BOTTOM LINE: The Phoenix Suns host the New Orleans Pelicans in Western Conference action Friday.
The Suns are 24-18 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix ranks last in the Western Conference scoring 43.5 points per game in the paint.
The Pelicans are 13-28 in Western Conference play. New Orleans is 10-20 in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Suns are shooting 45.2% from the field this season, 2.5 percentage points lower than the 47.7% the Pelicans allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.8 fewer makes per game than the Suns allow.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Suns won the last matchup 123-114 on Dec. 28. Devin Booker scored 20 points to help lead the Suns to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is averaging 13.5 points and 4.8 assists for the Suns. Jalen Green is averaging 12.9 points over the last 10 games.
Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pelicans. Saddiq Bey is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 4-6, averaging 102.7 points, 46.0 rebounds, 23.3 assists, 8.3 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 40.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.4 points per game.
Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 118.3 points, 45.6 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Jordan Goodwin: out (calf), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot).
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray: day to day (reconditioning).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Golden State Warriors (32-30, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (49-15, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City will try to earn its 50th win of the season when the Thunder play the Golden State Warriors.
The Thunder are 34-9 in conference matchups. Oklahoma City has a 3-6 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Warriors are 22-19 in conference matchups. Golden State is third in the league with 29.2 assists per game led by Draymond Green averaging 5.2.
The Thunder average 118.9 points per game, 4.8 more points than the 114.1 the Warriors allow. The Warriors are shooting 46.1% from the field, 2.5% higher than the 43.6% the Thunder's opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Thunder won the last meeting 131-94 on Jan. 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points to help lead the Thunder to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cason Wallace is scoring 8.9 points per game and averaging 3.2 rebounds for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 14.2 points and 3.1 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Green is averaging 8.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski is averaging 16.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 8-2, averaging 113.3 points, 45.2 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.5 points per game.
Warriors: 4-6, averaging 112.3 points, 43.5 rebounds, 31.5 assists, 9.9 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.3 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Alex Caruso: day to day (hip), Ajay Mitchell: day to day (abdomen), Branden Carlson: day to day (back), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (calf).
Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (illness), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Gary Payton II: day to day (ankle), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Moses Moody: day to day (wrist), Seth Curry: day to day (back), Will Richard: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas comes into the matchup with Boston as losers of five games in a row.
The Celtics are 20-10 in home games. Boston is fifth in the NBA with 12.9 offensive rebounds per game led by Neemias Queta averaging 3.0 offensive boards.
The Mavericks are 7-22 on the road. Dallas is 5-7 in one-possession games.
The Celtics average 114.5 points per game, 3.1 fewer points than the 117.6 the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks are shooting 47.0% from the field, 2.9% higher than the 44.1% the Celtics' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Celtics won 110-100 in the last matchup on Feb. 4. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points, and Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 36 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Derrick White is shooting 39.2% and averaging 17.3 points for the Celtics. Brown is averaging 20.3 points over the last 10 games.
Flagg is averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 14.9 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 108.5 points, 50.2 rebounds, 27.2 assists, 5.5 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.7 points per game.
Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 110.0 points, 42.7 rebounds, 23.0 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.6 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: day to day (achilles).
Mavericks: Brandon Williams: day to day (quadriceps), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (neck).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Philadelphia 76ers (34-28, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (32-31, 10th in the Eastern Conference)
Atlanta; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta hosts Philadelphia aiming to extend its four-game home winning streak.
The Hawks have gone 18-21 against Eastern Conference teams. Atlanta ranks third in the Eastern Conference with 51.8 points per game in the paint led by Jalen Johnson averaging 12.3.
The 76ers are 21-20 against conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference with 16.5 fast break points per game led by Tyrese Maxey averaging 5.6.
The Hawks average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 more made shots on average than the 13.2 per game the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 115.8 points per game, 1.5 fewer than the 117.3 the Hawks allow to opponents.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Hawks won 117-107 in the last matchup on Feb. 20.
TOP PERFORMERS: Johnson is shooting 49.1% and averaging 22.7 points for the Hawks. Onyeka Okongwu is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Maxey is averaging 28.9 points, 6.7 assists and two steals for the 76ers. VJ Edgecombe is averaging 15.4 points and 5.5 rebounds over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 6-4, averaging 118.2 points, 47.8 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.
76ers: 4-6, averaging 111.4 points, 41.6 rebounds, 22.6 assists, 10.3 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.2 points.
INJURIES: Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee).
76ers: Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (oblique), VJ Edgecombe: day to day (back), Kelly Oubre Jr.: 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: Indiana comes into the matchup against Los Angeles as losers of seven games in a row.
The Lakers are 18-12 on their home court. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.5 points per game in the paint led by LeBron James averaging 11.2.
The Pacers are 5-25 on the road. Indiana is 6-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Lakers are shooting 49.9% from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point higher than the 48.9% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers' 45.0% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.5 percentage points lower than the Lakers have given up to their opponents (48.5%).
TOP PERFORMERS: Luka Doncic is averaging 32.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists for the Lakers. James is averaging 18.0 points over the last 10 games.
Pascal Siakam is averaging 24 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. Micah Potter is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 5-5, averaging 114.5 points, 39.1 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points per game.
Pacers: 2-8, averaging 114.5 points, 40.1 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 7.2 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 126.6 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: LeBron James: day to day (elbow), Maxi Kleber: day to day (back), Deandre Ayton: day to day (knee).
Pacers: Pascal Siakam: day to day (wrist), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Aaron Nesmith: day to day (ankle), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Orlando Magic (33-28, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (40-23, third in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota is looking to keep its five-game win streak alive when the Timberwolves take on Orlando.
The Timberwolves are 22-11 on their home court. Minnesota is seventh in the Western Conference with 50.2 points per game in the paint led by Julius Randle averaging 10.3.
The Magic are 13-16 in road games. Orlando is ninth in the Eastern Conference scoring 114.8 points per game and is shooting 46.2%.
The Timberwolves average 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.5 more made shots on average than the 11.6 per game the Magic give up. The Magic are shooting 46.2% from the field, 0.1% lower than the 46.3% the Timberwolves' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Randle is averaging 21.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is averaging 3.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Paolo Banchero is scoring 22.0 points per game with 8.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 25.1 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 59.1% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 8-2, averaging 116.4 points, 43.4 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.0 points per game.
Magic: 6-4, averaging 112.9 points, 42.4 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.2 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Joe Ingles: day to day (personal).
Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Jonathan Isaac: day to day (knee), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio will try to keep its six-game home win streak intact when the Spurs play Los Angeles.
The Spurs are 26-13 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio ranks third in the Western Conference with 16.5 fast break points per game led by Stephon Castle averaging 2.9.
The Clippers are 19-18 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles ranks fourth in the Western Conference shooting 36.1% from 3-point range.
The 118.2 points per game the Spurs average are 6.2 more points than the Clippers give up (112.0). The Clippers are shooting 48.1% from the field, 3.1% higher than the 45.0% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Victor Wembanyama is averaging 23.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and three blocks for the Spurs. Devin Vassell is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Kris Dunn is averaging eight points, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 25.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 49.7% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 121.3 points, 45.9 rebounds, 31.2 assists, 8.5 steals and 7.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.8 points per game.
Clippers: 6-4, averaging 113.0 points, 42.1 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.6 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.9 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Harrison Barnes: day to day (ankle), Mason Plumlee: day to day (reconditioning).
Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), John Collins: out (arm), Darius Garland: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Zion Williamson had 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting, Trey Murphy III added 21 points and the New Orelans Pelicans beat the NBA-worst Sacramento Kings 133-123 on Thursday night.
Saddiq Bey shot 6 for 11 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line for 20 points for the Pelicans, who had lost two in a row after a four-game win streak.
Williamson added nine rebounds and five assists.
Precious Achiuwa had 29 points and 12 rebounds and Russell Westbrook had 19 points and 10 assists for the Kings, who fell to 14-50 overall and lost their ninth in a row at home. They have lost three in a row and are 2-4 following a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak.
The Pelicans entered halftime up 67-61. The Pelicans took a 14-point lead in the third quarter thanks to a 15-0 scoring run.
The Pelicans made 12 3-pointers compared to the Kings eight.
All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray (return to competition reconditioning) did not play for the first game of a back-to-back (New Orleans plays at Phoenix on Friday).
Kings forward Keegan Murray missed his fourth straight game because of ankle injury.
DeMar DeRozan kad 15 points to move into 19th place on the NBA’s career scoring leaders list.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 5: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs high five during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 5, 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 San Antonio Spurs returned home and set the tone early, never letting it slip away. From the opening minutes Thursday night, San Antonio played like a team determined to stay one step ahead of the Detroit Pistons and that’s exactly where the Spurs remained for all 48 minutes in a confident 121-106 victory.
The game never had the feel of a dramatic comeback or a frantic finish. Instead, it was a steady, methodical performance from a Spurs team that controlled the rhythm from the start and leaned on its brightest star when it mattered most. That star, of course, was Victor Wembanyama.
The 7-foot-4 phenom turned in another dominant night, piling up 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks while anchoring San Antonio on both ends of the floor. Whether it was altering shots in the paint, grabbing rebounds over multiple defenders, or finishing highlight plays in transition, Wembanyama once again looked like the most impactful player on the court. And the rest of the team followed his lead.
“Very pleased with the level of contact we played with,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “To be able to match Detroit’s physically while trying to impose your will and playing your brand of basketball, I thought we did that.”
San Antonio came out firing in the first quarter, quickly establishing the pace of the game. Crisp ball movement and aggressive defense helped them build an early cushion, forcing Detroit to spend the rest of the night chasing the scoreboard. While Wembanyama was the centerpiece, the Spurs’ supporting cast ensured the offense never stalled. De’Aaron Fox sliced through the Pistons’ defense repeatedly, finishing with 29 points (scoring 22 in the first half) and bringing a constant burst of speed to the backcourt. Stephon Castle quietly orchestrated the offense with 11 points and 12 assists, consistently finding teammates in scoring positions.
“We have a team full of guys that create their own shot,” Fox said. “I just see how the game goes, and tonight I came out aggressive. Vic was great for us. Dev didn’t shoot the ball a lot, Steph didn’t shoot the ball a lot. That’s a quality team win for us from start to finish.”
Detroit had moments when it looked ready to make things interesting.
Behind the playmaking of Cade Cunningham, the Pistons briefly trimmed what had been a 20-plus point deficit late in the third quarter. With Wembanyama resting, Detroit managed to push the margin into single digits, giving the game its only hint of suspense. But the Spurs never lost their composure.
“They [Detroit] get a lot of credit for that [3rd quarter]. I thought we missed some shots… The NBA game is a long game. But I’m very happy with everyone who played a part tonight. I thought we did a really good job of staying with it and getting to our spots.”
When Wembanyama returned, San Antonio immediately regained their footing and took full control. One sequence in the fourth quarter summed up the night: Wembanyama rejected a Pistons shot at the rim, sprinted the floor, and finished an alley-oop moments later to ignite the crowd and push the lead comfortably back into double digits.
From there, the Spurs simply closed the door.
Detroit continued to fight, but San Antonio’s balanced scoring and interior defense kept the Pistons from mounting any real comeback. By the final buzzer, the Spurs had secured another convincing win, one that reflected a team growing more into a dangerous contender as the season moves forward.
For San Antonio, the formula looked familiar: control the pace, move the ball, defend the paint, and let Wembanyama take over when needed.
“Any game between top seeds should be impressive,” Wembanayama said. “For us it was super fun and it wouldn’t have been fun if we didn’t set the tone for the game. I think we led for 48 [minutes]. I don’t know if it was impressive, but it was fun.”
Thursday night, that combination proved more than enough.
Game Notes
San Antonio scored 19 bench points but on this night, the second unit didn’t need to carry the scoring load. It is nice to have such a deep bench that can turn it on at any moment.
If this is the version of De’Aaron Fox the Spurs will get in the playoffs, they will be the favorites to reach the Western Conference Finals or even the NBA Finals.
DENVER, CO - MARCH 5: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 5, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 Morgan Engel/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A game of runs came down to the final minute between the Lakers and Nuggets with Denver edging out a 120-113win.
Trailing by three in the final 90 seconds of the game, Marcus Smart missed a pair of open threes. Nikola Jokić scored at the rim with 22 seconds left to make it a five-point game and effectively seal the win.
The Lakers got 45 points off the bench and turned 18 Denver turnovers into 26 points. An improved defensive effort in the second half allowed them to make multiple runs, but they could never take the lead.
The game began with Jamal Murray being fouled from behind the arc and converting on all three free throws. He then proceeded to drain two more 3-pointers while the Lakers struggled to generate any offense, allowing Denver’s lead to explode to 11 and forcing LA to call a timeout.
Out of the break, Luka Dončić was fouled and made only one free throw. LeBron James converted on an extremely much-needed layup for LA’s first field goal nearly four minutes into the game.
Other than that, the Lakers continued struggling offensively. LeBron was the highest scorer for LA with four points, followed by Luka with three.
At the 4:57 mark, Los Angeles was down by nine.
Denver was shooting 66% from behind the arc, a massive reason why they were red hot. Tim Hardaway Jr.scored seven points off the bench for Denver.
Late in the period, LeBron made history by passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made in NBA history.
Luke Kennard drained a triple to start the second period for the Lakers. The Nuggets then scored five in a row. LA was now down by 15 and still looked as if they didn’t know they were playing a game.
Murray added five more points to his stellar first-half play for a total of 14.
A nice 6-0 scoring surge from Los Angeles, thanks to LeBron, helped cut the deficit to single digits. He was the first Laker in double figures with 10 points.
The scoring run extended to 12-0 to get the visitors all the way back into the game.
Much needed LeBron James takeover. Sensed it was getting away.
Bruce Brown drained a triple to stop the run. The rest of the half was a game of runs back and forth.
LA cut the deficit to three, but the Nuggets responded with a 12-2 run, going back up by double figures. Los Angeles then scored eight straight, but the Nuggets responded and made it a 10-point lead into halftime.
The Lakers trail 64-54 at the half. Luka 15 pts on 6-for-12 shooting; LeBron 12 pts on 5-for-6. DEN: Murray 20 pts 5 ast; Jokic 10 pts 6 reb 6 ast.
The third period started with Jaxson Hayes, starting in place of Ayton who left the game with a knee injury and did not return, dunking off an assist from Luka. Murray then responded with a triple on the other end.
Austin Reaves began to heat up for LA, scoring five in the quarter.
Nikola Jokić was on triple-double watch with 16 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Jokić also picked up his fourth foul.
Marcus Smart knocked down his first 3-pointer of the game, which Los Angeles desperately needed. After falling behind by as much as 15 again, LA picked up its offense once more, with Rui Hachimura and Smart draining triples and Reaves adding to his now 13 points.
The deficit was now four with 4:06 left in the quarter.
The Lakers fell behind by 15 early in the 3rd Q, but have rallied back into the ballgame once again, cutting the margin to 4 at 82-78 as Reaves blew past Jokic for a layup to cap a run that forced Denver's TO.
Unfortunately, the game of runs continued as Denver scored seven straight to push it back to a double-digit lead. Luka surged towards the end of the quarter, scoring on two triples that made it a seven-point game.
The final frame began with Hardaway Jr. draining a 3-pointer for the Nuggets. He was also fouled from behind the arc and converted on two of the three free throws. Jaxson Hayes was now at 15 points, after what felt like his 83rd dunk of the night.
LA found themselves on a 9-0 run, making it a five-point game with 7:30 left.
After the run extended to 11 straight points for Los Angeles, Jokić converted on a layup. That stopped a three-minute scoring drought for Denver. Now at the 5:06 mark, the Nuggets were up by seven after a free throw from Christian Braun.
Strawther added to his nice night with four more points. LA started to surge again, scoring nine points.
The Lakers made it a one-point game with a free throw from Austin at the 2:05 mark. The combination of Hachimura, LeBron and Hayes helped jumpstart this surge. LA had two opportunities to tie it, but Smart missed both threes.
With 28 seconds left, it was still a three-point game, and Jokić converted on a layup that made it a five-point game, sealing the win.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. LeBron ended with 16 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Reaves had 16 points with seven assists and five steals.
Kennard pitched in with eight points off the bench. Jaxson Hayes scored 19 points and five rebounds. Hachimura notched 16 points. Smart ended with nine points.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Indiana Pacers on Friday at 7:30 PM PT.
James drove and hit a layup with just over 4 minutes to go, but he came down hard and immediately grasped at his elbow. The Amazon Prime cameras captured James saying "elbow" and using some NSFW language as he was checked on.
Jaxson Hayes subbed in for James after the ensuing timeout and James received treatment from trainers while sitting on the bench, working his elbow area.
James' basket had cut the Lakers' deficit to 110-106 late. He returned to the court about two minutes later, with 2:05 on the clock and the Lakers trailing 112-111. James was removed for good with 22.3 seconds left
The Nuggets held on to win, 120-113.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin, relaying what Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the contest, reported that James was "icing his left elbow after the game and that he was experiencing enough discomfort that it caused him to be unable to finish the game."
Earlier in the contest, James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA record for most made field goals.
With a baseline fadeaway in the first quarter, LeBron James made his 15,838th basket, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (15,837) for the most field goals made in NBA history.
LeBron, 41 and in his 23rd NBA season, passed Abdul-Jabbar in points scored in February 2023, but because the 3-point shot didn't exist for some of Abdul-Jabbar's career, he made more field goals to get his points (Abdul-Jabbar made one in his 20 NBA seasons, on 18 attempts). LeBron is also the leading scorer in NBA playoff history and is the only player in NBA history to have more than 50,000 points in the regular season and postseason combined.
LeBron also has attempted more field goals than any player in NBA history.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 05: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a three-point basket in overtime against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 05, 2026 in Houston, 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I’ve said this a few times, but this time I actually mean it: that was the win of the year for the Golden State Warriors. They hit the road to face the 38-22 Houston Rockets, who had won four of their last five games. The Warriors were without Steph Curry, without Jimmy Butler III, without Kristaps Porziņģis, without Moses Moody, without Will Richard, and without Gary Payton II.
Somehow, they won, escaping Texas with a 115-113 overtime win that was as entertaining as it was impressive. And I’ll put my stamp on it now: whenever the season comes to a close, this will be the win of the year.
So let’s grade the 10 players — which included all three two-way contracts and a player who began the year on a two-way contract — who shocked the Rockets. As always, grades are based on my expectations for each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player.
Note: True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. Entering Thursday’s games, league-average TS was 57.9%.
This was far from a perfect game for Santos. He netted a donut from deep, and he had seven turnovers. But my goodness the bad doesn’t come close to the good.
His 41 minutes and 37 seconds of action were the most by a Warriors player in a game this season, and I feel quite comfortable saying that if he played a minute fewer, the Warriors don’t win. Despite playing such a gaudy minutes total, he was still a ball of Dani Rojas-esque energy to the final buzzer … and in fact, in the final seconds when the Warriors were desperately trying to add to a one-point lead, it was Santos who kept De’Anthony Melton’s missed shot alive, extending the possession that would ultimately result in a bucket.
Santos played phenomenal defense, and he had huge plays throughout the night. When the Warriors lost momentum at the end of the first half, Santos made wild driving layups on both ends of a two-for-one to right the ship.
That contract is already looking like a steal, and this is one of the very few times where I give someone a great grade when they have a huge number of turnovers and score with below-average efficiency.
Grade: A- Post-game bonus: Best plus/minus on the team
A vintage Draymond game. He was a dog on defense, and played Kevin Durant about as well as you possible can. He conducted the offense, moving the chess pieces around brilliantly while getting the team into the system. He was an emotional leader, disrupting Houston while motivating his teammates, especially the younger ones.
If anyone wants to argue with this grade, well … I’ll leave you with this.
Grade: A+ Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists.
The old man still got it. And Al, by the off chance that you read this, please don’t take that the wrong way … I ain’t far behind ya.
The Rockets are so young, and so athletic, and so rangy, and Horford didn’t seem to care. His excellent defense played from opening tip to the final buzzer of overtime, while he also steadied the offense with both his passing and his scoring. He had one of the biggest shots of the game, a shot clock-beating three with 45 seconds remaining in regulation, and the Warriors down a point. In overtime and nursing a one-point lead, he took Amen Thompson into the post and drained a jump hook over him with 39 seconds remaining.
Melton had a few tough plays in this game. There were moments where he went through slumps, hence the low efficiency. He committed an awful foul on Durant shooting a three in the waning moments. And he had a brutal turnover late in overtime: on the first possession after returning to the game, and nursing a five-point lead, he turned the ball over at midcourt, leading to an Amen Thompson fastbreak, which ultimately led to a four-point play (Thompson was fouled, missed the second free throw, and the Rockets got the offensive rebound, with Durant draining a three).
But the big plays were big. So big. Everything’s bigger in Texas big. He had 10 points in the first quarter as the Dubs made a statement that they were going to be competitive in the game. And with less than 10 seconds remaining in overtime, and a one-point lead in hand, Melton got into the paint for a good look at the rim. He missed the shot, but after Santos kept the ball alive, Melton was able to get a second chance, and banked it home to give the Warriors a three-point advantage. He also drained a huge three to beat the shot clock with 1:19 left in regulation, and the Warriors trailing by two.
Add in the sensational defense, and it was a very good game for Melton, despite some glaring miscues.
Podziemski was good in this game, and he was impressive. But I’m kind of more caught up on how fun he was. We know what he’s capable of, and when it all comes together, it’s just a joy to witness. He’s so crafty, unique, and funky, yet also tough and in control. He played 40 minutes against a lengthy and athletic defense that is one of the best in the league, and only turned the ball over once … while scoring 26 points and facilitating the offense far more than the assist total would suggest.
He made huge shots, and he made huge hustle plays. It was a treat to watch.
Grade: A+ Post-game bonus: Led the team in points and rebounds.
Williams wasn’t able to make the impact in this game that he made on Monday, but he definitely looks like an NBA player out there. The Warriors have done so well with two-way contracts.
Post didn’t play very well in regulation, but he came in clutch when the team needed it most. With Horford having played the bulk of the fourth quarter, Steve Kerr gave his veteran center a break at the start of overtime, and turned to Post instead. The second-year big held it down impressively, especially on the defensive end of the court. Otherwise, not a great game for him.
The stats are pretty solid, but Spencer had a hard time making an impact in this game, and there’s a reason his minutes total was pretty low. The Rockets, with their length and athleticism, just aren’t a very good matchup for him, and that showed. He couldn’t hold up well on defense, and had a hard time initiating the offense. But he still put up some quality numbers.
Grade: C+ Post-game bonus: Worst plus/minus on the team.
What a moment for Cryer. He entered Thursday having played in three NBA games, and having totaled eight minutes. He’d played exclusively in garbage time, and hadn’t seen any action in the last six weeks. And then on Thursday, in a nationally-televised game, he played 20 minutes, and was part of the five Warriors players who took the court at the start of the overtime period.
He was there partially because Kerr was monitoring Melton’s minutes, and rested him for the final possessions of overtime. But he also earned it, and there was a reason that he was on the court over the more established Spencer. It was the definition of a breakout game for Cryer, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. It would have been fun to have been a fly on the wall of the Warriors locker room after the game, where Cryer surely got his flowers.
Leons played some pretty nice defense, and his length played well against Houston. He couldn’t really make an impression in any other phase of the game, but just holding his own given the situation is a huge win.
Grade: B
Thursday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, Seth Curry, Steph Curry, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, Kristaps Porziņģis, Will Richard
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Logyn Greer and Desiree Wooten both scored 10 points in No. 6 seed Colorado's 55-48 win over No. 11 seed Kansas on Thursday night to advance to the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Conference Tournament.
Greer shot 4 for 7 from the field and drained both her attempts from 3-point range from the Buffaloes (21-10). She had six rebounds and four blocks. Wooten added four assists.
Colorado was in foul trouble early, racking up seven fouls in the first quarter. A 9-0 run in the second quarter broke the game open for the Buffaloes and they entered halftime up 26-18. Their defense held Kansas to 36% (19 of 53) from the field and 15% (2 of 13) from 3-point range.
Kansas (19-13) was led in scoring by S'Mya Nichols, who put up 14. Her and Sania Copeland scored the only 3-pointers for the Jayhawks.
Up next
Colorado: Will play No. 3 seed Baylor on Friday. The Lady Bears are ranked No. 20 in the country.
Kansas: Will wait for an invitation into a postseason tournament.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had 38 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks and the San Antonio Spurs never trailed in completing a sweep of Detroit, beating the Pistons 121-106 on Thursday night.
De’Aaron Fox had 29 points, and Stephon Castle added 11 points and 12 assists in San Antonio’s first game at home after a nearly a month-long trip.
Cade Cunningham had 26 points and Isaiah Stewart added 18 points in Detroit’s second straight loss. The Pistons, who closed their trip 1-2, remained atop the Eastern Conference at 45-16.
A potential NBA Finals matchup resulted in another double-digit victory for the red-hot Spurs.
San Antonio has won 13 of 14 games, including a 114-103 victory over the Pistons on Feb. 23 in Detroit, and remain second in the West at 45-17.
The Spurs rolled to a 10-2 lead in their first game in San Antonio since Feb. 7. The lead expanded to 17 points in the opening quarter as the Spurs shot 54% on 3-pointers.
Detroit lost Ausur Thompson two minutes into the game when he sprained his right ankle.
San Antonio was 13 for 37 on 3-pointers in shooting 35%.
JAZZ 122, WIZARDS 112
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ace Bailey crashed Trae Young’s Washington debut, scoring 21 of his career-high 32 points in the first half to lift Utah to a victory.
Young, who was traded from Atlanta to Washington in January, had 12 points and six assists while playing just 19 minutes. He’d been sidelined by knee and quadriceps injuries and was on a minutes restriction.
Juju Reese had 18 points and 20 rebounds for the Wizards, who have lost seven straight. Utah snapped a seven-game skid of its own.
Bailey, who was taken by the Jazz with the fifth pick in last year’s draft — one spot ahead of where Washington picked — made seven 3-pointers while surpassing his previous high of 25 points.
Although Young’s appearance in the starting lineup was welcomed by the home crowd, the Wizards trailed by 14 after one quarter. Washington’s Tre Johnson missed a breakaway dunk in the second, and although Young provided his share of highlights — including a pass between the legs of a defender to set up Anthony Gill’s layup in the third — Washington couldn’t come all the way back.
HEAT 126, NETS 110
MIAMI (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 25 points, Bam Adebayo added 21 and Miami beat Brooklyn, sending the Nets to their 10th consecutive loss.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 18 for the Heat (34-29), who have won six of eight and moved five games over .500 for the first time since the first week of December. Pelle Larsson and Kel’el Ware each had 16 points for Miami — with Ware adding 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots.
The Heat also improved to 15-5 on March 5 — or “305 Day,” as it is called in Miami, a nod to the city’s primary area code. No active NBA franchise has a better record on that date.
Michael Porter Jr. scored 27 points for Brooklyn, which also lost at Miami on Tuesday. Noah Clowney scored 17, Nic Claxton had 16 and Ziaire Williams finished with 15 for the Nets. Brooklyn briefly led in the third quarter, but gave up 66 points in the second half.
Miami had a 54-34 edge in bench scoring and shot 53%.
MAGIC 115, MAVERICKS 114
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Wendell Carter Jr. made a go-ahead dunk with 1.4 seconds left, and Orlando beat Dallas to spoil Cooper Flagg’s return from injury.
Flagg’s three-point play with 37.3 seconds left gave Dallas a four-point lead, but Orlando scored the last five points. Jalen Suggs hit a 3-pointer with 32.2 seconds left, and after Flagg missed a jumper, Suggs fed Carter in the paint for the decisive slam.
Tristan da Silva led the Magic with 19 points. Suggs finished with 17 points and seven assists, Paolo Banchero had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Carter scored 15.
Flagg scored 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting in 26 minutes. The top pick in the NBA draft and the league’s highest-scoring rookie, he had missed the previous eight games with a sprained left foot.
Klay Thompson scored 24 points for the Mavericks, coming off the bench to make seven 3-pointers. Khris Middleton scored 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, but the Mavericks lost for the 15th time in 17 games.
WARRIORS 115, ROCKETS 113, OT
HOUSTON (AP) — Brandon Podziemski had 26 points, De’Anthony Melton added 23 and short-handed Golden State outlasted Houston in overtime.
The Warriors were up three with about 30 seconds left in overtime when Kevin Durant was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made the first two before a miss. Golden State got the rebound and Melton made a tip-in layup with 5.3 seconds left to push the lead to 115-112.
Durant made 1 of 2 free throws after and a foul by the Rockets allowed Golden State to hold on for the win.
Al Horford added 17 points for the Warriors as Stephen Curry sat out for a 12th consecutive game with a knee injury. The Warriors have said that he’s expected to be re-evaluated around Tuesday.
Reed Sheppard led Houston with 30 points, including six 3-pointers, and Durant added 23.
It was tied with less than three minutes left in overtime before Podziemski made a 3-pointer followed by a driving layup to give Golden State a 111-106 lead about a minute later.
Amen Thompson made the first of two free throws before rebounding the miss on the second. Durant hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 1. Horford made a basket for Golden State to make it 113-110.
TIMBERWOLVES 115, RAPTORS 107
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 22 points, including an impressive two-handed slam over RJ Barrett, and Minnesota beat Toronto for its fifth straight victory.
In the third quarter, Edwards used a crossover dribble to get free in the lane, elevated well above the rim and slammed it home, flexing and yelling at Barrett afterward. Barrett gave Edwards a little bump as they ran back up the court.
Coming off a 41-point performance in Minnesota’s 117-110 win over Memphis on Tuesday night, Edwards had an efficient night, shooting 8 of 12 from the field and 5 of 8 from 3-point range.
With Houston falling to Golden State in overtime, the Timberwolves (40-23) moved one game ahead of the Rockets for third place in the Western Conference.
Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Julius Randle scored 17 and Donte DiVincenzo had 16 points for the Wolves.
Barrett led the Raptors with 25 points and Immanuel Quickley added 18. Toronto has lost four of five but remains fifth in the East.
BULLS 105, SUNS 103
PHOENIX (AP) — Collin Sexton scored 30 points and Chicago held off Phoenix for its second victory in three games following an 11-game losing streak.
Down 12 with under six minutes left, Phoenix pulled to 104-103 on Devin Booker’s 3-pointer with 23 seconds left.
Jalen Green had a chance to give the Suns’ their first lead, but missed a running layup, with Phoenix’s Amir Coffey fouling Nick Richards with 4.1 seconds to go. Richards made the first free throw and missed the second, with a scramble for the rebound running out the clock.
Tre Jones added 21 points and Guerschon Yabusele had 16 for Chicago in the opener of a five-game trip. The Bulls were without Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey after they injured ankles in a home loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
Booker led Phoenix with 27 points in his second game after missing four because of a right hip injury. Grayson Allen added 21 points. Green had 12 points on 5-of-20 shooting. He was 1 of 8 from 3-point range.
NUGGETS 120, LAKERS 113
DENVER (AP) — LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for career field goals in Los Angeles' loss to Denver, with the Nuggets getting 28 points each from All-Stars Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.
James injured his left elbow on a layup that pulled Los Angeles to 110-106 with four minutes to go and left the game. He returned with 2:05 left and the Lakers trailing by a point. The Lakers, however, never were able to take the lead as the Nuggets finished off a crucial wire-to-wire win.
James finished with 16 points to go with Luka Doncic’s 27.
Jokic had his 23rd triple-double of the season with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists to offset nine turnovers and help the Nuggets (39-24) stay a step ahead of the streaking Lakers (37-25) in the logjammed Western Conference.
PELICANS 133, KINGS 123
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Zion Williamson had 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting, Trey Murphy III added 21 points and New Orelans beat NBA-worst Sacramento.
Saddiq Bey shot 6 for 11 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line for 20 points for the Pelicans, who had lost two in a row after a four-game win streak.
Williamson added nine rebounds and five assists.
Precious Achiuwa had 29 points and 12 rebounds and Russell Westbrook had 19 points and 10 assists for the Kings, who fell to 14-50 overall and lost their ninth in a row at home. They have lost three in a row and are 2-4 following a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak.
The Pelicans entered halftime up 67-61. The Pelicans took a 14-point lead in the third quarter thanks to a 15-0 scoring run.
The Pelicans made 12 3-pointers compared to the Kings eight.
