You can really lose your timing and your touch in two or three days of not playing. So not playing (in the last two games) pre-All-Star break, then not getting in the gym much during it, I’m paying the price for it.”
And so had Brooklyn.
Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (C) tries to put up a shot past a defending San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (L) in the first half at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, USA, Thursday, February 26, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
After missing games in Utah and Detroit while mourning the death of his grandmother, Porter hadn’t been the same since returning. He sat the last two games before the All-Star break and admitted he didn’t get into the gym as much as he should’ve.
He’d been as cold as this week’s blizzard since, averaging 19.0 points and shooting just 10-of-55 from deep in his prior seven games.
He showed signs of his old form Thursday vs. San Antonio.
“I’ve got to get back in rhythm,” said Porter. “Before the All-Star break I didn’t play a couple games. And then I honestly didn’t do much over the break. So I’ve got to get back in rhythm and play better.”
Porter started to shake off his malaise against San Antonio with 25 points and 14 rebounds, both team highs.
It may be less about adjusting to defenses and more about adjusting to circumstances.
The mental issue may not be about mourning, but motivation. Porter had done nothing but win in Denver, where every night was high pressure.
This rebuilding thing is an adjustment.
Michael Porter Jr. (C) tries to dunk but is blocked by San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (R) and teammate San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (L). JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
“This is a new situation that I’ve been in,” said Porter. “But no game is meaningless. It’s all part of the journey. We’re not just looking at this year. We’re looking at the next one, two, three, four, five years. All these games matter for growth, continuity and chemistry. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on that. But we’ve got to come in and work every day and realize it’s a bigger picture.
“It’s definitely a change. It’s a learning curve and a learning experience for me. In the past, you’re ramping up for the playoffs, trying to get guys healthy and get chemistry right. This situation is different. But it’s a cool opportunity to grow and learn.”
And to show he’s a huge piece of that bigger picture, which should start to come into focus over the summer.
“We have a process and a plan in place. You cannot control everything but it’s very exciting and everybody should feel the excitement of the next step,” said head coach Jordi Fernández. “These last 25 games are very important. Then it’s a big summer for everybody. I want to win every game, but playing these 25 to compete, and [then] how we structure the summer is the best thing, the biggest summer of our lives.
“So whatever it takes — understanding where your feet are and what you’re asked to do, putting the team first — not yourself, but the team, and going out there to compete and get better. That’s what we’re demanding. We’re demanding that from the vets, to lead by example, to go out and fight and compete. That’s a must. So there are no excuses here; there’s no feeling bad for yourself, no wasting 25 games. These 25 games are very important for everyone.”
Porter was aggressive Thursday, perhaps too much. He had six turnovers, getting caught in the lane vs. Victor Wembanyama.
“Yeah, 22 shots is good. He disrupts so much. Maybe what I’d like to see is less than six turnovers,” said Fernández. “Right there is maybe some of those is he just sees two bodies in front, he kicks it, he cuts, maybe he gets a layup [or] somebody gets a layup… [But] he was aggressive. He played well.”
